Patents Issued in March 2, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170055427
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a ripper used penetrate and break up soil that includes a leading edge configured to decrease wear and reduce drag, while providing superior performance. The ripper is comprised of a main body, a top cap, a replaceable wing, and a bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicants: USM Wear Tech LLC, Bourgault Tillage Tools
    Inventors: Loran BALVANZ, Dean BIGELOW
  • Publication number: 20170055428
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement has a disk frame assembly connected to a pull hitch extending in a travel direction with frame members extending generally laterally with respect to the travel direction. At least one disk blade is connected to and supported by the frame members to till soil over which the agricultural tillage implement traverses. A disk scraper mounting member is connected to at least one frame member. A channel shaped disk scraper is connected to the disk scraper mounting member using a bolted joint connection. The channel shaped disk scraper has a square mounting end adjoining an inner perpendicular surface of the disk scraper mounting member. The channel shaped disk scraper is operable to scrape residue from the at least one disk blade and deflect it away from the travel direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Timothy R. Blunier
  • Publication number: 20170055429
    Abstract: An attachment for an engineering vehicle that has a first side having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a first plurality of surfaces extending between the outer surface and the inner surface defining a first plurality of holes having a hole diameter; a second side having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a second plurality of surfaces extending between the outer surface and the inner surface defining a second plurality of holes having the hole diameter; and a plurality of rods occupying at least some of the first plurality of holes and at least some of the second plurality of holes, each rod having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis intersecting the first end and the second end, a rod length between the first end and the second end along the longitudinal axis, and a rod diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: John Forster
  • Publication number: 20170055430
    Abstract: An attachment system for removably attaching an implement under a vehicle. The mounting system includes a vehicle frame. The vehicle frame has a pair of spaced apart frame portions. Each of a pair of hitch receiving points is connectable with a respective one of the frame portions. An implement includes support structure extending for a length. A pair of hitch pins is associated with the support structure. The hitch pins are spaced apart in a direction along the length of the support structure. Each hitch pin is for attachment to a respective one of the hitch receiving points. A structural member is associated with the support structure and has a portion adapted to attach to structure outboard of a frame portion. A lift mechanism is connectable with a portion of the vehicle frame. The lift mechanism is attachable with the structural member to move the hitch pins relative to the hitch receiving points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Roy I. Steiner, Mark E. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20170055431
    Abstract: A land roller implement includes a wheel aligned with the respective gap between the inner roller and the outer roller of each wing in which the wheel is pivotal between a packing position in the working position of the rollers and a transport position supporting the rollers in the transport position of the implement. The wings can also include a drive motor associated with each transport wheel to drive forward rotation of the wheel for displacing the wings from the transport position to the working position without displacing the implement in a rearward direction. A levelling beam attachment and a seeding attachment can also optionally be used on the land roller implement. Optional latchable brace members pivotally supported on the wings may provide additional support to the wings when using the levelling beam attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: David Gary McCrea, Thomas Edward McCrea
  • Publication number: 20170055432
    Abstract: The present invention provides a precision agricultural-device control system for controlling agricultural implements (such as seed feeders and fertilizer sprayers) or on a line planter. More particularly, a command and control module is provided that is in communication with an interface module and provides commands in accordance with a field prescription. The interface module wirelessly transmits command messages to the agricultural implements or and receives monitoring messages from the agricultural implements. In certain embodiments, a novel, low latency and high reliability wireless protocol or using repeats is used to communicate wirelessly with the agricultural implements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Jerry GRAHAM, Paul ZORIC, John VIDETICH, Warren GUTHRIE
  • Publication number: 20170055433
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices, systems, computer readable media, and other implementations, including methods to form an aerially-viewable approximation of a target image by processing of land (e.g., an agricultural field) based on land data for a land/field and the target image. In an example, a method is provided that includes obtaining field data for a plurality of field portions each associated with respective soil attributes, obtaining a target image to be aerially viewed, and determining for each of the plurality of field portions, based, in part, on the field data and on the target image, an associated respective crop, selected from a plurality of available crops, and a corresponding respective crop density, such that grown crops resulting from planting of the determined associated crop at the corresponding crop density at the each of the plurality of field portions form, when viewed aerially, an approximation of the target image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: John Paul JAMISON
