Abstract: A handheld gardening tool includes a power source, a spike projection device adapted to roughen soil for the application of grass seeds or to ease pulling weeds, and a support arm connecting the power source to the spike projection device. The spike projection device comprises a housing supporting a plurality of spikes mounted within the housing for controlled extension from and retraction within the housing for engagement with soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a ground treatment, such as aeration or dethatching, is provided. The apparatus includes a base frame component to which a pair of angled side frame components are pivotally mounted. Each angled side frame can include first and second ends that are oriented to form a central angle. A first end of an angled side frame can be pivotally attached to a wheel and/or the base frame component, while the second end can include a mechanism for mounting a ground treatment component.

Abstract: An automated implement control system includes one or more distance sensors configured for coupling with an agricultural implement. The one or more distance sensors are configured to measure a ground distance and a canopy distance from the one or more sensors to the ground and crop canopy, respectively. An implement control module is in communication with the one or more distance sensors. The implement control module controls movement of the agricultural implement. The implement control module includes a confidence module configured to determine a ground confidence value based on the measured ground distance and a canopy confidence value based on the measured canopy distance. A target selection module of the implement control module is configured to select one of the measured ground or canopy distances as a control basis for controlling movement of the agricultural implement based on the comparison of confidence values.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the direction of travel of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle having a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with the work vehicle. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of a direction of travel of the implement. The implement may also include an actuator configured to adjust the direction of travel of the implement, with the actuator being fluidly coupled to the valve such that the valve is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The implement may further include an implement-based controller configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the direction of travel of the implement.

Abstract: A manure spreader implement has a compartment for containing manure, a conveyor for displacing manure in the compartment towards a rear end of the implement, and a rotating beater assembly at the rear end of the implement for spreading the manure outwardly from the rear end of the implement. The implement further includes (i) support brackets for supporting the mounting fasteners of the beater teeth on the auger of the beater assembly in double shear, (ii) auxiliary paddles supported by removable fasteners on the auger of the beater assembly between the auger flighting above and the lower paddles of the auger below, and/or (iii) floor slats on the conveyor which have end portions of reduced internal dimension formed by crimps that allow relative sliding between the floor slats and the mounting bars on the chain of the conveyor.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for seed or grain drill planters which allows for the adjustment of the camber and/or toe of individual coulters on the planter.

Abstract: A seed metering system for metering a plurality of seeds includes a meter housing having a front side and a rear side opposite and attached to the front side, a seed inlet defined within the front side of the meter housing, and a seed disk positioned within and rotatable relative to the meter housing. The seed disk has a first side in facing relation to the front side of the meter housing and a second side in facing relation to the rear side of the meter housing. The seed metering system further includes a seal in contact with the front side of the meter housing and the first side of the seed disk.

Abstract: An agricultural planting implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed meter provides seeds one at time to a seed carrier, such as a brush wheel. The brush wheel may move the seeds one at a time to a seed conveyor by directly moving seeds along a curved portion of a seed disc in the seed meter. The seed conveyor may be a flighted belt, and the velocity of the seeds when transferred from the seed carrier may match the velocity of the flighted belt. The seed conveyor conveys the seeds to a position near the bottom of a furrow, and ejects the seeds with little or no horizontal velocity relative to the bottom of the furrow.

Abstract: A seed meter for metering a plurality of seeds includes a seed disk housing having a seed inlet, a seed outlet, and a chamber therebetween, a seed disk mounted within the chamber of the seed disk housing, a motor having an output shaft and a gear mounted thereon, the gear being engageable with the seed disk and operable to rotate the seed disk relative to the seed disk housing, a mount fixed relative to the motor, the mount having a non-planar engagement surface, and a hook attached to the seed disk housing, the hook having a non-planar engagement surface engageable with the engagement surface of the mount.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200) comprising further comprising a charging station (210) and a robotic work tool (100), the robotic work tool system (200) being configured to determine a change in weather and to take preservation action. The robotic work tool may detect the change in weather by detecting an electrical charge buildup in the boundary wire. The robotic work tool may take the preservative action by the robotic work tool (100) distancing itself from the charging station (210).

