Abstract: The invention is a device for removing weeds and the like from the ground. The device is a simply attachment for a drill. It has a body with a shaft protruding from the center and at least two prongs protruding from the opposite side of the body at distances equidistant from the center. The free end of the shaft is placed into the chuck of an electric drill and the prongs are forced into the ground so that they are placed around a weed. The user operates the drill, thus spinning the prongs around the weed. The prongs entangle the weed's roots and bore a small hole in the ground, allowing the user to easily remove the weed. The prongs are then placed into the ground close to the hole, and the drill is slowly operated, thus refilling the hole. The invention has a plurality of edges and corners that allow the operator to shear weeds and the like that become entangled on the device, thus easily removing them.

Abstract: In one aspect, an auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement may be configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly may include a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) may be configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly may include one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: A self-moving device and a control method for a self-moving device are disclosed. The self-moving device includes a moving module, a control module and an adjusting device. The moving module includes a track, driven by a drive motor to drive the self-moving device to move. The control module controls the adjusting device to adjust a grounding length of the track, such that the grounding length of the track when the self-moving device turns is smaller than that of the track when the self-moving device moves straightly. The control method for a self-moving device includes the steps: controlling to reduce the grounding length of the track before the self-moving device is controlled to turn; and controlling to increase the grounding length of the track after the self-moving device is controlled to finish the turning.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having a three-point hitch with a top link. The tractor is provided with a lifting block adjacent the three-point hitch. The lifting block has a retractable cable which can be used to assist in the raising or lowering of the top link, to allow for easy manipulation of the top link by an operator. In addition, the cable of the lifting block can be used to assist in the coupling of a rear attachment system of the tractor with relatively heavy implements.

Abstract: In one aspect, a shank assembly for an agricultural implement may include a shank and a biasing element configured to exert a biasing force on the shank. The shank assembly may also include a reversible mounting plate defining a mounting aperture offset from a centerline of the reversible mounting plate such that a position of a second mounting location of the biasing element relative to a first mounting location of the biasing element differs depending on whether the reversible mounting plate is provided in a first orientation relative to the biasing element or a second orientation relative to the biasing element. The biasing element may exert a first biasing force on the shank when the reversible member is oriented in the first orientation and a second, different biasing force on the shank when the reversible member is oriented in the second orientation.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a carriage frame assembly and pull hitch towed by a tractor and forward and aft secondary frames supported by the carriage frame assembly. The forward and aft secondary frames mount gangs of disk blades for tilling the soil. The secondary frames establish a plane and the aft secondary frame is connected to the carriage frame assembly at a greater distance from the plane than the forward secondary frame so that the depth of penetration of the disk blades is uniform during field operation. The tillage implement has outboard wing sections pivotally connected to the secondary frames and annular shims are provided to establish the wing sections and secondary frames in common plane during field operation, the annular shim being rotatable about central axis to present a common surface to the implements irrespective of the orientation of the shims.

Abstract: A data processor can estimate a series of center points between the first row and the second row based on targeting substantial symmetry in the first sensor signal response and the second sensor signal response. A nozzle is associated with the sprayer implement. The nozzle has a nozzle position with respect to a corresponding center point between the rows of plants. An offset module is adapted to shift laterally the nozzle position from or with respect to each center point to a corresponding offset lateral position such that a spray pattern of the nozzle is directed toward target strip of soil or ground around or containing a plant stem, or root zone, of the plants in the row.

Abstract: A carrier arm assembly for an operating unit of an agricultural machine includes a carrier arm having a base part and an extending part that is telescopically adjustable relative to the base part to adjust the length of the carrier arm between an unextended configuration and an extended configuration. The base part and the extending part both include a set of bearing surfaces that are configured to enable sliding movement of the extending part relative to the base part. The bearing surfaces of the base part include upper inclined bearing surfaces and lower inclined bearing surfaces, and the bearing surfaces of the extending part include upper inclined bearing surfaces and lower inclined bearing surfaces, which are configured to engage respectively the upper inclined bearing surfaces and the lower inclined bearing surfaces of the base part.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises an operating unit and a carrier assembly for the operating unit. The carrier assembly includes a carrier arm and a suspension system by which the operating unit is suspended from the carrier arm.

