Abstract: A machine for picking up rocks from soils having a structure suitable for being moved over the surface of the soil, by means of a pair of side wheels, being towed by a tractor vehicle from which it receives movement through its power take-off. The machine has rock extraction and uprooting elements incorporated on the advancing edge of the machine, made in the form of teeth, associated with a tooth bar region of the structure of the machine, having certain play, a rotating movable feed reel with teeth, a conveyor belt for lifting said rocks up through an inclined plane from a leading edge to a trailing edge located at a greater height; a rock collection and accumulation hopper arranged on the trailing edge.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle platform system and method configured to perform various in-season management tasks, including selectively applying fertilizer, mapping growth zones and seeding cover crop within an agricultural field, while self-navigating between rows of planted crops and beneath the canopy of the planted crops on the uneven terrain of an agricultural field, allowing for an ideal in-season application of fertilizer to occur once the planted crop is well established and growing rapidly, in an effort to limit the loss of fertilizer.

Abstract: An agricultural tool bar is provided with outer wings foldable between a lowered use or field position and a raised transport position. A primary pair of hydraulic cylinders fold and unfold the wings, while a secondary pair of hydraulic cylinders initially incline the wings from the horizontal use position before folding to the transport position. The secondary set of cylinders allow the tool bar to be used for narrow row planting without interference from seed boxes mounted on the toolbar center frame and the wings. The primary cylinders extend to push the wings to the transport position and retract to pull the wings to the use position.

Abstract: A captured hardware system secures a mounting plate of skid-mounted product application equipment to a frame of the applicator, utilizing a mounting bolt passing through a hole in the skid mounting plate, a mounting bar and an extended T-nut. The T-nut has a bar-shaped body that extends beyond an exposed edge of the mounting bar to facilitate aligning a threaded hole in the T-nut with a hole in the mounting bar, when the T-nut is slidingly inserted into a slot in the mounting bar for securing the skid to the frame with the mounting bolt.

Abstract: A shear block mounting system secures a mounting plate of skid-mounted product application equipment to a frame of the applicator, utilizing a mounting bolt passing through a hole in the skid mounting plate, a mounting bar and a shear block. The shear block has a pilot that operatively engages a recess in the mounting bar in such a manner that shear forces are substantially transferred between the skid and frame substantially through the shear block pilot.

Abstract: A seed trench depth sensor is adapted to mount to an agricultural implement. The trench depth sensor comprises an elongate member which drags within the seed trench and a second part which detects the distance to the elongate member within the seed trench.

Abstract: Provided are: a coating material for seeds that can be obtained by a simple treatment stage; and a coated seed that is coated with the aforesaid coating material, suffers from little physical damage and is almost free from growth inhibition. The coating material for seeds comprises as a major component a pulverized inorganic mineral powder. The coated seed is coated with the aforesaid coating material.

Abstract: A seed treatment apparatus provides for minimal waste of products for treating seeds, in that it is precisely controllable and automatically adjustable. A volume of seeds to be treated and a flow rate of treatment product for treating the seeds can both be sensed. At least one of the flow rate of the treatment product and the volume of seeds can automatically be adjusted if it is determined that a ratio of the flow rate of treatment product to the volume of seeds is not the same as a predetermined flow rate to volume ratio.

Abstract: A finger wheel for a row cleaner has multiple, spaced, radially extending fingers. Each finger has a concave forward edge with inner and outer sections, and a convex rearward edge with inner and outer sections. The outer sections of the forward and rearward edges converge to a point. A curved connecting section connects the forward edge of one finger to the rearward edge of the next finger.

Abstract: A trench closing sensor adapted to mount to an agricultural implement to detect whether a seed trench is sufficiently closed with soil to ensure good seed to soil contact. The trench closing sensor may also detect the amount of compaction of the soil over the seed within the seed trench. The trench closing sensor may be in the form of a seed firmer from which a drag wire extends. As the open seed trench and drag wire are covered with soil, instrumentation measures or detects whether the seed trench is being adequately closed with soil by measuring the amount of force required to pull the wire through the soil or by measuring the amount of strain, pulling force or tension in the wire or by measuring the amount of soil pressure acting on the wire. The trench closing sensor may include other sensors for detecting soil characteristics.

