Abstract: A soil-working device for row plantations has a frame and at least one beam, on which at least one finger-weeder tool is arranged, which in particular can be designed to be passively drivable and which is oriented at a setting angle to the soil in a working position for soil working, and a method height-guides at least one finger-weeder tool above a row in a row plantation, wherein the soil-working device has at least one height-guiding apparatus, which keeps the setting angle of a finger-weeder tool in the working position constant and which can be designed advantageously in such a way that the height-guiding apparatus enables the height guidance of further soil-working tools which are operated next to the finger weeders and which thus can likewise be guided in height.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement is provided with a soil finishing system that includes a multi-bar harrow and a down pressure-controlled finishing tool that are arranged with respect to each other to enhance soil tilth and leveling, including reducing residual shank grooves in tilled soil, to improve seed bed preparation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implement load balancing method comprising sensing respective loads on one or more wheels supporting a central portion and one or more wheels supporting a wing portion, the central portion and the wing portion comprising segments of an implement; and causing, via actuation of a fluid-type cylinder, pivotal movement between the central portion and the wing portion based on the sensed loads, wherein the causing comprises causing fluid flow in one direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being greater than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion and causing fluid flow in an opposing direction through the fluid-type cylinder based on a load on the one or more wheels supporting the central portion being less than a load on the one or more wheels supporting the wing portion.

Abstract: A traction unit drawn agricultural implement for treating a field along repeated generally parallel longitudinal swaths has a hydraulic system for lifting and lowering a ground engaging implement portion at the beginning and end respectively of each swath. A system for aligning the beginning of one swath with the termination of the previous swath determines initial lift and lower times and adjusts the hydraulic system to bring the times into closer conformity. Automatic lifting and lowering may utilize GPS information, or the system may be manually controlled by an implement operator.

Abstract: An obstacle warning system having sensors solely positioned adjacent the lateral extremities of an implement towed by a tractor for determining the presence of an object within a given distance. An alarm generator positioned within an operator cab for the tractor provides a visual or audible signal indicating the presence of an obstacle in the forward path of the lateral extremities of the implement.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for managing cropland comprising the steps of: (1) wirelessly linking a remote sensing platform to a ground based communication system; (2) spatially resolving into a set of locations a ground matrix area using optics of the remote sensing platform; (3) optically measuring for each member of the set of locations: first reflected cropland radiation in a visible range using the remote sensing platform, second reflected cropland radiation in a near-infrared range, and emitted radiation in an infrared range of 2500 to 12,000 nm; (4) generating a crop health data set for each set of locations using the combined remote sensing data; (5) repeating the steps of spatially resolving and optically measuring to periodically update the crop health data set; and (6) communicating the specific crop management recommendations to a farm treatment system.

Abstract: A mulch pellet for use in a soil region comprising a plurality of fibers bound together into a rigid pellet body having fertilizing qualities and carrying a polymer outer coating on an outwardly facing surface and further carrying a botanical seed adhered to the pellet body by the polymer outer coating, the pellet body having sufficient mass to provide for targeted distribution onto select soil regions.

Abstract: A discharge device includes a plurality of material conveying components, an adjustable shear ledge, and an adjustable shroud to convey materials from a container of a material spreader out onto an open area. The adjustable shear ledge includes at least one longitudinal mounting member such that the adjustable shear ledge may be translated towards or away from the plurality of material conveying components to maintain a predetermined gap distance. The adjustable shroud may also be pivotably connected to the adjustable shear ledge such that the adjustable shroud can be pivoted towards or away from the plurality of material conveying components. The adjustable shear ledge and the adjustable shroud may be moved accordingly to maintain a preferred gap distance and to maintain concentricity with a swing of the material conveying components in order to reduce wear on components and promote spread performance of the material spreader.

Abstract: The present invention describes an air-powered device that propels seed from a storage container and distributes seeds from a horizontal tube into a series of vertical tubes, and shoots the seeds from those vertical tubes into the ground. The device can be carried by a human user or mounted on a cart having wheels or skis, and towed through a field while being used to plant seed. The different methods of carrying and operating the device enable farmers to utilize the device in different types of terrain and during different condition. The device can be manufactured from common, affordable materials, such as PVC, and offers rural farmers a portable solution for planting their crops that is efficient and low-cost.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus including a manifold body and a plurality of ports defined through a wall of the manifold body. The apparatus also includes a delivery conduit connected to each one of the plurality of ports. On at least one of the plurality of ports, a port valve configured to communicate an interior of the manifold body with the delivery conduit associated with the at least one of the plurality of ports. The apparatus also includes a supply conduit connected at an output end thereof to the interior of the manifold body and connected at an input end thereof to receive a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein. The apparatus also includes an exhaust orifice defined in the supply conduit and an exhaust valve configured to control a flow of pressurized air from an interior of the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice.

