Abstract: The water shovel is a device which allows the user to soften hard soil before or upon breaking the surface of the soil and reduces the problem of airborne dust created by excavating. The water shovel comprises a handle which houses a containment chamber, and a liquid discharge mechanism disposed on the handle to regulate flow of liquid from the containment chamber to a discharge conduit. The liquid from the containment chamber is expelled through the discharge conduit disposed on a digging implement which contacts the soil when the shovel is used for digging. The first end of the handle is threaded, whereby it can be covered with a cap or connected to an external water supply source such as a hose which continuously fills the containment chamber. The water shovel may also be used for other applications such as snow and ice removal by substituting a de-icing solution in place of water.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for controlling weeds. The apparatus includes a tine formation adapted to remove or disrupt targeted weeds, and a tine support assembly adapted to support the tine for movement about a first control axis in a generally vertical direction between an engaged position wherein the tine formation in use contacts a ground surface for removal or disruption of targeted weeds and a disengaged position wherein the tine formation is substantially retracted from the ground surface. The tine support assembly is further adapted to support the tine for movement about a second control axis in a generally horizontal direction. The tine support assembly further includes a first actuation mechanism adapted to effect movement of the tine about the first control axis, and a second actuation mechanism adapted to effect movement of the tine about the second control axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a ground treatment, such as aeration or dethatching, is provided. The apparatus includes a base frame component to which a pair of angled side frame components are pivotally mounted. Each angled side frame can include first and second ends that are oriented to form a central angle. A first end of an angled side frame can be pivotally attached to a wheel and/or the base frame component, while the second end can include a mechanism for mounting a ground treatment component.

Abstract: A farm implement supported by at least one wheeled support mounted on a pivot arm extending from a wing and at least one tracked support on a main carrier. The tracked support can be rotated about a primary rotational axis and the wheeled support being rotatable about a secondary rotational axis. The pivot arm can be rotated to position the wheeled support to elevate or lower the wing. The rotational of the pivot arm also changes the alignment of the secondary rotational axis of the winged support relative to the primary rotational axis of the tracked support to prevent berming when maneuvering the farm implement.

Abstract: A tillage implement has row units with shank assemblies including shanks. The shank assemblies may be pivotally engaged with the row units and biased toward engagement with the ground using a spring member. A tool assembly is connected to each shank assembly by way of planar members on each lateral side of the shank. Each shank has at least two mounting features, and each planar member has at least two matching mounting features. A pivot member may be engaged with one of the mounting features of the shank and with one of the matching mounting features of each planar member. At least one shear member may be engaged with at least one of the mounting features of the shank and with at least one of the matching mounting features of each planar member. The shear member may minimize damage to the tool assembly, while the planar members may minimize misalignment.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position.

Abstract: A row unit has a frame with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a parallel linkage and the lower portion is coupled to plural gauge wheels. A first sensor is configured to provide an output signal and a controllable device is coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide an adjustable down force. A dampening device is coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide adjustable dampening of the row unit based on the output signal.

Abstract: A control system and method for automatically determining characteristic for optimum machine performance including a user interface console, a processor and a controller. Data for operation setting and optimization condition is fed into the control system through the user interface console. The processor processes the data by incrementing at least one variable parameter to generate an output data corresponding to each incremented variable parameter.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a trench in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the trench.

Abstract: A flow control assembly for an agricultural metering system includes a first gate control rod configured to couple to a first gate of a seed meter and a second gate control rod configured to couple to a second gate of the seed meter. The flow control assembly also includes a locking assembly configured to block translation of the first gate control rod at least while the second gate control rod is in a positioned that corresponds to an open position of the second gate and to block translation of the second gate control rod at least while the first gate control rod is in a position that corresponds to an open position of the first gate.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a seed reservoir and a seed meter assembly having a metering member with a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side opposite the seed side. The metering member is operable to selectively move seeds from the seed reservoir. A pump provides a pressure differential between the seed side and the non-seed side for adhering the seeds to the metering member. A conveyor has an inlet for receiving the seeds and an outlet configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine. The conveyor includes a belt movable from the inlet to the outlet. A pneumatic seed displacer includes a nozzle disposed adjacent the metering member for concentrating air. The nozzle is configured to eject the air towards the metering member for directing the seeds from the metering member to the conveyor.

