Abstract: An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

Abstract: A system includes an agricultural implement, a sensor, and a control system. The agricultural implement is configured to be coupled to an agricultural vehicle. The sensor is coupled to the agricultural implement and configured to output a signal indicative of a pitch angle of the agricultural implement. The control system is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pitch angle from the sensor, determine whether the pitch angle is within a pitch angle range, generate a hitch height control signal indicative of instructions to adjust a hitch actuator if the pitch angle is not within the pitch angle range, and communicate the hitch height control signal.

Abstract: An implement frame having a carriage frame for coupling to a towing vehicle and wheels to support the frame for movement over a ground surface. A pivot frame is rotationally mounted to the carriage frame and a lift assembly is coupled to the pivot frame via a shift assembly. A tool bar is mounted to the lift assembly. The shift assembly moves the tool bar forward as it is moved from the field use position to the transport position. The wheels are mounted to swing arms to move the wheels inward for a narrow transport position. All motion is accomplished through actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, to automate the process making it quick and easy.

Abstract: An automated apparatus, method and system for projecting a control agent toward a recognised target for the purposes of agricultural cultivation or environmental management or various other applications; a source of the control agent adapted for use in connection with an environmental control function, an outlet incorporating at least one outlet orifice to direct the control agent emanating from the outlet orifice toward a target. An activation means is movable between an operative mode and an inoperative mode in which the outlet is effectively closed. A targeting mechanism movable on at least one independent control axis provided for selectively orienting the outlet orifice and thereby orienting the control agent in the operative mode. A first sensing system, a classification system, a control system in accordance with a predetermined control logic adapted to deliver doses of the control agent to the identified targets for the purposes of the environmental control function.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.

Abstract: At least one example embodiment discloses a seed monitoring system including a light source configured to emit light in an interior of a seed tube, a plurality of light receivers, each of the plurality of light receivers configured to receive light in at least two sectors of a plurality of sectors of a plane in the interior of the seed tube and generate a sensing signal corresponding to the received light, a processing system including a plurality of conditioning channels, the processing system configured to process the sensing signals to generate conditioned signals and a controller configured to generate a seed count value based on the generated conditioned signals.

Abstract: A metering and mixing system of solid particulates for a rotary seed dispenser in agricultural equipment for sowing, wherein the rotary seed dispenser is mounted under a seed feeder. The rotary seed dispenser is driven at the bottom by a planter drive system, which provides rotation to a spinning disc provided with a number of calibrated orifices through which the seeds housed in the disc orifices fall on a given point of the agricultural equipment. The metering and mixing system of solid particulates includes a solid particulate feeder that is positioned between the seed feeder and the rotary seed dispenser.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for a seeding machine having a seed meter comprises a housing that defines an upper seed loading area and a lower seed discharge area. A drive pulley is mounted to rotate with respect to the housing. A belt is supported for rotation by the drive pulley within the housing. A loading wheel is mounted to rotate with respect to the housing to transfer seeds from the seed meter into the belt at the seed loading area. The belt conveys the seeds through the housing as the belt travels from the seed loading area to the seed discharge area.

Abstract: An automated planter device for planting seedlings in an obstacle-strewn and/or uneven terrain. A laterally extendable boom is provided at the end of a vertically-moveable arm, which arm may also be swung from side to side. The boom has a plurality of spaced-apart seedling injectors thereon for planting seedlings. Advantageously, due to variably adjustable positioning of the seedling injectors on the boom, obstacles encountered such as tree stumps or medium sized rocks capable of being traversed but which otherwise create an obstacle to a typical seedling planter, may be avoided. The seedling injectors are each coupled via vacuum hoses to a bin mounted on the planter, which vacuum hoses supply seedlings from the bin to the injectors. A powered gantry at the rear of the planter unloads the bin from the planter when empty, and engages and lifts a re-stocked bin containing additional seedlings onto the rear of the device.

Abstract: A spreader having a hopper for particulate material with discharge openings over two separate different areas along the hopper bottom, a pair of wheels upon separate drive shafts mounted for rotation to a lower frame which supports the hopper, and a rear frame extending from the hopper to provide a pair of handles. Two rotatable shafts with agitator elements are mounted over each of the different hopper areas. Each of the agitator shafts are coupled for rotation by different ones of the drive shafts. Two gates with openings are disposed below the hopper each along different ones of the areas dividing the hopper bottom. Each gate is movable to close and open the openings of the hopper in the area associated with the gate. A pair of controllers are provided each coupled to a different one of the two gates to independently move the gates between open and close positions.

Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include a drum meter capable of metering multiple types of seed at the single drum. The metering system including the drum is configured such that the seed meter will plant different seed types or varieties. The operation the drum meter will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by the operation of the drum seed meter at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.

Abstract: A belt monitoring system for an agricultural belt arrangement, the monitoring system including an agricultural belt having a magnetic element embedded therein and a sensor. The agricultural belt arrangement defines a proper belt alignment for the belt and moves the belt. The magnetic element is polarized so as to output a magnetic signal. The sensor is configured to detect, at a reference position, the magnetic signal outputted by the magnetic element. The monitoring system further includes a circuit configured to output a signal if, for example, the agricultural belt moves more than a predetermined amount through the agricultural belt arrangement without the sensor arrangement detecting the magnetic signal outputted by the magnetic element, a predetermined amount of time passes without the sensor detecting the magnetic signal, and the circuit determines the position of the magnetic element to be outside of a permissible positional range.

Abstract: In a crop harvesting machine there is provided a pair of hydraulic float cylinders for a header relative to a vehicle, where a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. In order to reduce static friction so that the system can react quickly, an arrangement is provided for causing relative reciprocating movement in an alternating wave pattern between the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: In a crop harvesting machine there is provided a pair of hydraulic float cylinders for a header relative to a vehicle, where a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. In order to reduce static friction so that the system can react quickly, an arrangement is provided for causing relative reciprocating movement in an alternating wave pattern between the piston and cylinder.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle for picking or harvesting a product includes a motor, a plurality of tires, a transmission mating the motor to the plurality of tires, an accumulator operable to store the product, a module builder operable to receive the product from the accumulator, and a frame supporting the accumulator and the module builder. The frame defines a hatch through which an operator is capable of accessing the motor and/or the transmission. The agricultural vehicle is operable to transition between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the module builder and the accumulator prohibit access through the hatch. In the second state, the module builder and the accumulator are rotated relative to the frame and provide access through the hatch.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is operable in a first state for transport and in a second state for field work and includes a frame supported by a plurality of tires. A processor is operable to receive a signal generated as a result of the agricultural vehicle transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. A gas system is operable to modify the tire pressure of the plurality of tires of the agricultural vehicle in response to the signal.

Abstract: A dual conveyor assembly for a windrower includes upper and lower conveyors. Each conveyor includes an endless conveyor element and rotatable supports spaced along a longitudinal conveyor path and entrained by the endless conveyor element. The endless conveyor elements define vertically spaced opposed runs that define the longitudinal conveyor path therebetween. The opposed runs are operable to be driven together to move a flow of severed plant material along the path. At least one of the opposed runs is shiftable relative to the other opposed run in an upright direction, while the runs are driven together, such that the opposed runs remain in moving engagement with the flow of severed plant material as the amount of severed plant material passing between the opposed runs varies.

Abstract: An agricultural tool including an elongated frame, ground engaging wheels for supporting the frame, and at least two rotors carried by a respective arm. Each respective arm is moveable into a working position in which the rotors are carried on opposing sides of the frame at a distance away from the frame. Each rotor includes a hub provided with tines and each hub is supported above the ground by at least one support wheel. The tool further includes a control system which detects when the tool is moving around a bend and identifies which of the rotors is an inner rotor moving on the inside of the bend and raises the inner rotor to compensate for the downward force exerted on the inner rotor during the turn.

Abstract: In a method for providing a bale of crop material that is only partially wrapped in a film, a bale of crop material is wrapped in a film with an automatic bale wrapping apparatus. Subsequently the film is provided with a plurality of perforations, and it is ensured that the perforations are present/positioned in an upper half of the bale. This ensures that there is good moisture control of the bale, with moist air able to escape, while stopping ingress of rain water. The bales are mostly dry hay or the like, and favourable perforations are radial slits. There is also provided a system for providing such bales with position controlled perforations.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the cultivation of perennial artichoke plants. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to methods of cultivating artichoke plants to increase the uniformity and yield of marketable products (e.g. edible mature buds), and to accurately program and condense the harvest interval of artichoke plants grown as perennials in a planting field in order to reduce production and harvesting costs.

