Abstract: A device for coating seeds with a liquid dressing solution, including a housing delimiting a chamber for accommodating the seeds, a rotating system for mixing the seeds and the dressing solution, an air duct for feeding hot air into the chamber and a separating unit which is permeable to the hot air and separates the air duct from the chamber. According to this invention, the separating unit includes at least one perforated metal sheet that has an inner face facing towards the chamber, an outer face facing towards the air duct and a plurality of projections, wherein a projection rises obliquely in the direction of the outer face and forms an opening inlet, which is inclined to the metal sheet plane, on the outer face. This invention further relates to a method in which the device is used.

Abstract: A group for cleaning and making a furrow in a ground, comprising: —a frame suitable to be connected to a driving unit; —a rotary grooving disc provided with grooves; wherein the grooving disc is articulated to the frame in a mobile fashion perpendicularly to the ground with respect to the frame by means of a resilient articulated group provided with mutually parallel articulation axes, and wherein the resilient articulated group comprises at least one plurality of arms articulated with respect to mutually parallel articulation axes, among which there is at least one resiliently flexibly yieldable arm.

Abstract: Methods for avoiding seed-metering errors in planters include monitoring seed loading in a seed distribution disk with a pre-sensor, monitoring clogging of the seeds with at least one post-sensor, monitoring obstructions in a seed duct with the post-sensor, detecting analog voltage signals generated by the pre-sensor and post-sensor, converting the analog signals into digital signals using at least one analog/digital converter, processing the digital signals on a processor, and transmitting the processed digital signals to a central monitoring unit with an RF transceiver. Related devices for avoiding seed-metering errors in planters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.

Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.

Abstract: An opener attachment for an agricultural row unit including a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, an opener disc coupled to the arm and configured to excavate a trench into soil, and a gauge wheel coupled to the arm and configured to block movement of the opener disc into the soil to control a depth of the trench. The opener attachment also includes a mechanical stop coupled to the frame and configured to block the gauge wheel and the opener disc moving toward the soil. In addition, the opener attachment includes an air bag configured to urge the gauge wheel and the opener disc toward the soil.

Abstract: A trimmer head (1) arranged to be driven to rotate a trimmer line (3), wherein the trimmer head comprises a housing (1a, 1b) and an inner body (1c) connected to a trimmer line spool (13, 39), the trimmer head being characterized in that the inner body is arranged to be movable relative the housing so that a trimmer line spooled around the trimmer line spool is released and to be pulled out by a centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the trimmer head, thereby allowing feed of the trimmer line. A trimmer (10) comprising a trimmer head according to above, wherein the trimmer further comprises drive means (2, 4) for driving the trimmer head to rotate and wherein the trimmer is arranged to cause a relative movement of the inner body relative the housing by changing the rotation speed of the trimmer head.

Abstract: A trimmer head housing having a first part and a second part. The first and second housing parts are configured to be changed between: a) a first state wherein the first and second housing parts are separated from each other; and b) a second state wherein the housing parts are operatively connected to be movable together around an operating axis. The operatively connected housing parts are configured to support at least one cutting component that is configured to effect cutting as the operatively connected housing pars are turned around the operating axis. The trimmer head housing has interacting parts cooperating between the first and second housing parts and configured to allow the first and second housing parts to be operatively connected with the first and second housing parts in only a single angular relationship with respect to the operating axis.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a trimming head, a driving device for driving the trimming head to rotate so as to cut vegetation and an operating device for a user to operate so as to control the driving device. The trimming head includes a spool and a line holding member, the spool is used to wind a cutting line, and the line holding member is formed with a line holding structure. The driving device includes a motor. The grass trimmer has an auto-winding mode. In the auto-winding mode, the motor drives at least one of the spool and the line holding member to make the spool and the line holding member rotate relatively so that the cutting line is wound on the spool automatically.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a fixed line for flexible line rotary trimmers in which one or more relatively short fixed lengths of cutting line are inserted into the original manufacturers equipment opposed orifices placed in the outer side wall of the trimmer line head housing and are secured in place by means of an encapsulated metal grommet The best use of current invention is to insert one end of fixed line into trimmer heads original equipment orifices and pull line until it is secured to the trimmer head by the grommet and rubberized encapsulation material. After use the worn or broken fixed trimmer line can be simply removed by grasping the encapsulated metal grommet and pulling the line from the trimmer head and new line can be reinstalled simply by repeating above installation steps.

