Abstract: An EMF detecting safety shovel has electromagnetic field (EMF) detection circuitry operably coupled to a blade thereof for measuring changes in EMF over time (AC fields) which may be used by spotters during excavation work for detection of subsurface power supply cables. The safety shovel may be further configured for classifying different types of subsurface power cables wherein the EMF detector circuit may be configured for discriminating between low and high voltage subsurface power cables when the edge of the blade is within a certain distance thereof, and the EMF detector circuit may be adjusted to adjust the distance for use with differing conduit diameters. The EMF detector circuit may also employ bandpass filtering to discriminate between single and three phase power supplies. In this way, the present safety shovel may provide indication of the presence of subsurface power supply cables and also the type thereof.

Abstract: A ripper assembly for a machine includes a main ripper unit and at least one auxiliary ripper unit. The main ripper unit is adapted to be coupled to a frame of the machine and is moveable relative to the frame along a height of the machine. The main ripper unit includes a main ripper. The auxiliary ripper unit is pivotably coupled to the main ripper unit, and is pivotable infinitely between a first position and a second position with respect to the main ripper unit. A distance between the main ripper unit and the auxiliary ripper unit, defined laterally in relation to a direction of travel of the machine, varies as the auxiliary ripper unit pivots from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for cultivating an agricultural work area includes a main frame which is transferable between an operating position and a transfer position. A first subframe is connected to the main frame, and the first subframe is transferable between an operating position and a transfer position. A main frame hydraulic cylinder and a first subframe hydraulic cylinder move the main frame and the first subframe between their corresponding positions. In order to provide correct and repeatable positioning of the first subframe hydraulic cylinder, a volume of a first chamber of the main frame hydraulic cylinder is substantially equal to a volume of the first chamber of the first subframe hydraulic cylinder when the first subframe is in its operating position.

Abstract: A system for controlling a working implement connected to a vehicle, the system comprising: at least one tool mounted on the working implement, the implement and the at least one tool configured to perform an agricultural operation; an automatic steering device associated with the vehicle, the automatic steering device configured to guide the vehicle on an intended vehicle path; an actuator for controlling the lateral position of the working implement relative to the vehicle, the actuator connected to an implement control unit that can be operated to control the actuator in such a way that the working implement is moved on an intended path of the working implement and the implement control unit is set up to compensate a lateral deviation of the vehicle from the intended path of the vehicle through actuation of the actuator; and wherein the implement control unit is programmed to pre-set the actuator after a turning operation in a position in which the effects of the turning operation is compensated.

Abstract: Provided are a work region setting portion which sets, within a traveling region, a work region for a working vehicle to perform predetermined work; and a traveling route setting portion which sets, within the traveling region, a target traveling route to make the working vehicle travel automatically. The traveling route setting portion includes: an initial route generation portion which generates an initial route based on a trajectory formed by the working vehicle traveling in the traveling region; a work route generation portion which generates work routes arranged in a parallel arrangement direction orthogonal to an extension direction; and a connection route generation portion which generates connection routes connecting, at either side of the work region, routes adjacent in the parallel arrangement direction among the initial route and the work routes. The target traveling route including the initial route, the work routes, and the connection routes is thereby set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural machine intended to be hitched to a tractor and comprising two side units and a frame, which extends in a longitudinal direction, each side unit comprising an arm mounted so as to pivot relative to the frame around a respective folding axis oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, each side unit comprising a tool unit connected to the frame by means of the respective arm and being able to occupy a work position in which it rests on the ground, each side unit also comprising a connection means, which is configured to allow the respective tool unit in work position to move relative to the respective arm and which comprises at least one lightening actuator enabling an upward force to be exerted on each tool unit in work position. It is noteworthy in that the machine comprises a tie-rod connected to each of the arms through a respective upper joint of an axis parallel to the respective folding axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural machine comprising two side units and a chassis that extends in a longitudinal direction and is equipped with two wheels, each side unit being fitted to pivot in relation to the chassis via a respective longitudinal joint around a folding axis parallel to a median plane of the chassis; each side unit comprising a tool unit connected to the chassis by a respective arm and being able to occupy a work position in which it rests on the ground and in which the length of the respective tool unit extends transversely to the longitudinal direction; each side unit being also able to occupy a transport position in which it is remote from the ground and in which the length and width of the respective tool unit are substantially parallel to the median plane.

Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle. The agricultural work vehicle includes a track guidance system. The track guidance system includes an optical image-capture device arranged on the work vehicle and being configured to record reference objects located along a track driven by the agricultural work vehicle. The track guidance system further includes an image processing system configured to differentiate the recorded reference objects, and a control device configured to evaluate the reference object and prespecify a track based, at least in part, on the evaluation of the reference objects.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for recommending agricultural activities is implemented by an agricultural intelligence computer system in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving a plurality of field definition data, retrieving a plurality of input data from a plurality of data networks, determining a field region based on the field definition data, identifying a subset of the plurality of input data associated with the field region, determining a plurality of field condition data based on the subset of the plurality of input data, identifying a plurality of field activity options, determining a recommendation score for each of the plurality of field activity options based at least in part on the plurality of field condition data, and providing a recommended field activity option from the plurality of field activity options based on the plurality of recommendation scores.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for the preparation of treated seeds. Generally, the processes described herein include providing seeds in a seed treatment apparatus. The seeds are contacted with a liquid seed treatment, thereby producing wetted seeds. The wetted seeds are dried simultaneously with the application of the liquid seed treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe seed, soil, or plant treatment compositions comprising a macronutrient source comprising or consisting of a mineral lactate. Embodiments also describe methods of synthesizing a mineral lactate comprising providing a solution of lactic acid in a first vessel; contacting the solution of lactic acid with a mineral precursor to form a reaction solution in which at least a portion of the mineral precursor is dissolved; allowing the reaction to proceed or optionally transferring the reaction solution to a second vessel where the reaction is allowed to proceed; and optionally reducing the solid mineral lactate to a select particle size to obtain a rapidly soluble solid mineral lactate. Embodiments also describe methods of applying a treatment composition to a seed, soil, or a plant, wherein the treatment composition comprises a macronutrient source comprising or consisting of a mineral lactate.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a motor configured to drive a seeding system that is, itself, configured to meter and deliver seed from the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine also includes a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the seeding system and a skip detector component, that receives the sensor signal and detects a seed skip in the seeding system. Based on the detected seed skip, a processing system generates an operating parameter of the motor, and controls the motor based on the operating parameter.

Abstract: Some crops, such as soybeans, grow close to the ground, having a low canopy relative to that of weeds growing interspersed in the crop. A farm implement removes weed growth above the crop canopy. The implement has a chassis with at least three wheels connected to the chassis, a cutting mechanism, mounted at a front end of the chassis, a means for collecting weed growth cut by the cutting mechanism, mounted on the chassis, means for generating and selectively applying rotational torque to at least one of the at least three wheels and means for a user to guide the chassis down the rows in which the crop is grown.

Abstract: A riding type vehicle has a driving source, a left wheel and a right wheel, a transmission configured to receive power from the driving source to independently operate and drive the left wheel and the right wheel with regard to a rotation direction and a rotation speed, and caster wheels separately provided in a front-rear direction with respect to the left wheel and the right wheel, the riding type vehicle including two first sensors arranged on both left and right sides more to a front side than a rear end of the vehicle, the two first sensors configured to detect an obstacle target located on a rear side, the obstacle target being a target becoming an obstacle at the time of reversing or turning.

