Abstract: A soil cultivation tool, in particular a plowshare, includes a base body on which cartridges are optionally arranged and at least first cutting elements that are attached to the base body or the cartridges in order to cut into the earth along a working direction. The first cutting elements are arranged in separate seats.

Abstract: A soil penetrating apparatus having an automatic tool (e.g., aerator tine) depth control system and method. The system includes an actuator that sets and controls tine depth, a sensor that monitors tine depth, and a controller that controls the actuator in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, wherein once tine depth is set, flow to the actuator is bypassed. A relief may be provided to allow the tines to lift to a shallower depth temporarily when soil hardness exceeds a threshold. The system may then automatically return the tines to the pre-selected depth once soil conditions permit.

Abstract: An agricultural planter and tractor combination which has a connection therebetween which comprises a stationary support arm coupled to the tractor and a pivoting support arm coupled to the agricultural planter with a connecting threaded member extended therethrough and a rotation-limited intermediate member with two protrusions extending into voids in said pivoting support arm so that said pivoting support arm will not rotate around said connecting threaded member and the connecting threaded member further translated through a portion of a hex-headed bushing and rotationally advanced through another portion, and a terminal nut also rotationally advanced over said connecting threaded member. Rotation-limited intermediate member is made of a harder more durable material then said connecting threaded member, said stationary support arm and said pivoting support arm.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a harvester including: a chassis; an adjustable feeder housing carried by the chassis and defining a face angle relative to a ground plane; a header carried by the chassis, the header including: a header frame; at least one harvesting element carried by the header frame; and at least one divider pivotably carried by the header frame and defining a divider angle relative to the ground plane; and a mechanical linkage coupling the feeder housing to the at least one divider such that the divider angle is adjustable independently of movement of the header frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for adjustably controlling the position and depth of row cleaner wheels in no-till planting applications, the apparatus comprising a frame, a piston movably secured at the top to the frame, first and second sets of parallel arms disposed on either side of the piston and movably secured at one end to the frame and at the other end to a hub stem, and a set of piston arms each movably secured at the top to one of the first or second set of parallel arms and at the other end to the bottom of the piston.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a harvester and associated method for adjusting a first row divider and a second row divider of the harvester, the first row divider having a first adjustable divider tip defining a first divider angle relative to a travel axis of the harvester and the second row divider having a second adjustable divider tip defining a second divider angle relative to the travel axis. The method includes detecting a turn of the harvester and activating at least one actuator to adjust the first divider angle by a first amount and the second divider angle by a second amount that is different from the first amount responsively to the detecting the turn.

Abstract: A scraper blade for a row unit of a planter. The scraper blade has a connecting portion that connects to the pivot hub of a depth-gauge assembly. The connecting portion connects to a blade portion. The blade portion is positioned in a gap formed between the pivot hub and the contact surface of the depth-gauge wheel. The scraper blade is connected to the depth-gauge assembly in a static and stationary position at a pivot point. As a pivot arm and the depth-gauge wheel move about in relation to the pivot point, the scraper blade maintains a fixed position at close tolerances with the depth-gauge wheel to remove soil and debris from the depth-gauge wheel.

Abstract: A self-propelled seeding vehicle includes a seed sorting and placement unit controlled by an on-board control system. The control system further controls a motive power unit operable to cause the vehicle to controllably traverse an area of ground to be seeded. The control system is further operable to control the sequential depositing of seeds independently of the speed of traversal of the ground by the vehicle.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a system for seed orientation includes a seed disk capable of rotation in operation and having at least one singulator to adjust an orientation of seed to a desired seed orientation for placement within a furrow during planting. A vision system in proximity to the seed disk determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk.

Abstract: A particulate material leveling system includes an agitating system disposed within a storage tank for a particulate material. The agitating system includes a drive system and a shaft coupled to the drive system. Further, the drive system drives the shaft to rotate about a central axis. The agitating system also includes a wrapped wire coupled to the shaft. The wrapped wire extends around the shaft along a helical path in an axial direction and a circumferential direction, and the wrapped wire moves the particulate material in the axial direction in response to rotation of the shaft in a first direction about the central axis.

Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system includes a controller with a memory and a processor, where the controller is configured to receive at least one sensor signal indicative of a measured profile of a particulate material within a storage tank of an agricultural system, determine whether a variation between the measured profile and a target profile is greater than a threshold value, and output a first output signal to a user interface indicative of instructions to inform an operator of a profile variation, output a second signal to an agitating system indicative of activation of the agitating system, or a combination thereof, in response to determining that the variation between the measured profile and the target profile is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A sand trap rake includes an elongate rake head having a first, front end and a second, back end. The rake head defines a raking direction aligned with a direction extending from the first end to the second end. A plurality of tines are spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the rake head, transverse to the raking direction. The rake further includes a first elongate smoothing member disposed forwardly from the first end of the rake head, and a second elongate smoothing member disposed rearwardly from the second end. Longitudinal extents of the first and second smoothing members are generally aligned with the longitudinal direction of the rake head. The rake may be used to repair a sand surface by pushing or pulling the rake head along the surface so that sand is directed through the tines and over at least one of the first or second smoothing members.

Abstract: A system for providing autonomous lawn care services. The system includes a number of autonomous outdoor power devices, and one or more service vehicles. The one or more service vehicles are configured to selectively load and unload one or more of the autonomous outdoor power devices at a jobsite based on instructions received by a controller of the one or more service vehicles.

Abstract: A mowing head for a trimmer is rotated about an axis of rotation when operated and has a housing with a circumferential wall. A fastening device with a trimmer line guide with a trimmer line channel is provided for the trimmer line. The trimmer line channel has a clamping section with a longitudinal direction. The clamping section has a wide longitudinal side and a narrow longitudinal side, both extending in the longitudinal direction. The clamping section has an inner width tapering from the wide longitudinal side toward the narrow longitudinal side. The trimmer line guide has a deflection edge adjoining the clamping section. The deflection edge is slanted relative to the longitudinal direction such that the deflection edge generates a force component acting on the trimmer line directed toward the narrow longitudinal side when a pulling force is acting on the trimmer line guided through the fastening device.

Abstract: A control system for a ground working vehicle. The control system may include a handle assembly including a handle member extending upwardly and rearwardly from a chassis of the vehicle. The control system may also include a speed control apparatus including a control grip operably connected to, and translatable along, the handle member. Translation of the control grip may activate a transmission to move the chassis in the forward direction when the control grip is translated downwardly along the handle member towards the chassis. Further, the control system may include a lockout apparatus movably attached to a handle member. The lockout apparatus may be adapted to selectively and physically restrict movement of the control grip relative to the handle member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system comprising an impervious bin skirt, the bin skirt comprising at least one section, a top portion of a first section of the bin skirt to couple to a side wall of the bin to shield a portion of a base of the bin from moisture penetration.

Abstract: In a grain unloading system for a combine harvester a grain bin includes a frame, the frame has a floor with a trough. An unloading auger is disposed at least partially within the trough. An auger cover at least partially covers the auger. The auger cover has a hat for a top portion of the auger cover and a pair of gates movable between the hat and locations on the floor that are proximal to the trough. A gate adjustment structure is coupled to the pair of gates to move the pair of gates relative to the auger. A control system is coupled to the gate adjustment structure and configured to control the gate adjustment structure.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises a chassis, a header carried by the chassis, an actuator system including a plurality of actuators linked to a frame of the header and configured to adjust an orientation of the header, a GPS device configured to output a GPS position of the vehicle, and a controller. The header includes a frame and one or more sensors carried by the frame. The controller is electrically coupled to the one or more sensors, the actuator system, and the GPS device. The controller is configured to receive from a memory a final orientation of the header associated with a GPS position at a second location on a last pass that is closest in distance to a GPS position at an upcoming location on the current pass, and activate one or more actuators to re-orient the header before the vehicle arrives at the upcoming location.

Abstract: A harvester including a frame supported by a drive assembly for movement along a support surface, a head unit coupled to the harvester and configured to selectively harvest crop material, a camera coupled to the frame and configured to generate one or more images of a field of view, and a controller in operable communication with the camera and the head unit, where the controller is configured to determine one or more crop attributes based at least in part on the one or more images produced by the camera.