Abstract: A growth information management device and the like with which growth information acquired from a plurality of farm fields can be easily divided or processed in other like manners. A growth information management device 10 generates boundary information on farm field information based on measured growth information 24 that is plant growth information that has been measured, generates independent farm field information 53 sectionalized based on the boundary information, and converts the measured growth information corresponding to the independent farm field information into growth level information 45 that is information indicating a level of growth of a plant and displays the growth level information on a display unit 16.

Abstract: A fertilization amount information management device and the like are provided with which a manager of a farm field or the like can be free of cumbersome operation of drafting fertilization amount plans for entire farm fields and with which a dedicated fertilization amount plan tailored for an actual condition of each farm field can be drafted. A fertilization amount information management device 10 includes a display unit. Fertilization amount plan information 56 on each of farm field portions that are portions of a farm field is generated based on measured growth information 24 that is growth information on a measured plant and is displayed on the display unit 16. Corrected fertilization amount plan information 65 indicating correction needed for each of the farm field portions is able to be input based on the fertilization amount plan information for each farm field displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: A mid-mount riding grass mower includes a belt transmission device attached to an upper portion of a mower unit, and a cover unit that covers the belt transmission device. The cover unit includes a lower cover extending upward from a position on more traveling vehicle body outer side than the belt transmission device in a mower deck, and right and left side covers detachably attached to right and left end portions of the traveling vehicle body. The lower cover has an upper end disposed higher than an upper end of the belt transmission device and has a vertical length for forming a maintenance space relative to a front/rear intermediate lower portion of the traveling vehicle body when the mower unit is located at its lower limit position. Each of the right and left side covers has a vertical wall that is overlapped with the lower cover as seen in a right/left direction in a lifting range of the mower unit.

Abstract: The invention regards a robotic gardening device comprising driving means for propelling the robotic gardening device, a working tool for performing dedicated gardening work and a controlling unit for controlling said driving means and the working tool and a method for controlling the same. The robotic gardening device further comprises at least one environment sensor generating a signal indicative of objects in the environment of the robotic gardening device, a computing unit for classifying these objects, wherein the classes comprise at least two different classes for objects being determined to be humans. The computing unit is configured to control the driving means and/or the working device according to a predetermined behavior associated with the respective objects class.

Abstract: A weed trimmer attached to a lawn mower for trimming along the edges of a lawn. A trimmer shaft extends downward from a motor. A trimmer line extends outward at the bottom of the trimmer shaft perpendicular to a lawn surface. An arm member connects the motor to a bracket secured to a lawn mower. The connections between the arm member and the motor and the arm member and the bracket can be pivotal, allowing the height of the trimmer line relative to the lawn surface to be adjusted.

Abstract: A control assembly for controlling the mode of all-wheel-drive walk-behind mower is provided. The control assembly includes a casing and a pair of levers extending from opposing lateral sides of the casing, wherein both of the levers are rotatable between a first operative position and a second operative position relative to the casing. Rotating both of the levers to the second operative position switches the control assembly to an all-wheel-drive mode in which a front transmission and a rear transmission are both in an engaged state resulting in the front and rear wheels of the lawn mower to be rotated by the transmissions. When both levers are in the second operative position, the levers are releasably attached to each other and can be maintained in the second operative position by the user continually grasping only one of the levers.

Abstract: A double deck boot attachment for a lawn maintenance tool includes a smaller deck boot and a larger deck boot including an interior volume. The smaller deck boot is an attachment for at least one first lawn maintenance tool and the larger deck boot is an attachment for at least one second lawn maintenance tool. At least a portion of the smaller deck boot is configured to slide within the interior volume of the larger deck boot from a separated position to an assembled position and the double deck boot is configured to be stored and shipped as one deck boot with one stock keeping unit code.

Abstract: A mower blade for a lawn maintenance device includes an elongate blade having opposed end edges and opposed side edges. The elongate blade is adapted for mounting onto a rotary mower for rotation about a center axis extended transverse to the elongate blade and separating the elongate blade into opposed elongate end portions extended from said center axis. The elongate blade has a blade major axis and defines a curved portion such that the curved portion is opposite a cutting edge. The curved portion extends from the elongate blade in an upward direction where the two meet and curves toward a lower face of the elongate blade. Further examples of the mower blade include the curved portion being offset vertically from a cutting edge to develop lift during rotation and a constant cross-section over most of the blade major axis.

