Abstract: A micro-tiller module that is releasibly engageable with a hand drill can include a gear box assembly, first and second tilling wheel assemblies, and a stabilizer fork. The gear box assembly can include a housing, an input shaft extending along an input shaft axis, first and second output shafts, and a plurality of gears. The external end of the input shaft is configured to be releasibly engageable with a chuck of the hand drill. The tilling wheel assemblies can be respectively mounted to the output shafts. The stabilizer fork can extend from a base end fixed to the housing, along a stabilizer axis transverse to the input shaft axis, to a distal end from which first and second tines project. Each of the tines can extend further along the input shaft axis than transverse to the input shaft axis.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus for selective primary tillage and seed bed preparation makes use of a selectively moveable primary tillage shank to provide seasonal, in-field and/or on-the-fly flexibility of tillage operation. The tillage apparatus has a cultivator frame, at least one secondary tillage tool mounted on the frame and a primary tillage shank mounted on the frame, the primary tillage shank selectively moveable between a lowered soil engaging position and a raised disengaged position. In a method of tilling or preparing a seed bed, the tillage apparatus is dragged around a field with the at least one secondary tillage tool engaged with the field when secondary tillage of the field is desired, and the selectively moveable primary tillage shank lowered to be engaged with the field when the field is in need of primary tillage or raised to be disengaged from the field when primary tillage is not desired.

Abstract: A row unit includes a blade and a packer arm pivotally coupled to a packer support structure. The row unit also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer arm, and configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of the blade into the soil. The row unit further includes an actuator having a first portion rotatably coupled to the packer arm and a second portion rotatably coupled to the packer support structure, wherein the penetration depth of the blade is controlled by extending and contracting the actuator.

Abstract: A system includes a scouting vehicle. The scouting vehicle includes a spatial location system configured to derive a geographic position of the scouting vehicle. The scouting vehicle further includes a computing device communicatively coupled to the spatial location system and to a communication system, the computing device comprising a processor configured to create a shape on a map based on a drive of the scouting vehicle. The scouting vehicle also includes the communication system configured to transmit the geographic position, a recording of the drive, the shape, or a combination thereof, to a base station.

Abstract: A method for controlling an agricultural vehicle includes receiving, via a processor, a first signal from a user interface indicative of a value of at least one parameter. The method also includes determining, via the processor, a path of the agricultural vehicle toward a guidance swath based at least in part on the at least one parameter. In addition, the method includes outputting, via the processor, a second signal to a display of the user interface indicative of instructions to present a graphical representation of the path of the agricultural vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the agricultural vehicle, via the processor, based at least in part on the at least one parameter upon receiving at least a third signal from the user interface indicative of acceptance of the value of the at least one parameter.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring and or controlling the driving state of a self-propelled agricultural working machine comprising a variable-position interface for attaching an implement that is provided with a control device. Vehicle-specific data, a position signal regarding the position of the interface, and implement data regarding physical properties of an implement mounted on the interface can be supplied to the control device. The control device is operated to evaluate at least one the driving state of the working machine, taking into consideration the above-mentioned signals and data to control the working machine.

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

Abstract: Agricultural seed planting systems are provided. In some aspects, the system includes a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.

Abstract: The grass cutting head (1), configured for rotation around a rotation axis, comprises a housing (3) for a cutting line (F); a space (5) inside the housing for winding a stock of cutting line; at least one hole (3B) in a side wall (3A) of the housing (3), through which the cutting line (F) passes from the inner space (5) towards the outside of the housing; At least one cutting blade (21) with at least one cutting edge (23) is associated with the housing (3) of the grass cutting head (1).

Abstract: A rotary cutting implement is disclosed. The rotary cutting implement includes a housing that extends along a longitudinal axis. The rotary cutting implement also includes an annular wall coupled to the housing to define a cutting chamber having a width defined from a first sidewall to a second sidewall. The annular wall includes a distribution deflector having a body that extends along an axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis to form the second sidewall of the cutting chamber. The distribution deflector distributes cut residue over substantially the width of the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A harvesting machine has a controlled subsystem that performs harvesting machine functionality, and a control system that controls the controlled subsystem. A header is mounted to the harvesting machine and has row dividers (that divide rows of crop stalks) and gathering chains. A set of crop loss inhibitors is mounted proximate a forward portion of each of the gathering chains, in a direction of travel of the harvesting machine. The crop loss inhibitors also include a sensor that senses a variable, indicative of a crop attribute, as each crop stalk passes through the set of crop loss inhibitors.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to the harvesting of sugar-bearing ground crops such as sweet sorghum, in cold regions. The sugar crop harvester with various adaptations described is comprised of operational components, or features, that minimize the damage done to the crop during harvesting, particularly those things that result in deterioration of sugars prior to processing. The harvester includes several operational components that are well suited for processing sweet sorghum, particularly the dividers, base cutters, feed conveyor, de-trashing roll, brush rolls, hurler drums, de-bridging thrash roller, air blast, toppers and bin. Other components of the harvester are designed for easy maintenance. The operational components can be used with either a whole-stalk style harvester, or a chopper-style harvester.

