Abstract: A device for precisely placing material in a distant location comprising a scoop attached to a pole wherein the pole is at least five times the length of the scoop, the angle between the pole and the scoop is between 14 and 20 degrees, and the pole comprises multiple sections capable of being attached to one and another. The invention provides particular utility as a tool used in concrete leveling and smoothing.

Abstract: Implement apparatus may be configured to displace ground material. For example, an implement may include an extension member coupled to a roller apparatus. The roller apparatus may include a cylindrical portion and a plurality of ground displacing elements. The ground displacing elements may be configured to extend into a ground surface to disperse ground material when the roller apparatus is engaged with the ground surface as the vehicle traverses the ground surface.

Abstract: An end wheel assembly for transforming an implement frame from a transport position to a field position is provided. The end wheel assembly can have an end wheel, a wheel pivot rotatably connected to the end wheel, a wheel member pivotally connected to the wheel pivot, at least one attachment bracket attached to the wheel member and pivotally attachable to the implement frame, a wheel actuator to raise and lower the end wheel assembly, and a guide plate. The guide plate can have a channel, a first end connected to the wheel member, and a second end connected to the wheel pivot. The channel can be positioned to receive a positioning member when the end wheel assembly is pivoted downwards and to rotate the guide plate causing the wheel pivot and end wheel to rotate relative to the wheel member and turn the end wheel outwards.

Abstract: A system for automatically determining a trip magnitude of a ground engaging tool of an agricultural implement includes a ground-engaging system having an attachment structure coupled to a frame of an agricultural implement, a ground-engaging tool rotatably coupled to the attachment structure at a joint, and a biasing element configured to bias the ground-engaging tool towards a predetermined ground-engaging position. The system further includes a trip sensor configured to generate data indicative of a magnitude of rotation of the ground-engaging tool, the trip sensor being at least partially received within the biasing element. Additionally, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the trip sensor, the computing system being configured to determine the magnitude of rotation of the ground-engaging tool based at least in part on the data generated by the trip sensor.

Abstract: An external reactive oxygen species application system and method for increasing enzyme activity and plant dry matter through the use of reactive oxygen species in hydroponically grown cellulosic materials. The external reactive oxygen species application system disinfects a plurality of seeds with the reactive oxygen species using a liquid applicator at a first concentration during a seed out phase. The reactive oxygen species increases gibberellic acid expression. The liquid applicator applies the reactive oxygen species at a second concentration during the plant development phase increase plant dry matter.

Abstract: Various batch mixers and related components and methods for coating seeds to be used in planting and other applications where it is desired to enhance germination of the seed or growth of the resulting plant. Seed supply systems include an articulating gate on a seed scale fill hopper. A lateral discharge gate on a seed supply hopper is provided. Unique mixing bars or blades are arranged around an interior of a stirring batch mixer. A discharge chute may be provided to dissipate kinetic energy of coated seeds without damaging the seeds.

Abstract: A furrow closing unit for a planting unit includes a frame adapted to be pivotally coupled with the planting unit, and a pair of coulter blades rotatably attached to the frame and adapted to move soil into a seed groove to facilitate a closing of the seed groove. The furrow closing unit further includes a basket assembly fixedly attached to the frame and having a basket adapted to roll over a soil surface behind the pair of coulter blades. The basket includes a pair of end caps and a plurality of spokes extending between the pair of end caps. The plurality of spokes is arrayed circularly around a central axis of the basket and is arranged spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a metering system, airflow system, and a covering structure moveable between various positions for user access includes features that facilitate assembly and/or disassembly of the metering system. The work vehicle has a venturi structure with a plurality of venturi tubes that are disposed in a compact arrangement.

Abstract: A mini-hopper for an agricultural row unit that has a fill tube supplying material to a hopper. A backflow preventer is disposed in the fill tube or in a line to the inlet to prevent flow of material from the mini-hopper through the fill tube when the mini-hopper is in a transport position.

