Abstract: Provided is a foot shovel comprising a pedal-activated lift and release mechanism. The foot shovel may allow for the relocation of a load, such as snow, dirt, rocks, sand, concrete, and the like, while minimizing exertion of the back, shoulders, and upper body. The foot shovel instead may redirect that exertion to an area of the body that may be less prone to complications and strain due to sudden movement, such as the feet, legs, and lower body. The pedal-activated lift and release mechanism may comprise a series of levers, arms, and axles that transition the foot shovel from a resting state where the foot shovel may acquire a load, to a lifting state that allows movement of the load to a desired location, and, finally, to a release state wherein the load is released from the foot shovel. The pedal-activated lift and release mechanism may transition back to a resting state to repeat the process of relocation.

Abstract: A method for estimating and adjusting crop residue parameters may include controlling an operation of a tillage implement as the implement is being towed by a work vehicle across the field to perform a tillage operation and receiving a pre-tilled image of an imaged portion of the field located to one side of a first section of the field as the implement is being towed across the first section of the field. The method may also include receiving a post-tilled image of the imaged portion of the field as the implement is being towed across the field, analyzing the pre-tilled and post-tilled images of the imaged portion of the field to estimate a crop residue parameter for the field, and, when the estimated parameter differs from a target associated with such parameter, actively adjusting the operation of the tillage implement in a manner designed to adjust the crop residue parameter.

Abstract: A harvester implement includes a traction unit and a harvester head having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A controller determines a first ground speed of the first lateral edge and a second ground speed of the second lateral edge. The controller may then determine if either the first ground speed or the second ground speed is greater than a maximum allowable harvest speed, such as may occur when executing a turn. When one of the first ground speed or the second ground speed of the harvester head is greater than the maximum allowable harvest speed, the controller may then control a drive system of the traction unit to decrease the ground speed from an initial traction unit ground speed to a reduced traction unit ground speed so that both the first and second lateral edges of the harvester head stay below the maximum allowable harvest speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous agricultural machine, which is configured to not traverse a predetermined geographic boundary, includes determining a trajectory of a moving object in surroundings of the agricultural machine. The method further includes determining a trajectory of the agricultural machine, determining a predicted collision point between the agricultural machine and the moving object based on the trajectories, and adapting a planned trajectory of the agricultural machine such that an adapted collision point lies on another side of the boundary relative to the agricultural machine.

Abstract: The complex topographic and climatic characteristics of a geographic area, or plot of land, are expressed by means of an index product (SRI) which allows to link such plot to the qualitative properties of a given agricultural product (P) or to a plant variety able to produce said agricultural product, for example a vine and a wine.

Abstract: A system and method that automatically monitors product use, such as the type and amount of agricultural and/or horticultural product stored in and dispensed from a cartridge over time and/or by geographic location. Monitored data are stored in memory such as a tag on the cartridge and may be transmitted to a server for storage, aggregation, and analysis. The cartridge may be authenticated before being authorized for use for the benefit of a current user in dispensing the product. The cartridge may be refilled after confirmation of authorization codes on the cartridge and refilling equipment tags. The cartridge may be calibrated automatically based on the bulk density or other parameter of the product in the cartridge. Data may be aggregated from a plurality of cartridges automatically. As-applied data from individual cartridges may be used to verify, independent of operator input, treated area coverage and product application rate.