  • Publication number: 20170055434
    Abstract: A seed label including a label layer removably attached to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, and at least one seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer. The label layer may be made of a biodegradable material. The adhesive layer may be a dry release-clean release adhesive layer. The label layer may include water-based ink printing thereon. The adhesive layer may be a water-based adhesive. The seed label may be removably affixed to a package. The seed label may be disposable in a container for germinating the seeds. A method of manufacturing a seed label, includes providing a label layer, automatically placing at least one seed on one side of the label layer, and automatically attaching the label layer to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, with the seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Raypress Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. RAY, III, Robert J. ALDEN, James CARIDES, Tommy W. GILL, Steve POSEY
  • Publication number: 20170055435
    Abstract: An agricultural metering system includes a meter roller having multiple flutes and recesses, in which the meter roller is configured to meter product from an agricultural product storage compartment to a product distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. The agricultural metering system also includes a shaft configured to drive the meter roller to rotate, and a clutch assembly operatively coupled to the meter roller. The clutch assembly includes a magnetorheological (MR) fluid, a rotation rate of the meter roller is at least partially dependent on an effective viscosity of the MR fluid, and the effective viscosity of the MR fluid is controllable based at least in part on an effective magnitude of a magnetic field applied to the MR fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: James Wayne Henry, Scott David Noble
  • Publication number: 20170055436
    Abstract: A metering system for an agricultural vehicle includes a meter roller oriented substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the agricultural vehicle. The meter roller includes multiple protrusions, and each protrusion is configured to drive agricultural product downwardly in response to rotation of the meter roller. The metering system also includes a drive shaft configured to be driven in rotation. In addition, the metering system includes a gear assembly having an input coupled to the drive shaft and an output configured to drive the meter roller to rotate. A first rotational axis of the input is substantially perpendicular to a second rotational axis of the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis George Thompson, Dennis W. Chahley
  • Publication number: 20170055437
    Abstract: A flow control system for an agricultural metering system includes a control system configured to be communicatively coupled to at least one clutch. The control system is configured to output a respective pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to the at least one clutch, the PWM signal is configured to induce the at least one clutch to alternately engage to establish a rotatable connection between a respective drive input and a respective rotatable metering device and to disengage to interrupt the rotatable connection between the respective drive input and the respective rotatable metering device, and the control system is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the respective PWM signal to control a rotation rate of the respective rotatable metering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis George Thompson
  • Publication number: 20170055438
    Abstract: A multi-row planting unit includes a first planting assembly coupled to a mounting plate and a second planting assembly coupled to the mounting plate. Each of the first planting assembly and the second planting assembly are configured to dispense a solid from a metering unit. The metering unit of the first planting assembly is positioned to dispense the solid at a predetermined spacing with respect to the solid dispensed from the metering unit of the second planting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: American Made Equipment Inc. (dba A-M-E.co)
    Inventors: Dusko BRUER, Timothy J. MANNING
  • Publication number: 20170055439
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for blending wastewater with fresh water for fertigation of a crop. In one embodiment, the wastewater and the fresh water are blended at a predetermined flow ratio through a blending valve to obtain a blended stream. A logic based controller controls the blending valve to set a predetermined flow ratio according to the electricity conductivity (EC) of the blended water stream. The blending, measuring and adjusting steps form a feedback loop so as to maintain the blended stream at a target EC value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis Hannaford, Todd Rinkenberger
  • Publication number: 20170055440
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for blending wastewater with fresh water for fertigation of a crop. In one embodiment, the wastewater and the fresh water are blended at a predetermined flow ratio through a blending valve to obtain a blended stream. A logic based controller controls the blending valve to set a predetermined flow ratio according to the electricity conductivity (EC) of the blended water stream. The blending, measuring, and adjusting steps form a feedback loop so as to maintain the blended stream at a target EC value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis Hannaford, Todd Rinkenberger
