Abstract: The invention is a weed removal hand-tool that facilitates the removal of weeds. The hand-tool includes a raked scoop extending from a terminal end of an elongated handle situated along a similar longitudinal axis, which facilitates the use of the tool—typically involving a twisting motion for easily de-rooting and ripping out weeds. The raked scoop includes a curved surface that dips below the longitudinal axis of the handle so that rake teeth extending laterally from the sides of the curved surface define a wide opening above the raked scoop. This wide opening defined in part by the various rake teeth of the raked scoop, allows the user to efficiently pull undesirable plants or weeds from their roots without having to touch them. In exemplary embodiments, the raked scoop includes at least one aperture on the curved surface for unwanted soil to filter through during the weed removal process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for plough skimmers. The mounting assembly comprises a mounting rail adapted to be connected to the main frame of a plough and a skimmer support bracket adapted to surround parts of the mounting rail. The mounting rail and the skimmer support bracket are arranged such that the mounting rail and the skimmer support bracket are braced against each other in at least two directions when the plough skimmer is in use, wherein the at least two directions are oblique to a ploughing direction The present invention further relates to a method for manufacture of a mounting assembly for a plough skimmer.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to a method for determining and storing surface conditions for a field, comprising: moving an agricultural machine having an earth-working roller system over a field, the earth-working roller system comprising an earth-working roller assembly; detecting sensor signals for an oscillating movement of the earth-working roller assembly; detecting position data for the movement of the earth-working roller system over the field; generating a digital surface map for the field indicative of position-dependent roughness and/or leveling information, the generating comprising assigning the sensor signals to the position data; and storing the digital surface map in a data storage device. Further, a system for determining and storing surface conditions for a field is provided.

Abstract: A wearing part arrangement (1) provided with a holder (11) providing releasable attachment of a wearing part (12) by means of a socket-and-pin type quick-fit coupling, wherein the holder (11) comprises a pair of opposing first guide portions (1132) being arranged to face corresponding supporting faces (1221) provided on the wearing part (12), and a pair of second guide portions (1134) arranged to face corresponding top faces (1223) of the wearing part (12), wherein one of the pair of the opposing first guide portions (1132) and the corresponding side supporting faces (1221) of the wearing part (12) is provided with at least one elevation (1222), and the other one of the pair of the opposing first guide portions (1132) and the corresponding side supporting faces (1221) is provided with a corresponding recess (1135) arranged for receipt of the elevation (1222) when the wearing part (12) is in engagement with the holder (11).

Abstract: A soil conditioner spreader and an operation method thereof are provided. The soil conditioner spreader includes a spreader body, a ridger, a solid tank, two spiral drills, a rotary tillage wheel and a mulching device, where the spreader body is provided with a hopper in a front part. The hopper stores a conditioner. The solid tank is arranged above the spiral drills. The spreader body is connected to the solid tank through a feeding track. The ridger, the spiral rills, the rotary tillage wheel and the mulching device are successively arranged at the bottom of the spreader body from the rear to the front. The ridger ridges first, and then the spiral drills perform deep plowing, rotary tillage and scarification and apply the conditioner to a ridge. The rotary tillage wheel performs rotary tillage, and a nozzle sprays a nutrient solution or an herbicide/insecticide. Finally, the mulching device mulches.

Abstract: An removably installable apparatus and system for managing weight transfer along a tractor drawn tool bar for use in row planting systems is provided. The planter weight transfer system comprises first and second bolt-on bracket assemblies, each bolt-on bracket assembly comprising a primary plate and a secondary plate secured to each other and to a row planter tool bar by a set of fasteners. Additionally, the bolt-on brackets are joined at the top by an actuator which applies a force on the brackets.

