Abstract: An agricultural planter is operable in a travel direction and a travel velocity and configured to dispense seeds into a furrow formed within an agricultural surface. An adjustment assembly is for the agricultural planter and includes a bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of the agricultural planter and a debris cleaner coupled to the bracket. The debris cleaner is configured such that during operation of the agricultural planter the debris cleaner has, relative to the travel direction, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The debris cleaner is movable such that a distance between the leading and trailing edges in the travel direction is adjustable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a frame member; a toolbar coupled to the frame member, the toolbar parallel to, and rearward of, the frame member; a row unit coupled to the toolbar; and an actuator coupled between the frame member and the toolbar, the actuator configured to rotate the toolbar based on a sensed position of the toolbar.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil roughness of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a tool configured to perform a tillage operation on soil within the field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter associated with an acceleration of the tool. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller configured to determine a soil roughness characteristic of the soil based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil parameters of a field across which an agricultural implement is being moved may include a sensor mounted on a ground engaging member. As such, the sensor may be configured to capture data indicative of a soil parameter of soil within the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to receive an input indicative of a selected planting depth for the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to control an operation of an actuator in a manner that adjusts the penetration depth of the ground engaging member such that the sensor is positioned at the selected planting depth. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine the soil parameter of the soil within the field at the selected planting depth based on the data received from the sensor.

Abstract: A mobile machine includes a frame, and a set of wheels supporting the frame. The mobile machine also includes a set of ground-engaging tools mounted to the frame that are movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging-tools with ground over which the mobile machine travels. A sensor senses the ground surface over which the mobile machine is traveling. The sensor can do this by sensing the position of a ground-following device having a proximal end coupled to the frame and a distal end configured to engage a surface of the ground and follow the surface of the ground as the mobile machine moves in a direction of travel, or by sensing the surface of the ground behind a surface cleaning device that exposes the surface of the ground to the sensor.

Abstract: A precision steering computer installed on a tractor uses waypoints generated by a hand-held smart-device to steer a tractor. The smart-device is the operators primary interface and is a component of the entire precision agriculture guidance system. The batched, time ordered waypoints represent a list of coordinates for steering the tractor. As the tractor is automatically steered in the field, the waypoints are consumed and discarded by the real-time steering computer in the order they are received from the non-real-time smart device. A planned path is generated by the tractor operator on the smart device and the tractors progress and status are displayed on the same smart-device.

Abstract: A purging system is provided for a multiple variety seed meter of a multi-variety planter. The purging system includes seed return valves that may be arranged for receiving seed that was removed from the seed meter. The seed return valves return the removed seed into corresponding appropriate seed storage compartments to allow a new seed variety to be delivered to the seed meter while reducing seed variety mixing in the seed meter. A pipe with a purge passage may extend from the seed meter to a purging hose that delivers the removed seed to the seed return valve(s). Each seed return valve may be a vacuum-actuated piston airlock valve assembly with a valve plunger that reciprocates to define seed collecting and releasing states of the valve.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for determining a status of plants. The system includes a light transmitter arranged for providing broad band illumination to one or more plants. The system includes a light receiver including a plurality of receiver channels, the receiver channels arranged for receiving light from said one or more plants in mutually different wavelength bands. The system includes a processing unit arranged for determining a status of said one or more plants on the basis of light received by the plurality of receiver channels. The transmitter may be arranged for transmitting bursts of modulated light.

Abstract: A container for controlling release of a soluble fertiliser comprising a first chamber for collecting and holding water, and having an open top and a solid bottom with an orifice that allows water flow freely at a desired rate; a second chamber below the first chamber for receiving water therefrom to dissolve fertiliser held therein, the second chamber having a solid bottom with an orifice through which fertiliser solution can flow in a controlled manner and a perforated plate for holding undissolved fertiliser, the plate is disposed within the chamber and separating the chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment; and a third chamber below the second chamber and receiving dissolved fertiliser therefrom, the third chamber having a perforated bottom, the perforations are configured to allow the dissolved fertiliser to pass through while preventing foreign solid particles from entering the container.

Abstract: A mower can include a control system that is configured to detect when the mower is turning or will be turned and can adaptively support one or more mower decks during the turn to transfer weight from the mower decks to the mower's tires. This transfer of weight will increase the traction of the mower's tires while also minimizing the yawing force caused by the mower decks thereby preventing the mower from slipping during the turn.

