Abstract: Vehicles having the versatility to be used as farm vehicles while also being able to be used as a transportation method, such as a motorcycle, are provided. The vehicles can generally include a three-wheel configuration in which first and second drive wheels are substantially vertically aligned, and the third wheel is offset from the vertically aligned drive wheels. The third wheel can be aligned with the second wheel, or it can be disposed at a location that is between the first and second wheels while still being offset from the vertical alignment. A tool for performing farming actions is also provided. In some instances the tool can be laterally offset from the vertically aligned wheels, located between the drive wheels, while in other instances the tool can be disposed distal of the rear wheel. Many vehicle and tool configurations are disclosed, as are methods for operating the same.

Abstract: A tractor includes: a three-point linkage to which a tiller is mountable a hydraulic lifting/lowering driver to lift and lower the three-point linkage, and a mechanical linkage to transmit a lifting/lowering operation amount of the three-point linkage to the lifting/lowering driver. The mechanical linkage includes a load detector to detect an amount of change in traction load via the three-point linkage, a cable to interlock according to the amount of change in the traction load detected by the load detector, and a mechanical linkage interlocked and connected to the cable and the lifting/lowering driver, the mechanical linkage being capable of transmitting the lifting/lowering operation amount according to the amount of change in the traction load to the lifting/lowering driver.

Abstract: A bale retriever includes: a chassis; a steering assembly carried by the chassis and configured to steer the bale retriever; a bale pick up carried by the chassis; and a controller operatively coupled to the steering assembly. The controller is configured to: receive a field signal corresponding to a field map; receive a baler travel signal corresponding to at least one of a baler planned path or a baler travel path of at least one baler; define an expected location of at least one bale on the field map based at least partially on the baler travel signal; generate a steering control signal based at least partially on the expected location of the at least one bale; and output the steering control signal to the steering assembly.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar system having a toolbar frame, an elevator assembly, and a first wing on one side of the toolbar frame. The first wing may be coupled to the elevator and pivotable about a first vertical axis of rotation between an extended and a folded position. Tools may be coupled to the first wing and rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the first wing from an operating position below the first wing to a transport/shipping position above the first wing. Further, the first wing may be adapted to be moveable to position the first wing higher than a wheel of the agricultural implement on the same side of the toolbar frame in the folded position. Subsequently, the tools may be circularly rotated and the middle wing and tools pushed down to reduce the overall width and height of the implement for transporting or shipping.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides jewelry that can instruct farmers on methods for planting a variety of crops in standard conditions and in drought conditions. The utilization of the described jewelry will enable small-scale producers to more efficiently and sustainably grow food. The jewelry taught herein can also be utilized to spread awareness about global hunger.

Abstract: Methods and systems to improve application of seed applied components to seeds are disclosed. Environmentally controlled enclosures to test, evaluate and develop seed treatment solutions for certain geographical locations are provided. Controlled environments during seed treatment application process in a production location improves the overall seed treatment efficiency and uniformity.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided for a planter row unit and resides at the forward end of the row unit beneath the tool bar. The assembly includes a bracket assembly connected to the row unit, with a ground engaging tool removably mounted on the bracket assembly for movement between raised and lowered positions. A linear actuator controls the position of the tool. The tool may also include a depth control mechanism. Different tools can be interchanged on the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A small hand-guided self-propelled garlic planter includes a rack, a driving mechanism connected to an upright planting mechanism and a material taking mechanism in a stock bin by using a clutch mechanism. The stock bin is fixedly connected to the rack. The planting mechanism includes a material receiving mechanism fixed to the rack and an insertion type planting mechanism disposed below the material receiving mechanism. The insertion type planting mechanism is connected to a turnable mechanism mounted to the rack, which is connected to the driving mechanism. A plurality of first feed bowls are disposed on the material receiving mechanism. The first feed bowls are connected to a first opening mechanism. A first acting member is disposed on the insertion type planting mechanism. A plurality of duckbills connected to a second opening are disposed on the insertion type planting mechanism. A second acting member is disposed on the rack.

