Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an implement to a three point hitch of mobile machinery comprises two frameworks, a first framework and a second framework. The first framework is disposed in a first plane and comprises at least two parallel, vertically-spaced apart, laterally extending rails. There are three attachments supported by the first framework for attachment to the three-point hitch. The second framework is slidable generally in the plane of the first framework and is mounted on the rails to slide laterally along the rails. At least two connectors are supported by the slidable second framework for connecting the second framework to an implement that can be pulled or pushed by the mobile machinery. A driver is connected to the first framework and connected to the second framework for driving the second framework laterally back and forth along the rails of the first framework.

Abstract: An automatic implement attachment and detachment system having a ground utility robot with at least one sensor; a computer processor; and a computer memory whereby the system also includes a quick hitch attachment apparatus having a body securable to the ground utility robot; at least one mateable connection part; and an implement having at least one connection member where the implement attachment system is configured to automatically attach and detach the implement to and from the ground utility robot.

Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for a ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member. The depth stop member may selectively abut one of the plurality of steps when the wheel is contacting the soil surface to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: An improved tilting bearing assembly (100) is provided that includes a support bracket and a tilting bearing; the support bracket and the tilting bearing, along with methods of replacing the same are also provided. The support bracket generally comprises a substantially planar upper portion lying in a first plane and having two opposing ends and a pair of elongated openings, each elongated opening extending in a first direction entirely through the upper portion of the support and having a closed end and an opposing open end, the closed end of each elongated opening being equidistant from respective ones of the two opposing ends; and two opposing leg portions, each leg portion projecting at an angle relative to the first plane, extending at respective upper ends of each leg portion from one of the two opposing ends of the upper portion and terminating at respective lower ends of each leg portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the frame levelness of an agricultural implement include first and second sensors configured to capture data indicative of a position differential defined between a soil surface and a portion of an a first and second ground engaging tool positioned below the soil surface, respectively. The captured data may be associated at least partially with the receipt of sensor signals reflected off of the portion of the associated ground engaging tool positioned below the soil surface. The system may also include a controller configured to determine penetration depths of the first and second ground engaging tools based on the captured data received from the first and second sensors, respectively. The controller may also be configured to monitor the frame levelness based on a penetration depth differential defined between the first and second penetration depths.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a compaction mitigation system for a work area and a method of mitigating compaction in a work area are provided. The method includes determining a compaction map of the work area having compaction data associated with a plurality of reference points, passing a work tool through the work area at the plurality of reference points, and adjusting the work tool at the plurality of reference points based on the compaction data.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for the automation of seed planting and analysis comprising automated planting of the seeds, germination, and analysis. The methods generally comprise conveying containers containing seeds to an automated seed planting station, wherein each container includes a machine-readable tag, planting at least some of the seeds in the container onto respective planting trays, wherein each planting tray includes a machine-readable tag, allowing the seeds to germinate, and analyzing the germinated seeds. The systems generally comprise a seed planting system and a planting verification and correction system. Also provided herein are backlit templates comprising a light source and a power interface configured to connect to a power source to power the light source.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for direct seeding of guayule seeds into a field and fields produced by the processes.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a toolbar, a plurality of row units connected to the toolbar, and a pneumatic seeding system. The pneumatic seeding system includes at least one storage tank configured for storing the particulate matter, a plurality of fluid lines fluidly interconnecting the at least one storage tank with each row unit of the plurality of row units, a fan fluidly connected to the at least one storage tank and to the plurality of fluid lines, and at least one pinch valve fluidly coupled to at least one fluid line of the plurality of fluid lines for adjustably balancing a respective airstream within the at least one fluid line of the plurality of fluid lines.

Abstract: A seed supply system includes a singulating meter with a seed reservoir pressurized to a meter pressure that is in a desired pressure range. A seed supply air stream carries seeds dispensed from a nurse tank to an air release assembly located above the singulating meter. As seeds are metered from the seed reservoir at a rate less than the rate seeds are dispensed from the nurse tank seeds accumulate in the air release assembly. The pressure of the seed supply air stream at the top of the seed column fluctuates and a barrier is operative to resist air flow between the air release assembly and the seed reservoir sufficiently to maintain the meter pressure in the desired meter pressure range. The barrier can be provided for example by an airlock or a column of seed in a drop tube between the air release assembly and the seed reservoir.

