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: Tines (120) of tine assemblies (100a, 100b, 104) are secured by a single bolt (126) extending diametrically through each tine (120) located in a cavity (112) of a tine plate (110). An outer tine assembly (104) is connected to a sleeve (116) rotatably mounted adjacent the outer ends on each of two independently rotatable shafts (102) to which inner tine assemblies (100a, 100b) are rotatably connected adjacent the inner ends of the two independently rotatable shafts (102). Thus, the outer tine assemblies (104) are located intermediate the inner tine assemblies (100a, 100b) and the outer ends of the two independently rotatable shafts (102).

Abstract: A powered lawn dethatcher with a dethatching mechanism for dethatching lawn, a driving mechanism for driving the dethatching mechanism, and a collection mechanism arranged to collect at least some dust and debris agitated by the dethatching mechanism during operation.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for adjusting the downward vertical force applied to the vehicle frame. In this way, an operator can adjust or distribute a vertical downward force that an attached implement applies to the frame of a vehicle towing the implement. A front end of a vertical load member can be pivotably coupled to the vehicle frame at a point in front of the rear axle of the vehicle, and a rear end of the vertical load member can be coupled to a hitch attachment assembly, coupled with a towed implement, at a rear end of the vertical load member. An actuator can be pivotably coupled with the vertical load member rearward of the vehicle axle, and to the vehicle frame. The vertical load member can be raised and lowered using the actuator, which raises and lowers the hitch assembly at the rear, and pivots the vertical load member at the front.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for proving operation of a vehicle towing an implement. A hitch assembly can be used to adjust or distribute a vertical downward force that an attached implement applies to the frame of a vehicle towing the implement. A sensor assembly can identify the torque that is being applied to the front and rear axles. The torque data can be used to generate adjustments to the vertical load actuator, which can to adjust an amount of load applied to the front and/or rear axles. In this way, vertical load may be efficiently distributed between the front and rear axles automatically.

Abstract: In order to require as few load measuring units (50) as possible and yet always know the loads acting on the boom (3, 4) independently of the working head (2) currently attached to the boom (3, 4), the load measuring unit (50), in particular only one, is either on or in the boom (3, 4), in particular fixed, or between arm end (18a) of the boom and the head end (18b) of the working head (2) facing it.

Abstract: A row unit for a work vehicle includes a row unit frame with a closer frame. The closer frame defines a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The closer frame is supported for rotational movement about a substantially vertical steering axis to vary a turning angle between the longitudinal axis the vehicle longitudinal axis. The row unit includes a closer implement assembly with first and second closer implements and a walking beam construction. The first and second closer implements are attached to opposite areas of the walking beam construction. The walking beam construction is rotationally attached to the closer frame to support rotation of the closer implement assembly about the transverse axis. The first and second closer implements are configured to move ground material into a ground opening from opposites sides as the work vehicle moves across the field.

Abstract: A map generator generates a replanting map designating a particular area in a field in which it is recommended to add additional seeds. A function of the agricultural machine is then controlled based at least in part on the replanting map so as to facilitate planting additional seeds in the designated particular area.

Abstract: An agricultural system that includes a planter frame. A track and/or wheel couple to and support the planter frame. A first row unit bracket couples to the planter frame. A first offset bracket couples to the first row unit bracket. A first row unit couples to the first offset bracket. The first offset bracket offsets the first row unit from a path of the track and/or wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural application implement for delivering particulate product to a field. The implement includes a frame, a bin to hold product, a pneumatic conveying system fixed to the frame, a metering system operably connected between the supply compartment and the pneumatic conveying system, and a bin lift system. The pneumatic conveying system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the bin. The delivery line includes a plurality of outlets. The metering system meters product with the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow and product for the delivery line. The bin lift system includes hydraulic cylinders coupling the bin to the frame, and a bin lift controller to control the hydraulic cylinders to raise or lower the bin.

Abstract: An agricultural product delivery applicator for delivering particulate product to a field. The applicator includes a supply compartment to hold the product, a pneumatic conveying system, a metering system, and a controller. The pneumatic conveying system includes first delivery line operably connected to an airflow source and to the supply compartment, and a second delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the supply compartment. The metering system includes a first metering device associated with the first delivery line and a second metering device associate with the second delivery line. The controller controls the air flow source, the first metering device to meter product to result in a first mixed flow of airflow and product for the first delivery line, and the second metering device to meter product with the airflow to result in a second mixed flow of airflow and product for the second delivery line.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing distinct plant varieties involve planting the plant varieties in one or more field plots. Each field plot includes one or more crop rotation zones, one or more maturity zones within the rotation zones, one or more nitrogen exposure zones within the maturity zones, and one or more population zones. Methods further involve extracting growth data from the plant varieties after a growing period. Systems for characterizing distinct plant varieties include one or more field plots and a database configured to store growth data extracted from the plant varieties after a growing period.