  • Publication number: 20170055441
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable guided rake apparatus and method which enables an adjustable guided rake user to configure an adjustable rake guide to a specified height in relation to a secondary surface, which will then define the height of the grading edge of the grading rake head in relation to a primary surface. The adjustable guided rake user is able to move the grading rake head along a primary surface, in order to shift material along the surface, while the adjustable rake guide runs along the secondary surface, guiding the grading rake head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Darren Green
  • Publication number: 20170055442
    Abstract: A mower deck grass collector chute includes an inlet connected to a side discharge opening in a mower deck, and a tubular portion that extends upwardly and rearwardly to an outlet. The inlet is positioned under the horizontal deck surface and has a curved surface extending forwardly under the mower deck around the perimeter of a first cutting chamber. A forward end of the curved surface may be in front of the first cutting chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Allen F. Swan, Gary D. Hohnl
  • Publication number: 20170055443
    Abstract: An electric work vehicle includes a left frame and a right frame extending in a vehicle fore/aft direction, a battery assembly mounted between the left frame and the right frame, a left rear wheel mounted outward of the left frame in a vehicle lateral direction, a right rear wheel mounted outward of the right frame in the vehicle lateral direction, a left motor mounted outward of the left frame in the vehicle lateral direction and forward of an axis of the left rear wheel for transmitting rotary driving power to the left rear wheel, and a right motor mounted outward of the right frame in the vehicle lateral direction and forward of an axis of the right rear wheel for transmitting rotary driving power to the right rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yuto Fujii, Hirokazu Ito, Kazuo Koike
  • Publication number: 20170055444
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a combine harvester. The monitoring system includes a sensor configured to provide a measurement wave to a flow of crop residue on the harvester and to receive a response wave from the flow of crop residue. The monitoring system further includes a processor having an input terminal for receiving a response signal of the sensor representative of the response wave. The processor is configured to determine a crop parameter associated with the density of the flow of crop based on the response signal of the sensor. The processor further has an output terminal for outputting a density signal representing the crop parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Mahieu, Bart M.A. Missotten
  • Publication number: 20170055445
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester for harvesting a crop on a field. The harvester includes a chopping assembly configured to chop a crop residue of the harvested crop. The chopping assembly includes an inlet for receiving the crop residue, a rotor provided with one or more cutting tools and configured to chop the crop residue, a drive assembly configured to drive the rotor, and an outlet for outputting the chopped crop residue onto the field. The harvester further includes an image based sensor configured to generate a signal comprising an image of the chopped crop residue and a processing unit configured to receive the signal from the image based sensor, process the signal to derive a geometric parameter indicative of a geometry of the chopped crop residue, and determine a control signal for the drive assembly based on the geometric parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Mahieu, Bart M.A. Missotten, Bart Lenaerts, Frederik Tallir, Pieter Van Overschelde, Tom N.N. Somers
  • Publication number: 20170055446
    Abstract: A spout identification module is adapted to identify a spout (e.g., or an associated spout position) of the harvesting vehicle in the collected image data. A relative motion detector detects the relative motion of a receiving vehicle and the harvesting vehicle or detects the relative motion between the spout and a container of the receiving vehicle. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the cells in the container via processing of the image data such that the spout is aligned with the longitudinal axis or a lateral offset from the longitudinal axis based on the detected relative motion and where a longitudinal size of the deadband volume is adjusted based on the relative motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Alex J. Nykamp, Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Publication number: 20170055447
    Abstract: A stalked crop harvesting header include multiple harvesting units each including a set of deck plates defining a channel, a set of snapping rollers mounted below the deck plates and adapted to grasp and pull stalks downwardly through the channel, and a pair of gathering chains adapted for conveying stalks along the channel. Each harvesting unit further includes a stalk guider at either side of a front end of the channel. Each stalk guider includes an upper stalk guiding wheel and a lower stalk guiding wheel carried by a frame. The frame includes a protrusion between the upper and the lower stalk guiding wheels, which protrusion includes a support for carrying a respective front end of the snapping rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Tom De Smet, Frederik Tallir, Willem Vandamme, Geert Bonne
  • Publication number: 20170055448