Abstract: Various types of lawnmowers are disclosed that include a cutter housing having a cutting chamber and a discharge opening therein. A driving mechanism can be mounted on the cutter housing, and a radius arm can be mounted on or near the blade spindle such that the radius arm is rotatable about the blade spindle. A shutter gate that is arcuate in shape can be mounted on the radius arm so as to rotate with the radius arm between a discharge arrangement and a mulch arrangement. The shutter gate can include a driven element that is driven by the driving mechanism to cause the shutter gate to rotate between the discharge arrangement where the shutter gate allows for discharge of vegetation through the discharge opening, and the mulch arrangement where the shutter gate blocks the discharge opening.

Abstract: A riveted joint is described herein. The riveted joint includes a first component and a second component. The first component includes a first opening, and a plurality of first tabs and a plurality of first notches defined along a periphery of the first opening. The second component includes a second opening aligned with the first opening. The second component further includes a plurality of second tabs defined along a periphery of the second opening, wherein at least one second tab is aligned with at least one first notch to define an interlock zone when the first and second components are in a predetermined orientation relative to each other. The joint also includes a rivet extending through the first and second openings. The rivet is configured to secure the at least one second tab within the at least one first notch such that the first and second components are rotationally interlocked.

Abstract: A lawnmower and lawnmower cooling system can include a housing configured to contain a motor, a battery assembly, a motor driver, and a controller. The housing can include at least one air inlet located adjacent to the top surface of the deck. The housing can include a driver chamber, a battery chamber, a motor chamber, and at least one air outlet. A fan can be mounted in the housing such that, when the fan operates, air enters the air inlet, flows through the driver chamber away from the top surface of the deck along the upward direction, passes through the motor driver along the upward direction, passes into the battery chamber and flows through the battery pack, passes into the motor chamber and flows through the electric motor, and exits the motor chamber through the at least one air outlet.

Abstract: This work machine is provided with a machine body equipped with a battery storage part for accommodating a battery. The machine body has a grip part on one side in the left-right direction. The battery storage part has an opening formed in the machine body and a lid capable of opening and closing the opening. The opening and the lid are provided on the other side of the machine body in the left-right direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for handling fresh fruit or vegetable products attached to a plant, comprising: means for retaining at least a first portion of a product; and means for engaging a second portion of the retained product; wherein the retaining means and engaging means are arranged such that, while a product is retained by the retaining means, the engaging means can be moved to detach the product.

Abstract: A harvest header apparatus for harvesting a first crop in a field while preventing damage to a second later crop planted in the same field. A header table with a knife mounted along a lower front edge thereof has a plurality of crop shields attached to and spaced along the header table at a selected shield spacing, each crop shield extending forward from a rear portion thereof located under the knife to a forward end thereof located forward of the knife. A forward portion of each crop shield slopes upward such that crop plants contacted by the forward portion of each crop shield are pushed downward and pass under the knife without contacting the knife. The shield spacing is selected so the crop shields move along rows of second crop and push the second crop plants down and under the table such that same are not contacted by the knife.

Abstract: A sieve for a cleaning system of an agricultural harvester includes: a sieve frame defining a top side; adjustable louvers carried by the sieve frame and defining apertures; an adjustment bar coupled to the adjustable louvers such that displacement of the adjustment bar changes a size of at least some of the apertures; and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly includes: an adjustment arm coupled to the adjustment bar and pivotable relative to the sieve frame such that pivoting of the adjustment arm about a pivot axis displaces the adjustment bar. The adjustment arm carries a locking pin. A shaft is disposed on the top side and coupled to the adjustment arm. Displacement of the shaft from a first position to a second position causes a corresponding displacement of the locking pin from a locking position to an adjustment position.

Abstract: Wrap material supply systems for delivering wrap material from a wrap material roll for application around crop bales include a baler housing containing a baling chamber, a drive roll rotatably mounted to the baler housing, and a pivoting frame coupled to the baler housing at a first pivot point. A feed roll is rotatably mounted to the pivoting frame and positioned to engage the wrap material roll. The wrap material supply system further includes a drive belt, which, when tensioned, transmits rotation from the drive roll to the feed roll. An actuator is controllable to rotate the pivoting frame about the first pivot point to move the feed roll relative to the drive roll, tension the drive belt, and initiate feeding of the wrap material from the wrap material roll into the baling chamber.