Abstract: A farm implement is provided. The farm implement includes a frame having a bed and a conveyor mounted to the frame. The farm implement further includes a latch mechanism for securing two or more bulk seed-boxes mounted on a plurality of bulk seed-box locations. The latch mechanism includes a handle to activate the latch mechanism and two or more latches located adjacent to one or more of the bulk seed-box locations, and is moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the two or more latches are configured to engage with the bulk seed-boxes to secure the bulk seed-boxes to the bed. In the unlatched position, the two or more latches are configured to disengage from the bulk seed-boxes to allow for the bulk seed-boxes to be unloaded from or loaded onto the bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an autonomous lawnmower, walking and working in a working area, and including: a housing, a walking module, and a surface recognition module, a detection area of the surface recognition module including a surface in front of the walking module, a boundary of the working area being formed between the working surface and the non-working surface; and a control module, determining a position relationship between the autonomous lawnmower and the boundary according to a signal sent by the surface recognition module, if a preset position relationship is met, enabling the walking module to perform steering to travel into the working area, where if a moving direction forms an acute angle with the boundary in the clockwise direction, steering is clockwise, so that when steering is completed, the moving direction forms an acute angle with the boundary in the clockwise direction, and vice versa.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a trimmer head, a driving device, and an operating device. The trimmer head includes a spool and a head housing. The driving device includes a motor. The grass trimmer has an automatic winding mode in which the motor drives the spool or the head housing to cause the spool and the head housing to rotate relatively so as to wind the trimmer line onto the spool. The grass trimmer further includes a winding switch for controlling the automatic winding mode to be enabled, an operating assembly for controlling the winding switch to be opened, and a locking mechanism. When the operating assembly is operated, the locking mechanism is able to lock the head housing or the spool and the winding switch is triggered so as to cause the head housing and the spool to rotate relatively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission housing (1) comprising a housing (1) body (1A) which defines an enclosure (1B) and, arranged at least partly inside said enclosure (1B), an input shaft (2), an output shaft (3) and a mechanism (4) for transmitting the movement of the input shaft (2) to the output shaft (3), this movement transmitting mechanism (4) comprising at least one clutch (5), the clutch (5) comprising a driving element (6) and a driven element (7), the driven element (7) being mounted for conjoined rotation with the output shaft (3) and comprising an active part (8) of the clutch (5) and a sleeve (9) that carries said active part (8) of the clutch (5), wherein the active part (8) of the clutch (5) is in bearing contact with the driving element (6) of the clutch (5) when the clutch (5) is in the engaged position, the sleeve (9) being coaxial to the output shaft (3) and mounted for conjoined rotation with the output shaft (3), the sleeve (9) of the driven element (7) being made in a single piece wi

Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit includes independent suspension system having a frame, a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, a first laterally-extending suspension arm pair, and a second laterally-extending suspension arm pair. The first wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a first side suspension arm. The first side suspension arm is pivotably coupled at a first end to a first side structural member and is fixedly coupled at a second opposite end to a joint of the first wheel assembly. The second wheel assembly is arranged similarly to the first wheel assembly. Both the first laterally-extending suspension arm pair and the second laterally-extending suspension arm pair are configured to independently pivot about the frame to be vertically displaceable relative to the frame.

Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, and an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body. The distance in the horizontal direction between the axial central line of the cylindrical gripping portion of the operating arm and the axes of the elongated handle of the main body along the length direction is less than 5 cm. Because of the structure mate relationship between the operating arm and the cylindrical gripping portion, the operator feels more comfortable during the transporting process, the volume of lawncare apparatus during transporting is reduced and the convenience of transporting is improved.

Abstract: A method for controlled activation of cutting discs of row dividers of a machine for harvesting tall, stalky plants, such as sugarcane and sorghum. The method is used in a harvester machine including an operating cabin, at least one row divider equipped with at least one lollipop activated rotationally, and at least one cutting disc activated rotationally. The method includes steps of measuring a workload of the lollipops, comparing the workload of the lollipops with a predefined workload threshold in order to, thus, determine whether to reinitiate the measurement of the workload or to activate the at least one cutting disk.

