Abstract: A handheld lawn maintenance tool having a power head to which an adapter is attachable to allow both battery-powered and gasoline-powered working attachments to be attached thereto. The power head includes a power source, integrated first and second handles, a power generator, and a first attachment mechanism to which the adapter and/or working attachments are attachable.

Abstract: A land clearing attachment for a tractor device includes semi-helically oriented teeth, knives, or blades radially outward from an outer surface of a rotor. Each tooth, knife, or blade is part of a row of independent teeth, knives, or blades. Each row is oriented with an offset angle such that the spirally orientation completes angular offset of about 90° or less. The spiral or helical orientation of the cutting teeth, knives, or blades enables the power to be reduced typically required to effectively rotate a similarly sized rotor.

Abstract: A semi-closed loop hydraulic circuit includes a prime move, a first hydraulic circuit operatively coupled to the prime mover, and a second hydraulic circuit operatively coupled to the prime mover. The second hydraulic circuit is fluidly coupled to the first hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification.

Abstract: A coastal severe saline-alkali soil improvement and vegetation construction system consists of four parts of content, respectively a soil improvement part, a saline-alkaline tolerant plant resource utilization and planting technology part, an irrigation and drainage mating system part, and a part for managing saline-alkaline soil improvement and operation by adopting an automated information technology. A whole set of complete operation system is formed for performing improvement and vegetation construction on saline-alkaline soil from the four parts, thereby providing a feasible high-efficiency method for saline-alkaline soil improvement of a coastal region.

Abstract: Monocot seeds treated with various cyanobacterium compositions, methods of making the treated seeds, and methods of using the seeds to improve monocot plant growth, biomass, nitrogen uptake, nutrient uptake, lateral root growth, lateral root hair growth, vertical root growth, root branching and/or yield are provided.

Abstract: Dicot seeds treated with various cyanobacterium compositions, methods of making the treated seeds, and methods of using the seeds to improve dicot plant growth, biomass, nutrient uptake, nitrogen uptake, lateral root growth, lateral root hair growth, vertical root growth, root branching and/or yield are provided.

Abstract: A powdered lubricant composition that minimizes fugitive dust and a method of treating seeds with dry lubricant that minimizes fugitive dust. Addition of oil powder to dry lubricants is found to minimize fugitive dust created during the application of the dry lubricant. Mica coated titanium dioxide is an ideal dry lubricant for combining with oil powder.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and application units having a trench closer for closing a trench during applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a trench closer for a fertilizer applicator includes a bar moved through a field transverse to a direction of travel, a fertilizer applicator connected to the bar for forming a trench in soil. The fertilizer applicator comprises a coulter, a knife, or a coulter and a knife, and a trench closer disposed behind the fertilizer applicator in the direction of travel and connected to the fertilizer applicator or the bar.

Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed transport member having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed transport member, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors targeting a different location within the seed meter. Each of the plurality of sensors connected to send signals to a controller that evaluates whether each seed cell passing through these locations is filled or empty.

Abstract: A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed transport member having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed transport member, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors targeting a different location within the seed meter. Each of the plurality of sensors connected to send signals to a controller that evaluates whether each seed cell passing through these locations is filled or empty.

