Abstract: An agricultural tillage system including a carriage frame assembly, a plurality of tillage elements coupled to the carriage frame assembly, an actuator and a residue reactive system. The actuator is moveably coupled to the tillage elements, and is directly in control of a soil contact depth of the tillage elements. The residue reactive system is in controlling communication with the at least one actuator. The residue reactive system reduces the soil contact depth of the tillage elements when the residue mass on the soil is reduced and/or the slope of the soil is above a predetermined value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural system includes a tool bar configured to couple to a tow vehicle. The tool bar is configured to support at least one row unit assembly. The agricultural system also includes a lift assist assembly coupled to the tool bar such that rotation of the tool bar relative to the lift assist assembly about a vertical axis is blocked. The lift assist assembly is configured to provide lifting support to the tool bar. The lift assist assembly comprises a frame, one or more rolling elements configured to contact a surface of a field, and one or more telescoping members configured to adjust a configuration of the lift assist assembly along at least one of a lateral axis, a longitudinal axis, and the vertical axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine that has two sections hinged relative to each other, at least one oblong hole being made in one of the two sections, the machine including a connecting device that has an actuator configured to cause one section to pivot relative to the other, and a travel stop, the actuator supporting a movable pivot rod, with a longitudinal axis transverse to the oblong hole, the movable pivot rod being positioned to slide in the length of the oblong hole, the travel stop having a blocking state in which it obstructs the oblong hole, thereby limiting the sliding of the pivot rod in the oblong hole, the travel stop being able to achieve the blocking state from a free state in which it is mounted in a movable rotating manner relative to the oblong hole.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods as described herein relate to analyzing plant nutrient-yield relationships and identifying optimum plant fertilization strategies to improve individual plant yields and overall plant yields. Nutrient data and yield data for plants in all yield ranges, rather than nutrient data and yield data for only the best-performing plants, is categorized based on the yield data and then analyzed to determine the yield as a function of nutrient condition for each nutrient element for the plants in each yield category. The nutrient-yield function can be modeled using a polynomial equation of various orders that can be used for determining the nutritional condition to improve crop production for plants in each yield category.

Abstract: An agricultural product applicator includes a boot formed from a resilient material. The boot includes at least one bending control support rib that enables the boot to bend about a transverse axis of the applicator. The boot also includes at least one support enables the applicator to bend about the transverse axis and to return to an initial shape after bending. The agricultural product applicator also includes a tube portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the applicator, wherein the tube portion has a first opening that receives an agricultural product supply line and a second opening that deposits agricultural product from the agricultural product supply line into soil.

Abstract: A seed metering system includes a volumetric meter and a plurality of row units. Each and every one of the plurality of row units includes a singulating meter, a bypass conduit, and an outlet that is common to and downstream of the singulating meter and the bypass conduit. The seed metering system further includes a dispersion unit including an inlet and a plurality of outlets and operable to disperse the plurality of seeds from the volumetric meter to the plurality of row units. The seed metering system is operable in a first mode of operation in which the volumetric meter communicates with each singulating meter via the dispersion unit to singulate the plurality of seeds. The seed metering system is operable in a second mode of operation in which the volumetric meter communicates with each bypass conduit via the dispersion unit such that the plurality of seeds are not singulated.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes a seed metering system and a seed delivery system in communication with the seed metering system. The seed delivery system includes a housing having a first opening for receiving seed from the seed metering system and a second opening through which seed is discharged. The seed delivery system also includes a conveyor forming a loop with a fixed length and positioned within the housing. The conveyor is disposed around a first drive pulley and a second idler pulley. The conveyor is deformable in order to retain seed at any point along the fixed length.

Abstract: An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated harvesting combine of a forward powered processing unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint connecting the PPU and rear grain cart. Loss sensor pads in the straw discharge stream are graphically displaying to the operator. Articulation joint sensors rear teeth on an articulation joint arcuate beam and are used to display the degree of articulation to the operator. A jog motor permits the operator to move the feed house forwards/backwards to clear blockages. A right hand joystick and a left hand joystick provided control of all combine functions.

Abstract: Method for packing harvested berries directly into clamshell packages during hand harvesting. A harvester utilizes an open-topped harvesting apparatus having a plurality of bottom assemblies for supporting a shipping tray that contains a plurality of clamshell packages. The method includes the step of securing the apparatus on the harvester's belt for carrying the shipping tray. The apparatus has a side supporter disposed thereon and below belt notch-like loops. The method also includes the steps of supporting the shipping tray on a plurality of bottom assemblies disposed on the apparatus; maintaining the bottom assemblies substantially horizontal to the ground with the side supporter when the apparatus is worn by the harvester; and storing a plurality of the clamshell packages in the shipping tray for receiving berries picked directly from the plant for eliminating multiple touches of said berries for improved fruit quality.