Abstract: An autonomous lawn mower includes a movable cover covering a traveling frame and holding devices holding the movable cover. Each holding device includes a holding shaft and a shaft holding unit. The holding shaft includes a lower half portion and an upper half portion. The shaft holding unit holds the lower half portion accommodated in an accommodating portion of the traveling frame such that the lower half portion can slide in only a horizontal direction. The upper half portion extends through a through hole of the movable cover by extending upward from the traveling frame, thereby holding the movable cover so that the movable cover is vertically displaceable. A coil spring intervenes between a receiving portion and an upper wall of the movable cover. One holding device includes a detector which detects the slide displacement amount of the lower half portion.

Abstract: A combine harvester (combine) includes any number of components to harvest plants as the combine travels through a plant field. The components take actions to harvest plants or facilitate harvesting plants. The combine includes any number of sensors to measure the state of the combine as the combine harvests plants. The combine includes a control system to generate actions for the components to harvest plants in the field. The control system includes an agent executing a model that functions to improve the performance of the combine harvesting plants. Performance improvement can be measured by the sensors of the combine. The model is an artificial neural network that receives measurements as inputs and generates actions that improve performance as outputs. The artificial neural network is trained using actor-critic reinforcement learning techniques.

Abstract: The harvester header height control system allows automatic adjustment of the header height as the harvester moves across a field to optimize the harvest of the produce in the field. The header height control system adjusts for the topography of the field, the density and health of the plants in the field and the speed of the harvester.

Abstract: A turplaner is described comprising a rotational elongated cutter comprising a first side and a second side and a lift mechanism capable of independently altering a cut height of the first side of the rotational cutter and the second side of said rotational cutter based on a deviation between cut height and a desired cut profile. A hierarchical controller is in functional communication with the lift mechanism wherein the lift mechanism alters the cut height based on the deviation of cut height relative to the desired cut profile in response to the functional communication. The hierarchical controller comprises a laser guidance system comprising a planer laser beam, extending over the area, and at least one laser receiver on at least one of the first side or the second side wherein the laser receiver is a laser height above the cut height and in functional communication with the hierarchical controller.

Abstract: A draper belt for a head of a harvester that is to extend about a roller having an outer groove encircling the roller and may include a web and an elastomeric belt guide. The web may have a first surface to carry crop material and a second surface to face the roller. The elastomeric belt guide may extend from the second surface and may include downwardly projecting teeth.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis, a feeder housing supported by the chassis, and an attachment. The attachment includes a header coupled to the feeder housing. The header has a top support beam and a pair of lateral ends. The attachment also includes an auger that has an axis of rotation and is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation. The auger is pivotally connected to the header and is pivotable about a pivot axis. The auger is selectively pivotable between a stored position and an operating position such that in the stored position the auger does not obstruct a line of sight of an operator.

Abstract: A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement for a towable agricultural it utilizes an electronic control unit that receives an input signal indicative of a desired position of the stabilizer wheel, and/or a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame, to automatically control a hydraulic positioning cylinder of the remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement to position and hold the stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheel.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to an agricultural apparatus for forming from previously-cut agricultural crop, such as grass or the like, a windrow on a field, which may comprise: a frame, crop engaging elements supported on the frame and configured to form from previously-cut agricultural crop a windrow on a field, and a control unit configured to control operation of the crop engaging elements. The control unit is further configured to provide control signals to the crop engaging elements in such a way that, in a windrow forming mode of operation, the crop engaging elements are driven to engage with the previously-cut agricultural crop, and form from the previously-cut agricultural crop the windrow which may have a snake line form on the field. Further, a method for forming from previously-cut agricultural crop, such as grass or the like, a windrow on a field is also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, includes a chassis; a cleaning system carried by the chassis including at least one sieve and configured to clean crop material; and an unloader carried by the chassis and supplied with cleaned crop material from the cleaning system. The unloader includes: a roller; a belt wrapped around the roller; and an oblong housing at least partially enclosing the belt.

Abstract: Bale handling apparatus and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, a bale handling apparatus includes a primary chassis frame, wheels coupled with the primary chassis frame, a grapple system supported by the primary chassis frame, wherein the grapple system includes a plurality of grapples which move between open and closed positions, a hoist assembly supported by the primary chassis frame, wherein the hoist assembly comprises a load bed, and a lift device configured to move the load bed between a first position and a second position, wherein the grapples are configured to move from the open position to the closed position to engage a bale of a vertically arranged stack which is adjacent to the load bed positioned in the second position, and wherein the lift device moves the load bed from the second position to the first position with the grapples engaged with the bale.

