Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis and a shank carried by the chassis. The shank includes: a shank body configured to penetrate a soil top surface; a sensor attached to an outer surface of the shank body and defining a probing area; and a sensor shield carried by the shank body in front of the sensor, the sensor shield being configured to deflect oncoming soil flow away from the sensor without substantially disrupting soil flow into the probing area.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head for mounting on a feederhouse of an agricultural combine has an adapter frame coupled to and supported on a center frame section with four links. Each link extends between and is pivotally coupled to the center frame section at a forward end of the link and is pivotally coupled to the adapter frame at a rear end of the link.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a vehicle connection interface and a rotary cutter connection interface. A mounting plate extends between the vehicle connection interface and the rotary cutter connection interface. A pivot plate is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate. A suspension element coupled between the pivot and mounting plates mitigates force transfer between the connection interfaces resulting from the relative movement of the connection interfaces.

Abstract: A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement for a towable agricultural implement 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 an electrically powered linear actuator of the remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement to position and hold the stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheel.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for remotely and individually controlling a plurality of remotely positionable stabilizer wheels of a towable agricultural implement utilize 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 and individually control a plurality of hydraulic positioning cylinders for individually positioning and holding the plurality of stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheels.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic traveling vehicle includes a position sensor and circuitry. The position sensor is to detect a vehicle position of the automatic traveling vehicle. The circuitry is configured to control the automatic traveling vehicle to travel along a first route, a first turn route connected to the first route, a straight route connected to the first turn route, a second turn route connected to the straight route, and a second route connected to the second turn route in this order, and to calculate the straight route extending from a reference point on the first turn route to the second turn route such that the straight route is tangent to the second turn route.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head for an agricultural combine has a first gauge wheel assembly coupled to a laterally extending frame that is convertible from (a) a harvesting position in which the first gauge wheel assembly supports the frame during crop harvesting, to (b) a transport position in which the first gauge wheel assembly supports the at least one section for transport on the road.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulically-foldable agricultural machine frame in which a hydraulic cylinder assembly connects and pivots two lateral parts of said machine frame relative to one another, wherein unrestricted pivoting or folding of the lateral parts is prevented by movement of the hydraulic cylinder assembly only being guided or delimited laterally.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis and a shank or shanks carried by the chassis. The shank or shanks include an on-the-go nitrate-N sensor or sensors. Nitrate-N conditions are determined for at least first and second zones at different soil depths, either by multiple sensors carried on one or multiple shanks during a single pass of the agricultural implement, a single sensor carried first at the first depth and thereafter at the second depth during multiple passes of the agricultural implement, or a sensor moved between the first and second zones during a single pass of the agricultural implement. Rates for applying additional nitrogen can be calculated from the determined conditions, and the application rates and determined conditions can be mapped.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring soil conditions within a field may include an implement configured to be traversed across a field. The implement may further include a plurality of ground engaging tools pivotally coupled to the frame and a plurality of sensors. Each sensor may be configured to detect a parameter indicative of a current position of one of the plurality of ground engaging tools. Additionally, the system may include a controller configured to monitor a displacement of each ground engaging tool and determine a current global ground engaging tool displacement parameter for the implement based on the monitored displacements of the plurality of ground engaging tools. Additionally, the controller may be configured to identify a soil condition for a swath of the field being traversed by the implement based on a comparison between the current global ground engaging tool displacement parameter and a predetermined global displacement threshold.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for detecting ground engaging tool float for an agricultural implement may include an implement having a ground engaging tool pivotally coupled to a frame and a biasing element coupled between the frame and the ground engaging tool. The biasing element may be configured to bias the ground engaging tool to a predetermined ground engaging tool position relative to the frame. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a current position of the ground engaging tool relative to the frame. Additionally, the system may include a controller configured to monitor the current position of the ground engaging tool based on measurement signals received from the sensor and identify a time period across which the ground engaging tool is displaced from the predetermined ground engaging tool position.