Abstract: A harvesting head for a collection machine that harvests material. The head includes conveyor belts to transport material towards the collection machine, and blower heads to help prevent material from falling off the conveyor belts. The conveyor belts can include a feed belt that feeds material towards the collection machine, and a side belt that carries material towards the feed belt. Blower heads can blow across the side belt and towards the center of the feed belt. Blower heads can be located below the side belt. Blower heads can be located near the front of the feed belt and blow towards the collection machine. A feed drum can move material towards the collection machine, and blower heads can blow across the feed drum and towards the feed belt or collection machine. Blower heads can be movable, or have adjustable flow rate, velocity, direction or spread.

Abstract: A harvesting machine that has a first rotor rotationally coupled to a chassis, a second rotor rotationally coupled to the chassis, and a spine separating the first rotor from the second rotor. Wherein the spine has threshing inserts coupled thereto to facilitate threshing of crop processed by the first and second rotors.

Abstract: A concave for an agricultural combine includes threshing beds carried by a base frame and forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through. Each threshing bed includes a first end, a second end, a length from the first end to the second end, an inner extremity, an outer extremity, and a separating grate extending across one of the openings for separating grain from threshed crop material. The separating grate extends along the length between the first end and the second end, is between the inner extremity and the outer extremity and includes grate openings and spaced-apart bars. The bars are between adjacent grate openings and include struts each connecting two adjacent parts of the separating grate between adjacent grate openings and severed bars each including bar segments extending inwardly toward one another to respective free ends on either side of a gap between adjacent grate openings.

Abstract: A baler includes a near-infrared testing system configured to receive near-infrared radiation reflected by plant material in a bale and to analyze the near-infrared radiation and generate evaluation data reflecting one or more properties of the plant material. The near-infrared testing system is calibrated using a calibration sample at a calibration temperature. A temperature sensor measures a sample temperature of a crop sample of the plant material and a temperature alteration mechanism adjusts the sample temperature of the crop sample so that the sample temperature matches the calibration temperature of the calibration sample before the near-infrared testing system receives the near-infrared radiation reflected by the plant material. A computer receives and combine the evaluation data of the plant material to produce overall evaluation data reflecting one or more overall properties for the at least one bale of the plurality of bales, and assign the overall evaluation data to the bale.

Abstract: An agricultural crop baler (20) includes a baling chamber (44), a crop pickup (26), and an adjustable partition mechanism (28). The crop pickup (26) is upstream from the baling chamber (44) to collect severed crop material and direct a flow of crop material toward the baling chamber. The partition mechanism is located between the crop pickup and the baling chamber to control the flow of crop material from the crop pickup to the baling chamber. The partition mechanism (28) includes a wall assembly (68) that at least partly defines a crop passage (76) extending along a crop-flow direction between the crop pickup (26) and the baling chamber (44). The wall assembly (68) includes a shiftable wall (74a, b) that is shiftable transversely to the crop-flow direction to adjustably vary the crop passage and thereby the flow of crop material to the baling chamber (44).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in indoor agriculture is provided, the apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate supports (6) connected to at least one common manifold (8a, 8b). Each elongate support (6) within the plurality of elongate supports (6) comprising: a main body (12) having a first side; at least one inlet (16) in fluid communication with the at least one common manifold (8a, 8b); a plurality of outlets (14); and a channel within and extending along substantially the length of the main body (12) between the at least one inlet (16) and the plurality of outlets (14).

Abstract: A light source for plant cultivation includes at least two light emitting devices supplying light to a plant. Each of the light emitting devices includes a first semiconductor layer doped with a first conductivity type dopant, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer and doped with a second conductivity type dopant different from the first conductivity type dopant, and an active layer interposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The light emitting devices emit light towards the plant under a different condition in terms of at least one of wavelength, radiation intensity, and emission timing to control the type and content of phytochemicals in the plant.

Abstract: A lighting system, such as for an indoor growing facility, comprises a plurality of lighting units, each lighting unit comprising at least one LED, wherein each lighting unit is powered by a power supply and wherein the plurality of lighting units are arrayed linearly.

Abstract: A plant support for centrifuging plants comprises at least first and second portions that are configurable in a closed configuration that defines an internal cavity adapted to radially support plants in a manner at least partially preventing the plants from deforming or changing orientation during centrifugation. The first and second portions are also configurable in an open configuration that allows the plants to be inserted between the at least first and second portions into what becomes the internal cavity from the side rather than axially. Another plant support comprises a plurality of plant support rods that are removably attached to a platform that holds the plant support rods perpendicular to the platform and parallel to each other during centrifugation. A method involves supporting a plant radially relative to the g-loading during centrifugation such that a treatment agent remains in contact with only a portion of the plant.

