Abstract: An implement for an agricultural vehicle including a toolbar and a pair of marking devices pivotally connected to the toolbar. Each marking device includes a first arm, a second arm, and a first attachment bracket pivotally connecting the first arm to the distal end of the second arm. The first and second arms are configured for pivoting between a stored position in which the first and second arms are folded relative to one another and an operational position in which the first and second arms are unfolded relative to one another. Each marking device further includes a second attachment bracket, a kick out link, and a biasing member connected to the kick out link and configured for providing a biasing force acting on the kick out link to retain the first arm relative to the second arm in the stored position.

Abstract: An implement for an agricultural vehicle including a toolbar and a pair of marking devices pivotally connected to the toolbar. Each marking device includes at least one arm configured for pivoting between a stored position and an operational position, and a retention device supported by the toolbar and configured for providing a magnetic retention force which magnetically retains the at least one arm in the stored position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time, artificial intelligence control of an agricultural work vehicle and/or implement based on observed outcomes are provided. In particular, example aspects of the present subject matter are directed to systems and method that sense field conditions (also known as field “finish”) both before and after adjustable ground-engaging tools encounter the soil and that update a site-specific control model that provides control settings based on the observed anterior and posterior conditions. Thus, a control system can obtain sensor data descriptive of upcoming field conditions and can perform predictive adjustment and control of tools based the upcoming field conditions. The system can then use additional sensors to observe the outcome of the employed control settings. Based on a comparison of the observed outcome to a target outcome, the system can adjust for the next encounter of similar field conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for adjusting the output of a field measurement system to conform to agronomy measurements. In particular, the present subject matter is directed to a calibration process and system that uses a calibration model to convert field measurement data expressed according to an automatic system metric into agronomy data that is expressed according to an agronomy metric.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a seed mat for insertion into an apparatus for growing plants is provided, wherein the seed mat includes a carrier substrate and seeds, wherein the seeds are fixed on the carrier substrate by means of an adhesive. Furthermore, a method for producing a seed mat in various exemplary embodiments may include: applying an adhesive on a carrier substrate; applying seeds on the carrier substrate provided with the adhesive; and fixing the seeds by the adhesive on the carrier substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of insecticides selected from the ryanodine receptor modulator group consisting of Tetraniliprole, Cyclaniliprole, and Flubendiamide for controlling wireworms, to a method for treating plants or plant parts or the soil for controlling wireworms and to a method for controlling wireworms. in soil, seed and in plants which grow from the seed, by treating the seed or treating the soil with an insecticide insecticides selected from the ryanodine receptor modulator group or formulations containing the same, in particular in cereals.

Abstract: A placing unit for a seed drill includes at least two furrow-opening disks and at least two devices for delivery of particulate products from at least one reservoir, the respective ejection outlets of which are situated between the two opener disks in a manner mutually offset along the direction of advance. The placing unit also includes a body carrying the disks and devices. The placing unit includes an elongated assembly for firming of the product or products deposited at the bottom of the furrow, and an interface for linking with the body for the seed-firming assembly, which includes an end for fixation with the interface and an opposite bracing end. The linking interface includes at least two fixation sites for the corresponding end of the assembly, offset longitudinally relative to one another along the direction of advance.

Abstract: A planting implement including a toolbar and a seed metering system supported by the toolbar. The seed metering system includes at least one row unit. Each row unit includes a frame, an auxiliary seed hopper supported by the frame, a seed meter fluidly coupled to the auxiliary seed hopper, and a vacuum fan fluidly coupled to the auxiliary seed hopper and the seed meter in a closed fluid system in which the vacuum fan recirculates air through the auxiliary seed hopper and the seed meter.

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

Abstract: A seed meter for dispensing seed. The seed meter comprises a housing at least partially enclosing an interior space. The housing includes a top surface defining a seed inlet, and further includes a seed outlet. The seed meter additionally includes a metering wheel positioned within the interior space of the housing. The metering wheel is configured to carry seed through the housing when rotating in a first direction or in a second direction. The seed meter further includes a pair of retractable seed guards positioned within the interior space of the housing. The seed guards are each configured to be selectively configured in an operating configuration and in a retracted configuration. In the operating configuration the seed guards are configured to prevent excess seed from passing through the seed meter, and in the retracted configuration the seed guards are configured to permit large obstacles to pass through the seed meter.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a delivery system that distributes commodity from the source between a plurality of delivery runs. The delivery system includes at least one commodity manifold. The commodity manifold includes a first run structure with a first run passage, a second run with a second run passage, and a manifold regulator with a body that is rotatable about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The body at least partly defines a channel configured to receive and distribute the commodity. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is in communication with the first run passage and disconnected from the second run passage in the first position. The outlet is in communication with the second run passage and disconnected from the first run passage in the second position.

