Patents Issued in January 9, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200008337
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage system including a carriage frame assembly, a plurality of tillage elements coupled to the carriage frame assembly, an actuator and a residue reactive system. The actuator is moveably coupled to the tillage elements, and is directly in control of a soil contact depth of the tillage elements. The residue reactive system is in controlling communication with the at least one actuator. The residue reactive system reduces the soil contact depth of the tillage elements when the residue mass on the soil is reduced and/or the slope of the soil is above a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Zemenchik
  • Publication number: 20200008338
    Abstract: A wing locking system for a harvesting header is provided. The wing locking system includes an accumulator, a fluid cylinder operably attached to a wing of the harvesting header, a hose fluidly connecting the accumulator and the fluid cylinder, and a valve operably disposed between the accumulator and the fluid cylinder. The valve includes a first selectable position configured to permit a first fluid flow rate between the accumulator and the fluid cylinder and a second selectable position configured to permit a second fluid flow rate from the accumulator to the fluid cylinder. The first fluid flow rate is greater than the second fluid flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex Brimeyer, Paul D. Marvin, Alison E. Bergmann, David Eric Renner
  • Publication number: 20200008339
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an in-line tandem axle assembly comprising: a tandem wheel arm (46); a pair of wheel connecting assemblies (44A, 44B), each comprising a hub (60A, 60B) and a spindle (58A, 58B); a pair of mounts (50A, 50B) coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies; a pair of wheels (52A, 52B) coupled respectively to the pair of wheel connecting assemblies, the pair of wheels separated by the tandem wheel arm and in a same fore-and-aft position; and plural pairs of parallel links (48A, 48B) of equal length pivotably mounted to the pair of mounts and pivotably mounted to the tandem wheel arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Anson Fanshier, Ross Duerksen, Douglas Grollmes
  • Publication number: 20200008340
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the speed of an agricultural implement may include a work vehicle including a vehicle-based controller, with the vehicle-based controller being configured to adjust a drive parameter of the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of an orientation of the implement relative to the work vehicle. The implement may further include an implement-based controller supported on the implement and being communicatively coupled to the sensor. The implement-based controller may be configured to initiate control of the drive parameter of the work vehicle based on sensor data received from the sensor in a manner that adjusts the speed of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Trevor Stanhope
  • Publication number: 20200008341
    Abstract: A cutting unit for an agricultural working machine and a method for adjusting the cutting unit are disclosed. The cutting unit comprises a support body, a cutting device on the support body, a front suspension arranged on the support body on a first half of the cutting unit and has at least one wheel that rotates about a front axle and a rear suspension on the support body on a second half of the cutting unit and has at least two wheels that rotate about a rear axle, the front suspension and the rear suspension being rotatable about a respective rotary axis relative to the support body so that the front and rear suspensions can each be transferred between a transport position and a working position. The front suspension and the rear suspension, when in their respective working position, are moved relative to the support body between a high position and a low position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CLAAS Hungária Kft.
