Abstract: A tillage point for an agricultural implement includes a body extending in a lengthwise direction between a tip end and a retention end and in a vertical direction between an upper body surface and a lower body surface, where the body defines a retention slot between the upper and lower body surfaces. Additionally, the tillage point has a fin extending outwardly from the upper body surface in the vertical direction. The fin defines a height in the vertical direction between a base end of the fin positioned adjacent to the upper body surface of the body and a top end of the fin positioned opposite the base end. The fin further defines a lateral width between opposed lateral sides of the fin, where the lateral width of the fin tapers along at least a portion of the vertical height of the fin.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an agricultural implement connected to a vehicle is described. An actuator is arranged to control a lateral position of the implement with respect to the vehicle, also influencing the vertical angle of the implement. A camera mounted on the implement is connected to an image processing system which is adapted to derive the position of at least one row of plants in an image provided by the camera. An implement control unit controls the actuator to move the implement to a desired position based upon the derived position of the at least one row of plants, and a compensation arrangement compensates for the rotation of the camera around the vertical axis caused by the actuator based on the position of the actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle sink alert method and system that includes collecting image data, determining field conditions, calculating wheel sink depth, predicting vehicle sink events using wheel sink depth and field conditions, and activating an alert when a vehicle sink event is predicted. The method can include predicting vehicle sink events using GPS coordinates and historical vehicle sink data. The method can include determining and using vehicle motion to predict vehicle sink events. Predicting vehicle sink events can include forming a multi-dimensional model with positive sink points where vehicle sink events have occurred and negative sink points where vehicle sink events have not occurred; generating a current vehicle point using monitored and calculated data; determining whether the current vehicle point is within a positive sink region formed by the positive sink points; and predicting a vehicle sink event if the current vehicle point is within the positive sink region.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining a position of a sensor mounted on an agricultural machine may include a ground speed sensor configured to capture data indicative of a ground speed of the agricultural machine. The system may also include a non-contact-based sensor configured to capture data indicative of a field characteristic of the field across which the agricultural machine is traveling. Furthermore, a controller of the system may be configured to determine a first ground speed value of the implement frame based on the data received from the ground speed sensor and a second ground speed value based on the data received from the non-contact-based sensor. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a position of the non-contact-based sensor relative to a field surface of the field across which the agricultural machine is traveling based on the first ground speed value and the second ground speed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of an agricultural implement may include an agricultural implement configured to perform an agricultural operation on a field as the implement is moved across the field. A controller of the system configured to receive data indicative of a plurality of field characteristics of the field. The controller may also be configured to determine first and second soil moisture content values of the soil within the field at first and second depths below a field surface of the field based on the received data, respectively. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate adjustment of an operating parameter of the agricultural implement based on the determined the first soil moisture content value and the determined second soil moisture content value.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an implement connected to a vehicle is described, wherein the implement is adapted to perform an agricultural operation on a field, the vehicle has steerable ground engaging means for propelling the vehicle over the field, an actuator is arranged to control at least one of a yaw angle and a lateral position of the implement with respect to the vehicle, and an implement control unit is programmed to control the actuator based upon a first signal regarding a difference between a sensed lateral position of the implement and a nominal lateral position of the implement and a second signal regarding a steering movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for wetting seeds for an assembly line grow pod includes positioning a first batch of seeds within a tank, directing water from a water source to the tank through a lower portion of the tank, wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank with the water from the water source, initiating germination of the first batch of seeds, draining the water from the tank after a predetermined submersion time, subsequent to draining the water from the tank, directing water from the water source to the tank through the lower portion of the tank, wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank with the water from the water source for the predetermined submersion time, and releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank to a pod line in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod after a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural seeding machine, in particular to a straw crushing and inter-furrow collecting-mulching no-tillage seeder. A straw-crushing device, a guide device, a fertilizer discharging device, and a furrowing and seeding device are sequentially arranged on a rack from front to back. According to the guide device, a plurality of straw-crushing guide assemblies having installation positions capable of being horizontally adjusted are arranged on an adjustment crossbeam, are in a prow shape, and each consist of a rear vertical back plate formed with a fertilization port, and two front symmetrical oblique guide plates. Straw is orderly spread on straw mulching belts between seeding belts while being crushed within the working range, and thus, the seeding belts are free of straw obstacles. The straw crushing and inter-furrow collecting-mulching no-tillage seeder is high in working integrity, easy to assemble, and low in energy consumption.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring fluid conduit connections of an agricultural machine may include a first fluid conduit having a first coupling device, a second fluid conduit having a second coupling device, and a third fluid conduit having a third coupling device. Each of the second and third coupling devices may, in turn, include an identification device. A controller of the system may be configured to receive an input from the identification device of one of the second fluid conduit or the third fluid conduit when the respective second coupling device or third coupling device is coupled to the first coupling device. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to identify the one of the second fluid conduit or the third fluid conduit as a connected fluid conduit based on the received input.