Abstract: A system including a picking apparatus including at least two grippers. Each of the at least two grippers can extend radially from a central axis of the picking apparatus. Each of the at least two grippers can be configured to pick a different individual crop of crops of a plant. The system can be configured to rotate the at least two grippers of the picking apparatus around the central axis in a rotational path. The system can be configured to stop rotation of the picking apparatus when a first gripper of the at least two grippers is rotated to a picking position along the rotational path. The system can be configured to adjust an opening width of the first gripper at the picking position to pick a first individual crop of the crops of the plant. The opening width of the first gripper can be adjusted based on a size of the first individual crop to fit the first gripper around the first individual crop. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are straw chopper assemblies for a harvesting combine of the type having a rotor and cage threshing assembly. The straw chopper assemblies are located on each side of the rotor discharge for accepting material exiting the rotor. Each straw chopper assembly is formed from a curvilinear cage having and interior opening to accept the rotor discharged material, and an opening to distribute chopper straw outside of the harvesting combine. A rotating knife assembly is housed within each curvilinear cage. A stationary knife assembly is movable for the rotating knives to pass between adjacent pairs of stationary knives. Outlets are provided in material communication with the curvilinear cage openings for discharging chopped straw onto the ground adjacent to the harvesting combine. Hoods are located over each of the outlets to directing the discharged chopped straw onto the ground.

Abstract: An American high-tech earth soil recovery method, characterized in that, the earth soil contains 108 soil trace elements, comprising the following steps: preparing a powder of nano-particles for the soil trace elements; and spraying the powder into soil infertile, acidified, or contaminated by heavy metals, and through an antagonistic (exchange) effect of the soil trace elements incurred by the powder (electrolyte) potential, the earth soil is recovered, so that in growing a crop, even if the earth soil is contaminated by heavy metals, the heavy metals are not absorbed, and the crop grows by absorbing the added soil trace elements in the soil. Through the inter-molecular antagonism/coordination/absorption/penetration, the earth soil structure is restored, to recover the earth soil for repeated usages, hereby strengthening constitution of a crop, and raising its quality and yield.

Abstract: A plant growing system comprising a growing panel and a porous air hose coupled to the growing panel. The growing panel includes a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of plant receptacles. The plurality of openings are arranged in a plurality of parallel lines on the growing panel, and the porous air hose extends along the growing panel between at least two of the parallel lines.

Abstract: Plant container assemblies with nested growth substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plant container assembly includes a base; an inner frame on the base; and an outer frame having a plurality of grid panels projecting from the base, surrounding the inner frame, and defining a plurality of slot regions between the inner frame and the grid panels. Growth substrates are inserted into the slot regions, and each of the growth substrates has a first side that is exposed through one of the grid panels for planting, and a second side that holds soil within a corresponding one of the slot regions.

Abstract: A propagation tray assembly comprising a support tray and a plurality of seedling holder inserts locatable in the support tray in side by side relationship, each insert comprising a row of cells, each cell having an open top and an open side to facilitate inspection and removal of the contents thereof when the respective insert is removed from the support tray, wherein the open sides of each cell in a first insert are closed by the adjacent insert when the inserts are located in the support tray in side by side relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting trees, stumps, posts and similar structures from the ground is attached to a 3-point hitch tractor accessory. The apparatus comprises a base frame and a lifting frame. The base frame includes a pair of vertical guides for confining a corresponding pair of vertical rails on the lift frame. A piston/cylinder type of linear motor is connected between the base frame and lifting frame to translate the lifting frame relative to the base frame. A pair of independently controlled gripping cylinders that are connected to respective gripping cams are mounted on the lifting frame. A tree is extracted by engaging the gripping cams against the tree and translating the lifting frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting trees, stumps, posts and similar structures from the ground is attached to a 3-point hitch tractor accessory. The apparatus comprises a base frame and a lifting frame. The base frame includes a pair of vertical guides for confining a corresponding pair of vertical rails on the lift frame. A piston/cylinder type of linear motor is connected between the base frame and lifting frame to translate the lifting frame relative to the base frame. A pair of independently controlled gripping cylinders that are connected to respective gripping cams are mounted on the lifting frame. A tree is extracted by engaging the gripping cams against the tree and translating the lifting frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for tapping and collecting rubber. The system includes a tapping apparatus for tapping rubber and a collecting apparatus for collecting tapped rubber. The tapping apparatus includes a rail directing a drill bit or blade to move between one end of the rail to another end of the rail and to remove tree bark during the movement and a mounting structure configured to hold the rail and connect the tapping apparatus to a tree or plant. The collecting apparatus is positioned below the tapping apparatus for collecting rubber that exudes from a cut tree or plant. The collecting apparatus includes a slide and a tube having an opening and a divider that separates the tube into multiple sections.