Abstract: An improved roller assembly for a metering device, with reduced contact between the surface of the roller and the inner surface of the metering housing so as to reduce the areas within the roller assembly where a blockage may occur, and an improved mounting of the metering device so as to improve access to the roller assembly for maintenance. Also provided is an improved process control for driving the stepper motor of a metering device, so as to better detect the onset of a stall condition of a stepper motor and temporarily increase the torque supplied to the motor to avoid a stall condition. Additionally, an improved air manifold incorporates venturi assemblies to reduce or eliminate blockages that may occur when a local reservoir for holding a small reserve of agricultural product adjacent the metering device has reached capacity due to continual supply of product from a product hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing the volume of a liquid carrier used for delivering an agricultural product into a furrow during planting. In one embodiment, a spray nozzle is mounted on a planter row unit so as to dispense a carrier containing an agricultural product along a dispensing pattern in alignment with the pattern width of the spray nozzle, in the direction of the furrow. In one embodiment a seed cover assembly is operatively connected to a seed tube assembly. A seed cover application tube is mounted to the seed cover assembly. A seed cover brush is mounted to the outlet end of the seed cover application tube configured to contact the carrier containing the product during the dispensing thereof and brush the carrier containing the agricultural product onto the seed being dispensed from the seed tube assembly. In another embodiment, a seed firmer application tube assembly is utilized.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a frame and an epicyclical drive operatively connected to the frame. The epicyclical drive includes a first rotatable wheel having a first central rotational axis and a first flange. The first flange includes a first eccentric axis rotatable about the first central rotational axis, and a first output shaft spaced from the first eccentric axis. The epicyclical drive further includes a second rotatable wheel having a second central rotational axis and a second flange. The second flange includes a second eccentric axis rotatable about the second central rotational axis, and a second output shaft spaced from the second eccentric axis. The header further includes a first cutter bar directly connected to the first output shaft and a second cutter bar directly connected to the second output shaft. Operation of the epicyclical drive results in substantially linear oscillating motion of the cutter bars.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a combine harvester including a straw chopper having an inlet for unchopped straw, an outlet for chopped straw in an essentially horizontal direction, and a spreader fan, connected downstream of the outlet of the straw chopper and having an essentially horizontal plane of rotation, for spreading the chopped straw over a ground surface. The combine harvester further includes a guide member, which is arranged to deflect at least a part of the stream of chopped straw material to an axial intake of the spreader fan such that a part of chopped straw material meets the blades of the spreader fan in the direction of transport of the chopped straw material through the spreader fan at an acute angle (?) relative to the plane of rotation of the spreader fan.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to sense the weight of grain in a grain elevator are disclosed. A disclosed example grain elevator includes a grain transport member to transport grain, a driving member to move the grain transport member, a first tension sensor to sense a first tension in the driving member, and a weight determiner to estimate a weight of the grain based on the first tension.

Abstract: A prescribed feedrate of material through the mobile harvesting machine and an actual feedrate of material through the mobile harvesting machine are detected, and a feedrate difference between the prescribed feedrate and the actual feedrate is identified. Wheel slippage of the mobile harvesting machine is also detected. Based on the feedrate difference between the prescribed feedrate and the actual feedrate and based on the detected wheel slippage, a speed control signal that controls speed of the mobile harvesting machine is generated.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a header. The header includes a cutter bar and a cutter bar feedback control system. The cutter bar is moveably connected to the header and has a first knife and a second knife. The cutter bar feedback control system is coupled to the cutter bar and is configured for selectively controlling a speed of the second knife. The cutter bar feedback control system includes a continuously variable transmission that is operably coupled to the second knife, a first sensor operably coupled to the first knife, a second sensor operably coupled to the second knife, and a controller in communication with the continuously variable transmission, the first sensor, and the second sensor. The controller is configured for controlling the continuously variable transmission to control the speed of the second knife such that the first knife and second knife synchronously reciprocate in opposing directions.

Abstract: A working machine, in particular a combine harvester, having multiple working elements for carrying out or assisting work, and a driver assistance system for controlling the working elements according to at least one processing strategy which can be specified by the operator and directed to the fulfillment of at least one quality criterion. The driver assistance system has a memory for storing data characterizing the processing strategy, a computing device for processing the data stored in the memory, and a graphical user interface. Competing quality criteria, weighted with respect to each other according to a weighting variable, are incorporated into the processing strategy. The weighting variable is visualized via a virtual control element of the graphical user interface and can be specified by the operator. The driver assistance system registers the strategy selection of the operator, predicts an optimization goal, and presents an optimization proposal for this predicted optimization goal.