    Abstract: A stalked crop harvesting header comprising multiple harvesting units each comprising a pair of deck plates defining a channel, a pair of snapping rollers mounted below the deck plates and adapted to pull stalks downwardly through the channel, a pair of gathering chains provided with cams, the gathering chains extending between a first pair of gears located at a front end of the harvesting unit and a second pair of gears located at a back end of the harvesting unit, wherein each harvesting unit further comprises a pair of stalk guiders positioned to rotate around axes coinciding with respective axes of the first pair of gears, wherein the stalk guiders each comprise an upper stalk guiding wheel and a lower stalk guiding wheel which are interconnected, and wherein a cutting element is provided below the lower stalk guiding wheel to cut stalks while being guided by the stalk guider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Tom De Smet, Frederik Tallir, Willem Vandamme, Geert Bonne
  • Publication number: 20170055449
    Abstract: A stalked crop harvesting header comprising multiple harvesting units each comprising a pair of deck plates defining a channel, a pair of snapping rollers mounted below the deck plates and adapted to pull stalks downwardly through the channel, a pair of gathering chains provided with cams, the gathering chains extending between a first pair of gears located at the front end of the harvesting unit and a second pair of gears located at a back end of the harvesting unit, wherein each harvesting unit further comprises a pair of stalk guiders positioned to rotate around axes coinciding with respective axes of the first pair of gears, wherein the stalk guiders each comprising an upper stalk guiding wheel and a lower stalk guiding wheel which are interconnected, and wherein a cutting element is provided below the lower stalk guiding wheel to cut stalks while being guided by the stalk guiders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Tom De Smet, Frederik Tallir, Willem Vandamme, Geert Bonne
  • Publication number: 20170055450
    Abstract: A bat tube support arm design for use with a pick-up reel of a harvester. The design connects tangentially, rather than radially, to a center support tube of the pick-up reel. The design comprises a plurality of structures, each of which supports a plurality of bat tubes. The structures collectively share the drive load of the pick-up reel, thereby allowing lighter materials to be used and providing an overall design which is stronger than conventional designs. The number of fasteners is reduced or minimized, thereby also reducing the labor required to assemble. The structures may comprise two triangular or square structures, wherein a first structure connects tangentially to the center support tube, and a second structure connects to the first structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Patrick Jasper
  • Publication number: 20170055451
    Abstract: A cam track adjustment mechanism for use with the pick-up reel of a harvester. A cam track is provided which is rotatably adjustable about an axis which is spaced away from the fixed axis of rotation of the pick-up reel. The two axes may be generally horizontally aligned relative to each other. Preferably, the cam track is rotatable around a point away from the fixed reel axis and generally on the horizontal plane of the rotational path, and is positioned so an arc from it to the entry and exit cam path is generally concentric. As such, tine angularity is less effected in these areas as a result of adjusting the cam track. With this type of timing or pitch adjustment, tine angularity can be changed in the crop gathering portion of the rotational path with minimized effect in the crop entry and exit portions of the rotational path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Patrick Jasper
  • Publication number: 20170055452
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a reel rotatable about a reel axis. The reel has a reel bat supported at a spaced distance from the reel axis. The reel bat can pivot about a bat axis radially spaced from the reel axis. The reel bat has a crop collection member that extends generally away from the bat axis. The reel bat can move in a cyclical path around the reel axis during rotation of the reel. The reel bat can vary the angle of the crop collection member about the bat axis as the reel rotates about the reel axis. A sun gear is provided that may be positioned in axial alignment with the reel axis. A planetary gear system is rotatable about the sun gear. The planetary gear system interacts with the sun gear, and causes said planetary gear system to effect pivotal movement of the reel bat about its bat axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Glenn HONEY
  • Publication number: 20170055453
    Abstract: A corn reel assembly that allows for quick connection and detachment from a corn reel is provided. The corn reel finger assembly may be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for tools so that corn reel fingers may be connected or detached from mounts connected to a corn reel axle in the field. By allowing for rapid connection and disconnection of corn reel fingers from mounts, the corn reel fingers may be utilized only in those portions of the field requiring it. Enabling for the elongated fingers of the corn reel finger assembly to be detached from a mount attached to the corn reel axle without requiring disconnection of the mount from the corn reel axle also allows for more compact storage, as well as replacement of individual fingers if damaged, as opposed to replacement of an entire assembly. In some embodiments, adjustments to the particular angle of the fingers relative to the corn stalks being harvested can also be quickly made in the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20170055454