Abstract: A control system for a tillage implement broadly includes front and rear sensors, a leveling assembly, and a controller. The front sensor is positioned on a front of a central section, wherein the front sensor is configured to obtain height information indicative of a height of the front of the central section above a ground. The rear sensor is positioned on a rear of the central section, wherein the rear sensor is configured to obtain height information indicative of a height of the rear of the central section above the ground. The leveling assembly is configured to adjust a front to rear orientation of the central section. The controller is configured to receive the height information from the front sensor and the height information from the rear sensor, and to provide instructions to the leveling assembly to adjust the front to rear orientation of the central section based on the received height information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for field operations based on historical field operation data. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a guidance line generator to generate a guidance line for operation of a vehicle during a second operation on a field, the guidance line based on (1) a field map generated from location data collected during a first operation in the field, the field map including a plurality of crop rows and (2) an implement of the vehicle, the implement to perform the second operation on the field. The example apparatus further includes a drive commander to cause the vehicle to traverse the field along the guidance line, and an implement commander to cause the implement to perform the second operation as the vehicle traverses the field along the guidance line.

Abstract: Some embodiments may include a control system configured to monitor an online queue associated with a remote server for the presence of updated control software content; in the case of the presence of updated control software content in the online queue, provide data based thereon in an offline queue, wherein a portable computing device includes a storage for the offline queue; waiting for a time period in which a wired communication interface of the portable computing device is attached to a wired interface of the vehicle or a wireless communication interface of the vehicle is in range of a wireless communication interface of the portable computing device; and in the time period, transferring contents of the offline queue to the vehicle, wherein a processor of the vehicle distributes update(s) included in the contents to one or more of the GNSS receiver, the actuator assembly, and the steering control module.

Abstract: A coupling device for attaching a power lift of a tractor to an attachment includes a link mounting region having coupling units for the articulation of an upper link and two lower links of the power lift, and an apparatus mounting region for fixing the attachment. A coupling unit assigned to the upper link is movable in a translatory manner in a vertical direction running perpendicular to a transverse direction. The coupling units are movably disposed on a device base of the coupling device, and the coupling units assigned to the two lower links are movable in a translatory manner in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a row cleaning device having a main body with a proximal end and a distal end, the main body proximal end is adapted to mount to a seeder. A pivot leg has a first end and a second end, the first end is pivotally mounted to the main body distal end at a pivot, the second end extends toward the main body proximal end. A clearing implement is mounted to the pivot leg second end and rotates with respect to the pivot leg. The row cleaning device is adapted to be driven by a seeder in a direction of travel with the clearing implement being located behind the pivot in the direction of travel. The pivot leg pivots with respect to the main body as the clearing implement moves along the ground in the direction of travel.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

Abstract: A seed meter assembly includes a motor, a seed reservoir, and a metering member having a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side. The motor is configured to drive the metering member in a rotational direction moving from upstream towards downstream. The metering member includes a plurality of apertures for picking up seeds from the seed reservoir under the influence of a pressure differential. A cell diverges from an aperture of the plurality of apertures towards the seed side to define a surface recessed therefrom. The cell is configured to receive one of the seeds and is elongated between a first end defining a furthest extent of the cell in an upstream direction and a second end defining a furthest extent of the cell in a downstream direction. The aperture of the plurality of apertures is disposed closer to the second end than to the first end.

Abstract: An agricultural implement broadly includes a ground-engaging tool, a time-of-flight sensor, and a controller. The time-of-flight sensor is configured to obtain information indicative of seed parameters, furrow parameters, and/or soil condition parameters. The controller is configured to process the information obtained by the time-of-flight sensor to generate the parameters, wherein the controller is further configured to automatically control operation of one or more components of the implement based on the parameters.

Abstract: In one aspect, a planter row unit is provided an includes a frame, a first opener disc configured to open a seed trench, and a second opener disc configured to open a second trench different than the seed trench. The second opener disc is rotatable relative to the frame and is vertically moveable relative to the frame. In one aspect, an opener assembly is provided and includes a bracket, an opener disc coupled to the bracket and rotatable relative to the bracket and vertically moveable relative to the bracket, and a biasing member coupled to and between the bracket and the opener disc. The biasing member biases the opener disc vertically downward. In one aspect, a planter row unit is provided and includes an applicator support member made of a resilient material to allow movement of the applicator support member and inhibit deformation of the applicator support member.