Abstract: A Knife attachment arrangement for oscillatingly driven mower knives, including a shaft (1) defining a first longitudinal axis (X) and having a receiving space (4) and a mower knife drive pin (2) engaging in the receiving space (4) and being detachably connected to the shaft (1). A head bearing holding area (13) of the mower knife drive pin (2) engages in the receiving space (4) and has a first contact face (14) that is in contact with the first support face (6) and is curved opposite to the first support face (6). An undercut (8) is formed in the wall (5) delimiting the receiving space (4) and the head bearing holding area (13) of the mower knife drive pin (2) has a collar (16) engaging in the undercut (8), wherein the undercut is formed as a groove (8) in the wall (5), the groove (8) extends radially with respect to the second longitudinal axis (Y).

Abstract: A disclosed example scissoring mower includes a cutting assembly driven by a gear system. The mower is moved by an operator or motor to cause rotation of wheels. The wheels are coupled to an axle that drives the gear system and thereby the cutting assembly. Accordingly, when the mower is pushed or driven forward, the gear system causes blades of the cutting assembly to move in opposite directions, creating a scissoring action that cuts grass and other vegetation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock-absorption type mower safety blade unit having a protector mounted thereon, the safety blade unit comprising: a housing fixed to a driving shaft of a driving part, provided at the end portion of an operating bar of a mower, so as to rotate together with the driving shaft; a plurality of cutter parts, which are provided at the housing, and project to the outside of the housing so as to cut weeds according to the rotation of the housing and retract to the inside of the housing so as to prevent breakage when colliding with obstacles; and an elastic part for providing elastic force to the cutter parts such that the cutter parts can return by projecting outwards when the cutter parts retract into the housing.

Abstract: A grain management system includes a combine and a management server 8. The combine includes a grain measurer 30 for outputting a measured value related to a component of harvested grains supplied to a grain tank 16, and a data transmitter 51a for transmitting the measured value and field identification information for specifying the field to the management server 8 via a communication line. The management server 8 includes a receiver 81b for receiving the field identification information and the measured value from the combine, a table manager 83 for determining a measured value-grain component value table for deriving a grain component value using the measured value based on the field identification information, and a grain component value computer 82 for obtaining the grain component value based on the measured value, using the measured value-grain component value table that is determined by the table manager 83.

Abstract: A header is supported by a pair of hydraulic float cylinders, where a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration and/or velocity. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. A lift force greater than that required to lift the header can be provided by a lift cylinder and can be opposed in a controlled manner to apply a controlled downforce by the back of the same cylinder or by a separate component.

Abstract: A header is supported by a pair of hydraulic float cylinders, where a float pressure to the cylinders is directly controlled by an electronic control supplying a variable control signal to a PPRR valve arrangement to maintain the float pressure at a predetermined value. At the set pressure a predetermined lifting force is provided to the header. A position sensor is used to generate an indication of movement and/or acceleration and/or velocity. The electronic control is arranged, in response to changes in the sensor signal, to temporarily change the control signal to vary the lifting force and thus change the dynamic response of the hydraulic float cylinder. A lift force greater than that required to lift the header can be provided by a lift cylinder and can be opposed in a controlled manner to apply a controlled downforce by the back of the same cylinder or by a separate component.

Abstract: Machine (1) for the automatic harvesting of fruits cultivated in rows, formed by a self-propelled and autonomous vehicle encompassing at least one crop row (13), including a pair of parallel rails (2), a fruit collector assembly formed by a carriage (3) movably mounted on the pair of parallel rails (2) and a collector robotic arm (4) movably mounted on the carriage (3) for moving transversely with respect to the carriage (3), a carriage motor (5) for moving the carriage (3), and a robotic arm motor (6) for moving the robotic arm (4), the carriage and the robotic arm motors (5, 6) attached to the carriage (3). The carriage is movable horizontally and the robotic arm is transversally movable with respect to the rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a harvesting combine rotor cage top cover assembly that includes an overhead roof formed from a substantially horizontal flat section and downwardly angled side sections. A series of substantially parallel vanes are located beneath the overhead roof. Each vane is formed from a substantially flat top section located against the roof horizontal flat section and downwardly laterally extending legs being angled on their sides and having an arcuate bottom. The sides of the vanes are rotatable about a central pivot for promoting or retarding the flow of material in the rotor cage.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant seedling is provided, which is based on microwave radiation in order to efficiently facilitate the plant growth. In the method, microwave radiation is started at any timing during a period ranging from appearance of a first true leaf to a timing provided before appearance of a second true leaf in a growth process of a plant. The radiation time of the microwave may he within 1 hour, and the output of the microwave may be 2 to 25 W per 1 to 20 seedling or seedlings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a food-safe dried sprouted seed product, which is especially useful for producing dried sprouted grain and oil seed products. The method results in the reduction or elimination of pathogenic microorganisms in the sprouted seed product and/or powdered seed products produced therefrom.