    Inventors: Gergely Madarasi, Támas Denke, Támas Megyeri, Györy Zoltan Lörincz, Christian Füchtling, Andreas Rieping, Andras Pazsik
  • Publication number: 20200008342
    Abstract: A system 100 and a method 300 for processing soil. The system comprises a soil processing device 110, arranged to be moved on a soil surface; and a driving device 60, e.g. a vehicle, arranged to move the soil processing device 110 on a portion of the soil surface 170. The soil processing device 110 includes a frame 112, arranged to slide or roll on the portion of the soil surface 170 during operation of the system 0; and at least one substantially horizontal pipe 114, attached to the frame 112, extending along an underside of the frame 112, at a predetermined depth. The pipe 14 has a plurality of apertures 116 along its length, and is connectable to a vacuum generating device that provides an underpressure in the pipe. The system further comprises a protective cover 150 attached to an upper side of the frame 112, the portion of the soil surface 170 and the cover 120 defining a compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Finn Limseth, Kare Jan Johansen, Rune Ostigard, Arvid Laksesvela, Olav Wirgenes, Hans Kristian Westrum, Roy Stensgaard
  • Publication number: 20200008343
    Abstract: “RADIAL SUCTION-TYPE SEED METERING APPARATUS”, comprising a seed metering apparatus for the distribution of farming seeds, coupled to agriculture machines named planters. The mentioned seed metering apparatus is activated by an electric motor and/or any other mechanical or hydraulic system that rotates the seed distribution disc carrying the seeds located in the inner part of the seed reservoir with the aid of a central turbine, where the air suction is carried out through ducts between the turbine and the seed meter, generating a negative pressure in the meter inner part. The seeds are stored in the radial disc outer part holes for seed distribution and, by getting to the exact point perpendicularly to the soil, the vacuum generated is interrupted by the turbine through the elastic pulley located inside the disc, so that the seeds are released due to gravity force through a duct that drives the seeds to the holes by the double disc of furrow opener discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Benjamin DALLA ROSA
  • Publication number: 20200008344
    Abstract: A planting implement including a first hollow support frame member having a first end and a first end plate connected to the first end. The first end plate has a first hole disposed therein. The planting implement also includes a second hollow support frame member configured for coupling to the first hollow support frame member. The second hollow support frame member has a second end and a second end plate connected to the second end. The second end plate has a second hole disposed therein. The planting implement further includes at least one spacer and at least one seal having an aperture. The at least one seal is configured to seal a connection between the first hollow support frame member and the second hollow support frame member such that a pneumatic pathway is established between the first hollow support frame member and the second hollow support frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian J. Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20200008345
    Abstract: An agricultural metering system includes a releasable bearing coupler configured to selectively couple a meter roller to a housing of the agricultural metering system. The releasable bearing coupler includes a shaft configured to be disposed through an opening in the housing and to engage a bearing, wherein the bearing is configured to be disposed within a recess of the meter roller to facilitate rotation of the meter roller about the shaft and to couple the meter roller to the housing via contact with the shaft. The releasable bearing coupler includes a locking segment configured to selectively interlock with a corresponding locking feature of the housing to secure the releasable bearing coupler to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel John Octave Gervais, Ethan Curtis Stephen Bent
  • Publication number: 20200008346
    Abstract: A spreader cover for a hopper of a spreader includes one or more modular hard covers that may be arranged to fully cover the hopper. In an embodiment, the spreader cover also includes a plurality of linkages, each linkage connected to one of the one or more modular hard covers. In another embodiment, the spreader cover includes a plurality of slide mechanisms, each slide mechanism connected to one of the one or more modular hard covers. The spreader cover may optionally include an extended handle assembly to facilitate opening the spreader cover while an operator is standing on the ground. The extended handle assembly may have an opening position and a closing position in which an external handle is unable to rotate, and a rotating position in which the external handle may be rotated and secured to the side of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Joe Goudreau, David G. Surridge, Stephen David Veihl
  • Publication number: 20200008347
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an agricultural implement. The system includes a monitor device, a communication module and a display device. The monitor device is in electrical communication with a plurality of sensors monitoring the operation of agricultural implement. The implement sensors generate “as-applied” data. The as-applied data is processed and transmitted to a display device via a communication module. The display device renders maps representing the as-applied data. The generated maps may be accessed and displayed as map overlays on a display device with a common view characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Justin Koch, Doug Sauder, Tim Sauder, Jakob Stuber