Abstract: In a rotary mower having ten generally horizontal cutter disks forming a total cutting length along the cutter bar of 16 feet, the discharge opening containing the parallel conditioner rolls and a parallel transfer roll has a width of at least 125 inches. This allows a first outermost one of the ten disks and approximately one half of the next adjacent disk to be mounted on the cutter bar outwardly of the discharge opening. A convergence system then includes only first and second impellers with the first impeller mounted on the first disk for rotation therewith and the second impeller mounted on an upper support above the impeller so that the second impeller hangs downwardly toward the second disk for contacting the cut crop and mounted immediately adjacent with the second impeller having a peripheral edge located at or immediately adjacent the vertical plane of the side of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A nut collector which includes a chassis supported on its lower surface over a crosswise shaft and respective wheels, while, on the front side, it receives a coupling drawbar, below which is a collector set is located having rotating brushes and located close to the ground and leveled by side wheels such that aligned fruits in that region are swept inside as the machine moves ahead and subsequently pass through a vibrating screen assembly and selection screens, wherein the residues and debris are separated and the clean nuts pass through a crosswise transporter and elevator for accumulation in a dump bucket.

Abstract: A verge-cutting mower device (20, 30), for example for maintaining roadside verges, has at least one frame (16) intended to be mounted on an automotive agricultural machine (10) and on which there is mounted a piece of cutting/grinding equipment (20) intended to mow or grind plants. The cutting/grinding equipment (20) is actuated using an electric motor (33).

Abstract: A dual powered riding lawn mower including a riding mower. The riding mower includes a mowing deck having at least one mowing blade therein. The mower blade is connected to a blade shaft. The blade shaft is connected to a clutch and gear box. The gear box will enable a user to switch between manual power and a battery powered motor. The manual power will include a set of pedals that will spin the blade shaft and propel the riding lawn mower forward. When the electric motor is engaged the pedals are used to charge the battery via an alternator connected to the gear box.

Abstract: A combine for harvesting chick peas includes a first rotatable shaft having components that cut a crop and pass the cut crop in a rearward direction, and a drum that includes an outer shell with stationary threshers and a cut crop opening, a rotatable central mount, a plurality of rotatable threshers. Each of the rotatable threshers is attached to the central rotatable mount and in line with a stationary thresher. A plurality of cutters is attached to the outer shell, a flame source projects a flame into the drum, and a water source projects water into the drum. The cut crop passes into the cut crop opening, to be further cut by the plurality of cutters and threshed by the plurality of rotatable threshers, such that the flame and water are projected onto the cut crop, resulting in a processed crop and detritus that is separated from the processed crop.

Abstract: An apparatus for trimming plant material includes a rotatable tumbler through which the plant material is to be axially propagated while rotationally tumbling, and a plurality of cutting reel systems adjacent the tumbler. The plurality of cutting reel systems includes a first cutting reel system adjacent the tumbler, and a second cutting reel system adjacent a landing zone of the rotatable tumbler. The landing zone is an angular range about the axis of the tumbler within which plant material tends to land on the tumbler after tumbling through a central volume of the tumbler.

Abstract: An approach for controlling light exposure of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects of this approach involve using a first set of radiation sources to irradiate the object with visible radiation and infrared radiation. A second set of radiation sources spot irradiate the object in a set of locations with a target ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths. Radiation sensors detect radiation reflected from the object and environment condition sensors detect conditions of the environment in which the object is located during irradiation. A controller controls irradiation of the light sensitive object by the first and second set of radiation sources according to predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for various environmental conditions. In addition, the controller adjusts irradiation settings of the first and second set of radiation sources as a function of measurements obtained by the various sensors.

Abstract: A grow light for stimulating plant growth is presented herein. The grow light includes a plurality of primary light modules with LEDs fixedly mounted to a support assembly and spaced a distance away from a plant canopy, and one or more secondary light modules movably or pivotally mounted to an end of one or more of the primary light modules. A positioning assembly is disposed interconnected light modules for manually or automatically movably disposing the secondary light modules into different angular positions relative to the plant. A height adjustment assembly is also include to movably position the light assembly, such as the plurality of primary light modules or the secondary light modules in a vertical direction. Additional features can be included, such as positioning sensors, environmental sensors, CO2 delivery systems, water cooling systems, ground wire interconnections, and light frequency control.

