Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of farming operations used in the production of sown crops. In the proposed method for cultivating sown crops, all bar none of the technological operations which are carried out in the field, beginning from pre-sowing preparation and ending with the gathering of a harvest, make use of a self-propelled power-operated technological device capable of functioning on tires having a super-low pressure of 5-60 kPa and/or with a pressure on the ground of less than 60 kPa. The proposed method is realized with the aid of a transport and technological system primarily for farming purposes, that utilizes a self-propelled power-operated vehicle on tires of super-low pressure operating among others at a pressure of 5 to 60 kPa and/or exerting a pressure of less than 60 kPa on the soil. This vehicle is equipped with a discharging device and/or a lifting device.

Abstract: A hitch device for an implement is capable of being mounted on an agricultural vehicle, including: a first chassis extending in a vertical plane, the normal to which is substantially the direction of travel of the hitch; a second chassis also extending in the vertical plane and mounted with capacity for translational movement on the first chassis in the transverse direction with respect to the direction of travel of the hitch; an actuator causing the translational movement of the second chassis with respect to the first chassis; an attachment device for fixing the first chassis to the rear of the agricultural vehicle; and a system for attaching an agricultural implement, the system allowing the implement to pivot about the vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for adjustably controlling the position and depth of row closer wheels in no-till planting applications, the apparatus comprising a frame, a piston movably secured at the top to the frame, upper and lower parallel arms disposed about the piston and movably secured at one end to the frame and at the other end to a hub stem, and a set of piston arms each movably secured at the top to one of the upper or lower parallel arms and at the other end to the bottom of the piston. A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and a set of closing wheels pivotally mounted to a lever on a single axle assembly allows the operator to change the angle at which the closing wheels intersect the ground surface during use. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed for adjusting a seed depth associated with depositing a seed within a furrow in a field during a planting operation of an agricultural implement. The method may include determining, by a computing device, a target seed depth based on a moisture content of the soil within the field; sensing, by the computing device, a seed depth parameter indicative of a seed depth of the seed relative to a ground surface of the field; comparing, by the computing device, the seed depth parameter to a target seed depth parameter that describes the target seed depth; and initiating, by the computing device, a control action configured to adjust the seed depth parameter towards the target seed depth parameter.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the speed of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow closing assembly configured to close a furrow formed in the soil by the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of an operational parameter of the furrow closing assembly. Additionally, the system may include an implement-based controller supported on the seed-planting implement and being communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the implement-based controller may be configured to initiate control of a drive parameter of a work vehicle configured to tow the seed-planting implement based on sensor data received from the sensor in a manner that adjusts the speed of the seed-planting implement.

Abstract: An agricultural distribution device for spreading granular material to be distributed such as seed, fertilizer or the like is disclosed. The distribution device has a frame with at least one storage container for material to be distributed mounted thereon and a tool bar having a toolbar center section and toolbar wings pivotally mounted on opposite ends thereof and a plurality of row units mounted on the tool bar center section and each of the toolbar wings. The toolbar wings are pivotable between working and transport positions. In the working position the toolbar wings extend generally in longitudinal alignment with the center section. In the transport position the toolbar wings are pivoted about a pivoting angle of more than 90° and up to 180° with at least a portion of each toolbar wing or any row units attached thereto supported above the at least one storage container.

Abstract: An agricultural implement controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of at least one image of a field and to determine a crop residue mass map of the field based on the at least one image. In addition, the agricultural implement controller is configured to receive a second signal indicative of a position of an agricultural tillage implement within the field and to determine a target penetration depth, a target downforce, a target speed, or a combination thereof, of at least one ground engaging tool based on the crop residue mass map of the field and the position of the agricultural tillage implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement controller is configured to output a third signal indicative of instructions to control at least one actuator coupled to the at least one ground engaging tool based on the target penetration depth, the target downforce, the target speed, the combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention involves an adjustment mechanism for seed or grain drill planters which allows for the adjustment of the camber and/or toe of individual coulters on the planter.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed for adjusting a seed depth associated with depositing a seed within a furrow in a field during a planting operation of an agricultural implement. The method may include sensing, by a computing device, a seed depth parameter indicative of a seed depth of the seed relative to a ground surface of the field; comparing, by the computing device, the seed depth parameter to a target seed depth parameter, the target seed depth parameter describing a target seed depth; and initiating, by the computing device, a control action configured to adjust the seed depth parameter towards the target seed depth parameter.