Abstract: A system for mechanically transmitting power from a common rotational drive shaft of a seeding implement to a geared outer periphery of a seed meter. The system includes a first transmission that connects to common rotational drive shaft, a flexible drive shaft coupled to the first transmission, and a second transmission coupled to the opposite end of the flexible drive shaft. A clutch assembly connects to a flexible drive shaft assembly to selectively allow power to be transmitted from the first transmission to the second transmission. The second transmission connects to the periphery of the seed meter. The seed plate of the seed meter includes a circumferential gear along a periphery to be driven by the second transmission.

Abstract: A port interface for a pneumatic distribution system includes a first flow passage configured to receive fluidized particulate material from an outlet port of a header and to output the fluidized particulate material to an outlet line. The port interface also includes a second flow passage configured to receive a purging airflow and to output the purging airflow to the outlet line. In addition, the port interface includes a knife valve having a blade with a first opening and a second opening. The blade is configured to move between a first position in which the first opening is substantially aligned with the first flow passage and the second opening is substantially aligned with the second flow passage, and a second position in which the first opening is substantially aligned with the second flow passage and a solid portion of the blade is substantially aligned with the first flow passage.

Abstract: A profile insert for a meter roller of an agricultural metering system includes a flute and a recess positioned adjacent to one another along a circumferential axis of the profile insert. The flute and the recess are configured to meter flowable particulate material from a storage tank to a material distribution system via rotation of the profile insert. The profile insert also includes at least one locking element configured to substantially block circumferential rotation of the profile insert relative to a spindle. In addition, the profile insert is configured to extend about only a portion of a circumference of the spindle.

Abstract: A distribution machine, in the form of a spreader or a seed drill, includes a container carried by a support frame for receiving pulverent or particulate material to be distributed. An outlet opening is arranged on a floor of the container. A metering member is arranged downstream of the outlet opening. A ground distribution member is arranged downstream of the metering member. A displaceable part, such as a metering slide of the metering member or a device, adjusts the delivery point of the material to be distributed onto the distribution member. The displaceable part is operatively connected to, and actuated by, an output shaft of an electromotive rotary drive, a servomotor or a transmission output shaft of a transmission, arranged downstream of the electromotive rotary drive such that the exclusively rotational movement of the output shaft or of the transmission output shaft is transmissible to the displaceable part.

Abstract: When performing a seed planting operation, a variety change distance may be calculated that corresponds to the distance from a variety zone boundary of a prescription map that a row unit of a planter must be located prior to initiating a variety change procedure for switching seed types. Once the row unit reaches a variety change boundary spaced apart from the variety zone boundary by the calculated variety change distance, a system controller may initiate the variety change procedure to allow the seed type being planted to be efficiently and effectively switched as the planter makes a planting pass across the field.

Abstract: A method is provided for transverse displacement of a front mower or a rear mower of an agricultural vehicle along a transverse direction running transversely to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The method includes defining the transverse displacement as a function of a determined steering angle of the vehicle. During cornering of the vehicle, the method also includes generating an overlap between a mowing area of the front mower and a mowing area of the rear mower along the transverse direction.

Abstract: A spool and a trimmer head. The trimmer head includes a housing defining a cavity and rotatable about an axis. A spool is supported in the cavity and operable to support line to be dispensed. The spool is movable along the axis relative to the housing, and the spool and the housing define cooperating conical surfaces to center the spool during movement of the spool toward and in a position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A low profile vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes front and rear modules joined to one another by a central truss. The vehicle further includes an operator seat with a bottom cushion having a support surface that is below an axle line of a wheel connected to the front module. The vehicle can include a mower assembly that is carried by the rear module. A steering linkage can be included to change an angle of the front module relative to the central truss and the rear module in a horizontal plane, allowing the vehicle to be steered. A ram acting on a rear pivot assembly can be included to change an angle of the rear module relative to the central truss and the front module in a vertical plane, allowing a height of the mower assembly to be varied.

Abstract: A discharge shroud device includes a cover element extending outward from a side of a mower deck for covering a discharge opening defined at the side of the mower deck, a shroud support unit for attaching the cover element to the mower deck, a blocking plate provided in the cover element to be swingable between an open position in which the discharge opening is opened and a closed position in which the discharge opening is closed, and an open-position fixing element for fixing the blocking plate to the cover element at the open position.