Abstract: A rake may have a spade implement disposed adjacent to the tines. The spade implement may have a thin or sharpened edge and may have a convex edge running from the top to the bottom to facilitate the spade implement cutting portions of plants or of cutting into the ground to facilitate the removal of plants, rocks, etc. The spade implement may be welded or otherwise attached to one of the tines of the rake head, or may be formed integrally therewith.

Abstract: A lawnmower (1) is disclosed comprising at least one wheel (3) configured to support the lawnmower (1) during operation. The at least one wheel (3) comprises a rolling surface (5), and the lawnmower (1) comprises a cleaning device (7) configured to clean the rolling surface (5), and an actuator (9) configured to move the cleaning device (7) relative the rolling surface (5). The present disclosure further relates to a method (100) of cleaning a rolling surface (5) of at least one wheel (3) of a lawnmower (1).

Abstract: A sickle guard counter-knife insert includes a pair of counter-knives. Each counter-knife defines a channel for an operable sickle bar between mutually-coupled upper and lower portions. The counter-knives and a connecting crossbar are formed together as an integral unit.

Abstract: A header floatation system that includes a header, a floatation mechanism which includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, an adjustment array which includes at least a first contact point, a bracket which includes at least a second contact point, a skid shoe, and a fastener. The first end of the floatation mechanism can be mechanically linked to the adjustment array. Either the adjustment array or the bracket can include a third contact point. The adjustment array can be mechanically linked to the skid shoe. The fastener can be positioned adjacent to, on, or through at least the first or second contact points aligning contact between the bracket and the adjustment array.

Abstract: Various types of lawnmowers are disclosed that include at least one cutter housing having a chamber wall with a discharge opening therein. The mowers can include a rolling shutter formed of multiple steel sheets held together by pins. In discharge mode, the rolling shutter can be wrapped around a roller cylinder. In mulching mode the rolling shutter can extend to close off the discharge opening of the mower.

Abstract: A cutting blade for use with a rotary trimmer head assembly configured with one or more swiveling blade receptacles is disclosed. The blade has a trimmer head connecting end portion defining a blade mount aperture adapted to receive the swiveling blade receptacle, and the blade has a cutting end portion. The connecting end portion comprises a spring collar assembly sized and configured to firmly and removably receive and secure a portion of an outer cylindrical surface of the swiveling blade receptacle. The spring collar assembly has a pair of opposing levers having two ends. Each lever has a handle and a curved jaw. The curved jaws define a collar aperture in coaxial alignment with the blade mount aperture. Preferably, the levers are fixedly connected to respective pivot arms radially extending from a pivotal abutment disposed intermediate the two ends of each lever, wherein squeezing together said handles of the levers increases a diameter of the collar aperture.

Abstract: An eccentric mount is used to adjust floatation force applied to a cutter bar of a pull type mower when the cut height of the cutter bar is changed. The eccentric mount is rotated to increase or decrease the tension on springs suspending the cutter bar. The eccentric mount is calibrated to adjust incrementally in relation to the position of the skid shoes to provide a floatation force to the cutter bar appropriate to the cutter height as determined by the spring shoe setting.

Abstract: A drive-over mower deck includes at least one retractable front roller which is pivotable between a lowered position extending forwardly and downwardly from a rim at a front and center of the drive-over mower deck, and a retractable position in which the front roller pivots freely between the lowered position and a retracted position when the drive-over mower deck lays flat on a ground surface.

Abstract: A stand-on lawnmower includes a vehicle body frame, a steering mechanism operable for maneuvering the lawnmower, and a platform assembly for an operator operating the steering mechanism. The platform assembly includes a stationary base mounted to the vehicle body frame, a platform supported to the stationary base and a swing mechanism provided between the stationary base and the platform. In the platform, a footrest face for the operator is formed. The swing mechanism includes a rolling mechanism for causing rolling of the footrest face and a pitching mechanism for causing pitching of the footrest face.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method indirectly detect the operational state of a machine among a plurality of operational states and track the movement of a material through a plurality of machines.