Abstract: A new method of disposing of waste for the hog industry is disclosed which avoids use of lagoons. Manure is semi-continuously degritted, anaerobically digested and digested with biomass to produce bio-organic fertilizer and biogas.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed delivery system is provided for use with planter for row-crop planting an agricultural field in which the pneumatic seed delivery system may use high pressure air to accelerate seeds that are singulated from a seed meter to match ground speed when planting. The pneumatic seed delivery system includes an air accelerator arranged downstream of a release location of the seed meter. The air accelerator may define a pneumatic device such as an air conveyor or air amplifier that merges a primary airflow with a controllable supplemental airflow to provide a correspondingly controllable combined airflow that carries and accelerates the singulated seeds so that the seeds can be released with a rearward horizontal seed velocity component that approximates a forward ground speed of the planter to reduce seed tumble.

Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media comprising instructions configured to cause a processor to receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor, and the sensor is positioned in front of a row unit of an agricultural product application system relative to a direction of travel. Further, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to determine the residue coverage on the surface of the agricultural field based on the signal, and the residue coverage includes a percentage of the agricultural field that is covered by residue, an evenness of the residue, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to control an agricultural product control system of the agricultural product application system based on the residue coverage.

Abstract: The present document discloses a meter housing for feeding granular or powdered material. The meter housing comprises a meter space with a material inlet and a material outlet, and a wall portion extending between the material inlet and the material outlet. The wall portion has substantially the form of a cylinder sector. The wall portion has a scraper part, which extends substantially parallel to a central axis of the cylinder sector.

Abstract: An electric mower has an electric motor driving at least one rotary cutting blade. A method for controlling the mower includes: a rest phase during which the electric motor is not powered; a mowing phase during which the electric motor is controlled to rotate in a first direction of rotation, corresponding to the rotation of the cutting blade in a plant cutting direction; and a temporary blade start phase, in which the electric motor is temporarily controlled to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction of rotation. The mower and method are applicable to mowers and brushcutter mowers.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head has three frame sections. Each frame section is pivotally coupled to its adjacent frame section by two links. The two links are pivotally coupled to the two adjacent frame sections at both ends of each link.

Abstract: A swathing unit (12) for an agricultural mower (4) includes at least one side deflector plate (14) that defines one side of a discharge opening (18) and is adjustable between a wide swath configuration and a narrow swath configuration. The side deflector plate (14) is attached to a pivot mechanism (30) and is angularly adjustable about a pivot axis (X) between an inner position and an outer position. The side deflector plate (14) comprises a first plate element (20) that is attached to the pivot mechanism and a second plate element (22) that is attached to the first plate element and is adjustable to adjust the overall length of the side deflector plate. The second plate element is attached to a control element (32) that cooperates with a guide element (42) to control adjustment of the length and the angular position of the side deflector plate. Movement of the control element relative to the guide element causes simultaneous adjustment of the length and the angular position of the side deflector plate (14).

Abstract: One or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media including instructions that cause a processor to receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor, and the sensor is positioned behind a harvester system relative to a direction of travel. The instructions also cause the processor to determine the residue coverage on the surface of the agricultural field based on the signal, and the residue coverage includes a percentage of the agricultural field that is covered by residue. Further, the instructions cause the processor to control a residue control system based on the residue coverage.

Abstract: An unloading conveyor swing control system including an unloading conveyor fitted to a self-propelled harvesting machine such as a combine harvester. The conveyor is moveable around a pivot axis through a movement range between a first, stowed, position and a second position. An actuator is connected to the conveyor and arranged to move the conveyor throughout the movement range. A sensor is configured to sense an angular position of the conveyor within the movement range and generate a representative position signal. A user interface device is provided for receiving user-commands to move the conveyor. A controller is in communication with the sensor, the actuator and the user interface device. The conveyor is automatically moved into the stowed position in response to said angular position falling below a predetermined threshold angle.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head for an agricultural harvester has a constant force assembly that changes the mechanical advantage of a spring applied to the mainframe of the agricultural harvesting head. As the mainframe of the agricultural harvesting head moves up and down on the front of the combine feederhouse, compressing and decompressing the spring, the constant force assembly changes the mechanical advantage of the spring such that the spring provides a relatively constant lifting force to the mainframe of the harvesting head as the mainframe moves up and down.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes: a chassis; a header carried by the chassis and configured to cut crop material; a chopper carried by the chassis downstream of the header; a spreader assembly carried by the chassis downstream of the chopper; and a windrow assembly carried by the chassis downstream of the chopper. The windrow assembly includes: a windrow chute defining a chute surface and a leading edge downstream from the chopper; and a rotatable conveyor associated with the leading edge and having a surface with at least one conveyor projection extending from the surface, the at least one conveyor projection being configured to convey crop material toward at least one of the chute surface and the spreader assembly during rotation.

