Abstract: The present invention relates to a plough device (100) and a method for ploughing a ground (120). A rotatable first plate-like cutting element (102) having a circumferential first cutting edge (103) is arranged on a support structure (101) and is designed such that when the support structure (101) is moved on the ground (120) along a ploughing direction (110), a side region (202) of a soil ridge (201) of the ground (120) can be cut by means of a first cutting region (104) of the first cutting edge (103).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural soil cultivation unit having at least two rows of soil working tools that are fastened to a tool carrying frame that is pivotably supported about a horizontal frame pivot axis at a machine frame supported by a chassis on the ground and liftable by a lifting apparatus into a headland position and/or transport position. It is therefore proposed in accordance with an aspect of the invention to change the working depth setting of the soil working tool rows relative to one another online in working operation to hereby be able to react to changing soil conditions in working operation and to be able to mutually compensate resulting side forces of the soil working tools.

Abstract: An agricultural work system for the optimization of operating parameters, with at least one agricultural work machine having a work unit for carrying out or supporting agricultural work. The agricultural work machine has a driver assistance system for detecting, processing and outputting data relating to an agricultural work order. The driver assistance system is configured to detect a plurality of operating parameters and to allow the operator to rank the detected operating parameters or operating parameter sets with a plurality of different detected operating parameters. Individual ranked operating parameters or sets of operating parameters or all of the ranked operating parameters or sets of operating parameters are retrievably filed in a data pool, and the operating parameters are submitted based on ranking to an algorithm for generating optimized operating parameters for adjustment of the agricultural work machine and/or of the at least one work unit.

Abstract: A combine harvester comprising a controller, at least one first sensor adapted to measure a first parameter related to soil deformation, and at least one second sensor adapted to measure a second parameter related to wheel slip. The first sensor is adapted to provide a first output to the controller. The second sensor is adapted to provide a second output to the controller. The controller is configured to determine a ground bearing capacity based on a combination of the first output and the second output.

Abstract: The invention involves a growing medium cutting tool that, in exemplary embodiments, includes a handle fixedly and distally connected a hollow incising body via a vertical shaft. The growing medium cutting tool is a unitary apparatus with no moving parts, and the hollow incising body defines a cavity completely devoid of any internal structures. The hollow incising body also has a pointed perimeter on its bottom edge useful for penetrating the growing medium. The growing medium cutting tool provides simple, effective, and inexpensive relief to gardeners who need to quickly and precisely create a hole within a growing medium.

Abstract: A seed depth device for an agricultural planter includes an electric motor. The seed depth device also includes an actuator driven by the electric motor and arranged to move to a home position. The seed depth device further includes a first stop proximate to the actuator when in the home position. The seed depth device yet further includes at least one controller including a computing processor and a computer readable storage medium configured to control the electric motor. The seed depth device also includes a seed depth auto-learn system at least in-part stored and executed by the at least one controller, the seed depth auto-learn system configured to learn the home position based at least in-part on the actuator stalling upon the first stop, wherein the seed depth auto-learn system is configured to move the actuator a prescribed distance away from the first stop to establish the home position.

Abstract: A robotic lawnmower system, comprising a charging station comprising a controller said controller being configured to associate a time slot for use to transmit a guide signal, and a robotic lawnmower, wherein said controller is configured to detect if a guide cable is connected to the charging station or not, and if not, allot said associated time slot to another use.

