Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a hitch system that couples a vehicle to an implement powered by the vehicle using a driveshaft supplying power from a power output to the implement. The hitch system comprises a front portion and rear portion, with a mid-yaw pivot coupling the front and rear portions. The front portion couples to a drawbar engaged with the vehicle, and the rear portion couples with the implement. The mid-yaw pivot can be disposed substantially equidistant from a power output of the vehicle and a power input to the implement. This arrangement can provide, during operation, for the angle between the power output and driveshaft to be substantially equal to the angle between the power input and driveshaft. This may provide for improved performance in the implement, including reduced vibration, lower weight, and less maintenance.

Abstract: An agricultural assembly that includes an autonomous or semi-autonomous agricultural vehicle, an agricultural implement connected to the agricultural vehicle, and a plug detection system. The plug detection system includes at least one sensor connected to the agricultural implement for sensing an operational variable and a controller operably connected to the at least one sensor. The controller is configured for detecting a plugged state of the agricultural implement, in which matter hinders operation of the agricultural implement, dependent upon the operational variable of the agricultural implement.

Abstract: An agricultural assistance system including a driver assistance system for controlling one or both of a prime mover and an attachment of an agricultural combination is disclosed. The agricultural assistance system generates control parameters for one or both of the prime mover and the attachment, has a rule interpreter that generates the control parameters by processing rules from sets of rules, and has a rule generator that provides a plurality of sets of rules. The agricultural assistance system executes the rule interpreter as needed on control hardware that is part of one or both of the prime mover or the attachment, and on control hardware that is disposed remote from the combination. The agricultural assistance system has a coordination module for this which, independent of the site at which the rule interpreter is run, coordinates the rule interpreter with the control generator and the driver assistance system.

Abstract: A planting device may include a platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an aperture. Either a projection that extends from the bottom surface or a planting tube that extends from the top surface may be configured couple to the aperture. The projection and the planting tube may be interchangeable. The planting device may further include a handle extending from the top surface.

Abstract: An agricultural implement and a metering apparatus for the agricultural implement to deliver a material to a material depositing apparatus. The metering apparatus includes metering roller, an integrated motor operatively connected to the metering roller, and a motor drive operatively connected to the integrated motor. A controller is operatively connected to the integrated motor and to the motor drive wherein the controller transmits a drive signal to drive the integrated motor and receives a status signal from the integrated motor. The drive signals drives the motor, which includes the roller coupled to a motor spindle, at a variable rate of speed to reduce pulsing. In one embodiment, the agricultural implement is an air cart.

Abstract: An agricultural machine system for performing agricultural tasks in a in a field on which plants are planted or will be planted in a pattern, the system comprising: a prime mover; a tool bar connected to the prime mover; a plurality of units attached to the tool bar, the units configured to perform at least one agricultural tasks and wherein at least two of the units are disposed in an offset relationship from each other with respect to a forward direction of travel of the agricultural machine about the tool bar; and a control unit in communication with the prime mover and the plurality of units, the control unit configured to determine a selective location corresponding to the pattern in which plants are planted or will be planted and activate the units at the selective location to perform the at least one agricultural task as the agricultural machine system travels along a plurality of rows.

Abstract: A flexible greening system integrated with water into fertilizer includes a vegetation fixing assembly, a vegetation growth layer and a water supply assembly. The vegetation fixing assembly is configured to connect to a building. The vegetation growth layer is provided on the vegetation fixing assembly and is configured for planting of green vegetation. The vegetation growth layer includes a substrate layer for vegetation growth and a drainage layer provided below the substrate layer. The water supply assembly is configured to supply the water to the green vegetation, and is provided with a drainage pipe communicated with the drainage layer.