Abstract: A system and methods for monitoring and evaluating the performance of a lawn-care technician. A Technician Performance Module (TPM) is affixed to or embedded in a device or apparatus used by the technician, such as a sprayer or a spreader. The TPM comprises a plurality of sensors (e.g., GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, pedometer) which collect, store, and/or transmit an assortment of data as described below. The data may be transmitted wirelessly to a control box, which may be located in a nearby vehicle, such as a truck used by the technician at the site of the lawn-care services being provided. The data also may be transmitted wireless to a cellular or wireless gateway for transmission to system servers for storage and analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a forward-mounted implement that may allow pivotal movement of the implement around a longitudinal axis to better maintain proper operational height when operating on uneven or sloped terrain. Further provided, the attachment mechanism of the present disclosure may allow for a secure and safe attachment to an associated tractor or other similar vehicle while simultaneously providing for a reduced production cost and less maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a broken grain fraction of a quantity of grains is disclosed. The system includes at least one camera and a computing unit, with the camera configured to create an image of the quantity of grains, and with the computing unit configured to evaluate, using artificial intelligence, the image to determine broken grains in the image, and to determine, based on the broken grains, the broken grain fraction of the quantity of grains in the image.

Abstract: A crop header adjustment system including a plurality of row units, a plurality of dividers disposed between the row units, a plurality of pitch adjustment mechanisms operatively engaged with each of the plurality of dividers, and a controller in communication with the each of the plurality of pitch adjustment mechanisms. The controller configured to adjust the pitch of the plurality of the dividers on-the-go in response to changing conditions.

Abstract: A multipurpose machine for cultivating trees, comprising an inverted U-shape structure that enables the machine to pass over existing trees or fruit trees to carry out pruning, disinfection or fruit picking tasks, provided at the bottom with wheels, driven by at least one motor that autonomously facilitates the movement thereof, and respective upper frames that telescopically couple to each other, being driven by means of respective cylinders to move the portion of the structure on the right with respect to the one on the left in order to vary the width of the machine. Likewise, the machine has the ability to raise or lower the upper structure of the same to adapt it to the height of the trees to be cultivated.

Abstract: A bale retriever for retrieving bales which includes a bale pick up configured to contact and pick up a bale, a steering assembly configured to steer the bale retriever, at least one sensor configured to sense at least one bale feature of the bale, and a controller operatively coupled to the steering assembly and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to receive bale drop location information, receive at least one bale feature signal from the at least one sensor, identify an exact bale location of the bale based at least partially on the bale drop location information and the at least one bale feature signal from the at least one sensor, generate a steering control signal based at least partially on the exact bale location, and output the steering control signal to the steering assembly.

Abstract: Harvesting systems for an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes vertical grow towers or other grow structures. Some implementations of the invention include a two-stage grouping mechanism that increases the amount of plants or crops harvested from a grow tower. Some implementations of the invention allow for harvesting of grow towers having grow sites on opposing faces.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes: a chassis; a crop material handler carried by the chassis and configured to handle crop material; a communication interface carried by the chassis; and a controller operatively coupled to the communication interface and configured to: define a field map corresponding to a field; receive a bale drop zone input signal; define a bale drop zone within the field map based on the received bale drop zone input signal, the bale drop zone defining a location and a bale drop area within the field map; determine if the bale drop zone is sufficiently sized for a number of bales formed from crop material on the field to be placed in the bale drop zone; and output a drop zone insufficient signal if the bale drop zone is not sufficiently sized for the number of bales to be placed in the bale drop zone.

Abstract: A plant cultivation light source includes at least two light sources selected from first, second, and third light sources that emit first, second, and third lights, respectively. The first light has a first peak at a wavelength from about 400 nanometers to about 500 nanometers, the second light has a second peak appearing at a wavelength, which is longer than the first peak, from about 400 nanometers to about 500 nanometers, and the third light has a third peak appearing at a wavelength, which is shorter than the first peak, from about 400 nanometers to about 500 nanometers. The first light is a white light and has a first sub-peak having an intensity lower than an intensity of the first peak at a wavelength from about 500 nanometers to about 700 nanometers. The first sub-peak has a full-width at half-maximum greater than a full-width at half-maximum of the first peak.

Abstract: A grow module, a plant growing system, and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The grow module comprises a plurality of tray modules including a light tray over a growing tray. The light tray includes a lighting array and at least one sensor. The growing tray is adapted to hold a plurality of plant vessels. The grow module comprises a machine-readable identification. The grow module is configured to hold the plurality of tray modules in a vertically stacked configuration. The lighting array on the light tray is configured to provide light to the plurality of plant vessels on the growing tray in the grow module directly under said light tray.