Abstract: A plant container with one or more sides including a mesh for air pruning

Abstract: A plant transportation assembly for inhibiting a plant from being damaged when the plant is transported includes a support that may be positioned in a plant pot thereby facilitating the support to extend upwardly from the plant pot. A plurality of restraints is provided and each of the restraints is removably coupled to the support. Each of the restraints is removably attached to a plant in the plant pot thereby facilitating the support to retain the plant in an upright orientation in the plant pot when the plant pot is being transported.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of environmental protection, and in particular to a leaf surface barrier for ac- curately controlling cadmium absorption and transport related gene expression in rice, and an application thereof. The present inven- tion comprises: reducing a raw material, i.e., selenious acid or selenite, by using ascorbic acid to generate a nanogel, and then emul- sifying the managed for peptization to obtain a leaf surface barrier for accurately controlling cadmium absorption and transport re- lated gene expression in rice; and then mixing the leaf surface barrier with a silica sol to obtain a composite selenium and silica sol leaf surface barrier. The present invention also provides a leaf surface barricading method for accurately controlling cadmium ab- sorption and transport related gene expression in rice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for maple sap harvesting, which includes an assembly of a tubular sleeve which is removably mounted inside a tubular section of a tap. The tubular sleeve may be molded from a food-grade, anti-bacterial material. The tubular sleeve is inserted into the tap before the tap is driven into a maple tree. When the tap is removed from the tree at the conclusion of the sap harvest period, the sleeve may be discarded. The next season, a new sleeve is placed in the tap, with the new sleeve containing no residual bacterial contamination from the previous season of use.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of farm irrigation, and particularly relates to a novel pressureless irrigation device. The novel pressureless irrigation device of the present disclosure uniformly conveys irrigation water to crop plant root systems on the basis of a “connector” principle; and the size of a flow cross-section necessarily satisfies the extremely-low flowing speed requirement of “lossless conveyance” for the “connector” in a static pressure dominant operating state, thereby eliminating a problem of irrigator blockage which accompanies energy dissipation. Water enters the atmosphere via transpiration of crop plants, and a water supply water level control pool at a head portion is triggered to replenish the water. The water consumption and water replenishment are adaptive, and human intervention and additional energy are not required, thereby realizing low-cost and “fool-proof” automatic irrigation and true sense of uniform irrigation.

Abstract: An assembly well irrigation system for environmentally friendly water conservation includes: at least one well, having a ventilation tube inserted into the top of the well, an absorbent element covered onto the bottom and outer wall of the ventilation tube and filled up in an opening between the top of the well and the ventilation tube, and a float contained in the ventilation tube; and at least one water supply bottle, having a cover installed to the opening of the water supply bottle, and the cover having a fixed tube passing to the cover and a penetrating hole formed on the cover, and the penetrating hole having a movable tube capable of moving up and down for adjustment, and the water supply bottle being inverted, such that the cover is installed to the well, and the fixed tube, the movable tube and the ventilation tube are situated in the well.

Abstract: A seedling transplanting system is provided that utilizes a seedling feeder that is configured to fit between a tray of seedlings contained within a series of chain pots and a hydroponic trough. The feeder includes a ramp and a chute that direct the seedlings from the tray into the trough. A pair of guide surfaces, which form ramp sidewalls, help the seedlings to self-right as they are drawn into the hydroponic trough. A restraining jig aids in establishing and maintaining the relative positions of the seedling tray, feeder and trough during the transplanting process. A pulling tool simplifies the transplanting process by providing means for pulling a pair of media strips along with the captured chain pots into the hydroponic trough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular aeroponic system that accommodates different support-mediums and misting or spray configurations. In one embodiment, the disclosed system comprises: a root chamber with plumbing that is coupled to a nutrient distribution system; a first interchangeable-lid for the root chamber that functions as a first type of support medium; a second interchangeable-lid defined a surface by a plurality of net pot receptacles for retaining a plurality of net pot support mediums; a first spray-nozzle manifold that may be removably coupled to the plumbing of the root chamber and featuring spray nozzles in a first configuration; a second spray-nozzle manifold that may be removably coupled to plumbing of the root chamber and featuring spray nozzles in a second configuration; wherein the first and second lid may be interchangeably applied to the root chamber; and wherein the first and second manifold may be interchangeably coupled to the root chamber's plumbing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for crop/plant/life-form cultivation that takes individual plant/life-form into consideration to cater to individual requirements of every plant/life-form by having automatic functions for scanning and offering nutrition/remedies with the help of sensors communicating wirelessly to controller, mobile phone and remote server. The rotational/spiral/elliptical movement of the vertical grow station and the grow containers placed on it facilitates: 1. Easy access for harvesting individual plants. 2. lighting, heating and cooling needs of each individual plant/life-forms based on sensors 3. Circulation of air. 4. Pollination facilitation. 5. Water, fertigation, medication and nutrient dispensation to individual plant/life-form as per individual plant need. The present invention attends to individual plant/life-form needs, reduces mortality, improving quality of the plant/life-form and enables picking up of ready to harvest plants via scanning plant data.