Abstract: A product distribution control system for an agricultural system is provided. The product distribution control system includes a controller including a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of an amount of product in a tank of an air cart and to automatically adjust the metering rate of the product from the tank or the tank pressurization based on the amount of product in the tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of dual seed meters having a metering housing having first and second seed disks with a plurality of openings arranged along a curved path of each disk, wherein the disks overlap to form a convergence region such that seed traveling along the curved paths is delivered to a single point. Certain implementations also have a vacuum chamber defined between a first wall of the metering housing and the first and second seed disks and a seed chamber defined between a second wall of the metering housing and the first and second seed disks.

Abstract: A system and methods for controlling the seed depth of a row planter utilizing sensed angle data from an angle sensor operably connected to a gauge wheel, the angle data corresponding to the height of the planter frame above the soil surface. The system comprises a piston assembly operably connected to a pump controlled by a processor. The processor is configured to actuate the pump based on the sensed angle data transmitted to the processor. The piston assembly configured to pivot the planter frame through and about a link assembly connected between the piston assembly and the planter frame. Methods for controlling seed depth utilizing sensed angle data from an angle sensor operably connected to a gauge wheel.

Abstract: By using various feedback data on a sprayer system, such as engine speed, wheel speed, sensed temperatures and/or sensed pressures, an onboard logic controller can be used to fine tune parameters of the driveline system in an automatic calibration process. In one aspect, a controller can drive up engine speed and manipulate electrical current being sent to coils of propel pumps and/or wheel motors as current reaches a point where there is no more change in wheel speed as detected by the system, thereby achieving a. calibration setpoint. Additionally, during the automatic calibration process, the machine as a whole can be monitored with respect to several sensors, such as pressures, temperatures, and the like, so that if any parameter being monitored is out of a predetermined range, the calibration can be stopped and not set.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes an operating device configured for a user to operate and a grass trimmer device including a grass trimmer head and a motor. The grass trimmer head includes a spool configured for a grass trimmer line to wind around and a housing formed with an accommodating cavity. When the grass trimmer is mounted with the grass trimmer line, a part of the grass trimmer line protruding outside the housing is defined as an effective part of the grass trimmer line. The grass trimmer further includes a controller configured to control the grass trimmer head to release a grass trimmer line when the grass trimmer head is mounted with the grass trimmer line and a length of the effective part is detected to be less than or equal to a preset value.

Abstract: A lawn mowing robot includes a body, a driving unit driven such that the body moves within an operation region, and a controller setting first information related to at least one reference line using coordinate information corresponding to vertices included in a polygon forming an operation region and setting second information related to a plurality of regions such that the operation region is divided into the plurality of regions using the first information, wherein the controller controls the driving unit such that the body moves according to a preset movement pattern by the plurality of divided regions using the second information.

Abstract: A trimmer head or trimmer head assembly for a trimmer is provided herein. The trimmer head may include a base plate defining an axial direction, a pivot head, and a blade retainer. The pivot head may be attached to the base plate. The blade retainer may include a radial arm rotatably mounted to the base plate to rotate relative to the base plate between a first position at which the radial arm is circumferentially aligned with the pivot head and a second position at which the radial arm is circumferentially spaced apart from the pivot head.