Abstract: A high throughput system for sorting a plurality of different small object types into a plurality of cells of a plurality of small object cassettes is provided. The system comprises: at least one small object cassette having a plurality of small object cells; an automated conveyor system for transporting the cassette(s) from a loading location to a unloading location on the conveyor system; at least one cassette filling station disposed over the conveyor system such that the conveyor system extends under a small object distribution subsystem of each respective cassette filling station; and a computer based central control system structured and operable to control various operations of the conveyor system and each cassette filling station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press wheel (1) comprising an outer, circular tyre element (3), for an agricultural sowing machine (2), wherein ribs (6) enclosed by an elastic filler material (7) ensure improved radial and lateral guidance and suspension for said press wheel.

Abstract: A furrow closing wheel for closing an open furrow. The furrow closing wheel has a pair of rims mounted for rotation about a generally horizontal axis of rotation. The pair of rims are mounted at an angle with respect to one another with the rims being spaced apart. The distance between the rims decreases as the rims rotate from the top of the direction of rotation to the bottom of the direction of rotation and increases as the rims rotate from the bottom of the direction of rotation to the top of the direction of rotation. Spikes protrudes radially outwardly from the rims. Teeth extend inwardly and laterally from rims. The spikes are adapted to penetrate the sides of a furrow to crumble the furrow walls and push soil in the direction of the furrow opening and the teeth mesh to press down on the furrow to properly close the furrow.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.

Abstract: A distribution tower of an agricultural distribution machine for spreading granular material comprises a riser pipe supplying a flow of distribution goods to a ring-shaped distributor head for dividing the flow into a multitude of flows of distribution goods along the circumference of the distributor head. At least one of the outflows has a shut-off device. The shut-off device has a track switch by means of which the flow of distribution goods can be guided toward a seed tube or toward a return section. A return device connects to and surrounds the riser pipe. Openings in the riser pipe serve to receive the returned distribution goods. The return section, as well as the seed tube connection, are permanently, pneumatically connected. A method is also provided where it is possible to shut off an optional number of outflows without any resulting major change of the lateral distribution.

Abstract: A system for controlling the depth of at least one closing wheel in an agricultural row unit for planting seeds in a furrow. The row unit includes a firming device that passes the seeds into the soil at the bottom of the furrow, and at least one closing wheel that is pressed into a side of the furrow to close the furrow over the seeds. A control system senses the depth of the closing wheels in the furrow relative to the depth of the firming device, and adjusts the downward pressure on the closing wheel, based on changes in the sensed depth of the closing wheel, to compensate for changes in the hardness of the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for planting seeds in a furrow includes an opening tool that cuts a furrow in the soil to be planted, and a gauge wheel that engages the soil to control elevation. A depth control actuator applies a controllable down force to the gauge wheel, and a sidewall compaction sensor extends into sidewalls of the furrow and produces a signal representing the compaction of the soil. A controller supplies the depth control actuator with a control signal representing a down pressure set point to form a furrow having a desired depth. The controller uses the signal representing the compaction of the soil in the sidewalls to determine whether the down pressure set point should be increased or decreased, and supplies the depth control actuator with a control signal when it is determined that the down pressure set point should be increased or decreased.

Abstract: The beet head trimming apparatus for a beet-harvesting machine comprises a frame, two flail hubs rotatable about an axis, flails, which are designed in order to remove leaves from beets remaining in the ground, and a drive in order to drive the flail hubs with respect to the frame. The drive comprises a motor and a gearbox and the flails are movably attached to the flail hubs. The motor and the gearbox are attached to the frame. The frame has mechanical coupling means for coupling the frame with the beet-harvesting machine. The beet head trimming apparatus has electrical and/or hydraulic coupling means for coupling the motor with an electrical and/or hydraulic energy source. The beet head trimming apparatus is a module that can be handled separately from the beet-harvesting machine.

Abstract: A dust-free mowing system has a mower, a container with an interior volume removably affixed to the mower, a blower affixed to the container, a hose positioned within the interior volume of the container, a water separator connected to the hose and extending outwardly of the container, a conduit connected or interconnected to the hose and extending outwardly of the container, and a hood connected or interconnected to the conduit. The blower is connected or interconnected to the hose so as to pass an air flow through the hose. The water separator is adapted to remove liquids from an interior of the hose. The hood is adapted to fit over a human head.

Abstract: An unmanned operation vehicle includes a housing, a wheel provided in the housing, and an operation unit provided under the housing. The housing includes a camera unit, a stop switch configured to stop driving of the wheel and the operation unit when actuated, and a stop switch actuating member configured to actuate the stop switch. The camera unit is arranged substantially at a center of an upper surface of the housing in a plan view, and the stop switch actuating member is arranged immediately above an upper surface of the camera unit.