Abstract: A harvester comprising: a drive engine connected via a first drive train to ground engagement equipment of the harvester and via a second drive train to crop processing equipment of the harvester; an actuator configured to adjust the transmission ratio of the first drive train to control the propulsion speed of the harvester; and a controller configured to receive setpoint and actual values dependent on the crop throughput of the harvester, the controller configured to calculate an acceleration signal based on the setpoint and actual values, the acceleration signal representing an acceleration of the harvester suitable for minimizing the difference between the setpoint and actual values, and to determine a control signal for controlling the actuator based on the acceleration signal.

Abstract: A harvesting head for an agricultural harvester including a center frame section that is pivotally coupled to each of a left frame section and a right frame section. The elevation or height of the center frame section is determined by setting a height of the inner gauge wheels of the left and right frame sections. A gauge assembly for each of the left and right frame sections includes a linking member that spans between and operatively connects to outer and inner gauge wheels. The gauge assemblies are operably connected to the left and right frame sections to adjust an elevation of the outer and inner gauge wheels relative to the linking member to thereby adjust the elevation or height of the frame section when actuated by an actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A header floatation system that includes a floatation mechanism which includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first floatation adjustment array which includes at least a first contact point, a floatation mechanism mount which includes at least a second contact point, and a floatation mechanism fastener. The first end of the floatation mechanism can be mechanically linked to the floatation mechanism mount. Either the first floatation adjustment array or the floatation mechanism mount can include a third contact point. The floatation mechanism fastener can be positioned adjacent to, on, or through at least the first or second contact points aligning contact between the floatation mechanism mount and the first floatation adjustment array.

Abstract: A cotton cleaner for cleaning cotton harvested by a cotton stripper comprises grid bars, a saw drum, and a buffer ring. The saw drum is positioned in proximity to the grid bars and rotatable about an axis of rotation of the saw drum for saw teeth of the saw drum to remove cotton from harvested cotton plant material that passes between the saw drum and the grid bars. The buffer ring is supported by and disposed around the saw drum such that an outer diameter of the buffer ring is greater than an outer diameter of the saw teeth for contact of a grid bar of the grid bars with the buffer ring upon deflection of that grid bar toward the saw drum.

Abstract: An auger assembly for transporting material for an agricultural work vehicle formed by an auger and a housing arrangement having an interior that houses the auger such that rotation of the auger within the housing arrangement is configured to transport the material through the housing arrangement. The housing arrangement includes a series of tube portions including at least a first and a second tube portion, each respective tube portion of the series of tube portions having a first and second end, an inner and outer surface, and a thickness between the inner and outer surfaces; and at least one mounting flange structure, including a first mounting flange structure secured to the outer surface of the first tube portion by a first laser weld extending from the inner surface of the first tube portion, through the thickness of the first tube portion, and into the first mounting flange structure.

Abstract: A separator module for an agricultural machine. The separator module includes a feederhouse configured to receive crop from a harvesting platform, a casing enclosing a rotor positioned therein and rotatable relative to the casing for processing crop from the feederhouse, a cover extending between the feederhouse and the casing, and a noise control treatment coupled to the cover.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for reducing foliar chloroplast movement in plants and trees to enhance CO2 trapping (carbon capture) from the air while naturally increasing the oxygen in the atmosphere and diluting the concentration of greenhouse gasses. Also provided are methods for measuring foliar chloroplast avoidance in response to treatments designed to reduce avoidance. Also provided are compositions and methods for reducing bud temperature increases during the dormancy phase of deciduous plants and trees, and compositions and methods for increasing winter chill accumulation in deciduous plants and trees.

Abstract: A flowerpot is disclosed. The flowerpot includes a main body configured to provide a planting space in which an upper portion is open and a central portion is passed through by a through portion in a front and rear direction, a self-watering module installed in the through portion to form water by condensing moisture in the air, and a water supply hole provided on a bottom of the through portion so as to guide the water formed by the self-watering module to the planting space provided in a lower side of the through portion.