Abstract: A plant container system includes a collapsible container unit configured and dimensioned to contain an amount of soil needed to support the growth of a plant potted therein. The collapsible container unit is disposable between an operable expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, and rolling up the free edge of the open top of the container unit can increase the capacity of container, allowing more soil to be put in. Therefore, growing a plant in the collapsible container may not require re-potting. Methods of growing plants using the plant container system are also provided.

Abstract: A plant growing tray system, and a method of using the same, the system comprising a growing tray including a plurality of tray insert openings configured to accept tray inserts, a pallet stop, and a transfer catch. The system further comprises a plurality of tray inserts comprising a plurality of tray locking points configured to secure each of the plurality of tray inserts within the plurality of tray insert openings, a vessel cavity to hold a plant vessel, a plurality of fertigation holes on the bottom of the vessel cavity configured to receive fertigation needles, and a plurality of plant vessel securement points configured to secure the plant vessel within the vessel cavity.

Abstract: A system for the fertigation of a plant vessel and method of use for the same is disclosed. The system comprises a grow module containing a plurality of growing trays additionally containing plants, and/or shoots of plants in various stages of development. The growing trays are individually extracted from the grow module via a tray movement system and tray elevator controlled by a control system and precisely placed in a fertigation system, wherein they are aligned over and lowered onto an at least one nozzle which penetrate the plant vessels containing the plants and fertigate them with a combination of water, nutrients, and/or pressurized air. The individual growing tray is then replaced in the grow module and the process is repeated for all growing trays and plant vessels in the grow module.

Abstract: An automated growing facility for plants, seeds, or seedlings is disclosed. The facility comprises a growing chamber, a fertigation station, a load/unload station, a device such as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) configured to transport grow modules, and a control system configured to control at least one of the grow modules, the fertigation station, the load/unload station, and the AGV. The grow modules are transported from the growing chamber to the fertigation station using the AGV for fertigating plant vessels in growing trays of the grow modules, and the fertigated plants vessels are transported from the fertigation station to the growing chamber using the AGV. Further, the plant vessels are loaded into the growing trays and unloaded from the growing trays at the load/unload station.

Abstract: A plant stand configured to be placed within a plant container is provided, the plant stand includes: a base having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, the top surface having a plurality of apertures extending at least partially into the base, the apertures having a shape and dimensions; one or more poles having an end, the end of the one or more poles shaped and dimensioned to be removably coupled to the base via the apertures such that the one or more poles extends from the top surface of the base essentially vertically; and a plurality of supports extending outward from the bottom surface of the base and having a height sufficient to create a clearance between a surface within the plant container on which the base is placed and the bottom surface of the base.

Abstract: Provided is a plant cultivation device wherein the occurrence of tipburn is suppressed. This artificial light-type plant cultivation device 1 is provided with a cultivation chamber 4, the inside of which can be sealed. Within the cultivation chamber 4, the plant cultivation device is provided with: a cultivation room 10 for growing a plant; and an air circulation system 30 for generating an air flow from top to bottom in the cultivation room 10. Since the air circulation system 30 can blow air to a plant V from directly above, air is blown to new leaves growing in a central portion of the plant to promote transpiration. As a result, sufficient calcium can be supplied to the growing leaves and tipburn is less likely to occur.

Abstract: An insect barrier assembly for inhibiting crawling insects from climbing a trunk of a tree includes a pair of first shells that is each removably attached together to form a closed ring around the trunk of the tree. Each of the first shells is concavely hollow thereby facilitating each of the first shells to be fillable with water. In this way the first shells inhibit crawling insects from crossing the first shells and subsequently climbing the trunk of the tree. A pair of second shells provided and each of the second shells is removably attached together to form a closed ring around the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: A cultivation and management device for fruit vegetable plants and fruit trees includes environment state information on an environment state of a fruit vegetable plant or a fruit tree to be cultivated, planned cultivation evaluation index information on a preplanned cultivation evaluation index of the fruit vegetable plant or the fruit tree, a calculation unit configured to determine and output a work including a shape change work for the fruit vegetable plant or the fruit tree with respect to inputs of the environment state information and the planned cultivation evaluation index information with a learning model, and an output unit configured to output the work including the shape change work for the fruit vegetable plant or the fruit tree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing for harvesting of forest using an un-manned vehicle (100) configured to move under the canopy in a forest region, the method comprising: for each of at least one object (110) within the forest region: —obtaining, using at least one sensor (120) of the un-manned vehicle (100), information associated with the object (110); —assigning an object identity (ID) to the object (110) based on the obtained sensor information, using processing circuitry (210) comprised in or accessible to the un-manned vehicle (100); and10 —associating a marker (130) with the object (110) and the obtained sensor information or the object identity (ID) assigned to the object (110). The invention also relates to an un-manned vehicle, a harvesting system and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tree watering and fertilizing apparatus that can be used to irrigate and fertilize the base of a tree and to protect the roots thereof. The present invention comprises a tree ring having a bottom half that serves as a root harrier and a top half that serves as a barrier to retain water around a tree while the water percolates to the root system of the tree. An inlet fitting is attached to a water supply and directs water into an irrigation valve that is in fluid communication with a fertilizer dispenser. As the water flows through the irrigation valve and out a distribution fitting, the water flow siphons fertilizer from the fertilizer dispenser and mixes it with the water before it is released through a distribution fitting to irrigate the base of a tree or shrub.