Abstract: A swather with a crop cutting header includes a swath roller for rolling on the swath carried on a mounting assembly attached to the tractor frame and a lifting assembly for lifting the roller free from the swath where a control unit is arranged to lift the swath roller to the raised position thereof when the header is raised to the raised position thereof. The control unit also includes a GPS position sensing system so that the roller is lifted at positions determined by the GPS position sensing system. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting frame rigidly attached to the rear walking beam of the tractor so that the mounting frame is held at a set position relative to the tractor determined by a position of the beam so that the swath roller is not pivotally mounted relative to the tractor.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle includes: a header frame; a first deck plate carried by the header frame; a second deck plate carried by the header frame, the first deck plate and the second deck plate forming a gap therebetween defining a gap width and a width direction; a rotatable tube carried by the header frame and connected to at least one of the first deck plate and the second deck plate such that rotation of the rotatable tube adjusts the gap width; and a spring fixed to the rotatable tube and having at least one end captured by the second deck plate such that a force directed in the width direction acting on the second deck plate produces a spring force in the spring.

Abstract: A handle accessory includes a handle body, a base plate, and a precise height measuring gage. The handle body and the precise height measuring gage are both positioned on the base plate. The handle body includes a gage reading opening, which allows the user to read the precise height measuring gage without being obstructed by the handle body. The handle accessory facilitates the usage of the precise height measuring gage for the user to set the height of the lawnmower blade.

Abstract: An attachment for a commercial grade frontal mower/slasher comprises a forwardly extending member which can be raised and lowered and which extends in front of the mowing direction when in the lowered position. The forwardly extending member contains a plurality of transversely spaced steel fms which have a particular shape such that if the fms strike an obstacle such as a hidden rock in long grass, the fms will cause the forwardly extending member to be lifted which will alert the driver of the obstacle. The forwardly extending member can also be manipulated to allow the obstacle to be dragged away. The fms in the forwardly extending member can also be pushed into clumpy material such as lantana or blackberry and the mower reversed to allow the material to be mowed.

Abstract: A spreader of a combine for conveying crop residue rearwardly from a rotor assembly includes a frame coupled to the combine and has a top portion adapted to receive a portion of crop residue during a harvesting operation. An impellor includes one or more blades for rotatably conveying crop residue rearwardly, and an actuator is controllably moved between an extended position and a retracted position. The actuator is pivotally coupled to the combine. A linkage assembly is pivotally coupled to the actuator at one end and to the frame at another end. The spreader is disposable in a first position when the actuator is in the extended position, and the spreader is disposable in a second position when the actuator is in the retracted position. A movement from the extended position to the retracted position induces pivotal movement of the spreader from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural crop baler comprising: a supporting frame; a pressing chamber configured to receive a stuffer, the stuffer compressing the crop into the pressing chamber; and at least one positionally adjustable side wall forming part of the pressing chamber, the side wall being supported by the supporting frame and configured to vibrate upon movement of the stuffer.

Abstract: An agricultural round baler has an interior space enclosed by a housing, a feeding device, a plurality of guide rollers, a press belt and an adjusting device with at least one adjusting roller. At least one of the guide rollers is a drive roller that drives the press belt. The press belt defines a press chamber which interacts with the transfer cross section. The adjusting roller is positioned along the running track of the press belt so that at least one running track section at least partly delimits the press chamber. The adjusting roller is moveable within the interior space so that at least one part of the running track of the press belt is moveable. A second adjusting device is operationally combined with the first adjusting device to define the press chamber. The adjusting roller of the second adjusting device is moveable within the interior space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a Phytoimmune system to manage diseases in fruit trees, in which concomitant in vitro micrografting is used with actively growing plant tissue to create Complex Architecture Plants capable of generating immune, resistance, or tolerance responses to specific targeted plant diseases, such as the bacterial disease Huanglongbing (HLB), also, known as Citrus Greening Disease, and the viral disease Plum Pox Virus (PPV), also known as Sharka disease.