    Abstract: An agricultural wagon for moving particulate material from within the wagon to a separate storage vessel is provided. The wagon includes a bin defined by walls. The wagon may also include one or two augers, such as a floor and lift auger for moving the material from within the bin to the storage vessel. The floor auger may include a hydraulically controlled flow gate assembly for selectively covering the floor auger. The lift auger is foldable and includes an adjustable hinge assembly to attach an upper and lower section of the auger. The hinge assembly includes slotted holes for adjustment, such that the upper auger section may be moveable relative to a lower auger section. The lift auger may further be moveable relative to the bin such that it can dispense the material from either the left or right sides of the bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Daryl Michael, Vaughan Stevenson, Chad Janssen
  • Publication number: 20170055455
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for harvesting crops from a field and to a method for working a field by towing an apparatus such as a tilling apparatus, wherein the methods of the invention employ manned and unmanned vehicles. The operation and movement of the unmanned vehicles is controlled by the drivers of the manned vehicles which are continuously in the vicinity of the unmanned vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Bart M.A. Missotten, Christopher A. Foster, Neseth Cora Kong, John H. Posselius, Frederik Tallir, Karel M.C. Viaene
  • Publication number: 20170055456
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis; a threshing and separating assembly carried by the chassis; and a cleaning system carried by the chassis and configured to receive crop material that has passed through the threshing and separating assembly. The cleaning system includes a pan configured to receive crop material from the threshing and separating assembly on a pan surface and to shake in a fore-to-aft direction; at least one sieve located below the pan and configured to shake in fore-to-aft and lateral directions, the sieve including a sieve surface configured to receive crop material from the pan; and at least one divider associated with and extending at least 3 centimeters above at least one of the pan surface and the sieve surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Clay A. Reinecke, Craig E. Murray
  • Publication number: 20170055457
    Abstract: Disconnect systems for use in power transmission components and systems are provided. Such disconnect systems may be utilized in various applications, and bale processors using such disconnect systems are disclosed. One disconnect system is provided for selectively transmitting force between first and second shafts. The disconnect system includes a first closure configured to rotate with the first shaft, and a second closure configured to rotate with the second shaft. The second closure is movable along the second shaft to selectively engage the first closure, and the second closure has a detent respectively operable with proximal and distal depressions of the second shaft. The first and second closures are engaged with one another when the detent operates with the proximal depression, and are disengaged from one another when the detent operates with the distal depression. Respective operation of the detent with the proximal and distal depressions biases the second closure from moving along the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Phil Stam, Tyler Schiferl, Lucas Graham
  • Publication number: 20170055458
    Abstract: A tool capable of functioning in a first configuration as one type of cutter or pruner and in a second configuration as another type of cutter or pruner has functions to increase the comfort and efficiency of the cutting process. In some embodiments, a pruning saw assembly may be employed with the cutter mechanism for versatility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: John A. Helmsderfer, Robert E. Borgmann
  • Publication number: 20170055459
    Abstract: A planter bottom member is attached to a side wall member formed of a wood material and having a cylindrical shape opened at upper and lower sides. The planter bottom member is formed of a synthetic resin and includes a lower surface cover portion, a lower end receiving portion for receiving a lower end surface of the side wall member, an outer wall cover portion to cover an outer circumferential surface of a lower end portion of the side wall member and a bottom portion having a draining hole. The lower end opening of the side wall member is closed by the bottom portion, the lower surface of the side wall member is covered by the lower surface cover portion, and the lower end outer circumference of the side wall member is covered by the outer wall cover portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Nobuo TAKAOKA
  • Publication number: 20170055460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous automated growing of plants utilizes a vertical array of plant supporting arms extending radially from a central axis. Each arm has a plurality of pot receptacles which receive the plant seedling and liquid nutrients and water. The potting arms are rotated beneath grow lamps and pollinating arms. The frequency of feeding is increased as the plants grow. CO2 iched air may also be provided. Once the plants are ready to harvest, they are manually exchanged for new seedlings and packaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: NICHOLAS G. BRUSATORE
  • Publication number: 20170055461
    Abstract: A method is provided. In this method, a first tray positioned at a first end of a trough assembly at a selected tier is engaged. The first tray is then lifted and removed. A second tray is then engaged and moved vertically to the selected tiers. It is placed in the trough assembly at a second end. Other trays—which are positioned within the trough assembly between the first and second ends of the selected tier—are moved toward the first end of the trough assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Robert V. Neuhoff, JR., Joseph H. Murdler
  • Publication number: 20170055462