Abstract: A method for executing an agricultural harvesting process on a field by an integrated system of agricultural harvesting machines, wherein the harvesting machines in the integrated system each comprise crop-processing working units which can be adjusted using machine parameters for adaptation to the particular harvesting conditions, wherein the harvesting machines in the integrated system communicate with each other via a wireless data network. One harvesting machine in the integrated system is designed as a self-optimizing harvesting machine which comprises a driver assistance system for automatically generating machine parameters which have been optimized with respect to the crop processing, and the optimized machine parameters are provided by the self-optimizing harvesting machine via the data network to the other harvesting machines in the integrated system that do not comprise a driver assistance system.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a weed seed management system and weed seed management device mountable on a harvester. The device includes a plate to convey straw waste after discharge from the harvester; a chute to catch the straw waste conveyed by the plate, and then direct and deposit the straw waste on the ground in a first windrow; and a trough having a length and a vent, the trough to convey the chaff waste along the length after discharge from the harvester, the vent aligned with the chute to deposit the chaff waste in a second windrow on top of first windrow of the straw waste on the ground, wherein the trough has a depth greater than 150 mm. The weed management system includes the harvester and the weed seed management device.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for control of the speed of a baler includes detection and mapping of one or more of a crop property and data derived therefrom during the harvesting of a field by a combine harvester. Crop residues are deposited in a windrow in the field. The method and arrangement control the speed of the baler in the pickup of the windrow while taking into account one or more of the mapped crop property and the data derived from the crop property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (2) for harvesting stalk-like stem crops, having a number of picking units (10) which are arranged alongside one another on the frame of the device (2) and each have at least one picking rotor (12), picking plates laterally delimiting a picking gap, and conveying units which are assigned thereto and are configured as continuous conveyors (14) that are driven in circulation, a series gearbox (26) that drives the members of each picking unit (4), longitudinal beams (22), in arranged between the picking gaps, for supporting members of the picking units (10), a transverse beam (8) to which the picking units (10) are fastened, and a transverse conveying device (24) arranged downstream of the conveying units.

Abstract: An adjustable raking apparatus for gathering crop material into a windrow is disclosed. The raking apparatus allows the raking width and the windrow width to be independently adjusted. In some embodiments, both the raking width and the windrow width may be adjusted by the operator from the pulling vehicle attached to the raking apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for gathering bales that aligns itself during bale pick-up. Methods for transferring bales that use such an apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.

Abstract: A net knife assembly for a baler is provided. The net knife assembly includes a linkage drive system including a drive linkage coupled to a motor. The net knife assembly includes a knife carrier coupled to the linkage drive system and configured to be positioned in a home position and a cut position. The net knife assembly includes a tensioning member coupled to the linkage drive system. The motor is configured to rotate the drive linkage of the linkage drive system, rotation of the drive linkage rotating the knife carrier between the home position and the cut position. Upon rotation of the knife carrier through a center position relative to the tensioning member, the tensioning member accelerates rotation of the knife carrier into the home position or the cut position.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a baler with a plunger and a sensor for sensing a plunger-related value; a vehicle including a power source operable to convey power to the plunger; and a CVT arranged to drive the plunger. In order to balance a fluctuating load of the plunger over the working cycle, an electronic control unit (ECU) is coupled to the sensor and to the CVT and is configured to receive the signal from the sensor and to cause the CVT to modify a gear ratio of the CVT based on the signal from the sensor and on a mathematical model defining a CVT gear ratio variation profile derived from an expected load applied by crop on the plunger over its operating cycle.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a bale chamber, a feeder duct communicating with the bale chamber for charges of crop material to be transferred from the feeder duct into the bale chamber; and a feeder operable within the feeder duct to accumulate a charge of crop material therein and then stuff that accumulated charge into the bale chamber. There is an opening in the bottom wall of the feeder duct and at least one door hingedly attached to an edge of the opening, the edge being the edge of an end part of the bottom wall of the feeder duct, and the end part of the bottom wall to which the door is hingedly attached, is movably arranged relative to the top wall of the feeder duct.

Abstract: A handheld edger includes an electric powerhead coupled to a mounting location, a member, and a cutting assembly. The electric powerhead includes a motor having an output shaft rotating at a first speed about an output shaft axis and a battery configured to power the motor. The member extends from the mounting location and includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion configured to be removable and replaceable to exchange one or more attachments. The cutting assembly coupled to the member includes a drive shaft, a blade coupled to and driven by the drive shaft, and a worm drive coupled to the output shaft of the motor and the drive shaft, the worm drive configured to cause the drive shaft to rotate the blade at a second speed. A gear ratio of the worm drive is larger than 40:1.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting involves a support configured to stably support the apparatus on a surface, an articulated boom rotatably mounted on the support proximate a first end of the boom, and a hydraulically operated end effector mounted on the boom proximate a second end of the boom. The end effector has a cutter configured to cut an object, and preferably also has an immobilizer (e.g. a gripper) configured to immobilize the object while being cut by the cutter. The end effector has a swivel between the cutter (and/or immobilizer) and the boom, the swivel rotatable continuously through 360° to rotate the cutter (and/or immobilizer) continuously through 360°. The swivel has an internal fluid conduit through which hydraulic fluid may be transported from a hydraulic fluid reservoir to the cutter to hydraulically operate the cutter.

