Abstract: A tillage device includes a soil disruptor configured to couple to an agricultural implement. The soil disruptor is sized and shaped to create a soil disruption in a target soil profile beneath a soil surface without tilling the soil surface when the soil disruptor is moved through the target soil profile by the agricultural implement.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a frame having a hitch extending in a travel direction, at least one gauge wheel coupled to the frame, at least one first actuator coupled to the at least one gauge wheel and configured to adjust a position of the at least one gauge wheel and thereby a control depth, a second actuator coupled to the hitch and configured to adjust a down force, and a pressure control system. The pressure control system includes a first sensor coupled to the at least one gauge wheel and a second sensor coupled to the second actuator. The pressure control system also includes a controller in communication with the first and second sensors and configured to automatically adjust the at least one first actuator and the second actuator.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar that extends transverse to a tongue when in a field use configuration. The toolbar can be lifted and/or rotated relative to the tongue to transition between a field use and a transport use. A lifting assembly includes one or more actuators and linkage systems to lift the toolbar attached thereto in an arced manner in moving from a field use configuration to a transport configuration. A rotating mechanism can also include one or more actuators to rotate the toolbar about a pivot member. An anti-rotation link includes a member is connected to the toolbar and can be positioned at least partially within a groove to mitigate rotation of the toolbar, such as during the lifting of the toolbar.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for attaching ground engaging tools proximate to the pivot point of an agricultural implement is provided. The system includes a flex apparatus configured to be operatively attached proximate to the pivot point of an agricultural implement by a pin. The flex apparatus may be configured to rotate as the pivot point of the agricultural implement flexes. The flex apparatus may include tracks, slots, or the like, configured to dampen the rotation of the flex apparatus relative to the flex of the pivot point of the agricultural implement. The size, location and orientation of the tracks, slots, or the like, may be configured to provide varying amounts of rotation of the flex apparatus relative to the flex of the pivot point of the agricultural implement. Furthermore, the flex apparatus includes holes, slots, grooves, or the like, configured for attaching a ground engaging tool to the flex apparatus.

Abstract: A method for automatically monitoring soil surface roughness as a ground-engaging operation is being performed within a field may include receiving pre-operation surface roughness data associated with a given portion of the field and receiving post-operation surface roughness data associated with the given portion of the field. In addition, the method may include analyzing the pre-operation and post-operation surface roughness data to determine a surface roughness differential associated with the performance of the ground-engaging operation and actively adjusting the operation of at least one of an associated work vehicle and/or implement when the surface roughness differential differs from a target set for the surface roughness differential.

Abstract: A seed treater provides enhanced seed coating capabilities and performance. The seed and/or treatment fluid may be heated for improving vaporization and absorption by the seed. Air may be injected in the seed treater to provide heat, dehumidified air, and to provide vaporization enhancement, and component cleaning functions. The functions may be controlled by a control processor based on recipes and may be changed dependent upon sensed or input environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Abstract: A multiple seed type seed meter is provided for multi-variety row crop planting. The seed meter maintains multiple seed pools inside a seed meter sump while controlling which of the seed pools is exposed to a seed disk inside the seed meter for selective delivery onto a field. The sump may define a split sump arrangement and a seed switching mechanism may be arranged between the split sump arrangement and the seed disk for selectively exposing ones of multiple seed pools with different seed types to the seed disk.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an agricultural product distribution system having first and second product meters configured to meter first and second amounts of agricultural product from a product tank over first and second periods of time, respectively. The system also includes first and second motors coupled to the first and second product meters, respectively, and configured to turn the first and second product meters a first number of turns and a second number of turns, respectively, over the first and second periods of time to meter the first and second amounts of agricultural product. Further, the system includes a controller configured to receive inputs indicative of the first amount of agricultural product, the first number of turns, the second amount of agricultural product, and the second number of turns and to compare the signals to determine first and second calibration rate of the first and second product meters.

