Abstract: An object-collection system is disclosed. The system including a vehicle connected to a bucket, a camera connected to the vehicle, and an object picking assembly configured to pick up objects off of ground. The system further includes a processor that obtains object information for identified objects, guides the object-collection system over a target geographical area toward the identified objects based on the object information, captures images of the ground relative to the object picker as the object-collection system is guided towards the identified objects, identifies a target object in the images, tracks movement of the target object across the images as the object-collection system is guided towards the identified objects, and employs the tracked movement of the target object to instruct the object picker to pick up the target object.

Abstract: A vehicle including a hitch configured to couple to an implement. The hitch includes a frame, at least one linkage supported by the frame, and at least one latch pivotally connected to the frame and connected to the at least one linkage. The at least one latch has a distal end and a projection. The at least one latch is configured for selectively rotating between an engaged position for retaining the implement and a disengaged position for releasing the implement. The hitch also includes a mechanical stop connected to the frame and positioned adjacent to the projection in the engaged position of the at least one latch such that the mechanical stop is configured for preventing a deformation of the at least one linkage.

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 the 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 distance between an abutment portion of the depth adjustment member configured to abut against the depth stop member and the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

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 the 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 axially movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative distance between an abutment portion of the depth adjustment member configured to abut against the depth stop member and the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A system for adjusting penetration depth settings of seed planting units of an agricultural implement, the system may include a plurality of seed planting units and a common drive assembly. Each of the seed planting units may have a depth adjustment assembly. The common drive assembly may be configured to drive the depth adjustment assemblies of the plurality of seed planting units so as to simultaneously adjust a penetration depth setting of each respective seed planting unit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of precision depth control for seed planting units of an agricultural implement is provided. The agricultural implement can include a plurality of seed planting units, with each seed planting unit being configured to provide an individually adjustable depth setting and having a visual indicator associated therewith. The method can include receiving a selection of a seed planting unit of the plurality of seed planting units, visually indicating the selected seed planting unit with the visual indicator associated therewith, receiving depth adjustment data for the selected seed planting unit, and adjusting the depth of the selected seed planting unit based on the depth adjustment data.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement includes one or more processing units each supported on a chassis, in which each chassis supports at least one processing unit on a central axis, the chassis having a left hand side wheel assembly support and a right hand side wheel assembly support, free ends of the wheel assembly supports having wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly comprising a wheel mounted on a wheel mount, the wheel mount being rotatable about an inclined axis, and the wheel being rotatable about a horizontal axis. The wheel assembly supporting structures and the wheel mounts allow limited relative movement of each wheel mount with respect to the wheel assembly supporting structures which enables greater control when the towed agricultural implement is towed about a corner.

Abstract: A method for autonomously performing an agricultural operation includes automatically moving a vehicle having at least one agricultural operation device to a starting location for the agricultural operation. An indicator for the starting location is optically identified. A position of the vehicle to a selected distance from the indicator is automatically adjusted. The agricultural operation device is automatically operated. The vehicle is automatically moved along a selected trajectory and the automatically operating the at least one agricultural operation device is repeated until a predetermined number of automatic operations of the agricultural operation device have been performed.

Abstract: In a method of processing seeds, an angle of repose of processed seeds is determined to evaluate whether the processed seeds have been sufficiently processed in a processing step. In a system for determining an angle of repose of processed seeds, a receptacle receives and supports the seeds in a pile. An image sensor faces the receptacle to capture an image of the pile of processed seeds in the cavity. An image processor is operatively connected to the image sensor to receive the captured image from the image sensor. The image evaluates the image to determine an angle of inclination of the pile based on the image.

Abstract: Encapsulated seeds, processes for making encapsulated seeds and processes for establishing and improving seed beds and seed bed germination. The encapsulated seeds improve soil productivity through enhancements in soil fertility, soil condition/tilth, and control of soil moisture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a seed firmer having a resilient portion and a firming portion that are molded together into a unitary part with each portion being a different material.

Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a depth adjustment assembly having a cam member and a depth adjustment gear rotatably coupled to the cam member. The cam member may be configured to be rotated to adjust a vertical position of a wheel of the unit relative to a ground engaging tool of the unit. The seed planting unit may also include an actuating member configured to rotationally drive the depth adjustment gear. The depth adjustment gear and the actuating member include interlocking engagement elements, such that when the actuating member is rotated, the cam member is rotated relative to the support structure to vary the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A turf sprayer comprises a transport vehicle that carries a laterally extending spray boom assembly. The spray boom assembly is both laterally displaceable and angularly displaceable relative to the transport vehicle. A controller uses a defined path represented by GPS coordinates to control the operation of various actuators to automatically maintain a reference point on the spray boom assembly on the desired path and to automatically maintain the spray boom assembly perpendicular to the desired path.