Abstract: A planting system and method for planting multiple seed varieties includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. The seed meters are selectively operated at a time to plant a seed variety associated with the meter being operated. The determination of the seed meter used is based, in part, upon the location of the planter in the field. A cleanout system removes any unplanted seed before a different variety of seed is to be planted based upon an updated location.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system for controlling the operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement. The system may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a furrow closing assembly including at least one closing disc, with the furrow closing assembly configured to close a furrow formed in the soil by the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of an operational parameter of the furrow closing assembly and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the operational parameter based on the data received from the sensor, the controller further configured to control an operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored operational parameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle platform comprises a central body that can support one or more implement configurations, such as sprayer booms, or planting row units. A plurality of adjustable legs extends downward from the central body. Each adjustable leg has a corresponding leg actuator to adjust a respective vertical height of each adjustable leg. Each adjustable leg supports the central body.

Abstract: A spreader for spreading particulate material has a plurality of outlets transversely spaced-apart in a direction perpendicular to a direction of travel of the spreader. The outlets are configured to receive the material from a metering device and to dispense an amount of the material to mid-rows between crop rows on a field such that the plurality of outlets dispenses half the amount of material to an outermost mid-row compared to the amount of material dispensed to the other mid-rows. Also, the metering device may have two metering elements, which may be controlled to meter the material to only one side of the spreader. A centrally located outlet situated on a driving line of the spreader may receive material from both metering elements so that the centrally located nozzle can dispense the material whenever one or the other side of the spreader is not dispensing material.

Abstract: A mower including a handle assembly, a grip moveable relative to the handle assembly, a sensor operable to generate an output signal based on a position of the grip relative to the handle assembly, a drive assembly, and a controller coupled to the sensor and the drive assembly. The controller receives the output signal and controls the drive assembly according to the output signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the performance of ground engaging components of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging component configured to rotate relative to soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a rotational speed of the ground engaging component. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the rotational speed of the ground engaging component based on measurement signals received from the sensor and compare the monitored rotational speed to a baseline rotational speed value. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate a control action when it is determined that the monitored rotational speed has crossed the baseline rotational speed value a threshold number of times during a given time interval.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a housing having a rear hood and defining an interior, a blower for generating an air stream in a substantially rearward direction, and a cleaning system separating residue from a crop material such that the residue is transported via the air stream rearwardly to be discharged from the housing. A chopper rotor assembly is disposed within the interior below the rear hood and includes a chopper rotor having a plurality of blades for chopping the residue as it is received via the air stream. A chopper housing is disposed within the interior and defines an inlet of the chopper rotor for receiving the residue and an outlet spaced rearward from the chopper rotor for discharge of the chopped residue from the interior of the housing. An air gap through which the air stream may exit the interior is defined between the rear hood and chopper rotor.

Abstract: A mower sprayer attachment apparatus for simultaneous mowing and spraying includes a tank mount comprising a plurality of support arms configured to couple to a deck of a mower and a platform coupled to the plurality of support arms. A storage tank is coupled to the tank mount. A pump is coupled to the deck of the mower and has an intake port, a discharge port, and a drive wheel. The intake port is linked to the storage tank by an intake hose. The drive wheel powers the pump to draw a liquid, pressurize said liquid and expel it through the discharge port. A belt is coupled to the drive wheel and is configured to couple to a drive shaft of the mower to rotate the drive wheel. A spray apparatus is coupled to the discharge port and releases the liquid on each side of the mower.

Abstract: The invention comprises a first and a second spiral sweeper. The first sweeper is laid down diagonally in front of the tractor and sweeps fruits away from the front of the tractor and directs them towards a second spiral sweeper also arranged diagonally so that both spiral sweepers form a “V” pattern which drives the fruits towards a low riding section of a conveyor belt which extends onto a rising section, which then drops the fruits into a bin. The apparatus is attached to a standard three-pint hitch at the rear of the tractor which provides the hydraulic power to drive the brushes and pistons, while a power take-off provides power for the conveyor and an optional blower. The apparatus is also attached by way of an attachment bracket to the front of the tractor.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds into contact with stator bars at angularly spaced positions around the axis of the rotor. The stator bars are formed from bent sheet metal which are L-shaped or U-shaped in cross-section to define a first leg lying in a cylindrical surface surrounding the axis of the rotor and a second leg extending outwardly from the cylindrical surface connected to the first leg at an apex at a leading end of the first leg relative to the direction of rotation of the rotor. When U-shaped, the bars are symmetrical and can be reversed when the second leg is worn for extended life.