Abstract: A lawn mower comprising a frame supported on rotatable wheels for movement over a ground surface; an operator support coupled to the frame and configured to support the entire weight of an operator of the lawn mower during use thereof; a blade assembly comprising one or more blades that are configured to cut grass on the ground surface; a steering system configured to manipulate the steering direction of the wheels; a motor assembly configured to: drive the wheels so as to move the frame along the ground surface; and a first rechargeable battery module removably coupled to the frame and configured to power the motor assembly.

Abstract: An operator control system for a turf maintenance vehicle. The control system may include a handle assembly, a first control lever, and a second control lever. The handle assembly may include a first hand grip defining a first grip axis and a second hand grip defining a second grip axis. A free end of each of the first and second hand grips may be located after of an attached end of each of the first and second hand grips. The first control lever may be pivotable about a first pivot axis that is parallel to the first grip axis and the second control lever may be pivotable about a second pivot axis that is parallel to the second grip axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a small push-type lawn mower that can be converted into a riding mower. The mower includes a platform at the rear of the mower deck, and its handle assembly that can be pivoted forward making room for a user to step onto the platform. The handle assembly includes controls that drive electric motors that power the rear wheels allowing the user to ride the mower. The handle assembly can be pivoted rearwardly so that the user can access and grab the handle assembly and push the mower as is well known.

Abstract: A yield model generates a yield map for an agricultural field. A measurement system generates measured indicators that are a measurement or quantification of crop yield in the agricultural field. An observation system generates observed indicators that are spatial agricultural datasets describing observed characteristics of the agricultural field. To generate the yield map, the yield model generates a field array representing the agricultural field. The yield model generates an input array and a yield array by mapping the observed indicators and measured indicators to cells of the field array, respectively. The yield model determines a yield value for each cell of the yield array not including a mapped indicator using information included in the corresponding cells of the input array. The yield model generates a yield map using the determined yield values and the yield values in the yield array.

Abstract: A mower deck discharge chute includes a flexible member attached with a hinge to a multi-blade mower deck, and a drive belt tunnel through the flexible member that an attachment drive belt passes through when the flexible member is pivoted up to a generally vertical position. The attachment drive belt may be on a single plane to engage a drive sheave on the multi-blade mower deck, a driven sheave on the belt driven attachment, and an idler.

Abstract: A doffer assembly for a cotton harvester having at least one drum and a spindle. The doffer assembly includes an outer housing and a plurality of doffers adapted to remove cotton from the spindle. The assembly further includes a drive unit coupled to the outer housing for rotatably driving the plurality of doffers independently of at least one drum and spindle. A drive shaft is rotatably driven by the drive unit, and an interface adapter is coupled between the drive shaft and the plurality of doffers. The drive unit may be an electric motor, hydraulic motor, a mechanical drive system, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Harvesting machines and agricultural harvesting heads for harvesting machines are disclosed herein. A harvesting machine includes a frame, an elongate reciprocating knife, a conveyor system, a drum conveyor, and a crop deflector. The elongate reciprocating knife is coupled to a forward edge of the frame and configured to cut crop material adjacent to the ground. The conveyor system is supported by the frame and configured to carry cut crop material toward a central portion of the frame and rearward therefrom. The drum conveyor is located directly behind at least a portion of the conveyor system, and the drum conveyor includes an elongate cylindrical drum supported for rotation on the frame about a drum axis and a plurality of elongate fingers that at least partially extend through an outer wall of the cylindrical drum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rigid, blade-shaped landscaping tool for defining and maintaining a well-defined boundary between a garden or soil bed and an adjacent natural or man-made ground surface. The tool generally comprising a vertical cutter, a horizontal cultivator, a grader flange and a handle mount disposed on the top edge of the blade. In particular, the landscaping function of the tool can be accomplished by physically drawing the tool along the adjacent natural or man-made ground surface whereby the vertical cutter and an associated horizontal cultivator sever plant growth and/or dislodge soil which are then physically graded away from the plane of the vertical cutter and away from the adjacent ground surface toward the soil bed to create the desired, well-defined edge and/or boundary between the soil bed and the adjacent ground surface.