Abstract: A trimmer head includes a spool formed with a winding portion for winding a trimmer line and a head housing formed with an accommodating space for accommodating at least a portion of the spool. The trimmer head further includes an intermediate element for transmitting a torque between the spool and the head housing such that one of the spool and the head housing rotates with the other. The spool drives the intermediate element to rotate and the intermediate element is slidably connected to the spool in a direction along a rotation axis or parallel to the rotation axis. The spool does not move in the axial direction when the trimmer head of the grass trimmer is playing the trimmer line, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of the trimmer line jamming.

Abstract: Various types of lawnmowers are disclosed that include a cutter housing having a chamber wall and a discharge opening therein. A mulch gate can be provided with an interior scroll-shaped face and can be pivotably attached to the cutter housing so as to be movable between an opened gate position and a closed position. In the opened position, the mulch gate is positioned such that the discharge opening is opened to an exterior of the lawnmower to allow clippings to pass therethrough and out of the lawnmower. In the closed position the mulch gate closes the discharge opening to provide a mulch mode in which clippings remain in the cutter housing for added cutting by the lawnmower blade. When the mulch gate is in the closed gate position, the interior scroll-shaped face of the mulch gate can be substantially continuous with a wall interior surface of the chamber wall.

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 in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.

Abstract: A distributed electrohydraulic system includes an electrical power source, electrohydraulic modules, and a control system. Each of the electrohydraulic modules includes one or more hydraulic components and one or more electrically-operated components which affect an operation of the one or more hydraulic components. The one or more hydraulic components of each of the electrohydraulic modules is hydraulically isolated from the one or more hydraulic components of another one of the electrohydraulic modules The one or more electrically-operated components of each of the electrohydraulic modules is electrically coupled to the electrical power source to receive electrical power. The control system includes one or more processors and memory devices electrically coupled to the electrical power source and the one or more electrically-operated components of the electrohydraulic modules.

Abstract: A combine harvester with a variable length wheelbase. For example, a combine harvester may have a chassis defining a forward end and a rear end, a feeder house at the forward end of the chassis, a first set of ground-engaging elements supporting the forward end of the chassis, and a second set of ground-engaging elements supporting the rear end of the chassis. The second set of ground-engaging elements are configured to move forward and rearward relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A sickle knife drive for an agricultural vehicle generally includes a first pump, a first motor, a second motor and a drive manifold having a plurality of connections used for connecting to other devices of the sickle knife drive and/or to devices outside of the sickle knife drive. Operation of the first pump in a forward direction causes the first motor to drive a sickle knife gearbox to cut a crop. During the forward direction, the second motor provides cooling to the fluid circuit. When the first pump direction is reversed, the agricultural vehicle supplements a fluid flow to the fluid circuit to clear any jammed crop from the sickle knives.

Abstract: An attachment for connection to a harvester comprises a plurality of picking devices (2) arranged next to each other and in a distributed manner along the working width. Each picking device (2) has a picking gap (6), below which are disposed at least two picking rotors (10) which can be driven to rotate in opposite directions, the picking rotors (10) being provided with flutes (12), which project in a radial direction beyond the rotor casing (16) and the enveloping circles (20) of which mesh with each other. To propose a way of easily adapting the picking rotors to different harvesting conditions without having to replace them all, the invention proposes for one or more shear bars (18) which are releasably connected to the picking rotor (10) and/or to the flutes (12) to be inserted in the intermediate space (22) between adjacent flutes (12) of a picking rotor (10), the shear bars filling portions of said intermediate space during a rotating movement of the picking rotors (10).

Abstract: The present application for patent of invention refers to equipment designed for harvesting, cleaning and storing farming produce. The farming produce it is designed to process particularly includes peanuts, beans or any other produce disposed in rows that can be gathered from the ground. The invention comprises a head (2), endowed with a collecting platform (3) with belts (5); the head (2) comprises a transmission box (4) of the dual and pivotable type; the head (2) has complete hydraulic system with hydraulic oil tank (9), heat exchanger (9A) and filters; said transmission box (4) further has auxiliary input (11) to couple an accessory that can be hydraulic; pneumatic or electric, in order to drive auxiliary systems; in the rear part of the equipment are helicoids (6) that extend to the vertical transporter (7) and latter to the container (8).