Abstract: An orchard fertilizer spreader has rearwardly positioned conveyors that are independently laterally extendable between a minimum width transport position and a maximum width operating position to deliver fertilizer from a supply tank to the orchard trees. The conveyors are mounted in a longitudinally spaced configuration to permit a diverter box to supply fertilizer to either conveyor or to both conveyors simultaneously through manipulation of diverter panels. The conveyors are mounted on a support pan formed with a plurality of rollers to facilitate the lateral extension of the conveyors. The support pan is pivotally mounted on a frame to forma a breakaway that enables the conveyors to rotate in the event of impact between a conveyor and an object. The reset of the conveyors into the laterally extended position is accomplished with a hydraulic cylinder. The conveyors can be laterally extended manually, or via a hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A work machine with a sensing assembly that identifies characteristics of an underlying surface and a distribution assembly that distributes material to the underlying surface. Wherein, the sensing assembly identifies the characteristics of the underlying surface and the distribution assembly distributes varying amounts of material based on the characteristics as the work machine moves along the underlying surface.

Abstract: This vehicle for discharging crop (2) to form a crop heap (30) comprises a drive device (48) adapted to drive the vehicle, a crop bunker (60) adapted to contain the crop to be discharged and a discharge device (62) adapted to discharge the crop from the crop bunker. The vehicle comprises a control device (80) adapted to control the discharge device so as to create a crop heap with defined heap parameters, the heap parameters including one or more of: a defined heap location, a defined heap width and a defined heap orientation. Application to beet crop harvesting machines.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that can be controlled automatically. The work vehicle includes HST's for feeding power for traveling to at least either front wheels or rear wheels mounted on a traveling vehicle body, traveling levers for operating driving of at least either the front wheels or the rear wheel, traveling links operably coupling the traveling levers with the HST's, traveling drive sections for driving either the traveling levers or the traveling links, and a traveling control section configured to activate the traveling drive sections in response to receipt of a traveling instruction for the traveling levers in the automatic control mode for automatically controlling the traveling vehicle body.

Abstract: A work vehicle that performs an operation while traveling autonomously includes: a base frame configured to support a wheel; a unit frame configured to support an operation unit that performs the operation; a link frame capable of changing a relative height of the unit frame with respect to the base frame , the link frame spanning between the base frame and the unit frame; and a setting unit configured to set an operating height of the operation unit with respect to a working surface of a working field in which the operation is performed, in accordance with operation information indicating an operation target to be subjected to the operation.

Abstract: A knife drive assembly for use in a harvesting header is disclosed. The knife drive may be mounted near the center line of the cutter bar of the header. Mechanical power from the power unit behind the header (typically the combine power output shaft) may be translated for application to two knife assembly sections in the cutter bar at the front of the cutter table. Movement of the two knife assembly sections with this apparatus can be fully synchronized and 180 degrees out of phase, to maximize cutting effectiveness and minimize vibration of the header. The unitary drive assembly may allow for rapid repair and manufacture, and the size and weight of the knife drive assembly may represent a significant weight and balance advantage over the prior art.

Abstract: A tool head for a hand-guided implement possesses two rotatably mounted tools, wherein a first tool is drivable via a first linkage and a second tool is drivable via a second linkage. The tools are drivable so that they rotate back and forth in opposite directions about a common rotational axis. The first linkage possesses a first drive member coupled to a first coupling member pivotably about a first link axis. The first coupling member is coupled to the first tool pivotably about a second link axis. The second linkage possesses a second drive member coupled to a second coupling member pivotably about a third link axis. The second coupling member is coupled to the second tool pivotably about a fourth link axis. The rotational axis of the tools and the coupling drive axis span a center plane, which runs between the second link axis and the fourth link axis.