Abstract: A straw chopper for a combine includes a rotor mounted in a housing with blades on a rotor for chopping the discharge material onto a material spreading assembly. The rotor is driven by a drive transmission from an output drive shaft of the drive system of the combine harvester including first a right angle gear box connected to the drive shaft, a second right angle gear box connected to the rotor and a single drive shaft communicating drive from the first gear box to the second gear box. One end of the rotor is supported by a shaft of the second gearbox carried on the combine housing. An adjustment is provided at the output shaft or at a gearbox to remotely from the cab adjust the speed of the rotor. The drive transmission includes a cogged timing belt for positive drive for increased power.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high stem grafted herbaceous plant. The high stem grafted plant comprises herbaceous scion engrafted upon a rootstock at a predetermined height of at least 7 cm. The present invention further provides novel high stem grafted propagation material and methods for producing the high stem grafted herbaceous plant.

Abstract: A plant trimming guide apparatus, including a plurality of guide blades made of a resilient material, and a flat collar having a length, a width, an attachment surface, and made of a resilient material. Each of the plurality of guide blades has a pivot end that is secured pivotably with a common securement pin, and an opposed based end, with the plurality of base ends attached to and extending from an attachment surface of the collar, in a series along the length between the first end and the second end of the collar. Securing the first and second ends of the collar into a formed ring with the attachment surface facing outwardly causes the guide blades to extend radially from the common pivot ends and bend semi-spherically to the base ends, forming a spherical trimming guide.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an information processing device and an information processing method, in which Synecoculture (registered trademark) can be assisted. An ecosystem object indicating an ecosystem constituent configuring an ecosystem of an agricultural field in which a plurality of types of vegetation are mixed up and a task object indicating a task performed with respect to the ecosystem constituent are acquired, and the ecosystem object is subjected to augmented reality (AR) display in a position in a predetermined background space, corresponding to a real position of the ecosystem constituent, and the task object is subjected to AR display in the background space. The present technology, for example, can be applied to a case or the like where information of assisting Synecoculture (registered trademark) is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directing plant growth include a first attachment unit and a second attachment unit, both units being identical. Each attachment unit includes a body. A linking head is connected to the body and has at least one or a tab and a plurality of grooves. The linking head is substantially circular in shape. Each attachment unit also includes a linking base connected to the body and having another of a tab and a plurality of grooves. The linking base of the first unit is sized to fit together with the linking head of the second unit. The linked attachment units are angularly positionable by placing the tab into one of the plurality of grooves. The system also includes at least one band connectable between the attachment units and a plant.

Abstract: A smart grow device includes a set of sensors with at least one camera; a set of care resources; and a controller able to at least partly control the set of care resources based on evaluation of data received from the set of sensors. An automated method of providing plant care includes: retrieving a set of sensor measurements; retrieving model plant data including a set of evaluation criteria; comparing the set of sensor measurements to the set of evaluation criteria in order to determine at least one plant status; and updating active plant data based on the at least one plant status and the set of sensor measurements. An automated plant care system includes: a set of sensors; a set of resources; multiple planters; and at least one controller able to at least partly control the set of resources based on evaluation of data received from the set of sensors.

Abstract: A greenhouse is disclosed that generally comprises an enclosed growing section with an enclosed end gable adjacent to the growing section. The end gable is arranged to flow air into the growing section. Air distribution tubes are included within the growing section with the tubes arranged to provide for substantially uniform air flow into the growing section. The air tubes can also be arranged to compensate for heat differential between the air in the tubes and in the growing section.

Abstract: A greenhouse is disclosed that generally comprises an enclosed growing section with an enclosed end gable adjacent to the growing section. The end gable is arranged to flow air into the growing section. Air distribution tubes are included within the growing section with the tubes arranged to provide for substantially uniform air flow into the growing section. The air tubes can also be arranged to compensate for heat differential between the air in the tubes and in the growing section.

Abstract: A greenhouse is disclosed that generally comprises an enclosed growing section with an enclosed end gable adjacent to the growing section. The end gable is arranged to flow air into the growing section. Air distribution tubes are included within the growing section with the tubes arranged to provide for substantially uniform air flow into the growing section. The air tubes can also be arranged to compensate for heat differential between the air in the tubes and in the growing section.