Abstract: A lawnmower height adjusting assembly for adjusting the height of a lawnmower includes a pump that is coupled to a lawnmower. A lever is movably coupled to a handle of the lawnmower and the lever is in mechanical communication with the pump for turning the pump on and off. A plurality of actuators is provided and each of the actuators is coupled to a deck of the lawnmower. A respective one of a plurality of wheels on the lawnmower is coupled to each of the actuators. Each of the actuators is in fluid communication with the pump and each of the actuators is extended when the pump is turned on. In this way the plurality of actuators lifts the deck of the lawnmower. Each of the actuators is retracted when the pump is turned off. In this way the plurality of actuators lowers the deck of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A self-adjusting mower deck gauge wheel includes a first hydraulic cylinder fluidly connected to a second hydraulic cylinder. A gauge wheel is rotatably mounted on a gauge wheel shaft slideable in the first hydraulic cylinder between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. In the fully retracted position, the mower deck rests flat on the ground and is not supported by gauge wheels. An orifice between the first and second hydraulic cylinders provides a high damping rate to slow travel of the gauge wheel shaft between the fully extended and fully retracted positions. A coil spring with a low spring rate also may be connected to a piston in the second hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a transmitter of a moving robot system and a method for detecting removal of the transmitter, wherein the transmitter is provided with a detection module configured to detect whether the transmitter is separated from a ground on a bottom surface of a main body of the transmitter to detect whether the transmitter is removed according to a separation distance between the main body and the ground to thereby externally inform a result of the detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating and controlling an automatic mower. The automatic mower (1) includes a main cutting unit (7) and an auxiliary cutting unit (17) for trimming. The auxiliary cutting unit (17) has a cutting range extending at least to be flush with a housing (3) of the automatic mower (1). The method includes: detecting a specific object in a normal working mode of the auxiliary cutting unit (17); determining whether the specific object is detected; switching to an obstacle working mode based on at least the specific object being detected; and maintaining the normal working mode of the auxiliary cutting unit (17) based on at least the specific object being not detected.

Abstract: An agricultural production machine, such as a combine, forage harvester or tractor, is disclosed. The agricultural production machine includes a drive assembly with an internal combustion engine, an electric energy supplying system having an electric auxiliary machine, and a driver assistance system with a control system that is configured to control the internal combustion engine, the electric auxiliary machine, and at least one power consumer that can be driven by the drive assembly. The internal combustion engine operates at the lowest possible rotational speed, with the electric energy supplying system configured to support the internal combustion engine by connecting the electric auxiliary machine at this lowest possible rotational speed when connecting a load.

Abstract: Measurements of pea tenderness comparable to those provided by mechanical tenderometers are provided through analysis of an infrared spectrum of shelled peas. These measurements may be output directly or used to control real time harvesting of peas to prevent mixing of peas with different tenderness values.

Abstract: A bracket system for attaching a brush to the blades of a rotary lawn mower. The bracket system has a brush attachment, at least one clamp, and a fastening device. The brush attachment has a brush, an elongated vertical slot, and a flange. The at least one clamp is placed around a non-linear lawn mower blade and is secured to the flange by the fastening device. Securing the clamp to the flange by the fastening device secures the brush attachment to the non-linear mower blade. Securing or removing the fastening device allows the attachment or removal of the brush attachment from the clamps, and thus the non-linear mower blade.

Abstract: A bracket system for attaching a brush to the blades of a rotary lawn mower. The bracket system has a brush attachment, at least one clamp, and a fastening device. The brush attachment has a brush, an elongated vertical slot, and a flange. The at least one clamp is placed around a non-linear lawn mower blade and is secured to the flange by the fastening device. Securing the clamp to the flange by the fastening device secures the brush attachment to the non-linear mower blade. Securing or removing the fastening device allows the attachment or removal of the brush attachment from the clamps, and thus the non-linear mower blade. In another embodiment, the bracket system includes a blade attachment configured to removably attach to the at least one clamp. The blade attachment is positioned on the opposite end of the non-linear lawn mower blade from the brush attachment.

Abstract: An electric work vehicle includes: a battery accommodating portion that is provided in the vehicle body and accommodates a battery; a first connector provided on the battery accommodating portion; a second connector provided on the battery; and an operating tool for moving the battery and the second connector, and switching from a pre-attachment orientation in which the second connector opposes the first connector to an attachment orientation in which the second connector is joined to the first connector.

Abstract: A system for controlling the aggressiveness of a tailings processor that re-threshes tailings received from the grain cleaning system in an agricultural harvester is provided with at least one imaging device to image a grain sample. At least a portion of the grain sample has at least once passed through the tailings processor. A controller is connected to the imaging device and to an arrangement to automatically adjust the aggressiveness of the tailings processor. The controller is configured to automatically adjust the aggressiveness of the tailings processor using the arrangement, based on based on the level of broken grain and/or unthreshed grain determined from the image from the at least one imaging device by comparing the level of broken grain and/or unthreshed grain to the desired level.

Abstract: A land preparation tool includes a cutting surface having a blade and a mounting interface opposite the cutting surface. The mounting interface of the land preparation tool is configured to detachably connect to a tool holder having a top surface, an end surface, a mounting surface opposite the end surface, and opposing first and second side surfaces extending between the end surface and the mounting surface. The mounting surface has an apex extending downwardly from the top surface and first and second mounting faces. The first mounting face extends inwardly from the first side surface toward the apex and the second mounting face extends inwardly from the second side surface toward the apex.