Abstract: A green area maintenance system includes a motor scythe, a scythe position determining device for determining scythe position coordinates, and a position recording device. The scythe position determining device is attached to the motor scythe. The position recording device is designed for recording a series of scythe position coordinates of a delimiting border while the motor scythe is being guided together with the scythe position determining device along the delimiting border of an area to be maintained.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-tiered line trimmer and shredder apparatus using a number of individual pre-molded or pre-cut nail head string lines. Whenever the engine or motor is running, the apparatus rotates the nail head string lines generating cutting power designed to utilize multiple functions, such as trimming grass or weeds, clearing vegetation by shredding or mulching it, or removing snow. The apparatus consists of a base, cylindrical body, nail head string lines, and cover. The base attaches to a drive shaft or directly to an engine or motor. The cylindrical body is hollow, has holes throughout its wall that may be the same or variable sizes. The nail head string lines are inserted into the holes. The cover is used to cover the cylinder body, and to secure the “nail head” portion of the nail head string lines within the cylindrical body while the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: A cutter blade for a mower is provided with: a blade base part; a cutting part positioned further outward radially than the blade base part; a descending part formed between the blade base part and the cutting part; and a curved part formed so as to curve upward from the cutting part. The descending part and the curved part have an intersection part at which an end of the descending part in the counter-rotating direction and a radially inner end of the curved part intersect.

Abstract: A forage harvester configured for chopping harvested crops and producing a stream of chopped crop material. The harvester includes a rotatable blower drum mounted in a blower housing, for propelling the stream of crop material into an outlet duct of the harvester. The blower drum has an open structure which allows a flow of air in the axial direction of the drum. The blower drum is mounted between two sidewalls of the blower housing, at least one of the sidewalls comprising one or more air inlet openings. The harvester further includes at least one set of axial flow turbine blades, mounted between the blower drum and one or both of the sidewalls of the blower housing, the blades being rotatable about the blower drum's rotation axis.

Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus is arranged to direct material to a container. A controller determines a build-up speed of the material in the container; in accordance with the determined build-up speed, determine a rate of change to be applied when setting an attribute of at least one of the unloading apparatus and container; and set an attribute of at least one of the unloading apparatus and container in accordance with the determined rate of change in order to direct the material from the unloading apparatus to the container.

Abstract: A rotary sieve cleaning shoe including a housing containing one or more rotary sieves, each sieve with a longitudinal axis and the housing is mounted to a combine harvester, by an actuator which is configured to vary the angle between the plane of the combine harvester and the longitudinal axis of at least one rotary sieve.

Abstract: A rotary sieve cleaning shoe having at least one rotary sieve, generally cylindrical and arranged to rotate around a longitudinal axis, and having an inner sieve and an outer sieve, each with holes, and one of the inner and outer sieves is longitudinally movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the other of the inner or outer sieve where the overlap between the holes varies such that the apparent size of a hole, corresponding to the overlap, through the rotary sieve is varied correspondingly.

Abstract: A rotary sieve cleaning shoe for cleaning grain, having at least one rotary sieve with a generally cylindrical volume arranged to rotate around a longitudinal axis and having at least one beater bar within the cylinder which remains stationary when the rotary sieve rotates.

Abstract: A baling machine including a bale-forming chamber for receiving plant matter and forming it into a bale. The bale-forming chamber includes one or more rotatable, bale-forming rollers and a feed mechanism for feeding a flexible wrapping material into the bale-forming chamber for wrapping a bale therein. The baling machine further includes an acoustic or vibration sensor that is configured for generating an output. The acoustic or vibration sensor generates an output signal that is characteristic of operation of the baling machine while wrapping material is being fed into the bale-forming chamber. The status of the output signal indicates whether the wrapping material is being wrapped onto the bale or around the one or more rotatable, bale-forming rollers.

Abstract: A crop cutting device including knives pivotally mounted below a crop guiding surface. Each knife is pivotable between a retracted position in which it is located below the guiding surface and an extended position. At least a cutting edge of the knife projects above the surface. A selector mechanism selectively holds spring loaded parts of operating members to maintain the corresponding knife in its retracted inoperative position while the operating member is moved to its second position. The selector mechanism includes a shaft carrying a plurality of cam elements which are mounted on the shaft and arranged to be moved to a position for blocking a respective spring loaded part upon rotation of the shaft from a non-holding to a holding position.