Abstract: A method controls a robotic lawnmower in a working environment. The robotic lawnmower includes a locomotion member, a grass cutting member, and vibration sensors for detecting mechanical vibrations generated in the working environment. The method includes detecting a mechanical vibration to generate an electrical signal representative of the mechanical vibration. An electronic processing unit processes the generated electrical signal to extract a feature of the signal to generate a vibrometric mark of the signal. The generated vibrometric mark is classified to obtain a class identifier associated with the vibrometric mark. The identifier may have a first value indicating a desirable activity performed by the robotic lawnmower or a second value indicating an undesirable activity. A control signal is generated to control the locomotion member or the grass cutting member when the class identifier has the second value to bring the robotic lawnmower back to a condition of desirable activity.

Abstract: A self-propelled work apparatus, especially a lawnmower, includes a chassis, at least one tool and a drive motor for driving the tool. The tool is height-adjustable with respect to the chassis. A setting unit is provided to set the relative position of the tool with respect to the chassis. The setting unit includes an actuating motor and a setting gear. The setting gear rotates by less than one full revolution between a first, lower end position of the tool and a second, upper end position of the tool. A detection device is provided to detect the height position of the tool. The detection device includes encoding elements on the setting gear and at least one detector. The at least one first encoding element for the first end position differs from the at least one second encoding element for the second end position.

Abstract: A trimmer head (1) comprises a rotatable housing (12) connectable to a trimmer line spool (13) rotatably supported by said housing (12) and a locking mechanism (14) for locking the trimmer line spool (13) to the housing (12) with a locking force (FL). The locking mechanism (14) is arranged to be moved from a locked to an unlocked position when a rotation speed of the trimmer head (1) is increased above an operating speed. The increased rotation speed causes a releasing force (FR) greater than the locking force (FL). In the unlocked position, the locking mechanism (14) releases the trimmer line spool (13) from the housing (12) such that the trimmer line spool (13) is movable and a trimmer line (3) spooled around the spool (13) is released and pulled out by a centrifugal force (Fc) caused by the rotation of the trimmer head (1), allowing feed of the trimmer line (3).

Abstract: A trimmer and a trimmer head include an upper cover assembly being connected to and driven by a motor, wherein the upper cover assembly is configured to be removably connected to at least one of a first trimming assembly or a second trimming assembly selectively, and is provided with at least one connection hole in its side wall; the first trimming assembly is configured to include a first lower cover, a first cutting member, and a first base; the second trimming assembly is configured to include a second lower cover, a second cutting member, and a second base; wherein the first base is at least partially inserted into the connection hole when the first trimming assembly is mounted, and the second lower cover is at least partially inserted into the connection hole when the second trimming assembly is mounted.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.

Abstract: A system for controlling harvesting implement operation of an agricultural harvester includes a harvesting implement defining a longitudinal axis extending between a forward end of the harvesting implement and an aft end of the harvesting implement. The harvesting implement is configured to be coupled to the agricultural harvester. Moreover, the harvesting implement includes a frame, a reel, and a cutter bar. A controller is configured to receive a first input indicating that a harvesting operation has ceased. Furthermore, the controller is configured to initiate a first adjustment to at least one of a fore/aft tilt angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the harvesting implement and a field surface, a position of the reel relative to the frame, or a position of the cutter bar relative to the frame upon receipt of the first input.

Abstract: An agricultural system for automatically determining losses for harvesting operations includes a loss sensor supported on an agricultural harvester and having a field of view directed toward a portion of a field aft of a base cutter of the agricultural harvester, where the loss sensor is configured to generate data indicative of ground losses. Additionally, the agricultural system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the loss sensor. The computing system is configured to identify non-height related ground losses during a harvesting operation of the agricultural harvester based at least in part on the data generated by the loss sensor. Additionally, computing system is configured to initiate a control action in response to the non-height related ground losses.