Abstract: A blade cartridge for a horizontal rotary mower includes airfoil blades and diverter blades that alter airflow within the blade cartridge and prevent grass clippings from accumulating. The horizontal rotary lawnmower may be adapted to engage a cleaning station with brushes or cleaning pads to remove grass clippings while the horizontal rotary lawnmower blade assembly is operated in reverse. The cleaning station may automatically engage a reverse operation. The cleaning station may also hone the blades of the blade assembly while operating in reverse.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting grass, brush, shrubs, bushes, trees, and other vegetation, and a method of using the same. The cutter includes a bi-fold door proximate to an open front portion of the cutter's deck, which defines an open cutting area. The bi-fold door moves between a closed position where it shields the cutting area and an open position where it exposes the cutting area. The bi-fold door includes a front cover rotatably coupled to a rear cover via the first hinge, with the rear cover being rotatably coupled to the deck via the second hinge. The cutter also includes a first ramp and second ramp flanking the open front portion of the deck. Protrusions of the bi-fold door slide along inclined surfaces of the ramps as the bi-fold door moves between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A mower deck transport lock includes a striker bracket mounted to a rock shaft and extending downwardly and forwardly to engage a height of cut support at any of a plurality of height of cut positions. A transport lock pin positioned adjacent the height of cut support can slide between a first position and a second position. A spring biases the transport lock pin toward the first position and into engagement with the striker bracket to support the mower deck at a transport height above the plurality of height of cut positions. A transport lock disengagement pedal urges the transport lock pin to slide towards the second position to disengage the transport lock pin from the striker bracket.

Abstract: A plant harvesting system is provided for use with a vertical hydroponic tower, the hydroponic tower containing a plurality of vertically aligned plants. The harvesting system includes a payload transport system and a harvester. The payload transport system, which is configured to be positioned at a location adjacent to the hydroponic tower, includes a base and a lift tower, the lift tower including a motorized lift system configured to move the harvester upward and downward. In addition to cutting plant stalks while moving upwards along the face of the hydroponic tower, the harvester also groups and collects the plant leafs.

Abstract: Harvesting tools are disclosed which may comprise a gripper including a set of finger elements constructed and arranged to envelop a target object pertaining to agricultural produce, and a manipulator carriage configured to actuate the gripper during operation to grasp the target object. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reel assembly (200) for a header of a combine harvester is provided. The reel is guided by a cam assembly (300). A baffle (408) is provided to the reel assembly (200) and incorporated into the cam assembly (300) to deflect crop material away from the cam assembly.

Abstract: A robotic work tool comprising a motor for driving at least one wheel, an inclination sensor and a controller for controlling the operation of the robotic work tool, the controller being configured to; receive a signal indicating a collision; determine if the signal indicating a collision is above a collision threshold level and, if so, determine that a collision has been detected, the robotic work tool being characterized in that the controller is further configured to: receive an indication of an inclination; and to adapt the collision threshold accordingly based on said indication of an inclination.

Abstract: A concave section for a harvester is provided. The concave section includes a concave body having an upstream side, a downstream side, a leading end and a trailing end. The concave body defines an arcuate crop engagement face facing radially inwardly. A plurality of crop passage openings are defined through the arcuate crop engagement face. A cover is configured to at least partially cover at least some of the crop passage openings. The cover is carried by the concave body and is movable thereon between at least two different positions to adjust a degree of openness of at least some of the crop passage openings.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester having an adjustable throwing angle is provided. The cleaning system includes a shoe for holding a sieve of the cleaning system, a mounting surface disposed on the shoe, and a rocker arm either movably or removably connected to the mounting surface. The rocker arm is configured to be mounted to the mounting surface at at least two different locations on the mounting surface. Each location resulting in a different throwing angle of the shoe of the cleaning system.

Abstract: Agricultural harvesting machines and methods of operation thereof are disclosed herein. A harvesting machine includes a main frame, a drive mechanism, a plunger, and a linkage system. The drive mechanism is coupled to the main frame and has at least one crank arm that is rotatable about a crank arm axis. The plunger is movable along a longitudinal axis in a compression chamber between a de-stroked position and a stroked position that is located rearward of the de-stroked position along the longitudinal axis. The linkage system couples the plunger to the main frame.

Abstract: A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling is described that comprises a first and second bale chamber and a conveyor system in operable communication with the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can comprise a first bale chamber comprising a variable shape, defined by a first serpentine system comprising one or a plurality of endless belts in operable contact with one or a plurality of movable rollers to facilitate movement of the bale out of the first and into the second bale chamber. The second bale chamber comprises a fixed shape defined by a plurality of stationary rolls operably attached to a second set belt or belts. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an end-effector device and automated selective thinning system. The system includes vision acquisition hardware, kinematic targeting and heuristic programming, a robotic arm, and a pomologically designed end-effector. The system is utilized to improve efficiency for the fruit-thinning process in a tree orchard, such as peach thinning. By automating the mechanical process of fruit thinning, selective fruit-thinners can eliminate manual labor inputs and further enhance favorable blossom removal. Automation used in conjunction with a heuristic approach provides improvements to the system. The system may also be configured as a robotic arm or as a handheld system by including a battery and switching microcontroller with handle or wrist straps. Handheld thinning devices that are mechanical in nature may also be part of the system.

