Abstract: The present invention discloses a shovel handle connecting device, including a connecting assembly configured to connect a shovel handle and a shovel scoop, wherein the connecting assembly includes a connecting member and a connecting seat; a front end of the connecting member is provided with a connecting portion and a limiting portion, a limiting fastener is arranged on the connecting portion, and the connecting seat is embedded in the shovel scoop; the connecting seat is internally provided with a connecting groove allowing the connecting portion to be inserted therein, and an inner wall of the connecting groove is provided with a limiting groove allowing the limiting fastener to be snapped therein; the connecting member is inserted and fixed in the connecting seat; and one section of an outer side wall of the limiting portion and one section of an inner side wall of the connecting seat are formed into an accommodating cavity in an enclosure mode, and one end of the shovel handle is inserted and fixed in t

Abstract: An illustrative modular smart tool arm operable by a precision agricultural implement includes a mount for coupling the tool arm to the implement, an articulating base including a pair of linkages, a lift actuator, and linear motion bearings coupling the base to the mount. A unitary backbone member is coupled to the linkages and defines a mount for an agricultural tool and defines a mount for a machine vision module.

Abstract: In order to ensure a smooth running with a cost-efficient embodiment of its structural design, an agricultural device (1) has a frame (10) comprising a middle section (10a) and can be connected to a hauler by means of a mounting region (19) of the frame (10). The agricultural device further comprises a first support wheel (20), which is supported relative to the frame (10) by means of a first support mechanism, and a second support wheel (30), which is supported relative to the frame (10) by means of a second support mechanism. The agricultural device is characterized in that the first support and second support mechanism are coupled to one another and are in contact with an energy storage, so that the first support wheel (20) and the second support wheel (30) can be positioned relative to the frame (10) under force control so as to be aligned.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

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: An illustrative modular smart implement for precision agriculture includes a chassis having a hydraulic system, a control system, and articulating tool arms that are adapted to releasably receive one of a tool attachment for working a crop and/or field, including precision planting, cultivating, thinning, spraying, harvesting, and/or data collection. A toolbar fixed to the chassis receives and supports the articulating tools arms. An alignment member and side shift actuator provide movement of a portion of the tool arms along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the toolbar, and a lift actuator provide movement along a vertical axis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes obtaining a weed map of a field including a crop, the weed map representing weed plant locations on the field, identifying, based at least in part on the weed map, weed seed locations that represent presence of weed seeds on the field, and generating a control signal for a pre-emergence weed mitigation operation based on the weed seed locations.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for imaging and characterizing a soil surface and a trench in the soil surface formed by an agricultural implement. The sensors are disposed on the agricultural implement in data communication with a processor to generate the soil surface and trench images which may be displayed to the operator. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more time of flight cameras for determining a depth of the trench and other characteristics of the surrounding soil surface and the trench, including detection of seeds, soil or other debris in the trench and moisture lines within the trench. The system may control operating parameters of the implement based on the generated images.

Abstract: An illustrative control system for an precision agricultural implement includes a controller having a convolutional neural network, a machine vision module, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of actuators in communication with the controller, the plurality of actuators including a plurality of agricultural tool actuators.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for monitoring rocks in a field. The system includes at least one row unit having an opening disk, a gauge wheel, and a gauge wheel load sensor. The system further includes a processor and a storage media. In various implementations, the system evaluates gauge wheel load sensor data, vertical acceleration data, and/or down force bore pressure data to detect when a row unit strikes a rock. In some implementations, the system can detect the size of the rock, the location of the rock within the soil, and the severity of a rock strike.

Abstract: A seed dispensing system is provided with a photoelectric sensor for monitoring the dispensing of seeds from a seed dispenser comprising a discharge conveyor with conveyor flights that transport seeds through the seed dispenser. The sensor outputs a signal representative of obstructions to the flow of light in an optical path of the sensor, and a computing unit is adapted to distinguish portions of the output signal that are attributable to the passage of one or more seeds from portions of the output signal that are attributable to the passage of a conveyor flight.