Abstract: In a rotary mower having ten generally horizontal cutter disks forming a total cutting length along the cutter bar of 16 feet, the discharge opening containing the parallel conditioner rolls and a parallel transfer roll has a width of at least 125 inches. This allows a first outermost one of the ten disks and approximately one half of the next adjacent disk to be mounted on the cutter bar outwardly of the discharge opening. A convergence system then includes only first and second impellers with the first impeller mounted on the first disk for rotation therewith and the second impeller mounted on an upper support above the impeller so that the second impeller hangs downwardly toward the second disk for contacting the cut crop and mounted immediately adjacent with the second impeller having a peripheral edge located at or immediately adjacent the vertical plane of the side of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A cutter assembly has a crossbar, cutter blades, and blade pins. The crossbar defines bar openings. Each cutter blade defines a blade bolt opening and first and second blade edges. The blade pins are each adapted to be inserted through one of the bar openings and one of the blade bolt openings such that the head portions of the blade pins are within one of blade recesses of the cutter blades. Bolt key surfaces of the blade pins engage bar key surfaces of the crossbar to prevent rotation of the blade pins relative to the crossbar. The cutter blades are each operable in first and second configurations, where the first blade edges are in a leading position in the first configuration and the second blade edges are in a leading position in the second configuration.

Abstract: An agricultural work machine has a crop collection arrangement for separating and collecting crops from field vegetation, which crop collection arrangement has at least one crop cutting device, a crop conveying device arranged downstream thereof and a crop intake device arranged downstream thereof, and having a control device which has at least one sensor unit for optically detecting a crop flow, an image processing unit for processing images which are generated by the sensor unit based on the optically detected crop flow, and a data output unit for displaying the images processed by the image processing unit. The image processing unit generates a velocity characteristic map and a directional change characteristic map based on the images generated by the sensor unit. The two characteristic maps are utilized jointly or each individually by the control device to control processes in the agricultural work machine and/or in the crop collection arrangement.

Abstract: Included is a combine having a feeder housing for receiving harvested crop, a separating system for threshing the harvested crop to separate grain from residue, a crop cleaning system including a cleaning fan powered by a fan drive to propel the residue into a residue system of the combine, at least one sensor for detecting an operational parameter of the fan drive, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to determine a load on the fan drive from the detected operational parameter, compare the determined load to a load threshold, and control a speed of the cleaning fan based on the comparison.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header with a cutter bar and a draper assembly has a draper which includes a front edge of the upper run of the draper arranged at a position adjacent to but spaced from the cutter bar and there is provided a sealing member extending along the cutter bar. The sealing member is includes a bracket and a strip of flexible material where the bracket does not include any rearwardly extending biasing portion and the strip, when free from loading forces, contains a distortion from a flat form so that the second edge portion is distorted from a plane of the first edge portion in a direction toward the edge portion of the upper run.

Abstract: A straw chopper for a combine harvester including a rotor supporting a plurality of chopping elements. A rotor housing including an inlet opening, an outlet axially aligned with the inlet opening, and at least one outlet that is axially offset from the inlet opening. A portion of the straw is conveyed tangentially to the axially-aligned outlet, whilst a further portion is conveyed from the inlet opening to the axially offset outlet(s) via a path having an axial component, for example a helical path. Guide vanes may be provided on the inside of the housing to impart an axial force upon the straw.

Abstract: A system including a first carrier configured to carry at least one first robotic system. The system also can include a second carrier configured to be coupled to a vehicle that is movable across a surface. The first carrier can be movably coupled to and carried by the second carrier. The system can be configured to automatically hold the first carrier in a first position and stationary in a first direction with respect to the surface during a first time period while the vehicle moves the second carrier in the first direction with respect to the surface during the first time period, such that at least a portion the at least one first robotic system carried by the first carrier is stationary in the first direction with respect to the surface during the first time period. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A cylindrical bale-wrapping apparatus includes a main frame having a vehicle mounting apparatus, a first sub-frame adjustably mounted on the main frame between a bale-loading position and a bale-wrapping position, and a second sub-frame adjustably mounted on the main frame between a transport position and a bale-wrapping position. A wrapping table adapted to rotate a cylindrical bale about a central axis is associated with the first sub-frame. A wrapping ring including at least one roll support adapted to rotate about the wrapping table is mounted on the second sub-frame. The second sub-frame has a bale-support element.