Abstract: A harvesting header on a vehicle such as a combine harvester includes a mounting assembly comprising left and right float elements each for applying controlled left and right lift forces and arranged to allow upward floating of each end of the header in response to ground contact. Left and right sensors detect the angle of tilt of the header and a control system operates to reduce the left lift force when the left end is raised and to reduce the right lift force when the right end is raised. On a combine harvester this can be done by rotating the face plate of the feeder house in the required direction. In other systems the force generated by the left and right float elements can be directly modified. The changes to the lift force are applied only when the propulsion vehicle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A crop header having a frame mounted on a vehicle has a sickle cutter bar and a draper. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame. The cutter bar is mounted at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper rail. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. A locking device is provided for commonly and automatically moving the beam in a direction to lift the cutter bar into a raised position in which the cutter bar is locked against flexing movement with the locking device being operable in response to the cutter bar being raised off the ground.

Abstract: A stalk roller assembly for an agricultural system includes a stalk roller having a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a first end having a first shape, such that the first end engages a guide element. Furthermore, the hollow shaft has a second end having a second shape that engages a drive shaft, such that the first shape is different than the second shape. In addition, the hollow shaft is formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a header connected to the chassis. The header includes a frame, at least one crop divider connected to the frame and having a crop divider body with at least one opening therein, and at least one down crop gatherer rotatably mounted to the at least one crop divider and at least partially extending through the at least one opening of the crop divider body. The at least one down crop gatherer has a first rotational direction. The header also includes a drive unit rotatably mounted to the at least one crop divider and contacting the at least one down crop gatherer. The drive unit has a second rotational direction and is configured for contacting the field and driving the at least one down crop gatherer in its first rotational direction.

Abstract: A sugarcane harvester including a base cutter configured to cut sugarcane from a field and a feed roller chassis, disposed adjacently to the base cutter, configured to receive the cut sugarcane. A plurality of feed roller assemblies are supported by the feed roller chassis, wherein each of the plurality of feed roller assemblies includes a roller body defining a roller body cavity, a motor support located within the roller body cavity, the motor support defining a support cavity, and a bearingless hydraulic motor disposed within the support cavity. The bearingless hydraulic motor includes a spindle extending from the motor and through the support cavity. A spindle adapter is releasably coupled to the spindle and fixedly coupled to the roller body. A roller bearing, disposed within the support cavity, includes an inner surface in contact with the spindle adapter, wherein rotation of the spindle rotates the roller body while the bearingless motor remains stationary with respect to the motor support.

Abstract: A draper having an additional strip of a resilient material attached on to the outer surface of the base layer at the front edge is connected at ends to form a continuous loop by a coupling comprising a first and second end edge which are turned so as to stand upwardly from the band and a clamping assembly clamping the upwardly standing edges together. The additional band at each end of the canvas is recessed from the outer surface and a strip portion formed of a flexible continuous strip material extending longitudinally of the additional band connects the two ends. The strip is bolted at each end to the recessed portion and has a thickness so that its outer surface is slightly less than that of the additional band thus forming in effect a continuation of the band bridging the ends of the canvas.

Abstract: Provided is a parking brake apparatus for a vehicle that allows an improvement in the ease of assembly. A parking brake apparatus includes a valve, a single hydraulic actuator that includes a cylinder, a piston housed in the cylinder in such a manner as to be reciprocably displaceable along the cylinder, and a principal brake rod connected to the piston, and can displace the piston to one of a brake operating position and a brake non-operating position by the valve, a balance arm connected to a first end portion of the principal brake rod on a side protruded from the cylinder, and a pair of left and right auxiliary brake rods provided between bent portions at end portions of the balance arm and left and right brake arms, respectively. The hydraulic actuator includes a spring member for constantly urging the piston to the brake operating position.

Abstract: A wheel mounting structure for a towed agricultural implement having a support beam and a plurality of wheels. The wheels are mounted to the support beam to be displaceable with respect to the support beam between a first position in a transport position and a second position displaced from the first position away from the support beam in a working position. This has as an advantage that the framework is displaced to increase a ground clearance when the towed agricultural implement is in the working position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural device for semi-automatic movement of a holding tool, for holding an object, between two positions, said two positions being at different heights. The device comprises said holding tool for holding the object, load sensing means for determining if the holding tool holds an object, driving means (9) for moving the holding tool up and down, a control unit for controlling the driving means, and a user interface for user input to the control unit. The device can be used in two modes of operations, wherein the holding tool in a first mode of operation is freely movably, and in a second mode of operation is semi-automatically movable between a plurality of determined positions (URP, UPP, LRP, LPP) depending on if the holding tool is holding an object or not, and which command is given to the user interface.