Abstract: Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

Abstract: An agricultural product application system includes a controller and product dispensing apparatus. The product dispensing apparatus includes a metering module in communication with the controller and is configured to control a flow rate of product from a product source to product dispensing units. A display device is in communication with the controller. The controller receives operating limits and an application rate of the product dispensing apparatus. The controller determines a forward speed range based upon the operating limits and on the application rate. Display information is generated for providing a visual representation on the display device of the forward speed range.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower includes a chassis, a power output assembly, a walking assembly, a power supply device, a control module, and an operating apparatus. The operating apparatus includes at least one bracket, an operating lap bar assembly, a pivoting assembly, and a position detecting module. The pivoting assembly mounts the operating lap bar of the operating lap bar assembly on the bracket. The operating lap bar can rotate around different positions in a first direction F1 and/or a second direction F2. The position detecting module includes a magnetic element and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic element is provided on the pivoting assembly or the bracket and the magnet sensor is spaced from the magnetic element so that the magnetic element and the magnetic sensor can generate a relative movement for detecting the position of the operating lap bar in the first direction F1 and/or the second direction F2.

Abstract: A dethatcher includes a frame having a front and a rear end, a handle coupled to the frame and movable between a use position and a storage position, multiple wheels coupled to the frame, a cutting reel housed in the frame, and an engine for powering a drive mechanism of the shaft. The cutting reel includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, at least one cutting mechanism located between the first end and the second end of the shaft, and the drive mechanism for powering the shaft. When the handle is in the use position, the handle extends away from the front end of the frame and when the handle is in the storage position the handle extends toward the front end of the frame.

Abstract: A handle is configured to be coupled to an implement to guide the implement during operation. The handle includes a first member configured to be coupled to a main body of the implement, a second member movably coupled to the first member between a retracted position and an extended position, and a locking mechanism coupled between the first member and the second member. The locking mechanism is moveable between a locked position, in which the second member is fixed relative to the first member, and an unlocked position, in which the second member is movable relative to the first member. The handle also includes a control assembly configured to allow operation of the implement in response to the locking mechanism being moved into the locked position.

Abstract: A walk power mower has a deck with an upwardly and rearwardly extending handle behind which a use walks when operating the mower. The mower is self-propelled by a variable speed traction drive. The handle includes a slidable handle grip for engaging and selecting a speed of the traction drive to control the ground speed of the mower. Forward ground speed is set by pushing the handle grip forwardly on the handle from a neutral position. Reverse ground speed if available is by pulling the handle grip rearwardly from its neutral position. The handle grip follows a curved path as it moves forwardly or rearwardly to flatten the path of travel of the handle grip from the travel that would have occurred absent the curved path.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes crop processing functionality configured to engage crop in a field, perform a crop processing operation on the crop, and move the processed crop to a harvested crop repository, and a control system configured to identify a weed seed area indicating presence of weed seeds, and generate a control signal associated with a pre-emergence weed seed treatment operation based on the identified weed seed area.

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 lawn care device including a mobile support apparatus, a grass cutting mechanism coupled to the mobile support apparatus and a lawn striping device coupled to the mobile support apparatus. The lawn striping device has a grass contacting member and at least one torsional restraining device coupled to the mobile support apparatus. The torsional restraining device is coupled to the grass contacting member. The torsional restraining device allowing a restrained pivoting of the grass contacting member relative to the mobile support apparatus.

Abstract: A dispenser assembly for a mower that selectively dispenses liquid or particulates onto the ground is provided. The dispenser has a hopper with an inner receptacle, an attachment to the mower, and a particulate outlet at the bottom of the receptacle. The dispenser also has a tank that removably nests within the receptacle and a particulate distributor in communication with the outlet. The particulate distributor has an agitator within the receptacle near the outlet, the agitator directing particulates toward the outlet, and a spreader that distributes the particulates from the outlet onto the ground surface. The dispenser also has a fluid distributor carried by the mower that has a fluid passage releasably connected to the fluid outlet of the tank and a fluid manifold connected to the fluid passage. Fluid is pumped through the fluid passage to a fluid manifold, which distributes the fluid onto the ground.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-controlled method for adjusting a height of a header reel, the method comprising: measuring a rotational speed of the reel; measuring a force opposing rotation of the reel; determining a target load for the reel based on the measured rotational speed and the measured force and a first input; and causing movement of the reel according to the target load based on a change in load on the reel.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber extending in a bale forming direction from an inlet end to an outlet end. The main bale chamber includes a plurality of stationary walls and a plurality of movable density doors positioned downstream from the stationary walls, relative to the bale forming direction. The stationary walls include a ceiling, a first side wall and a second side wall. A plunger compresses and moves the crop material from the inlet end towards the outlet end of the bale chamber. The baler is characterized in that the first side wall, the second side wall and/or the ceiling comprises a constriction surface, which constricts the main bale chamber in a direction transverse to the bale forming direction.