Abstract: A constant tension mechanism of tying net for roll bales, that allows varying the stretching tension of the material in accordance with different diameters and thus provide a tying tension that allows keeping the geometry of the roll bale throughout time.

Abstract: A roll bale tying material feeding mechanism, which allows the feeding or supply of material without this latter suffering deviations and/or alterations in its extension from the feeding source to the baler-compaction chamber, ensuring a constant and suitable tying tension that allows keeping the geometry of the rolls throughout time.

Abstract: A banding system for an agricultural baler is configured to move a banding element around a crop package to band the crop package. The banding system includes a support member having a support surface configured to support the crop package. The support member includes a channel defined by an opening in the support surface. The channel is further defined by a first surface opposite a second surface and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces. The first surface is at least partially defined by an angled surface angled relative to the second surface. The angled surface includes an apex positioned away from the opening. The banding system also includes a bander unit configured to move the banding element within the channel to band the crop package.

Abstract: A banding system for an agricultural baler is configured to move a banding element around a crop package to band the crop package. The banding system includes a support member having a support surface configured to support the crop package. The support member includes a channel defined by an opening in the support surface. The channel is further defined by a first surface opposite a second surface and a third surface extending between the first and second surfaces. The first surface at least partially defines an angled surface tapering toward the second surface such that an apex of the angled surface partially forms the opening. The banding system also includes a bander unit configured to move a banding element within the channel to band the crop package.

Abstract: A baler for use with a netwrap roll, where the baler includes a frame supported on one or more wheels, a housing coupled to the frame and at least partially defining a baling chamber therein, a netwrap assembly having a netwrap frame coupled to the housing and at least partially defining a netwrap chamber, and a loading device at least partially positioned within the netwrap chamber. Where the loading device includes a first frame fixed relative to the netwrap frame, a second frame movable relative to the first frame between a frame stowed position and a frame deployed position, and a carriage movable relative to the second frame between a carriage stowed position and a carriage deployed position, and wherein the carriage is configured to support the netwrap roll.

Abstract: A system is configured to prepare and band a crop package. The system includes an agricultural baler configured to move relative to a surface. The agricultural baler includes a formation chamber configured to form the crop package into a substantially cylindrical shape. The agricultural baler also includes a banding mechanism configured to band the crop package within the formation chamber in the cylindrical shape with a first banding element. The system also includes a mobile reconfiguration and bander assembly configured to move relative to the surface. The reconfiguration and bander assembly is configured to form the cylindrical shaped crop package into a substantially different shape and to band the crop package in the different shape with a second banding element.

Abstract: A mechanism for tying roll bales, which allows tying and protecting the edges of the roll bales during the tying process, ensuring that the geometry thereof is kept throughout time.

Abstract: A tree injection device configured to inject a solution into a tree has a head defining an input opening for receiving the solution and a shank. The shank has a generally circumferential surface elongated along an axis and extending from the head to a pointed end opposite the head. The generally circumferential surface has a radially constricted section positioned between a first radially enlarged section and a second radially enlarged section. The first radially enlarged section and second radially enlarged section have substantially equal diameter. An output opening for delivering the solution is defined by the radially constricted section and is in fluid communication with the input opening by a passageway defined by an interior of the shank.

Abstract: A system includes one or more machines carrying out steps in a plant production process using growing towers, beginning after harvest and concluding immediately after transplanting. These steps include media removal, plant waste disposal, media cleaning, tower cleaning, and tower re-transplanting. A material handling scheme may be used to manage the flow of towers to and from the machine and across the growing system.

Abstract: A plant support assembly for facilitating the growing of plants includes a plate and a frame that is octagonally shaped. A net is coupled to and extends inwardly from the frame. A plurality of rods is coupled to and extends between the plate and the frame. Each rod comprises a plurality of nested sections so that the rod is selectively extensible. A plurality of rollers is coupled to a lower surface of the plat. The net is configured to support stems and leaves of a plant that is growing from a container that is positioned on an upper surface of the plate. The rollers are configured to roll on a horizontal surface to selectively position the plate.

Abstract: Some variations provide an emulsion-colloid system for forming a colloidal barrier material disposed on a substrate, the system comprising a hydrophilic first liquid, an acid, a gelling agent, a hydrophobic second liquid, a plasticizer, and optionally additives, wherein the emulsion-colloid system is characterized by (1) a first instance that is a flowable emulsion above 60° C. and less than the boiling point of the first liquid, and (2) a second instance that is a colloid below 40° C. The emulsion-colloid system is capable of reversible transition, mediated by temperature, between the first instance and the second instance. The disclosed colloidal barrier material provides the functionality of plastic alternatives while removing disadvantages. The disclosed colloidal barrier material reduces labor-intensive application of the barrier, such as the case for covering grain piles with plastic tarps.