Abstract: The invention tracks and automatically evaluates plant traits of “individuals of plant canopy” in a growth process of a germination period (from sowing until immediately prior to primary seedling culture), at a plant factory with artificial lighting. Specifically, a two-dimensional distribution of the plant traits is calculated by non-destructively and continuously measuring plant trait information in the growth process of the germination period, on the basis of image information 2a, environmental factor information 2b, genetic characteristic information 2c, and management information 2d.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for on-the-go monitoring and controlled feedback in a supplemental downforce application. Certain implementations provide real-time monitoring of furrow depth via contact and non-contact approaches, some of which are combined with gauge wheel feedback to calibrate and otherwise control the application of supplemental downforce to the row unit. A combination of sensor types are employed in collecting furrow depth measurements, which can be used to adjust the supplemental downforce through a control system module. A gauge wheel load sensor may be used to modify the application of supplemental downforce.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a residue characteristic associated with a portion of the field within a detection zone positioned forward of the residue removal device relative to a direction of travel of the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the controller may be configured to monitor the residue characteristic associated with the portion of the field within the detection zone based on data received from the sensor. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to control the operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored residue characteristic.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an agricultural product meter includes an upper mount configured to support at least a portion of a weight of the agricultural product meter. The upper mount is configured to couple to a support structure. The mounting assembly also includes a pin configured to engage the agricultural product meter via movement of the pin along a longitudinal axis of the pin. In addition, the mounting assembly includes a lower mount configured to selectively receive the pin via movement of the pin along the longitudinal axis of the pin. The lower mount is configured to couple to the support structure, and the pin is configured to block movement of the agricultural product meter away from the support structure while the pin is engaged with the agricultural product meter and the lower mount.

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 applicator including: a frame with hopper mounted thereon to hold and dispense a granule product, the hopper including an electronically controlled gate(s); a tank to hold a liquid product; a electronically controlled spray tip(s) to dispense the liquid product; a spray pump located between the tank and spray tip(s); an operator control interface for receiving input from an operator; a control coupled to the operator control interface, the electronically controlled gate(s), and the spray tip(s), where the control receives input, dispenses the liquid or granule product based on the input received from the operator control; where when the liquid product is dispensed, the control provides a signal to the spray tip(s) to regulate a flow of the liquid product, and when the granule product is dispensed, the control provides a signal to the electronically controlled gate(s) to regulate a flow of the granule product.

Abstract: A support apparatus adapted for use with a riding lawnmower. The support apparatus is configured to assist a user in mounting, dismounting, and provide stability while operating the riding lawnmower. The support apparatus comprises a pair of ergonomically shaped support legs and a crossbar member connecting the pair of support legs at one end of each of the support legs. Each of the pair of support legs is attachable to a platform of the riding lawnmower via a mounting plate. Each mounting plate is perpendicularly attached to an opposite end of the respective support leg as the crossbar member.

Abstract: A work machine which includes a GNSS sensor that detects a GNSS signal and a marker detection sensor that detects a predetermined marker, and which is a self-propelled work machine that performs work in a work region based on results of detection by the GNSS sensor and the marker detection sensor, the work machine comprising a specification unit configured to specify a region in which accuracy of specifying a self-position of the work machine based on the GNSS sensor is lower than a reference in the work region, and a notification unit configured to notify a user of an installation position of the marker based on a result of specification by the specification unit.

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

Abstract: A lawnmower trimming and edging extension is attached to a lawnmower. The lawnmower has a motor, a deck, and a push handle. The lawnmower extension includes a trimmer motor having a shaft and a self-feeding string trimmer cutter coupled to the shaft. The trimmer motor coupled to the deck and oriented the self-feeding trimmer cutter to cut an area about the deck. The trimming extension controls electrically connects the trimmer motor to an electrical power source and the trimming extension controls. An outside protective plate is coupled to an inside protective plate by a trimmer-edger hinge and to the deck. The trimmer-edger hinge pivots the inside protective plate between a horizontal position and a vertical position. The trimmer motor is coupled to the inside protective plate such that is self-feeding trimmer cutter is oriented as the inside protective plate when it pivots between the horizontal position and the vertical position.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for controlling a combine harvester. The method includes the steps of: receiving grain flow sensor signals from a plurality of grain flow sensors; based on the received grain flow sensor signals, determining a current load on a straw walker section; and based on the current load, adjusting an aggressiveness setting of a threshing and separation section of the combine harvester. The grain flow sensors are provided underneath and adjacent to a crop transfer surface of the straw walker section of the combine harvester and are distributed over a length of the straw walker section.