Abstract: In a method and device for cultivating a crop cultivation takes place in an at least substantially daylight-free, climate-conditioned cultivation space. The cultivation space extends between a first side and an opposite second side, wherein the crop is exposed to photosynthetically active radiation from an array of spatially separated artificial light sources. An airflow is guided over the crop from the first side to the second side. The artificial light sources are spatially distributed over the crop. Downstream light sources of the array of light sources produce a higher dosage of photosynthetically active radiation than light sources located further upstream as seen in the flow direction of the airflow guided over the crop.

Abstract: A lighting array for providing artificial light include a square or rectangular frame on which a plurality of chip on board (COB) units are mounted. Each COB units includes a light emitting diode (LED) element. The COB units are mounted in an arrangement of columns and rows, where there are an odd number of columns defined, and COB units on odd numbered columns do not share rows with COB units positioned on even numbered columns. The arrangement achieves a greater uniformity of light intensity over a given growing area compared to conventional lighting systems, at similar light output levels.

Abstract: A plant growing structure (100) designed to enhance the root quality, quantity, and architecture of plants grown in plant containers or in the ground is constructed from a plurality of support walls (200). The plant growing structure (100) enhances air circulation to the plant root system (20) to increase root growth and plant productivity. Channels (230) within the support walls (200) are designed with physical structures and materials that be adapted to address issues with aeration, infiltration, drainage, soil structure, root growth, plant nutrient uptake, plant pests and diseases, growing medium moisture, and growing medium microbial content. A liquid permeable drain platform (900) controls the amount and duration of water storage in the growing medium (50). The liquid permeable drain platform (900) may be used as a standalone device or in conjunction with the plant growing structure (100).

Abstract: A horticultural lighting apparatus includes a housing; a blue-light emitting element; an emissive layer in optical communication with the blue-light emitting element, the emissive layer includes a polymer material and a population of quantum dots dispersed within the polymer material capable of absorbing blue light and emitting light having wavelengths in the red and far-red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum; a brightness enhancing film in optical communication with the blue-light emitting element and emissive layer; and a protective cover layer. The protective cover layer and housing isolates the blue-light emitting element, emissive layer and brightness enhancing film from the external environment. Methods of growing plants include illuminating a plant with a horticultural lighting apparatus according the present disclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cutting system includes a wheel, a tooth and a fastener. The wheel has a hub, a periphery, a side that extends from the hub to the periphery, and a receiver located on the wheel's side. The hub has a longitudinal axis about which the wheel may rotate, and the receiver includes a bearing surface. The tooth is mounted to the wheel's receiver and includes a blade and a mount. The blade cuts material when the wheel rotates about the hub's longitudinal axis and the blade contacts the material. The mount couples the blade to the wheel's receiver. The mount includes a first interface where the blade couples with the mount, and a second interface where the mount couples with the wheel's receiver. The mount's second interface is configured to mimic and nest with the wheel's receiver and includes a bearing surface that transmits to the bearing surface of the wheel's receiver loads that the material exerts on the blade while the blade cuts the material.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, compositions, products, and processes that utilize bioceramics in traditional agricultural and hydroponic systems. The bioceramics are utilized in powder form, as films, as aerosols, as water based treatment systems, or in solid forms. The methods and bioceramic compositions described here are also used for growing a Cannabis plant. One or more cannabinoids within the plant can be used in therapeutic compositions for the treatment of glaucoma, AIDS wasting syndrome, neuropathic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and certain seizure disorders.

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 caused by the temperature of the liquid in the drip irrigation tube. The emitter (120) of the present invention is disposed on an inner wall of a tube (110) including a discharge port (112), for regulating discharge of irrigation liquid from an inside of the tube (110) to an outside of the tube (110) via the discharge port (112). The emitter (120) includes an intake portion; a regulating unit; a discharge portion; and a flow path. The regulating unit includes: a recess; and a film. The film is fixed in a state of covering an inner space of the recess, and a region of the film covering the inner space of the recess is a diaphragm portion.

