Abstract: The present application relates generally to storage devices, and specifically to a combined shovel and storage device for backcountry or all-terrain use comprising a shovel blade and a complementary portion, whereby the shovel blade and the complementary portion are configured to releasably secure together thereby defining a hollow space for storage therebetween. The combined shovel and storage device further includes a shovel shaft, wherein the shovel shaft is of a dimension that can be stored within the hollow space for storage, and wherein the shovel shaft contains a first end with a shovel handle and a second end opposite the first end configured to releasably secure to the shovel blade. Also disclosed is a method of using a combined shovel and storage device to shovel earth, snow, water, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A hitch assembly includes a vehicle connection interface and a rotary cutter connection interface. A mounting plate extends between the vehicle connection interface and the rotary cutter connection interface. A pivot plate is pivotally coupled to the mounting plate. A suspension element coupled between the pivot and mounting plates mitigates force transfer between the connection interfaces resulting from the relative movement of the connection interfaces.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is configured to be moved over a supporting surface by a vehicle. The agricultural planter includes a frame and a planter assembly coupled to the frame. A first propulsion assembly is coupled to the frame at a first position with the first propulsion assembly having a first traction member configured to engage the supporting surface. A second propulsion assembly is coupled to the frame at a second position with the second propulsion assembly having a second traction member configured to engage the supporting surface. A drive assembly is operably coupled to at least one of the first or second propulsion assemblies and configured to drive at least one of the first or second traction members during operation of the planter assembly. The first traction member is configured to be driven independently of the second traction member.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle-trailer combination includes a traction module including a drive element for engaging in a ground, a working appliance coupled to the traction module by a coupling apparatus, and a folding axle supporting the working appliance relative to the ground at least during a transport mode. A slewing mechanism of the coupling apparatus provides a degree of freedom of rotation between the traction module and the working appliance along a longitudinal axis of the working appliance. A pivot joint provides a degree of freedom of pivoting between the traction module and the working appliance along a vertical axis of the traction module. The pivot joint is adjustable relative to its pivot angle by a steering actuator for influencing the direction of travel of the vehicle-trailer combination.

Abstract: A system for determining material accumulation relative to ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement includes a frame member extending along a first direction, first and second ground engaging tools coupled to the frame member, a sensing arm, a sensor, and a controller. The first and second ground engaging tools are spaced apart from each other in the first direction such that an open space is defined between the first and second ground engaging tools. The sensing arm is aligned with the open space defined between the first and second ground engaging tools and is displaceable, with the sensor being configured to detect displacement of the sensing arm. The controller is configured to monitor the displacement based at least in part on data received from the sensor to determine a presence of material accumulation between the first and second ground engaging tools.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predictive management of plants. Agricultural (and natural resource) managers may have a multitude of data sets and data sources available, but often lack a meaningful or proven way to assimilate all available data and then conclusively select actions. For example, a vineyard manager may be able to collect data about local and regional weather, precipitation, disease prevalence, insect prevalence, pesticide use, crop varietal, cover crop selection and many other inputs to a predictive machine-learning vineyard management engine. As all this data is collected through local devices and third-party services, a prediction model may be used to determine specific outcomes or recommended actions based on the trained predictive model. For example, the model may be used to predict optimal harvest date, disease spread and vector spread, pest spread and impact, best pesticide use, irrigation plans, fruit quality, and the like.

Abstract: A mixing inclined belt conveyor capable of mixing particulate material, specifically wet, freshly treated plant seeds for agricultural purposes. Inserting a plurality of mixing baffles into the stream of the particulate material induces a backflow of the particulate material. In the case of wet, freshly treated plant seed, this backflow causes a mixing, polishing, and drying of the plant seed. The mixing distributes the seed treatment into an even coat by rubbing the individual seeds of the seed flow stream together. The mixing baffles are oriented to induce backflow and sideways lateral movement and may incorporate a passage to allow increase material flow rate.

Abstract: A directional garlic seed throwing mechanism includes a base, a rotating device, a vision sensor, a seed throwing guide plate, a seed guide pipe and a plurality of bulbil adjusting devices. The rotating device includes a rotating motor detachably connected to the base and a turntable connected to an output end of the rotating motor. The seed throwing guide plate is arranged on the turntable to enable garlic seeds of seed containing bowls to fall into the seed guide pipe. The seed guide pipe has an upper port right below the bulbil adjusting devices and arranged on the base. An even number of the bulbil adjusting devices are fixed on the turntable uniformly and symmetrically and include the seed containing bowls and bulbil direction control devices for driving the bowls to rotate 180 degrees.