Abstract: A dissolvable turpentine receiving system includes a pipe, collection bag, collection spout, and other elements such as seals and ties, required for the harvesting of oleoresin from trees for production of turpentine. Critical to this disclosure is the requirement that all of these components are dissolvable in turpentine.

Abstract: A nozzle height adjustment subsystem for use with an irrigation system comprises a spool, a rotation device, and a control device. The spool includes a central hub and is configured to retain a drop hose to which a nozzle is attached. The rotation device is coupled to the spool and rotates the spool in a first direction or a second, opposite direction when it is activated. The control device includes electronic circuitry that is configured to generate a signal that activates the rotation device.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of cucumber hybrid DR2756CE and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of cucumber hybrid DR2756CE and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a cucumber plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another cucumber 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 DR4167TC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR4167TC 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 a cultivated plant of the species Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus (watermelon) producing fruits with high texture fruit flesh, wherein the plant optionally is a diploid, triploid or tetraploid plant. In one aspect, the plant of the invention comprises one or more mutations in the C1MBP 17_2 allele encoding a mutant C1MBP 17_2 protein or encoding lower levels of wild type C1MPBP 17_2 protein compared to wild type plants.

Abstract: Hybrid peppers designated ‘E20B30160’, ‘E20B30161’, and ‘E20B30162’ are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid peppers ‘E20B30160’, ‘E20B30161’, and ‘E20B30162’, to the plants of hybrid peppers ‘E20B30160’, ‘E20B30161’, and ‘E20B30162’, to methods for producing hybrid plants, and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid peppers ‘E20B30160’, ‘E20B30161’, and ‘E20B30162’.

Abstract: Tomato rootstock variety designated ‘RTS-188’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato rootstock ‘RTS-188’, to the plants of tomato rootstock ‘RTS-188’, and to methods for producing plants, and to methods for producing other tomato rootstock lines, cultivars, transgenic plants or hybrids derived from the tomato rootstock variety ‘RTS-188’.

Abstract: Micropeptides (miPEPs), or peptides coded by microRNAs, for promoting nodulation between a plant and a bacterium, as well as their use in this manner.

Abstract: A system that includes a laser, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a teat position associated with an unknown teat, determine a first position distance between the teat position and a first teat, determine a second position distance between the teat position and a second teat, determine a third position distance between the teat position and a third teat, and determine a fourth position distance between the teat position and a fourth teat. The processor is further configured to compare the first position distance, the second position distance, the third position distance, and the fourth position distance to determine a smallest position distance from the unknown teat, identify a teat of the dairy livestock corresponding with the smallest position distance, associate a teat identifier for the unknown teat with the identified teat, and store the association in the memory.

Abstract: A system that includes a laser configured to generate a profile signal of at least a portion of a dairy livestock, a memory operable to store a teat detection rule set, and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the profile signal and detect one or more edge pair candidates in the profile signal, compare the complementary distance gradients of each of the one or more edge pair candidates to a minimum distance gradient length to be considered an edge pair, and identify one or more edge pairs from among the one or more edge pair candidates based on the comparison. The processor is further configured to apply the teat detection rule set to the one or more edge pairs to identify one or more teat candidates from among the one or more edge pairs and determine position information for the one or more teat candidates.