Abstract: An electric handheld broadcast spreader with pattern and speed controlling baffled skirt detachably attaches to a conventional spreader mechanism to disperse particles in a controlled, directional manner within a proximal coverage area with two hands. A broadcasting/dispersing skirt receives particulate material from a conventional spreader. The inner volume of broadcasting/dispersing skirt comprises upper layer baffles, with upper gaps forming between each upper layer baffle; lower layer baffles, offset from the upper layer baffles, with lower gaps forming between each lower layer baffle; and multiple vertical deflector vanes disposed perpendicular to lower layer baffles. Discharged particulate material strikes the surface of the baffles, before passing through gaps. The particulate material traveling in a lateral direction strikes the deflector vanes and outlet edge of broadcasting/dispersing skirt.

Abstract: A cutting head assembly is provided having a cutting head with a housing with a cavity therein for holding a spool of filament. The housing has an upper surface with an opening defining a connection opening. The housing is non-releasably sealed together and disposable. The cutting head assembly further includes a connection adaptor. The connection adaptor has opposite first and second ends spaced apart in an axial direction. The first end of the connection adaptor is configured to be lockably engaged in the connection opening. The second end of the connection adaptor is configured to be lockably engaged in a shaft portion. The cutting head may be quickly released from the connection adaptor and replaced with a new cutting head.

Abstract: A cutter head for a brushcutter has a base member with top and bottom base member parts and rotates about an axis of rotation in operation. The top base member part is fixed to the brushcutter shaft end. The bottom base member part is screwed by a screw element to the shaft end. A bearing element is arranged in the base member radially spaced to the axis of rotation. A cutting tool is secured by the bearing element to the base member between top and bottom base member parts. The bearing element is secured either to bottom or top base member part and arranged relative to the other one such that the bearing element is constructively unhindered to move relative to the other base member part at least circumferentially and such that the bottom base member part for mounting or demounting is rotatable relative to the top base member part.

Abstract: A sieve system of an agricultural vehicle for separating crop residue from grain, the sieve system including a frame, a plurality of sieve sections, a plurality of dividers and a pivoting system. The sieve sections are pivotally coupled to the frame. The sieve sections include a first sieve section. The dividers include a first divider coupled to the first sieve section. The pivoting system is coupled to the first sieve section and the first divider, to thereby pivot the sieve section at a first angle about a first axis. The pivoting system also either pivots the divider at a second angle about a second axis or flexes the divider at the second angle. The first angle is relative to the frame, and the second angle is relative to the sieve section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor apparatus for a baler configured such that hay on the ground is picked up by a hay pick-up apparatus installed at the side of the baler and the picked-up hay is fed without being wound around the rotor feeding the hay to the region of the roll forming apparatus, whereby the hay of the hay pick-up apparatus is fed to the region of the roll forming apparatus quickly, precisely, and evenly. In addition, a load of the rotor is minimized when the hay is fed to the region of the roll forming apparatus, thereby extending the service life of the rotor.

Abstract: A bale splitter attachment for use with a bale including a frame comprising a frame base and a cutting arm rotatably connected to the frame base at a pivot, the rotatable cutting arm comprising an elongate blade, the frame base and the rotatable cutting arm together defining a bay to receive the bale; a powered actuation device comprising a first end connected to the frame base and a second end connected to the rotatable cutting arm at a connection point, the powered actuation device arranged to apply cutting force in a pulling arrangement; and a hook apparatus connected to the frame, the hook apparatus comprising a plurality of hooks.

Abstract: A hand cropping tool includes arm members that have handle portions and jaw portions. The jaw portions include curved surfaces that are at least partially covered by deformable materials. The hand cropping tool is configured to be moved from an open configuration in which the first and second jaw members are spaced apart from one another and a closed configuration in which at least a portion of the first jaw member is in contact with at least a portion of the second jaw member. In the closed configuration, the first and second deformable materials collectively define at least one first plant-receiving area.