Abstract: The automated trimming of an untrimmed plant stem comprises a device for transporting an untrimmed plant stem to an imaging stage, using a camera to capture at least one image of the plant stem, sending the at least one image to a central processor which creates a trim map which constructs a pattern for moving a cutting armature along the plant stem, and trimming the plant stem by cutting structure of the cutting armature to change the untrimmed plant stem to a trimmed plant stem.

Abstract: A device and method for removing leaves from a plant includes a downward extending and elongate support surface for supporting the plant and a pair of cutting devices disposed on either side of the support surface. Each cutting device includes a rotatable blade assembly and a grating which is disposed between the blade assembly and the support surface.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes an illuminator, and a light guide member. The illuminator includes a first light source and a second light source which are arranged in series. The light guide member includes a first light receiver, a light emitter, and a second light receiver, and is disposed to cover at least a portion of a non-light emitting portion between the first light source and the second light source. The first light receiver refracts a first light from the first light source to output the first light toward the light emitter. The second light receiver refracts a second light from the second light source to output the second light toward the light emitter. The light emitter refracts the first light and the second light to irradiate a plant cultivation space with the first light and the second light.

Abstract: An indoor three-dimensional planting frame, includes a composite frame, a control system, planting pots and LED light panels, wherein the composite frame is assembled from a plurality of side baffles, fixing rings and fixing plates; said side baffles are vertically arranged on both sides of a frame body of the composite frame, and ends of adjacent side baffles are connected to the fixing rings; the fixing rings are arranged horizontally as rectangular rings of beams, and a plurality of mounting holes are arranged thereon; the fixing plates are bracket plates; the LED light panels are fixed at the bottom of the fixing plates with screws, and multiple LED light wicks are arranged on the LED light panels; The indoor three-dimensional planting frame helps control the plant growth photoperiod and photomorphogenesis by controlling the work cycle of the grow lights and the fans.

Abstract: A securable greenhouse is described. The greenhouse includes a frame upon which a first covering is placed to prevent access to the interior of the greenhouse. The first covering is a mesh constructed of expanded metal or similar materials. A second, transparent, covering separates the internal environment from outside, while a third, opaque, covering limits light entry into the greenhouse and visibility of the contents within, and which can be deployed or retracted as needed. A ventilation system controls air flow in, through and out of the greenhouse to regulate parameters like temperature and relative humidity. The greenhouse has moveable and lockable roof panels to provide access to authorized users, and a side access door as an alternate access. An optional automated control system determines optimal growth conditions and adjusts various features in order to achieve those conditions.

Abstract: A support device, or hook, for removably securing movable wires on a row of plants, such as for example a vineyard or an orchard, on a support pole. In particular, the support device is made up of an elastically deformable filiform body, shaped in such a manner as to have at least engagement elements adapted to elastically cooperate with an opening provided on said support pole to removably secure the support device on the support pole, and support elements, adapted to elastically cooperate with the external surface of the support pole to removably receive said wire, wherein said engagement elements and the support elements are formed by portions of the filiform body lying on planes essentially orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: This application discloses a geotextile-based structure for soil stabilization, erosion control, and vegetation-growth enhancement that is made from a cage having a hollow interior lined with a geotextile fabric designed to retain fine materials, which cage is attached to a geotextile mat capable of supporting vegetation.

Abstract: This describes an internal irrigation circuit board (10) that comprises: a body (1), with a planting niche (2) adjacent to a drip irrigation channel (3) holding at least one drip irrigation hose (5), with the drip irrigation channel (3) functioning in cooperation with the planting niche (2) through a connecting channel (4) arrayed concurrently with the drip irrigation channel (3), said connecting channel (4) conveying water accumulated in the drip irrigation channel (3) to the planting niche (2).

Abstract: This invention is directed toward an indoor flower growing device that automatically waters house plants and collects the drainage water. The device has a detachable bottom portion that contains a source of electrical power for the pumping of water to the plants while providing support for a decorative flower pot that contains a water reservoir and plant container and serves as a moisture barrier between the water reservoir and table top/floor. The unit provides water to the plant container and collects water that drains out of the plant containers for use in the next watering.