Abstract: This control device is for a vehicle adapted for treating a field along a predetermined swath path, the swath path comprising a first and a second lane, the second lane comprising a lane beginning defining a beginning pose of the vehicle. The beginning pose of the vehicle is the pose of the vehicle for ideally treating the second lane from the lane beginning. The control device is adapted to gather information about the first lane during treatment of the first lane by the vehicle; and the control device comprises a target path generator device adapted for generating a target path for steering the vehicle to the beginning pose based on information about the first lane.

Abstract: The present invention shows an apparatus for trimming plants, specifically assisting with the process of separating leaves and buds from the stem and branches of the plant. The apparatus is composed by an iris mechanism with blades that adapt to the diameter of the stem, and a feeding mechanism that forces the plant trough the iris. The buds and leaves are by these means separated from the stem due to the shear forces imposed by the blades. All of the waste is collected in the back of the apparatus and separated from the buds and leaves that are ready to be further processed to achieve the state needed for their final application.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a handheld apparatus for thinning fruit such as apples, pears, cherries, plums, peaches and the like from the branches of fruit trees. The apparatus includes a handheld reciprocating motor unit and a hook shaft detachably secured to the motor unit. The hook shaft terminates in a hook configured to fit around the stem of the fruit.

Abstract: A cam reel for use on a harvesting header that can be configured in both operating and transport positions is provided. The reel comprises a plurality of finger-bearing reel bats disposed evenly around the reel shaft, each rotatably attached through the distal ends of radial arms extending outwardly from the reel shaft. A cam disc is attached to the frame and engages each reel bat by a cam follower, to provide rotational movement of the reel bats relative to the radial arms, during rotation of the shaft in the operating position. The cam has at least one operating position, and a transport position in which the engaged reel bats will be pivoted into transport mode that substantially reduces the risk of damage to the fingers.

Abstract: A sun shade for a lawn maintenance tool includes a bracket configured to accommodate a profile of the lawn maintenance tool to the rear of the seat. A frame is configured to cooperate with the bracket, and a fastener attaches the frame and the bracket to the lawn maintenance tool. A quantity of material is attached to the frame above the lawn maintenance tool, where the material is configured to inhibit passage of sunlight through the material. In further examples, the sun shade can be foldable at one or more locations by using breakaway hinges. A kit including the sun shade can also be used to modify the lawn maintenance tool.

Abstract: A method for unloading a first and a second bale from a round baler onto a field. The round baler includes a bale chamber and a bale holder. The method successively includes steps of: growing the second bale in the bale chamber, while the first bale is carried by the bale holder; unloading the first bale from the bale holder onto the field a period of time before finishing growing the second bale, the first bale defining a first position on the field; finishing growing the second bale; transporting the second bale to the bale holder; and unloading the second bale onto the field. The second bale defines a second position on the field. The period of time is determined such that a distance between the first position and the second position is smaller than a sum of the diameters of the first bale and second bale.

Abstract: A baler including a bale chamber; a plunger configured to compress crop material in the bale chamber in order to form a bale; a needle yoke with a plurality of needles configured to deliver twine through the bale chamber; a plurality of knotters configured to receive the twine from the plurality of needles; a bale length measurement and trigger device configured to measure the length of the bale in the bale chamber and to generate a trigger when a predetermined length is reached; a driving shaft located above the bale chamber and extending in a traverse direction of the baler; a needle coupling device between the driving shaft and the needle yoke, the needle coupling device being configured for moving the needle yoke from a rest position to a twine delivery position and back, when the bale length measurement and trigger device generates a trigger.

Abstract: A baler including a bale chamber; a plunger to compress crop material in the bale chamber to form a bale; a plurality of knotters; a needle yoke with a plurality of needles to deliver a plurality of lower strands through the bale chamber to the plurality of knotters; a tucker arm shaft carrying a plurality of tucker arms to deliver a plurality of upper strands to the plurality of knotters; a driving shaft located above the bale chamber and extending in a traverse direction of the baler; wherein the tucker arm shaft extends parallel to the driving shaft; a tucker arm coupling device to covert the rotation of the driving shaft into a rotation of the tucker arm shaft; a needle coupling device to convert a rotation of the driving shaft into a movement of the needle yoke from a rest position to a twine delivery position and back.