Abstract: A long handled lawn edging and sod cutting tool, which employs a blade, the length of which protrudes downward from the bottom end of the shaft, and in a straight line from the shaft, and that is sharp on the curved side and tapered to a point and set perpendicular to the narrow bar foot pedals and the handlebars of the tool. The sharp tapered to a point blade enables the user to initially pierce the sod with a small point, then cut as the blade taper widens, and to edge a lawn or cut sod more easily and more quickly than with a conventional or half-moon edger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automated operations, such as pruning, harvesting, spraying and/or maintenance, on plants, and particularly plants with foliage having features on many length scales or a wide spectrum of length scales, such as female flower buds of the marijuana plant. The invention utilizes a convolutional neural network for image segmentation classification and/or the determination of features. The foliage is imaged stereoscopically to produce a three-dimensional surface image, a first neural network determines regions to be operated on, and a second neural network determines how an operation tool operates on the foliage. For pruning of resinous foliage the cutting tool is heated or cooled to avoid having the resins make the cutting tool inoperable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reusable floral bouquet arranging fixture having a 3D substantially conic section frame, with apertures arranged thereon for the insertion of plant stems, such that the plant stems converge substantially to a common point; wherein the frame attaches to an adjustable support apparatus, including an associated spindle, and a bracket having a lower arm with a slotted portion that adjusts the location of the spindle, and an upper arm slotted portion that adjusts the location of a holding device, including a clamp that attaches to a base; and wherein said frame is removable for use at an event, as a gift, or as a household or business decoration.

Abstract: A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures.

Abstract: A method and system for plant growth lighting. The method comprises accessing a reference growth profile associated with a plant under cultivation. Based on comparing a growth state of the plant with the reference growth profile, a desired intraday growth lighting condition corresponding to the plant growth state is identified. The desired intraday growth lighting condition is correlated with a spectral output frequency signature of the LED growth lighting source. The desired intraday growth condition is simulated by providing lighting including the correlated spectral output frequency signature from the LED lighting source to the plant under cultivation.

Abstract: Provided is an expandable, modular tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability, and a method of assembling and using the same. Provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container system comprising a base and a plurality of stackable rings forming a tower upon the base, including an optional base ring specially sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base. A plurality of perforated, stackable tube sections are provided that are removably assembled into a compost tube assembly of selectable height and mounted within the interior of the tower and above the base. A plurality of holding struts are sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly with the tower and to securely locate the compost tube assembly relative to the tower. Means are provided for recovering nutrient-rich drainage and selective recovery of compost material for reintroduction into the system.

Abstract: A method of installing a green roof planter assembly includes providing first and second planter modules each including a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space adapted to receive plant matter therein, wherein at least a pair of the plurality of side walls cooperate to form a corner therebetween, the corner defining a length therealong, and each planter module including a first relief located along the length of the first corner, positioning the corners of the planter modules proximate one another, providing a coupling member, and inserting the coupling member into the reliefs of the planter modules, thereby inhibiting vertical movement of the planter modules with respect to one another.

Abstract: A vertical plant growing system may include a vertical plant stand having a central lighting array and defining a plurality of guided airflows, the plant stand being coupled to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system and plant stand may be operable in a plurality of airflow modes, ranging from about 35 degrees Fahrenheit (to inhibit insect growth) to about 98 degrees Fahrenheit (to kill mold). Accordingly, systems and methods of the present disclosure may facilitate or enhance organic growing methods, e.g., for flowering plants.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting the growth of unwanted plants at and about the base of trees, shrubs, and other ornamental and/or commercial plants; while providing protection to the trunk, stalk, root crown, and/or plant roots from damage inherently caused by mulching material itself, and from damage caused landscaping or cultivation techniques, while promoting the oxygenation of the plant, and additionally avoiding and/or treating pathogen infection or infestation of the plant.

Abstract: A solar-reactive agricultural mulch film including a sheet of heat-shrink material having one or more layers and uniform thickness, formed by a mechanical process. The process includes elongating the sheet, in a longitudinal direction, evenly across a width of the sheet, while the sheet is at a stretching temperature to pre-strain the sheet evenly across the width, and yields the solar-reactive agricultural mulch film having the uniform thickness throughout and being configured to, in operation, shrink when an exposure temperature of the material is elevated, by exposure to solar energy, to a shrinking temperature. The process may include elevating the sheet to an above-ambient stretching temperature for the elongating, or elongating the sheet at an ambient temperature.

Abstract: A roller assembly including: a frame; a first undercarriage connected to the frame, the first undercarriage comprising: a first body; a rear roller connected to the first body; and a first overlapping roller that is elongate and connected to the first body; and a second undercarriage connected to the frame, the second undercarriage comprising: a second body; a front roller connected to the second body; and a second overlapping roller that is elongate and connected to the second body, wherein the first undercarriage is positioned adjacent to the second undercarriage such that the first overlapping roller overlaps the second overlapping roller.