Abstract: A draper belt (8) having a carry layer (14), a pulley cover layer (13), and a reinforcing layer (12) which is situated between the carry layer (14) and the pulley cover layer (13). The draper belt (8) has a first edge (30) and a second edge (31). The carry layer (14) includes a plurality of cleats (7) which run from the first edge (30) to the second edge (31) of the draper belt. The cleats (7) are reinforced with reinforcing rods which are comprised of a cured rubbery polymer which includes at least 3 phr of reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: A roller shell for a conditioning roller includes a number of teeth which are distributed over the periphery thereof and which extend in an axial direction. Each of the teeth includes a leading flank, a trailing flank and a radial outer surface region having an angulation defined therein. The angulation may include a recess or a step in the outer surface region.

Abstract: The present application for patent of invention refers to a device designed to thresh agricultural products. The agricultural products it is designed to process include grains in general, particularly peanuts and beans, but not limited thereto, and can be applied to other similar crops. The invention comprises a cylinder (1) that has a larger diameter zone (2) and smaller diameter zone (3), said larger or smaller diameter zones intermediated by a transition zone (4); in the smaller diameter zone (3) the helical path is contoured by rigid scale-like components (6) as far as part of the transition zone (4), where flexible elements are applied (7) following the entire length of the larger diameter zone (2), completing the (1) cylinder or rotor, and the flexible elements (7) can be arranged in consecutive way or interspersed, so that the interval between the flexible elements (7) is intermediated by substantially upside-down U-shaped elements (7B).

Abstract: A shaker table with air flow openings and airflow to preprocess the crop before it fully enters the separating and cleaning system of the harvester through a means of corrugation platforms with air flow directed from below to break up the material into a more easily cleaned condition.

Abstract: A louver position sensing system for a sieve and chaffer of a combine harvester. One system provides that at least one sensor is in actual, physical contact with one or more louvers of the sieve and chaffer. Another system provides that a one or more magnet holders are mounted on louvers and, spaced away, sensors sense magnets in the magnet holders to determine the rotational position of the louvers. Either system allows for accurate, on-the-fly adjustment of the louvers in order to maximize the efficiency of operation of the sieve and chaffer. Preferably, the sensing systems are configured such that sensed position of the louvers is broadcast on the CAN bus of the combine harvester. As a result, the position information can be used to dynamically adjust the openings between the louvers of the sieve and chaffer to achieve more efficient grain cleaning as the machine and field variables change.

Abstract: A horticultural smudging system and method for improving the growth and/or production of plants. Combustible material is burnt within a thermal container, and the resulting flue gas containing negative ions and carbon dioxide is propelled onto one or more plants. The smudging system and method may use one or more sensors to detect oxygen, air pressure, and flue gas levels within the thermal container to adjust air intake and the release of flue gas.

Abstract: A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Abstract: A lighting system is provided with an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse environment are described. A lighting device with binary alloy quantum dots made by colloidal methods produces a size distribution of quantum dots that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production are realized.

Abstract: A stackable vertical garden system includes a base to hold and receive water, a rotation system engaged with the base and having a motor engaged with a first gear and a second gear, a bearing system having an inner race rigidly attached to the second gear and an outer race to remain stationary; the motor causes rotational movement of the inner race; a stacking base to engage with the inner race such that the stacking base rotates; a stationary brace engaged with the stacking base to receive a water source; and a first plant holder engaged with the stacking base, the first plant holder having plant receivers; a water chamber extending vertically through the stacking base and first plant holder to transfer water to a top of the stackable vertical garden system; a power source connects to the motor for rotation of the stackable base.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a structure (200) for growing and moving agricultural products, particularly for vertical farms, comprising a rigid frame (202) able to house a plurality of growing trays (100) for growing agricultural products and movement means (201) adapted to move the rigid frame (202).

Abstract: A system for an assembly line grow pod includes a germination hub including a tank, a water source in selective fluid communication with the tank, a pump in selective fluid communication with the tank and the water source, a pod line in selective fluid communication with the germination hub, a seeder assembly in selective fluid communication with the pod line, the seeder assembly including a seeder tank, and a metering device in selective fluid communication with the seeder tank, where the metering device selectively releases seeds from the seeder tank, and a cart positioned below the metering device.