Abstract: A protective cover for round cotton modules is provided that includes a body covering the plastic-wrapped perimeter of the cylindrical bale and two ends walls, each having a semi-circular to circular perimeter, that cover a majority portion of the exposed ends of the cotton module. The cover is secured in place by at least one cinching structure that extends around the perimeter of the bale at a height that is below the maximum diameter of the bale.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a plant light reflection apparatus may comprise two opposing reflector panels configured to reflect light, wherein each reflector panel may comprise one or more pieces of reflection material. A reflector support apparatus may be configured to support the at least two opposing reflector panels, and may comprise a central section configured to accept one or more plants. The bottom major edges of the one or more pieces of reflection material of the two opposing reflector panels may be disposed in proximity to main stems of the one or more plants in the central section, and to reflect light thereon.

Abstract: A lighting device is presented. The lighting device includes an LED light source; and a red/far-red emitting phosphor radiationally coupled to the LED light source, wherein the red/far-red emitting phosphor comprises a host material activated with an activator ion, and wherein the activator ion comprises at least one of Sm2+ and Mn2+. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A plant growing system includes an outer shell, the outer shell being biodegradable, a rooting material, the rooting material comprising external ribbing, the external ribbing forming gaps between the outer shell and the rooting material when the rooting material is inserted in the outer shell, and one or more of a fertilizer, a nutrient, or a seed. The outer shell and the rooting material form a water reservoir, the water reservoir in communication with the gaps and, prior to the plant growing system being watered, comprising the fertilizer or nutrient.

Abstract: A plant growing system includes a base component; and a container disposed on top of the base component. The container includes a container body having a floor surface at a lower end, and a wall having a lower edge coupled to the floor surface and extending upward from the perimeter of the floor surface to an upper edge. A drainage port is disposed through the wall near the lower edge of the wall.

Abstract: Vertical growing uses a plurality of shelves to support plants. The system provides nitrogen and light to help grow the plants placed on the shelves. The system also circulates air that is filtered and mixed with the nitrogen before being distributed to the plants. The filters can remove odors from the circulating air.

Abstract: In an example embodiment of the disclosed technology, a modular pod lighting system for plants may comprise a light containment enclosure, which may further comprise a light panel with one side configured to emit light, wherein the light panel may be configured to hang from an above structural element in a relatively horizontal orientation. The modular pod lighting system for plants may further comprise side reflection curtains attached to opposing edges of the light panel, wherein the reflection curtains may extend downwards away from the light panel. The light containment enclosure may be configured to partially enclose plants therein, and wherein light emitted from the light panel may be partially contained and recycled within the light containment enclosure. The light containment enclosure may further comprise bottom reflectors disposed on top of plant containment devices.

Abstract: A landscape edging installation includes ends of landscape edging joined together by a connector. The connector may have holes in lugs that are aligned with holes in the landscape edging tabs to receive a ground spike therethrough. The connector allows for and conceals a gap between the adjacent edging pieces. Thus, the arrangement allows for movement, such as contraction and expansion of the edging pieces along a length thereof. Such movement prevents damage to, or improper shifting of the landscape edging installation with respect to the surrounding environment due to large changes in temperature of the installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for moving objects that are suspended by means of tubes or rings, comprising a central body or portion; means for fixing a filiform element in different positions of said central body or portion; and a stop element projecting from said central body or portion and resiliently connected to said central body or portion. The present invention also provides a system including said apparatus According to the previously detailed description it is possible to obtain an apparatus and a system for moving objects that are suspended by means of tubes or rings whose operation requires a low power driving element by working in a sequential way instead of a simultaneous way, and at the same time allowing to release the moved element in case there is a problem interfering or obstructing the movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of impacting the fruit production of a plant or crop by applying short-duration thermal shock streams of hot air to the plant periodically to impact the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway mechanisms in a plant thereby improving its fruit. The method includes the steps of (1) passing by the plant in a row at a speed in an improved Thermal Plant Treatment (TPT) machine, (2) ejecting from the TPT machine at least one hot stream of air in the direction of the unit plant area, (3) optionally measuring the thermal shock profile that the plant is subjected with thermal sensors, and (4) repeating the thermal shock profile treatment steps (1) and (2) at pre-determined regular intervals over at least a fraction of the crop year.