  • Publication number: 20200008348
    Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a trimming head, a driving device for driving the trimming head to rotate so as to cut vegetation and an operating device for a user to operate so as to control the driving device. The trimming head includes a spool and a line holding member, the spool is used to wind a cutting line, and the line holding member is formed with a line holding structure. The driving device includes a motor. The grass trimmer has an auto-winding mode. In the auto-winding mode, the motor drives at least one of the spool and the line holding member to make the spool and the line holding member rotate relatively so that the cutting line is wound on the spool automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicants: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd., Chervon (HK) Limited
    Inventors: Jianpeng GUO, Maohui LI, Fangjie NIE, Toshinari YAMAOKA
  • Publication number: 20200008349
    Abstract: A rotary lawnmower blade having replaceable blade components pivotally attaching to a blade base provides a user with a plurality of cutting edges and cut margins and also to provide replaceable blade components which may be bought in bulk for keeping a sharp edge available without having to replace and entire blade or sharpen a dull blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Jimmy BOLLMAN
  • Publication number: 20200008350
    Abstract: In one aspect, an agricultural harvester may include a system for determining the residue yield of plant materials being ingested by a harvesting implement of the harvester. A controller of the system may be configured to determine the weight of the quantity of plant materials being ingested by a harvesting implement of the harvester based on measurement signals received from the plant yield sensor. Moreover, the system may be configured to determine the weight of the quantity of crop materials removed from the quantity of harvested plant materials based on measurement signals received from the crop yield sensor. Additionally, the system may be configured to determine the residue yield value by comparing the determined weight of the quantity of plant materials and the determined weight of the quantity of crop materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: John Borsdorf, Greg Prosser
  • Publication number: 20200008351
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to agricultural systems. The systems have stalk sensor assemblies and/or data visualization systems. The stalk sensor assemblies are configured for assessing the size and other characteristics about crops, such as corn and other grains entering an agricultural implement, such as a harvester. The stalk sensor assemblies may use an estimation of the stalk perimeter to establish stalk size and therefore further features about the crop. The visualization system utilizes data from the stalk sensor assemblies to calculate and display relevant information about the crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Roger Zielke, Scott Eichhorn, Tony Woodcock, Logan Handsaker, Barry Anderson
  • Publication number: 20200008352
    Abstract: A combine harvester including an aft portion, a spreader assembly, a monitoring system, and a processing unit. The monitoring system including sensors coupled to the aft portion. The sensors: receiving a plurality of response waves reflected from a portion of the crop residue that is discharged from the spreader assembly toward a discharge area before the portion of crop residue arrives at the discharge area; and sending a response signal representative of the plurality of response waves reflected from the portion of the crop residue, the reflected waves comprising a sequence of multiple reflections distributed over time. The processing unit receiving the response signal from the plurality of sensors; and processing the response signal to determine a reflected energy distribution from the portion of the crop residue representative of a distribution of the crop residue over the discharge area substantially perpendicular to a travel direction of the combine harvester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Mahieu, Bart M.A. Missotten, Bart Lenaerts, Frederik Tallir, Jeroen Lowie
  • Publication number: 20200008353
    Abstract: A harvester for bedded plants having a driving mechanism having two sets of wheels or tracks positioned on opposing sides of a plant bed. An adjustable “U” shaped frame allows the legs connected to the wheels/tracks to be elongated or shortened with the cross member also being elongated to meet the demands of the particular plant bed. Secured to the cross member is a harvest mechanism which grips and cuts the plants stock, removes the flowers and or leaves, and then deposits the harvested material into a receiving bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: ASRI y. Ruben
  • Publication number: 20200008354
    Abstract: A harvesting system includes a header pivotably attached to a combine. The header includes a center section to which a left wing and right wing are pivotably attached. A wing locking 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 fiat configuration while minimizing the amount of dynamic load imparted by the header on the combine during non-harvesting transport of the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex Brimeyer, Joshua R. Pierson, Michael L. Vandeven, Austin M. Laugen, Paul D. Marvin
  • Publication number: 20200008355