Abstract: A bale chamber includes: movable density doors; at least one fluid cylinder including a fluid chamber, a piston separating the fluid chamber into a piston side and a rod side, a cylinder rod coupled to the piston on the rod side and configured to move at least one of the density doors, a piston fluid port, and a rod fluid port; and a fluid supply circuit fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber and configured to supply working fluid to the fluid chamber, the fluid supply circuit including a fluid supply controller that is selectively switchable to a first fluid supply mode and a second fluid supply mode, the fluid supply circuit being configured to supply working fluid to only the piston side when in the first fluid supply mode and to supply working fluid to both the piston side and the rod side when in the second fluid supply mode.

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine including: a frame; a connection point for attaching to a towing vehicle; a plunger in a bale-forming chamber; a driveline for taking power from the towing vehicle and causing reciprocal rectilinear motion of the plunger in the bale-forming chamber; and a drawbar member that provides a mechanical link between the connection point and the frame. The drawbar member is rotatably coupled to the frame such that the height of the connection point relative to the frame of the baling machine is adjustable.

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine including: a frame; a connection point for attaching to a towing vehicle; a plunger in a bale-forming chamber; a driveline for taking power from the towing vehicle and causing reciprocal rectilinear motion of the plunger in the bale-forming chamber, wherein the driveline includes a transmission; and a drawbar assembly that provides a mechanical link between the connection point and the frame. The drawbar assembly includes a transmission mounting member that provides a mechanical connection between the transmission and the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural baling machine including: frame; a connection point for attaching to a towing vehicle; a plunger in a bale-forming chamber; a driveline for taking power from the towing vehicle and causing reciprocal rectilinear motion of the plunger in the bale-forming chamber; and a drawbar assembly that provides a mechanical link between the connection point and the frame. The drawbar assembly includes: a lower drawbar member and an upper drawbar member, wherein both members extend in a longitudinal direction of the baling machine from the frame towards the connection point; and wherein the lower drawbar member is spaced apart from the upper drawbar member in a vertical dimension such that one or more components of the driveline are accessible from the side of the baling machine through the drawbar assembly.

Abstract: A mounting for a baling machine gearbox includes a first, cylindrical support member secured to and extending from at least a first part of a rigid frame inside the baling machine and a second support member secured to and extending from at least a further part of the rigid frame that in use is spaced vertically from the first part of the rigid frame. The gearbox includes at least one selectively tightenable and loosenable clamp that encircles the first support member and the mounting includes at least one releasable connection securing the gearbox to the second support member, whereby on disconnecting of an input rotary shaft and a crank from the gearbox, and disconnecting of the releasable connection and loosening of the clamp the gearbox is rotatable from the operational position to an access position permitting access to the plunger while supported on the first support member.

Abstract: Herein described is an automatic bale strapping mechanism for dispensing, cutting, and securing strapping material around a bale of material being formed by a baling press. The automatic bale strapping mechanism can be an integral component or series of components to a conventional baling press. The bale strapping mechanism includes a draw and cutter assembly comprising a mobile draw carriage that draws strapping material a predetermined distance for cutting. The bale strapping mechanism can also include a dispensing mechanism which dispenses strapping material and an insertion assembly which carries strapping material through an extrusion chamber chute of a baling press. Also described are methods of automatically drawing and cutting strapping material.

Abstract: A system includes: a thermo-hygrostat provided in a room of a closed plant factory; a CO2 supply device supplying CO2 to the room; an outdoor air damper controlling a flow rate of an outdoor air introduced into the room; an exhaust damper controlling a flow rate of an indoor air discharged from the room; an air supply fan blowing the outdoor air introduced into the outdoor air damper; an exhaust fan blowing the indoor air discharged through the exhaust damper; an inducing fan provided on a ceiling of the room; an outdoor air sensor unit including an outdoor air temperature sensor, an outdoor air humidity sensor and an outdoor air CO2 sensor; an indoor sensor unit including an indoor temperature sensor, an indoor humidity sensor and an indoor CO2 sensor; a human body detection sensor; and a control unit.

