Abstract: A row unit for a work vehicle includes a row unit frame, a gauge wheel, and a gauge wheel coupling assembly that attaches the gauge wheel to the row unit frame at a lateral position with respect to the row unit frame. The gauge wheel coupling assembly supports the gauge wheel for lateral movement to change the lateral position of the gauge wheel. The gauge wheel coupling assembly includes a course adjust coupling and a fine adjust coupling. The course adjust coupling is configured for selectively adjusting, at a first increment, the lateral position of the gauge wheel. The fine adjust coupling is configured for selectively adjusting, at a second increment, the lateral position of the gauge wheel. The first increment is larger than the second increment.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes a traveling body supported by a traveling apparatus, a steeling portion that steers the traveling body, a lifting/lowering apparatus that lifts and lowers a working machine, and a controller configured to execute a turning control of setting a working machine descent start line in a coordinate system having a position of the traveling body at a start of turning as an origin, calculating coordinates of the traveling body based on a steering operation of the steering portion and a traveling distance of the traveling apparatus, and in a case where the traveling body has reached the working machine descent start line in a state in which the traveling body has completed the turning, starting lowering the working machine by the lifting/lowering apparatus.

Abstract: A modular agricultural toolbar comprising at least one retractable implement attachment member capable of accommodating various agricultural implementations, as well as a plurality of continuous track units for operational use and a plurality of wheels for transportation and storage use. The implement attachment members further capable of extending along a central axis, increasing the coverage areas of a given agricultural process while also being capable of folding horizontally alongside the core frame of the toolbar to enable ease of transportation and storage.

Abstract: A system for remote moisture monitoring and control includes: a measurement vehicle, including a vehicle body, a vehicle control unit, a transmitter antenna, and a receiver antenna; a moisture control server, including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, and antenna manager, a multi spectrum analyzer, a sensor manager, an irrigation manager, a soil simulator and a data bus; a vehicle storage facility; an irrigation controller; irrigation valves; a mobile control device; ground sensors. Also disclosed is a method including piloting measurement vehicle; obtaining moisture measurements, including controlling outbound transmission, determining reflected power, calculating dielectric constant via reflection calculation, determining soil moisture via lookup in soil calibration table; obtaining sensor measurements; calculating soil model; and adjusting irrigation.

Abstract: Described is a system for determining crop residue fraction. The system includes a color video camera mounted on a mobile platform for generating a two-dimensional (2D) color video image of a scene in front or behind the mobile platform. In operation, the system separates the 2D color video image into three separate one-dimensional (1D) mixture signals for red, green, and blue channels. The three 1D mixture signals are then separated into pure 1D component signals using blind source separation. The 1D component signals are thresholded and converted to 2D binary, pixel-level abundance maps, which can then be integrated to allow the system to determine a total component fractional abundance of crop in the scene. Finally, the system can control a mobile platform, such as a harvesting machine, based on the total component fractional abundance of crop in the scene.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and processor-readable storage media related to a robotic system for automated soil testing and analyses are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes processing data pertaining to a given geographical region, generating one or more navigational courses within the given geographical region based at least in part on the processed data, and automatically collecting one or more soil samples at one or more predetermined locations within the given geographical region, in accordance with at least one of the generated navigational courses. Such a method also includes automatically analyzing the one or more collected soil samples based on one or more predetermined soil-related parameters, and generating and outputting results of the analyzing of the one or more collected soil samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selecting a seed intended for sowing. The method comprises subjecting a seed to germination conditions and selecting a seed that has germinated as a seed intended for sowing. As a result, only seeds which are likely to develop into a commercially interesting plant need to be sown and grown into plants.

Abstract: An air seeding system and method includes a manifold mounted across a plurality of row planter units. Electric motors are mounted on the manifold and are operatively connected to the seed meters. A microprocessor or controller adjusts the speed of the motors in response to field data input so as to adjust the rate of seed dispensement to achieve desired plant population. The motor speeds can be adjusted on the fly, without stopping the air seeder. The system senses ground speed, senses the raised and lowered positioned of the row planter units, and senses any blockage of the row planter units. The motors eliminate the need for a ground drive wheel.