Abstract: A harvester using shaking to dislodge product from trees is disclosed in which the shaking in each of at least two inertial force generators is controlled independently of the others. Embodiments provide the flexibility to adapt a harvesting procedure to different product and to adapt the harvesting procedure to different individuals within a particular type of plant, and in real-time.

Abstract: A chain and slat conveyor with first and second continuous chains and a plurality of slats. Each slat is connected to the first chain by a keyhole connection and to the second chain by a bolt or rivet which passes through a hole in the slat.

Abstract: A coupling device, particularly for power-operated machines for agricultural use or the like, includes an oscillating frame which is detachably connected to a hitch assembly of an engine and a movable connection means for associating with the oscillating frame the working means of a power-operated machine. The oscillating frame and the movable connecting means are configured to maintain, during use, the working plane of the power-operated machine substantially parallel to the ground, independently of the plane of arrangement of the wheels or of the tracks of the engine.

Abstract: A rotor and cage assembly includes a skeleton of curved spaced-apart side members affixed to laterally extending upper and lower spaced-apart members therebetween and surrounding the rotor. One of the curved spaced-apart side members is terminated with curved fingers. Three concave inserts insert laterally into the skeleton spanning 270° around the rotor. One of the concave inserts carries straight fingers that interlace between the skeleton side member curved fingers. A control assembly of plates having arcuate slots placed at 3 of the pivots of the skeleton assembly, 3 control bars connected to the skeleton pivots, and an actuator is connected separately to each control bar at one end effect arcuate rotation of the control bars resulting in the synchronized rotation of the arcuate slotted plates so that the interlaced straight fingers move closer together or farther apart with the fixed skeleton assembly curved fingers for different types of grain.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester (10) defining a longitudinal axis (LI) includes a chassis; at least one ground engaging traction member carried by the chassis (12); a cleaning system (26) carried by the chassis that is configured to clean crop material; and a generally vertical crop material elevator (60) carried by the chassis. The crop material elevator (60) includes a housing (78) having an inlet (76) formed therethrough; a driving loop (88) held within the housing; a plurality of paddles (90) connected to the driving loop; and a rotating element (92) configured to rotate the plurality of paddles about an axis of rotation that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The agricultural harvester (10) also includes a crop material conveyor (70) configured to supply cleaned crop material to the inlet of the crop material elevator from the cleaning system.

Abstract: Steps to manufacturing a feed beater for a twin axial-flow crop processor in a combine harvester including cutting a flat state vane element from sheet material and bending along predetermined bend lines before being secured to a rotor core. The vane element includes a transverse vane section parallel to the rotation axis, and a directional vane section having an effective edge that extends at a non-zero angle to the rotation axis.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a plant surround for forming a water retaining barrier around a plant, including a curved generally elongate body having opposing ends including cooperating engagement members that are configured to reversibly engage to thereby delineate said water retaining barrier and a locking member attached to said elongate body and configured to inhibit complete or partial disengagement of said opposing ends of the body. In other aspects, there is provided a biodegradable plant surround and a plant surround including irrigation hose engaging tabs.

Abstract: A specialized curb forming tool and a method of using the tool to simply and easily create custom concrete curbing of any shape and length without complicated equipment or specialized expertise.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting tool includes a cutting head, an input shaft, an output shaft, a transmission assembly and a transmission housing accommodating the transmission assembly. The transmission housing includes a skirt portion having a small end located away from the cutting head and a big end located adjacent to the cutting head, a shank extending along the first axis from the skirt portion, and a stop portion connecting the skirt portion and the shank. The stop portion forms a stop face extending from the skirt portion to the shank for preventing grass clippings winding around the transmission housing.

