Abstract: A finger-hoe tool for a soil-tilling device, which has at least one finger, and a method for mechanical control of weeds in row crops make possible an input of loose materials into the row or a discharge of loose materials from the row, because the at least one finger has at least one device for collection and/or removal of the loose materials (e.g. earth, sand, stones), whereby not only the weakly rooted weeds but also more strongly rooted weeds can be controlled.

Abstract: An improved row cleaning/closing wheel having improved debris removing and/or furrow closing performance with complimentary left and right cleaning/closing wheel pairs having complimentary teeth configurations to provide spatial, angular and rotational intermeshed cleaning and/or closing operation during row planting. The improved row cleaning wheel for use with a floating row cleaner and/or closing arm assemblies attached to a row planter during planting operation.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement comprising a central frame to which laterally extending side frames are connected for supporting a plurality of ground working tools and in which each side frame is supported above the ground by a swiveling wheel which freely pivots when moving forward but which can be locked in perpendicular alignment to the side frame when moving in reverse.

Abstract: A Multiple Use Toolbar attachment to tiller to enhance seed planting and row making. Tilling and planting in “one-step” works the soil and plants it at the same time. The tractor does not need to drive over the newly tilled soil to plant. Also time is saved because the tiller does not have to be removed in order to attach the seeders. The condition of the soil can be planted without tracks, providing a full seed bed tilled area.

Abstract: A tool bar and hydraulic system for a large scale agricultural implement. The tool bar includes opposed pivotable wings that are extended in a field configuration and retracted in a transport configuration. In some embodiments, each pivotable wing includes two lift assist assemblies for aiding in the execution of turns in the field, and for aiding in the transport of the agricultural implement. The tool bar may be configured to compensate for twist of the pivotable wings when in the transport configuration. The hydraulic system provides a “stiffening” of the tool bar for lift assist during field operation while providing for flexing of the tool bar during transport.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes: a center frame defining a travel axis; a tool bar connected to the center frame and extending transversely to the travel axis; a first row unit having a first parallel linkage defining a first linkage angle relative to the tool bar; a first angle sensor associated with the tool bar and the first parallel linkage and configured to output a first linkage angle signal corresponding to the first linkage angle; an actuator linked to the first row unit and configured to adjust the first linkage angle; and a controller operationally coupled to the first angle sensor and the actuator. The controller is configured to: determine the first linkage angle; compare the first linkage angle to a preset linkage angle; and activate the actuator to adjust the first linkage angle to the preset linkage angle if the first linkage angle deviates from the preset linkage angle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a stacking toolbar assembly. The stacking toolbar assembly includes a center toolbar, a center support beam, at least one pivot beam rotatably coupled to the center support beam at a first joint, at least one wing toolbar moveably coupled to the at least one pivot beam at a second joint, and an actuating system. The actuating system includes at least one first actuator coupled to the center support beam and the at least one pivot beam, and at least one second actuator coupled to the at least one pivot beam and the at least one wing toolbar. The at least one wing toolbar is moveable from a work position in which the at least one wing toolbar is substantially laterally aligned with the center toolbar and a transport position in which the at least one wing toolbar is stacked above the center toolbar.

Abstract: An agricultural implement which can be configured in a work position and a transport position. The agricultural implement includes a center frame defining a frame axis. The agricultural implement also includes a left toolbar and a right toolbar respectively pivotally connected to the center frame. The agricultural implement also includes a left draft tube and a right draft tube respectively pivotally connected to the left and right toolbars. In the work position the left draft tube is pivotally folded relative to the left toolbar and in the transport position the left draft tube is pivotally unfolded relative to the left toolbar. In the work position the right draft tube is pivotally folded relative to the right toolbar and in the transport position the right draft tube is pivotally unfolded relative to the right toolbar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product pneumatic conveying system which meters particulate material from one or more source containers at the application equipment and transports the particulate material to evenly distribute the particulate material from the applicator. The pneumatic conveying system employs supply lines connected between the metering devices at the source containers and delivery nozzles. The conveying system also includes a dynamic baffle system that directs the air flow towards a supply line detected as having increased resistance to the air flow in order to equalize the air flow into each of the supply lines. The baffle system accomplishes this by obstructing a portion of the air flow towards a supply line having less resistance to the air flow and concurrently re-directing the obstructed portion of the air flow into the supply line with higher air flow resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes an inline metering system including a number of metering devices associated with each compartment of a particulate material tank on the applicator to meter the particulate material disposed within each compartment. The individual metering devices include gates to initially enable the particulate material from a compartment to enter the metering device, and a rotary metering shaft to meter the flow of the particulate material into the conduits while limiting the passage of pressurized air through the metering device and into the compartment.