Abstract: A system for dispensing agricultural products includes an agricultural product container having a memory circuit associated therewith for storing data, the stored data including data unique to the container and the quantity of material dispensed including specific rates of application. An application rate meter device is operatively connected to the agricultural product container and is configured to dispense the agricultural product from the agricultural product container. Precision placement equipment includes a placement tube assembly operatively connected to the application rate meter device to place the agricultural products in the desired locations for efficient activity of the agricultural product. Each placement tube assembly is mounted between depth wheels of a depth control wheel assembly of a planter for placement of product in-furrow between the depth wheels.

Abstract: A belt lock for a belt for an agricultural implement is provided. The belt lock comprises two connecting pieces which may be connected via a lock pin. The two connecting pieces each have an upper part and a lower part which are configured integrally with a hinge region, forming a receiver for the lock pin and for at least partially arranging one respective belt end between one another. The upper and lower part in each case have at least one recess for arranging fastening means. Each of the upper and lower parts have a belt adapter which is arranged on the respective connecting piece, the respective belt end being able to be releasably connected thereby to the respective connecting piece.

Abstract: Mowing systems include a mower and a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which is provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to an enable switch on the remote control unit that requires activation within a specified time before activating a drive system or PTO unit. Another aspect relates to sharing diagnostic information between the mower and remote control unit and emitting user-detectable warnings in response to the shared information. Another aspect relates to reducing a danger level of the system, e.g. disabling the PTO unit or slowing a drive speed transform function, when a proximity between the mower and the remote control unit is too small. Another aspect relates to controlling operation of the mower based on tilt angles of both the mower and the remote control unit.

Abstract: Mowing systems include a remote control unit such as a handheld unit for use with a mower, between which is provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to a handheld unit having a logic-implemented safety interlock for a PTO switch and/or a speed switch to prevent such switches from becoming active simultaneously with an enablement command for the PTO unit and/or drive unit of the mower. Another aspect relates to incorporating an inclinometer and/or motion sensor such as an accelerometer into the handheld unit, and controlling operation of the mower based on outputs) from such sensor(s). Another aspect relates to providing a display or other visual indicator on the handheld unit, and displaying on the visual indicator an indication of a tilt angle of the mower.

Abstract: A method of mowing an area with an autonomous mowing robot comprises storing, in non-transient memory of the robot, a set of geospatially referenced perimeter data corresponding to positions of the mowing robot as the mowing robot is guided about a perimeter of an area to be mowed, removing from the set of perimeter data one or more data points thereby creating a redacted data set and controlling the mowing robot to autonomously mow an area bounded by a boundary corresponding to the redacted data set, including altering direction of the mowing robot at or near a position corresponding to data in the redacted data set so as to redirect the robot back into the bounded area.

Abstract: A method for use an original robotic working tool and a replacement robotic working tool, the method comprising: connecting the original robotic working tool to the replacement robotic working tool; transferring operational data from the original robotic working tool to the replacement robotic working tool and enabling the replacement robotic working tool to operate as a replacement for the original robotic working tool.

Abstract: A lawn mower may include: a cutter unit including a cutter configured to cut grass on a ground and a motor configured to drive the cutter; a handle unit attached to the cutter unit and configured to be gripped by an operator; a grass collection container attached to the handle unit and configured to collect the grass cut by the cutter; and a battery configured to supply electric power to the motor. In a side view of the lawn mower, the battery may be disposed on a same side as the cutter unit with respect to the handle unit.

Abstract: A high-efficiency blade for a lawn maintenance tool includes a central axis and a mounting portion located on the central axis. The high-efficiency blade includes a cutting blade and a cutting blade sharpened leading edge. A cleaning blade is vertically offset from the cutting blade and is configured to mulch the associated clippings from vegetation and reduce an associated accumulation of clippings on an underside of an associated mower deck. The lawn maintenance tool can also include a deck having a separation distance between the cleaning blade and an underside of the deck. The deck can include an elevation change to vary the separation distance. The deck and high-efficiency blade can also include a forward or rearward tilt.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: A harvest head having a threshing comb, two covers, and two convergent conveyor belts over a third conveyor belt arranged transversely to the first two.