Abstract: A modular grow lighting assembly provides a structure for integrating grow light strips into channels defined in vertical and horizontal structural supports. Levels of support structure can be added above previously installed levels as needed. A cable management system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites of cannabis is disclosed. The method comprises the step of adding an irradiation of green-yellow light, which has a peak wavelength at 505-590 nm, into the indoor growing environment of cannabis to improve the level of cannabidiol (CBD), secondary metabolites in cannabis. While maintaining the light intensity and other growth conditions, the yield and/or level of CBD, secondary metabolites in cannabis, can be increased by up to 11.04%.

Abstract: A method for promoting levels of medicinal ingredients in cannabis. The method comprises a step to administering an irradiation of a combined light source including red light, green light and blue light in an indoor growing environment of cannabis. A ratio of photon number between a sum of the red and green light to the blue light is regulated in a range from 4.5 to 9.6. While maintaining the light intensity and other growth conditions, the yields and levels of CBD, secondary metabolites in cannabis, can be increased by up to 20.84%.

Abstract: A spectrum for promoting growth of cannabis plants. The spectrum comprises adding an irradiation of red light with peak wavelength at 655-690 nm into an indoor growing environment of cannabis to improve the levels of THC and CBD, the cannabinoid substances in cannabis. A ratio of photon number of the red light to the photon number of the entire light source is in a range from 40% to 70%. While maintaining the light intensity and other growth conditions, the yields and levels of THC and CBD, the cannabinoid substances in cannabis, can be increased by up to 32.48%.

Abstract: A plant support system that is anchored into the ground to provide stable support to a vining plant by use of a series of posts and braces. The post is installed into the ground. A brace-like attachment is then attached to the post at any location along the length of the post. The brace-like attachment can be installed on the post at any point during the growth of the vining plant. Additionally, there is a connection piece that can connect one post to another post in order to vertically or in another direction that is necessary, based on the needs of the specific vining plant, to extend the reach of the support system. This allows the full support system to grow indeterminately along with the vining plant. This support system supports the plant from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, in response to the growth of the plant.

Abstract: The agricultural greenhouse of the invention and the plant cultivation method using the same can cultivate plants economically and efficiently with less energy per crop yield, as it is provided with a CO2 supply means, a heat-ray shielding means, and a dehumidification and cooling means, the heat-ray shielding means is formed of using a heat-ray reflecting film, and plural through holes are formed in the heat-ray shielding means. The heat-ray reflecting film structure can cultivate plants by the agricultural greenhouse utilizing sunlight economically and efficiently as it has a structure that narrow band-shaped tapes obtained by cutting a multi-layer laminated film made by laminating at least two kinds of resin layers with different refractive indices alternately and having an average transmittance at 80% or more for visible light and an average reflectance at 70% or more for heat-ray is woven or knitted as a warp or a weft.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for planting and processing high-yield forage in high altitude area, and belongs to the technical field of feed preparation in a high altitude area. The planting method of the present application comprises the steps of: intercropping maize and soybeans at an altitude of more than 3000 m, and the maize varieties include Demeiya No. 1 and Demeiya No. 3, the soybean varieties include Zhongdou No. 39 and Huachun No. 6. The planting method of the present application can realize the successful planting of maize and soybeans in a high altitude area (>3000 m), and can greatly improve the biological yield.

Abstract: This invention relates to off-road work machines and to unloading an off-road work machine and particularly to an arrangement and a method for controlling the unloading of a forestry machine.

Abstract: A synthetic growing media, such as for a hydroponic growing system, includes a plastic body having multiple legs pointing in different directions. One or more of the legs has a bulbous tip. A synthetic growing medium comprising an aggregate of synthetic growing media and hydroponic system for plant cultivation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides highly nutritious microgreens in a manner that is highly efficient and easy-to-use even for consumers who are unfamiliar with growing plants. The invention provides plant growing apparatus, plant growing systems including water and plants, plant growing kits, and methods of growing plants. The invention reduces the frequency of watering and produces microgreen yields with surprisingly little water.

Abstract: A sump pump irrigation assembly for reducing water erosion from a sump pump outlet includes a plurality of fluid fittings. A respective one of the fluid fittings is fluidly coupled to an outlet of a sump pump to receive water from the outlet. A supply pipe is fluidly coupled to the fluid fitting that is fluidly coupled to the outlet to receive the water from the fluid fitting. A plurality of drainage pipes is each of the drainage pipes is in fluid communication with the supply pipe to receive the water from the supply pipe. Each of the drainage pipes has a plurality of holes therein to release the water outwardly therefrom. A plurality of cleanout fittings is each fluidly coupled between a respective pair of the drainage pipes. Each of the cleanout fittings has an access port to facilitate debris to be removed from the cleanout fittings.