Abstract: A fertilizing system for agricultural soils includes an application device for applying fertilizer and including a test device for detecting a nitrous oxide content in or on the agricultural soil to be fertilized. The test device includes multiple nitrous oxide sensors including in each case a first transmission device for transmitting measuring data, and including a data processing device that includes a first receiving device for receiving the measuring data.

Abstract: A seed firmer and bracket combination for a planter row unit. The bracket includes a forward configured to mount to a frame member of the planter row unit. A rearward portion extends rearward of the seed tube or seed conveyor. The seed firmer includes a body having an upper portion, a tail portion, and a resilient flexible portion between the upper portion and the tail portion. The upper portion is releasably received in a vertical opening in the bracket such that the resilient flexible portion and tail portion extend downwardly and rearwardly from the bracket. The seed firmer is releasably restrained in the bracket preventing the seed firmer from moving upward, forward, rearward and downward until the upper portion of the seed firmer is disengaged from the bracket.

Abstract: A control device includes: an image acquiring section that acquires image data of an image of a work target of the work machine; a feature recognizing section that recognizes a feature about at least one of (i) a type of the work target of the work machine, (ii) a number or density of the work target, (iii) a shape of the work target and (iv) an appearance of the work target after work, based on the image data acquired by the image acquiring section; and a control parameter deciding section that decides at least either (i) a parameter for controlling travel of the work machine or (ii) a parameter for controlling work of the work machine, based on the feature recognized by the feature recognizing section.

Abstract: A cutter assembly of lawnmower includes a base body, a fixing plate, a motor, a cutter, and a restriction assembly. The base body defines an axial direction. The fixing plate is disposed on the base body and has a first circumferential wall. A first bearing is received inside the first circumferential wall. The motor is disposed on the base body and includes a base seat, a rotor, and a rotation axle. The base seat is disposed on the base body and has a second circumferential wall. Two second bearings are received inside the second circumferential wall. The rotation axle and the rotor are linked-up and inserted through the first bearing and the second bearings.

Abstract: A regressive suspension spring system for a farm implement including a spring arm, a rocker arm, a wheel arm rotatably coupled to the farm implement at a first end and rotatably coupled to the rocker arm at a second end at a first pivot, one or more dogbone links rotatably coupled to the spring arm at a first end of the one or more dogbone links at a second pivot and rotatably coupled to the rocker arm at a second end of the one or more dogbone links at a third pivot; and a spring disposed between the rocker arm and the spring arm. An attachable farm implement including a regressive suspension spring system, such as a rotary cutter. A powered machine including a regressive suspension spring system.

Abstract: A harvesting machine is disclosed along with a method of operating the harvesting machine. The harvesting machine includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A rotatable pick-up head is pivotally mounted on the first end and is capable of urging a crop into the machine. A cutting mechanism is mounted on a bottom plate for cutting the stems of the plants. A crimper mechanism is positioned downstream of the bottom plate and is capable of compacting the cut stems into a moving web. A moisture removal mechanism is positioned after the crimper mechanism to lower the moisture in the cut stems. A crop converging mechanism is located downstream of the moisture removal mechanism and reduces the width of the moving web into a ribbon. A chopper then chops the ribbon into small pieces so that they can be blown into a storage wagon for transport.

Abstract: A work equipment that can temporarily store an article that is collected while traveling, and includes a work equipment main body, a container device configured to store the article collected by the work equipment main body while being connected to the work equipment main body, and to travel to and back from a collected article destination by being detached from the work equipment main body, a travel drive unit configured to cause the container device to travel, a battery mounted to the container device to power the travel drive unit, a battery state of charge sensor configured to detect a remaining battery charge of the battery, and a control unit that determination whether the container device may be detached from the work equipment main body or not according to the remaining battery charge.