Abstract: A sugarcane harvester comprises a frame, a basecutter coupled to the frame for translation relative to the frame, a knockdown roller mounted for translation relative to the frame, and a synchronizer configured to translate the knockdown roller in unison with the basecutter so as to maintain a position of the knockdown roller relative to the basecutter upon translation of the basecutter relative to the frame.

Abstract: A garden implement is directed to collecting fallen pine cones off the ground. The device has an elongated handle connected to a basket or cage having a bottom surface that slides on a ground surface. The basket or cage has closed sides, and an open distal mouth. The bottom surface may comprise a pitchfork with curved tines and forward points. In operation, a user pushes the basket or cage forward using the handle, and pine cones are collected for disposal. Side wheels may be added for additional versatility.

Abstract: A reinforced feeder housing for an agricultural machine includes a housing body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and two opposing side surfaces each extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The housing body includes a front opening through which crop material is directed into the feeder housing from a header of the agricultural machine, and a rear opening that is substantially opposite the front opening through which crop is expelled from the feeder housing and is delivered to a threshing mechanism of the agricultural machine. Various panels of the housing body are reinforced to improve the structural integrity of the feeder housing and prevent damage to the welds in the housing body.

Abstract: Mowing systems include a mower and, optionally, a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which may be provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to monitoring a tilt angle of the mower, and defining or executing different system responses as a function of different first and second conditions that relate to the tilt angle. Another aspect relates to automatic adjustment of a speed setting of the mower's drive system as a function of a power takeoff (PTO) unit of the mower.

Abstract: Crop conveyor systems having an enhanced resistance to crop material build-up and suitable for usage in agricultural machines, such as round balers, include a conveyor belt run extending along a primary direction of belt travel, as well as a runner assembly adjacent the conveyor belt run. The runner assembly includes, in turn, elongated runners extending substantially parallel to the primary direction of belt travel and spaced along a lateral axis perpendicular to the primary direction of belt travel. Belt guide surfaces are provided on the elongated runners and face the conveyor belt run. The belt guide surfaces have convex surface regions in a first section plane parallel to the lateral axis and perpendicular to the primary direction of belt travel. The convex surface regions increase conformity between the belt guide surfaces and the conveyor belt run to reduce crop build-up on the elongated runners during usage of the build-up resistant crop conveyor system.

Abstract: The thorn extractor apparatus has a frame, a roller, a screen that surrounds the roller and a screen roller, and a removably attachable collection bin for receiving the thorny seeds. The roller and screen work together to pick up and convey the thorny seeds to the removably attachable collection bin to be discarded.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a first gripping element, a first cutting element extending from the first gripping element, a second gripping element operably connected to the first gripping element at a pivot and configured to move relative to the first gripping element about the pivot, and a second cutting element extending from the second gripping element and configured for movement relative to the first cutting element about the pivot. The cutting device further includes an opening spring extending from the first gripping element and the second gripping element, and a protection device located (i) between the first gripping element and the second gripping element, and (ii) between the pivot and the opening spring. An intermediate space is defined between the pivot and the opening spring. The protection device at least partially fills the intermediate space, such that objects are prevented from being inserted into the intermediate space.

Abstract: A reciprocating blade apparatus includes a pair of reciprocating blades stacked on one another in a thickness direction, and a transmission case including a power train configured to reciprocate the pair of reciprocating blades. The power train includes a pair of eccentric cams, and a pair of reciprocating members including fitting holes in which the eccentric cams are fitted, respectively. The pair of reciprocating members is guided to be able to move along an axis line which is parallel to a moving direction of the pair of reciprocating blades and runs through a rotation axis of the eccentric cams.

