Abstract: A hoe-like excavation tool having an elongated handle, and a hoe plate mounted to one end of the handle, perpendicular to the handle and offset from the axis of the handle. The plate has a sharp working edge, and a plurality of teeth extending outward from the edge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-working system for an agricultural soil-working machine, comprising a base element, which is designed to hold a bottom element, wherein the bottom element has at least one cutting element, and comprising an injection element for introducing substances into the soil material to be worked, wherein the soil-working elements are detachably or undetachably connected to a carrier element of the soil-working machine, wherein the detachable connections form an interlocking and/or frictional connection and wherein the elements at least partially form a protection against abrasive wear in relation to each other.

Abstract: The Row Digger provides a tool that enables an operator of the Row Digger to remove dirt piles interfering with irrigation between crop field furrows and irrigation trenches. The Row Digger includes a frame capable of moving from a transportation position to an operation position. The Row Digger also includes a plurality of digger arms extending from a central hub and each terminating in a corresponding digging disc. The central hub is connected to the frame at a hub angle and is capable of rotation about a hub axis. Each digging disc is also connected to the corresponding digger arm at a disc angle. Each digging disc enters a crop furrow and utilizes the slopes of the ridges to create the rotation required about the hub axis and ensure a path of travel for the digging discs that removes the impeding dirt piles.

Abstract: A method of real-time plant selection and removal from a plant field including capturing a first image of a first section of the plant field, segmenting the first image into regions indicative of individual plants within the first section, selecting the optimal plants for retention from the first image based on the first image and the previously thinned plant field sections, sending instructions to the plant removal mechanism for removal of the plants corresponding to the unselected regions of the first image from the second section before the machine passes the unselected regions, and repeating the aforementioned steps for a second section of the plant field adjacent the first section in the direction of machine travel.

Abstract: By providing a hydraulic system for configuring an angle of rotation for smoothing tools of a harrow that is predetermined for a tilling session, hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic system may be maintained (and not adjusted) to allow the hydraulic system to actuate during the tilling session by tilling forces encountered by the smoothing tools. As a result, the angle of the smoothing took may change during the tilling session, thereby allowing excessive plant residue encountered by the smoothing tools to be passed over to minimize plugging or bunching.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a weight of a payload carried by a support structure of an agricultural utility vehicle via a hitch. The hitch includes at least one upper link and at least one lower link. The method includes determining the weight based on at least one of (1) an angle between the upper link and a vehicle horizontal, and (2) a holding force that arises at a connection between the upper link and the payload and is effective along the upper link.

Abstract: Unique self-propelled soil working machines are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. In certain exemplary embodiments, the tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and figures.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the depth of an opener device in an agricultural planter comprises a gauge wheel on a pivotably mounted support arm, a mechanical element coupled to the support arm to move in response to changes in the angle of the support arm, a sensor adapted to measure changes in the relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel to produce an output signal representing the current relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel, and a control device receiving the output signal from the sensor and producing a second output signal for maintaining the opener device at a selected elevation relative to the gauge wheel.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.

Abstract: A closing wheel assembly is provided for a row unit agricultural planter. The planter is configured to open a trench in the soil and the closing wheel assembly is configured to close the trench. A resilient flap is provided for firming and leveling the soil returned to the trench by the closing wheel assembly. Pivotally mounted offset closing wheels are also provided.

Abstract: A seed metering system includes a seed tank including a seed tank outlet, and a number of row units. Each and every row unit of the number of row units comprises a singulating meter in selective communication with the seed tank outlet, a bypass conduit in selective communication with the seed tank outlet, and an outlet. The seed metering system further includes a volumetric metering system positioned upstream of the number of row units and operable to volumetrically meter the plurality of seeds. The seed metering system is operable in a first mode of operation in which the seed tank outlet communicates with each singulating meter via the volumetric metering system to singulate the plurality of seeds. The seed metering system is operable in a second mode of operation in which the seed tank outlet communicates with each bypass conduit via the volumetric metering system and seeds are not singulated.

Abstract: Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.

Abstract: A head assembly for a rake is provided. The head assembly includes a base portion, a handle coupling, and a number of tines. Each tine includes an elongated body. Each tine body includes a first end, a flexure portion, an offset portion, and a distal second end. The tines includes a first set of tines and a second set of tines. A number of tine bodies in the first set of tines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is greater than 1.0. A number of tine bodies in the second set of tines have an offset portion lateral cross-sectional aspect ratio that is less than 1.0.

Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a hand held power tool may include receiving information indicative of a type of cutting equipment attached to the hand held power tool (100) based on operation of a working assembly (130) in a selected direction of rotation. The working assembly (130) may be configured to be bi-directionally rotatable to perform a cutting function using cutting equipment attachable to the hand held power tool (100). The method may further include determining the type of cutting equipment attached based on the received information, and selectively inserting an operational constraint on the working assembly based on the type of cutting equipment and a selected direction of rotation for the working assembly.

Abstract: A method of mowing multiple areas includes training a robotic mower to mow at least two areas separated by a space, including moving the robotic mower about the areas while storing data indicative of location of boundaries of each area relative to boundary markers, training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas, and initiating a mowing operation. Training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas includes moving the robotic mower to a traversal launch point of a first of the areas and moving the robotic mower to a traversal landing point of a second of the areas. The mowing operation causes the robotic mower to move to the traversal launch point, move from the traversal launch point across the space to the traversal landing point, and then mow the second of the areas.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting device (10) including an elongated member (45), a trimmer head (25), and a power unit operably coupled to the trimmer head (25) to selectively cause rotation of the trimmer head (25). The trimmer head (25) includes a line holding assembly (110, 310) to hold and selectively release trimmer line (70), and a housing to house the line holding assembly (110, 310), wherein the line holding assembly (110, 310) includes a core (140, 340), a line-release knob (160, 350), and a spool (130) configured to hold the trimmer line (70). The knob (160, 350) is axially movable with respect to the core (140, 340) between an extended first position and a retracted second position, the knob (160, 350) extending outwardly from the housing and being non-rotatably fixed to the core (140, 340) when the knob (160, 350) is in the first position.

Abstract: An adjustable guard assembly is connected to a head assembly of a string trimmer. The adjustable guard assembly includes a housing. The housing includes a mounting portion, which connects to a motor case. The housing further includes a deck portion, which extends from the mounting portion. The deck portion has a proximal end and a distal end. A first skirt member extends along and downward from the distal end of the deck portion in a generally radially outward direction. A first blade assembly includes a first blade member, provided in the interior of the first skirt member, to engage a rotating string member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mounting assembly for a roller having a bearing and a fastener. The fastener is at least partially shrouded by a sleeve, the end of which is keyed into the roller. Use of the sleeve provides an additional bearing surface to allow the roller to rotate with the bearing. Should the bearing seize, the sleeve and the roller are still able to rotate without affecting the fastener, that is, the fastener does not unravel and disengage from the housing. This invention has particular application to mounting of rollers to mower decks of a mowing implement.

Abstract: A utility vehicle equipped with driving wheels attached to a chassis to run about a working area and a cover suspension connecting the chassis and a cover attached to the chassis. The cover suspension is provided with a shaft disposed to extend in gravity axis direction between the chassis and the cover with an upper portion attached to the cover and a lower portion attached to the chassis, and a converting member fastened to the shaft to convert force acting on the shaft to movement in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the gravity axis direction. In the vehicle, the shaft is made of resin, and a reinforcing member is inserted in an axial core of the shaft extending downward in the gravity axis direction in the shaft beyond a position where the converting member is fastened to.

Abstract: An agricultural machine is with skids equipped with interchangeable liners. The agricultural machine is a disk mower, a swather or similar machine, resting at least partly in braced manner on the soil during its use and provided with a working element and with skids designed to slide on the soil. These skids are formed in a lower wall of the working element or are integral with this lower wall, and each skid is provided with a liner having at least one frontal end and a frontal rim on each side of this frontal end. At least one of the frontal rims of the liner of each skid has a relief, at least one part of which penetrates into an indentation formed in the corresponding skid.

Abstract: Provided is a portable brush cutter with reduced weight and size due to its simple structure with a small number of components that is capable of improving durability and the like as well as effectively suppressing torsional vibration of a transmission shaft. In the portable brush cutter, a one-way clutch to prevent generation of torsional vibration in a rotation transmission path is interposed between an output shaft and a transmission shaft, and bearings are adjacently mounted on the opposite sides of the one-way clutch.