Abstract: A combine comprising a feeder housing, and an auger for receiving harvested crop. The auger includes an auger tube rotatable around an auger axis, and a tined-tube positioned inside the auger tube and rotatable around a tined-tube axis that is offset from the auger axis, the tined-tube including fingers extending from the tined-tube and protruding through the auger tube to convey the harvested crop to the feeder housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a plasma-activated liquid or gas, and applying the plasma-activated liquid for agricultural use. A system embodiment includes a hand-held device that can be pointed and directed at different target areas of a plant. A method embodiment includes generating a plasma discharge in a gas environment or a liquid environment, and applying the gas/liquid to a plant.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automating transfer of plants within an agricultural facility includes: dispatching a loader to autonomously deliver a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants at a first growth stage—from a first grow location within an agricultural facility to a transfer station within the agricultural facility; dispatching the loader to autonomously deliver a second module—defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density and empty of plants—to the transfer station; recording a module-level optical scan of the first module; extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the module-level optical scan; and if the viability parameter falls outside of a target viability range, rejecting transfer of the first set of plants from the first module.

Abstract: An office screen includes a screen frame and an LED lighting/gardening device. The frame includes a table board and multiple screen boards connected together and supporting the table board. The LED lighting/gardening device includes a container for growing a plant, means for installing the container on top of the screen boards, and an LED lighting source arranged above the container and containing multiple LEDs affixed to a support. The LEDs are located at a predetermined distance from a top of the plant, and located at a height from the table board, such that the LED lighting source provides the plant with an illumination level not greater than a photosynthesis light saturation point of the plant, and provides an illumination for the table board, wherein the predetermined distance between the LEDs and the top of the plant is less one quarter of the height between the LEDs and the table board.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a plant receptacle wherein the following steps are performed: a) a PLA thread is co-extruded with a flexible aliphatic polyester, said flexible aliphatic polyester comprising 10 wt % to 30 wt % bamboo material, such that the flexible aliphatic polyester covers the PLA thread, thereby creating a weldable biodegradable thread; b) using said weldable biodegradable thread in a woven or non-woven process, making a permeable sheet material; continuously forming said sheet material into a continuous receptacle, by bringing the side edges of said sheet material into contact and welding said side edges together; d) cutting said continuous receptacle in predetermined lengths thereby creating separate plant receptacles.

Abstract: The present application is directed to Large Enclosed Secure Greenhouse Structure Atrium/Hybrid Greenhouse Buildings that have the appearance of a new modern industrial building that will provide a complete agricultural growing facility with an office, maintenance and dry storage spaces. The roof and walls of the greenhouse area have a continuous sealed chamber through transparent open web joists and girders, with controlled sunlight transmission along with heat and cold circulation. More particularly, the Atrium/Hybrid Greenhouse Building provided is constructed using a number of joist and girder systems configured to support transparent reinforced roof, wall and ceiling panels, assembled in a way that provides maximum daylight transmission and significant insulating properties, enabling the Atrium/Hybrid Greenhouse Building to be an effective and economical grow-house in harsh environments and in areas with snowfall or widely varying temperature ranges.

Abstract: An urban greenhouse designed for improved crop production is an enclosed space with a frost cover, mesh cover, liner, drain valve, mulch, and structural framework for gardening. It includes a roll up pipe, CO2 enhancement of the ambient air around the plants, an insulation board, and an irrigation system.

Abstract: System(s), component(s), and/or method(s) that provide for the regulated and controlled laminar flow of air such that the air flow uniformly contacts a plurality of plants to thereby optimize the conditions for the proliferation and growth of each plant of the plurality of plants

Abstract: A plant watering system includes an irrigation mat that can be placed around a plant on top of the soil. The irrigation mat includes a water reservoir that holds water, and a slow-pass water permeable membrane that releases the water in the water reservoir in a slow manner so the soil around the plant is watered at a controlled rate. The irrigation mat may optionally include a threaded port where a container of liquid fertilizer can be placed so the liquid fertilizer is mixed with the water in the reservoir, allowing easily fertilizing the plant as it is watered. The plant watering system may also optionally include a dryness sensor that provides an alert indicating the water reservoir in the irrigation mat needs to be refilled.