Abstract: Method and system for moving a plant growing container, wherein the method makes use of a system comprising a cultivation track, a conveying track, a lift and a guide assembly, and the method comprises the steps of moving the plant growing container at the first level along a first direction from a first end of the cultivation track onto the lift next to the first end of the cultivation track, and lowering the plant growing container from the first level to the second level onto the conveying track. To reduce blocking of the system the guide is movable to a third level higher than the first level and the method further comprises a step of guiding the plant growing container by means of moving said guide to said third level once the container has been moved onto the lift.

Abstract: An agricultural paper mulch sheet including a paper based substrate and a nutrient additive. The nutrient additive may be a water soluble nitrogen fertilizer. The agricultural paper may be deployed from rolls and draped over crops in a garden or field, wherein the agricultural paper covers a substantial portion of the soil in which the plants will grow or are growing, while, in some preferred embodiments, providing openings (i.e., holes) for individual plants to emanate from the soil through the agricultural paper set forth around the plant. The sheet is preferably porous, tillable, and biodegradable. The substrate may have an ink pattern printed on it. The method includes applying the nutrient additive to the substrate preferably via a printing process.

Abstract: A mower path assistance system to encircle an obstacle projecting from a ground surface, including a barrier mat formed with a barrier mat aperture enclosed by the barrier mat and having a barrier mat aperture diameter, a perimeter edge, and a barrier mat installation slit extending from the perimeter edge to the barrier mat aperture, wherein the barrier mat is deformable around the barrier mat installation slit to create a pathway having a pathway width through which the obstacle may pass from the perimeter to the barrier mat aperture. The barrier mat has a plurality of edges with axes that intersect at obtuse angles.

Abstract: A hydromulching material includes a mixture of: Kurapia cut seedlings prepared by cutting Kurapia stem into pieces each on the order of averagely 4 cm in length; seeds of sterile annual plant; and soil dressing.

Abstract: A Tray and Trellis System includes vertical posts or legs, longitudinal members, and cross members. Combs include tines fixed at one end to longitudinal members on one side, and releasably engaged at their other end to other longitudinal members on the other side. Further combs include tines fixed to a cross member at one end, and releasably engaged to another cross member at the other end. There may be intermediate cross members having tines fixed to them and other tines releasably engaged to them. Fixation of the tines may be by clips, rings, welding, bonding, fastening, or by molding as a single piece. The releasably engaged ends of the tines may be engaged with snap-fit slot features in the longitudinal members, the cross members, or the clips or rings, or may be engaged with open grommets inserted into openings in the longitudinal members or cross members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing mushrooms, comprising the steps of: i) providing a tray having a first surface and an opposite second surface and comprising a plurality of depressions in the first surface, the inner surfaces of the depressions defining receptacles open to the first surface for holding a mushroom growth medium and the outer surfaces of the depressions defining protrusions extending out from the second surface, ii) filling each receptacle at least partially with a mushroom growth medium, iii) applying a foil or sheet to the first surface so as to close each receptacle, iv) pasteurizing the mushroom growth medium, v) inoculating the growth media with mushroom spawn by injecting the mushroom spawn through the foil or sheet into the mushroom growth medium, vi) incubating the growth medium for allowing a mushroom mycelium to form in the mushroom growth medium, vii) at least partially removing or opening the foil or sheet above the receptacles to allow mushrooms to grow to pro

Abstract: A coir pellet has coconut pith mixed with at least one other material, and binder mixed into the coconut pith, wherein the coconut pith, at least one other material and the binder are compressed at a ratio of at least 3:1. A method of producing coir pellets includes conditioning coconut pith and at least one other material to produce conditioned material, first compressing the conditioned material to produce pellets of a first size at a first compression ratio, at least a second compressing the pellets of a first sized to produce pellets of at least a second size at a second compression ratio, wherein the second size is smaller than the first size, and the second compression ratio is higher than the first compression ratio, polishing the pellets of at least a second size to produce polished pellets, and drying the polished pellets to produce the coir pellets.