Abstract: In a computing device and agricultural planning method the computing device receives data indicative of at least one practice associated with growing an agricultural crop. An overall sustainability score is determined for at least one sustainability category by determining an overall level for at least one indicator indicative of the sustainability category. A benchmark score is also determined for the at least one sustainability category by determining a benchmark level corresponding to the at least one indicator. The benchmark level is at least in part a function of the crop, the location of the field in which the crop is planted and the sustainability category. A comparison value of the overall sustainability score to the benchmark score for the at least one sustainability category is determined. An indicator of whether the comparison value is below a predetermined minimum threshold comparison value is output.

Abstract: A portable growing apparatus, comprising having a pre-fabricated, collapsible tent or greenhouse—like housing structure which, when constructed at the point of use, provides an enclosed growing area surrounded by one or more enclosing walls; and a growing system formed of a plurality of detachable parts for assembly at the point of use and for locating within the enclosed growing area of the collapsible housing structure.

Abstract: A method and system for growing a plant, the method comprising: exposing a plant to water, growing medium and air; wherein the plant comprises a set of roots and the set of roots are located in the growing medium which is in a plant growth vessel, the plant growth vessel is located within an outer vessel, and a cooling medium is present in a space between an outer wall of the plant growth vessel and a containment wall of the outer vessel, and the cooling medium is in thermal communication with the growing medium through the outer wall, and the plant includes a set of roots and the set of roots are isolated from the cooling medium.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a rotating arm that can quickly and easily cover and uncover a greenhouse. The invention comprises a base unit to which is attached a rotating arm. The base unit is secured into cement and the rotating arm unit is attached at its end to a tarp. As a worker rotates the arm, the greenhouse tarp is quickly moved in the direction or rotation. A greenhouse with one of these inventions at either end can be covered and uncovered by a single person in a matter of seconds and removes the need for the motors and complicated apparatus associated with the prior art.

Abstract: A mycological composite material is made by inoculating a substrate of fibrous material with an inoculum of mycelial tissue; rolling the inoculated substrate into a roll; and thereafter incubating the rolled inoculated substrate for a time sufficient for the mycelial tissue to grow hyphae that enmesh with the substrate to form a cohesive unified filamentous network with the rolled inoculated substrate being characterized in being flexible. The rolled inoculated substrate is subsequently processed by subjecting lengths of the roll to heat and pressure in molds to form rigid products.

Abstract: A forestry management device is provided including processing circuitry configured to receive an indication of a selected tree, receive selected tree location data associated with the selected tree, receive operator location data associated with an operator, and cause information associated with the selected tree to be displayed on a wearable computing device.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions, products, and processes that utilize bioceramics in traditional agricultural and hydroponic systems. The bioceramics are utilized in powder form, as films, as aerosols, as water based treatment systems, or in solid forms. The methods and bioceramic compositions described here are also used for growing a Cannabis plant. One or more cannabinoids within the plant can be used in therapeutic compositions for the treatment of glaucoma, AIDS wasting syndrome, neuropathic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and certain seizure disorders.

Abstract: The disclosed device includes a water storage container, an evaporation cover, a funnel, an indicator rod and a float. The water storage container has an evaporation cover. The evaporation cover is a gas permeable structure. A funnel is connected to the evaporation cover and an indication is provided in the leakage tube of the funnel. A rod. A float is connected to the lower end of the indicator rod and the float drives the indicator rod to indicate the water level in the water storage container. The method is as follows: the water storage container and the evaporation cover are buried in the soil of the plant root, and the water is filled into the water storage container through the funnel. The water in the water container naturally evaporates into the soil through the evaporation hood, which maintains the water in the soil to maintain the survival of the plant.