    Abstract: An effector coupled to an automated harvesting apparatus, the effector comprising a sensor unit configured to obtain fruit cluster related data relating; a closed kinematic chain mechanism configured: to expand from a closed configuration to an expanded configuration; close from the expanded configuration to the closed configuration; harvesting shears configured to cut the fruit stem, said harvesting shears are coupled to the kinematical closed chain mechanism; a catch mechanism configured to catch the fruit stem after the fruit stem is cut by the harvesting shears; and, a processor configured to operate the effector to cut the fruit stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Adi NIR, Omer NIR
  • Publication number: 20200008356
    Abstract: A farm implement having an auger assembly that includes a first auger section with a first auger shaft and a first helical flight array and a second auger section with a second auger shaft and a second helical flight array. When the auger assembly is set in the operating position, a leading edge of the first helical flight array opposes a trailing edge of the second flight array, and the leading edge is spatially separated from the trailing edge by a gap. The auger assembly further includes a first flight extension detachably mounted to the leading edge of the first helical flight array and/or a second flight extension detachably mounted to the trailing edge of the second helical flight array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Michael D. VAN MILL
  • Publication number: 20200008357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a round baler having a bale chamber in which a round bale can be produced, and a wrapping device with which a completely pressed round bale can be wrapped with a first plastic film in the bale chamber, and a feed device for feeding the first plastic film into the bale chamber. The round baler also includes a feed point at which the first plastic film can be fed to the bale chamber, and an ultrasonic sensor which is arranged at the bale chamber. The ultrasonic sensor is arranged at the bale chamber in such a way that with the ultrasonic sensor it is possible to determine whether the first plastic film is present on a surface of the round bale. The invention also relates to a detection method for detecting a first plastic film on a surface of a round bale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: STÉPHANE BIZIOREK, PASCAL GRESSET, ROMAIN REPECAUD, FREDERIC PERROTIN, SÉBASTIEN GUILLEMOT
  • Publication number: 20200008358
    Abstract: A round baler includes a bale chamber in which a round bale can be produced, and a wrapping device with which a completely pressed round bale can be wrapped with a first film in the bale chamber, and a feed device for introducing the first film into the bale chamber. The round baler also includes a feed point at which the first film can be fed to the bale chamber, and an ultrasonic sensor which is arranged at the bale chamber. The ultrasonic sensor is arranged at the bale chamber in such a way that with the ultrasonic sensor it is possible to determine whether the film is present on a surface of the round bale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: JONATHAN LEBEAU, PASCAL GRESSET, FREDERIC PERROTIN
  • Publication number: 20200008359
    Abstract: A baling system including a working component, where the working component has at least one of a pickup assembly, a rotor assembly, or a lifter assembly, a frame supporting the working component, a first drive system configured to drive the working component, a second drive system configured to drive the working component, and a remote controller configured to selectively control the operation of the second drive system when the first drive system is operatively disengaged from the working component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Eric M. Thies, Gerald Shook, Tyler J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20200008360
    Abstract: A conveying device (1) for picking up a sward of crop material from the ground and feeding the crop material to, for example, a baler (4), comprises a conveying channel (28) through which the crop material is conveyed from a pick-up mechanism (18) to the baler (4) by a feed rotor 34. The conveying channel (28) comprises a base (30) comprising an upstream base part (43) and a downstream base part (44). The upstream base part (43) is pivotal adjacent its upstream end (45) about a transversely extending first pivot axis (57). The downstream base part (44) is pivotal about a second transversely extending second pivot axis (76) towards the downstream end (51) thereof. The downstream end (46) of the upstream base part (43) is supported on a pair of first resilient mounting members (59) and the upstream end (50) of the downstream base part (44) is supported on a pair of second resilient support members (85) through a pair of carrier arms (78) which are pivotal about a transversely extending carrier pivot axis (74).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: McHale Engineering
    Inventors: Padraic Christopher MCHALE, Martin William McHALE, Paul Gerard MCHALE, James John HEANEY, Gerard Patrick SHERIDAN, Donal Patrick COLLINS, John Alexander WARREN
  • Publication number: 20200008361
    Abstract: A baler including a twine box having a frame and a twine cradle. The twine cradle is for holding one or more spools of twine and is mounted to the frame. The twine cradle is movable between a loading position and an operational position, by way of an intermediate position. In the loading position, a spool of twine can be loaded into the twine cradle. In the operational position, twine is removable from the spool of twine within the twine cradle in order to tie a bale. The twine cradle is movable between the loading position and the intermediate position by a rotational movement about a pivot that defines a horizontal axis of rotation. The twine cradle is movable between the intermediate position and the operational position by a translational movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Hans Joseph De Gersem