Abstract: A lawn mowing apparatus may include sensors that are fastened to both its mower deck and its chassis. The sensors may sense a position of the mower deck in relation to the chassis. The sensed position of the mower deck may be presented to the operator via a dashboard display of the lawn tractor or transmitted via a wireless signal to another device. Based on such sensed position, an operator of the lawn tractor may manually adjust the position of the mower deck until the sensed position of the mower deck is within an acceptable operating range. In some embodiments, servomotors may used to adjust the position of the mower deck until the sensed position of the mower deck is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a cutting head for mounting a cutting member, a drive head having a output shaft for driving the cutting head to rotate, and an anti-winding member for preventing the output shaft from being wound to by grass. The drive head includes a drive device to drive the output shaft and a head housing for accommodating the drive device. The output shaft connects to the cutting head and passes through the anti-winding member and the anti-winding member is mounted to the cutting head so as to rotate with the cutting head and is disposed between the cutting head and the head housing so as to fill the space between the cutting head and the head housing.

Abstract: A harvester monitoring system configured to determine one or more parameters associated with harvested items, the system comprising: a camera module having a field of view and configured to generate image data associated with the harvested items; a mounting bracket configured to secure the camera module to a harvester such that a conveyor of the harvester is within the field of view of the camera module; a location sub-system configured to determine and output location data representative of a geographical location of the harvester monitoring system; and a processing unit configured to receive the image data and the location data, to determine one or more parameters associated with the harvested items, and to record the one or more parameters in association with the location data on a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A crop elevator for a combine harvester includes an ascending section and a descending section and a housing enclosing the ascending section and the descending section. The elevator further comprises an elevator loop arranged inside the housing which includes a plurality of paddles for elevating a harvested crop. The elevator also includes a weighing system configured to determine a weight of harvested crop that is present on at least one of the paddles during an ascending movement of the at least one of the paddles in the ascending section. The weighing system includes a weight sensor configured to output a weight signal representative of the weight of the harvested crop. The ascending section of the elevator comprises a measurement section, wherein the weighing system is configured to retrieve the weight signal when the at least one of the paddles is in the measurement section of the elevator.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine, particularly a combine harvester or a forage harvester, has a supporting frame, a cutting mechanism, an inclined conveyor and a driver's cab. The cutting mechanism is arranged at the supporting frame by the inclined conveyor. The driver's cab is arranged at the supporting frame with the intermediary of at least one damper unit. At least one camera is arranged in an interior of the driver's cab. The camera is oriented to the cutting mechanism and/or to the inclined conveyor through a front windshield of the driver's cab. The camera is arranged in an operative area of a cleaning device of the front windshield so that a detection area of the camera can be optically acquired at least through a portion of the operative area of the cleaning device.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the quality of harvested grains include capturing, by one or more image sensors, one or more images of material at a sampling location within a grain elevator of the combine harvester. The captured images are defined by a set of image pixels represented by image data and having a classification feature indicative of grain or non-grain material. One or more controllers receive the image data associated with the one or more images captured by the image sensor(s) and select a sample image defined by a subset of image pixels of the set of image pixels. The controller(s) apply a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm to the image data of the subset of image pixels of the selected sample image to determine the classification feature. The controller(s) analyze the determined classification feature to adjust an operational parameter of the combine harvester.

Abstract: A grain tailings elevator for a combine harvester includes a an elevator housing having an interior containing a conveyor arrangement configured to transport grain tailings through the elevator housing to a discharge outlet. The elevator housing has a side wall with a window to the interior of the elevator housing. A camera having a camera housing containing an image sensor is mounted to the side wall of the elevator housing over the window with the image sensor in registration with the window. The image sensor is trained on the conveyor arrangement and configured to image the grain tailings transported by the conveyor arrangement through the elevator housing.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the height and/or incline of a combine header for harvesting thin-stemmed crops includes a control system which is connected to a sensor for detecting the height of the combine header above the ground, and to an actuator for controlling the height and/or incline of the combine header and which can be operated to control the actuator in dependence on signals of the sensor. A mulching appliance with a cultivating tool for shredding plant stumps is attached to the combine header in a vertically movable manner following the contour of the ground, and the sensor is set up to detect the position of the mulching appliance relative to the combine header.