Abstract: A hand operated cutting tool includes a first handle coupled to a first cutting member, the first handle having a first set of projections; and, a second handle coupled to a second cutting member and movably coupled to the first handle, the second handle having a second set of projections. The handles are movable between a full open position and a full closed position, wherein a first region of movement is defined by the first and second sets of projections being at least partly engaged, and wherein a second region of movement is defined by the first and second sets of projections being disengaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for growing plants by initiating growth of a plant in a first growing facility and finishing the growth of the plant in a second growing facility. The invention also relates to methods of growing plants by exposing a plant to a light emitting diode after a period of initial growth without LED exposure. The invention also relates to methods of growing plants utilizing one or more of plug grow rooms and nursery grow rooms.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a support frame having first and second spaced-apart parallel elongate support channels and one or more elongate arms spanning and rigidly connecting the channels, a plurality of elongate electrical light emitters spanning the channels perpendicular thereto, having connectors at first and second distal ends thereof, and connected to the channels by the first and second connectors, respectively, wherein the connectors are adapted to allow movement of the light emitters along the channels while maintaining the light emitters perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for transporting plant clones that have developed root systems outside solid cultivating media. The transporting system comprises stem collars that hold plant clones. The stem collars are made of biodegradable materials so that plant clones can be transplanted to the field with the collars. The plant clone transporting system also comprises a collar tray to hold stem collars and a portable tank to hold water or solid media that holds water, such as rockwool and perlite, to provide favorable conditions to the root systems of the plant clones, so they can survive a long transportation.

Abstract: The following invention is a system for protecting tall bamboo plants from winter weather. The system includes several improvements over existing plant covers. It uses a simple method involving a vertical funnel for covering bamboo. A two-piece funnel is clamped around the base of the bamboo. A long strip of fabric with hook and loop on both sides is connected to the bottom of the funnel. The funnel is then pulled by a rope to the top of the bamboo. The hook and loop is fastened around the bamboo while the funnel is raised. A wireless relay allows the funnel and sleeve to be remotely disconnected. For extra cold protection and aesthetic beauty, Christmas lights can easily be included inside the cover.

Abstract: Vineyard supporting pole, in particular an intermediate pole arranged between the two head poles, between which is stretched the plant carrying wire, the pole consisting of a metal section whose lower end is driven into the ground. The top end of the pole has a sliding surface for supporting the plant, the sliding surface being formed by a curved part of the metal section, which is furrowed by a groove within which the carrying wire is held.

Abstract: A sod harvester stacking head can include a base that couples to a stacking head supporting mechanism of a sod harvester and a frame that couples to the base via crankshaft assemblies that are configured to allow the frame to rotate through 360 degrees during each stacking operation. Accordingly, a motor that controls the rotation of the crankshaft assemblies can be driven a single time during each stacking operation thereby enhancing the efficiency of the sod harvester. The crankshaft assemblies can also be configured so that the crankshafts are in a vertical orientation while the stacking head travels in a lateral direction such that the load is centered on the rotational axis of the stacking head. A stacking conveyor could similarly be configured with a base and a frame that are coupled via crankshaft assemblies to thereby allow the stacking conveyor to be lifted using 360 degrees of rotation.

Abstract: A method for generating digital models of potential crop yield based on planting date, relative maturity, and actual production history is provided. In an embodiment, data representing historical planting dates, relative maturity values, and crop yield is received by an agricultural intelligence computer system. Based on the historical data, the system generates spatial and temporal maps of planting dates, relative maturity, and actual production history. Using the maps, the system creates a model of potential yield that is dependent on planting date and relative maturity. The system may then receive actual production history data for a particular field. Using the received actual production history data, a particular planting date, and a particular relative maturity value, the agricultural intelligence computer system computes a potential yield for a particular field.