  • Publication number: 20200008362
    Abstract: A rotor for bagging silage is disclosed. The rotor has at least four sets of tines forming double helixes with angular spacing between each set of tines. In some embodiments, the tines are spaced further apart and the rotor is rotated at a higher rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Publication number: 20200008363
    Abstract: Provided is a light emitting device that includes a light emitting element having a light emission peak wavelength ranging from 380 nm to 490 nm, and a fluorescent material excited by light from the light emitting element and emitting light having at a light emission peak wavelength ranging from 580 nm or more to less than 680 nm. The light emitting device emits light having a ratio R/B of a photon flux density R to a photon flux density B ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 and a ratio R/FR of the photon flux density R to a photon flux density FR ranging from 0.7 to 13.0, the photon flux density R being in a wavelength range of 620 nm or more and less than 700 nm, the photon flux density B being in a wavelength range of 380 nm or more and 490 nm or less, and the photon flux density FR being in a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 780 nm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: NICHIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mika AMIYA, Kazushige FUJIO, Tomokazu SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20200008364
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide an agent for increasing a plant functional component content, which is capable of increasing a content of the plant functional component by being adequately sprayed to the plant or injected into the soil without using stress cultivation conditions or plants with high content of functional component, and a method for manufacturing the same. An agent for increasing a plant functional component content comprising a fatty acid metabolite obtainable by a metabolism of a fatty acid with 4-30 carbon atoms by proteobacteria under a dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.1-8 mg/L, and a method for manufacturing an agent for increasing a plant functional component content comprising a fatty acid metabolite, comprising a step for a fatty acid metabolism wherein a fatty acid with 4-30 carbon atoms is subjected to a proteobacterial metabolization under a dissolved oxygen concentration of 0.1-8 mg/L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Katsuya Ohno, Tomohiro Nohara
  • Publication number: 20200008365
    Abstract: A plant tray having a bottom and a sidewall. The bottom has at least one prominence rising from the inner surface of the bottom. The at least two prominences have at least one elevated drainage opening that is elevated above the inner surface of the bottom. A planting is made with at least one plant that is grown in soil in the plant tray and has air pruned roots at the at least one elevated drainage opening. The medium, such as soil, is watered to allow water to initially reside in the inner surface of the bottom to a level limited by the at least one elevated drainage opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: A to Z VanWingerden and Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Alan VanWingerden
  • Publication number: 20200008366
    Abstract: A plant plug holding unit is provided, the plant plug holding unit including at least one plant plug holder. The plant plug holding unit, which is configured to be inserted into a cut-out in a hydroponic tower face plate, includes an edge member that encircles the unit and is sealed to the rear surface of the front tower face. Each individual plant plug holder of the plant plug holding unit includes (i) a base member configured to support a plant plug and which extends rearward from the edge member and into the hydroponic tower cavity; (ii) a top shroud member that inhibits leakage as well as plug erosion; (iii) a pair of side members that maintain the position of the plant plug within the plug holder; and (iv) a plurality of open regions configured to promote water drainage from the plant plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: MJNN, LLC
    Inventors: Brice Klein, Alex Ibrahim, Matthew Matera, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Frank Spiteri
  • Publication number: 20200008367
    Abstract: A system for controlling light in a facility may include at least one rail longitudinally affixable to an inner portion of a frame of the facility between a first end and a second end of the facility and at a rail-height above a floor of the facility; and at least one opaque/reflective covering tightly and opaquely affixable to the inner portion of the facility frame at a cover-height above the facility floor in a first plane that faces the facility floor and slidably connectable to the at least one rail, the at least one opaque/reflective covering being extendable along the at least one rail between a first covering position and a second covering position to opaquely cover respective at least one longitudinal section of the facility in the first plane when in the second covering position, without substantially covering the facility walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Palram Applications (1995) Ltd.