Abstract: A method of making gardening fabric includes melting a polymer and processing the melted polymer, drawing the processed polymer into filaments, forming a web from the filaments, and autogenously bonding the web to form the gardening fabric as a nonwoven fabric sheet. The autogenous bonding includes forming a pattern into the nonwoven fabric sheet, the pattern being formed by areas of the nonwoven fabric sheet that exhibit a higher degree of fusion than other areas. The pattern may include a lattice forming a plurality of identically sized geometric areas of the bonded fibers, and the lattice is formed by areas of the bonded fibers that exhibit a higher degree of fusion than the identically sized geometric areas. The pattern may include a lattice forming a plurality of identically sized s-shaped areas of the bonded fibers, or a lattice forming a plurality of randomly shaped and sized non-geometric shapes.

Abstract: A chemical-free, laser-induced rain method uses supercontinuum (SC) generation by 800 nm 100 fs ultra high power laser beams to produce photoionization in optical filaments and application of Gaussian(G) and Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beams. The SC is used to produce multiple filamentations and micro particle manipulation in the atmosphere with obvious applications in arid or drought ridden areas. Two salient steps are used to induce rain: 1) high peak power filament inducing laser pulses to ionize air molecules and preexisting aerosols, and 2) manipulation of nano and micro sized particles using special function beams as potential particle traps, such as the Laguerre Gaussian and Gaussian beams. The outcome is a clean, safe, efficient method for inducing rain. The application is not just limited to rain induction but can also be used in clearing dust and cloud clearing formations.

Abstract: A trellis system for training a row of grape vines is disclosed. The trellis system comprises a frame supporting a first cordon wire and a second cordon wire, wherein the two cordon wires are substantially parallel to one another. The frame is mounted relative to the ground so that the first cordon wire and the second cordon wire are tilted relative to a horizontally level plane. In additional or alternatively, the first cordon wire and the second cordon wire can be tilted relative to the slope of the ground directly below the first cordon wire and the second cordon wire.

Abstract: The present description relates to cryo-sprouts that have been germinated, grown and shipped in the same container. Seeds are placed on a membrane in the container with sufficient water. The container with the seeds is incubated at a pathogen antagonistic temperature during the growth phase. The pathogen antagonistic temperature is preferably between about 35° F. and about 45° F. The cryo-sprouts grown according to these methods have reduced numbers of pathogenic organisms, are greener and have an extended shelf-life.

Abstract: A stump pulling apparatus comprises a frame, a pair of arms, a pair of stump-engaging wheels, and a drawbar. The pair of arms are pivotally mounted to the frame. The pair of stump-engaging wheels are each rotatably mounted on the pair of arms at a rear end of the corresponding one of the pair of arms. The drawbar includes a front segment, configured to engage the vehicle for towing the stump pulling apparatus and slidably coupled to the rear segment, a rear segment coupled to each of the pair of arms, and a displacement cylinder coupled to and intermediately disposed between the front segment and the rear segment. When the front segment of the drawbar is pulled forward, the displacement cylinder provides a forwardly-acting force on the rear segment, which pivots the pair of arms toward each other, thereby forcibly bringing the stump-engaging wheels together.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation system. The irrigation system includes a supply module, a transport pipeline, a spraying module, and a control module. The supply module includes a plurality of supply apparatuses for storing a plurality of feeding liquids. The control module controls the supply module to provide different feeding liquids at different time, and the different feeding liquids pass through a same segment of the transport pipeline at different time and flow to an irrigation area. The present invention further provides a method for controlling an irrigation system, and a control module controls different feeding liquids to pass through a same segment of a transport pipeline at different time and flow to an irrigation area.

Abstract: An emitter having a water intake part, a discharge part, a channel, and a pressure reduction channel The pressure reduction channel includes a groove and a plurality of projections. The plurality of projections include first and second projections that are adjacent to one another in the groove depth direction. The first projections are positioned on one side in the depth direction of the groove, and when seen from a planar view, the tip ends thereof project from the inside surface of the groove so as to cross the center line of the groove. The second projections are positioned on the other side in the depth direction of the groove, and when seen from a planar view, the tip ends thereof project from the inside surface of the groove so as not to cross the center line of the groove.