Abstract: Solar radiation is collected and converted to microwave energy by means maintained in outer space on one or more platforms in space. The microwave energy is then transmitted to earth and directed to and constantly focused on one or more segments of a generally circular and slowly rotating tropical depression, which is a precursor to a tropical storm and then a hurricane (alternatively called a cyclone or typhoon). The focused microwave energy interrupts the cycle of vertical upward and downward movement of air, water, & water vapor, and destabilizes the developing rotational motion of the tropical depression, causing it to break up and dissipate, and preventing it from ultimately developing into a hurricane. When not focusing microwave energy on a tropical depression, the microwave energy can alternatively be used to create earth based solar energy, which would help alleviate costs of operating the system solely for hurricane prevention.

Abstract: A method for cooling the temperature of a body of water having a top surface exposed to sunlight comprises distributing balls such that they lie on, and in direct contact with, at least part of the top surface, the at least part of the top surface characterized prior to the distribution by a pre-distribution surface area; The balls have diameters within a range of 100 microns to 3 mm, and albedos within a range of 0.15 to 1.0. The surfaces of the balls are hydrophilic, such that after the distribution a total wetted surface area greater than the pre-distribution surface area of the water is provided, facilitating the cooling. In one embodiment, the body of water is a natural or unnatural lake or bay.

Abstract: A medium for water culture has a porous substance and photocatalyst particles formed of titanium-based compound particles that are supported on the porous substance, have absorption at a wavelength of 500 nm in a visible absorption spectrum, and have an absorption peak at 2,700 cm?1 to 3,000 cm?1 in an infrared absorption spectrum, in which a metal compound having a metal atom and a hydrocarbon group is bonded to the surface of each of the titanium-based compound particles through an oxygen atom.

Abstract: A drip emitter has a flexible membrane for regulating a flow of liquid exiting the emitter. The membrane, in a non-stressed or non-flexed state into a regulating chamber of the emitter, includes a non-planar portion.

Abstract: A hydroelectrically-charged agricultural irrigation prime mover includes: a carriage; a plurality of wheels coupled to the carriage; a fluid supply pipe configured to receive a pressurized fluid; an electric drive system; and a hydroelectric charging system. The electric drive system includes: a battery pack; and a motor electrically connected to the battery pack and configured to rotate at least some of the wheels. The hydroelectric charging system includes: a turbine fluidly connected to the fluid supply pipe to receive at least some of the pressurized fluid; and a hydroelectric generator connected to the turbine and configured to charge the battery pack.

Abstract: Water purification particles have porous particles and photocatalyst particles formed of titanium-based compound particles that are supported on the porous particles, have absorption at a wavelength of 500 nm in a visible absorption spectrum, and have an absorption peak at 2,700 cm?1 to 3,000 cm?1 in an infrared absorption spectrum, and a metal compound having a metal atom and a hydrocarbon group is bonded to the surface of each of the titanium-based compound particles through an oxygen atom.

Abstract: A method of weed control is provided. The method comprises artificially pollinating at least one weed species of interest with pollen that reduces fitness of said at least one weed species of interest, the pollen being in a formulation comprising an effective amount of a carbohydrate. Also provided are compositions and kits that can be used for performing the methods described herein.