Abstract: A single source high wattage LED chip (100 W and greater) inside an agricultural grow light fixture housing is disclosed. This invention uses a single source high wattage LED chip, in contrast to current grow lights utilizing multiple small and low wattage LED chips. The single source high wattage LED chip design provides tremendously more intensity, provides or greater energy and delivers a higher number of photons per square meter than current agricultural grow lights. The design is directly related to better plant penetration to stimulate the photosynthesis process for sustainable healthy growth and flowering by creating a larger light source surface area. The mathematics and science state the surface area of the light source is directly related to the intensity and energy produced per square meter.

Abstract: Systems and methods to collect, combine, store, and process remote sensing and imaging information as well for agricultural area as a raster image data system for handling both remotely-sensed aerial image data and land-based sensor data, as well as previous agricultural treatments, in order to optimize future agricultural treatments to variable resolutions of the area of vegetation corresponding to that represented by a pixel in a raster image data system of the area.

Abstract: Various implementations include a plant holder that includes at least one wall having an inner surface, a first end, and a second end. The inner surface of the at least one wall defines a channel, along with a first opening to the channel and a second opening to the channel. The first end and the second end of the at least one wall are spaced apart along a central axis that extends through the openings. The plant holder also includes at least two legs extending axially from and being spaced around a perimeter of the second end of the at least one wall. Adjacent edges of adjacent legs define a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A planting system is provided for use with a vertical hydroponic tower. The planting system includes a payload transport system and a planter. The payload transport system, which is configured to be positioned at a location adjacent to the hydroponic tower, includes a base and a lift tower, the lift tower including a motorized lift system configured to move the planter upward and downward. The planter is configured to insert plant containers containing seedlings into the hydroponic tower as the motorized payload lift system moves the planter upwards along the face of the tower.

Abstract: A belt conveyor system for the transporting of plant containers over a cultivation floor including an endless belt on which the plant containers are adapted to be placed, a mobile unit, provided with a buffer which is adapted to buffer the endless belt, and a drive unit to place the endless belt in operation, a reversal device provided with a reversal member, which reversal device is adapted to be placed on the field of the cultivation floor at a distance from the mobile unit; and a temporarily arranged belt guide which is adapted to be placed between the mobile unit and the reversal device on the field of the cultivation floor; wherein the reversal device turns the belt, and wherein the belt runs between the mobile unit and the reversal device across the belt guide.

Abstract: A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

Abstract: A netting installation, for use in tree fruit production, which comprises a framework comprising a plurality of uprights which are mutually spaced to form an array of the uprights. Each upright is installed into the ground using a helical ground anchor, and has a combination of upper and lower slidable parts to removably fit an upper part onto a lower part which is installed in the ground. Cables are attached to the upper ends of the uprights to form a cable network at least 3 meters above the ground. A plurality of nets are mounted on the cable network to form an array of nets. A releasable net tethering system connects the nets to the cables using connectors fitted between the peripheral edge of a respective net and a cable, wherein each connector has a preset maximum threshold of tensile strength.

Abstract: A plant protector includes a body having neck portion, a midsection portion, and a gusset portion. The gusset portion includes a first channel with a first cord for cinching the gusset around an open top of a hydroponic container. The neck portion includes a second channel with a second cord for cinching the neck portion around a stalk of a plant growing in the hydroponic container. The midsection portion includes a mesh material that prevents insect infestation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular apparatus for protecting a plant from invasive species and adapting a protective area as a plant grows with little to no post-planting maintenance. For example, a modular apparatus comprises a base comprising a first rim, a water storage, and a plug-in-joint, a lid comprising a second rim and an opening, wherein the first rim is configured to correspondingly fit the second rim, wherein the opening is configured to correspondingly fit the plug-in joint; and a recess disposed on an edge of the base and on an edge of the lid. An infinite number of modular apparatuses can be coupled to expand protection for plant growth. The modular plant protecting apparatus can be installed manually or deployed by an aerial vehicle into degraded areas with limited-access.

Abstract: Provided herein are methodology and composition for use of any nut (such as almond, walnut, or pistachio) or legume (peanut) shell and/or husk material in a growing substrate, with or without other components such as peat, perlite, or coir; for plant growth, whether it be used in its whole form or some reduced form such as, having been chipped or ground, and whether composted or not.