Abstract: A lighting system for facilitating the growth of plants. The system can include an LED array having an output of light, including light intensity and/or color spectra, controlled locally in response to one or more sensors of the respective system detecting a sensory input analyzed against a target parameter set. The LED array and/or corresponding one or more sensors can be disposed on or internal to a housing. The LED array can be protected and a controller of the system can be configured to analyze data from the one or more sensors and adjust output of the LED array in response.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for a container for a plant includes a body having a vertical axis, an open top, a base, a sidewall extending upward from the base, holes in the base and legs extending downward from the base. The holes comprise elongated slots and apertures that intersect each other.

Abstract: A device for cultivating plants is provided, comprising a watering device, an illuminating device, one or more seed mats, and a control unit configured to control the watering device and the illuminating device by means of a program controller, wherein the program controller comprises watering data and illuminating data which is individually matched to the one or more seed mats.

Abstract: Cannabis growth systems can have one or more sensors that sense various environmental elements in the ambient environment in which cannabis plants are growing. The sensors are electrically connected to a central controller that receives the sensed data relating to the environmental elements and can take various actions in response to the sensed data like adjusting one or more of the environmental control systems that control different environmental elements in the ambient environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mushroom cultivation rack. The rack is generally constructed from a number of uprights arranged vertically during use. A girder extends from each upright in transverse direction thereof to the opposite side of the rack. Situated transversely of girders in the longitudinal direction of the rack are carriers or spanning members. The spanning members support substrate holders for holding substrate in which the mycelium of the mushrooms is raised.

Abstract: A handheld blower includes a housing having an air inlet and a duct assembly mounted in front of the air inlet, the duct assembly including a duct connected with the housing, a motor and a fan mounted in the duct, a battery, and a blowpipe connected to the housing by the duct assembly, the blowpipe defining a central axis in the length direction, and a handle arranged above the housing and the battery. The handle includes a gripping portion arranged on opposite sides of a plane in which the gravity center of the blower is located, and the plane is parallel to a central axis of the blowpipe and substantially perpendicular to a working ground. The gravity center of the handheld blower is adjacent to the gripping portion which enhances the handling comfort and reduces operator fatigue during long times of operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and method for quickly, easily and accurately removing flowers or buds from a plant stem in a single step by using a device that is a cover or partial cover for a bucket or container that can be attached and removed from the bucket or container, and the device further providing one or more substantially rigid grooves or shaped edges and pressing an herb or stem of herbs or plants firmly into and against the one or more grooves or shaped edges utilizing a method according to the invention to permit stripping or removing the flower(s) or bud(s) that are attached to the plant or herb stem in a single step. In a preferred aspect, the invention provides such devices and methods that include a device having a plurality of grooves or shaped edges that can efficiently catch and strip buds or flowers from herbs or plants.

Abstract: A rotating disc assembly for use on a stump grinder that can include: a rotating disc member having a peripheral edge and defining a central axis and a radial direction; a bit securing sub-assembly comprising a bit holder member mechanically connected to the rotating disc member and having a first portion extending in a first direction, and a second portion extending from said first portion along a second direction that is not parallel to said first direction; a bit mechanically connected to the bit holder member by a fastening hardware; and a first portion of the peripheral edge extending a further distance in the radial direction than a second portion of the peripheral edge; wherein the bit and the bit securing sub-assembly are sized, shaped, located and/or connected so that the first bit is at least partially shielded by a footprint of the first portion of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter comprises an emitter inlet, an emitter outlet, an irrigation fluid path extending therebetween including a pressure-reducing mechanism configured to convert fluid flow entering the emitter inlet under pressure, into a drip flow from the outlet. The emitter further comprises a fluid-accumulation chamber having at least one chamber orifice configured for being brought into fluid communication with an exterior of the emitter for receiving therefrom an accumulatable fluid and further configured to allow introduction of the accumulatable fluid into the chamber via the orifice.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for an environmental services platform for providing optimized irrigation plans, water management and use analysis, automated irrigation. Scheduling via network connected irrigation controllers, and other automated environmental services. According to some embodiments, a user may input site survey data regarding a selected irrigation site to a network-connected environmental services platform. The environmental services platform may correlate and analyze the input site survey data with large scale sets of relevant data (e.g., soil data, geographic data, plant data, weather data, solar radiation data, etc.) to provide services associated with the platform.