Abstract: A self-sharpening knife used inside an agricultural machine to cut and mix balls of hay or other food destined for animals consumption. The knife comprises a generally triangular steel plate whose base is right or rounded. The base is provided with a series of teeth, each of the teeth includes a pastille made of a material harder than steel and self-sharpening. The pastilles end by a cutting edge having a contour which forms the cutting edge of a tooth. The width of a pastille exceeds that of the steel and ends in a point which becomes round over cuts because of wear. The pastilles wearing out less quickly than steel thus causing that over cuts the width of the pastilles will always exceed the width of the steel. The pastilles cut until all their length and width are worn. The material of the pastille can be carbide or diamond.

Abstract: A method for illuminating plants and/or planting beds with a mobile light system may include moving the light system toward the plant as a function of a movement time plan. The method may further include irradiating the plant by means of the mobile light system. The mobile light system may include at least one radiation source for irradiating at least one plant and a holding device having at least one drive for changing position. The drive and the radiation source(s) may be controllable by means of a control unit.

Abstract: Embodiments include method, systems, and computer program products for felling a tree. The method includes scanning, using a processor, a tree and an environment within a predetermined radius around the tree. The processor calculates an approximate center of gravity (CoG) for the tree in response to the scanning of the tree. The processor further receives a desired tree fall direction. The processor further provides attachment locations on the tree for attaching one or more tree felling assistance devices. The processor further instructs each of the one or more tree felling assistance devices to apply a first force to the tree in which the first force applied by each of the one or more tree felling assistance devices in conjunction with one or more cuts applied to the tree, fells the tree.

Abstract: A plant container conditioning system is provided including a growing pot having a top, bottom, sides and inner volume enabled to support and grow a plant. A cover is provided and enabled to completely contain a plant growing pot. A growing medium is contained within the pot and at least one layer of mulch, at least one layer of fertilizer and at least one layer of compost is applied on top of the growing medium in the pot. wherein at the end of a growing cycle of the plant, the at least one layers of the mulch, fertilizer and compost is applied on top of the growing medium, the cover is placed over the pot and secured around the bottom surface, the pot and cover then remains outdoors for a time period between three and seven months.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for irrigating lands are disclosed. In one example, an irrigation system is disclosed. The irrigation system includes a gate and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The gate is configured for adjusting a water flow for irrigating a piece of land. The MCU is configured for controlling the gate to adjust the water flow based on environmental information related to the piece of land.

Abstract: An irrigation control system is described for optimizing water used for growing crops. The irrigation control system uses a moisture sensor to measure soil moisture by measuring directly the relative phase velocities of different modes of propagation along a metallic structure mounted to a dielectric substrate. The average phase velocity is a function of the water content of the soil. The water content measurement is then transmitted to a central controller which then, through a set of heuristic algorithms, regulates the water distributed to the soil in a spatial and temporal manner.

Abstract: Hydroponics plant collars including a body defining a thickness, a center, and a periphery,a slot extending from the periphery and generally toward the center, a terminus of the slot and a surface thereof, and two opposing slot surfaces which define smooth plant contact portions thereof and which are spaced apart from one another whereby the body distributes forces acting on the hydroponics plant collar and on a plant to be in the slot, and metallic nanospheres dispersed throughout the body.

Abstract: An method of generating and selecting mutant Cannabis plants through mutagenesis of isolated Cannabis plant cells includes subjecting plant parts of one or more Cannabis plants to a pectinase treatment to obtain living cells of the one or more Cannabis plants, suspending the living cells in a mutagenic solution comprising methane sulfonate (EMS) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to obtain mutated Cannabis cells, centrifuging the mutated Cannabis cells to obtain pelleted cells, and providing the pelleted cells on culture media.

Abstract: A method for generating new varieties of Cannabis plants with modified growth and cannabinoid phytochemical profiles includes subjecting plant parts of one or more Cannabis plants to pectinase digestion to release plant cells, centrifuging the released plant cells to obtain pelleted cells, and providing the pelleted cells on culture media. The pelleted cells are plated on a first culture media, which is a Murashige and Skoog or Gamborg B5 callus culture media.

Abstract: A Lantana plant designated ‘LANZ0026’ is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of Lantana ‘LANZ0026’, plants of Lantana ‘LANZ0026’, to plant parts of Lantana ‘LANZ0026’, and methods for producing a Lantana plant produced by crossing Lantana ‘LANZ0026’ with itself or with another Lantana variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a Lantana plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and transgenic Lantana plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to Lantana varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from Lantana ‘LANZ0026’, methods for producing other Lantana lines or plant parts derived from Lantana ‘LANZ0026’, and the Lantana plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid Lantana seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing Lantana ‘LANZ0026’ with another Lantana variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel romaine lettuce cultivar, designated CVX576-1. CVX576-1 is described as a vigorous romaine cultivar and recommended for the main lettuce growing regions of California and Arizona. It has thick glossy leaves somewhat yellowish in color. This invention thus relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar CVX576-1, to the plants of lettuce cultivar CVX576-1, to plant parts of lettuce cultivar CVX576-1, to methods for producing a lettuce cultivar by crossing the lettuce cultivar CVX576-1 with another lettuce cultivar, and to methods for producing a lettuce cultivar containing in its genetic material one or more backcross conversion traits or transgenes and to the backcross conversion lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-801 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-801 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-801 RZ.