Abstract: An emitter forms a flow path that runs to a discharge part from a water collecting part for receiving an irrigation liquid in a tube. The flow path includes a flow rate control part which includes: an end surface including a concave inclined surface that faces a film for receiving the pressure of the liquid inside the tube; a hole that opens at the center of the flow volume control part and connects to the discharge part; and a groove crossing the inclined surface and running to the hole. When the film adheres to the inclined surface as a result of the pressure of the irrigation liquid inside the tube, the flow volume of the irrigation liquid inside the emitter is controlled so as to be a volume that can pass through the groove.

Abstract: A container garden irrigation assembly includes a reservoir for containing a fluid. A pump is positioned inside the reservoir thereby facilitating the pump to be submerged in the fluid. A control unit provided that is in electrical communication with the pump. The control unit turns the pump on and off at predetermined times of day. A pair of irrigation units is each in fluid communication with the pump to receive the fluid from the pump. Each of the irrigation units has a plurality of irrigation ports therein and each of the irrigation units is positioned over a container garden. Moreover, each of the irrigation ports is aligned with a respective one of a plurality of containers in the container garden to release the fluid into the respective container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for irrigation control and data management. According to a preferred embodiment, an irrigation control system may include a data collection module which receives and stores system data generated by sensors and supporting systems including irrigation, drive, weather, sensor and electrical systems of a mechanized irrigation system. According to preferred embodiments, the system preferably also includes a system control module which transmits system control instructions to system components. Additionally, the present invention also includes a display module which provides a display of graphical user interfaces embedded with system data and selectable control instructions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining plant stress, including: using a computer-based camera system having thermal imaging and visual imaging to capture foliage at close proximity of at least one plant to provide high resolution images/video thereof; analyzing both thermal and visual images/video therefrom to form a composite image; determining the thermal activity of the composite image/video and photosynthesis state of the at least one plant; and deriving the plant stress from the determination. A handheld computer-based camera system is also provided and includes a smartphone and thermal imaging device.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system configured for growing plants from bulbs. In various embodiments including features configured for accommodating bulbs of various sizes and/or types.

Abstract: A hydroponic tower includes opposed parallel first and second sides extending from a top end of the hydroponic tower to a bottom end of the hydroponic tower. The first side includes at least one growing slot extending therethrough. Opposed parallel third and fourth sides are adjacent each of the first and second sides and extend from the top end of the hydroponic tower to the bottom end of the hydroponic tower such that the hydroponic tower has a rectangular cross section. The first, second, third, and fourth sides define a hollow interior. The third side includes at least one growing slot extending therethrough. The at least one growing slots of the first and third sides are in communication with the hollow interior.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cultivation of microalgae for the production of biofuels. In this scenario, the present invention provides a vertical flow agitation system for microalgae culture tanks comprising: a source of energy generation (1); an energy storage device (2); a control system (3); an electric motor (4); at least one end of travel sensor (5); an agitation plate (6); a torque transmission system (7); and at least two lateral drive elements (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conducting high-throughput and directed mutagenesis for sugarcane resistance to glyphosate by plasma. The method is as follows: sugarcane embryonic calli are irradiated by a plasma instrument under a sterile condition for mutagenesis, wherein the mutagenesis power is 140˜200 W, the discharging distance is 35˜45 mm, the mutagenesis time is 110˜140 s and the protective gas is nitrogen; buffering culture, moderate/high concentration of glyphosate stress screening, differentiation into seedlings, glyphosate stress screening of bottle seedlings and stress screening via spraying glyphosate on the leave surfaces of potted plants are conducted for the treated calli. The present invention has the advantages of safe operation, simplicity, practicability, high handling capacity, low contamination, and due to implementation of directed stress screening, high screening efficiency, decreased subsequent screening workload and visual identification of resistant mutant strains.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, and devices relating to administration of UV-B to a seed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Monolena cultivar named ‘MIDNIGHT GLORY’ characterized by its medium plant size and year round growth. Plants have long-lasting qualities as an indoor ornamental plant. Foliage is decorative and uniquely colored greyed-purple and dark yellow-green.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘E01G11546’, ‘E01G11538’, ‘E01G11244’, and ‘E01G11679’ are described. ‘E01G11546’, ‘E01G11538’, ‘E01G11244’, and ‘E01G11679’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A method of plant genetics and plant breeding including wheat plants carrying restorer of fertility genes specific to T. timopheevii CMS cytoplasm.