Abstract: This invention is a hydroponic appliance that allows users to grow sufficient yields of fresh produce with relatively little maintenance. The appliance incorporates multiple features required for hydroponic plant cultivation into a plug-and-play system with a feedback loop to manage optimal growing conditions, comprising a growing area, a processor, a mixing chamber, and, in embodiments, more than one reservoir. In aspects, the grow area is divided between two or more reservoirs allowing users to stratify their crops or plant different crop types simultaneously. The apparatus and associated method provide the overall system with increased versatility, including removing aspects of day-to-day maintenance. The system automatically regulates the environment in response to various sensor readings. This includes automatically regulating the temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide level, pH level, and/or nutrient concentration. Accordingly, the plants have more optimum conditions for growth.

Abstract: A carrier for growing crops, such as lettuce, is disclosed. The carrier floats on water in a pond, and includes at least one floating beam and a carrier connectable to the floating beam, and a number of growth locations for the crops where holders for the crops or roots of the crops extend into the water.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for improving fluid circulation in a raceway pond. The system comprises at least one mid-wall, which is obliquely disposed within the raceway pond. The mid-wall divides the raceway pond into at least two portions, such that the portions are connected to and in fluid communication with each other. The obliquely disposed mid-wall improves the fluid circulation in the raceway pond.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-transgenic and transgenic plants, preferably crop plants, comprising at least one mutation of the KINTEOCHORE NULL2 (KNL2) protein, especially a mutation causing a substitution of an amino acid within the KNL2 protein, preferably within the C-terminal region of the KNL2 protein, which preferably have the biological activity of a haploid inducer. Further, the present invention provides methods of generating the plants of the present invention and haploid and double haploid plants obtainable by crossing the plants of the present invention with wildtype plants as well as methods of facilitating cytoplasm exchange.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SVHH2680 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVHH2680 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: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV8011TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV8011TM and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Provided herein are New Guinea Impatiens cultivars comprising bleeding color petals. Methods for breeding the disclosed Impatiens are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Diplotaxis tenuifolia seed designated 89-004 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including downy mildew resistance, medium green leaves, medium leaf division and a very short plant height at flowering stage. The present invention also relates to a Diplotaxis tenuifolia plant produced by growing the 89-004 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the wild rocket cultivar, represented by wild rocket variety 89-004 RZ.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating maize plants that exhibit resistance to northern leaf blight are provided herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide that confers resistance to northern leaf blight, polynucleotide constructs comprising such, and maize plants comprising the polynucleotide constructs are provided. The methods include expressing an isolated polynucleotide in a maize cell via standard transformation methods and obtaining a maize plant from said maize cell.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 09231 TOF as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: A portable livestock sun shade that includes a base, a support material, a ballast container and a canopy. The support structure is mounted with respect to the base. The ballast container is mounted with respect to the base. The ballast container is adapted to receive a ballast material. The canopy is attached to the support structure. The canopy is capable of blocking at least a portion of solar rays. The canopy has an area that is greater than an area of the base.

Abstract: A modular pet waste system having a base filled with litter and a net placed over the litter to keep the litter from being kicked out by a pet. The net is held in the base by being sandwiched between two rims of the pet waste system. Various protrusions and recesses formed on sides of each base allow multiple bases to be connected to create larger surface areas for larger and/or multiple pets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wall element (6) for an animal cage (1), particularly for a dog cage, particularly for housing an animal in the luggage compartment of a passenger-carrying motor vehicle. According to the invention, the wall element (6) comprises at least one elastically compressible cavity in order to increase the level of safety of said animal cage (1) in the event of a crash.

Abstract: A bolster crate pad has a central pad that is rectangular with a pair of long ends and a pair of short ends. The central pad has a fabric cover and a filling. An inner bolster pad extends around a periphery of the central pad. An outer bolster pad is connected along a short end of the inner bolster pad. In one case, a second outer bolster pad is connected to a second short end of the inner bolster pad. In another case, the inner bolster pad has a number of trapezoidal subpads. The trapezoidal subpads can be isosceles trapezoids and they are connected together at their tops. The bolster crate pad may have two other outer bolster pads. This arrangement allows the bolster crate pad to fit a wide variety of crates without bunching in the corners.