Abstract: A mechanical discharger (a) combined with an extractor device (b) of the bulk product (c) stored in a silo bag (d), of the type comprising a winding tube (10) driven by rotation and which is mounted on support arms (11) hinged to a wheeled (2) frame (1) and wherein the product extractor device (b) is a continuous conveyor structure having a lower loading part (5) substantially horizontally and transversely positioned within the bag-silo (d). From the discharge end, the silo-bag wall (d) is cut with two lateral longitudinal cuts, being the wall divided into an upper part (d1) and a lower one (d2). The winding tube (10), draws by rotation and by the corresponding end the upper half portion (d1) of the silo bag (d). A second winding tube (20) is mounted underlying and parallel to the first tube (10) through support and positioning means (30) and though a mechanical transmission (40). The second winding tube (20) draws by rotation and by the same end, the lower half part (d2) of the silo bag (d).

Abstract: A PTO driven yard clean up tool is for attachment to a tractor is disclosed and claimed. The PTO system drives a rake attachment that runs in a counter-clockwise direction to the direction of travel to throw material into a basket; the material can be dumped out of the basket when it gets full by tilting the basket.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for imaging and phenotyping of plants. Plants are placed in an enclosure having an access door and a floor. A turntable is disposed on the floor of the enclosure. A side view camera assembly attached to a frame of the apparatus is configured to capture images of a plant placed on the turntable. An overhead view camera assembly attached to the frame above the turntable is configured to capture images of a plant placed on the turntable.

Abstract: A planter system has similarly configured left and right sides, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, a rear edge, a first surface, and a second surface. A rear plate assembly is formed of a plurality of rear plates coupled in a vertical plane between the sides adjacent to the rear edges to hold the sides in parallel vertical planes. A shelf plate assembly is formed of a plurality of shelf plates coupled in elevationally spaced parallel planes between the sides to hold the sides in parallel vertical planes. A base has a bottom positionable on a floor and has a top receiving and supporting the sides adjacent to the bottom edges.

Abstract: Porous support for growing an organism, comprising two walls capable of holding water, the two walls being designed to form at least one pocket for holding the organism, characterized in that each wall comprises at least one porous layer comprising a chemically inert and porous material allowing water to flow under the effect of gravity through the pores of the layer, the said layer being designed to allow the organism to cling on to it.

Abstract: A planter made of PLA, a compostable resin with an element of kelp or a natural fertilizer added in molding. The planter has a crown shaped top edge, the mild points of which serve as a deterrent to animals walking on or eating the plant. The planter has slotted sidewalls in the base area that serve as a vent for water flow and for root expansion when directly planted into the ground. The container body is composed of a 100% organic compostable material. The body can be formed as a blend of 30 to 50% organic plastic with the remaining portion being composed of compostable organic material.

Abstract: A saw bar clamping mechanism, length measuring mechanism, system for measuring the length of a tree stem, feed roller mechanism, pin retention mechanism, and a tree processor attachment comprising at least one of the mechanisms and/or system is provided. The saw bar mechanism simultaneously unclamps a saw bar and releases a saw chain for convenient removal. The length measuring mechanism comprises a measuring wheel operable to extend and retract perpendicularly to a tree stem. The feed roller mechanism includes first-side and second-side rollers, and a bearing having outer and inner sides, the bearing being rotatably coupled at its outer side to the first-side roller and rotatably coupled at its inner side to the second-side roller, the bearing making angular contact. The pin retention mechanism includes a two-part collar fitting into a groove with interference for locking a nut received by the collar.

Abstract: An irrigation controller comprises actuable controls, a memory to store the watering program, and one or more displays. The actuable controls and display are incorporated into a removable face pack that is mounted to an interior door of the irrigation controller. The face pack can be easily moved from a first position on the front side of the interior door to a second position on the back side of the interior door and the face pack automatically senses its position. When the face pack is in the first position, the actuable controls and display are configured for operating information. When the face pack is in the second position, the wiring hook up area of the irrigation controller is exposed and the actuable controls and display are configured for diagnostics.

Abstract: In order to construct a watering system for watering an agricultural area as economically as possible and independently of environmental conditions, it is suggested to supply both a drive for the movement of a watering unit and also a pump system with current or voltage by means of a photovoltaic unit or a plurality of photovoltaic units.

Abstract: A system may include sensor equipment including one or more sensors disposed on a parcel of land, watering equipment disposed on the parcel and configured to selectively apply water to the parcel, and a gateway configured to provide for communication with the sensor equipment and the watering equipment. The gateway may interface between a first network and a second network. The first network may include at least the watering equipment and the sensor equipment. An operator may be enabled to wirelessly communicate with the gateway via the second network. At least one component of the watering equipment or the sensor equipment may be an adaptive component.