Abstract: A drip irrigation unit, comprising: a bottom, generally cup-shaped, member having a bottom member base in which a plant-inserting opening is defined, a peripheral closed-loop wall extending upward from a peripheral edge of the bottom member to a first apex, and an internal closed-loop wall extending upwards from a peripheral edge of the plant-inserting opening to a second apex that is lower than the first apex, the peripheral and internal walls being integral with the bottom member base and defining a water reservoir, and a top member having an aperture and a rim, an annular surface defined between the rim and the aperture being downwardly sloped towards the aperture and defining a generally funnel-shape, the top member being connectable to at least one of the first or second apexes, such that the plant-inserting opening and the aperture become aligned, the internal closed-loop wall having at least one perforation vertically distanced from the bottom member base, the at least one perforation defining a water

Abstract: An irrigation modeling framework in precision agriculture utilizes a combination of weather data, crop data, and other agricultural inputs to create customized agronomic models for diagnosing and predicting a moisture state in a field, and a corresponding need for, and timing of, irrigation activities. Specific combinations of various agricultural inputs can be applied, together with weather information to identify or adjust water-related characteristics of crops and soils, to model optimal irrigation activities and provide advisories, recommendations, and scheduling guidance for targeted application of artificial precipitation to address specific moisture conditions in a soil system of a field.

Abstract: A gravity-driven plant cultivation system includes: (a) a frame; (b) a plurality of vertically stacked conveyor assemblies mounted to the frame. Each conveyor assembly includes at least one gravity conveyor extending along a conveyor axis. The conveyor axis slopes downwards relative to a horizontal plane from a frame upstream end to a frame downstream end of the frame. The system further includes (c) a plurality of plant cultivation trays rollingly supported on each gravity conveyor and urged to translate along a respective conveyor axis toward the frame downstream end via gravitational force.

Abstract: A floating ecosystem for deployment in a body of water, the ecosystem comprising a number of elongate members which are arranged side-by-side and define one or more corresponding elongate planting lanes between them. These planting lanes allow for the insertion and support of plants at predetermined lateral separations. The elongate members are advantageously resilient and closely spaced so as to provide structural support to plants inserted in the planting lanes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tray system for use in hydroponic growing, the system including a framework with at least one shelf, a shelf liner sized and configured for placement on the at least one shelf of the framework, a hydroponic grow tray sized and configured for placement on the shelf liner, the grow tray including a first side, a second side and a grow medium portion between the first side and second side, the tray configured in place such that there is a downward slope from the first side to the second side, the tray further comprising: a water receiving surface at the first side of the tray, the water receiving surface positioned to receive water from a source of water mounted to the framework, and sloped such that water received is directed to the grow medium portion of the tray, and a tray drain at the second side of the tray configured to receive water from the grow portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to aquaponics system. The aquaponics system may be comprised of a pole assembly comprising a pole having one or more pole cups affixed to the pole in a vertical orientation; an aquaculture assembly comprising a tank having a pole anchor centered therein, wherein the pole anchor is configured to receive a bottom portion of the pole, a plurality of struts configured to stabilize the pole within the tank, and at least one tank cover positioned at an opening of the tank; and a hydroponic assembly comprising one or more grow pans, wherein the one or more grow pans are removably coupled with the pole assembly, and at least one tray positioned within at least one grow pan.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Spinach, NUN 06258 SPS as well as seeds and plants and leaves thereof.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1766’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as Eastern USA, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided novel hemp Cannabis cultivars with THC content of 0.2% by dry weight and a unique terpene profile. This invention thus relates to the seeds of hemp Cannabis cultivars of the invention, to the plants of hemp Cannabis cultivars of the invention, to plant parts of hemp Cannabis cultivars of the invention, to methods for producing a Cannabis cultivar by crossing the hemp Cannabis cultivars of the invention with another Cannabis cultivar, and to methods for producing a Cannabis cultivar containing in its genetic material one or more backcross conversion traits or transgenes and to the backcross conversion Cannabis plants and plant parts produced by those methods.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated Regency 3.0, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce cultivar Regency 3.0 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar Regency 3.0 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 Regency 3.0, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar Regency 3.0 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 Regency 3.0 with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention includes broccoli plants with curds having detached florets and methods for obtaining such broccoli plants. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such broccoli plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R032. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R032. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R032 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R032 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-006 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-006 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-006 RZ.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a carriage, a foundation, a pivot coupler, a platform, a coupler, a linear actuator, an extension member, a spray tool member, and a controller. The carriage moves along the track. The foundation is coupled to the carriage. The pivot coupler is coupled to the foundation. The coupler is coupled to the platform. The coupler couples the platform to the pivot coupler. The extension member is coupled to the linear actuator. The spray tool member is coupled to the extension member. The controller is configured to cause the carriage to move along the track, the platform to pivot, and the extension member to move in the lengthwise direction to position a spray tool coupled to the spray tool member at a spray position from which the spray tool may discharge a solution to a teat of a dairy livestock.