Abstract: A seed depth device for an agricultural planter includes an electric motor, an actuator, a stop, a controller, and a seed depth auto-learn system. The actuator is driven by the electric motor, and is constructed and arranged to move between a home position and a full extension position. The stop is proximate to the actuator when in the home position. The controller includes a computing processor and a computer readable storage medium configured to control the electric motor. The seed depth auto-learn system is, at least in-part, stored and executed by the controller. The seed depth auto-learn system is configured to learn the home position based, at least in-part, on the actuator stalling upon the stop.

Abstract: Steering and roll control systems to counteract yaw and/or roll forces during operation of a vehicle having first and second wheeled members coupled together by an articulating joint mechanism that is configured to pivot in a yaw direction and/or a roll direction. The steering assistance systems include a biasing unit configured to apply a counteracting force to bias the first and second wheeled members toward a straight-line arrangement thereof. The roll control systems include an additional biasing unit configured to apply a counteracting force to bias the first and second wheeled members toward a level alignment arrangement of the vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous agricultural implement is operable to advance itself across a field while dispensing agricultural product. The implement includes an implement chassis, a drive system, an interchangeable product container, and a plurality of openers. The container presents a chamber configured to hold a supply of product. The container is shiftable between coupled and uncoupled positions, with the container being detached from the implement chassis in the uncoupled position. The container includes a product flow barrier to selectively restrict product from flowing out of the chamber when the container is in the uncoupled position prior to the container being attached to the implement chassis. The container fluidly communicates with the openers when in the coupled position so that the openers receive product from the chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an agricultural product supply station, an autonomous agricultural machine, a plurality of product containers, and a powered transfer mechanism. The machine is operable to advance across a field while dispensing product. The product containers are configured to be removably stored by the supply station in a stored position and used interchangeably with the machine. Each container is configured to contain product and operably couple to the machine to dispense product thereto. Each container is shiftable between a machine-coupled position and the stored position. The container is attached to the machine in the machine-coupled position and detached from the machine in the stored position. The transfer mechanism is operably supported by at least one of the supply station and the implement and is configured to shift each container between the machine-coupled and stored positions.

Abstract: A mobile agricultural product dispensing system is configured to hold a supply of agricultural product and transport the product for operations on a field by an agricultural machine. The dispensing system includes a wheeled supply station and a plurality of product containers. The supply station is operable to be advanced to and from the field and includes a rack assembly defining a series of container-receiving bays. The product containers are configured to be used interchangeably with the machine. Each container is configured to contain product and operably couple to the machine to dispense product thereto. Each container is removably supported by the rack assembly in a corresponding one of the bays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product mechanical conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes a pneumatic agitation system operably connected to the tanks of the applicator to agitate the particulate material disposed within the tanks in order to reduce the formation of agglomerations and/or bridges of particles within the tanks. The pneumatic agitation system includes a number of nozzle connected to each tank that are in turn connected to a pressurized air source and a controller. The controller is operable to selectively cause pressurized air to flow into the tanks through the nozzles to agitate the particulate material positioned therein, thereby breaking up and agglomerations of material within the tanks.

Abstract: A rinse tank for use with an agricultural machine that has a routing tunnel formed in a tank bottom wall for routing hoses through the routing tunnel between the rinse tank and a frame side-rail associated with the agricultural machine. The routing tunnel allows hoses to be routed from a first end of the agricultural machine to a second end of the agricultural machine. Additionally, brackets can be installed to the top wall of the frame side-rail. The brackets can be used to help locate the rinse tank about the frame as they are configured to fit within the routing tunnel. Additionally, the hoses can be routed through the brackets to prevent the hoses from being misplaced or damaged once the rinse tank is installed onto the frame side-rail.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a power tool, a lawn mower, and a method for controlling a lawn mower. The lawn mower includes a blade, configured to cut grass; a chassis, configured to accommodate the blade; a front wheel connected to a front side of the chassis; a rear wheel connected to a rear side of the chassis; a motor at least configured to drive the rear wheel to rotate; a detection apparatus configured to detect a rotational speed of the front wheel; and a controller configured to enable the motor to decelerate when the rotational speed of the front wheel decreases, where the motor is connected to the rear wheel, and the detection apparatus is electrically connected to the controller. In the present lawn mower disclosed herein, a speed of a front wheel is detected to control a moving speed of the lawn mower, thereby enhancing the performance of the lawn mower and improving the user's experience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for monitoring and controlling activities of at least one gardening tool (12) within at least one activity zone (14). According to the invention, a monitoring device (16) is provided for analyzing at least one activity zone state of the activity zone (14) and at least one gardening tool state of the gardening tool (12) to control the gardening tool (12).