Abstract: There is provided a smart drip irrigation emitter to provide intelligent features including on-demand watering, sensors and communication links. The emitters can be activated by a wireless signal to power and/or control water delivery from the emitter. The emitter also may include sensors that gather data pertaining to an individual plant. Based on the data received by the sensors, the emitter intelligently determines whether to water the plan. The smart emitter can form a communication network with other smart emitters.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for use in identifying crosses for use in plant breeding are disclosed. One exemplary method includes selecting a subgroup of potential crosses, based on thresholds associated with population prediction scores for the set of potential crosses. The exemplary method further includes selecting multiple target crosses from the subgroup of potential crosses based on a genetic relatedness of the parents in the subgroup of potential crosses, filtering the target crosses based on a rule (or rules) defining a threshold (or thresholds) for at least one characteristic and/or trait, selecting ones of the filtered target crosses based on risk associated with the selected one of the filtered target crosses, and directing the selected ones of the filtered target crosses into a breeding pipeline, thereby providing crosses to the breeding pipeline based, at least in part, on commercial success of parents included in the selected ones of the filtered crosses.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid carrot variety NUN 85935 CAC as well as seeds and plants and roots thereof. NUN 85935 CAC is an Imperator carrot variety for the cut and peel market segment and is suitable for growing in the open field.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of inhibiting the growth of a shoot apical meristem of a cucurbit rootstock plant, comprising contacting a shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant with an effective amount of a composition comprising one or more fatty alcohols, thereby inhibiting the growth of the shoot apical meristem of the cucurbit rootstock plant. The present invention further provides methods for preparing and producing cucurbit rootstock plants for grafting and methods for grafting. Additionally provided are cucurbit rootstock plants and plant parts and grafted cucurbit plants produced by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tomato fruit with significantly increased firmness due to the presence of at least one genetic element (or quantitative trait loci; QTLs) in the cultivated plant producing said tomato fruit, compared to fruit from a control tomato plant which does not have said genetic element(s). A cultivated tomato plant producing tomato fruit with significantly increased fruit firmness and a method for detecting QTLs linked to significantly increased fruit firmness are also provided.

Abstract: A cat litter box has an open top enclosure provided with a bottom and sidewalls extending upward to form the enclosure. A lid with a central aperture configured to permit ingress and egress of a cat is provided to rest on the open top enclosure. The surface of the lid from the central aperture toward the perimeter is provided with a plurality of apertures to form a grated surface on the lid.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic self-cleaning animal litter apparatus using a hopper/spout assembly and conveyer belt mechanism. The litter apparatus includes a conveyer belt that is controlled using a sensor and controller. The hopper stores fresh litter to be deposited onto the conveyer belt. The spout assembly provides thickness and location control of the fresh litter deposited onto the conveyer belt. A conveyer belt cleaning device underneath the conveyer belt mechanism rids the conveyer belt of the used litter and feces which are then dropped into the receptacle.

Abstract: A folding pet carrier includes a back panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a top surface portion, and two side panels. A lever device disposed at an inner side surface of the back panel includes a telescopic rod body and a handle portion disposed at an upper end of the telescopic rod body. The lever device extends to the outer side of the top surface portion or is hidden under the top surface portion. Rollers are disposed on a bottom surface of the bottom panel. Two straps are disposed on two sides of the back panel. A connecting member is disposed between side edges of the side panels, the bottom panel, the front panel, and the top surface portion. The folding pet carrier can be stowed by folding the two side panels, the top surface portion and the front panel to be stacked on the back panel.

Abstract: An improved biosecurity livestock confinement crate system for safely confining and farrowing livestock. The confinement crate system improves the safety of the livestock and the user. The confinement crate system includes a containment area which houses an animal and is adjoined, and separated, by a rib structure in the configuration of a Flying-W. This configuration protects offspring of the animal in the adjoining safety area from being injured or killed.