Abstract: A harvest header apparatus for harvesting a first crop in a field while preventing damage to a second later crop planted in the same field. A header table with a knife mounted along a lower front edge thereof has a plurality of crop shields attacked to and spaced along the header table at a selected shield spacing, each crop shield extending forward from a rear portion thereof located under the knife to a forward end thereof located forward of the knife. A forward portion of each crop shield slopes upward such that crop plants contacted by the forward portion of each crop shield are pushed downward and pass under the knife without contacting the knife. The shield spacing is selected so the crop shields move along rows of second crop and push the second crop plants down and under the table such that same are not contacted by the knife.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis; a header carried by the chassis and configured to cut crop material; a chopper carried by the chassis downstream of the header; and a windrow assembly carried by the chassis downstream of the chopper. The windrow assembly includes a windrow chute defining a leading edge downstream from the chopper and a trailing edge downstream from the leading edge; and a roller associated with the leading edge to form an active leading edge of the windrow chute during rotation.

Abstract: A round hay bale unrolling device attaches to a flatbed vehicle presenting a foldable arm attaching to a square hitch receiver of the vehicle supported by the flatbed of the truck allowing the vehicle operator to turn right into the bale to drive an angular spike into the center of the bale, drive forward to despool the round bale and to turn left to disengage the bale in the event of an emergency or at the time the bale has been laid into flat hay. This device is designed to be used by a firefighting vehicle to despool inflamed hay bales without exposing the user to the heat and flames of the hay bale or for use by farmers to unroll the hay bale for feeding without exiting the vehicle in poor weather.

Abstract: A baffle float system for a baler is provided. The baffle float system includes a pair of first pivot arms configured to pivotally couple to a frame of the baler and to a cross-member. The first pivot arms pivot about a first pivot axis. The baffle float system includes a baffle coupled to the cross-member. The baffle float system includes a pair of second pivot arms having a first end coupled to the cross-member and a second end. The baffle float system includes a compressor rack coupled to the second end of each of the second pivot arms such that the compressor rack pivots relative to the second end along a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is different than the first pivot axis. The baffle float system includes at least one biasing member coupled to the compressor rack so as to be offset from the second pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming and wrapping a bale in a bale forming chamber into wrapping material includes a wrapping material conveying device that conveys a web of wrapping material towards a wrapping material inlet. A severing device severs the web at a severing location. The wrapping material conveying device moves the web towards the inlet, forms a leading segment of the web, and keeps the leading segment in an intermediate web providing position between the wrapping material inlet and the severing location without moving the leading segment. For starting the wrapping procedure, the web is conveyed towards the inlet.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a bale case having a wall portion with an opening for introducing crop material; a plunger disposed moving in the bale case to compact the crop material into bales; a duct for transporting the crop material to the entrance opening; and a stuffer unit operably associated with the duct and including a fork assembly. The stuffer unit includes tines and a drive mechanism acting on the fork assembly. The drive mechanism includes a first drive member configured for a reciprocating motion along a path of movement; a second drive member configured for a reciprocating motion along the path of movement of the first drive member and operatively connected to the fork assembly; and a selectively operable coupling arrangement configured for selectively coupling the second drive member either to the first drive member or to a stationary part of the baler.

Abstract: A three-point bale spreader attachable to a tractor includes an arm capable of lifting a bale into a processing chamber. A pair of rotors with a plurality of flail knives is rotated to shred the bale. A conveyor feeds the bale into the rotating rotors, while a door can be opened to varying degrees to allow the shredded material to exit the bale spreader.

