Abstract: A method for cultivating a piece of farmland, includes providing an autonomous tractor having a lifting device for connecting an agricultural implement for performing an agricultural operation to the tractor and an engine for driving the implement, and crossing the farmland with the tractor while the agricultural implement is driven by the engine to cultivate the piece of farmland, wherein in a step preceding the cultivation of the farmland, the agricultural implement is put on top of the tractor with the lifting device, such that the centre of mass of the agricultural implement is within the footprint of the tractor, and in a second step the agricultural implement is operatively connected with the engine of the tractor, whereafter the farmland is crossed with the tractor while the agricultural implement is supported by the tractor and driven by the engine thereof to cultivate the piece of farmland.

Abstract: A hitch system for coupling a first agricultural implement to a second agricultural implement includes a clevis coupled to an end of a first hitch of the first agricultural implement. The clevis includes a first connector end having a first opening and a second connector end having a second opening. The hitch system also includes a pin configured to be disposed through the first opening and the second opening of the clevis and a connector of a second hitch of the second agricultural implement to couple the first agricultural implement to the second agricultural implement. The clevis is configured to rotate about a rotational axis that is parallel with a direction of travel of the first agricultural implement and the second agricultural implement when being towed by a work vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle navigation system includes a controller configured or programmed to receive environment or location information a work vehicle detected by a sensor, receive user input data, and cause the work vehicle to traverse and exit a first row in the first plot, traverse a margin area located between the first plot and an adjacent field, and perform a turning maneuver process before entering a second row in the first plot. The controller determines, before the work vehicle starts driving, whether or not to turn on a turning area wider function based on a first condition group being satisfied based on the user input data. During the turning maneuver process, the controller judges whether or not the work vehicle is allowed to enter a third row of the adjacent field based on a second condition group being satisfied based on the information detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for planning an agricultural operation in a working environment. Both a boundary for the working environment and one or more characteristics of at least one obstacle within the working environment are determined. Using this, an operational path for an agricultural machine is determined in dependence on the boundary for the working environment and the characteristic(s) of the obstacle(s). One or more operational components associated with the agricultural machine are then controlled in dependence on the determined operational path.

Abstract: A system for detecting a path of an agricultural vehicle in a field comprising: a ground engaging member supporting the agricultural vehicle; and an image sensor system associated with the agricultural vehicle, the image sensor system configured with a field of view including the ground engaging member and a plant row in the field adjacent to the ground engaging member and detecting a deviation from a target path of the agricultural vehicle wherein the ground engaging members contact the plant row.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to generate a turn path for a vehicle are disclosed. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes input interface circuitry to obtain a guidance path for a vehicle, turn identification circuitry to identify a turn in the guidance path, and turn pattern selection circuitry to select, from a plurality of predetermined turn patterns, a turn pattern for the turn, wherein the turn pattern satisfies a condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling traction of a wheeled vehicle or a vehicle combination having a tractor vehicle and at least one trailer vehicle. A sensor device on a coupling element of a trailer device transmits coupling forces in x, y, and z directions to the coupling element of the tractor vehicle, which are measured and emitted as force signals. From these force signals, an evaluation unit determines the coupling force acting in the respective vehicle direction and transmits them to a control unit. Traction of the tractor vehicle is adapted to suit the properties of the ground surface. Using sequences of the coupling forces, the dynamic fraction if filtered out and from these a characteristic value is determined and transmitted to the control unit. If the characteristic value exceeds a limit value, then at least one measure to improve the traction of the tractor vehicle is carried out.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a furrow opener and a furrow closing system and a controller that performs closed loop control of the furrow closing system.

Abstract: A sensor network for measuring and processing agricultural sensor measurements having multi-depth sensors, field monitors, and/or field data collection systems. The multi-depth sensor having a GPS; sets of physical sensors located at different depths; a processing structure sampling measurements from the physical sensors; and storing the measurements. The field monitor for use with a mobile platform having: a housing; a camera; a LiDAR sensor; a processing structure capturing point data and image data; generating above-ground field data; and determining crop data. The field data collection system having a stationary field monitor and one or more mobile field monitors capturing above-ground data. The stationary field monitor and the mobile field monitors having an associated GPS. The multi-depth sensors capture below-ground data and communicating the below-ground data to the stationary field monitor. A GPU processes the above-ground data and the GPS data to generate a point cloud data set.

Abstract: A system for measuring and interpreting a force, comprises at least one working implement, for acting on an agricultural field and at least one force sensor, for measuring a force of the working implement. Further, a data interpretation unit calculates an interpretation of the measured force; wherein the data interpretation unit comprises a machine learning unit that calculates the interpretation of the measured force. Also, a system for controlling agricultural operations comprises at least one agricultural working means for working on an agricultural field and at least one first imaging device located at the agricultural working means for acquiring images of an environment of the agricultural working means.