Abstract: A harvesting machine including: a harvesting part 4 that is provided forward of a machine body, and harvests crops in a farm field; and a plurality of crop sensors that are provided in the harvesting part at intervals in a left-right direction, and detect the presence of crops upon coming into contact with the crops. The harvesting machine may also include: a harvesting width detector that detects a harvesting width corresponding to crops harvested through harvesting work that has actually been performed, included in a workable width within which harvesting work can be performed by the harvesting part 4; and a travel transmission unit that changes the travel speed of the machine body. The harvesting machine may also include a speed controller that shifts the travel transmission unit to a lower speed as the harvesting width increases, and shifts the travel transmission unit to a higher speed as the harvesting width decreases, based on the result of detection performed by the harvesting width detector.

Abstract: Rake wheels for raking apparatus for gathering crop material into a windrow are disclosed. In some embodiments, the rake wheel includes disks for securing and limiting circumferential and axial movement of the tines of the rake wheel.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester includes a fan, at least one duct having an interior passageway that is positioned to receive an air stream from the fan, and a surface defined within the interior passageway of the at least one duct that is configured to restrict a volume of the flow of air passing through the at least one duct and increase a pressure of the air stream passing through the duct.

Abstract: A knotter system of a baler for performing a knotter cycle including at least a first knot forming cycle and a second knot forming cycle. The knotter system includes a needle; a tucker arm; a billhook assembly including a billhook with a lower lip and an upper lip mounted pivotally with respect to lower lip; and a driver to make the billhook perform at least a first full rotation and a second full rotation. The billhook assembly is configured to position the upper lip away from the lower lip in a first angular range and to position the upper lip away from the lower lip in a second angular range of at least one of the first and second full rotation. The first angular range is located within a range between 0° and 160°, and the second angular range is located within a range between 160° and 360°.

Abstract: A forage bale feed out apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a chassis arranged to be operatively mounted on or in association with a vehicle in use; feed out means comprising a feed out roller having an axis of rotational symmetry about which the roller is arranged to rotate, a drive motor arranged to rotate the feed out roller, conveying means for urging a bale towards said feed out roller as the size of a bale diminishes. The feed out roller is located at a feed out region, and the conveying means is orientated such that the end of the conveying means proximate the feed out region is elevated towards the axis of rotational symmetry of the feed out roller. The apparatus further comprises a spreader tool adapted to spread and distribute the forage bale portions fed out from the feed roller at the feed out region, wherein the spreader comprises a roller having an axis of rotational symmetry about which the roller is arranged to rotate.

Abstract: The present invention, is a single blade clone cutter. The present inventions embodiment is in a u-shaped housing with a single removal blade. The blade locks in to the u-shaped housing to secure the blade from moving during the process of cutting. It is important to have a single blade that cuts onto a flat surface so there is no damage being done to the limb of the plant. It is a new invention because at this point to prune plants it is done with a scissor type cutter. The previous procedure to prune plants damages the limb of the plant.

Abstract: A lighting device for supporting plant-growth includes an LED driver that inputs a high-voltage AC driver-input current. The driver outputs a driver-output current at a stepped driver-output voltage. LEDs are powered by the driver-output current. The LEDs include deep-red LEDs that output a first number W1 of radiation watts of a deep-red light band at 660 nm, far-red LEDs that output a second number W2 of radiation watts of a far-red light band at 730 nm, and white-light LEDs that output a third number W3 of radiation watts of white light having a color rendering index (CRI) of less than 75. W3 is greater than the sum L1+L2. At least 3% of all radiation output by the LEDs is at or above 700 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a mobile rig configured to control a photoperiodic response of a photoperiodically sensitive plant subject (e.g., a short-day plant) planted in an open field. The mobile rig includes a support structure; wheels; and light sources attached to the support structure at a position for emitting light on an upper surface of the photoperiodically sensitive plant subject. The mobile rig includes or is coupled to a control circuit having processing circuitry configured to cause the mobile rig to navigate across an open field having the photoperiodically sensitive plant subject planted therein and selectively illuminate the photoperiodically sensitive plant subject using the light sources attached to the mobile rig, for instance, during nighttime hours in a wavelength range between approximately 250 nm and approximately 800 nm to control the photoperiodic response of the photoperiodically sensitive plant subject planted therein.