Abstract: This brush cutter includes: a drive unit; a working unit which is driven by power of the drive unit; a shaft which transmits the power of the drive unit to the working unit; a tubular portion which is disposed between the drive unit and the working unit, and in which the shaft is inserted; a floating box which has a handle support portion; and a handle which is supported by the handle support portion. The brush cutter is provided with a vibration absorbing member which fits in a tubular portion side fitting portion provided in the tubular portion and fits in a box side fitting portion provided in the floating box.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods, and methods of making devices for solving the problem of providing vegetation maintenance along easements, right-of-ways, roads, paths, and landscapes. In one embodiment, a saw attachment includes a boom assembly and a motor assembly mechanically coupled with the boom assembly. The saw attachment also includes a circular saw blade mechanically coupled with the motor assembly and a mount assembly mechanically coupled with the boom assembly. The mount assembly is configured for attachment to a loader having lift arms and resident on a host vehicle. In certain embodiments, the host vehicle may be a skid-steer, a tracked loader, or the like. In other embodiments, the host vehicle may be a tractor, a telehandler, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a vegetation management system each capable of managing vegetation in such a manner as to maintain a high quality state and achieve uniform growth. In a vegetation management system, an image acquiring apparatus acquires an image in which vegetation corresponding to a target of management is captured. An analysis unit analyzes the image as at least input information and outputs a predetermined analysis result. Then, a determination unit determines work contents to be performed for the vegetation, according to the analysis result. A work apparatus performs a process for executing work for the vegetation according to the work contents. For example, the present technology is applicable to a management system that manages natural grass.

Abstract: Laser light emanates from optical components that are mounted on a substrate, each optical component being coupled to an optical fiber that delivers laser radiation combined from multiple lasers. A linear or elliptical holographic diffuser is located to diffuse the light emanating from the optical components. The laser wavelengths excite plant photopigments for predetermined physiological responses, and the light source intensities may be temporally modulated to maximize photosynthesis and control photomorphogenesis responses. Each laser is independently controlled.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for treating and/or helping prevent microbial infections on plants and trees by applying a treatment solution to cut areas of the plants or trees that have been exposed during a hedging or topping operation, or the like.

Abstract: A plant-growing tray 102 comprises an array of cells 108 for containing stabilised media for propagating plants. The tray comprises a tray top 110, and each cell comprises a base 116 and an inclined side wall 114 extending from the base to the tray top. Each cell is configured to receive a stabilised medium, and comprises a plurality of projections 123, positioned around the side wall and facing into the cell, and a plurality of openings 125 defined in the side wall below the projections. The projections 123 are configured in use to support an upper portion of the stabilised medium. In a further aspect, a plant-growing tray for containing stabilised media for propagating plants is configurable in a nesting configuration with a similar tray, and comprises: a tray base configured to support a base portion of a stabilised medium; a support member, configured to support an upper portion of the stabilised medium; and an inclined tray wall connecting the support member to the tray base.

Abstract: A multifunctional seedling culturing apparatus includes a fixed seedling culturing pedestal and a movable seedling culturing shelf cart, where the fixed seedling culturing pedestal includes a frame, and light sources are disposed on the frame; the movable seedling culturing shelf cart includes a board shelf, at least two boards are disposed on the board shelf, planting plates are disposed on the at least two boards, a movable apparatus is disposed on a bottom of the board shelf, and the at least two boards on the board shelf match light source positions on the fixed seedling culturing pedestal.

Abstract: A vegetation partition wire mesh, for use in the vicinity of shores, coasts or roads, includes an outer wire mesh formed by upwardly bending left and right ends of a planar wire mesh, first partition wire meshes formed by upwardly bending front and rear ends of the planar wire mesh, and inner barriers. The first partition wire meshes are fixed inside the outer wire mesh while forming outer walls at front and rear ends thereof. Outer wire mesh nonwoven fabric along the inner surface of the outer wire mesh covers the outer wire mesh. A first partitioning nonwoven fabric along inner surfaces of the upwardly bent portions of the first partition wire meshes covers the upwardly bent portions of the first partition wire meshes. A mixture of soil and seeds is spread at high pressure to fill the inside of the outer wire mesh divided into a plurality of spaces.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of protecting plants from cold damage are provided. In particular, the invention provides compositions comprising plant-based nano- and/or micron-sized particles which, when applied to plants or plant parts such as buds, form a non-hydrophilic deposit or film with low thermal conductivity, thereby conferring protection against damage from ice nucleation and cold stress.

Abstract: A planting method for morels is disclosed, including the following steps of: (1) preparing spawns; (2) flipping the spawns; (3) managing the humidity; and (4) fruiting for harvesting. The planting method is simple, is easy to learn and promote, has a high yield, and requires few spawns, thereby reducing planting costs and product costs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a string trimmer having a blower feature incorporated therein. The string trimmer has a cutting head for holding a spool with cutting line. The cutting line is rotated at high speed to cut grass and other vegetation. The cutting head also includes a fan for generating an airflow to act as a blower. The string trimmer can be operated in two modes. In a first mode, both the fan and the spool housing are engaged with the motor so that the rotation of the spool housing performs a cutting operation. In a second mode, the motor engages only the fan to blow air, and the spool housing is disengaged so no cutting operation is performed.