Abstract: A system and method for automated grain inspection and analysis of results during harvest, using an inspection system mounted on a combine harvester with geolocation tracking, allowing for real time analysis during harvest and tracking of grain quality by location of harvest.

Abstract: A system for harvesting berries comprising a tendon-driven gripper having fingers made of a compliant material.

Abstract: Lawn mowers and methods associated therewith. A lawn mower can include a frame; and mounting hardware configured to couple the frame to a detachable mower deck, wherein the mounting hardware comprises: a quick release engagement interface; and a latched interface, the latched interface comprising a self-closing latch and an engageable interface to permit selective opening of the self-closing latch.

Abstract: An attachment for an industrial or farm vehicle is designed to engage, carry and unroll a round hay bale. The attachment can be adjusted to interact with hay bales of various lengths. The attachment includes a support structure with features to attach to the vehicle. A first end of a first arm is pivotably connected proximate a first end of the support structure. A first end of a second arm is pivotably connected proximate the first end of the support structure. A spacing link is pivotably connected to second ends of the first and second arms. A first hay bale spear is attached to the spacing link. A third arm has a first end pivotably connected proximate a second end of the support structure. A second hale bay spear is attached proximate to a second end of the third arm and faces toward the first hay bale spear.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wrapping material for wrapping around an agricultural product to form a bale, including a continuous web of material including a plurality of wrapping units, each wrapping unit having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and extending lengthwise from a leading end to a tail end, the tail end of each wrapping unit terminating at the leading end of an adjacent wrapping unit. Each wrapping unit includes a nontacky portion extending lengthwise from the leading end of the wrapping unit, and having a length greater than a circumference of the bale, and a tacky portion extending lengthwise from the nontacky portion to the tail end of the wrapping unit, and having a length greater than the circumference of the bale.

Abstract: A bale spreader having a chassis, one or more feed conveyors mounted to the chassis and a spreader rotor mounted to the chassis. The feed conveyor(s) are configured to transport material from a bale along a feed path. During spreading, the spreader rotor receives the material from the feed path and the axis of the spreader rotor is higher than the feed path. The spreader rotor can be movable between a first position in the feed path and second position not in the feed path. The spreader rotor can be driven by a belt. The feed conveyor(s) may be a plurality of feed drums. One of the feed drums can have teeth that extend between flails of the spreader rotor in use. The flails can rotate with their broad sides forwards. The spreader can also have a conveyor platform for round bales and another platform for square bales that can be placed over the conveyor platform.

Abstract: Optical system for facilitating plant growth is provided. The optical system can produce a light beam having a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) angle of greater than 120 degrees in one or more transverse directions, wherein the transverse direction is perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant regeneration medium composition and a plant regeneration method using same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plant regeneration medium composition using a medium composition containing Shungite as an active ingredient to increase the rates of shoot organogenesis and root organogenesis, thereby shortening the time required for organogenesis using a plant explant and improving the efficiency of ontogeny, and to a plant regeneration method using same.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of geometrically shaped stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spliced small arch shed frame, applying to the technical field of agricultural equipment.

Abstract: A system for enabling plant growth in an automatic manner, the system including a system growing chamber; automatic transport mechanism; and a cooling sub-chamber, where an inner portion of the cooling sub-chamber is thermally insulated from an outside environment of the cooling sub-chamber, and where the cooling sub-chamber includes a refrigerating mechanism and temperature control electronics.