Abstract: A sensor generates a sensor signal indicative of a sensed variable. A first filter is applied to the sensor signal, and filters the sensor signal based on a first set of sensor data, to generate a first filtered signal. A second filter is applied to the sensor signal, based on a second set of sensor data that is greater than the first set of sensor data, to generate a second filtered sensor signal. The first and second filtered sensor signals are compared to generate a control signal that can be used to control a controllable subsystem of a mobile machine.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting stalks processed by a combine harvester, for measuring stalk diameters, and for displaying harvest metrics and yield data to a user based on stalk locations and stalk diameters.

Abstract: An extractor for use with a sugarcane harvester comprises a fan and a hood. The fan is configured to rotate about a fan axis for inducing a cleaning flow of air to separate crop residue from sugarcane billets. The hood is positioned to receive in an interior region of the hood the cleaning flow of air with entrained crop residue from the fan and redirect the cleaning flow of air with entrained crop residue relative to the fan axis to an outlet of the hood to exit from the interior region.

Abstract: A work vehicle for working a swath of crop has at least one ground-engaging wheel or track mounted to the work vehicle and movable in a travel direction along a tread path. A first redistribution device is mounted to the work vehicle to move crop that is ahead of the at least one ground-engaging wheel or track relative to the travel direction. A second redistribution device is mounted to the work vehicle to move crop that is behind the at least one ground-engaging wheel or track relative to the travel direction. The first redistribution device is configured to open the swath of crop along substantially only the tread path ahead of the at least one ground-engaging wheel or track relative to the travel direction, and the second redistribution device is configured to close the swath of crop along the tread path behind the at least one ground-engaging wheel or track relative to the travel direction.

Abstract: A tractor assembly includes a tractor having a first set of wheels and a second set of wheels, a mower-conditioner assembly coupled to the tractor, a shield coupled to the conditioner at a location rearward thereof, and a crop moving assembly coupled to either the tractor or mower-conditioner assembly. The mower-conditioner assembly includes a mowing mechanism configured to cut a crop and a conditioner configured to crimp the crop. The shield deflects the crimped crop rearwardly therefrom and forms a windrow of a first width. The windrow is disposed directly behind the tractor and includes a device for spreading the windrow in at least one direction to form a second width. The second width is greater than the first width.

Abstract: A conveying and conditioning roller for a harvesting machine is provided on the surface thereof with teeth in the form of toothed strips which extend over the longitudinal extent of the roller and in each case have a leading tooth flank and a trailing tooth flank as well as a tooth edge. The roller is provided with wear protection zones continuously or in partial regions, the wear resistance thereof being greater than that of the material of the base body of the roller. The base body has a tooth structure determining the shape of the teeth and tooth wear protection zones are formed on the trailing tooth flanks by a high energy radiation process, substantially maintaining the geometry of the tooth structure, roller wear protection zones being formed together thereby on the rollers, as well as a method for producing such a roller wear protection zone.

Abstract: A chopping module which pulls plants inside the module and chops them into billets, comprising a box-shaped body with three open sides, a front inlet for plants to be chopped, a rear outlet for chopped plants and a lower outlet for residues. Plants are pulled by two crosswise pairs of rollers, after which plants are chopped by a rotating blade assembly and a fixed shearbar, which are aligned parallel to the pulling rollers. Between the pulling rollers, a passageway is formed for the plants to be chopped. After the fixed shearbar, said passageway continues in the form of a slide sloping downwards to the rear outlet. The rotating blade assembly is located above the slide and next to the fixed shearbar.

Abstract: A stepless speed regulating control mechanism for a mower, which comprises a push handle, a self-propelled lever, a speed regulating cable and a regulating mechanism; the mower has a base and a self-propelled device; the regulating mechanism comprises a regulating sleeve and a speed regulating sleeve; the self-propelled lever pulls the regulating sleeve and causes the speed regulating sleeve to move simultaneously with the regulating sleeve, so as to pull the speed regulating cable, and the speed regulating sleeve can move relative to the regulating sleeve, so as to pull the speed regulating cable. The stepless speed regulating control mechanism of a mower is not only convenient for speed regulation and for stepless speed regulation, but also reasonable in design and convenient for speed regulation operation without causing confusion and misoperation. Besides, the stepless speed regulating control mechanism is low in cost, and easy to manufacture and operate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tine support (10) for a crop collecting device for connecting at least two tines (12) to a shaft (50), one tine (12, 32) having a securing region (18). The invention is characterized in that the tine support (10, 30) comprises at least two support elements (14A, 14B, 34A, 34B) on which the securing region (18) of at least one tine (12, 32) can be secured. Furthermore, the support element (14A, 14B, 34A, 34B) has a connection region (24) via which a rotationally fixed connection to the shaft (50) can be produced, and the tine support (10, 30) has a clamping element (26, 38) which clamps the support elements (14A, 14B, 34A, 34B) in a removable manner with respect to the shaft (50).