Abstract: The invention discloses electric pruning scissors comprising a shear body, wherein a movable blade and a fixed blade are arranged at a front end of the shear body, and a tail end of the shear body is connected with a housing; the housing is internally provided with a driving device; a trigger is arranged at the bottom of the housing; and the driving device comprises a motor, an epicyclic gearbox, a gear set and a power supply module. The electric pruning scissors of the invention are characterized by high energy transmission, low noise, easily replaceable blades and a long service life.

Abstract: A method for attaching a removable saw blade to a reciprocating type hedge trimmer to extend the utility for cutting larger diameter stalks without requiring a second appliance. The removable nature of the blade allows replacement should the blade become dull or damaged, and also allows use of the trimmer without the blade installed with minimal impact to the base functionality of the trimmer. Such trimmer can be hand held or machine mounted and powered by a variety of power sources.

Abstract: A base tray apparatus for collecting and draining water overflow from a planter is disclosed. The base tray apparatus comprises a bottom surface with vertically extending sidewalls, to hold the planter or plant pot. A drainage outlet is attached to the bottom surface to facilitate the draining of excess water overflowing from the plant pot. The excess water is re-routed to another plant pot or drained to water absorbing ground surface thereby preventing the spillage of excess water in the deck area. Supporting legs are attached to the bottom of the tray to prevent accumulation of moisture underneath the base tray.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to polylactic acid compositions comprising a degradation additive and a thermal stability additive. The polylactic acid compositions have increased rates of degradation when compared to polylactic acid composition without the disclosed additives. The polylactic acid compositions are particularly suitable for use in artificial seeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants in a grow room includes an enclosure having a window. The enclosure contains a grow lamp that is arranged to direct light downward through the widow toward the plants. A blower is coupled with the enclosure to drive a flow of air through the enclosure. A gantry apparatus supports the enclosure in the grow room for movement above the plants.

Abstract: A textile barrier apparatus includes an inner layer comprising an aqueous super absorbent polymer composition (SAP) and first and second outer textile layers attached to opposite sides of the inner layer. A landfill version includes an odor neutralizer, a biocide and/or a nutrient to support vegetation. A fire barrier version has the first and second outer textile layers including water permeable membrane and a fire retardant treatment. A planting groundcover version includes a patterned thickness of SAP corresponding to a planting pattern and a nutrient to support vegetation.

Abstract: A thermally regulated enclosure system which includes apparatuses and methods of making and using a thermally regulated enclosure system, including one or more of a vessel having a bottom aperture element which defines a bottom open area, a top aperture element which defines a top open area, one or more stakes detachably fastenable to the peripheral margin of the bottom aperture element of the vessel, and a closure element adjustable in relation to the top aperture element to increase or decrease the top open area.

Abstract: A trellis and planter system comprising an upper support member that is suspended below a support surface, a lower support member in spaced apart relation to and positioned below the upper support member, a trellis disposed between and interconnecting the upper and lower support members and a planter suspended below the lower support member. Preferably, each of the upper and lower support members and the planter are elongated and the trellis is substantially flat. Support devices engage and suspend the upper support member, and therefore the system, in an easily removable manner so the system and plants can be moved without harm to the plants. Planter support devices position the planter below the lower support member such that the plants grow upwardly and are supported by the trellis. Water can be delivered to the upper support member so as to drip or spray onto the plants.

Abstract: A trellis component includes a tubular portion, a connector adapted to be inserted within an upper end of the tubular portion, at least two support arms, and a crop line, which are arranged such that the connector is within the upper end of the tubular portion, the arms are within and extend outwardly from the connector, and the crop line is supported by the arms in an elevated disposition to in turn support a crop.

Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle to draw out a tape, a clincher arm rotatably attached to the main handle, and a tape gripping device attached to the clincher arm to grip the tape. The tape gripping device includes a support portion, a gripping member, a gripping member urging unit, a lock member and a lock member urging unit. The support portion is provided along a drawing direction of the tape. The gripping member is provided to face the support portion. The gripping member urging unit urges the gripping member toward the support portion. The lock member is engaged with the gripping member to hold the gripping member against an urging force of the gripping member urging unit. The lock member urging unit urges the lock member in an engaging direction with the gripping member. The lock member is rotatably attached to the clincher arm.

Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle capable of drawing out a tape from a front end portion thereof, a clincher arm rotatably attached to the main handle, a tape gripping device attached to a front end portion of the clincher arm and is capable of gripping an end portion of the tape drawn out from the front end portion of the main handle, and a bonding unit configured to bond end portions of an overlapped tape. In a case where the clincher arm completely closed with respect to the main handle is viewed from the side, when a bonding direction of the bonding unit is defined as a longitudinal direction and a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is defined as a transverse direction, the tape gripping device is configured such that a width in the longitudinal direction thereof is 1.5 times or less than a width in the transverse direction thereof.

Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle to draw out a tape, a clincher arm rotatably attached to the main handle, and a tape gripping device attached to the clincher arm. When the clincher arm rotates in a closing direction to a predetermined position with respect to the main handle, a gripping operation is performed in which the tape gripping device grips the tape. When the clincher arm further rotates in the closing direction from the predetermined position with respect to the main handle to be in a closed state, a binding operation is performed to bind objects. The gripping operation and the binding operation are performed alternately. The movement restricting unit is provided to restrict the rotation of the clincher arm in the closing direction from the predetermined position at the time of the gripping operation.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system is described that includes a controller that makes use of a particular flow rate of input water to deliver differing or variable depths of irrigation to two or more user-defined areas under a pivot irrigator. The controller operates to pulse control valves for the nozzles/sprinkler heads on and off as the sprinkler arm rotates. The valve pattern along the span of the sprinkler arm is chosen during each operating cycle such that the total water flow through all the open valves matches the flow rate of the input or supply water to the pivot irrigator. To ensure the variable application depth, the speed may be changed during valve duty cycles. A farmer may define an irrigation plan that defines the variable rate irrigation (VRI) zones and also defines exclusion or no spray zones in which no irrigation should occur.

Abstract: A travelling agricultural irrigation installation is provided having multiple generally horizontal irrigation sprinklers each being a length of pipe closed at each end and having multiple outlet orifice sets along the length thereof. Each orifice is in the form of a hole through the pipe wall having an orifice diameter selected to provide, in use, a jet of water that breaks up into droplets. Each orifice set comprises multiple orifices having axes extending in different angular directions relative to the pipe axis to provide a generally rectangular spray pattern. The length of each sprinkler pipe or the number of orifice sets is dependent on the speed at which the sprinkler is to move over the ground. Typically the installation is a centre pivot installation; the sprinkler pipes are all connected to a common radial main supply pipe; and the water delivery increases with increased distance from the centre pivot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for improving performance of sprinkler control systems using aggregations of flow controllers. As an example, to facilitate control of multiple controllers, a system may generate a virtual flow controller by aggregating the two or more flow controllers. A schedule for the virtual controller is set or received and then translated into schedules for the aggregated controllers. In another example, schedules may be set for individual watering zones, which are then translated into watering schedules for flow controllers corresponding to the zones. The system then transmits these schedules to a respective flow controller, which then carries out an irrigation routine according to the schedule.

Abstract: A plant growing, transportation, display, and maintenance system including a plant pot and corresponding container having a selectable valve that controls the flow of liquid into and out of the container.

Abstract: A Bayesian multilevel whole-genome regression model is disclosed and its prediction performance compared to that of the popular BayesA model applied to each population separately (no pooling) and to the joined data set (complete pooling). For small population sizes (e.g., <50), partial pooling increased prediction accuracy over no or complete pooling for populations represented in the estimation set. Partial pooling with multilevel models can make optimal use of information in multi-population estimation sets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated plant of the species Solanum lycopersicum comprising a myb12 allele having one or more mutations, said mutations resulting in production of a mutant myb12 protein, fruits of such plants exhibiting a pink appearance and in addition comprising a mutant cuticle deficiency (cd) allele, whereby the fruits become glossy.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV2756TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV2756TM and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV8011TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV8011TM and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV6133TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV6133TM and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV2493TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV2493TM and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV6100TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV6100TD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV4483TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV4483TD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR7962TH and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR7962TH and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01062049. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01062049. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01062049 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01062049 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01062050. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01062050. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01062050 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01062050 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01062052. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01062052. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01062052 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01062052 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.