Abstract: A solar reactive mulch film comprising one or more layers of heat shrink material pre-strained at a predetermined temperature and tension. Immediately cooling the pre-strained layers retains molecular deformation stresses in the material which facilitate shrinkage but not expansion on exposure to solar radiation. The mulch film adapted to be laid over longitudinal growing beds and held tautly by burying its side edges in soil. Exposure of uncovered portions of film to solar radiation causes shrinkage in one or more directions whereby in combination with the weight of the soil holding it down, maintains tautness of the mulch over a growing period. Methods of manufacture and use of the same.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for collecting sphagnum moss. The methods comprise, for example, the motorized cutting and the collection of at least a portion of the sphagnum moss, in which the cutting is carried out at least in a direction substantially parallel to the ground. The disclosure also describes sphagnum moss cutting units and systems for harvesting sphagnum moss.

Abstract: Provided are methods for growing a plant under certain stressed conditions that alter the morphology of the plant. In certain aspects, however, although the plant is altered and may be undesirable for commercial purposed, the plant still produces an adequate number of seeds for breeding purposes. Further, because plants may be smaller in size, they can be grown at higher densities, allowing the production of large populations of plants to be brought under controlled conditions which can exclude pollinating insects and thus increase the genetic purity achievable in a breeding program.

Abstract: A sap collecting device includes a top end, a bottom end, and a sidewall extending between the top and bottom ends. The sidewall defines a generally tapering cross-sectional profile as the sidewall extends from the bottom end toward the top end. At least a portion of the bottom end is open, and the sidewall defines a notch along a location between the top portion and the bottom portion to provide a handle for holding the sap collecting device. A keyhole is located on the sidewall that is configured to engage a tap. The keyhole is positioned generally below the notch defined by the sidewall and is communication with the open portion of the bottom end.

Abstract: A drip irrigation apparatus and system. The drip irrigation apparatus includes a flow channel body and an elastic body. The elastic body is mounted on the outer circumference of the flow channel body and fitted in a spontaneous state to the outer circumference of the flow channel body. The flow channel body includes an energy dissipation body. The first drainage channel is formed in the energy dissipation body, the first drainage channel is connected to both ends of the energy dissipation body. The first drainage channel is connected at both ends of the first drainage channel to the inner wall of the elastic body forming a radial drainage channel.

Abstract: This invention is related to a gravity flow, multipurpose bidirectional nonpressurized climate smart subirrigation conduit apparatus for managing soil moisture and growing plants. The subirrigation conduit apparatus creates a suspended virtual water table at the desired buried depth, thus creating an anaerobic saturated zone and a capillary fringe. The capillary fringe is described in the art as a moisture zone that has perfect air and moisture mixture for plant growth, can also be used to irrigate with high turbidity obstruction liquids such as precipitation runoff and alternative waters such as untreated greywater. When too much water is present within the landscape, the Multipurpose bidirectional nonpressurized climate smart subirrigation conduit apparatus can be used in reverse flow to drain the landscape. Bidirectional nonpressurized flow is achieved by gravity water equalization thus cutting any need for energy consumption.

Abstract: A supply tube assembly for measuring a liquid agricultural product application rate. An upstream portion of a supply tube has an upstream portion outlet end. A downstream portion has a downstream portion inlet end. The sensor body assembly includes a sensor body, a first sensing plate, and a second sensing plate. The sensor body has a sensor inlet end positioned to receive an inlet flow of the liquid agricultural product from the upstream portion and a sensor outlet end positioned to receive an outlet flow of the liquid agricultural product. The sensor body is an enclosure having a cross sectional area larger than the cross sectional area of the upstream portion of the supply tube and the downstream portion of the supply tube. Electronic components are configured to measure the liquid agricultural product application rate between the first sensing plate and the second sensing plate.