Abstract: Novel Diplotaxis tenuifolia, such as Diplotaxis tenuifolia designated RAPIDA is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of Diplotaxis tenuifolia RAPIDA, to the plants and plant parts of Diplotaxis tenuifolia RAPIDA, and to methods for producing a Diplotaxis tenuifolia plant by crossing the Diplotaxis tenuifolia RAPIDA with itself or another Diplotaxis tenuifolia plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a Diplotaxis tenuifolia plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other Diplotaxis tenuifolia plants derived from the Diplotaxis tenuifolia RAPIDA.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid melon variety NUN 68107 MEM as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 68107 MEM is a Piel de Sapo melon variety comprising resistance to Podosphaera xanthii Race 1, Race 2 and Race 5, Aphis gossypii, and Muskmelon Necrotic Spot Virus (MNSV).

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 172290521658 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of soybean 172290521658, the plants of soybean 172290521658, to plant parts of soybean 172290521658, and methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean 172290521658 with itself or with another soybean variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to soybean cultivars, breeding cultivars, plant parts, and cells derived from soybean 172290521658, methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean 172290521658, and the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing 172290521658 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal excreta disposal sheet which has exceptional properties for diffusion of excretory fluid, and with which an absorbent body can be effectively used. This animal excreta disposal sheet (1) includes a liquid-permeable surface sheet (2) that forms a supply surface for the excreta, an absorbent body (3), and an intermediate sheet (4) positioned between the surface sheet (2) and the absorbent body (3), the intermediate sheet (4) having a liquid permeability greater than 0 and less than that of the surface sheet (2).

Abstract: A pet carrier assembly, including: a cage housing adapted to selectively contain a pet; and a lower litter pan adapted to be selectively coupled to and removed from a bottom portion of the cage housing; wherein bottom portion of the cage housing includes a waste grate that forms at least a portion of a floor of the cage housing and is selectively disposed within or adjacent to an interior portion of the lower litter pan with the bottom portion of the cage housing. The pet carrier assembly includes a solid removable floor disposed in the bottom portion of the cage housing and adapted to cover the waste grate, and a seal disposed about a periphery of the removable floor. Optionally, the lower litter pan includes a cut away operable for providing access to an interior portion of the lower litter pan.

Abstract: Insect storage and dispensing system are described. An example system may include a dispensing container including at least one wall defining an interior volume for retaining a plurality of adult insects. The system may also include a piston that extends through a first opening of the dispensing container so as to expose a top face of the piston to the interior volume. Longitudinal movement of the piston toward a second opening of the dispensing container may dispense a portion of the plurality of insects from the dispensing container when the plurality of insects is retained in the dispensing container.

Abstract: A dog feeder that includes a base, a lid, and a coupler. The base includes a left wall and a right wall that extend vertically away from a tray between the left wall and the right wall. The tray is configured to contain dog food. The lid includes a front side and a back side, where the front side includes a protrusion that protrudes outwards away from the back side. The coupler couples the base to the lid such that the lid is capable of swinging between the left wall and the right wall. The protrusion is configured such that when a head of a dog pushes against the protrusion to swing the lid to expose the tray, ears of the dog do not reach an edge of the lid.

Abstract: A system for tracking a location of a movable object can include a tracking device mounted to a collar. The tracking device can be configured to track its location using at least one of a global positioning system signal, a Bluetooth signal, and a Wi-Fi signal. The system can include a middle man charging mechanism. The middle man charging mechanism can be configured to receive electrical energy from a base station charging device. The middle man charging mechanism can be configured to store the received electrical energy. The middle man charging mechanism can be configured to couple to an external charging interface of the tracking device to recharge the battery included in the tracking device while the collar is worn by the movable object. The tracking device can also be configured to transmit information corresponding to the location of the tracking device to an external computing device.

Abstract: A teat opening protection Patch is stuck to portions inclusive of the teat openings of livestock, and includes a laminate 1 of an elastic sheet 2 and an adhesive layer 3 laminated on one surface of the elastic sheet 2, the laminate 1 having a double-stretched tensile stress in a range of 0.1 to 5 N.