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting plants, trees, bushes, etc. from harsh environments when the ambient air temperature is below the lower tolerance limit for that species of plant. The apparatus consists of an envelope that covers the plant with a drawstring on the open end of the envelope that cinches around the base of the plant. Installed in envelope is a blower and heater that heats and circulates air throughout the envelope, creates a micro-environment within the envelope that is above the lower tolerance limit for that species of plant, keeping the plant from being harmed by the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Luis Cruz
  • Publication number: 20170055463
    Abstract: A system for facilitating cloud formation and cloud precipitation includes a controller and a beam emitter that is responsive to the controller. The beam emitter is configured to emit a beam to form charged particles within an atmospheric zone containing water vapor. The charged particles enhance the formation of cloud condensation nuclei such that water vapor condenses on the cloud condensation nuclei forming cloud droplets. The system further includes a sensor configured to detect a cloud status and output a signal corresponding to the cloud status to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170055464
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hail warning and prevention. An automated method of wide-ranging anti-hail protection including reception of sky proper radiothermal emission in M sites, its comparison with corresponding thresholds, generation command signals to detonate combustible gas and to direct shock waves upwardly to the sky, generation and transmission alert signals, reception of transmitted alert signals in each M sites, comparison with proper code-signals of that site and setting alert operational mode of sonic generator. An automated network of anti-hail protection including M hail preventing sonic set in M sites of anti-hail protection area any of which comprises an antenna, a radiometric receiver, a controlled compensation device, a controlled multi-channel threshold system, a warner a transmitter, a receiver, a code-signal comparison device, a first controlling switcher, a controlled single-channel thresholder and a second controlling switcher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Artashes ARAKELYAN
  • Publication number: 20170055465
    Abstract: A forestry device is provided. The forestry device, for example a bunching and felling head, is configured to group trees. The device comprises a support frame and an accumulation area located proximate to the support frame. The device includes at least a first arm rotatable relative to the support frame, to gather trees, and at least one accumulating arm rotatable relative to the support frame, to secure one or more trees in the accumulation area and to retract from the accumulation area to allow a newly gathered tree to be added in the accumulation area. The one or more accumulating arm(s) include(s) an inner arm pivotable relative to the support frame and an outer arm pivotable relative to the inner arm. The outer arm is provided with at least one articulation dividing the outer arm into at least a proximate member and a distal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yvan LAMONTAGNE, Etienne MINVILLE, Pierre PERRON
  • Publication number: 20170055466
    Abstract: A fluid flow emitter is provided, which is to be mounted within a fluid distribution tube to control the rate at which fluid is distributed from the tube. The emitter may include a cylindrical body having a pair of raised radially-extending annular portions extending circumferentially around the emitter. These raised portions define a fluid flow path. The body may define a multiplicity of apertures making up an aperture region disposed between the radially-extending annular portions. A flow control section is also provided which includes an upstream end and a downstream end. A fluid distribution region is also provided, into which the flow control section discharges. The fluid distribution region is in fluid interconnection with at least one orifice defined in the fluid distribution tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Edward Newbegin
  • Publication number: 20170055467
    Abstract: A system and method for retrofitting an electric center irrigation pivot to have a standardized user interface and remote control functionality. A local control element having a standardized local user interface is installed at a pivoting point of the pivot by bypassing an existing control logic of an original control system while using an existing transformer of the original control system. A remote control element having a standardized remote user interface is also installed at the pivoting point of the pivot, and is functionally integrated with the local control element. A position-determining element is mounted on a movable portion of the electric pivot. Retrofitting multiple pivots provides each with the same standardized user interfaces. Because existing elements of the original control system are either bypassed or used, uninstalling the system and reverting to the original control system can be quickly and easily accomplished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: REECE ROBERT ANDREWS, DANIEL JAMES PICKERILL
  • Publication number: 20170055468
    Abstract: An anchoring device for a self-propelled irrigation system includes a drive assembly that drives a soil auger into the ground to anchor a drive tower of the irrigation system. The soil auger is rotatably driven about a vertical axis and movable vertically relative to the drive tower. The soil auger includes a lower tip, a multi-sided head at an upper end, and a helical screw portion between the lower tip and the upper end. The drive assembly includes a sleeve member with an inner surface that mates with the head of the soil auger and allows the soil auger to slide within the sleeve member while rotating together with the sleeve member. A bit cleaner assembly is arranged to engage the helical screw portion of the soil auger to clean soil from the auger and to cause the auger to move vertically relative to the sleeve member upon rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: James R. Frager