Abstract: A tree processing system may comprise a tree processing head and a controller. The tree processing head may include a header frame, a motor, a saw bar, an arm, an actuator and a sensor. The motor is coupled to the header frame and the saw bar is coupled to the motor. The saw bar cuts a tree when the saw bar is driven by the motor. The actuator is coupled to the saw bar and is used to move the saw bar from a home position to a first position and to a second position. The controller is coupled to the sensor and is used to determine whether the second position is reached. When the second position is reached, the controller transmits a resting signal to the tree processing head to perform a resting operation.

Abstract: A tree processing system may include a tree processing head and a controller. The tree processing head may include a header frame, a motor, a saw, an arm, and a sensor. The saw is used to cut a tree when the saw is driven by the motor. The saw engages with the tree from a first position and to a second position. The first position and the second position define a cutting zone therebetween. The sensor is used to detect a saw operation speed or current. The controller is coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether the second position is reached based upon an increase of the saw operation speed or current detected by the sensor. When the second position is reached, the controller transmits a resting signal to the tree processing head to perform a resting operation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to providing power and data to an irrigation device. In some embodiments, encoder for an irrigation control unit that provides power and data to an irrigation device over a multi-wire path comprises: an AC to DC converter to convert an input AC signal into a DC voltage; an AC signal generator to generate an output AC signal modulated with data; a control circuit to provide a modulation control signal to the AC signal generator to control generation and modulation of the output AC signal, the data modulated on the output AC signal comprising commands in accordance with irrigation programming; and a multi-wire interface coupled to the AC signal generator to electrically couple to a multi-wire path extending into a landscape and to which irrigation devices may be connected.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an apparatus for displaying and watering vegetation, which watering can be automated. The apparatus can include a base portion, a support member coupled with the base portion and extending generally upwardly away from the base portion, a bracket, a tray supported by the bracket, a container, at least one conduit in fluid communication with the container and configured to communicate a liquid from the container to the tray, and a pump comprising electronic circuitry configured to control an operation of the pump. The pump can be configured to pump a liquid from the container through the conduit to the tray to water at least one plant that can be supported by the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of soilless cultivation, in particular to a method for cultivating Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. The method involves the following steps: sowing; accelerating germination; growing seedlings; transplanting; separating seedlings; harvesting. In this method, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is cultivated using a nutrient solution and under continuous indoor lighting; as a result, the Mesembryanthemum crystallinum has a shortened life cycle, no flowering period, and a long harvesting period. Edible salt is added to the nutrient solution at a specific ratio, which further promotes the growth of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum and changes its taste. Meanwhile, the nutrient solution of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum has a high EC, which promotes the growth of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum.

Abstract: Hydroponic apparatus has a rotary drum rotatably supported at one end from a bearing of a support stand and is accessibly open at an opposite open end by a removeable cover plate. A drive to rotates the rotary drum about the bearing. The rotary drum defines an annular watering tank therein and is configured for holding a plurality of plants within an interior thereof in use to be watered by the watering tank. An axial lamp is located within the drum to illuminate plants therein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to soybean variety CS1660404 and/or CS1763636 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to soybean variety CS1660404 and/or CS1763636 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CS1660404 and/or CS1763636, e.g., in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to soybean variety CW1660196, CW1660299, CW1660304-2, CW1760063, CW1760072, CW1760362, CW1760535, EW1760203, and/or EW1760206 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to soybean variety CW1660196, CW1660299, CW1660304-2, CW1760063, CW1760072, CW1760362, CW1760535, EW1760203, and/or EW1760206 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CW1660196, CW1660299, CW1660304-2, CW1760063, CW1760072, CW1760362, CW1760535, EW1760203, and/or EW1760206, e.g., in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to soybean variety ES1667486, ES1667773, and/or ES1668061 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to soybean variety ES1667486, ES1667773, and/or ES1668061 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using ES1667486, ES1667773, and/or ES1668061, e.g., in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to soybean variety CS1661538 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to soybean variety CS1661538 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CS1661538, e.g., in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to soybean variety EC1763891 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety EC1763891 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using EC1763891, e.g., in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention directed in party to soybean variety EC1662475 and/or EC1766217 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to soybean variety EC1662475 and/or EC1766217 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using EC1662475 and/or EC1766217, e.g., in a breeding program.