Abstract: A method for moving wetted seeds from a tank includes positioning a first batch of seeds within a tank, directing water from a water source to the tank, wetting the first batch of seeds within the tank with the water from the water source to initiate germination of the first batch of seeds, releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank to a pod line in fluid communication with an assembly line grow pod after a predetermined time, and subsequent to releasing the first batch of seeds from the tank, detecting a level of seeds remaining in the tank.

Abstract: A method for pumping seeds to an assembly line grow pods includes releasing seeds to a pipe in fluid communication with a pump, moving water from a water source to the pipe in fluid communication with the pump, combining the seeds released from the tank with the water from the water source in the pipe, and pumping the combination of the seeds released from the tank and the water from the water source to a grow pod line in fluid communication with the pump, and moving the seeds from the grow pod line to one or more carts of an assembly line grow pod.

Abstract: A vertical pole (2) holds plant growing containers (3, 50, 54), at multiple heights. Some containers may be mounted at a given height (H1-H9) in a circular array around the pole. Each container may occupy a V-shaped region about the pole in a top view. The pole may be moveable by a conveyor system (4, 5). The pole may have a fluid reservoir (30), and a fluid distribution system (31-35) extending from the fluid reservoir to plant growing containers at different vertical locations on the pole. Each plant growing container may integrate a soil containment portion (51), a bottom drain portion (61) that collects fluid draining through the soil, and a bypass drain portion (64, 70, 72, 75, 79), that interconnects with higher and lower like containers on the pole and bypasses the soil in the containers for rinsing the soils individually.

Abstract: A distributed sensor grid may be used to monitor the growth conditions of plants in an agricultural environment. In one example, a distributed sensor grid may include sensors that are arranged as a grid defined by a vertical axis and a first horizontal axis. The sensors may each be coupled to a cable and/or a port that provides operating power and/or network communications access. In some implementations, a plurality of lighting fixtures disposed in the agricultural environment may be configured to provide the power and network communications access to one or more sensors, thus alleviating use of excess cabling for connectivity and simplifying installation. The sensors may be correspondingly disposed within the vicinity of respective lighting fixtures to monitor growth conditions for a portion of the agricultural environment. The sensors used may also be packaged as an integrated sensor assembly, further simplifying installation and deployment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the air conditioning of closed environments (314), particularly for vertical farms, comprising the steps of:—conditioning the air by means of an air treatment unit (301);—distributing and taking the conditioned air into the closed environment (314) through a plurality of channels (303, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309) connected to said air treatment unit (301);—generating a flow of conditioned air exiting, through a plurality of openings (316), from a first vertical wall (317) and taken in, through a plurality of openings (316), from the opposite vertical wall (315) of the closed environment (314);—alternatively inverting the delivery direction of the conditioned air along a substantially parallel direction with respect to the floor of the closed environment (314) so as to hit the inside of the closed environment (314) alternatively from one direction and subsequently from the opposite direction of the two vertical walls (318a, 318b).

Abstract: A kit for installing a horizontal grass-like weed-blocking border for ground area adjacent vertical outdoor structures includes at least two elongated synthetic turf strips with a width in a predetermined range, at least two hold-down pieces, and instructions for use.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for applying a sheet of film material to the ground by utilizing first and second double disk openers to create first and second grooves in the ground and inserting the sheet into the grooves by use of a pair of press wheels which travel behind the disk openers and force the sheet into the grooves. Use of the disk openers accommodates a method of applying the sheet to planted seeds in non-tilled, frozen and/or near frozen soil conditions for increased crop yields.

Abstract: A device and a method for breeding blueberry-specific mycorrhizal fungi. The device includes a container, where a bottom of the container is laid with perlite to form a perlite layer; an absorbent cotton is arranged on the perlite layer; a hole for planting is provided in the absorbent cotton and blueberry tissue culture seedlings or moss seedlings are placed in the hole; and a spore transfer solution is provided around the blueberry tissue culture seedlings or moss seedlings. When used as a bacterial fertilizer for inoculation in the field, the pieces of absorbent cotton are buried directly around the blueberry roots; while used for research, one of the pieces of the absorbent cotton is washed with sterile water and filtered with a filter paper to obtain mycorrhizal fungi spores.