Abstract: A plant growing system using water extracted from air, the system which has a Peltier element connected to a power supply and includes a heat dissipating member and a cooling member to collect condensate by condensing moisture in the air. The plant growing system includes: a mixing part having a storage tank and a nutrient supply tank, the storage tank into which condensate obtained from the air is introduced and stored, and the nutrient supply tank which is connected to the storage tank so that a predetermined amount of nutrients is supplied through a nutrient control valve; an atomizer having one side connected to a compressor whose opening and closing is controlled by an injection valve, the atomizer being connected to the mixing part via a pipe so that a solution flows and is then stored in the atomizer.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing assembly includes a support frame and a platform is positionable on the support frame. The platform has a plurality of holes each extending therethrough. A plurality of canisters each has a plant growing in a substrate contained therein. Each of the canisters is insertable into a respective one of the holes in the platform for maintaining each of the canisters in an upright position. A tray is provided that is filled with a nutrient solution. The tray is positionable beneath the platform when the platform is positioned on the support frame. A pumping unit is coupled to the platform and the pumping unit pumps the nutrient solution in the tray into a respective one of the canisters for nourishing the plant in each of the canisters.

Abstract: Mechanisms that facilitate location and alignment of grow towers for one or more processing operations. In one implementation, the alignment mechanism comprises a track including an alignment feature and one or more engagement actuators. The alignment feature is configured to engage features of a track-contacting face of a grow tower. The engagement actuators press the grow tower against the track, causing the alignment feature to engage the grow tower and align it along the track to facilitate processing operations.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Paonia’ and ‘Newcastle’ are described. ‘Paonia’ and ‘Newcastle’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: An excrement treatment material is composed of a plurality of grains that are piled in a box-shaped toilet and have a water absorbing property. The plurality of grains include a first grain and a second grain. The first grain and the second grain absorb urine excreted in the toilet. The water absorption rate of the second grain is smaller than the water absorption rate of the first grain.

Abstract: A convertible pet carrying and backpacking backpack comprises a backpack body defining one or more internal compartments and an open top operable to allow a head of a pet to extend therethrough. The backpack body further comprises shoulder straps extending from a front of the backpack body, and paw holes disposed on the front of the backpack body above the shoulder straps. The paw holes are operable to allow paws of the pet to extend therethrough. The backpack can further comprise an accessory bag operable to selectively attach to and detach from the backpack body at a first position where the accessory bag extends from a back of the backpack body so that the backpack is in a pet carrying configuration, and a second position where the accessory bag covers the open top of the backpack body so that the backpack is in a backpacking configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a pet comprises a generally planar mat with an elliptical-shaped peripheral edge, and first and second receptacles mounted in fixed relation to the mat. The receptacles are disposed in spaced relation to the peripheral edge of the mat and a mat area delimited thereby is sized such that during feeding from at least one of the receptacles the pet stands on a top side of the mat so as to anchor the mat in substantially fixed location on the support surface.

Abstract: A pet puzzle feeder includes: a housing; a treat chamber, a portion of which is rotatably received in a cavity of the housing; and an access cover. The housing has a pattern of openings on a spherical surface that define recesses that extend to a first radial depth and do not reach the cavity. A portion of those housing openings, being in three different regions of the housing, define conduits that extend to interconnect with the cavity. Different numbers or sizes of the opening on the three regions permit dispensing of treats at different rates, when the dispensing opening of the treat chamber is rotated/aligned therewith. A detent mechanism releasably inhibit treat chamber rotation when aligned with the openings in each region. A first color is used for the conduits, and a second color for the recesses, as a visual cue for the pet.