Abstract: Cutting head for a hedge trimmer, comprising: a lower shell (2) and an upper shell (3), which are integral with one another with respect to the rotation around a rotation axis (X); two or more coupling pins (4), associated with the shells (2,3) and set up to enable respective cutting elements (B,W) to be coupled; the shells (2,3) are slidable in relation to one another along the rotation axis (X) between an operating position, in which they are alongside one another, and a change position, in which they are at least partially separated from one another; wherein the coupling pins (4), in the change position, have a free end (41) that is accessible to enable a cutting element (B,W) to be inserted or extracted; an elastic pusher (5) is provided that is set up for pushing the lower shell (2) and the upper shell (3) to the operating position.

Abstract: A system for controlling an operative parameter of a harvesting platform of an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a sensor adapted to provide downed crop information indicative of a characteristic of downed crop in a field to be harvested and an electronic control unit adapted to control an operative parameter of at least one of a reel and a cutter bar table position of the harvesting platform based upon the downed crop information.

Abstract: A cotton picker unit lift structure having a first frame, a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame about a pivot axis, and at least one sliding joint coupling the first frame to the second frame. Wherein, the sliding joint is not positioned at the pivot axis.

Abstract: System for the collection and transport of fruits, from slopes or slopes of hills or the like, is conformed with a tubular body (1) of PVC, which is anchored to the slope of the hill (2) being detachable, light and portable, characterized in that the straight tubular body (1) is provided with openings (3) each a certain number of meters, so as to introduce into said openings (3), containers with fruit (4), which are provided with projections (5), said openings are arranged so as to correspond to the rows of fruit trees; at the lower end of said tubular body (1), a further corrugated tubular retention body (7) of containers (4) and arranged in a curved, non-collapsible manner is fitted by means of a quick coupling system (6), which makes it possible to reduce the speed of the fruit containers (4), those that go inside the tubular body (1) transporting the fruit inside.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a swathboard control system, comprising: a header comprising fore and aft a cutting assembly and a conditioning system; a forming shield assembly; a swathboard located between the conditioning system and the forming shield assembly, the swathboard pivotably adjustable about a transverse axis; a position sensor configured to sense a position of the swathboard; and a computing system operably coupled to the position sensor, the computing system configured to provide an indication of the position of the swathboard based on feedback from the position sensor.

Abstract: A self-adjustable feeder for sugarcane harvesting device having two vertical feeding rollers (5) rotating in opposite directions, aligned side by side and horizontally moving, kept under traction one against the other by at least one actuator (6A), and also, the upper edges of both feeding rollers (5), besides being coupled to hydraulic engines (7) rotating in opposite directions, are also hinged to a rear opening and closing structure (8), with guiding means to change the distance between the vertical centers of said feeding rollers (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for separating plant material from a harvested plant includes a frame and: (a) a planar sheet attached to the frame, the planar sheet having a thickness thereof and an aperture therethrough, the aperture having a length defining a longitudinal axis and a width equal to or greater than the thickness of the planar sheet; and (b) a motor-driven blade defining a cutting edge dimensioned for sweeping adjacent to one side of the planar sheet, the cutting edge being aligned with the longitudinal axis when adjacent to the aperture. The planar sheet may be sloped in a downwardly sloped direction toward a receiving tray for receiving separated plant material. A plurality of apertures of different widths may be covered by pairs of oppositely sliding covers having beveled edges at the apertures. A path from each aperture in the downwardly sloped direction does not intersect any other aperture.

Abstract: A grain storage bin includes a cylindrical wall formed by a plurality of panels arranged in rows with a bottom edge of a first row bolted to a top edge of a second lower row. At each joint the bottom edge of the first upper row is overlapped with and outside of the outer surface of top edge of the second lower row and the bottom edge is fastened to the top edge by bolts carrying spacers as to define a first channel along the joint for passage of air. A central air injection duct is formed of a series of generally frustoconical duct pieces arranged in a row suspended on a cable from the roof with a tube portion into which the air is injected fixed on legs at a hopper bottom standing upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein includes a method for operating lighting fixtures in horticultural applications. The method may include receiving a user input of a desired irradiance for a first color channel of one or more lighting fixtures that irradiates a plant bed, in which each of the one or more lighting fixtures comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) array, determining, for each of the one or more lighting fixtures, a PWM setting of the first color channel such that each of the one or more lighting fixtures irradiate the plant bed at the desired irradiance based on calibration data stored in each of the one or more lighting fixtures, and applying, to each of the one or more lighting fixtures, the determined PWM setting of the first color channel.