Abstract: A hydration system for an indoor gardening appliance includes a water supply that provides untreated water into a reverse osmosis filter that filters the water into treated water and wastewater. A wastewater conduit provides fluid communication between a wastewater outlet and a wastewater storage reservoir, and a wastewater valve selectively discharges the wastewater through the wastewater storage reservoir, e.g., when a water quality sensor determines that the total dissolved solids in the treated water exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an automatic watering valve actuator assembly. The automatic watering valve actuator assembly comprises a bracket that can attach the assembly to a support member and a valve. In one embodiment, the bracket has an opening that can receive a hook from a hanging planter. When the hook is positioned in the bracket, an actuator button on a valve is engaged to allow fluid flow through an inlet opening to an outlet opening of the valve. In a different embodiment, the bracket also has a clip that can be an enclosed elongate rectangular shape. The clip can receive the hook from a hanging planter. When the hook is positioned on the clip, the actuator button of the valve is engaged allowing fluid flow there through.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised shields to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of stakes extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: A self-watering container can include an outer wall being substantially waterproof, an inner wall being substantially porous, the inner wall defining a growing medium cavity, and the inner wall and outer wall defining a cylindrical water cavity in hydraulic communication with the growing medium cavity, and, a growing medium support mesh, the growing medium support mesh being configured to rest against the inner wall and receive moisture from the cylindrical water cavity through the substantially porous inner wall.

Abstract: A hydroponics system with regulatory back flow prevention device that keeps the water in a plant bed from draining is described.

Abstract: This application relates to a water culture block for growing aquatic plants. In one aspect, the water culture block includes a block body which includes a bottom plate and a plurality of side plates formed perpendicular to the bottom plate and having openings, the body block having an accommodation space formed therein. The water culture block may also include an overflow partition wall which is formed in the inner space of the block body so as to be perpendicular to the bottom plate, accommodates a plurality of holes passing through the bottom plate, and ensures that fluid overflowing from the block body is uniformly discharged through the plurality of holes.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a grow module that is rotatably mounted within a grow chamber and that defines pod apertures for receiving a plurality of plant pods. A nutrient cartridge assembly includes a manifold defining a cartridge receptacle for receiving a nutrient cartridge. The manifold defines a follower pin for engaging a track system on the nutrient cartridge such that a user simply pushes the nutrient cartridge into the cartridge receptacle to install the cartridge. When the nutrient cartridge needs to be removed, the user pushes the nutrient cartridge again and the track system/follower pin cause relative rotation between the nutrient cartridge and the follower pin to a circumferential orientation from which it can slide out of the cartridge receptacle.

Abstract: An indoor gardening appliance includes a grow module that is rotatably mounted within a grow chamber and that defines pod apertures for receiving a plurality of plant pods. A hydration system includes a nozzle assembly for selectively discharging a nutrient mixture from a mixing tank to hydrate plants within the grow chamber. The nozzle assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder including a piston positioned within a cylindrical chamber. An actuator moves the piston to a fully retracted position to draw in enough nutrient mixture for a single hydration cycle and then moves to a fully extended position to discharge the nutrient mixture. An intake check valve prevents undesirable backflow into the mixing tank and a discharge check valve prevents undesirable backflow into the cylindrical chamber.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful in identifying and/or selecting maize plants that have anthracnose stalk rot resistance are provided herein. The resistance may be newly conferred or enhanced relative to a control plant. The methods use maize markers on chromosome 10 to identify, select and/or construct resistant plants. Maize plants generated by the methods also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an in vitro rescue method for immature embryo of avocado, and the method includes: collecting immature avocado hybrid fruits, stripping immature zygotic embryos from the sterilized fruits; inducing maturation of zygotic embryos in different mediums selected according to the maturities of zygotic embryos; and avocado seed embryos growing to normal plants under light conditions after germination. Provided is a technology for the in vitro culture rescue of immature embryo of avocado, wherein the zygotic embryos at different developmental stages are induced to maturation under in vitro conditions, and after maturation, the seed embryos are induced to germinate and form healthy plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-IN5314 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-IN5314 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-IN5314 RZ.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01083645. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01083645. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01083645 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01083645 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01083633. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01083633. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01083633 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01083633 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01078675. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01078675. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01078675 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01078675 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01078749. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01078749. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01078749 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01078749 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.