Abstract: The present system identifies leaks in irrigation systems by monitoring the overall flow at an irrigation system valve. The system may monitor typical flow rates and may send a signal to shut off an irrigation system valve if an unexpected or excessive flow rate is detected. The present technology can be used in traditional sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and other irrigation systems.

Abstract: A method of plant-initiated, cognitive watering is provided, which includes providing first a sensor(s) to ascertain water content within a xylem of a root of a first plant to determine tensile stress on a first root wall of the first plant, and a second sensor(s) to determine water content within a xylem of a root of a second plant to determine tensile stress on a second root wall of the second plant. Further, the method includes operatively coupling the first and second sensors to a control to determine whether the tensile stress on the first root wall reaches a specified threshold, and to determine whether tensile stress on the second root wall correlates to there being excess water content in soil in a region of the second plant, and if so, initiating, via the control, moving water from the region of the second plant to soil round the first plant.

Abstract: A plant watering assembly for retaining water around a plant includes a canister that is positionable around a plant. The canister is comprised of a fluid impermeable material thereby facilitating a fluid to be poured therein. Thus, the canister retains the fluid around the plant for nourishing the plant. The canister has a plurality of spikes thereon and each of the spikes pierces ground when the canister is positioned around the plant. In this way the spikes inhibit the canister from being displaced.

Abstract: A plant cultivation system includes at least one plant support staircase comprising a plurality of distinct individual plant receptacles including a zenith plant receptacle and a nadir plant receptacle, with each plant receptacle comprising a water basin. The plant receptacles descend from the zenith plant receptacle to the nadir plant receptacle, and are horizontally stepped so that each plant in receptacle is vertically unobstructed by each ascendingly adjacent plant receptacle. The plant receptacles are configured so that water supplied to a zenith basin cascades down the plant support staircase through descendingly adjacent basins toward a nadir basin, The plant staircase(s) may be disposed in an enclosure that can be closed to exclude external light, with at least one light source disposed in the enclosure. Specific light sets may be arranged in registration with particular plant receptacles. A reservoir and pump may supply water to the zenith basin(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to an irrigation system for hydroponic crops, of the type used in growing tanks (1) containing a nutrient solution, and which is formed by a grid (2) partially submerged in the nutrient solution of the growing tank (1), the grid (2) being formed by straight channels (3) separated from each other by adjacent cells (4) in which the plants to be grown are arranged, said cells being connected to the channels (3) and/or to each other, the channels (3) having a cross section in the shape of an inverted U. The system comprises at least one irrigation emitter (5) disposed in a channel (3) of the grid, the emitter (5) being configured to emit a volume of nutrient solution into the nutrient solution contained in the tank (1) or onto the surface (10) of same. The invention also relates to an irrigation method.

Abstract: A vertical growing system includes a nutrient cap and a base that removably support a grow tower formed from a pipe with a number of grow pockets adhered to the pipe. The roots of plants in the grow pockets extend inside the pipe, where they are hydrated by irrigation fluid flowing from the cap, through the pipe, through the base, and into a reservoir or collection system. A user can easily install and remove the pipe without having to remove the cap or base. The cap contains nutrient media, such as charged biochar and coarse sand, that supplies nutrients to the irrigation fluid as it percolates through the cap. A 4-tower embodiment included four grow towers above a reservoir. A submersible pump supplies irritation fluid from the reservoir to the nutrient caps. A central light rotates to illuminate the plants in light-dark cycles.