Abstract: A combine (20) harvester includes a cage (32?) at least partially surrounding a rotor (28?) for threshing crops in the space (34) between the cage (321) and the rotor (28?). An auger (302) is at least partially positioned within the cage (32?) and is connected to the rotor (28) for rotating therewith. The auger (302) includes vanes (312) for transporting crop from the rotor (28?) and towards an outlet of the cage (32?). A chopper (320) is positioned either at or adjacent the outlet (310) of the cage (32?). A rotational axis (30) of the chopper (320) is substantially aligned with an axis of rotation of the auger (302) and the rotor (28).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of feed accelerators of agricultural harvesters include one or more convertible sections that are convertible between two or more types of agitator assemblies. The feed accelerators may include a cylindrical body that may form one or more facets, and the feed accelerators may include an exterior wall and a plurality of paddles distributed along the exterior wall. The plurality of paddles may be arranged in a plurality of rows. The agitator assemblies may include a first type that includes an agitator having sidewalls that for a geometrical shape, such as a chevron that extends from the exterior wall. A second type of agitator may include one or more paddles that may align with one or more rows formed on the exterior wall.

Abstract: A threshing concave for a combine harvester comprises a crop processing device which is arranged at the inlet to the threshing concave and can be adjusted between an active and an inactive position, adjustable elements which are arranged downstream of the inlet to the threshing concave and can be adjusted between an active and an inactive position, and an adjustment mechanism for separate adjustment of the crop processing device and the adjustable elements, which comprises a movable adjustment element which is coupled to the crop processing device and to the adjustable elements.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes: a frame; a feeder system coupled with the frame and including: a cutting assembly coupled with the frame and including: at least one knife configured for cutting a crop material; an engagement apparatus configured for: being spaced apart from at least one overload protection mechanism individually associated with a single one of the at least one knife; selectively engaging with the at least one knife and thereby for forcing the at least one knife to occupy a first position; and selectively engaging with the at least one knife and thereby for forcing the at least one knife to occupy a second position.

Abstract: An ecological restoration method for a lake wetland against effects of water level rise in a dry season includes: collecting basic data of a lake; determining wetland phytoremediation species of the lake; determining characteristic water levels of the lake under a baseline scenario and under different water level rise scenarios; determining a restoration range based on wetland types corresponding to different characteristic water levels; selecting an experimental restoration area from the restoration range, and performing ecological restoration; and monitoring a plant community state and waterbird biodiversity, judging whether the restoration reaches a preset goal, and adjusting the method if the restoration does not reach the preset goal. According to the method, the effects of water level rise in the dry season on wetland habitat, biodiversity, ecosystem services and the like can be relieved to the greatest extent, so that an ecological restoration effect of the lake wetland is improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an LED lighting device for strawberry seedling raising. The LED lighting device for strawberry seedling raising according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a light emitting unit composed of a first light emitting part composed of a red region wavelength emission LED and a blue region wavelength emission LED and a second light emitting part composed of the red region wavelength emission LED and an infrared region wavelength emission LED; and a control part for controlling the light emitting unit to manage a strawberry seedling raising, and controlling each LED included in the first light emitting part or the second light emitting part to be turned on/off based on a preset seedling raising mode.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for increasing nutrient digestibility in plants is disclosed. A grower system for growing plants and crops provides an aerobic environment by controlling a plurality of environmental factors that decrease environmental stresses surrounding the plants or crops. The decrease in environmental stresses increases hydrolytic enzyme activity and releases additional hydrolytic enzymes. The hydrolytic enzymes breakdown a plurality of complex storage molecules of the plant or crop into simple storage molecules, increasing the plant's nutrient digestibility.

Abstract: An advanced plant production system comprises a robust and efficient network of lighting, instrumentation and control and data acquisition systems, which are integrated together to maximize plant health, crop production, while conserving resources. The system provides an advanced user interface that can be accessed both locally and remotely. In some embodiments, the lighting can be controlled to mimic the circadian rhythm of the crops or the Sun, and can be matched to a particular type and/or maturity of plant. A sensor node which can be used in the plant production system comprises internal sensors, and can also be connected to other external sensors, to provide detailed environmental information. Several methods are described that can optimize the efficiency of the system, and can be used to improve the yield, value, and/or quality of crops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptable vehicle light fixture is provided to activate varying light distribution patterns based upon preconfigured operation of trigger and/or power wires. One or more trigger and/or power wires connected to one or more vehicle light fixtures are preconfigured through wired and/or wireless programming to generate specified light distribution patterns that are responsive to the preconfigurations during manual operation. Wireless preconfiguration includes the use of a handheld magnetic device or smartphone. Wired preconfiguration includes the use of a vehicle-based controller area network (CAN) bus. Any preconfigured operation may be changed at any time by the user by programmably changing the preconfiguration.