  • Publication number: 20170055469
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a self-propelled irrigation system compensates for differences in expected wind drift and evaporative losses for time periods over the course of an irrigation cycle. Speed modifier values are determined for selected time periods to modify the base speed for the pivot arm assembly based on the corresponding expected wind drift and evaporative losses, with offsetting speed modifier values to modify the speed of the pivot arm assembly for other time periods, so that the period of time for completing an irrigation cycle remains unchanged. The pivot arm assembly is then controlled to move at the corresponding modified speed for each time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: PRECISION CIRCLE, LLC
    Inventors: Gerald L. Abts, Kevin J. Abts
  • Publication number: 20170055470
    Abstract: A plant growth system and medium employs a manmade mineral fiber-based growth medium that includes from about 40% to about 99.5% man-made mineral fiber interspersed with from about 0.5% to about 60% by weight pieces of natural or synthetic open cell foam. The foam includes from about 5 to about 50 pores per square inch. Additives in the form of nutrients, fungi, and bacteria are included. Water is supplied to plants by flood and drain watering during plant growth in the medium. EC is maintained within a range of about 0.5 mS/cm to about 2.500 mS/cm and pH is maintained within a range of about 5.6 to about 5.8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: David G. Polivka
  • Publication number: 20170055471
    Abstract: A rotatable rack system for growing plants is disclosed which has a frame, a plurality of mobile trays arrayed around the frame, where each mobile tray contains at least one plant and a chain linking said plurality of mobile trays together, supported by the frame with a drive mechanism configured to drive the chain wherein the frame is configured to support the plurality of mobile trays encircling an enclosed space. Several configurations of the frame that are equally energy efficient are also disclosed, along with a method of growing plants using the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: SKY URBAN IP PTE LTD
    Inventor: Jack Soon Hoe NG
  • Publication number: 20170055472
    Abstract: Provided herein is a rotary plant growing apparatus. The apparatus includes a base and a cylindrical assembly supported by the base. The cylindrical assembly has an open first end and defines an interior growing chamber. The cylindrical assembly is also selectively rotatable relative to the base. A plurality of cartridge retention members are disposed on an inner said of the cylindrical assembly. An annular retention frame is disposed at the open first end of the cylindrical assembly and is formed with an opening. A selectively movable cartridge is retained in said interior growing chamber by the first cartridge retention member and the annular retention frame. The annular retention frame is dimensioned and positioned relative to the cylindrical assembly such that the selectively movable cartridge is only movable relative to said cylindrical assembly when the cartridge and said opening are longitudinally aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Matt GUNTHER
  • Publication number: 20170055473
    Abstract: A vertical hydroponic system comprising a hollow cylindrical growing housing including a first end, a second end, and a peripheral surface having a plurality of apertures, the plurality of apertures having an external opening and an internal opening, the external opening located at a distance offset from the internal opening creating an angled surface extending between the external and internal opening, a spray nozzle located at the first end, a drain apparatus located at the second end, a container containing a liquid, a pump submerged in the liquid, a supply line extending from the pump to the spray nozzle, and a drain line extending from the drain apparatus to the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Keith BAKER
  • Publication number: 20170055474
    Abstract: A modular hydroponic cultivation and transport system for the cultivation and transport of organisms, including but not limited to, various forms of plants and fungi in hydroponic towers, is provided. Further, apparatuses for the cultivation and transport of organisms grown in hydroponic towers, are provided. Methods for the cultivation and transport of organisms using the transport system and apparatuses described herein are also provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
    Inventor: Nathaniel R. STOREY
  • Publication number: 20170055475
    Abstract: Provided herein are delivery methods of a plant treatment agent to a tissue of a plant, wherein the tissue is contacted with a plant treatment agent and delivery is aided by a centrifugal force applied to the plant. Disclosed herein is the discovery that drastic improvements in treatment delivery occur when plants are centrifuged after being contacted, submerged, unsubmerged, soaked, etc. in a solution containing a plant treatment agent. In one embodiment, haploid plants contacted with a colchicine solution are centrifuged to reveal improved chromosomal doubling rates as compared to control plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Huachun LARUE, Fenggao DONG
  • Publication number: 20170055476
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV7266HJ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV7266HJ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventor: Terry Berke