Abstract: A seeding machine for a row unit, in which the row unit has a seed disk rotatable about an axis to convey seed from a seed reservoir, includes a seed delivery apparatus. The seed delivery apparatus includes an elongated housing having a first opening through which seed is received, a second opening through which seed exits, and an elongated interior chamber. The seed delivery apparatus also includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless member driven by the first pulley and/or the second pulley. The endless member is movable within the elongated interior chamber to receive seed from the first opening and convey seed to the second opening. A seed diverter is movable with respect to the endless member and translatable from a first position to a second position. The seed diverter is positioned to contact and guide seed into the seed delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A seeding machine for a row unit includes a rotatable seed disk with a plurality of apertures through which an air pressure differential is applicable to retain seed thereon. A seed delivery apparatus includes an elongated housing having a first opening through which seed is received, a second opening through which seed exits, and an elongated interior chamber. The seed delivery apparatus further includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless member driven by the first pulley and/or the second pulley. The endless member is movable within the elongated interior chamber to receive seed from the first opening and convey seed to the second opening. The endless member is further positioned to sweep across a portion of the seed disk, which is controllable to angularly accelerate cooperatively with movement of the endless member to facilitate movement of a retained seed by the endless member from the seed disk.

Abstract: A method including adjusting a changeable component of a seed planting machine when switching from a first variety of seed to a second variety of seed during planting, wherein the adjusting is based on a location of the planting machine.

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: An adhesive mat for determining a distribution of agricultural spreading material by imaging, includes: a collecting region which is bordered on one side by an edge region, where the edge region includes a passage opening and/or a handle.

Abstract: A seeding machine for a row unit, in which the row unit has a seed disk rotatable about a first axis to convey seed from a seed reservoir, includes a seed delivery apparatus. The seed delivery apparatus includes an elongated housing having a first opening through which seed is received, a second opening through which seed exits, and an elongated interior chamber. The seed delivery apparatus further includes a first pulley, a second pulley, and an endless member driven by the first pulley and/or the second pulley. The endless member is movable within the elongated interior chamber to receive seed from the first opening and convey seed to the second opening. A seed diverter is movable with respect to the endless member and pivotable about a second axis non-coincident with the first axis. The seed diverter is positioned to contact and guide seed into the seed delivery apparatus.

Abstract: An endless seed delivery belt includes an inner surface, and an undulating outer surface. The undulating outer surface defines a plurality of alternating, and regularly-spaced peaks and troughs where each peak corresponds to a flight and each space between adjacent peaks defines a cavity that is generally sized and shaped to accommodate one seed. In some implementations, the endless seed delivery belt has a seed ejector between each pair of adjacent flights.

Abstract: A seed dispensing device for sowing machines that allows a continuous and synchronized sowing of seeds, depositing the seeds at the same separation distance, optimizing and thus providing a better sowing operation.

Abstract: A distributing machine—spreading machine and/or sowing machine includes a container, receiving material to be distributed, supported by a support frame, an outlet opening on the base of the container, a metering element downstream of the outlet opening, a motor-driven metering slide displaceable relative to the outlet opening, and a distributing element downstream of the metering element, for distributing the material. For adjusting a speed of the metering slide, while providing a compact design, the metering slide of the metering element includes a threaded spindle that is mounted axially fixed and is driven in rotation by a motor rotary drive having an axially fixed output shaft. Along the threaded spindle, a spindle nut is guided that engages with the threaded spindle. The spindle nut is connected to the metering slide, or to a lever arm arrange thereon, to actuate the metering slide by rotation of the threaded spindle.

Abstract: A mobile turf sprayer operates to spray a product onto a turf site. In some embodiments the mobile turf sprayer identifies a plurality of regions of the turf site to be sprayed and automatically sprays product onto those regions as the mobile turf sprayer moves about the turf site.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with a folding tool bar arrangement for an improved, narrow frontal profile when in a transport configuration. The tool bar is folded in multi-planar manner to achieve frontal profiles that are substantially reduced relative to conventional folding tool bars. The reduced frontal profile enables operators to provide right-of-way to passing vehicles on standard roadways without need for encroaching the shoulder or ditch of the roadway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a root crop harvester in the form of a potato harvester (1), comprising a lifting device (2), from which a crop material (E) and also a mixture (G) comprising clods, weeds and similar admixtures (B) can be displaced in the region of screen belts (3) which are arranged downstream thereof. According to the invention, the mixture (G) lying on one of the feed belts (4) reaches a sorting zone, where the crop material (E) is sorted by means of a separating device (6) that is arranged above the feed belt (4) and is acting on the mixture (G) transversely to the direction of feed of the feed belt, in such a manner that two scraper belts (8, 9), which are circulating in the same direction in a scraping direction (7, 7?), capture the crop material (E) by means of respective scraper elements (10, 10; 11, 11?), and feed said crop material in two adjacently arranged scraping planes (12, 13) to a sorting belt (14) that is arranged downstream thereof.