Abstract: A device for growing plants is provided. The device has a panel assembly on which a one or a plurality of nutrient flow channels is supported to provide nutrient flow passages from an inlet at an upper region to an outlet at a lower region of the support panel. A plurality of grow pockets is supported on an opposite side face of the support panel, the grow pockets in alignment with the nutrient flow channels. Each grow pocket has a plant access opening. A fluid aperture in the support panel is disposed at a lower region of each grow pocket for fluid communication between an interior of the grow pocket and the aligned nutrient flow passage.

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

Abstract: A broccoli plant characterized in having an exerted head having a crown higher than the leaf canopy and a harvestable head of at least about 200 grams when planted at a density of 40,000 plants per hectare, where the harvestable head comprises the top 25 centimeters of said stalk.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated SM14328903, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. ______. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the SM14328903 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated SM14307266, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. ______. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the SM14307266 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated MN11277371, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. ______. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the MN11277371 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated MN11278981, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. ______. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the MN11278981 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated SM14299337, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the SM14299337 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: Plants, plant cells, and plant seeds are described herein that are resistant to Fusarium head blight (FHB). The plants, plant cells, and plant seeds can be wheat plants, plant cells, and plant seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Spinacia oleracea seed designated 51-348 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits slow to medium growing, smooth leaves, dark green leaves, medium to late bolting, and resistance to downy mildew (P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae) races Pfs1 to Pfs15 and intermediate resistance to Pfs16. The present invention also relates to a Spinacia oleracea plant produced by growing the 51-348 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the spinach cultivar, represented by spinach variety 51-348 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Spinacia oleracea seed designated 51-712 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits slow growing, semi-savoy leaves, medium ovate mature leaves, late to very late bolting, and resistance to downy mildew (P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae) races Pfs1 to Pfs15 and intermediate resistance to Pfs16. The present invention also relates to a Spinacia oleracea plant produced by growing the 51-712 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the spinach cultivar, represented by spinach variety 51-712 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-117 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-117 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-117 RZ.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated Lockwood, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce cultivar Lockwood and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Lockwood with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Lockwood, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Lockwood and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar Lockwood with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: A milk meter for measuring a flow rate of a milk flow with an inlet and an outlet a liquid flow path from the inlet to the outlet, a stabilization chamber in the liquid flow path and a float in the stabilization chamber configured to float on milk the milk meter is configured so a level of milk in the stabilization chamber depends on the flow rate of the milk flow, and is provided with a magnetic unit in the stabilization chamber, the magnetic field varies in a height direction of the stabilization chamber, an electronic measuring unit is arranged in the float for measuring the strength of the magnetic field, the strength is a measure of the height within the stabilization chamber at which the float is floating on the milk and the strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the flow rate of the milk flow.

Abstract: A milking arrangement includes robot milking stations connected to a milk conduit with an outlet end. A connection conduit connected to the outlet end includes an outlet member. A cleaning device for cleaning the milk conduit includes a cleaning conduit having a first connection member. A milk tank includes a second connection member. The outlet member is movable between and connectable to the first connection member in a primary state, and to the second connection member in a secondary state. A controller communicates with the milking stations, the cleaning device and a user interface. When determined to change the state, measures for preparing the arrangement for the change are automatically performed. Thereafter, the user interface indicates to an operator that the arrangement is ready for the change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk separation device of a milking system for milking, in particular automated milking, of milk-producing animals. The milk separation device comprises a body, which has an inlet connection and an outlet connection, and a cover, which has a connection to a vacuum line. The body has an inwardly protruding balcony segment on an inner periphery, wherein the balcony segment forms a ramp helically in the peripheral direction so as to rise at a pitch angle with respect to the gravitational force of the earth.

Abstract: A milking arrangement that includes at least a first and a second milking system for milking animals, a common entrance lane configured to allow a plurality of animals to enter the milking arrangement, and a guiding structure configured to guide each of the plurality of animals to either one of the first and second milking systems to be milked therein, where the guiding structure comprises a smart gate arrangement that guides each animal, after having been identified, to a respective one of the first and second milking systems depending on the identity of the animal, and where, depending upon selected periods of time, such as during periods of low expected or measured utilization of the milking arrangement, the smart gate arrangement guides each animal to a single one of the first and second milking systems irrespective of the identity of the animal.