Abstract: A crop management system including one or more field sensors, each configured to detect one or more parameters of crop material at one or more locations, and a data processor in operable communication with the one or more sensors and configured to compile the information provided by the field sensors to determine the timing and location of at least one of the tedding process, the raking process, the baling process, or the chemical application process.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner assembly of a self-propelled windrower includes a frame, a cutting mechanism coupled to the frame for cutting crop, a conditioner rotatably coupled to the frame at a location rearward of the cutting mechanism, and a fluffer assembly rotatably coupled to the frame at a location rearward of the conditioner. The fluffer assembly includes at least an elongated roll and a crop moving element. The conditioner crimps the crop after it is cut, and the fluffer assembly fluffs or moves the crop during operation.

Abstract: A binding system for an agricultural harvesting machine may include a binding mechanism securing binding material around a crop package and a delivery device coupled to the binding system and including an overload relief component. The delivery device wraps binding material around a portion of the crop package and provides binding material to the binding mechanism. The overload relief component releases the delivery device from the binding system upon encountering a predetermined overload condition.

Abstract: A crop management system including one or more field sensors, each configured to detect one or more parameters of crop material at one or more locations, and a data processor in operable communication with the one or more sensors and configured to compile the information provided by the field sensors to determine the timing and location of at least one of the tedding process, the raking process, the baling process, or the chemical application process.

Abstract: An agricultural utility vehicle includes a working power takeoff drivable by means of an internal combustion engine for operating an implement. The utility vehicle further includes an auxiliary power takeoff, which can be driven by an energy storage device and is coupled to the working power takeoff in such a manner that the working power takeoff is additionally driven at least transiently by the auxiliary power takeoff.

Abstract: A cutting tool such as garden shears, secateurs, toppers, scissors, tin snips, cutting pliers, and the like that employs a circular disc with a sharp, beveled edge. During the cutting process, the disc engages with an opposing jaw. Furthermore, in the cutting process, the disc is forced to rotate by a ratchet mechanism or other means. The circular disc can be easily sharpened by mounting it on a rotatable shaft. The beveled edge is then engaged with a sharpening stone or file as the disc rotates. Optionally, the tool can include a built-in, self-sharpening mechanism. Here, an abrasive sharpening element is constantly engaged with the beveled edge of the disc. Thus the disc is continually sharpened as the tool is used, and never needs to be sharpened manually.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods of illuminating plants, in particular, to providing supplemental lighting in addition to natural light to plants, and improving the crop yield when using such supplemental lighting. The invention is well suited for use in horticulture, for instance, in greenhouses.

Abstract: A plant growing apparatus comprising: a bag member including a bottom wall and at least one side wall; and a composition of soil. Wherein the at least one side wall is connected to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. Wherein the at least one side wall includes a top portion defining an upper opening of said plant growing apparatus. Wherein the bottom wall and the at least one side wall are formed from a non-rigid flexible material. Wherein the bottom wall and said at least one side wall forms an interior volume. Wherein the composition of soil is located within the interior volume of the bag member.

Abstract: A tray structure includes a plurality of trays stacking together from top to bottom and expanding in an alternating manner to construct a spiral plant tower. Each of the trays includes a bottom plate, a peripheral wall and a cultivating space. Each of the trays includes an inner tube provided with a protruding locking member, and an outer tube provided with a plurality of recessed locking members. The recessed locking members of the outer tube of an upper one of the trays are locked onto the protruding locking member of the inner tube of a lower one of the trays. Each of the trays includes a connecting tube located in and connected with the inner tube by a plurality of separating ribs. The connecting tubes of the trays are juxtaposed to each other when the trays are combined together.