Abstract: A walk-behind electric gardening device, comprising: a base unit arranged to move on a surface; a handle assembly connected to the base unit; a tool connected to the base unit for performing gardening operation; a first drive unit operable to propel the base unit; a second drive unit operable to drive the tool; and a switch assembly operable by a user to selectively activate and deactivate the first drive unit.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reduction in average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop is pushed forwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of the features where the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade from a transverse rearmost cutting line at which a cutting action occurs is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.2 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: A trimmer can be converted from an existing cutting medium to an alternative tool without requiring removal of the trimmer head. A common upper receiver head, as sold by an original equipment trimmer manufacturer, incorporates design provisions to snugly allow an easy/comfortable fit for a series of uniquely adaptable and convertible cap attachments such as, monofilament systems, unique molded or shaped flexible line blades with optional cutting swath diameters, as well as other helpful devices that perform different functions beyond just cutting grass.

Abstract: An electric walk behind greens mower having a traction drum split into a first half and a second half, each half rotatable at a different speed to provide traction drive and steering for the mower in response to actuation of hand controls by an operator, or in response to commands from an electronic controller based on the signals from a proximity sensor on the mower. The electric walk behind greens mower includes a pair of electric traction drive motors, one of the electric traction drive motors rotating each half of the split traction drum.

Abstract: A harvesting system includes a header pivotally attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotally attached. A suspension system of the harvesting system includes first and second engageable states that enable dynamic wing behavior and reduce structural load. The first state corresponds to a harvesting configuration of the header in which the wings are allowed to pivot to allow the header to follow changes in terrain. The second state corresponds to a configuration in which the header is elevated relative to the ground. In the second state, the ability of the wings to pivot is minimized as compared to the first state, which allows the header to be maintained in a substantially flat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.

Abstract: In an utility vehicle equipped with a cover displaceably attached to a chassis through a suspension mechanism, each suspension mechanism includes a shaft installed between the chassis and cover, a guide member having a plate member provided on lower half of the shaft and multiple plates (first plate and second plate) installed above and below the plate member to be contactable with the plate member and respectively formed at their centers with the through holes for passage of the shaft, a compression spring of roughly frustoconical shape for biasing the cover toward the chassis whose upper seating edge is attached to upper half of the shaft and lower seating edge is attached to periphery of the through hole of the cover, and an elastic member of roughly frustoconical shape formed at its center with a through hole to pass the shaft therethrough, wherein the cover is configured to be formed in roughly frustoconical shape similar to the elastic member.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.

Abstract: A rod mechanism for a garden tool comprises a first rod pivotally connected to the main body of the garden tool and lockable at least in the in-use position or in the storage position; wherein the first rod has an actuator and a locking component; wherein the locking component is unlocked from the main body of the garden tool by triggering the actuator, and the locking component is locked up with the garden tool main body by releasing the actuator; wherein the rod mechanism also includes a second rod movably connected with the first rod; wherein while the second rod moves to a preset position, the actuator may be triggered or released; wherein the main body of the garden tool has a position sensor, which is configured to generate a sensing signal when the first rod rotates to the in-use position and/or the storage position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment, a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. Load sensors measure the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.

Abstract: In a crop harvesting header with a center section and two wings where each wing is pivotal relative to the center section about a pivot axis extending in a generally forward direction which includes a balance system to maintain a balanced ground force distribution across the width of the header there is provided an automatic adjustment system for maintaining proper balance. The system includes a sensor which repeatedly, over a time period during which the header is operating, detects data relating to the positions, distance from the ground or weight applied to the ground of each wing frame portion, a processor arranged in response to the sensed data to calculate a value representative of the positions and an adjustment mechanism for effecting an adjustment of the balance system in response to the value.