Abstract: A poultry drinker system includes a liquid container, which is filled with water; a drinking trough, which is fluidly connected to the liquid container; a float valve assembly, which is configured to regulate the flow of the liquid from the liquid container into the drinking trough; such that the float valve maintains the water level in the drinking trough as poultry drink the water.

Abstract: An improved artificial mangrove assembly designed to duplicate a natural mangrove that provides protection and promotes an underwater ecosystem, which can help reverse the decline in the fish population, aviary habitats, erosion, and the like and help to promote land and marine colonization.

Abstract: Provided herein is a model, in particular a mouse model, for assessing or evaluating toxicity to an immunotherapy, for example a therapeutic cell therapy, such as a cell therapy containing engineered cells, such as T cells, expressing a recombinant receptor, e.g. a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Also provided is a method for generating the mouse model. Also provided herein are methods of use for the mouse models of toxicity, such as to evaluate modified or alternative immunotherapies, and/or to evaluate test agents, including agents to assess as potential interventions to reduce, prevent, or ameliorate toxicity to immunotherapy in human subjects and/or for use in combination with an immunotherapy, e.g. CAR?T cell therapy.

Abstract: The present application discloses a portable workstation for sorting and characterizing a fishing vessel's catch which possesses a tabletop having reference markings on the top surface, a foldable leg on the proximal side of the table, a deck rail receiving slot on the distal side of the table, and a removable tabletop surface section which is received by shelf supports beneath the table.

Abstract: A termite attracting device including an attracting wood member on the surface of which a soft-rot fungus grows, the soft-rot fungus decaying wood member with a high moisture content from the surface into black-like color, and a cover member including at least a moisture-impermeable layer, with one wood end face of the attracting wood member exposed, the moisture-impermeable layer covering an outer circumferential face of the termite attracting wood member and the other wood end face of the attracting wood member.

Abstract: An insect trapping device for trapping insects and shielding them from view includes a housing, which defines an interior space. The housing has a top, which is open. A panel is selectively insertable through the top into the interior space. A fastener engaged to a back of the housing can engage a substrate so that the housing is mounted thereto. An adhesive compound and an attractant are positioned upon a surface of the panel. The attractant attracts insects into the interior space and the adhesive compound traps insects landing upon the panel.

Abstract: Devices and methods and pesticidal and/or pest control compositions are disclosed for the control of pests using the vapors of a pesticidal and/or pest control composition. Compositions, devices, methods and vapor forming pesticidal compositions which have improved vapor forming characteristics and are desirable under certain regulatory structures are also disclosed. In some non-limiting examples, the pests are arthropods or nematodes, and more particularly may include bed bugs, fleas, lice, ticks, or the like.

Abstract: A control and/or regulating system for an agricultural device includes a distributor linkage for spreading material, such as fertilizer, pesticide or seed, which extends transversely to the direction of travel and has a central part and two lateral arms connected to the central part with a plurality of arm sections which are foldable in towards one another in the transport position and foldable out in the working position and are connected by joints. At least one hydraulic device is associated with each arm. The hydraulic device comprises a hydraulic. The control and/or regulating system comprises a sensor device configured to detect a pressure change occurring at the respective hydraulic and a data processing unit configured to process signals of the sensor device and, on the basis thereof, to generate a control signal for the respective hydraulic device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of an agricultural sprayer includes a computing system is configured to determine a movement parameter associated with the movement of a boom assembly of the agricultural sprayer relative to a frame of the agricultural sprayer based on data captured by a movement sensor. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to determine the distance between a spray nozzle of the agricultural sprayer and the underlying crop canopy or field surface based on data captured by a position sensor. Additionally, the computing system is configured to determine a spray deposition parameter indicative of a rate at which agricultural fluid is deposited on the underlying crop canopy or field surface based on the determined movement parameter and the determined distance.

Abstract: A system for dispensing agricultural fluids onto plants present within a field includes a sensor configured to capture data associated with the plant and a computing system communicatively coupled to the sensor. In this respect, the computing system is configured to receive an input associated with the pesticide present within the agricultural fluid. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to determine a size parameter associated with the plant based on the data captured by the sensor. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine a selected amount of the pesticide to be dispensed onto the plant based on determined size parameter and the received input associated with the pesticide. Additionally, the computing system is configured to control an operation of the nozzle such that a volume of the agricultural fluid containing the selected amount of the pesticide is dispensed onto the plant.