Abstract: A growing system is provided that includes a rotomolded chassis that defines (i) an “interior” where plants are/may be located, and (ii) an “exterior” that at least partially defines a perimeter around the interior. The chassis generally includes stacking elements which allow one chassis to be stacked one upon the other. The disclosed growing system also generally includes (i) means for delivering liquid into the chassis, (ii) means for draining liquid from the chassis, and (iii) means for supporting plants that is conducive to their growing within the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the competitive fitness of an organism hemizygous for a transgenic locus compared to the organism homozygous for the transgenic locus comprising the steps of: (a) reducing the expression of a haploinsufficient gene in the organism, wherein said reduction is conveyed by a transgenic locus in the organism; and (b) rescuing the reduced expression in the organism, wherein said rescue is conveyed by the same transgenic locus in the organism, yielding an organism which is less competitively fit if hemizygous for the transgenic locus than if homozygous for the transgenic locus.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to chimeric pepper plants that produce pepper fruit having a yellow and red striped color, and to seeds that produce the chimeric pepper plants. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of generating and selecting chimeric pepper plants that produce pepper fruit having a yellow and red striped color, as well as methods of limiting propagation of off-type pepper plant progeny that produce pepper fruit of a single color.

Abstract: The application relates to the field of plant breeding, in particular watermelon breeding. Provided are diploid watermelon plants (and seeds from which these plants can be grown) which produce small, diploid, red watermelon fruits. Also provided are small, diploid watermelon fruits having an average weight of less than 0.9 kg and containing tomato-seed size seeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to sesame genetics and breeding. Specifically, the invention relates to genetic improvement for shatter resistant capsules. More specifically, the invention relates to novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring shatter resistant capsules, and methods thereof, including methods for introgressing the novel QTL into elite germplasm in a breeding program for shatter resistant capsules.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to providing a continuous, autonomous monitoring system of environmental parameters, harmful gases and greenhouse gases in animal stables. A network of internet-of-things (IoT) sensors can be installed in a stable that produce alarm signals in case of danger or if predetermined threshold values are exceeded. The sensors work continuously and communicate through different wireless protocols with a dedicated cloud platform. The cloud platform stores the values received by the various sensor units and transmitted via dedicated monitoring devices and elaborates them applying data analysis processes.

Abstract: A system and method for thermally exchanging heat between waste air being expelled from a poultry barn and fresh outside/outdoor ambient air being introduced into the poultry barn.

Abstract: A pet waste machine configured to capture animal information and dispose of animal waste. The pet waste machine includes a flat surface configured to receive pet waste, wherein a roll of pads is disposed upon the flat surface. A supply housing for holding a fresh supply of pad rolls which is connected to the waste station. A take-up assembly, which is connected to an end of the pet waste machine, is configured to dispose soiled pads by rolling up and sealing the soiled portion of the pad. A control and drive module is connected to the pet waste machine and is configured to detect animal activity. The control and drive module is comprised of an activity sensor. A network connection is connected to the control and drive module and is capable of transmitting data obtained by the pet waste machine.

Abstract: A piece of furniture for pet cats includes an outer frame and an inner house. The outer frame is a polyhedral frame structure. The inner house is fixedly suspended in the outer frame by a plurality of connection members. The inner house is provided with at least one entrance. According to the pet furniture for cats with this structure, the pet cat can jump and play between the outer frame and the inner house. Further, when the pet cat climbs on the outer surface of the inner house or slaps on the outer surface of the inner house with the cat's claw, the inner house will shake due to an external force, so the pet cat and receive the response and have more fun in playing.

Abstract: A movable automatic feeding device according to an embodiment includes: a body to form an outer appearance which includes an upper housing and a lower housing; a terminal mounting unit formed in the upper housing; a first interface unit which is a wired port disposed near the terminal mounting unit; a moving module provided with wheels disposed on the bottom surface of the lower housing and a drive motor to rotate the wheels; a feeding module which includes a feed container disposed in the upper housing and a feed discharge unit to discharge feed stored in the feed container; and a battery to supply electric power to the moving module and the feeding module.

Abstract: A method, control unit and system for group feeding animals in a herd with different feeding groups based on an estimated energy need, where each respective feeding group has feed having different energy content, and where a control unit identifies an animal in a first feeding group, determines a Body Condition Score (BCS) of the animal, defines a position in lactation cycle of the animal, compares the BCS with a reference value corresponding to the position, and confirms that the animal is able to assimilate the feed and is kept in the correct feeding group when the determined BCS of the animal is within an interval defined by the reference value minus a first margin and the reference value in addition to a second margin.