Abstract: A watering system including a receptacle including a fluid flow generator and a fluid flow generator controller which releasably couples to a fluid reservoir containing a fluid which can be transferred by operation of the fluid flow generator from the fluid reservoir to a plurality of fluid flow meters which can be disposed in spaced apart relation to correspondingly deliver the fluid to a plurality of spaced apart locations. In particular embodiments, a plurality of potted plants can be disposed in spaced apart relation and one more of the plurality of fluid flow meters can be correspondingly located to deliver the fluid to each of the plurality of potted plants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing substantially pathogen-free plants of the genus Cannabis and pathogen-free plants and clones produced therefrom. One embodiment of the method comprises heating a progenitor plant of the genus Cannabis within a heating chamber resulting in a heat-treated plant, surface sterilizing a shoot segment of the heat-treated plant with a bleach solution, excising a meristematic tip of the shoot segment, and transferring the meristematic tip into a culturing plate comprising a supplemented Murashige and Skoog culture medium for further culturing. The supplemented Murashige and Skoog culture medium can comprise benzyladenine, naphthaleneacetic acid, gibberellic acid, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of Brassica carinata breeding (i.e. Ethiopian mustard breeding), specifically relating to Brassica carinata variety DH-040.008. The present invention relates to seeds, plants or parts thereof, cells, methods of making, and uses of this variety and its progeny.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of Brassica carinata breeding (i.e. Ethiopian mustard breeding), specifically relating to Brassica carinata variety DH-056.149. The present invention relates to seeds, plants or parts thereof, cells, methods of making, and uses of this variety and its progeny.

Abstract: Inbred corn line designated MM46 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line MM46, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line MM46 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line MM46 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line MM46 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MM46.

Abstract: Lupine plants comprising a homozygous recessive allele that produces a year round flowering characteristic (or year round flowering phenotype or trait) are disclosed. One embodiment relates to the seeds of said year round flowering lupine plants, to the plants of said year round flowering lupine plants, to plant parts of said year round flowering lupine plants, and to methods for producing a lupine plant produced by crossing said year round flowering lupine plant with itself or with another lupine plant. Another embodiment also relates to methods for producing a lupine plant having a year round flowering characteristic (or year round flowering phenotype or trait) and to the year round flowering lupine plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Another embodiment relates to producing interspecific lupine plants having a year round flowering characteristic.

Abstract: There is described herein a mutant plant or part thereof having at least partially reduced expression or activity of at least two heavy metal ATPases (HMAs), said two HMAs comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of: (i) polypeptides having at least 65% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2; (ii) polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides set forth in (i); or (iii) polynucleotides having at least 65% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4 encoding HMAs; wherein the expression or activity of one of the HMAs set forth in (i) or (ii) or (iii) is partially reduced or lost and the expression or activity of one of the HMAs set forth in (i) or (ii) or (iii) is lost as compared to a control plant; and wherein the mutant plant or part thereof exhibits at least a 27% reduction, as compared to the control plant, in the accumulation of cadmium in leaf when the mutant plant is grown in the field in the presence of naturally or non-naturally occurring cadmium.

Abstract: An animal hoof cleaning system that includes an automatic milking station, an automatic spraying device configured to clean at least one hoof of an animal housed in the automatic milking station by spraying a fluid towards the at least one hoof, a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic spraying device, and detecting means that detects a milking state wherein all the teats of the animal are enclosed in respective teat cups, where the control unit is configured to control the operation of the automatic spraying device on basis of information from the detecting means such that the automatic spraying device sprays on the hoof of the animal only when the detecting means detects the milking state.

Abstract: A system for harvesting insects from a habitat. The system configured to separate waste, live insects, and dead insects in a manner that the live insects may undergo a first processing procedure and the dead insects may undergo a second processing procedures. For example, the first processing procedure may include processing the insects for human consumption and the second processing procedure may include processing the dead insects for minerals or materials.

Abstract: A floor assembly for livestock handling equipment features a pair frame members lying in a longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction transverse to said longitudinal direction, and at least one support tray connected to the frame members and spanning therebetween in the lateral direction. At least one mat is supported atop the support tray(s). The mat is made of rubber or other resilient material for improved footing and comfort of the livestock. The topside of each mat is flush with a topside of the frame members to provide an even floor surface across the full area floor area. The mat(s) are removable for cleaning, and open gaps around the support tray(s) are provided for drainage. Non-welded attachment enables convenient removal and replacement of the support trays in the event of rust or other damage.