Abstract: An implement system for a machine. The implement system includes a boom, an implement, a roller assembly and a carriage. The boom has a telescopic structure and a first end. The implement is coupled to the first end of the boom. The roller assembly is configured to be coupled to the machine. The carriage is engaged with the roller assembly and is coupled to the boom. The carriage is configured to move linearly along a longitudinal axis of the machine between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A pruning device comprises a pair of cooperating blades that are pivoted together and handle parts movable to and from each other for a user to operate the cooperating blades. A saw blade part is attachable to and detachable from the device by a user. When the saw blade part is attached to the device the handle parts and cooperating blades are retained in a substantially fixed position relative to each other. When the saw blade part is detached from the device the handle parts and cooperating blades are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a device with its corresponding accessories to introduce agents in a vegetal body used for treatment of trees and plants during their growth, specifically consisting of a cannula conical implant for endotherapy in plants made of plastic or other biocompatible, innocuous material and susceptible of being sterilized which provide measurable and controllable doses in a continuous and constant flow of nutritive, phytosanitary substances, agricultural supplies, pesticides, bactericides, fungicides and acaricides; the multiple conical implant may be adapted to any irrigation systems of low pressure whether by gravity or by external sources of energy; it includes a permanent and hermetic access mean to secure, measure and control the hydric and gas flow of solutes directly accessing the circulation and distribution channels of the plant, xylem and phloem, contributing to execute nutritive, preventive and healing process in cases of disease, plagues, nutritional or water lacks through a main

Abstract: A green construction element forming a vertical surface of the construction, the element including a porous concrete element and a coating on at least one of the surfaces of the porous concrete, directly in contact with the surface, the coating, which is favourable to the development of plants, including a plant or a seed of the plant, and the porous concrete having a porosity of between 10% and 40% in the hardened state thereof, before application of the coating, so as to be able to render the vertical surface of the construction green.

Abstract: Systems and associated apparatus and methods are described for growing plants in a dense and efficient manner in an indoor environment using artificial light. The systems are configured to hold a high density of plants at a relatively close, substantially fixed distance from a light fixture that provides artificial light for growth of the plants. As the plants grow, the plants are transferred to one or more following stations or stages, each of which is configured to hold the now larger plants at the same relatively close, substantially fixed distance from a light fixture. By providing multiple stages to accommodate plant growth, and maintaining the close positioning of the plants to the light fixtures, the impact of the artificial light on the growth of the plants is maximized and the efficiency of the electrical energy use is increased.

Abstract: Embodiments of films, for example, infrared absorbing, heat retaining films, comprise at least one polymer selected from: a low density polyethylene (LDPE) having a density range of 0.900 g/cc to 0.930 g/cc and a melt index (I2) of 0.3 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min as measured in accordance with ASTM D1238; a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density range of 0.900 g/cc to 0.930 g/cc and a melt index I2 of 0.3 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min; and a ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content ranging from 3 wt. % to 27 wt. % and a melt index I2 of 0.2 g/10 min to 10 g/10 min. The films also comprise a hybrid filler comprising (i) a layered double hydroxide, and (ii) an inorganic powder complex having a particle size distribution defined by a median diameter (D50) of 1.5 to 20 ?m.

Abstract: A crop protection system having a cover for protecting a crop or crop producing plants; a plurality of cover support arms for supporting the cover such that a periphery of the cover is depends downwardly from the cover support arms; a plurality of supports for supporting the respective cover support arms; and a plurality of cover holders configured to hold the periphery of the cover away from the supports. The cover, when deployed, curtains at least in part the crop or crop producing plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a y-shaped stake for fruit-growing, in particular for the growing of table grapes. The object of the invention consists in creating an improved Y-shaped stake for fruit-growing, which is easily transportable and quick to assemble. This object is solved in the scope of the invention, in that an elongated base body and two side arms are provided, wherein the base body comprises openings for the insertion of at least one side arm each, wherein the inserted side arms are angled towards the upper end of the base body, wherein, between the openings and the upper end of the base body, a substantially horizontal through-opening is provided, through which a securing rod can be pushed through, wherein the securing rod, via at least one locking means, is horizontally securable against a displacement in the through-hole, and which connects the securing rod releasably connectable with the at least one side arm.