Abstract: A hydroponics growing medium comprising mineral fibres and an organic binder, the growing medium has a Weathered Interlaminar Strength of at least 4 kilopascals and a phenol content of less than or equal to 0.01% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention may relate to Aeroponic Systems and their individual elements. More particularly to automated systems capable of monitoring and adjusting some if not all of the light, nutrient, water quality and environmental factors required for the propagation and sustained growth of all types of plants. It may also describe methods to support the plants during propagation from seeds and for growth and harvesting. It may describe various methodologies for reducing space requirements and for increasing plant density without detriment to the growth cycles.

Abstract: The described technology relates to a water culture block, which can be stacked in multiple stages along a wall surface, and a water culture device having the same. The water culture block can include a block body including side plates each having an opening, and a bottom plate connected to the side plates to form a receiving space, and at least one overflow tube having a hollow portion and configured to pass through the bottom plate to communicate an inside of the block body with an outside thereof. The water culture block can also include a water tray body formed at an upper portion of the block body and having a through hole for providing a fluid to the receiving space, and a pipe in communication with the through hole and coupled to the water tray body to support the water tray body on the bottom plate.

Abstract: A novel pepper hybrid plant, designated HMX5125, HMX5177 or HMX15636 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid HMX5125, HMX5177 and/or HMX15636, to the plants and plant parts of pepper hybrid HMX5125, HMX5177 and/or HMX15636, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the pepper hybrid HMX5125, HMX5177 and/or HMX15636 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper plants derived from the pepper hybrid plant HMX5125, HMX5177 and/or HMX15636.

Abstract: A novel pepper hybrid plant, designated HMX5177 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid HMX5177, to the plants and plant parts of pepper hybrid, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the pepper hybrid HMX5177 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper plants derived from the pepper hybrid plant HMX5177.

Abstract: A novel pepper hybrid plant, designated HMX15636 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid HMX15636, to the plants and plant parts of pepper hybrid HMX15636, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the pepper hybrid HMX15636 with itself or another pepper plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pepper plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pepper plants derived from the pepper hybrid plant HMX15636.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Cucumber, NUN 55516 CUP as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Melon, NUN 16215 MEM as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Watermelon, NUN 31408 WMW, as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to crop breeding. More particularly, the present invention relates to targeted modification of root to enhance abiotic stress tolerance in maize. In one aspect, the invention provides recombinant maize exhibiting increased root cortical aerenchyma (RCA). Methods of making the recombinant maize and various methods of plant selection and breeding are further provided.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel romaine lettuce cultivar, designated CVX-35. ‘CVX-35’ is described as a vigorous romaine cultivar recommended for the main lettuce growing regions of California and Arizona. It has larger frame size and heavier weight, short core length, savoyed and glossy leaf color, corky root rot resistance, Bushy Stunt virus resistance, no fringe burn on mature leaves and also yellower heart leaf color. The present invention relates to a new and distinctive cos or romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) variety designated CVX-35.

Abstract: A method for identifying mastitis in a dairy animal, the method including the steps of: (i) identifying a dairy animal suspected of being affected by mastitis; (ii) collecting a sample of milk from the identified dairy animal; (iii) analyzing the sample for the presence of one or more mastitic bacteria; (iv) analyzing the sample for the presence of one or more mastitic pathogens; (v) identifying, if the presence of one or more mastitic bacteria is indicated, the mastitic bacteria in the sample; and (vi) determining, based on the identified mastitic bacteria in the sample, a management decision for the dairy animal.

Abstract: A pet bathroom pad system includes a pad having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a periphery surrounding the thickness, and a sheet of waterproof laminate material affixed to the bottom surface. The pet bathroom pad system is useful for providing a non-leaking pet bathroom pad system for collecting and absorbing deposits of at least one pet.

Abstract: A system for pet excrement removal, separating the excrements from the clean litter by lodging them in a separate compartment from the litter box. To do so, it is only necessary to rotate a cylinder. The system has a removable litter tray where the animal can do its physiological needs. The fact that it is removable allows for an easy sanitation, because it can be removed from the system, with or without litter, which simplifies its washing, increasing the hygiene of the litter box. The removable litter tray, previously mentioned, has a support base for entry and exit of the animal, which allows removal of the litter attached to the animal's paws, when exiting the litter box, in order to keep the surrounding environment clean.