Abstract: A photosynthesis illumination system, including: a curved ray directing element, such as a lens, for directing an illumination beam towards at least one plant; a motor for rotating the ray directing element, for selecting different locations of the at least one plant to be illuminated by the illumination beam; motorized optical focusing means, for adjusting for each of the locations an area size, thereby determining a portion of the at least one plant to be illuminated; and a controller, for controlling the motor and the motorized optical focusing means, to provide an equal illumination energy to each area unit of the at least one plant.

Abstract: A stand-on debris blower comprising including a main frame, a pair of front wheels, and a pair of rear wheels. The stand-on debris blower also includes an operator standing platform coupled to the main frame, a control pedestal positioned forward of and above the operator standing platform, and a power source, wherein the power source has a vertically-oriented shaft. A blower assembly is also provided, wherein the blower assembly includes a horizontally-oriented impeller configured to rotate about a vertical axis, the horizontally-oriented impeller being coupled to the vertically-oriented shaft of the power source. Additionally, the blower assembly may include a V-shaped deflector assembly configurable to block air flow to at least a first, a second, or both a first and second discharge chute in the blower assembly.

Abstract: A stump planer for use in stump planeing in environmentally sensitive areas.

Abstract: An implement adjusting system having an implement with a plurality of adjustable components, a plurality of input values, at least one controlled system configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of adjustable components, and a controller that receives the plurality of input values, the controller configured to reposition the plurality of adjustable components based on the plurality of input values. Wherein, the plurality of adjustable components are repositionable by the controller based on the input values.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an emitter and a drip irrigation tube that can suppress the variations in the discharge amount of the liquid in the drip irrigation tube. The emitter (120) of the present invention is an emitter for regulating discharge of irrigation liquid. The emitter (120) includes an intake portion for taking in the liquid in the tube (110); a regulating unit that regulates a discharge amount of the liquid; a discharge portion for discharging the liquid via a discharge port (112) of the tube (110); and a flow path communicating the intake portion and the regulating unit.

Abstract: A plant in the orchid family (orchidaceae) provided with a hole into its stem, wherein the hole is accessible via an opening in an outer surface of the stem, wherein the hole allows the interior of the stem to be exposed to a substance entering the plant via the opening so that the substance can enter the interior of the stem, and wherein the hole has a dimension in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem which is larger than a maximum dimension of the opening in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: A self-contained air filtration system is disclosed herein. The system includes a processor. The processor can receive data from one or several components of the system and can provide control signals to one or several components of the system. The system can include a housing. The housing can include: a reservoir portion; and a greenhouse portion. The greenhouse portion can connect to the reservoir portion via a grow tray. A top of the reservoir portion and the greenhouse portion define an enclosed volume. The greenhouse portion can include an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. The inlet aperture can be obstructed by an inlet filter such that air flowing into the greenhouse portion passes through the inlet filter, and the greenhouse portion can be connected to a fan that can propel air through the inlet aperture and out of the outlet aperture.

Abstract: The vortex tube mated to a hydroponic system creates an internal climate-controlled environment. The technical advantage is in providing a cost-effective climate control mechanism. By controlling the internal climate of the system, we can extend the grow season in a cost-effective way. Climate controlling large buildings is very costly and traditional greenhouses have little or no climate control. The commercial advantage is the ability to provide product in a counter cyclical manner to the commodities market. Meaning, traditional crops all come to the commodities market at the same time and cannot command a higher price. Providing product when it is normally not available or has to be imported, provides the best opportunity to command higher prices. This is key to the economic viability of the venture and provides benefit to the consumer.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a bicolored plant cultivation apparatus. It contains two parts: a cultivation tank and a planting plate which can be assembled as a cavity for storing nutrient solutions and nutrient aerosols, or both can be used separately. In order to create a dark environment inside the cavity, the surface of inner bottom and lateral walls of the cultivation tank, the lower surface of the planting plate, or at least one of them will be coated with one layer of light blocking material. The principle behind the disclosure is to minimize the light intensity below the planting plate in order to provide a low light environment which is suitable for plant root growth and inhibits the alga growth at the same time. The preparation methods of the light-blocking layer include coating, injection moulding, lamination, adhesion and spraying.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR1398TH and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR1398TH and the parent lines thereof, 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with diplodia ear rot (DER), a fungal disease associated with Stenocarpella spp. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program for resistance to DER.