Abstract: A pair of gardening shears include a first driving arm, a jaw member pivotally connected with the first driving arm, a second driving arm pivotally connected with the first driving arm, a first handle mounted on the first driving arm, a second handle mounted on the second driving arm, and a locking unit mounted on the first handle. Thus, the jaw member is pivotally connected with the first driving arm by the first bolt, and the second driving arm is pivotally connected with the first driving arm by the second bolt, so that the jaw member and the second driving arm have different fulcrums to construct a multi-lever structure so as to perform the cutting action smoothly in an energy-saving way.

Abstract: In combination: a) a cutting blade assembly having a frame and a first cutting blade member with a first cutting edge portion configured to cause relative movement between components on the cutting blade assembly whereby the at least first cutting edge portion effects severance of an object; and b) a protective sheath. The protective sheath can be moved relative to the cutting blade assembly between: a) a first separated position; and b) an assembled position. The protective sheath frictionally engages the cutting blade assembly to thereby be maintained in the assembled position. The protective sheath has at least one component that projects away from the cutting blade assembly and has oppositely facing surfaces that can be grasped between two fingers on a user's one hand to facilitate repositioning of the protective sheath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the airborne dissemination and implantation of seeds utilizing an aerodynamic seed delivery apparatus with built-in nutrients, anti-pest, and anti-fungal properties that can be disseminated rapidly from an airborne platform. The velocity of impact and depth of penetration into specific soil types by the delivery apparatus can be controlled up to a terminal velocity kinetic energy by exploiting a specified drag coefficient, mass, and altitude of release. The seeds are delivered and imbedded into the soil at the optimal depth and orientation to maximize germination rates, since seed orientation has a pronounced effect on germination and sprout mortality rates. Flight paths for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) utilized for dissemination can be automated to adjust coordinates based on wind vectors, terrain elevation data, and soil permeability data to efficiently achieve a desired penetration depth across a specified geographic area.

Abstract: A seedling nursery member for grafting according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one seedling nursery unit. At least one seedling nursery unit includes a stem storage section configured to store a stem of a plant and a stem holder configured to hold the stem of the plant. At least a portion of the stem storage section of the at least one seedling nursery unit is configured to be openable so as to allow communication between an inside of the stem storage section and an outside of the at least one seedling nursery unit in a direction different from a growth direction of the plant.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automatically redistributing plants throughout an agricultural facility includes, at a mobile robotic system: delivering a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants in approximately a second growth stage—from a grow area within a facility to a transfer station within the facility; delivering a second module—located within the facility and defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density—to the transfer station; and following transfer of a first subset of plants from the first array of plant slots in the first module into the second array of plant slots in the second module at the transfer station, delivering the second module to the grow area in the facility.

Abstract: An environment-controlled multi span structured greenhouse comprising an artificial and/or natural light intensifying and magnifying system to optimizes photoperiods and utilizing carbon dioxide harnessed from the greenhouse to reduce global warming. The greenhouse also comprises a compressor, a capture manifold, a capture blower, two dehumidifying tanks, a release manifold and a release blower. The greenhouse may further comprise a biothermal energy harnessing tank, a module that uses activated nutrient solutions of calcium sulphate, magnesium sulphate and urea. The greenhouse may also further comprise a thermal shading film fixed to the roof and to the four external sides of the greenhouse to fully insulate the greenhouse from the external environment.

Abstract: A tarp roller for rolling a tarp or other ground cover has a frame adapted for mounting to a tow vehicle. The frame has a first support arm and a second support arm extending therefrom in spaced part relation. A primary rotatable spindle is powered and removably connected between the first support arm and the second support arm. A retainer to retain the tarp against the primary rotatable spindle comprises an elongate member mounted in removable spaced apart, coaligned relation with the primary rotatable spindle to move with the primary rotatable spindle as it rotates. The tarp roller further comprises further a secondary guide roller rotatably attached to the frame at a position above and forward of the primary rotatable spindle. A method of rolling a tarp is provided.

Abstract: A guard device configured to be disposed concentrically about a generally cylindrical structure, including: a plurality of adjoined panels collectively forming an annular ring structure that is configured to be disposed concentrically about the generally cylindrical structure; an attachment mechanism disposed at one end of one or more of the plurality of adjoined panels that is configured to secure the annular ring structure about the generally cylindrical structure; and one or more adjustment mechanisms disposed along edges of the plurality of adjoined panels that are configured to adjustably couple the plurality of panels together to form the annular ring structure. Each of the adjustment mechanisms includes a slot defining detent positions disposed along an edge of one panel and a mating peg structure disposed along an opposed edge of an adjacent panel, wherein the peg structure is configured to be translated between the detent positions defined by the slot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tornado dissipating device capable of weakening and dissipating a tornado to minimize human injuries and material damages.