Abstract: A vegetation clearing device relating to the clearing of small-caliper vegetation, the vegetation clearing device having a grapple configured to releasably grapple the small-caliper vegetation, a cutter configured to cut the small-caliper vegetation engaged within the grapple, a support frame configured to support the grapple and the cutter, a coupler configured to removably couple the support frame to a working arm of a tractor, the coupler having a first pivot enabling pivoting of the support frame about a first rotational axis and a second pivot enabling pivoting of the support frame about a second rotational axis, the second rotational axis being non-parallel with the first rotational axis, a power-driven grapple actuator configured to actuate the releasable grappling by the grapple, and a power-driven rotator configured to rotate the support frame about the second rotational axis.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system for recycling and reusing water from sprinkler systems to water or irrigate a yard or an area of land. The system includes a water reclamation tank that stores water captured from beneath the area of land. When it is time to water the area of land, the sprinkler system draws water from the water reclamation tank. A portion of this water is then recaptured and supplied back to the water reclamation tank for further storage until the next time the sprinkler system is activated. This cyclical process occurs repeatedly and enables a significant reduction in the amount of freshly supplied water used to maintain the area of land.

Abstract: A strip is provided for distributing water that is provided at an inner surface of a drip irrigation hose. The strip for distributing water having a repetitive labyrinth segment, wherein a plurality of profiles are provided at the base of the strip, the labyrinth segment comprises: a water input section; a regulating section arranged downstream from the water input section, wherein the regulating section is provided to regulate water flow rate of the strip in response to water pressure of a hose; a discharge section arranged downstream from the regulating section, wherein the discharge section is provided with deflection-resistant reinforcement means.

Abstract: A low power, autonomously programmable plant watering device for custom irrigation regimes of individual plants. The device has an integrated sensor that quantifies soil moisture. The device initiates watering by opening a magnetically sealed valve in response to a soil moisture measurement that falls below a preset threshold. The device can terminate watering by closing the magnetically sealed valve in response to a soil moisture measurement that meets or exceeds a preset threshold and/or at the expiration of a preset time interval. The device utilizes control system comprised of a microcontroller and an embedded application or applications to initiate moisture sensor readings and the opening and closing of the magnetically sealed valve.

Abstract: The subsequent invention is in the technical fields of agriculture and biotechnology. More specifically the subsequent invention is in the technical field of aeroponics. An invention of industrial aeroponics comprising of delivering a precise pulse of an aerosol containing a colloid, or a solution, or a combination of a colloid and a solution to any living organism, a portion of a living organism, or to the tissue of an organism; wherein the aforementioned colloid, or solution, or combination of a colloid and a solution is constructed containing nutrients, or fertilizers, or a varying combination of the dispersed phase in the continuous phase, or a varying combination of solutes in a solvent, or a varying combination of the aforementioned. The pulse of aerosol is for a precise duration of time in a repeating manner as needed.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting roots of plants, including: an encasement disposed in a hole formed in soil, the encasement serves as a barrier between contents of the encasement and the soil surrounding the hole; and a feeding means, for communicating sustenance to roots of at least one plant disposed in the encasement.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an improvement of an aeroponic system including a growth chamber and cloth support elements. The improvement generally includes a cloth supported by the cloth support elements. The cloth advantageously satisfies a wicking height parameter and an absorbance parameter so as to deliver advantageous aeroponic performance. The wicking height parameter is a measurement of an ability of the cloth or fabric to absorb moisture. The absorbance parameter is a measurement of moisture the cloth or fabric retains. Exemplary methods of aeroponic farming in an aeroponic system are also provided.

Abstract: A kit for providing stem, branch and foliage support for a hydroponic planting, the kit being supported upon a rim of a bucket and including at least one hoop shaped component exhibiting an open interior. A basket is supported by the hook shaped component so that an apertured and depth extending portion of the basket extends downwardly past its open interior. A plurality of aggregate, along with a seedling, is placed within the basket aperture interior so that the same is immersed in a liquid filling an interior of the bucket. The hoop shaped components exhibit vertically extending and elongated tier defining portions arranged in perimeter defined fashion about the component. Each of the tier defining portions have upper and lower inter-engaging locations and allowing for stacking of any additional number of components in vertically spaced apart and tiered defining fashion.