Abstract: New lettuce variety designated ‘Milagro’ is described. ‘Milagro’ is a butterhead lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to Cannabis plants having a distinct cannabinoid profile and limited psychoactive properties that can be suitable for medicinal uses associated with treating inflammation and chronic pain.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid melon variety NUN 16177 MEM as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 16177 MEM is a Cantaloupe non-sutured melon variety of the Golden subtype with long shelf-life, ovate shape, strong orange rind color and moderate orange flesh, comprising resistance to Podosphaera xanthii Race 1, Race 2, Race 5, Fusarium oxysporum melonis Race 0, Race 1, and Race 2, and Aphis gossypii.

Abstract: The invention relates to the butterfly pea variety designated SXT BFP. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the butterfly pea variety SXT BFP. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the butterfly pea variety SXT BFP and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing butterfly pea plants by crossing the butterfly pea variety SXT BFP with itself or another butterfly pea variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A grape plant designated as ‘Compassion’ or a progeny thereof are provided herein. Also provided are pollen, tissues or cells of the plant. The plants or plant parts may be used for breeding or creating transgenic plants. Products made using the grapes of the plant are also provided.

Abstract: A mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus, comprising at least one set of chromosomes as a culture of line J14756-s3, includes a representative culture of the line, which has been deposited under NRRL Accession No. 67317. A method of producing a hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus comprising: mating a culture comprising at least one set of chromosomes as a culture of line J14756-s3 with a second homokaryotic line culture. Additionally, mushrooms, parts of the culture and products incorporating the culture of the invention are provided.

Abstract: A milking system for milking a dairy animal includes a milking cup having a first milk outflow opening, a measuring chamber having a milk inlet which is in flow communication with the first milk outflow opening, with a second milk outflow opening to a milk hose, and with a vacuum connection, and a level sensor for measuring a milk level in the measuring chamber. The milking system further includes a controllable valve having an adjustable passage opening, which is provided in or downstream of the second milk outflow opening, and a control unit which is operatively connected to the level sensor and the valve, and which control unit is configured to adjust the passage opening of the valve on the basis of the measured milk level.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to support transport of a pet in a self-contained expandable carrier. In some examples, the carrier may be worn by a user to support the pet in a proximate location. A pet carrier which may be worn may provide comfort to pet owners while they travel.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus including a feed hopper defining an interior for receiving a quantity of feed, an upper opening and a lower feed discharge opening. A feed shelf may be located below the feed hopper and have an upper feed support surface with at least a portion of the upper feed support surface being located directly below the feed discharge opening of the feed hopper. A feed trough may be located toward the bottom of the apparatus below the feed hopper and below the feed shelf, and form a lower feed support surface upon which feed falling from the hopper and shelf rests. A feed shelf movement assembly may be configured to permit a feeding animal to move the feed shelf from a location adjacent to the lower feed support surface of the feed trough.

Abstract: A feeder for pigs as they grow continually from weanling size to finisher pig size includes a trough and a shelf with a water pipe located underneath the shelf with a plurality of water dispensing nipples operable by the pigs to dispense water downwardly into the trough for mixing with feed in the trough. The shelf is fixed in height at a common height for use by the pigs both as weanling size and as they grow to finisher size so that it is not adjustable to accommodate growth. This is obtained by selecting the dimensions of the height of the shelf relative to the water nipples and the side walls and the shape of the shelf to allow the required access.

Abstract: A pet water dispenser may be configured such that water may fall or may flow along a surface. Such a pet water dispenser may include a water tank, a pump, a water supply pipe connected to the pump, and a water supply hole communicating with the water supply pipe. A water supply plate having an upper surface over which water supplied from the water supply hole flows and a plate support supporting the water supply plate to be above the water tank. The plate support may be an inclined surface or a vertical surface. When a large amount of water is pumped from the pump, water may drop directly from an edge of the water supply plate through a water guide back into the water tank. When a small amount of water is pumped, water may flow along an outer circumferential surface of the plate support to the water guide.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser may include a tank having a bottom plate, an inner assembly detachably coupled to the tank and containing a pump, and a docking station provided below the bottom plate that receives external power. A wireless power receiver may be provided above the bottom plate and may be electrically connected to a wireless power transmitter provided below the bottom plate. A supply plate may coupled to a supply pipe that supplies liquid pumped from the pump, and liquid falling from the supply plate may be guided back to the tank via a liquid guide. The docking station may apply external power to the pump via the wireless power transmitter and receiver.