Abstract: In the present invention a method for manufacturing a self-supporting structure used in germination of seeds and plants growth and a process for producing the same is presented. The self-supporting structure is obtained by mixing a growth medium with a binding agent, which is solely or mainly a fibrous material. In preferred embodiments, the fibrous embodiment is biodegradable. The invention discloses a process wherein the growth medium and the binding agent are mixed followed by shaping into the desired dimension of the self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A method of irrigation is disclosed. The method comprises supplying water to an inclined irrigation pipe provided with a plurality of drippers. The water is supplied such that a pressure at a highest level of the inclined irrigation pipe is at most 90 cm H2O.

Abstract: An irrigation controller, includes a housing, a microcontroller within the housing and configured to store and execute an irrigation schedule, a valve driver coupled to the microcontroller and configured to output a zone activation signal to an actuatable zone valve in response to signaling from the microcontroller, and a user interface. The user interface includes a plurality of user input devices coupled to the microcontroller and configured to provide signaling to the microcontroller based upon a user's engagement therewith, the plurality of user input devices configured to allow the user to create an irrigation schedule; and a user display coupled to the microcontroller and configured to display irrigation parameters associated with the irrigation schedule. The microcontroller is configured to cause the user display to display at least one of a next irrigation start day, a next irrigation start time, and a next zone to irrigate associated with the irrigation schedule.

Abstract: A system for actively managing the implementation of locally and remotely entered speed or application rate commands for an irrigation system. The irrigation system includes drive motors, local and remote speed controllers, and a speed manager. The local speed controller allows for entering a first speed of the irrigation system in terms of a first duty cycle for powering a distal motor. The remote speed controller allows for entering a second speed in terms of a second duty cycle for powering the distal motor. The speed manager determines whether the most recent speed command originated from the local speed controller, in which case the distal motor is run in accordance with the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle is ignored, or from the remote speed controller, in which case the distal motor is run in accordance with the second duty cycle and the first duty cycle is ignored.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to agriculture. A growing system may use a movable cylinder which rotates around a central axis to secure various plants, where the root structure of the plant or plants is substantially contained inside a movable cylinder, and where plants and roots are watered or provided nutrients via a fluid which may be sprayed inside a movable cylinder, and where plants may grow their plant mass, stems, or harvestable parts substantially outside of movable cylinder. The various embodiments and methods of the present invention may allow for large quantities of plants to be grown via hydroponic or aeroponic techniques while taking up minimal space and may be used indoors.

Abstract: A fluid sterilization apparatus includes: a flow passage for causing a fluid to flow; and a light source that irradiates the fluid flowing in the flow passage with ultraviolet light of a wavelength of 290˜310 nm. The fluid contains a cutting fluid for a cutting work or Japanese sake in the process of manufacturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planter forming part of a hydroponic system. The planter includes a longitudinal body defining at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels and at least two plant holders defined in the body, the plant holders spaced on the outer circumference of the longitudinal body, each one of the at least two plant holders in fluid flow communication with one of the at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 81-296 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 81-296 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 81-296 RZ.

Abstract: Methods for conveying pathogen resistance into non-resistant soybean germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include introgressing pathogen resistance into a non-resistant soybean using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted breeding among soybean lines to be used in a soybean breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to and/or associated with pathogen resistance. Also provided are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance to pathogens; soybean plants, seeds, and tissue cultures produced by any of the disclosed methods; seed produced by the disclosed soybean plants; and compositions including amplification primer pairs capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase on soybean nucleic acid templates to generate soybean marker amplicons.

Abstract: The Delosperma plant (1) comprises a flower with more than 150 petals, wherein the number of the petals consists of the number of outer petals (1a) and the number of inner petaloids (1b) around a pistil of the flower. This configuration shows that it is possible to produce the Delosperma plant (1) with a characteristic of having a large number of petals (more than twice as much) than conventional cultivars of Delosperma.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV6698PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV6698PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HM5235 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HM5235, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HM5235, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HM5235 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HM5235.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated 58801 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid 58801, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato 58801, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato 58801 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant 58801.