Abstract: In a crop harvesting header with a center section and two wings where each wing is pivotal relative to the center section about a pivot axis extending in a generally forward direction which includes a balance system to maintain a balanced ground force distribution across the width of the header there is provided an automatic adjustment system for maintaining proper balance. The system includes angle or other sensors which detect the pivot angle of the wing section. This can be used in a static testing system where the position to set to a detected midpoint and/or in a dynamic system where repeatedly, over a time period during which the header is operating, data is detected relating to the positions of each wing frame portion.

Abstract: A method of height control of a machine attachment during operation at different fore-and-aft pitch angles. A height controller receives a first signal magnitude generated by a height sensor disposed on the machine attachment. The first signal magnitude is relative to a first height of the machine attachment disposed at a first pitch angle. The angular degree change is determined when the machine attachment is moved from the first pitch angle to a second pitch angle. A corrected signal magnitude is determined by applying a correction factor to the first signal magnitude. The correction factor is a product of said angular degree change and a scale factor.

Abstract: A method for creating a narrow row head unit which may include a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, and which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.

Abstract: A corn harvester includes a first stalk roll having a plurality of first blades circumferentially spaced apart by a first angle. A second stalk roll has a plurality of second blades circumferentially spaced apart by a second angle. The first and second stalk rolls are rotatable about parallel first and second axes that are separated by a centerline therebetween. In an operational state when a tip of one first blade is aligned with the centerline, a tip of one second blade is angularly offset from the centerline by a third angle. The third angle is less than 45% of the second angle. The one first blade forms a cross section perpendicular to the first axis having an altitude extending from the tip toward the first axis along a first blade altitude. The cross section of the one first blade is asymmetric about the first blade altitude.

Abstract: A harvesting assembly for harvesting a crop including a cutting knife configured to provide cut crop and a draper platform including a first side draper and a second side draper. A crop auger assembly includes a first auger disposed at the first side draper and a second auger disposed at the second side draper, wherein the first auger and the second auger each include a cylinder having a surface, a flight extending from the surface, and a plurality of fingers extending from the surface and beyond an exposed edge of the flight, wherein the crop auger rotates about an auger axis. A feed drum is disposed at a center draper wherein the feed drum includes a plurality of fingers.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for adjusting the conveyor belt tension force within an agricultural harvester may include a conveyor having a first roller, a second roller spaced apart from the first roller, and a conveyor belt configured to engage the first and second rollers. The system may also include a tensioner assembly having a ratcheting mechanism configured to selectively adjust a position of the first roller relative to the second roller to adjust a tension force exerted on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a frame, a steering assembly, a first brake assembly, and a first biasing assembly. A first drive wheel and a second drive wheel of the riding lawn care vehicle are operably coupled to the frame. The steering assembly includes a first steering lever and a second steering lever. The first and second steering levers are operably coupled to corresponding ones of the first and second drive wheels via a first hydraulic motor and a second hydraulic motor, respectively, to facilitate turning of the riding lawn care vehicle based on drive speed control of the first and second drive wheels responsive to positioning of the first and second steering levers to control the first and second hydraulic motors. The first brake assembly is operably coupled to the first hydraulic motor to enable a braking force to be selectively applied to a motor shaft of the first hydraulic motor responsive to movement of the first steering lever from an inboard position to an outboard position.

Abstract: A baling system may convey forage with at least one conveyance system through an uninterrupted gap extending from the at least one conveyance system to a vertical screed belt such that the forage is conveyed from an accumulation chamber into a baling chamber. The baling system may further or alternatively convey a mat of the forage having a first width to a rotary feeder having a second width less than the first width. Sides of the mat may be inwardly conveyed to the rotary feeder, wherein the rotary feeder lifts the forage into the baling chamber.

Abstract: Baling apparatus and method including a baling chamber having one or more splitting knives for dividing crop material picked up from a field to discharge divided bales simultaneously from the baling chamber to be received by an ejection chute structure which ejects the divided bales in spaced relation to each other as the baling apparatus is moved along the field. The spaced relation can be longitudinal by ejecting the divided bales at staggered times and/or can be laterally spaced by turning the bales in the ejection chute structure.