Abstract: The embodied invention is directed toward capturing air sources that contain higher concentrations of CO2 and directing the air to a controlled crop growing environment where a crop will be able to benefit from the higher amounts of CO2. The air is preferably filtered for dust, monitored for CO2 levels, and a mixer is used to control the CO2 level to a desirable amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a growth status of a plant comprising chlorophyll, the method comprising the steps of: illuminating the plant (102) with input light including a light intensity modulation component (205, 206, 207, 208); detecting light emitted from the plant; determining (S702) an offset light intensity (204) surrounding the plant, the offset light intensity being a static component of the input light; determining (S718) a phase and a gain between the input light and the detected light, determining (S720) a growth status of the plant based on a predetermined relationship between input light and detected light, and on the phase and the gain. The invention also relates to a corresponding system and to a computer program product.

Abstract: A method for introducing a substance into a plant, in particular a pot plant, includes the following steps: forming a hole into a stem of the plant to get access to a transportation system of the plant; filling the hole with a substance absorbing material; and allowing the substance absorbing material to absorb substance and to subsequently deliver the substance from the substance absorbing material to the transportation system of the plant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing and operating a modular garden are provided. Modular gardens of the present technology may be attached to an indoor or outdoor wall. Modular gardens of the present technology include modular planters having at least one panel, a watering system, and a garden computing system that monitors plant conditions, automatically waters plants in the modular garden, and may communicate with a user personal computing device.

Abstract: A supply and/or cooling system contains a supply tube or a supply channel for receiving a liquid and/or a gas, which is coupled to a liquid supply device and/or a gas supply and/or gas suction system and has at least one liquid and/or gas discharge opening in a tube, and a channel base or casing region. A strand-shaped ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand is suspended on the supply tube or the supply channel and/or the supply tube or supply channel coupled to the gas supply and/or a gas suction system is suspended below the at least one ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand. The ingredient carrier contains and/or carries at least one ingredient and the ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand can be supplied with the liquid and/or the gas via the liquid and/or gas discharge opening. The supply tube or the supply channel is vertically moveable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a stabilized growing medium for cultivation of a plant or seedling. The method comprises the steps of providing a receiving unit for containing the rooting plug to be formed and placing a root structure of a plant or seedling in the receiving unit. Further, the method includes the steps of filling the receiving unit with slurry material forming a stabilized growing medium and curing the slurry material in the receiving unit while holding the root structure of the plant or seedling in the receiving unit.

Abstract: A cover member for an in-store greenhouse is disclosed, with which radiation exiting the in-store greenhouse can be influenced or modified.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact plant enclosure intended for use in locations with peripheral space restrictions. The top and one side of the enclosure form a continuous curved face which comprises multiple translucent flexible access panels that can be slid along guide channels incorporated into the sides of the curved frame components on either side of the flexible panels. The guide channels and flexible panel edges may incorporate retention features that limit the lateral movement of the flexible access panels. The opposing wall may be comprised of a single fixed translucent vertical panel or multiple vertical access panels. The remaining two vertical sides of the plant enclosure each comprise a fixed, translucent rigid panel. In another embodiment of the present invention, multiple distinct intermediate segments of the enclosure are defined by interstitial curved and vertical frame components supporting adjacent sets of flexible access and opposing vertical panels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of autonomous Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) comprising a fully autonomous Growing environment. More specifically, disclosed herein is an apparatus and method in which a plurality of Tray assembly may be stored and manipulated within a Track assembly that is configured within a Rack Assembly through the motivational input of at least one antagonistic pair of Carriage-mounted manipulators.

Abstract: The invention discloses a plant cultivation apparatus comprising a plurality of partitioning spaces, each partitioning space intervally disposed with an isolation net, two ends of each partitioning space respectively disposed with an opening, a rack body respectively disposed inside each partitioning space to place plantings; a working region disposed at one end of the plurality of partitioning spaces, the working region comprising a plurality of ducted fans, each ducted fan respectively and correspondingly located above each partitioning space to supply and conduct airstream to another end of the partitioning space; and a water curtain component disposed at another end of the plurality of partitioning spaces to receive airstream supplied by the ducted fan and conducting it to the opening of each partitioning space so inject airstream into an inside of each partitioning space.

Abstract: A greenhouse is disclosed that generally comprises an enclosed growing section with an enclosed end gable adjacent to the growing section. The end gable is arranged to flow air into the growing section. Air distribution tubes are included within the growing section with the tubes arranged to provide for substantially uniform air flow into the growing section. The air tubes can also be arranged to compensate for heat differential between the air in the tubes and in the growing section.