Abstract: A scalable precision distribution aeroponic system, including a modular frame mount constructed of a lightweight, rigid material, the frame mount including a pair of generally vertically oriented support members and at least one generally horizontally oriented crossmember positioned between the vertically oriented support members, the pair of generally vertically oriented support members operably coupled to the generally horizontally oriented crossmember via couplings, the couplings including a generally horizontally oriented support configured to extend substantially orthogonal to the horizontally oriented crossmember, and an interchangeable growth media operably coupled to the modular frame mount, the interchangeable growth media comprising a nourishment layer and a surface film, the nourishment layer defining one or more channels into which the generally horizontally oriented supports of the couplings are positioned for support of the interchangeable growth media.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart plant cultivation device and a smart plant cultivation system which, by using an Internet of things (IoT) technology, can automatically configure a cultivation environment according to a variety of plants, automatically perform zoning control of a light source module, and monitor and record a cultivation process of a plant through a user device.

Abstract: An automated farm includes a cloning room and an environmentally controlled nursery with a storage and retrieval system, child storage racks, and child conveyor trays. The automated farm has environmentally controlled grow rooms, environmentally controlled lighted and unlighted flower rooms, a trimming or pruning room, and a harvest room. The automated farm includes specialized parent plant pots with training devices, and tray and trellis systems with rotation plant holders and removable trellis combs. Plant tending robots are configured to clone, trim, prune, harvest, and maintain plants. The automated farm includes a transport mechanism configured to transport the child conveyor trays, the parent plant pots, and the tray and trellis systems between the cloning room, the nursery, the grow rooms, the flower rooms, the trimming or pruning room, and/or the harvest room. The automated farm also includes a farm control and data management system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a growing mat for use in a hydroponic system, the growing mat including a mat of pressed and dried natural fibres having a top face and a bottom face, a plurality of discrete depressions incorporated into the top face of the mat, the space between adjacent depressions being between 1 mm-30 mm, one or more seeds disposed within the depressions in the top face of the seed mat and at least one binding agent to aid in retention of seeds in position within the depressions.

Abstract: This emitter has an emitter main body comprising a first face, a second face disposed on the opposite side from the first face, and a side face connecting the first face and the second face; a water intake unit for taking in irrigation liquid disposed on the first face side; a discharge unit for discharging irrigation liquid disposed on the second face side; a flow path that connects the water intake unit and the discharge unit and allows the irrigation liquid to pass therethrough; and a protrusion disposed on the side face.

Abstract: Drip emitter for periodic, volumetrically-timed, irrigation and drip irrigation laterals comprising such emitters, wherein the drip emitter implement a water-accumulation chamber as a hydro-mechanical timer and comprises in addition, a first no-drain valve positioned on the downstream side of the irrigation water inlet to the drip emitter, a second valve located on the downstream side of the irrigation water flow path in the drip emitter, and a water drain that connects to the flow of irrigation water from one side of an elastic member in the emitter's water-accumulation chamber to the second valve, in a manner that helps to close it.

Abstract: This emitter has an emitter body and a pedestal. The emitter body includes: a water intake part for introducing irrigation liquid; a pressure reducing flow passage groove which is for forming a pressure reducing flow passage which communicates with the water intake part and allows the irrigation liquid to flow out while reducing the pressure of the irrigation liquid; an accommodation part which communicates with the pressure reducing flow passage groove and into which the irrigation liquid flows while the pedestal is accommodated therein; and a flexible diaphragm part which approaches the pedestal upon receiving the pressure of the irrigation liquid inside a tube while the pedestal is accommodated in the accommodation part. The pedestal has through-holes for discharging the irrigation liquid that flowed into the accommodation part. The emitter body and the pedestal are connected through a hinge part.

Abstract: The invention provides an irrigation system and control method thereof, an irrigation apparatus, a conveying pipe.

Abstract: The system and method of watering crops with a variable rate irrigation system provides a means to formulate a watering prescription map even when some required input data is unavailable. In the preferred embodiment, the unavailable input data is measured canopy temperature data from infrared thermometers mounted on a center pivot irrigation pipe. The system is the irrigation scheduling supervisory control and data acquisition system (ISSCADAS) and the method is an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modeling method that substitutes data from trained existing data sets to estimate the unavailable variable when actual variable measurements are missing or invalid.