Abstract: The ground cover includes a planar fabric body, a cover flap, and a pair of side rods. The cover body has a single slit that extends to its center to allow the ground cover to completely wrap around the base of the plant and lay flat over th ground. The cover flap is sewn or bonded to the cover body and folds to lay flat over the cover body in two positions, either folded to lie on one side of the slit or covering the slit. The side rods allow the ground cover to be easily lifted to deposit collected leaves and clippings into a collection container.

Abstract: A stump cutter tooth assembly includes a stump cutter tooth held by a pocket member that includes an arcuate shoulder having one or more tabs. A stump cutter tooth is adapted to be mounted on the pocket member. The stump cutter tooth includes a tooth body having one or more recesses and an arcuate outer surface. The arcuate outer surface of the stump cutter tooth is adapted to abut against the arcuate shoulder of the pocket member to prevent unwanted movement of the stump cutter tooth relative to the pocket member during the cutting operation. The one or more recesses of the stump cutter tooth cooperate with the one or more tabs of the pocket member to provide an anti-rotation and locating feature.

Abstract: A stump cutter tooth with an angled or tapered cutting face, the purpose of the angle or taper being to increase the efficiency of the cutting tooth and lower the forces thereof that get transferred back to a stump cutter machine, the tooth also tapering to a full width required to protect a pocket or a mount from contact with a stump.

Abstract: A tree tap and a method of using same. Tree sap, such as birch or maple sap, is collected with the tree tap that has been inserted in the tree without forming a recess shaped to receive the tap prior to insertion.

Abstract: A tree tap and a method of using same. Tree sap, such as birch or maple sap, is collected with the tree tap that has been inserted in the tree without forming a recess shaped to receive the tap prior to insertion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless programmable irrigation valve that has an electrical circuit with a microprocessor, CPU and/or a microcontroller with a data memory bank that can store watering program or schedule software instructions. The wireless irrigation valve is powered by a battery or super capacitor with electric generator. The wireless programmable irrigation valve does not need to be controlled by a local controller. The wireless programmable irrigation valve is programmed using a APP on a cell phone, smart phones, mobile phone or similar apparatus or computer, and when software instructions are transmitted to the wireless programmable irrigation valve, the wireless programmable irrigation valve independently controls its valve on and off. Once the software instructions are transmitted to the wireless programmable irrigation valve, the wireless programmable irrigation valve performs the programmed water scheduled instructions independently.

Abstract: A hinged hydroponic tower is provided which utilizes an integrated, single-piece hinge member, thereby allowing the tower face plate to move relative to the tower body. In addition to the hinge, the tower utilizes an integrated fastener to hold the face plate in the closed position. A V-shaped groove may be included on either side of the tower, the grooves increasing the efficiency of delivering water and nutrients to the plants via the narrowed rear cavity wall. The V-shaped grooves may also be used as an alignment aid when coupling planters, harvesters, or other equipment to the tower.

Abstract: A method for developing seeds for CBGa dominant Cannabis plants includes self-pollinating a female Cannabis plant having at least one defective CBDa synthase allele to produce seeds, and collecting the seeds produced through self-pollinating. A method for developing seeds for CBGa dominant Cannabis plants includes crossbreeding a Cannabis plant having at least one defective CBDa synthase allele with a Cannabis plant having at least one of an active THCa or CBDa synthase allele to produce a CBGa dominant plant, and collecting the seeds produced through the crossbreeding. A Cannabis seed, developed from one of self-pollinating a Cannabis plant having a defective CBDa synthase allele or crossbreeding the Cannabis plant with another Cannabis plant that has one of either an active THCa or an active CBDa synthase allele resulting in a CBGa dominant seed.