Abstract: The battery-powered backpack blower includes a back support assembly including a back plate configured to permit a user to mount the blower to the user's back, and a volute assembly including a first volute portion and a second volute portion. The backpack blower further includes a housing assembly including a battery assembly and a motor assembly therein, the housing assembly is provided intermediate to the back assembly and the volute assembly.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for indoor agriculture using at least one growth chamber illuminated by laser light. In an example embodiment of the agriculture system, a growth chamber is provided having one or more walls defining an interior portion of the growth chamber. The agriculture system may include a removable tray disposed within the interior portion of the growth chamber. The agriculture system also includes a light source, which may be disposed outside the growth chamber. The one or more walls may include at least one aperture. The light source is configured to illuminate at least a part of the interior portion of the growth chamber. In embodiments in which the light source is disposed outside the growth chamber, the light source is configured to transmit the laser light to the interior portion of the growth chamber via the at least one aperture.

Abstract: First beam source radiates a near infrared reference beam of 905 nm, in which light tends not to be absorbed in water toward a leaf of a plant. Second beam source radiates a near infrared measuring beam of 1550 nm, in which light tends to be absorbed in water toward the leaf of the plant. Threshold level setter/water content index detector calculates a water content index of one leaf as a total sum ? Ln(I905/I1550) of the reflection intensity ratio. Controller displays a graph representing a total sum of water content of the leaf and a pixel average value as a time-transition of the water content contained in the plant from the start of the measurement period on a UI screen of a monitor. Viewed from the first and second beam sources, a white reference substrate covering a back surface of the leaf is disposed on the leaf of the plant.

Abstract: A watering station includes a robotic watering device having a first swing arm having a first end opposite a second end, a rotatable robot arm rotatably coupled to a second end of the first swing arm, a first motor configured to pivot the first swing arm, a second motor configured to rotate the rotatable robot arm with respect to the first swing arm, and pump outlets positioned on the rotatable robot arm, one or more pumps fluidly coupled to the pump outlets positioned on the rotatable robot arm, and a fluid reservoir, where the one or more pumps comprises an inlet and an outlet, and the one or more pumps are fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir such that when activated the one or more pumps draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and disperse a predetermined amount of fluid out the pump outlets.

Abstract: A system for normalizing tank pressures includes a controller, a holding tank, a first reservoir, a first valve fluidly coupled to the first reservoir and communicatively coupled to the master controller, a distribution line fluidly coupling the holding tank to the first valve, a first sensor communicatively coupled to the controller, where the first sensor is configured to output signals corresponding to a fluid level within the first reservoir, and an instruction set that causes the processor to: receive signals from the first sensor, determine whether the fluid level within the first fluid reservoir is below a first threshold, generate a first signal to open the first valve when the fluid level is below the first threshold such that fluid from the holding tank fills the first reservoir, and generate a second signal to close the first valve when the fluid level is not below the first threshold.

Abstract: A self-watering planter of unitary construction amendable to additive manufacture is provided. A divider divides an upper space of the planter for soil and a lower space for a water reservoir, wherein a conduit extends from the reservoir through the divider to an open end of the upper space, wherein the reservoir can be filled through the conduit. The divider provides a planar first portion and a tubular second portion that depend therefrom into the reservoir. A soil opening in the first portion communicates soil in the upper space with soil compacted in the second portion. A drain hole near an upper portion of the reservoir results in all water from the reservoir to pass through saturation holes in the second portion into the compacted soil therein for leaching into the soil of the upper spaced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to regulate the fluid level in a plant watering device is described. In an embodiment, the plant watering device comprises a fluid reservoir that is supported by an adapter/fluid regulator that sits within a hollow permeable plant stake. The plant stake is designed to be pressed into soil adjacent to a plant growing in the soil. The adapter sits within the plant stake and acts as a valve with a variable settings that controls the depth of water in the plant stake. Exposing the permeable plant stake to various levels of water affects the rate of permeation through the stake and thereby regulates the watering rate for the plant.