Abstract: A planter 10 which defines a planting recess 12 for receiving a plant, in use, and which also defines a ballast cavity 14 for receiving ballast, in use, to provide stability for the planter 10.

Abstract: Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer-operated farming superstructure systems (FSS) may be used to produce cannabis for human consumption with minimal water and environmental impact. A system for producing electricity, heat, and cannabis includes a power production system (PPS), a farming superstructure system (FSS), and a temperature control unit (TCU). Methods to method to separate volatiles from cannabis are described. Methods to asexually clone a plurality of cannabis plants are also provided.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a framework and expanding cover for a crop row that is designed to provide an enhanced crop growing environment. The framework design utilizes a top and bottom cover with affordable materials that are suitable for large scale production. The design also includes an irrigation, fertilizer, and CO2 injection system that provide an enhanced environment for plants to grow. The entire system is reducible to a small package to better facilitate use in a broad variety of environmental and personal situations.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, an attachment for a work vehicle includes a hydraulic motor including a case cavity, a bearing, a mandrel received by the bearing, and a disc saw rotationally coupled to the hydraulic motor via the mandrel. A mandrel cavity surrounds the mandrel, and at least a portion of the bearing is disposed within the mandrel cavity. The mandrel cavity is hydraulically connected to the case cavity downstream of the case cavity.

Abstract: An irrigation drip emitter, and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The emitter having at least one movable member for compensating for fluctuations in supply line fluid pressure. In one form, the movable member includes a tapered baffle section movable between a first position wherein fluid is allowed to flow over the tapered baffle section and a second position wherein fluid is prevented from flowing over at least a portion of the tapered baffle section and the tapered baffle section effectively lengthening the extent of a pressure reduction passage. In another form, first and second movable members are provided for compensating for such pressure fluctuations. In another form, a plurality of inputs is provided which are movable between first and second positions to compensate for such pressure fluctuations.

Abstract: An impact sprinkler is provided. The impact sprinkler includes a stem; a first trip collar rotatably coupled to the stem, the first trip collar including a first trip flange; a second trip collar rotatably coupled to the stem, the second trip collar including a second trip flange; a nozzle body including a spray nozzle structured to emit a fluid stream, the nozzle body rotatably coupled to the stem; and a base coupled to an end of the stem opposite an end of the stem where the first and second trip collars are positioned such that the nozzle body is an intermediary between the base and the first and second trip collars.

Abstract: A water level indicator, and a self-watering planter containing same. The water level indicator having a top end and a bottom end, and a plurality of pushrods, each of the pushrods comprising an indicator flag cap and a float. The floats on each of the pushrods may each arranged such that the indicator flag cap of each pushrod is pushed towards the top end when liquid container is filled to different levels.

Abstract: A dual-media horticultural plug comprising a base having a substantially continuous bottom surface and a top surface spaced from the bottom surface, a sidewall extending from the base and forming an elongated inner cavity, a growing substrate substantially filling the elongated inner cavity, and a water-impermeable outer cover substantially covering an open top end of the elongated inner cavity. The growing substrate comprises a first growing medium having a first water holding capacity, and at least one of the base and the sidewall comprise a second growing medium having a second water holding capacity. The first water holding capacity is greater than the second water holding capacity.

Abstract: The vertical indoor ecosystem invention is an indoor vertical modular structure and method. The system includes at least one: retention tank, grow bed, grow tank, structural frame, recycling water supply, light energy supply and control units. Each grow tank supports both terrestrial and/or semi-aquatic plants and fresh water aquatic species. The grow tanks are built in to the structural frame in multi-level vertical tiers connected horizontally and/or vertically. The lowermost retention tank regulates water quantity and quality and typically houses larger aquatic species. Generally, the waste water from the retention tank travels up through a water pump to the top grow bed to filter water. Water travels down to the next lower level grow tank by gravity wherein plants uptake nutrients. Water returns to retention tank in a cyclical manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the cultivation and processing of high quality macroalgae, particularly for the cultivation of edible seaweed on a commercial scale.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing one or more markers that are associated with resistance to fungi. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing at least one marker associated with resistance to Fusarium stalk rot (FSR) infection for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program, thus producing novel FSR resistant germplasm.