Abstract: A vegetation maintenance system includes a permeable curb, a water-diversion layer, a water-storage layer, a nutrient layer, and a vegetation-planting trough. The permeable curb is located abutting roadside pavement edge of a road along a road direction. The water-diversion layer is located on a side surface of the permeable curb and is disposed close to a bottom of the permeable curb. The water-storage layer is disposed at one side of the water-diversion layer away from a surface of the road, and is configured to store water. The nutrient layer is disposed at one side of the water-storage layer away from the water-diversion layer, and is configured to provide water, soil, and nutrients for growth of vegetation. The vegetation-planting trough penetrates through the water-diversion layer and the water-storage layer, is embedded in the nutrient layer, and is configured for vegetation planting.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants comprises two towers located adjacent to each other and forming an outside perimeter surface, a tray located in the bottom of the outside perimeter surface; and a cable system configured to pull a plurality of pods along the outside perimeter, each pod having containers, the cable system configured to bring at least one pod in a contact with a liquid located in the tray. A plant growth monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors, a plurality of distributors configured to distribute fertilizers in response to received commands, and a controller configured to receive a sensor data from the plurality of sensors, determine commands for a stage of growth of plants based on a sensor data received and transmit the commands to the distributors. A method of initiating a plant in preparation of its introduction into a vertical farm unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

Abstract: Panel for floating cultivation of plants on water, includes parallel grooves at a top side extending longitudinally, adapted for receiving a substrate and a number of plants or precursors in the substrate, each groove extending through the panel from a first top plane to a second parallel plane. The panel includes air chambers at a lower side extending substantially below the second plane, each of the air chambers allowing therein formation of air roots of plants supported in the substrate of the grooves. At the second plane, each groove is spaced apart from the circumferential side wall of the air chamber it debouches in when projected onto a plane normal to the longitudinal direction, each of the grooves including at least two side support surfaces extending parallel to the groove and below the top side, the side support surfaces adapted for substantially completely supporting the substrate in the groove.

Abstract: A weed barrier includes a rigid body defining a plurality of basins. The basins have bottoms with holes therethrough for planting garden plants. In a particular embodiment the bottom surface of the weed barrier includes a plurality of hose channels configured be positioned over a hose. Several example configurations of rigid weed barriers are disclosed. Some example weed barriers include flanges that facilitate the adjustable arrange of the weed barriers with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method of operating a stacking head of a sod harvester includes: (a) repeatedly transferring sod slabs from a transfer station located along a conveyor assembly of the sod harvester to a pallet station of the sod harvester to form a loaded pallet at the pallet station; (b) during replacement of the loaded pallet with an empty pallet, forming a stack of slabs at the transfer station; and (c) transferring the stack of slabs from the transfer station to the pallet station for deposit on the empty pallet when received at the pallet station, and repeating (a) to (c) in a continuous sod harvesting process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for remote and/or autonomous cutting at least a portion of a harvested ligno trunk, at least a portion of a ligno trunk to be harvested, at least a portion of a ligno trunk during harvesting or at least a portion of a ligno trunk during transporting, said system comprising: a remotely and/or autonomously controlled Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (100), UAV, means for cutting at least a portion of a ligno trunk attachable to said UAV, means for detecting at least a portion of a ligno, means for detecting at least one ligno parameter of at least a portion of a ligno and/or at least one growing condition of at least a portion of a ligno, a base station (120) for communication with said UAV, and means configured for selecting at least one cutting position on at least a portion of a ligno trunk depending on the at least one detected ligno parameter and/or the at least one detected growing condition of at least a portion of a ligno.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining optimal water capacity or distribution for each of a plurality of sections of a field to be irrigated by an ancillary span of an irrigation system are provided. A path is determined for a steering tower of the ancillary span that is comprised of a plurality of position-based coordinates. The position of the ancillary span steering tower (and thus the position of the ancillary span) relative to the determined path is always known and, accordingly, the optimal water capacity or distribution for the needs of its location can be readily determined based upon a calculated area factor percentage.