Abstract: An aquatic weed planting plate for an aquarium is disclosed. The aquatic weed planting plate for aquarium includes a plate body and at least four feet. A plurality of planting holes is formed in the plate body at intervals. A plurality of dirt collecting holes is formed around each planting hole. The plate body is provided with fixing devices for fixing aquatic weeds, and each fixing device corresponds to one planting hole. The fixing device includes a fixing sleeve, two clamping members and a luminous ring. The plate body is provided with nets for collecting dirt, each net corresponds to one dirt collecting hole, the lower portion of each net is provided with a connecting tube; a plurality of conveying pipes is also arranged below the plate body, each conveying pipe is communicated with the plurality of connecting tubes, each connecting tube is communicated with the corresponding conveying pipe.

Abstract: A container, such as a pot, strip or tray, comprising at least one accommodation for at least one specimen from a group, comprising: plants; seeds; seedlings; cuttings and the like, where the accommodation is configured to be filled with a substrate and the container exhibits at least a side wall, a bottom and a top surface to accommodate the substrate and the specimen in the substrate, of which at least a portion of the top surface is open to enable growth of the specimen there through in a longitudinal direction. The side wall includes a completely open passage which is dimensioned for inserting or extracting a block of substrate with essentially a full size of an interior of the accommodation into or from the interior through the passage in a sideways direction relative to the longitudinal direction, where at least the side wall includes a cutting edge alongside the passage.

Abstract: A flower water receiver is disclosed. The flower water receiver includes a main body formed in a cylindrical shape with an open top so as to store water, a self-watering module installed on a central portion of a bottom of the main body to form water by condensing moisture in the air, a support formed on a part of the main body in the vicinity of a circumference of the self-watering module so as to support a circumference of a lower portion of a flower pot placed in an upper portion of the main body, and a wick support member, in a process of in which the flower pot is placed in the upper portion of the main body, configured to support a wick configured to absorb water in the lower portion of the main body and transfer the water to the inside of the flower pot, to be inserted into an inside of a drain hole in a central portion of the lower portion of the flower pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a plant is presented. The apparatus has a top surface and a plurality of legs. The legs are connected to the underside of the top surface. There is a plurality of bars presented to stabilize the table as they are coupled to the legs and provide strength and stability. The bars create a crisscross between the legs. The legs may have a prong-like footing to be secured into the ground to further stabilize the apparatus. The apparatus presents a safe secure place to work on, or to show plants of all kinds.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a liner positioned within a cabinet that defines a front display opening and an enclosed back portion. A grow module is rotatably mounted within the liner and include a central hub and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of grow chambers. The grow module is selectively rotated to index the plurality of grow chambers between a sealed position between the grow module and the enclosed back portion of the liner and a display position aligned with the front display opening. An environmental control system regulates a temperature within the chamber when the chamber is in the sealed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a module and system for indoor farming. In some embodiments, an indoor farming module includes a container compartment divided into a grow zone and a control zone, wherein a grow zone comprises a chassis with a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members configured to support a plurality of carts each carrying a tray with a plurality of plants and wherein the control zone includes an air blowing unit integrated so as to direct air between a drop ceiling and a structural ceiling of the indoor farming module and an air conditioning unit configured to condition an atmosphere in the grow zone by producing cool dry air that is blown into a plenum space located between the drop ceiling and a structural ceiling.

Abstract: A method is provided of producing a Lactuca plant seed including using a Megachile bee as pollination means, and providing the a Megachile bee a minor nectar plant to have preference in flower visiting, in addition to a pollen parent Lactuca plant and a seed parent Lactuca plant and to perform a crossing of a Lactuca plant using a plant species having the preference in flower visiting equivalent to or lower than that of the Lactuca plant. According to one embodiment, it is possible to produce a Lactuca hybrid plant seed more efficiently and economically than before while using a Megachile bee as pollination means.

Abstract: A method for reducing nitrate content in leafy vegetable plants, in particular, in salad crops, is provided. In the method, at least one organic osmolyte compound is delivered, in a predetermined amount, to the plant, preferably, a hydroponically cultivated plant. The method advantageously utilizes betaine compounds. Related preparation and uses are further provided.