Abstract: Livestock feeders are provided. A livestock feeder can include a base, hopper and lid. The livestock feeder is suitable for providing feedstuffs such as nutritional supplements to a livestock animal on a free-choice basis. The livestock feeder can be durable, portable, non-corrosive and is designed to minimize spillage of feedstuffs and resist tipping over. The livestock feeder can be constructed from a molded polyethylene material.

Abstract: Paw-wear for clawed animals and methods of fitting the paw-wear to the clawed animals. The paw-wear includes a sole and an upper. The sole includes an outer sole surface and an inner sole surface. The upper is shaped to at least partially surround the paw and to selectively retain the paw-wear on the paw. In some examples, the upper is configured to transition between a fitted configuration and an unfitted configuration. When in the fitted configuration, the upper is shaped to at least partially surround the paw and to retain the paw-wear on the paw. When in the unfitted configuration, the upper is shaped to permit the paw to engage the inner sole surface without surrounding the paw or retaining the paw in the paw-wear. In some examples, claws of the paw are exposed when the upper at least partially surrounds the paw and retains the paw-wear on the paw.

Abstract: An animal garment comprising a central portion including a front end configured to be proximate to the head, a rear end, a first side extending laterally in a first direction, and a second side extending laterally in a second direction. A first flap extends from the central portion, the first side, the second side, or a combination thereof, and a second flap extends from the central portion, the first side, the second side, or a combination thereof. The first side, the first flap, the second side and the second flap are configured to extend around the mid-body of the animal and form a shape conforming to the outside of the mid-body of the animal when the garment is worn. The garment is configured to apply pressure to the animal to reduce anxiety, fearfulness, overexcitement, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An animal restraint is disclosed for mitigating collar trauma to critical neck structures of an animal. The animal restraint includes a track housing defining an exterior surface and an interior surface. A plurality of loops are positioned on the exterior surface of the track housing. A strap is threaded through the loops, and is adapted to slide around the exterior surface of the track housing from a pulling force on the animal restraint. The strap includes a leash attachment ring adapted for attachment to a leash. Impact resistant padding is attached to the interior surface of the track housing, and the sliding movement of the strap maintains a proper positioning of the impact resistant padding over corresponding anatomical neck structures of an animal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a light up buckle for use with a dog collar. This buckle design comprises a Plastic Computer Board (PCB) which incorporates LED's, a mini-USB port, a switch and a rechargeable battery. The lithium-ion battery is housed within the buckle assembly and is protected from water by means of rubber seals when the buckle is in the closed or locked position. The main components are molded from translucent plastic, to allow the LED's to illuminate the assembly when switched on. There are multiple settings for the LED's to allow for a steady illumination or various flashing/pulsing settings. The buckle is intended for illumination at night to aid the visibility of an owner's canine that wears the buckle on the collar. The buckle can be fitted onto a collar strap or body harness and so has multiple uses and applications. The buckle design is rounded and has smooth edges to ensure no discomfort is experienced by the canine.

Abstract: A pet step for helping domestic pets move between surfaces of different elevations, including a unitary component having a top surface and a bottom surface that are connected by a scalloped-like sidewall.

Abstract: A data collection system (1) for monitoring the behaviour and states of a plurality of animals (2) comprises providing the animals (2) with respective monitoring devices (4) for monitoring the behaviour and states of the animals (2). A drone (7) comprising a mobile data collection device (5) secured thereto is configured to fly past the animals (2) at predefined data collection time intervals, typically of six hourly intervals. Each mobile data collection device (5) comprises a first secondary communications module (15) for wirelessly communicating with a second secondary communications module (32) located in the respective monitoring devices (4) for uploading data indicative of the behaviour and states of the animals (2) to a microcontroller (8) in the mobile data collection device (5). The uploaded data indicative of the behaviour and states of the respective animals (2) is written to and stored in a primary memory (17) of the mobile data collection device (5).