Abstract: A power blower includes a power blower main body and a blower tube member. The main body takes in air through an air intake portion by rotation of a blower fan rotated by a motor and discharges the air from an air discharge portion. The blower tube member has an opening on a base end side through which air discharged from the air discharge portion of the main body flows in, and an opening on a tip end side from which the air which has flowed in, is blown out. When a plane perpendicular to an axis of the blower tube member is in contact with the opening at the tip end side of the blower tube member, blown-air passages are formed on opposite sides of contact portions of the opening at the tip end side of the blower tube member and the plane.

Abstract: A stabilizer is used on a tower structure of a center pivot irrigation system. The tower structure has wheels supporting the tower on a ground surface and the wheels are adapted and configured to roll on the ground surface in a direction of travel. The stabilizer has a bracing member with proximal and distal ends spaced apart by a length. The bracing member proximal end is adapted and configured to be operatively releasably connected to the tower structure such that when the stabilizer is mounted to the tower structure, the bracing member is movable from a stored position in which the bracing member distal end is arranged generally adjacent to the tower structure to a deployed position in which the bracing member distal end is arranged outboard of the wheels in the direction of travel and in contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for providing power, control and communications within an irrigation system having at least one span and a drive system for moving the span. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably includes a pivot panel which includes a pivot panel processor for receiving, controlling and initiating the transmission of power and control signals to a plurality of solid state tower boxes. According to a further preferred embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention preferably further includes a power-line BUS electrically connected to the pivot panel processor and to a power-line carrier. According to a further preferred embodiment, the power-line carrier of the present invention preferably provides power and electrical control signals to a number of solid state tower boxes. According to a further preferred embodiment, the solid-state tower boxes preferably control power to motor elements within each tower box.

Abstract: A control system for a low-volume irrigation system includes a plurality of valve controllers for opening and closing valves; an irrigation system controller for controlling the valve controllers in accordance with an irrigation plan; and a graphical user interface for allowing a user to interact with the irrigation controller and to create the irrigation plan. The graphical user interface displays an irrigation zone list, an irrigation set list, and an irrigation plan field. The user interface has drag and drop functionality that permits an irrigation zone listing from the irrigation zone list to be dragged and dropped into any of the irrigation set listings in the irrigation set list and that permits an irrigation zone listing or an irrigation set listing to be dragged and dropped into the irrigation plan to create irrigation steps within the irrigation plan.

Abstract: An aquaponic grow system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing nutrient levels in liquid provided to a grow chamber, and to adjust nutrient levels based on the sensed levels. In some embodiments the system includes a plurality of sensors configured to sense nutrient levels in a common chamber, with the system configured to calibrate the sensors.

Abstract: A photobioreactor device for growing photosynthetic organisms, organisms that feed on photosynthetic organisms and hydroponics is disclosed. The device may include a lighting system integrated around the circumference of the device. In embodiments, a cap configured to seal the container has ports configured to permit passage of fluid out of or into a container without removing the cap. In some embodiments, organisms are grown in a disposable bag secured between the cap and the container.

Abstract: Tray assemblies organized in a vertical stack with a grow light positioned above each. Plant nutrient solution flows into a feed reservoir positioned in a first end of the top assembly. When plant nutrient solution reaches the level of outlets positioned in a sidewall of the feed reservoir, it flows into longitudinal channels positioned on the tray assembly. A collection reservoir at a second end of the tray assembly collects excess solution from the channels. A lip positioned between the channels and the collection reservoir retains some of the solution in the channels so it is available to plants held by the tray assembly. Excess solution flows from the collection reservoir of the top tray assembly to a feed reservoir serving the next tray assembly in the stack. The pattern is repeated while alternating the orientation of each tray assembly such that solution is provided to each tray assembly.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for estimating the breeding value of plants for the purpose of producing doubled haploid, for example, to identify selection candidates having high breeding values.

Abstract: Provided are tomato plants having fruit with red and yellow segments that appear across the fruit from the internal seed area to the most external layer of the epidermis. The present invention discloses that this phenotype, designated Arlecchino, is linked to insertion mutation within the Phytoene synthase 1 (Psy1) gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01068130. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01068130. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01068130 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01068130 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064231. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064231. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064231 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064231 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01068060. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01068060. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01068060 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01068060 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01068066. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01068066. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01068066 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01068066 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.