Abstract: A system (10) may include sensor equipment (30) including one or more sensors (140, 142) disposed on a parcel of land, watering equipment (20) disposed on the parcel and configured to selectively apply water to the parcel, and a gateway (40) configured to provide for communication with the sensor equipment (30) and the watering equipment (20). The watering equipment (20) may include a watering pump (120), the watering pump (120) being operably coupled to a water source (100) and a water line (110) to alternately couple the water source (100) to and isolate the water source (100) from the water line (110), and processing circuitry (160). The processing circuitry (160) may be configured to determine an operational mode of the watering pump (120) and direct the watering pump (120) to operate in accordance with the operational mode.

Abstract: Methods are described for selecting or producing a cereal plant comprising a functional restorer gene for wheat G-type cytoplasmic male sterility and nucleic acids for use therein.

Abstract: A celery cultivar, designated TBG 29, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar TBG 29, to the plants of celery cultivar TBG 29 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar TBG 29 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 29, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 29 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar TBG 29 with another celery cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AG1111222 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AG1111222 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AG1111222 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AG1111229 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AG1111229 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AG1111229 in a breeding program.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated M8509, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce cultivar M8509 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar M8509 with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar M8509, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar M8509 and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar M8509 with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated M8405, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce cultivar M8405 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar M8405 with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar M8405, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar M8405 and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar M8405 with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated M8515, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce cultivar M8515 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar M8515 with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar M8515, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar M8515 and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar M8515 with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and distinct cultivar of Perilla frutescens designated as ‘CAP HEMA’ The new cultivar is rich in omega-3 and having high seed and fatty oil yield. A method for producing new cultivar of Perilla frutescens plant which comprises selection of half-sib family from wild type populations. The method further comprises evaluation for the yield attributing characters of selected strains in field conditions. The genotype produced is distinct, uniform and stably maintained by continuous rouging of off types in the population at early seedling stage from nursery itself and suitable for commercial cultivation.

Abstract: A method includes housing a dairy livestock in a stall portion of a milking box and retrieving, by a robotic attacher, a cup. For each of a plurality of teats of a dairy livestock, the method further uses the robotic arm to perform the steps of attaching the cup to the teat, detaching the cup from the teat, and maintaining the cup within the stall portion of the milking box from the time that the cup is attached to the first teat of the dairy livestock through the time that the cup is attached to a last teat of the dairy livestock. The method concludes by retracting the cup into an equipment area of the milking box after detaching the cup from the last teat of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A custom pet tray apparatus adapted to be elevated vertically above a surface upon which the custom pet tray apparatus may be disposed employing a plurality of feet. In one embodiment, the custom pet tray apparatus may also comprise at least one channel configured to provide mechanical structural integrity to the custom pet tray.

Abstract: A voluntary milking system and method for treating dairy livestock having fore legs and hind legs, wherein the system comprises milking stalls voluntarily accessible to animals that are milked by mobile units configured to travel between the fore and hind legs of the animal.

Abstract: A pet waiter system is an innovative and useful device for easily and efficiently feeding domesticated pets, such as cats and dogs. The system may include a pet nourishment station assembly, a container holding member, a tray elevator assembly, and a mechanical lift mechanism. In use, a nourishment tray may be easily adjusted vertically by rotating a handle to raise and lower the nourishment tray for making it easier on a user to dispense a ration of pet-food and drinking-water which may serve to reduce injury caused from excessive bending.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide livestock or wildlife feeder implements that are configured to attach to the three-point hitch of a conventional tractor or to another type of vehicle. In some embodiments, a mobile feeder implement includes a hopper for holding a quantity of livestock feed, and one or more hay spears capable of holding one or more bales of hay to a desired location. The mobile feeder implement is remotely controlled by a user to dispense a desired amount of feed from the hopper at any desired location, without the user having to leave the safety of the tractor or other vehicle. Similarly, the mobile feeder implement allows the user to place the bale of hay where desired without having to leave the safety of the tractor or other vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for addressing mats and tangles in the fur of mammals. Specifically, provided herein is a doubled-bladed tool for mat and tangle-splitting that reduces or eliminates the pain and stress experienced by the animal during grooming.