Abstract: An LED lighting system for use in an indoor growing system. The lighting system includes a lighting tray having a tube containing a printed circuit board therein. The circuit board has blue and red LED lights. The LEDs draw power and at least one of the LEDs draws power of less than 1 Watts and may draw less than ½ Watt. The dispersion angle of the LEDs is less than 40° degrees and may be less than 30° degrees. The heat-sinking capabilities of a standard circuit board are sufficient without special metalized layers or external heat sinks. Additionally, conversion to low voltage power is achieved remotely in an area away from the lights. In the lighting system, the ratio of red to blue LEDs is 15-24% red to 76-85% blue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous automated growing of plants utilizes a vertical array of plant supporting arms extending radially from a central column. Each arm has a plurality of plant receiving trough elements which receive the plant seedling and liquid nutrients and water. The plant supporting arms rotate on the hollow column which is motor-driven at its lower end and supported on a bearing mounted on a fixed central pipe at its upper end. The central pipe is fixed to a concrete base or post buried in the supporting surface.

Abstract: A seed level managing system includes a seed tank configured to contain seeds, a plurality of seed level sensors placed on a sidewall of the seed tank, a surface detecting sensor, and a controller. The controller includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller to receive first information from the plurality of seed level sensors; receive second information from the surface detecting sensor and determine a number of the seeds in the seed tank based on the first information and the second information.

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 of 1-5 mph 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 for no more than 15 seconds per unit plant area per pass, (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: A tree net assembly includes a pole vertically oriented and positioned adjacent to a plant. Each of a pair of globes is slidably positioned around the pole, and each of the globes has a plurality of wells each extending toward a center of a respective one of the globes. each of a pair of rods is comprised of a resiliently bendable material. Each of the rods is removably coupled between the globes when the globes are positioned on the pole. The globes are spaced apart from each other a distance less than a length of the rods. The rods curve outwardly from the pole between the globes such that the rods define a sphere surrounding the plant. A net is positionable around the rods to surround the plant.

Abstract: A hop yard stringing system which includes: a trailer mounted worker platform; a measuring and cutting device which automatically measures and cuts bine support lines of desired length for attachment to overhead trellis lines; a plunger assembly on the back end of the trailer for staking the lower ends of the lines into the ground; a line transfer device which transfers the lower ends of the lines to the plunger assembly; an anchor forming assembly which forms staking anchors for the plunger assembly; a line tension monitoring system for the staked lines; and a GPS system which activates the plunger to stake the lines at predetermined GPS locations.

Abstract: A fungal growth structure comprising a nutritive vehicle, a porous material, an administrable space. fungal tissue comprising fungal hyphae having a growth pattern, the fungal tissue connecting said nutritive vehicle to said porous material to said administrable space, wherein the fungal tissue within said space defines at least one successive fungal material layer; and a chemically or physically altered separated portion of fungal material, the separated portion separated from said fungal tissue.

Abstract: A drip emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. Water enters the emitter through a first inlet and proceeds into a first chamber. When the water pressure is above a predetermined level, a one-directional valve opens to allow fluid flow past the first chamber, through a tortuous path flow channel, and through an emitter outlet. A second inlet is used to compensate for water pressure fluctuations in the supply tube to maintain output flow at a relatively constant rate. Water enters the second inlet and presses a flexible diaphragm toward a water metering surface to provide pressure-dependent control of the output flow. A copper member is mounted to the emitter over the emitter outlet to prevent plant root intrusion into the emitter outlet.

Abstract: An irrigation control device comprises a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to receive control signals from an irrigation control unit and to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of both the coil and the control circuitry, the housing including a threaded end configured to thread the irrigation control device to a valve assembly to be actuated by the electromagnetic flux of the coil.

Abstract: An integrated irrigation valve control device has a coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of irrigation equipment. Control circuitry is electrically coupled to the coil to control the flux at the coil. A housing covers at least a portion of the coil and at least a portion of the control circuitry.

Abstract: A device for dispensing liquids, in particular irrigation water, comprises a liquid tank (1) of displaceable type with a cover (2) for closing said tank (1), an electric pump (7) inserted into the cover (2) for drawing the liquid from the tank (1) and delivering the liquid itself to irrigation pipes extending outwards, and an electronic control unit (13) for setting the liquid delivering times. The electronic control unit (13) comprises a movable selector (15) for programming the times and durations of the liquid deliveries, a start button (16) for starting the selected program, and a display (17) for viewing the state of the device as a function of the selected program. An external power source (33) is provided, with the possibility of using rechargeable cells (35), which are automatically rechargeable and which can be enabled in case of absence of external power supply.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system including an elongated trough. The trough includes at least a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, and a bottom wall, which all extend in the longitudinal direction of the trough and delimit a space in the centre of the trough, open at the top. The trough also includes a partition wall structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the trough and dividing said central space into two adjacent elongated grooves which are open at the top and into which one or more substrates can be placed for the cultivation of plants. In an example, the partition wall structure includes an elongated overflow channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove and guides the irrigation water past the grooves. The overflow channel may be arranged in an elevated position with respect to the bottom wall.