Abstract: A growing system for providing fluids to a plurality of growing assemblies using only a single pump and fluid source. The growing system generally includes a single fluid source such as a reservoir from which fluids are drawn by a single pump. A main manifold connected to the pump outlet splits the fluids drawn from the fluid source into a plurality of feeder pipes. Each of the feeder pipes provides fluid to a separate growing assembly; with the present invention providing support for a plurality of growing assemblies. Each growing assembly comprises an inlet manifold for receiving the fluids, a plurality of growing pipes for providing the fluids to a plurality of planters, and a drainage device for discharging fluids back into the fluid source for further use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a fluid conveyance apparatus, the apparatus comprising a receptacle comprising at least one raceway configured to allow a culture medium to flow in a continuous loop; a propulsion mechanism configured: to generate a fluid current of sufficient force to propel a floating mat on a top surface of the culture medium, and to vary a velocity of the fluid current in a controlled manner to maintain a substantially uniform distribution of the floating mat on the top surface of the culture medium; and a control mechanism operatively linked to the propulsion mechanism and configured to regulate the velocity of the fluid current.

Abstract: A method is provided for use in a plant breeding program to generate a population having one or more desired traits. The method includes removing a tissue sample from each of one or more seeds using an automated seed sampler while preserving germination viability of the sampled seeds; analyzing the tissue samples for the presence or absence of a genetic sequence associated with at least one desired trait; based on the analysis of the tissue samples, cultivating plants from the sampled seeds that either possess or lack the genetic sequence associated with the at least one desired trait; creating a parental cross using at least one of the cultivated plants; and selecting seeds from the parental cross and cultivating offspring of the parental cross using the selected seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining Taraxacum plants of considerable size and substantial rubber content, preferably by providing Taraxacum plants having a relatively large genome size and/or having a specific percentage of Taraxacum koksaghyz (TKS) derived genes and a specific percentage of Taraxacum officinale (TO) derived genes; selecting these plants for the presence or absence of certain markers; and subsequently selecting the plants on plant size, and on genome size.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 09194 TOF, as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides seed and plants of downy mildew resistant Impatiens plants. The present disclosure thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of downy mildew resistant Impatiens plants, and to methods for producing a downy mildew resistant plant of the present disclosure by crossing such plants with themselves or with another Impatiens plant, such as a plant of another genotype, variety, or cultivar. The present disclosure further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The present disclosure further relates to parts of such plants.

Abstract: A barley plant including a mutant LOX-1 protein and that is deficient in lipoxygenase activity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-001 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-001 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-001 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-002 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-002 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-002 RZ.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 09196 TOF as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: The bedding groomer comprises a frame attachable to an ag vehicle such as a skid loader or tractor for movement down the alley of a free stall barn. Pivotally supported on the frame is an elongate shroud that can be moved from a raised travel position to a lowered, laterally extending working position by a hydraulic cylinder. Rotatably mounted within the shroud is an elongated arbor driven by a hydraulic motor. Along the length of the arbor is a plurality of radially projecting tines. As the ag vehicle travels down the alley, the tines dig into the animal bedding material, churning it, to break up hard packed and compressed areas and to aerate deep within the bedding to aid in aerobic composting any organic material, such as manure, that is present in the bedding.

Abstract: A system for testing spontaneous social interactions of group-housed mice placed in an experimental apparatus. The system includes a plurality of compartments (101-104) bridged by corridors (105). At least one compartment (101-104) has a perforated partition wall (106,107) separating the compartment into a territory available for mice (106b, 107b) and a territory to be explored by olfaction (106a, 107a). In the territory available for mice (106b, 107b), above the partition wall (106, 107), there is an infrared laser curtain (201). The system also includes a photographic device (202) for acquiring the intersection of a mouse in the light of the infrared curtain. In the territory to be explored by olfaction (106a, 107a), there is a source of olfactory stimuli (203).

Abstract: Described is an automatic and autonomous feeding device comprising a feed kitchen having different feed varieties and a feed fetching device, and a control system for executing a feed composing cycle including receipt or generation of a feed order and controlling of the feed fetching device to fetch feed from the feed kitchen according to the feed order in order to compose a feed mixture, and comprising feed determining circuitry configured to determine quantity information of the feed varieties, wherein the control device further contains fall-back information, previously entered by a user, for at least one feed variety, which fall-back information specifies what action the feeding device, during and/or after execution of a feed composing cycle, needs to perform if the feed determining circuitry determines that that quantity of this feed variety which is desired in the feed order is greater than the available quantity.