Abstract: A sensor positioning system, includes an actuation server for communicating with components of the sensor positioning system. The sensor positioning system additionally includes a first actuation system and a second actuation system, wherein each actuation system includes a pulley system for maneuvering an underwater sensor system. The sensor positioning system includes a dual point attachment bracket that connects through a first line to the first actuation system and connecting through a second line to the second actuation system. The underwater sensor system is affixed to the first pulley system, the second pulley system, and the dual attachment bracket through the first line and the second line.

Abstract: A floating Fishermen's island for growing 10,000 tons of fish and seafood within multiple water-filled ring-tube fishery, including auxiliary fish growing pools and recreation boating, fishing and water sports amenities. The Island comprising equally spaced radial Island member array made of molded plastic emerging from a floating Island center with cylindrical ends pivoted to island center arms-ends and to island outer boat docking segments. Vertical poles extending island radial members supporting walk-over-water fishermen's deck segments above water-filled ring-tube fishery for fishing from fish pools underneath. Connection cable connects each island radial member underneath the ring-tubes, with cable to anchor the island to seabed.

Abstract: This invention includes several variations of a machine for catching small creatures unharmed, particularly small fish and other aquatic creatures. Most embodiments include a hollow container, attached to a specially designed fishing rod via an insulated fishing line containing electrical wires. The user can lower the insulated fishing line into water and wait for a creature to swim into the hollow container, then the user can use electronic controls to remotely snap the hollow container shut, hopefully trapping the creature alive and unharmed within. The invention also makes a fun and interesting tool for children. Embodiments of the invention include the ability to monitor the temperature and other conditions inside the container, and also the ability to communicate remotely with the container, and monitor the conditions therein, through a program downloaded on the user's computer or phone.

Abstract: Provided are non-human animals comprising a mutation in the Fbn1 gene to model neonatal progeroid syndrome with congenital lipodystrophy (NPSCL). Also provided are methods of making such non-human animal models. The non-human animal models can be used for screening compounds for activity in inhibiting or reducing NPSCL or ameliorating NPSCL-like symptoms or screening compounds for activity potentially harmful in promoting or exacerbating NPSCL as well as to provide insights in to the mechanism of NPSCL and potentially new therapeutic and diagnostic targets.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a reel body and a sensor unit. The reel body has a handle configured to be rotated about a handle axis. The sensor unit is attached to the reel body. The sensor unit includes a unit body disposed coaxially with the handle axis, a behavior sensor disposed within the unit body and configured to detect behavior when the reel body is used, and a communicator disposed within the unit body and configured to transmit behavior data to the outside based on the behavior detected by the behavior sensor.

Abstract: A handle operation assist device includes a handle angular velocity measuring unit, an error calculator and a notification unit. The handle angular velocity measuring unit is configured to measure a handle angular velocity based on an output of a sensor configured to detect an angular velocity corresponding to rotation of a fishing reel handle. The error calculator is configured to calculate an error in the handle angular velocity with respect to a reference angular velocity. The notification unit is configured to carry out notification regarding the error.

Abstract: A fish strike notification device includes a detection signal acquisition unit, a vibration generator and a vibration instructor. The detection signal acquisition unit is configured to acquire a detection signal that is output from a sensor configured to detect vibration generated by at least one detection target that includes a fishing reel and a fishing rod. The vibration generator is attachable to a user and configured to generate vibrations. The vibration instructor is configured to output a vibration instruction signal to cause the vibration generator to generate the vibrations based on the detection signal acquired by the detection signal acquisition unit.

Abstract: The present device is a specimen containment unit comprising; a container, wherein the container has a first portion of a locking mechanism positioned distal to an opening, and a funnel having a base and a plurality of segments attached to the base and a second portion of a locking mechanism integrated into the base, wherein the segments protrude a predetermined distance and angle from the base, wherein the first portion of the locking mechanism is designed to mate with the second portion of the locking mechanism to secure the funnel to the container.

Abstract: A pest monitoring system generally includes a circuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance state that is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pest activity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the first impedance state.

Abstract: A discrete and safe automated insect monitoring system includes a housing, an interior chamber within the housing, and a light source arranged within the housing to illuminate at least a portion of a floor surface of the interior chamber. A multi-pixel optical sensor is arranged within the housing so that a field of view of the sensor comprehends a substantial portion of the floor surface. A processing circuit arranged within the housing receives optical data from the multi-pixel optical sensor, analyzes the optical data to detect the intrusion of an insect or other object into the interior chamber by comparing most recently received optical data to previously received optical data, and generates an indication in response to detecting the intrusion of an insect or other object. Detection and/or classification results can be wirelessly forwarded to another device, to alert appropriate personnel.