Abstract: Tray assemblies organized in a vertical stack with a grow light positioned above each. Plant nutrient solution flows into a feed reservoir positioned in a first end of the top assembly. When plant nutrient solution reaches the level of outlets positioned in a sidewall of the feed reservoir, it flows into longitudinal channels positioned on the tray assembly. A collection reservoir at a second end of the tray assembly collects excess solution from the channels. A lip positioned between the channels and the collection reservoir retains some of the solution in the channels so it is available to plants held by the tray assembly. Excess solution flows from the collection reservoir of the top tray assembly to a feed reservoir serving the next tray assembly in the stack. The pattern is repeated while alternating the orientation of each tray assembly such that solution is provided to each tray assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for flue gas reclamation is described. In one embodiment, a flue gas reclamation system is provided. The system includes a combustion engine including an intake member, an output shaft, and an exhaust outlet. The intake member receives flue gas from a gas source. A generator is connected to the output shaft and a compressor is connected to the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine. At least one holding tank is connected to the compressor and the compressor stores enriched flue gas from the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine in the at least one holding tank. A battery is connected to the generator and is configured to provide electric power to the flue gas reclamation system. An algae farm in fluid communication with the at least one holding tank is configured to receive the stored enriched flue gas from the at least one holding tank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for improving or enhancing pathogen resistance in legume plants. Compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by legume-derived nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) genes are useful in improving resistance in legumes to Asian soybean rust. Methods of using NB-LRR genes can be used to make a transgenic resistant legume plant.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH549721. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH549721, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH549721 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH549721.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of spinach hybrid SVVB0421. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SVVB0421 and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a spinach plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SVVB0421 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of Brassica carinata breeding (i.e. Ethiopian mustard breeding), specifically relating to Brassica carinata variety DH-156.090D. The present invention relates to seeds, plants or parts thereof, cells, methods of making, and uses of this variety and its progeny.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Ofree, a novel wheat cultivar produced by crossing Keumkang wheat and Olgeuru wheat, in which low-molecular-weight glutenin subunit (LMW-GS) alleles located at the Glu-B3 loci (major cause of gluten intolerance) and ?-5 gliadin genes (major cause of wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA)) have been deleted; a method of developing a new wheat cultivar using Ofree; wheat flour produced from Ofree; a method of producing a processed food using the wheat flour; and a processed food produced by the aforementioned production method. It is expected that Ofree provided in the present invention can be widely used for the production of processed foods capable of preventing the onset of celiac disease caused by gluten intolerance and the onset of WDEIA.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2RFW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RFW with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RFW through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RFW or a locus conversion of PH2RFW with another maize variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101293. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101293, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101293 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101293.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101393. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101393, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101393 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101393.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH100228. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH100228, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH100228 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH100228.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101112. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101112, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101112 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101112.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101434. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101434, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101434 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101434.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH433567. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH433567, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH433567 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH433567.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated 3ABIA1776 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety 3ABIA1776 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 3ABIA1776 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety 3ABIA1776 or a locus conversion of 3ABIA1776 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated 5HSMM2086 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety 5HSMM2086 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 5HSMM2086 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety 5HSMM2086 or a locus conversion of 5HSMM2086 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated 7HHSL3114 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety 7HHSL3114 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 7HHSL3114 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety 7HHSL3114 or a locus conversion of 7HHSL3114 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95R274 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95R274 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95R274 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95R274, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95R274 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95R274 and methods of using maize variety X95R274 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95R277 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95R277 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95R277 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95R277, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95R277 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95R277 and methods of using maize variety X95R277 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated CL21924838 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety CL21924838, cells from soybean variety CL21924838, plants of soybean CL21924838, and plant parts of soybean variety CL21924838. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety CL21924838 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety CL21924838, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety CL21924838, and methods of characterizing soybean variety CL21924838. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety CL21924838 are further provided.