Abstract: A method for developing seeds for CBGa dominant Cannabis plants includes self-pollinating a female Cannabis plant having an identified DNA sequence of either Seq. 1 or Seq. 2 to produce seeds, and collecting the seeds produced through self-pollinating. A method for developing seeds for CBGa dominant Cannabis plants includes crossbreeding a Cannabis plant having an identified DNA sequence of either Seq. 1 or Seq. 2 with a Cannabis plant having at least one of an active THCa or CBDa synthase allele to produce a CBGa dominant plant, and collecting the seeds produced through the crossbreeding. A Cannabis seed, developed from one of self-pollinating a Cannabis plant having an identified DNA sequence of either Seq. 1 or Seq. 2, or crossbreeding the Cannabis plant having the identified DNA sequence with another Cannabis plant that has one of either an active THCa or an active CBDa synthase allele resulting in a CBGa dominant seed.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVHJ5553 and pepper line HJA-FD15-1350. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVHJ5553 and pepper line HJA-FD15-1350 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVHJ5553 and pepper line HJA-FD15-1350 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing maize plants, plant materials and seeds that provide a means of controlling and defending against the corn silk fly and phorid fly, and improved maize plants, plant materials and seed produced by these methods. Corn silk flies and phorid flies are highly detrimental and destructive insects damaging maize plants, plant materials and seed during their growing stages in many different geographic regions worldwide. The inventive methods utilize molecular markers to incorporate genes that prove a means for controlling and defending against the corn silk fly and phorid fly into male and female inbred parent maize lines used to produce maize hybrids, or into at least one of the maize parent lines of a hybrid.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and drought tolerance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing one or more markers that are associated with tolerance to low water conditions. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing at least one marker associated with drought tolerance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program, thus producing drought resistant germplasm. Other embodiments of this invention include transgenic drought tolerant corn plants and corn plant cells, and methods of detecting drought tolerance genes and chromosome regions associated with drought tolerance in a plant genome.

Abstract: A sorghum seed comprising in its genome at least one polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having an alanine to tyrosine substitution at position 93 of the sorghum AHAS protein large subunit. The plant has increased resistance to one or more herbicides, for example from the imidazolinone group, as compared to wild-type sorghum plants. The sorghum plant may comprise in its genome, one, two, three or more copies of a polynucleotide encoding a mutated large subunit of sorghum AHAS or a sorghum AHAS polypeptide of the invention. In this context, the sorghum plant may be tolerant to any herbicide capable of inhibiting AHAS enzyme activity. For example, the sorghum plant may be tolerant to herbicides of the imidazolinones type, such as imazethapyr, imazapir, and imazapic or to herbicides of the sulfonylurea group.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides Capsicum annuum BCMS plants exhibiting uniform female fertility. Such plants comprise novel introgressed genomic regions associated with uniform female fertility from Capsicum annuum on chromosome 6. In certain aspects, compositions and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with a uniform female fertility phenotype are provided.

Abstract: A forming machine for making pasta filata cheese sticks, comprising a motorized cylindrical drum with a horizontal axis, which has a series of mutually parallel grooves, a body provided with a concave surface with a profile shaped like a cylindrical sector that has the same diameter as the drum and is arranged adjacent thereto, the body having an elongated slit that leads onto the concave surface and is adapted to receive pasta filata under pressure; the grooves have a profile that is elongated along the longitudinal dimension of the drum and the slit is extended obliquely with respect to them.

Abstract: An animal litter box apparatus includes a main body having a base and vertical sides. A main body front side has a dual-walled construction including an exterior wall, a spaced-apart interior wall, and an upper edge adjoining upper ends of the interior and exterior walls to define an interior storage space. A compound opening is defined by respective cut-out portions of the interior wall, exterior wall, and the upper edge. A magnetic coupling element within the interior storage space cooperates with a corresponding magnet on a litter-sifting basket of a litter scoop to selectively retain the litter scoop basket therein. A recessed portion of the exterior surface of the exterior wall accommodates a proximal end portion of the litter scoop handle. An inverted U-shaped cover member disposed about the front side is slidable from an open position to a closed position to discreetly house the entire litter scoop.

Abstract: A big-dog-accommodating triple-hinged multi-function-shelf-trunk-platform-and-door pet crate comprises top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear panels attached to one another, multi-function slanted urine-storing bed-roof-terrace having built-in gutters and ridges disposed on the bottom panel, a grooming platform, multi-function shock-absorbing gussets covering all the corners of the panels to lock the grooming platform and to absorb shocks and vibrations, a big-dog-accommodating triple-hinged multi-function-shelf-trunk-platform-and-door having triple hinges thereon to allow it to close after a big dog enters the pet crate and to allow it to also function as a shelf or a trunk or a platform, triple locking rods to lock the big-dog-accommodating triple-hinged multi-function-shelf-trunk-platform-and-door to the front panel, a palm knob with palm recesses and palm hills for an arthritic to use without the need for folding his or her fingers, a spring-loaded palm knob to lock the big-dog-accommodating triple-hin

Abstract: A system for dispensing feed to a feed bunk can include a dispensing unit and a control module. The dispensing unit can include a feed container to receive feed, and one or more dispensing devices operatively coupled to the feed container. The control module can be in communication with the dispensing unit and configured to receive and store sequence data from a central computer system, the sequence data comprising a delivery sequence according to which one or more feed bunks are to be filled, and one or more system inputs. The control module is configured to disable the dispensing unit if any system input does not correspond to the sequence data.