    Inventor: Geva KATZ
  • Publication number: 20200008368
    Abstract: A system and method of abating air pollution and stimulating crop growth. A reagent is introduced to a crop canopy to neutralize air pollutants within said canopy, wherein the reagent induces an oxidation-reduction chemical reaction with the air pollution present throughout the acreage of crops, and by means of the reaction effectually neutralizes the harmful effects of the air pollutants on the crops. The reagent is diluted using a venturi valve or other means. The flow rate of said reagent is regulated using an electronic control unit, based on data collected from at least one type of sensor in the canopy that is in communication with the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Stewart E. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20200008369
    Abstract: A horticultural apparatus is provided for managing soil conditions. The horticultural apparatus includes a nonporous and translucent polymeric sheet forming a two-dimensional array of basins defining an upper plane and a lower plane. Each basin has a rim in the upper plane, a base in the lower plane, sidewalls that slope inwardly from the rim to the base, and a hole in the base. The polymeric sheet connects the rim of each basin to the rims of each adjacent basin to form a continuous canopy between the basins. The continuous canopy preferably prevents air convection through the polymeric sheet when the hole in each basin is pressed against the soil. Embodiments of the horticultural apparatus may be used to warm the soil, control weed growth, control water run-off and extend the life of an organic mulch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Carl E. Whitcomb
  • Publication number: 20200008370
    Abstract: The system uses a specifically modified spray assembly to spray electrically charged fluid below selected clouds so that an updraft carries the charged fluid into the cloud and induces precipitation. The size, charge, and design of the sprayers are specifically designed to elicit precipitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: DANIEL E. MARTIN, Arquimedes Ruiz-Columbie
  • Publication number: 20200008371
    Abstract: In an embodiment, yield data representing yields of crops that have been harvested from an agricultural field and field characteristics data representing characteristics of the agricultural field is received and used to determine a plurality of management zone delineation options. Each option, of the plurality of management zone delineation options, comprises zone layout data for an option. The plurality of management zone delineation options is determined by: determining a plurality of count values for a management class count; generating, for each count value, a management delineation option by clustering the yield data from and the field characteristics data, assigning zones to clusters, and including the zones in a management zone delineation option. One or more options from the plurality of management zone delineation options are selected and used to determine one or more planting plans. A graphical representation of the options and the planting plans is displayed for a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: ANAHITA HASSANZADEH, YE CHEN, ALEX WIMBUSH, MARLON MISRA, EMILY ROWAN
  • Publication number: 20200008372
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a culture medium comprising a soilless substrate, microfibrillated cellulose and a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer. The present invention is particularly useful in soilless agriculture, such as for horticultural/agricultural use that is based on a soilless substrate such as mineral or glass wool. These types of culture media are often used in greenhouses but may also be used for outdoor horticulture or agriculture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Stora Enso OYJ
    Inventors: Kaj Backfolk, Isto Heiskanen, Esa Saukkonen, Elina Skerfe
  • Publication number: 20200008373
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Matthew T. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200008374
    Abstract: A portable hydroponic ebb and flow system has a first container with an open top and a bottom floor. A second container is smaller than and is located within the first container and has through slots located beneath its open top. A third smaller container located within the second container holds the plant and its plant roots. A water pump located on the bottom floor of the first container pumps water to the second container, where the water reaches the plant in the third container. A timing device operates to control the timing intervals in which the pump operates. When the plant is sufficiently watered, the timing device is set to stop the operation of the pump. Excess water which is not absorbed by the plant drains into the second container and ultimately back to the first container via the slots in the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Fitzpatrick Coleman
  • Publication number: 20200008375
    Abstract: A soil-free cultivation system including a cultivation container into which a growing solution is conducted in order to cultivate plants, the cultivation container having two root compartments and a centrally positioned solution compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Gabriel Rubanenko, Valentin Hilitsky
  • Publication number: 20200008376
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an improvement of an aeroponic system including a growth chamber and cloth support elements. The improvement generally includes a cloth supported by the cloth support elements. The cloth advantageously satisfies a wicking height parameter and an absorbance parameter so as to deliver advantageous aeroponic performance. The wicking height parameter is a measurement of an ability of the cloth or fabric to absorb moisture. The absorbance parameter is a measurement of moisture the cloth or fabric retains. Exemplary methods of aeroponic farming in an aeroponic system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Just Greens, LLC
    Inventor: Edward D. Harwood
  • Publication number: 20200008377