Abstract: A system that includes a laser, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine the position of a first teat candidate relative to a second teat candidate, assign the first teat candidate and the second teat candidate as a left teat candidate or right teat candidate, and receive a teat identifier for a target teat. The processor is configured to determine whether the left or right teat candidate is within a teat location range of the target teat and to link the teat identifier with the left teat candidate or right teat candidate based on the determination.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, an imaging device coupled to the robotic arm, a tail positioner coupled to the robotic arm, and a processor. The imaging device captures imaging data of a rearview of a dairy livestock through a field of view of the imaging device. The tail positioner is able to move from a down position to an up position. The processor is coupled to both the imaging device and the tail positioner and is configured to identify a tail of the dairy livestock within the imaging data captured by the imaging device and send one or more instructions to raise the tail positioner from the down position to the up position, thereby moving the tail out of the field of view of the imaging device.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether a distance between a left and right teat of a dairy livestock is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, and if so, command the robotic arm to move to a scan location that is between the left and right teats. The processor is further configured to command the laser to perform a scan of the teats after the robotic arm is at the scan location and to determine whether the left and right teats are found in the scan. If both the left and right teats are found in the scan, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach a teat cup to either the left or right teat.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to command the robotic arm to move to a first location corresponding to an expected teat position of a first teat. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first teat is found in a first scan by the laser, and if so, command the robotic arm to move to a second location corresponding to the location in the scan. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first teat is found in a second scan by the laser, and if so, determine whether the first teat is within a predetermined distance from a current location of the robotic arm. If the first teat is within the predetermined distance from the current location of the robotic arm, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach a teat cup to the first teat.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to access first and second success counters stored in the memory. The first success counter is associated with a first attach algorithm and the second success counter is associated with a second attach algorithm. The processor is further configured to determine whether the first success counter is greater than the second success counter. The processor is further configured to execute the first attach algorithm if the first success counter is greater than the second success counter, and to execute the second attach algorithm if the first success counter is not greater than the second success counter. The processor is further configured to increment the first success counter if the first attach algorithm is successful, and to increment the second success counter if the second attach algorithm is successful.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to command the robotic arm to move to a location of an expected teat position of a dairy livestock and to command the laser to perform two scans of the dairy livestock. The processor is further configured to determine whether a first teat is found in both of the scans, and if so, determine whether locations of the first teat in the two scans are within a predetermined distance of each other. The processor is further configured to, in response to determining that locations of the first teat in the two scans are within the predetermined distance of each other, command the robotic arm to move to a location corresponding to the location of the first teat and to command the robotic arm to attach a teat cup to the first teat.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine that a teat cup is to be attached to a front teat of a dairy livestock, and in response, determine an amount of separation between the front teat and a rear teat. The processor is further configured to calculate, if the amount of separation between the front and rear teats is greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, an updated front teat position based on the amount of separation between the front and rear teats and command the robotic arm to move to the updated front teat position. The processor is further configure to determine whether the front teat is found in a scan of the dairy livestock by the laser, and if so, command the robotic arm to attach the teat cup to the front teat.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether a first teat of a diary livestock is found in a first scan of the dairy livestock by the laser, and if so, command the robotic arm to move to a location corresponding to the location of the first teat. The processor is further configured to increment a counter associated with the first teat and then determine whether the counter equals a predetermined number. If the counter equals the predetermined number, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach a teat cup to the first teat. If the counter does not equal the predetermined number, the processor determines whether the first teat is found in a second scan by the laser. If the first teat is found in the second scan, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach the teat cup to the first teat.

Abstract: A vehicle pet holder. The vehicle pet holder provides a basket that is mountable to the interior of a vehicle for safely positioning a pet within. The basket securely affixes to the interior of a vehicle for transit via one or more hooks. The basket includes a sidewall that forms an interior volume for housing the pet. The hooks extend from the sidewall and are configured to mountably affix the basket to an interior side of a vehicle door. A harness is selectively attachable to fit to a torso of the pet. The harness includes a fastener and a strap which can be removably coupled to the basket.