Abstract: A timber working device, comprising a frame, having a feed axis, a drive system, configured to feed at least one stem along the feed axis, at least a pair of upper knives or lower knives movably attached to the frame, wherein the knives are configured to be controllable each by an actuator to open and close around a stem, a tilt mechanism comprising a controllable tilt bracket pivotably attached to the frame, to control a tilt position of the frame in relation to the tilt bracket.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of landscape garden engineering, and specifically discloses a salt-isolated rain garden structure. The salt-isolated rain garden structure includes a depression surrounded by side slopes, where a 10 cm thick drainage layer, a 10-30 cm thick filler layer, a 5 cm thick transition layer, a 20-30 cm thick planting layer, a 0.2-0.5 cm thick mulch layer and a 15-20 cm thick ponding layer are stacked in order from the bottom of the depression to up; a salt barrier is disposed between the planting layer and the transition layer and/or between the drainage layer and a saline layer; a vertical overflow pipe and a horizontal drainage pipe are disposed at the bottom of the depression; the overflow pipe and drainage pipe are connected; the salt barrier is filled with river sand, zeolite or ceramsite and is 10-20 cm in thickness.

Abstract: A plant system with structural frame and water storage chamber which allows for the collection of surface water emanating from impervious surface for retrieval and re-use.

Abstract: A device and method for growing plants from seed, seedling, clone, root stock or young plant without the use of synthetic or natural fibers or fibrous media. The device comprises flexible non-fibrous structures that support the seed, plant or root stock during growth, while also establishing a delineation between the root zone and shoot zone of the plant. The structure of the device allows water supplied to either the root zone side or the shoot zone side of the device to wick around the seeds and roots and is constructed with spacing and angles such that water applied to either side is directed only to drain toward the root zone side of the device.

Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus includes a cultivation tank and planting containers. The cultivation tank includes an inner space and a top planting groove. Each of the planting containers includes a container body and a container brim The planting containers can be arranged on the planting groove along a width direction of the planting groove, and the planting containers can be moved along a length direction of the planting groove. A hydroponic method includes: placing the planting containers at n positions arranged along the planting groove, wherein each position corresponds to a plant growth and development stage, and is consistent with an order of the plant growth and development stages; and harvesting the plant at the position n at a specified time point, and moving the planting containers at other positions one by one to the positions corresponding to the next plant growth and development stages.

Abstract: A portable container for planting a hydroponic vegetable is obliquely accommodated in and is removed from a portable device. The portable container contains: a first cup and a second cup. The first cup includes a first peripheral fence, a first bottom, a first accommodation chamber, at least one first planting orifice, and at least through orifice. The at least one first planting orifice is configured to accommodate a porous carrier. The second cup is fixed below the first cup and includes a second peripheral fence, a second bottom, and a second accommodation chamber. The second peripheral fence has a discharge orifice and a plug. An outer diameter of the drain pipe is more than an inner diameter of the plug, a lower end of the drain pipe is pressed into the plug, and the drain pipe includes a nylon mesh adhered on an upper end thereof.

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

Abstract: The disclosure relates to lettuce variety NUN 06176 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 06176 LTL is a romaine short day lettuce variety for the desert cool winter, comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates Bl:16-25EU and Bl:28-30EU.

Abstract: Stevia cultivars, designated A01, A03, A05, A06, A07 and A08, are disclosed. Plant parts of stevia cultivars, the plants of stevia, methods for producing a stevia plant produced by crossing the cultivars with itself or another stevia variety, hybrid stevia seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar with another stevia cultivar and plant products e.g., glycosides, are within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Diplotaxis tenuifolia seed designated 89-005 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including downy mildew resistance, medium grey green leaves, high leaf thickness and late bolting. The present invention also relates to a Diplotaxis tenuifolia plant produced by growing the 89-005 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the wild rocket cultivar, represented by wild rocket variety 89-005 RZ.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to melon variety NUN 71248 MEM as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 71248 MEM is a Honeydew melon variety comprising resistance to resistance Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis Race 0 and Race 2, Podosphaera xanthii Race 1 (IR), Race 2 (IR), and Race 5 (IR), and Aphis gossypii (Ag).

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01072791. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01072791. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01072791 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01072791 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.