Abstract: A method of producing pollen that reduces fitness of at least one Amaranthus species of interest is provided. The method comprises treating the pollen of plants of an Amaranthus species of interest with an irradiation regimen selected from the group consisting of: (i) X-ray radiation at an irradiation dose of 20-1600 Gy; (ii) gamma radiation at an irradiation dose of 20-2000 Gy; (iii) particle radiation; and (iv) UV-C radiation at an irradiation dose of 100 ?J/cm2-50 J/cm2, with the proviso that when the irradiation is X-ray the irradiation dose is not 300 Gy and wherein when the irradiation is gamma irradiation the irradiation dose is not 100, 300 and 500 G, and wherein when said radiation is UV-C the dose radiation is not 2 J/cm2.

Abstract: Long-day onion plants, capable of producing onion bulbs comprising ‘high soluble solids’ combined with a ‘sweet taste’ as a result of low pungency, are provided, as are methods for producing such plants, bulbs and seeds. Such onions can be stored for long periods without a loss in quality and without an increase in pungency.

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

Abstract: New lettuce variety designated ‘PS 1102B’ is described. ‘PS 1102B’ is a lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The unique annual herbaceous Cannabis plant variety ‘TS-tp2’ is provided. The variety is a selection resulting from cross of female parent Cannabis sativa. hybrid ‘Pineapple Express’ and male parent Cannabis sativa hybrid ‘Holy Banana’. Selective breeding was used to obtain the desired morphological features described. The morphological features that allow this variety ‘FS-tp2’ to be distinguished from other C. sativa varieties are its outstanding features such as high leaflet count, with narrow leaves.

Abstract: A novel hybrid squash plant, designated Tribute is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of squash hybrid Tribute, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid squash Tribute, and to methods for producing a squash plant by crossing the hybrid squash Tribute with itself or another squash plant.

Abstract: New soybean varieties designated ‘3445437’, ‘2806910’, ‘3446748’, ‘3447684’, ‘2808155’, ‘3448140’, ‘3448145’, ‘3457104’, ‘2808633’, and ‘1446640’ are described. ‘3445437’, ‘2806910’, ‘3446748’, ‘3447684’, ‘2808155’, ‘3448140’, ‘3448145’, ‘3457104’, ‘2808633’, and ‘1446640’ are soybean varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A litter box container. The litter box container includes a planar surface. The planar surface may rest on a substantially flat surface. A plurality of walls is formed around the perimeter of the planar surface and extend upward. The plurality of walls forms an interior volume. The interior volume is accessible via an open upper end. Furthermore, the plurality of walls is made of a flexible material that is bendable when force is applied to them.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet for pets includes: a top sheet disposed on a top side of the absorbent sheet; a back sheet disposed on a back side of the absorbent sheet; and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent body including: top recessed portions, each recessed toward the back side from the top side and comprising a top bottom portion; and back recessed portions, each recessed toward the top side from the back side and comprising a back bottom portion. At least some of the top bottom portions are located either: at the same position as some of the back bottom portions in a thickness direction, or closer to the back side than the back bottom portions in the thickness direction.

Abstract: A waste cartridge in combination with a waste machine or apparatus that maintains waste pads for a pet owner, automatically or manually by removing and sealing soiled pads and waste and then replacing the soiled pad with a clean pad on a pet bed of the machine. The apparatus senses when a pet is using a waste pad portion and when the pet is finished, the machine takes up the soiled portion of the pad and removes and seals the soiled portion of the pad roll and the waste automatically, moving the pad into a repository for later removal and disposal of the waste cartridge when the pad roll is used up and then replacing removed pad with a new waste cartridge. The waste cartridge is comprised of a pad roll and a take-up rod attached to one end of the pad by any means such as a clip, slot or adhesive on the take-up rod.

Abstract: A crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, where the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. A frame is formed in one of the plurality of members, the frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define a door opening. A door is pivotally coupled to the frame about a pivot wire of the frame to move between an open position and a closed position. A latch assembly is pivotally coupled to a horizontal wire of the frame. The latch assembly includes a wire having a first end, a second end and a transverse portion, the wire forming a first portion defined between the first end and the transverse portion and a second portion defined between the second end and the transverse portion.