Abstract: This patent relates to a frame mounted hydraulic cable log skidder attachment for agricultural tractors. The skidder unit includes the structural plate, beam, and roller arch assembly which provides structural support for the hydraulic winch. The log skidder unit hydraulically self-loads onto the rear of the tractor. Once the log(s)/load is secured manually on the end of the choker cable, the load is raised off the ground via the hydraulic winch from inside the tractor cab and moved to a desired location, where the load is disconnected manually from the dismounted position.

Abstract: The improved thinning or clearcut head is configured a tree harvesting vehicle supported by a plurality of wheels and tires. The improved thinning or clearcut head is adapted for use in cutting down a target tree. The improved thinning or clearcut head comprises a tree harvesting vehicle and a lateral pivot apparatus. The tree harvesting vehicle comprises a harvest vehicle and a cutting tool. The lateral pivot apparatus attaches the cutting tool to the harvest vehicle such that the cutting tool rotates around a lateral axis of rotation that is parallel to the center axis of the target tree. The improved thinning or clearcut head aligns the cutting tool with the target tree such that the alignment axis between the clamping arms of the cutting tool and the target tree is offset from primary sense of direction of the harvest vehicle.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing medium (39) comprising a three-dimensional self-supporting substrate (39) having a dry bulk density of about 1.8 lb/ft3 (28.83 kg/m3) to 10 lb/ft3 (160.185 kg/m3) and including at least about 2 to 10 weight % of a man-made fiber portion (24) and at least about 90 to 98 weight % of a natural fiber portion (22) having wood fiber, based on the total weight of the hydroponic growing medium (39).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a Portland cement-free porous rigid mineral substrate made of alkali-activated pozzolans, a method for preparing the same, and use of said substrate to optimize plant germination and growth.

Abstract: A system for evaluating irrigation condition in crops uses thermal imagery. The system includes at least one thermal imagery system configured for thermal mapping of an area, at least one water potential detector configured for measuring water potential in a plant stem in which it is installed and transmitting data indicative of its measurements, and a central unit. The central unit is configured to receive thermal imaging data indicative of acquired crop temperature maps, receive data from the at least one water potential detector and process the received data to evaluate irrigation condition of the crop using the data from the at least one water potential detector reference to calibrate the data from the thermal imagery system.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to a modular hydroponic system that may integrate various farming mechanisms. More specifically, the modular hydroponic system may utilize interconnected modules and lines to cycle nutrient-rich water to a range of plant and animal life. The modular hydroponic system may comprise aquaponic modules that may continuously process recycled water and replenish it with nutrients to facilitate growth of the plant life. With a combination of hydroponics and aquaponics, the modular hydroponic system may provide for both a farm and fisheries, allowing for the harvest of produce and fish. The modular aspect of the modular hydroponic system may allow for customization based on resources, spaces, and needs, wherein modules may be combined and substituted.

Abstract: A hydroponic tower cleaning and debris removal system is provided that is configured to automatically clean and remove plant and material debris from within a hinged, hydroponic tower as well as the plant containers contained within such a hydroponic tower. The hydroponic tower cleaning system utilizes a drive system to force the tower through the apparatus; an alignment system to ensure that the tower remains in proper alignment throughout the cleaning process; a brush system that initiates separation of plant debris from the tower/plant containers and ensures that the plant roots are torn apart; a plunger system to eject plant debris from within the plant containers; an air delivery system to blow away the debris; and rollers to maintain tower face alignment during the cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods for mutating a plant and plants and plant products produced by said methods. Also, compositions and methods for controlling a plant species are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing substantially pathogen-free plants of the genus Cannabis and pathogen-free plants and clones produced therefrom. One embodiment of the method comprises pretreating a progenitor plant of the genus Cannabis, surface sterilizing a shoot segment of the pretreated plant with a bleach solution, excising a meristematic tip of the shoot segment, and transferring the meristematic tip into a culturing plate comprising a supplemented Murashige and Skoog culture medium for further culturing. The supplemented Murashige and Skoog culture medium can comprise benzyladenine, naphthaleneacetic acid, gibberellic acid, or a combination thereof.