Abstract: Examples provide a system for watering plants on a rack. Sensor data is analyzed to generate a status of a plant on a rack and updated water instructions are generated. A robotic device moves the selected plant rack to a watering zone. A release of water onto the selected plant rack within the watering zone is detected and a set of rotational maneuvers is initiated to enable equal water distribution across the selected plant rack. The selected plant rack is then return to the original, assigned location based on a cessation of water emissions being detected.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for ensiling hydroponically grown cellulosic material is disclosed. A grower system for growing plants and crops provides an aerobic environment by controlling a plurality of environmental factors that decrease environmental stresses surrounding the plants or crops. The decrease in environmental stresses increases hydrolytic enzyme activity and releases additional hydrolytic enzymes. The hydrolytic enzymes breakdown a plurality of complex storage molecules of the plant or crop into simple storage molecules. The breakdown of the plurality of complex storage molecules increases the nutrient availability and dry matter of the ensiled cellulosic material as well as the shelf life of the ensiled cellulosic material.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for increasing dry matter in plants is disclosed. A grower system for growing plants and crops provides an aerobic environment by controlling a plurality of environmental factors that decrease environmental stresses surrounding the plants or crops. The decrease in environmental stresses increases hydrolytic enzyme activity and releases additional hydrolytic enzymes. The hydrolytic enzymes breakdown a plurality of complex storage molecules of the plant or crop into simple storage molecules, increasing adenosine triphosphate production, given the plant more energy to increase dry matter.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for controlling a system for growing seaweed are described. Some implementations of a method include forming a substrate loop inoculated with seaweed spores; arranging the substrate loop about a pulley; submerging the substrate loop to grow the seaweed; determining, using a seaweed farm controller, that the seaweed has grown to a pre-determined size; and based on the determination that the seaweed has grown to a pre-determined size: providing instructions to the pulley to feed a section of the substrate loop to a harvesting unit; providing instructions to the harvesting unit to separate the seaweed attached to the section of the substrate loop; providing instructions to a cleaning unit to clean the section of the substrate loop that is freed from seaweed; and providing instructions to a seeding unit to inoculate the cleaned section of substrate loop with seaweed spores.

Abstract: Novel, universal, in-field/in-orchard, well-controlled, scalable, easy-to-use, and cost-effective management systems and methods for artificial pollination of agricultural areas such as orchards and fields are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for improving or enhancing pathogen resistance in legume plants. Compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by legume-derived nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) genes are useful in improving resistance in legumes to Asian soybean rust. Methods of using NB-LRR genes can be used to make a transgenic resistant legume Plant.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for microspore embryogenesis and the production of doubled haploid embryos. For example, the methods provided include obtaining a plurality of flower buds from a donor plant, determining the developmental stage of microspores comprised within said flower buds, selecting flower buds comprising microspores at a desired developmental stage, treating said flower buds, isolating microspores from said flower buds, and culturing said microspores in induction medium or treating said isolated microspores with a chromosome doubling agent.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of melon line HAR-DV15-4299MO. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of melon line HAR-DV15-4299MO and to methods for producing a melon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another melon plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of melon line HAR-DV15-4299MO comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011178. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011178, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011178 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011178.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011187. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011187, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011187 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011187.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011181. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011181, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011181 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011181.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV525601. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV525601, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV525601 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV525601 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV525601.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV526970. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV526970, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV526970 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV526970 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV526970.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011183. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011183, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011183 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011183.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011182. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011182, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011182 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011182.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011198. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011198, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011198 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011198.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011197. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011197, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011197 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011197.