Abstract: A milking system includes a device to sample and analyse a milk sample, including a control unit, a sample supply line connected to the milk line, a pump to control the sample flow, an optical radiation source, and an optical sensor device to detect and analyse optical radiation coming from the reagent pad with said sample, to provide an indication of a substance in the sample, a tape mover to move and unwind the tape from the tape reel, and a pump drive, external to the cassette, and releasably operably connected to the pump device for driving the pump device. The sampling and analysis device also includes a cassette with a sample receiving line, releasably connected to the sample supply line by a liquid connector, and arranged to receive the sample from the sample supply line, a tape reel with a tape that includes a base tape layer and a series of separate reagent pads, and a dosing device to provide a droplet of the sample onto a reagent pad.

Abstract: An automatic milking machine extracts milk from the teats of an animal by applying a milking vacuum to a respective teat receiving cavity of a teat cup (111, 112, 113, 114) each in which one of the teats is located during a milking session. The milking session includes a boost phase (TBOOST) and is concluded by an exit phase (TEXIT). During the boost phase (TBOOST), the milking vacuum is applied at an elevated pressure level. During the exit phase, the milking vacuum is applied at one or more levels, each of which is lower than the elevated pressure level. The operation of the automatic milking machine transitions from the boost phase (TBOOST) to the exit phase (TEXIT) when (t2) a temporal criterion is fulfilled.

Abstract: An automatic feeding system includes an autonomously moveable feeding device for feeding animals. The feeding device includes a feed container for accommodating feed, a feed dispensing device for dispensing feed from the teed container, and a safety device suitable for halting the autonomously moveable feeding device in case of collision with an obstacle. The safety device includes a bumper for establishing a first contact with such an obstacle. The bumper defines an outer safety contour of the autonomously moveable feeding device. The safety device further includes a partition opener configured to open a partition provided in a door opening for enabling the autonomously moveable feeding device to pass through the door opening. The door opening provided with partition may be provided in a barn for housing animals. The opening device is provided separately and independently from and is not directly, connected to the safety device.

Abstract: This invention general relates to animal feeders, an animal feeding monitor and a method of training an animal to use a feeder. An animal feeder may have a housing comprising an aperture for a food bowl (8) and having a door for covering the aperture, the feeder comprising a door mechanism to control movement of the door over the aperture, wherein the feeder comprises a sensor to detect when an animal has moved away from the aperture, and the feeder is configured to be operable in a training mode wherein the door mechanism is operable to control the door to cover a portion of the aperture in response to a said detection and to respond to one or more later said detections by controlling the door to cover a portion of the aperture larger than the preceding said portion.

Abstract: A water supplier for a pet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a water tub being open upward and having a side wall; a pump installed in the water tub; a water supply pipe connected to the pump to deliver water; and a water supply plate disposed higher than the water tub, having a water supply hole communicating with the water supply pipe, and passing water supplied from the water supply hole, in which a floor plate of the water tub has a first drain.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water supplier for a pet. The water supplier for a pet includes a water tub, a pump pumping water stored in the water tub, a water supply pipe delivering water discharged from the pump, and a water supply plate supplied with the water from the water supply pipe, in which a height of the water supply plate is adjustable.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water supplier for a pet and a control method thereof, that is, a water supplier for a pet that operates a thermoelectric element by sensing the temperature of water stored in a water tub through a water temperature sensor, operates a warning unit by sensing the level of the water stored in a water tub through a water level sensor, operates a pump by sensing a pet within a predetermined distance range through a proximity sensor, and cuts power or keeps the inclination of a water dispenser horizontal by sensing the inclination of the water tub through a gyro sensor, and a method of controlling the water supplier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamp (3) for handling a device for identifying an animal and/or sampling animal tissue, said clamp (3) comprising two jaws (32, 33), a handle (31) for moving said jaws (32, 33) together, and means (321) for securing an element of said identification and/or sampling device to one of said jaws (32, 33), said securing means (321) being movable between: a release position, and a securing position. According to the invention, said clamp (3) comprises actuation means (73) for moving said securing means (321) from one to the other position thereof, said actuation means (73) being actuatable via said handle (31).

Abstract: A vertically-oriented interactive treat dispensing device for animals provides for storage of treats in a top portion, which then dispenses a treat through an input buffer into a middle portion with a set of adjoining ramps. The treat is initially retained at a resting point at a top of each ramp before it is advanced down the ramps upon physical interaction between the treat and the animal via an interaction opening adjacent the resting point. Once the treat advances down the lowest ramp, it exits the device and can be retrieved by the animal. Additional features may include electronic dispensing of treats from the top portion, incorporation of the device into a play or animal house structure, the use of an interaction lever for advancing the treats, an access arm for accessing the interior housing, and specially-designed disc-shaped treats to roll easily through the device.