Abstract: A Brassica plant including a Raphanus genomic fragment within its genome, wherein the fragment confers pod shattering tolerance phenotype POSH+ and the fragment is characterized by the absence of at least one SNP within one or more of the following Raphanus markers: SEQID NOs 4-18.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for improving the content of notoginsenoside R1 in Panax notoginseng, in which the Panax notoginseng plants are sprayed with salicylic acid solution before the Panax notoginseng s are harvested. The method of the present invention can improve the content of notoginsenoside R1 in Panax notoginseng by the pretreatment of Panax notoginseng plants with the salicylic acid solution before harvesting, and can be used in large scale in the conventional cultivation method of Panax notoginseng so as to facilitate large-scale industrialization Production of notoginsenoside R1, to meet the market demand for notoginsenoside R1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrot plant, or part thereof the roots of which comprise an average total anthocyanin level of at least 2000 ?g/g FW and optionally a medium level of haloing and zoning and to plants of a carrot variety NUN 89682 CAC and seeds and progeny thereof. The invention further relates to methods for producing a carrot plant by traditional breeding methods. The invention further relates to a method for producing a carrot plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to seed and plants of pepper hybrid SPP2143. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SPP2143, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to seed and plants of pepper hybrid SPP2423. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SPP2423, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to seed and plants of inbred pepper line PPL1501. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of inbred pepper line PPL1501, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to seed and plants of inbred pepper line PPL1503. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of inbred pepper line PPL1503, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM2828 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM2828 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cucumis sativus seed designated 19-720 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Cucumis sativus plant produced by growing the 19-720 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the cucumber cultivar, represented by cucumber variety 19-720 RZ.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel and improved animal sprayer for use in cooling livestock and other animals in different hot or dry environments, and methods of using the same. Embodiments of the novel animal sprayers may include a valve which does not require constant electric current to remain open during a spraying session, extending system battery life. The valves may also be self-cleaning, less likely to leak, and easily adjusted to control flow rate, reducing both water use and labor costs in monitoring and repairing the animal sprayer.

Abstract: Animal litter compositions having relatively low densities are described herein. Methods of manufacturing such litter compositions are also described.

Abstract: A toilet for an animal having an up-down direction includes an upper container including a bottom part in which a plurality of holes that penetrate in the up-down direction are formed, and a lower container provided below the upper container. An outer periphery of each of the holes being surrounded with cross ribs along a direction intersecting with the up-down direction and longitudinal ribs along a direction intersecting with the up-down direction and the cross ribs. An uppermost part of the longitudinal ribs is higher than an uppermost part of the cross ribs. A part of the cross ribs connected to the longitudinal ribs being provided with an upper-side inclined surface inclined obliquely downward from the longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: A composition comprising an inert material; a liquid binder; and an odor inhibitor, wherein the odor inhibitor is a salt of an aminopolycarboxylic acid compound. A method for preparing a composition comprising providing an odor inhibitor, wherein the odor inhibitor is a salt of an aminopolycarboxylic acid compound; providing an inert material, wherein the inert material comprises particles having a mean particle size less than 1000 microns; mixing the odor inhibitor the inert material in a high-shear mixer; introducing a liquid binder to the mixer; and mixing the liquid binder, the non-porous inert material and the odor inhibitor until granules form which are 200 to 2500 microns in diameter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cat window structure that has a number of glass attachment devices. A shell is connected to the glass attachment devices. The shell and a section of a window form a housing. An opening is formed in the housing that provides access and egress for a cat. In one case, the shell is made of a fabric covered foamed plastic and the glass attachment devices are suction cups. The shell along with the window provides an enclosed structure that makes the cat feel safe. A bubble pod in the shell allows the cat to see out of the housing and the owner to see into the shell.

Abstract: An animal bathing system includes a tub that that is selectively filled with a fluid thereby facilitating an animal to be bathed in the tub. A pair of tethering units is provided and each of the tethering units suctionally engages the outer wall of the tub. In this way each of the tethering units is removably retained on the tub. Each of the tethering units is removably coupled to the animal thereby inhibiting the animal from escaping the tub when the animal is bathed.