Abstract: A shield for protecting a plant having; a stem having an upper end and a lower end; a first plurality of sticks having a proximal end and a distal end; and a pad associated with the upper end of the stem, the pad having a second plurality of holes distributed all around the pad and oriented at various angles in relation to a horizontal plane, the holes being configured for removably receiving the proximal ends of the entire first plurality of sticks or a portion thereof and securing the same therein through friction-based insertion; the second plurality of holes distribution and orientation allowing the formation of a support structure for a protective cover in which the entire first plurality of sticks or a portion thereof extends in a circular arrangement above the plant at an angle conforming to the shape or size of the plant.

Abstract: A method of growing grapes comprising fitting a plurality of longitudinal sleeves to posts, respectively, each sleeve having at least one retainer; attaching at least two lines so that they are held by the retainers in an elevated disposition so that the lines at least partially support a grape vine; mechanically removing the lines from the retainers after harvesting grapes, each sleeve being secured to its respective post by fixing means so that the sleeves remain fitted to the posts when the line is being mechanically removed; pruning parts of the grape vine that remain with the lines when they are removed; and reattaching the lines so that they are again held by the retainers in an elevated disposition for further use.

Abstract: A center-pivot irrigation system having mobile towers interconnected by spans actuatable about a center-pivot, constant speed motors for each of the mobile towers, and variable gear ratio transmissions each driven by one of the constant speed motors and each driving one of the mobile towers. The irrigation system may also include a control system sending command signals to the variable gear ratio transmissions, independently increasing or decreasing a speed of the mobile towers via the variable gear ratio transmissions. The irrigation system may also include a sensors for providing alignment information regarding the spans to the control system. The control system may independently command the transmissions to speed up or slow down one of the mobile towers relative to alignment information received from the sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for providing watering services is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of controllers, where each controller controls application of water by a watering system associated with the controller. A cloud based platform may be accessed by a user, or property owner, from a computerized device that is remote from each of the controllers. The computerized device may be in communication with the cloud based platform and may be configured to implement commands issued by user to the watering system. The system may also detect faults in the watering systems using water usage data from the controllers and a user may implement automatic or manual commands to control or handle such faults.

Abstract: A method of irrigating a saline aquaculture system to control pests is described herein. The method includes acquiring a second set of environmental condition data on a computing device using a sensor coupled to a platform, such that the platform is configured to grow a salt-tolerant plant therein; comparing the second set of environmental condition data to a first set of environmental condition data acquired at a previous time point; determining whether freshwater accumulation has increased or will increase at a future time point on a surface of the platform; when it is determined that the freshwater accumulation on the surface of the platform has increased or will increase relative to the previous time point, activating a saltwater distribution device coupled to the platform; and reducing an accumulation of one or more of: insects, caterpillars, fungi, and bacteria on the surface of the platform.

Abstract: A soilless system for high density plant growth includes a greenhouse structure; at least one elongate support member arranged substantially vertically in the greenhouse structure, the support member having a body having a flow channel defined therein; and a plurality of vertically spaced apart receptacles angularly disposed to the vertical axis of the body to receive a plant therein, the receptacles being in fluid communication with the flow channel; a fluid supply system in fluid communication with the flow channel to supply a fluid stream to the flow channel; and a fluid collection system to collect residual fluid that has flowed through the flow channel.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relates generally to horticulture; growing plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, herbs and green plants, and more specifically it relates to growing plants with vertically oriented hydroponic garden. The embodiment of invention is a horticulture grow pipe apparatus made in one piece, having one or more horizontal pipe section with plant entrance places (3), where plant roots go inside to the grow pipe body and get exposed to nutrient and oxygen rich water flowing inside the pipe. In one end of the top horizontal pipe section is upper pipe connection with upper pipe end (1) for water inbound to pipe, and in other end of the lowest horizontal pipe section pipe turns downwards to lower vertical pipe section (4) and ends with lower pipe end (2), what is the water exit from pipe. Grow pipe body can have fastening points (11) for system mounting.

Abstract: A device for directionally placing a plant propagule (2) inside a hollow member (3), as exemplarily illustrated in FIGS.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR2379TH and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR2379TH 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: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH830345. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH830345, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH830345 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH830345.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH829129. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH829129, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH829129 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH829129.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH963625. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH963625, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH963625 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH963625.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH862855. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH862855, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH862855 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH862855.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH601447. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH601447, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH601447 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH601447.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH617105. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH617105, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH617105 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH617105.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH752064. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH752064, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH752064 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH752064.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH977140. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH977140, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH977140 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH977140.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH842997. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH842997, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH842997 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH842997.