Abstract: A foam-based dog bed with no loose fiber comprising 5 components: 4 identical bolsters and 1 internal mattress is described. Both the internal mattress and bolsters may be comprised of 2-layers of different foam qualities. The foam pieces are wrapped in foam sheaths to make stuffing and un-stuffing into the outer fabric cover easier. The outer fabric cover is comprised of a top fabric, border fabric and bottom fabric. The top fabric incorporates specifically tailored wrinkles to allow a dog to dig, scratch, and prepare their bed. On the bottom panel of the dog bed is an outer perimeter zipper. The outer zipper starts and stops at a zipper pocket, which also serves as a hinge to open/close the bottom panel. The zipper pocket holds the zipper pull to prevent a dog from biting at it.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for a therapeutic pet bed cover are disclosed. The apparatus includes a durable top element that includes at least one pocket configured to receive a therapeutic packet; a flexible side element; and a bottom element configured to receive and retain a pet bed. The system includes a pet bed; a pet bed cover that includes a durable top element, a pocket configured to receive a therapeutic packet, a side element, and a bottom element configured to receive and retain a pet bed; and at least one therapeutic packet.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling consumption of a bale of feed material by livestock may include a perimeter member for positioning about a portion of the bale, with the perimeter member defining an opening for at least partially receiving a portion of the bale. The apparatus may include a web mounted on the perimeter member and extending across the opening of the perimeter member. The web may have a periphery connected to the perimeter member, the web including at least one interlinked strand forming a plurality of holes, the at least one strand being flexible, the at least one strand being substantially unstretchable.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a vehicle-based feed distribution system comprising: a hopper assembly where a metal ball is located in a hopper outlet located at a bottom portion of a hopper, where an auger inside a horizontal dispensing tube is driven by an auger drive means that directs a feed mix from a hopper longitudinally down the horizontal dispensing tube extending out from the hopper outlet, and where a feed outlet at a distal end of the horizontal dispensing tube distributes the feed mix; where the hopper assembly is coupled to a tow vehicle, and where the tow vehicle controls the auger drive means to meter distribution of the feed mix.

Abstract: An animal feeding apparatus includes a duct through which feed falls under gravity. A drive wheel is mounted in the duct and includes a plurality of paddle blades such that falling feed in the duct acts to drive the blades to rotate the wheel about the axis. A syringe is laid in a support channel where a plunger of the syringe is compressed longitudinally for feeding a liquid to an injection nozzle into the duct by a screw driven by the wheel. The wheel and the support channel are mounted on a common housing forming the duct and containing the wheel, to an injection opening on the bottom of the housing for addition to the feed passing through the duct portion.

Abstract: A mountable feed bucket suitable for securing to a fence rail, having a receptacle and affixation means for securing the mountable feed bucket to the fence rail. The receptacle includes one or more brackets forming a vacuous area being suitable for receiving the fence rail, with apertures for receiving affixation means.

Abstract: In an apparatus for feeding animals including one or more feed dispensing containers from which the animals can take feed which are fed by supply ducts from a supply a device is provided which includes a feed supply duct portion arranged such that the feed falls through the feed supply duct portion under gravity. A drive member is mounted at the duct and includes a plurality of paddle blades of a wheel mounted for rotation about an axis of the wheel such that falling feed in the duct acts to drive the blades to rotate the wheel about the axis and a driven component driven by the wheel. The driven component is in most cases a dispenser for feeding a liquid or particulate additive material from a supply cartridge, which is mounted on a common housing forming the duct and containing the wheel, to an injection opening on the bottom of the housing for addition to the feed passing through the duct portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and associated method for tagging insects and arthropods. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an electrosprayer is provided including a nozzle cartridge, a spray chamber removably attached to the nozzle cartridge and a power supply operatively connected to the nozzle cartridge and a grounding plate within the spray chamber to electrically charge droplets expelled from the nozzle which coat one or more insects contained in the spray chamber.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for determining geolocation foraging zones for animals, the unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a processor-based monitoring device to monitor a plurality of geolocations, an identification device to identify an animal and to track a position of the animal in relation to the plurality of geolocations, a risk analysis device to evaluate a level of risk associated with each of the plurality of geolocations, and a mapping device coupled to the monitoring device to select a geolocation foraging zone when the level of risk associated with the geolocation foraging zone is below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A mobile telephone adapts to use as a gundog training tool by interfacing with a dog collar using a wireless communication device, such as a WWAN text or IP interface, a WLAN interface or a radio transceiver that couples to the mobile telephone and is accessible to a training application running on the mobile telephone. The dog collar includes a GPS receiver to provide position information to the mobile telephone and a shock device to provide training stimulus to the dog. A wireless headset interfaces with the mobile telephone to provide audible indications of position to an end user, such as a dog point and tone indicators of directions to the dog. A wireless handset interfaces with the mobile telephone to accept inputs for application to the collar, such as training stimulus.

Abstract: A pet identification collar having a slide buckle is disclosed. The buckle includes a female member having a top surface on which is mounted a container having a transparent top and in which is disposed a slidable tray containing media carrying identification data on the pet wearing the collar.

Abstract: Provided is novel ephemeral substrate material for growing oysters that alleviates concerns related to adding large quantities of permanent fill to estuarine water and promotes high rates of oyster survival and growth, high meat quality and market-favorable shell-shape of cultured oysters, along with artificial oyster growing structures prepared from the ephemeral substrate material and methods of using the same.