    Abstract: An aquatic plant growing equipment includes a plant growing container which includes a bottom portion graveling sintered soil particles allowing permeation of water and having porous as bed soil and a side portion surrounding the bottom portion, is disposed at an uppermost side, a water purifying container which includes a bottom portion graveling sintered soil particles having porous as bed soil and a side portion surrounding the bottom portion, and with which, at the side portion, a water drain pipe communicating with a pump penetrates through and a water suction hole is installed or a water suction pipe communicating with the pump penetrates through and a water drain hole is installed, is disposed at a lowermost side, and the plant growing container and the water purifying container are coupled directly or are coupled indirectly through another water purifying container and/or plant growing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Mitsuru Hirose
  • Publication number: 20200008378
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Eugene VAN BUUREN, Jacques VAN BUUREN, Jan Ehlers
  • Publication number: 20200008379
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a microalgae culturing system including a bioreactor adapted to propagate microalgae in a culture solution using in combination at least one of natural and artificial light, and at least one nutrient including at least a carbon source, where the microalgae are freely suspended in and form part of the culture solution. A microalgae feed source is coupled to the bioreactor and a first controller between a water conditioning assembly and the bioreactor. The water conditioning assembly is coupled as an input of supply water to the bioreactor, and configured to condition the supply water to a specified purity that enables substantially unhindered growth of the microalgae in the culture solution to a specified concentration, and the first controller is configured to control supply of the microalgae feed source to the bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew D. Ayers, Mark R. Edwards, Dane Hague, Robert Thompson
  • Publication number: 20200008380
    Abstract: The invention provides processes for marker assisted selection of common beans expressing volatile compounds that provide flavor traits associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or sequences flanking SNPs, as well as allele-specific oligo sequence primers configured to anneal to related SNPs and to report the presence or absence of SNPs with fluorescent signals using a PCR assay, a KASP assay (i.e., modified PCR assay), or other molecular marker assay, e.g., SSR, capable of identifying the presence or absence of SNPs and/or portions of flanking sequences of the SNPs, all of which enhances selection efficiency in common bean breeding strategies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Lyle T. Wallace, James R. Myers
  • Publication number: 20200008381
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line FDSXJ11-6002. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato line FDSXJ11-6002 and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Amit Hotzev
  • Publication number: 20200008382
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line CHI-XF15-9015. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato line CHI-XF15-9015 and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Johannes Hendrikus Maria Barten
  • Publication number: 20200008383
    Abstract: This disclosure concerns the improvement of flavor in peppers by addition of aromas from other or the same pepper species. The disclosure describes novel Capsicum germplasm with aromatic components from Capsicum chinense and other horticultural traits from Capsicum annuum. The disclosure also describes a method for improving the flavor of a pepper through metabolomic-assisted selection to produce a pepper fruit with desirable aromas. The disclosure further provides multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs), associated markers, and their use for genetic breeding of pepper plants with desired sweetness and flavor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc.
    Inventors: Swapan K. Chaudhuri, Howard L. Constant, Graeme S. Garvey, Brian J. Just
  • Publication number: 20200008384
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X85M507 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X85M507 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X85M507 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X85M507, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X85M507 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X85M507 and methods of using maize variety X85M507 are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Steven Paul King, Lori Karyn Scott, Matthew David Walch, Harindra Manilal William
  • Publication number: 20200008385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Capsicum annuum seed designated 35-1144 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to Tobamovirus (TMV) pathotypes P0 and P1, resistance to Tobamovirus (PMMoV) pathotype P (1-2) and pathotype P (1-2-3), a medium plant height, early to medium time of fruit maturity and blocky fruits with light yellow mature fruit color. The present invention also relates to a Capsicum annuum plant produced by growing the 35-1144 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the pepper cultivar, represented by hybrid pepper variety 35-1144 RZ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Jan de Bloois
  • Publication number: 20200008386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Capsicum annuum seed designated 35-1145 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to Tobamovirus (TMV) pathotypes P0 and P1, resistance to Tobamovirus (PMMoV) pathotype P (1-2) and pathotype P (1-2-3), a medium to tall plant height, a medium time of fruit maturity, and blocky fruits with light yellow mature fruit color. The present invention also relates to a Capsicum annuum plant produced by growing the 35-1145 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the pepper cultivar, represented by hybrid pepper variety 35-1145 RZ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventor: Jan de Bloois