Abstract: The invention is related to plant growth and in particular to a plant growing stand. In one aspect the invention provides a plant growing stand comprising a container in which a plant holding structure is arranged. The plant holding structure comprises a bottom support member for receiving a plant thereon and a side support member for supporting a shoot system of the plant. The invention in another aspect provides a plant product comprising such a plant growing stand and a plant.

Abstract: A vertical aeroponic growing apparatus is disclosed which includes a hollow structure having a top wall, a sidewall, and a bottom wall. A plurality of openings is formed through the sidewall. A thermal, light refractive cover is wrapped around the sidewall. The cover has a plurality of openings formed therethrough which correspond to the plurality of openings formed in the sidewall. A fitting is positioned in each of the plurality of openings in which a plant will be supported. A cap closes off any of the plurality of openings which are not needed to support a fitting. A drain pipe is secured to the bottom wall for allowing excess nutrient laden water to be removed. Lastly, an irrigation tube routes nutrient laden water to the hollow structure. A nozzle attached to an end of the irrigation tube delivers a fine mist of the nutrient laden water to the plant roots.

Abstract: An automated plant cultivation system is provided having multi-tiered vertically arranged horizontal magazine structures each employing seed or plant capsules with a fluid circulation and illumination and communication network controlled by an on-board processor. Particularly, the system includes a magazine structure having seed/plant capsules within seed/plant reservoirs alternately arranged between at least one of a light source substantially concealed from direct viewing. A fluid channel extends across a long axis of the magazine structure, wherein the magazine structure is adapted for use of seed/plant capsules with nutrient composite plant growth cultivation, hydroponic plant growth cultivation, aeroponic plant growth cultivation methods or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An automated plant cultivation system is provided having multi-tiered vertically arranged horizontal magazine structures each employing seed or plant capsules with a fluid circulation and illumination and communication network controlled by an on-board processor. Particularly, the system includes a magazine structure having seed/plant capsules within seed/plant reservoirs alternately arranged between at least one of a light source substantially concealed from direct viewing. A fluid channel extends across a long axis of the magazine structure, wherein the magazine structure is adapted for use of seed/plant capsules with nutrient composite plant growth cultivation, hydroponic plant growth cultivation, aeroponic plant growth cultivation methods or combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention describes a new method to generate hybrid seed in any crop plant while also reducing contamination from out-crossings and self-pollination. In contrast to conventional seed production methods, the method of the invention is not dependent on the use of any form of male sterility in the female parent plants, nor the use of isolation distances from unrelated and undesirable plants of the same species, nor the use of male parent plants in proximity to the targeted females. The process involves the delivery of pollen of the male parent at will, as available either in a preserved pollen bank, or using real-time collection from male plants as they become available. Desired pollen is delivered to fertile females during the period when viable pollen from the females and locally proximal unrelated plants is not being released.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breeding method for tetraploid ricinus communis. The method comprises: collecting a ricinus communis germplasm resource, performing morphologic character analysis and chromosome ploidy identification, selecting good diploid varieties, carrying out mutagenesis by using colchicine and oryzalin; performing chromosome ploidy identification on F1 generation seeds, selecting homozygous tetraploids, and performing economic character analysis and identification on the F2 generation, so as to breed good tetraploid ricinus communis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant plant of the Cucurbitaceae family comprising a modified CENP-C gene, which mutant plant when crossed to a wild-type plant having 2n chromosomes produces progeny, at least 0.1% of which have n chromosomes. The modification comprises for example a mutation in the CENP-C gene that leads to the occurrence of a premature stop codon or to a non-conservative amino acid change in the C-terminal region of the encoded protein. The plant is for example a Cucumis sativus plant and the modified CENP-C gene encodes a modified CENP-C protein that comprises at least one not-tolerated amino acid change or a premature stop codon in the C-terminal region, when compared to the CENP-C protein of SEQ ID No:1, in particular a mutation selected from E674K and S650N.

Abstract: A plant nanobionic approach can utilize a system of four nanoparticle types, including luciferase conjugated silica, luciferin releasing poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), coenzyme A functionalized chitosan, and semiconductor nanocrystal phosphors for wavelength modulation.