Abstract: A bale wrapping apparatus configurable between a single bale wrapping configuration and an inline bale wrapping configuration. The bale wrapping apparatus comprises a bale wrapping support assembly including support rollers spaced apart from one another to drive a bale in rotation along a rotation axis, when the bale wrapping apparatus is configured in the single bale wrapping configuration; and a longitudinal bale support configurable between an extended configuration where it extends above the support rollers and a retracted configuration where it extends away from the support rollers. The longitudinal bale support is positioned in the retracted configuration when the bale wrapping apparatus is configured in the single bale wrapping configuration and is configured in the extended configuration when the bale wrapping apparatus is configured in the inline bale wrapping configuration.

Abstract: Technologies are described for systems and devices to provide photosynthetically active photons to a plant. The systems may comprise an above canopy light source. The above canopy light source may be an electromagnetic radiation device. The above canopy light source may be located above a canopy of the plant. The above canopy light source may emit photosynthetically active photons of a first intensity downward, towards a canopy of the plant. The systems may comprise an under canopy light source. The under canopy light source may be an electromagnetic radiation device. The under canopy light source may be located below the lowest branches and leaves of the plant. The under canopy light source may emit photosynthetically active photons of a second intensity upwards, away from a root system of the plant. The second intensity may be 0-50 percent of the first intensity.

Abstract: A device for killing wood-eating insects, of the red palm weevil type, or killer bacteria, Xylella fastidiosa, carried by a piercing-sucking insect vector, found on plants, in the trunks of trees, palm trees, olive trees, fruit-bearing trees, resulting in the decay of same.

Abstract: A growing system is equipped with a mixing box that features a PLC-controlled cooling coil and a heating coil in series. Gaseous inputs include air and CO2. The coils facilitate condensation and maintain relative humidity and temperature in an acceptable range. An absorption unit or other chilled liquid source supplies chilled liquid for the cooling coil. Engine or boiler combustion provides hot liquid to the heating coil and CO2-containing exhaust. Condensate is collected for reuse. The output to a growing space is a temperate low relative humidity CO2-enriched stream optimal for plant health.

Abstract: A tray for growing a plant, especially an orchid, with multiple compartments for holding a respective planting pot is provided. The tray comprises at least one fastening means for securing the planting pot. The compartments each have a lower compartment portion designed to receive entirely the planting pot to be inserted, and a respective upper compartment portion comprising the fastening means is formed at least by a compartment wall which is impenetrable to the root system, in particular non-perforated, as well as a system for growing a plant.

Abstract: An aeration container system for plants having aerial roots, comprising an aeration container comprising a plurality of elongate curved vanes, each vane comprising a top portion, lower portion, a first planar side and a second planar side opposing the first planar side, the planar sides connecting a front edge, outer edge and the top and bottom portions. A reservoir is also provided wherein each vane is equidistantly spaced and attached perpendicular to an outside surface of the reservoir and focus light and ambient airflow from outside the aeration container to inside the aeration container.

Abstract: A kit for providing stem, branch and foliage support for a planting. The kit includes a plurality of hoop shaped bodies, each exhibiting an open interior adapted to encircle and support the planting. A plurality of vertically elongated portions secured about a perimeter of each of said bodies and include upper and lower inter-engaging ends for stacking the bodies in vertically spaced apart and tiered defining fashion. A plurality of elongated ground engagement stakes each include a flattened and intermediate located planar surface adapted for embedding the stakes in combination with an upper located pair of finger graspable retrieval tabs adapted for retracting the stakes. Each of the stakes further include an upper end securing the lower inter-engaging ends of a lower most hoop shaped body.

Abstract: A mulch cutting and spreading machine is a machine that is designed to be able to suction mulch out of the bed of a vehicle that is towing the mulch cutting and spreading machine and to simultaneously suction and chop the mulch and discharge it through a discharge hose that is directed by the user. The mulch or other such material can be then blown or spread over an area quickly in one combined action.

Abstract: A soil sensor assembly and methods of measuring undisturbed soil are disclosed. The soil sensor assembly can be a volumetric water content (VWC) sensor. The soil sensor assembly can include at least one soil probe. The soil probes can be secured to a support to enable an installation of the soil sensor assembly in a target soil. The soil probes can include helical blades secured concentrically along the support at predefined longitudinal locations. The soil probes can include at least one radiofrequency (RF) electrode secured to the helical blades at a predefined radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the support. The soil sensor assembly can also include at least one electronics unit coupled to the RF electrodes to receive and/or transmit RF signals from the RF electrodes. The soil sensor assembly can enable a self-tapping installation action and/or enable alienating the soil measurements (e.g., by RF electrodes) away from a disturbed soil.