Abstract: An improved biosecurity livestock floor system for safely supporting and farrowing livestock. The floor system improves the safety of the livestock and the user. The floor system includes a containment area with containment panels, and a safety area with safety area floor panels, which house an animal and is adjoined, and separated, by the Flying-W configuration of the rib structure. This configuration protects offspring of the animal in the adjoining safety area from being injured or killed.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pet bed which is not soiled by liquids such as liquid excrement and cleaning solutions, and which can maintain excellent sanitary conditions. This pet bed (1) is provided with a bed main body (5) that includes: a frame (3) which has a prescribed thickness; and a mat (4) which is less thick than the frame (3) and is detachably fitted into the frame (3). The pet bed (1) is provided with an absorbent sheet (2) on the top surface of the mat (4), and, in an opened state, the area in plan view of the absorbent sheet (2) is greater than the area in plan view of the top surface of the mat (4).

Abstract: A pet bed comprises a first layer configured for retaining a filler material, a second layer surrounding the first inner layer and a third layer surrounding the second layer. The second inner layer comprises a waterproof shell so that liquid cannot contact the first inner layer if the second outer layer is exposed to a liquid. The third layer forms a second shell and is formed from a breathable fabric. The third layer can absorb liquid that may come into contact with the third layer. The second and third layers are selectively securable and removable from the first layer.

Abstract: A hay bag comprises a shell and a hanger coupled to the shell. The shell includes a generally square-shaped first panel with a corner and an access hole. Further, the shell includes a generally square-shaped second panel with a corner that corresponds to the corner of the first panel. The first panel couples to the second panel at the corner and the corresponding corner and creates an opening along an edge of the shell between the first panel and the second panel. The hanger couples to the corner of the first panel and the corner of the second panel of the shell, such that the hanger does not couple anywhere else on the shell. Therefore, when hung, the hay bag hangs at an approximate forty-five-degree angle relative to the generally square shape of the first panel.

Abstract: A feeder system for feeding and nurturing livestock is presented. The feeder system improves the safety of the livestock by providing a bio-secure device for feeding livestock. The feeder system provides a means for feeding an animal confined in an area, cleaning the area, and replenishing feed without requiring removal of the animal from the confined area. The feeder system is especially adapted for an improved biosecurity livestock confinement crate and floor system.

Abstract: A collapsible pet feeder apparatus for holding pet food or water, comprised of a collapsible storage compartment adapted to be expanded to an elongated state for storing pet food or water, a bowl portion positioned underneath the opening in the bottom portion of the collapsible storage compartment for holding pet food or water and wherein the bowl portion extends away from a side of the collapsible storage compartment, an angled slide portion positioned underneath the opening in the bottom portion of the collapsible storage compartment for facilitating the movement of pet food or water from the collapsible storage compartment to a distal end of the bowl portion. In operation, gravity provides force to move the food or water from the storage compartment into the bowl, when the bowl is not full.

Abstract: A secured grip pet grooming device for use in aiding the de-shedding process while bathing a dog and decreasing stress on the animal. The secured grip pet grooming device includes a brush structure having a top surface, bottom surface, and plurality of sidewalls defining an internal reservoir therein. An adapter is configured to removably secure a water connection line to the brush structure in fluid communication, such as a hose. A plurality of bristles is disposed on the bottom surface of the brush structure, along with at least one vent in the surface having a channel extending into the internal reservoir and allowing liquid to pass therethrough. A handle is affixed to the top surface of the brush structure and includes at least one aperture adapted to receive the fingers of a user therethrough.

Abstract: A protective head cover for an animal is disclosed, the protective head cover comprising a first rectangular cover portion (1) adjustably fastenable around the neck of the animal and a second closed curvilinear cover portion (2) comprising a tangential edge which attaches to the first cover portion, and tapering outward sections on either side of the tangential edge, the second cover portion being adjustably fastenable and is adapted to cover at least the occiput and ears of the animal, a first fastener part (3) located on the first cover portion and near the tangential edge of the second cover portion, the first fastener part being adapted to attach to a second fastener part (4) on the second cover portion, wherein the first and the second fastener parts are located on a first axis (5) perpendicular to the tangential edge of the second cover portion, wherein, the first and the second fastener parts can be adjustably fastened to each other so as to vary an amount of overlap between the first and the second co

Abstract: A belt cover for attaching to a horse The belt cover including at least (1) an electrode for detecting a bioelectric signal by contacting with the surface of a body of the horse, (2) an electric wiring, and (3) a connector for connecting with the electric wiring through a part for connecting with the connector and the electric wiring. Each of the electrode and the electric wiring includes a stretchable conductor having a conductive particle including a silver particle and a binder resin. The stretchable conductor of the electrode and the electric wiring has a sheet resistance of 0.1?? or less, an insulating layer is laminated on the electric wiring, and the electrode and the electric wiring are integrally formed without joints.