Abstract: A sub-irrigation bed includes a bottom, a side wall surrounding the bottom, a water inlet, and a water outlet. A plurality of support structures is arranged on an upper surface of the bottom, and tops of at least a part of the plurality of support structures lie in the same horizontal plane. By reducing the contact area between the cultivation container and the surface of the sub-irrigation bed to reduce local water accumulation caused by surface tension, the sub-irrigation bed and the cultivation apparatus using the sub-irrigation bed provided by the present invention solve the problem of water accumulation caused by incomplete drainage and the resulting problems that roots grow out of the cultivation container and seedlings grow irregularly, thereby achieving a good root control effect.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers adapted to be configured in a stacked arrangement with each growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant. The grow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant growth, such that different sections of the growing plant may be influenced differently using aeroponic, hydroponic or other growing techniques. The grow chamber stack may be portable and provided with integrated or independent lifting devices to assist an operator in adding or removing chambers from the stack. Three growing processes may be facilitated using such systems. These include a process for producing assorted product from a single plant for simultaneous harvest, a process for producing an extended harvest of a desired size product from a single plant, and a process for extending the productive life of a plant and provide for multiple, continued, and perpetual harvest.

Abstract: A cultivation method repeats a cultivation step, an exporting step, a working step, and an importing step in this order. In the cultivation step, plants are cultivated in a state where a plurality of cultivation units are accommodated in a storage rack. A plurality of cultivation vessels are disposed in the plurality of cultivation units. Each of the plurality of cultivation vessels is configured to hold the plants and a culture solution. In the exporting step, at least one of the cultivation units is transported by a transportation device from the storage rack to a workstation. In the working step, a new culture solution is supplied to a plurality of cultivation vessels. In the importing step, the cultivation unit is imported into the storage rack by the transportation device.

Abstract: A submersible device submersible within an algae slurry contained within a pond of an algae bioreactor, the submersible device including a drive motor operable to actuate one or more driven devices that move the submersible device within the pond, a circulation device operable to circulate the algae slurry through the submersible device and discharge the algae slurry back into the pond from a discharge port provided on the submersible device, and a computer system that controls operation of the drive motor and the circulation device.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods for infecting a legume plant and/or increasing the yield of a legume plant by providing a population of light-activated, nitrogen-fixing bacteria by illuminating a population of nitrogen-fixing bacteria with a blue light and delivering to the legume plant the population of light-activated, nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing maize plants, plant materials and seeds that provide a means of controlling and defending against the corn silk fly and phorid fly, and improved maize plants, plant materials and seed produced by these methods. Corn silk flies and phorid flies are highly detrimental and destructive insects damaging maize plants, plant materials and seed during their growing stages in many different geographic regions worldwide. The inventive methods utilize molecular markers to incorporate genes that prove a means for controlling and defending against the corn silk fly and phorid fly into male and female inbred parent maize lines used to produce maize hybrids, or into at least one of the maize parent lines of a hybrid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medicinal cannabis plants, and cannabis plant-derived products. In particular, the present invention relates to medicinal cannabis plants having a desired cannabinoid content, methods of selecting cannabis plants having a desired cannabinoid content, chemotype and/or sex, extraction therefrom, and uses thereof. The present invention also relates to genetic markers for identifying and selecting cannabis plants having a desired chemotype and/or sex and uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato line PSQ-9Z15-3854V. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ-9Z15-3854V and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato 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 tomato line PSQ-9Z15-3854V comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for providing a benefit to a plant by associating the plant with a beneficial endophyte of the genus Streptomyces, including benefits to a plant derived from a seed or other plant element treated with said endophyte. For example, this invention provides purified endophytes, synthetic combinations comprising endophytes, and methods of making and using the same. In particular, this invention relates to compositions and methods of improving soybean and maize plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel and improved animal sprayer for use in cooling livestock and other animals in different hot or dry environments, and methods of using the same. Embodiments of the novel animal sprayers may include a valve which does not require constant electric current to remain open during a spraying session, extending system battery life. The valves may also be self-cleaning, less likely to leak, and easily adjusted to control flow rate, reducing both water use and labor costs in monitoring and repairing the animal sprayer.

Abstract: An excrement treatment material includes a plurality of grains, and a packaging bag. The grains are grains for treating excrement. The plurality of grains are housed in the packaging bag. The packaging bag is provided with odor eliminating property or deodorizing property.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present livestock structures comprise a floor, wherein the floor is configured to support livestock housing; a roof, wherein a majority of the roof is substantially parallel to the floor; and one or more supporting structures configured to support the roof; in some embodiments, the floor comprises a non-zero slope. Some embodiments of the present livestock structures comprise a passageway extending a majority of a distance between a first side and an opposing second side of the structure, wherein the passageway is positioned at an elevation that is below an elevation of the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for baiting and/or feeding target animals comprises: a trough to contain bait and/or feed; and a closure which can be urged by at least one said target animal so as to move from a closed position, in which it precludes access to the bait and/or feed by the target animal(s), to an open position, which is such that said access is enabled, the apparatus being configured such that the closure offers a resistance to being moved which is sufficient that it cannot be urged by another animal to move from the closed position to the open position.