Abstract: A bird feeder with a plurality of feed openings in the seed tube base, and a deflector located above the seed tube base, the deflector extending outwardly above the feed openings such that the deflector is able to deflect water flowing downwardly from said seed tube to a location intermediate the feed openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small hive beetle trap configured to be located beneath a beehive. The trap includes a frame formed from one or more frame members, including a front frame member; an opening for bees to enter and exit the hive via the trap; a small hive beetle entry including at least one channel configured to direct small hive beetle and their larvae that enter the small hive beetle entry away from the hive; a corrugated panel held by the frame and adapted to direct the beetles and/or the larvae that evade the small hive beetle entry into the troughs of the panel and into at least one opening located within each trough; and a removable tray located beneath the at least one channel and the corrugated panel for collecting and trapping the beetles and/or the larvae that pass through the at least one channel and the opening.

Abstract: An improved Coanda effect fish pump that allows for improved pump performance with enhanced and unsymmetrical-irregularities features in circumferential flow gaps and orifice flutes that improve water flow distribution and pump performance. Design features improve fish quality during pumping and can be designed to remove sea ice from salmon. The features reduce spinning in the pump, correct for unsymmetrical input water pressure distribution, and reshape water velocities to more effectively remove sea lice.

Abstract: A filter with a backwashing unit including a two-position three-way valve, and second third valves. The three-way valve has ports P1, A1 and B1, the second valve has ports P2 and A2, and the third valve has port P3 and port A3; port P1 is connected with the water inlet, port A2 is connected with the outlet, port A3 is connected with the drain outlet, port A1 and port P3 are connected with the inlet of a filter, and port B1 and port P2 are connected with the outlet; the filter is located on a filtering station when port P1 communicates with port A1, port P2 communicates with port A2, and port P3 does not communicate with port A3, and the filter is on a backwashing station when port P1 communicates with port B1, port P2 does not communicate with port A2, and port P3 communicates with port A3.

Abstract: Efficient fish farming techniques are described, including a land-based saltwater flow-through pool fed by seawater intakes, and efficient water flow and waste removal techniques that promote good fish growing conditions. Features include devices for encouraging laminar flow in the flow-through pool, and efficient waste removal, and multiple seawater intakes from different ocean depths.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems for heat source, e.g., data center, cooling and aquaculture. In certain aspects, the systems include a heat source, e.g., data center, having a water cooling subsystem configured to receive cool water and output warm water and an aquaculture center co-located with the heat source, e.g., data center, and configured to receive the warm water. Aspects of the invention also include methods for cooling a heat source, e.g., data center, using a water cooling subsystem and cultivating aquatic organisms with an aquaculture center that is co-located with the heat source, e.g., data center.

Abstract: As described herein, Mrap2 negatively regulates weight gain in animals. Accordingly, provided herein are cells, animals, and methods relating to the inhibition of Mrap2 to increase the rate of growth in cells and/or animals, e.g. animals comprising Mrap2 modifications to improve production of animal products.

Abstract: Methods for protecting porcine fetuses from infection with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). The methods comprise breeding a female porcine animal with a male porcine animal. The female porcine animal comprises modified chromosomal sequences in both alleles of its CD163 gene, wherein the modified chromosomal sequences reduce the susceptibility of the female porcine animal to infection by PRRSV, as compared to the susceptibility to infection by PRRSV of a female porcine animal that does not comprise any modified chromosomal sequences in the alleles of its CD163 gene. The male porcine animal comprises at least one wild-type CD163 allele.