Abstract: Agricultural implements, such as planting and seeding implements, often include depth setting and maintaining components. This may include gauge wheels, which are set to attempt to keep furrow openers situated to open a furrow of desired depth for placement of the seeds through a field. The gauge wheels can include spokes with serrations added along the spokes. The serrated spokes will interact with trash in the field and the serrated spokes will break down the trash as the gauge wheel rotate, thus reducing the likelihood of buildup and plugging of the gauge wheels of the implement. This will allow an operator to minimize stoppage due to trash buildup and plugging in the row units to aid in finishing planting within the desired timeframe.

Abstract: A seed meter (100) includes a housing (110) and a cover (112). A seed disc (130) is rotatably disposed between the housing (110) and the cover (112). The housing (110) includes a seed pool area (114) and a seed exit chute (104) separated by a generally vertical brush (212) on a seed-side of the seed disc (130). A seed retaining structure (200) disposed on the seed-side of the seed disc (130) within the housing (110) prevents the seed within the seed pool area (114) from passing over the generally vertical brush (212) from the seed pool area (114) into the seed exit chute (104) when the seed meter (100) is tilted or rotated.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for transplanting slips with an automated slip transplanter. The automated slip transplanter can comprise a planter unit to receive and plant slips, a conveyor belt operably coupled to the planter unit, and a controller. The conveyor belt can be configured to transfer the slips towards the planter unit, and the controller can be configured to control the planter unit and utilize one or more operational modes for planting a plurality of rows of slips. Each of the plurality of rows of slips can include evenly spaced slips in the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a platform for an electrically driven rice transplanter having an improved platform structure with a lowered center of gravity to prevent the risk of overturning when entering and exiting an open field due to thin wheels of the rice transplanter. The platform comprises: a battery; and a front wheel part and a rear wheel part driven by the battery. The front wheel part has: a front wheel motor receiving power from the battery; a front wheel transmission connected to the front wheel motor; and a front wheel vehicle shaft connected to the front wheel transmission to drive front wheels. The rear wheel part has: a rear wheel motor receiving power from the battery; a rear wheel transmission connected to the rear wheel motor; and a rear wheel vehicle shaft connected to the rear wheel transmission to drive rear wheels.

Abstract: A sapling indexing unit for a transplanter, the sapling indexing unit comprising a channel track. An intermediary unit is movably coupled to the channel track. The intermediary unit comprises a plurality of tubes arranged vertically and each having a top and a bottom. A base frame is proximal to the bottom of the plurality of tubes and an aperture is defined by the base frame. A drive mechanism is configured to provide horizontal movement to the intermediary unit relative to the base frame and the aperture.

Abstract: A patterned light from a visualization system mounted on a planter row unit is emitted onto a ground surface. A commodity and/or a product is deposited in the ground surface. Images of the projected patterned light on the trench with the commodity and/or product are captured with the visualization system. A controller determines whether the commodity captured in the image is a boundary commodity relative to a boundary. An error placement of the boundary commodity in the image relative to a boundary is determined using geographical identification metadata. If the error placement is unacceptable, a mechanical delay offset factor of a planter section control coupled with the planter row unit is adjusted. The controller determines a product characterization of the product and an error characterization of the product characterization relative to the location of the commodity. If the error characterization is unacceptable then the mechanical delay offset factor is adjusted.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for compensating for the forces exerted on the autonomous lawn mower exerted by operating on a sloped region to be mowed are provided herein. In some examples, such systems and techniques may include receiving a coverage plan of an area to be mowed that includes a sloped region, determining, based on data for the one or more sensors, an orientation of the autonomous lawn mower and determining a slope force to compensate for the slope on which the autonomous lawn mower is operating. The slope force is then converted into signals to generate torques at one or more wheels to compensate for the slope.

Abstract: A mobile robot and a method performed by the mobile robot are provided. The mobile robot includes a main body, a plurality of wheels mounted on the main body, a blade mounted on the main body to cut grass, an optical sensor configured to generate an image with a field of view facing a front of the main body, a user interface configured to obtain a user input and provide information about an operation of the mobile robot, and at least one processor.

Abstract: String trimmers are provided. A stringer trimmer includes a housing; a control board including control circuitry; a frame coupled to the control board; and an isolator disposed between the housing and the frame, wherein the frame is supported relative to the housing by the isolator, and wherein the isolator comprises a shock absorbing material.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a locking system for a rotary cutter comprising a cutting deck comprising a center portion, a first wing, a second wing, a center deck support system pivotably engaged with the cutting deck, a mount, an actuator, and a bracket stop. The deck support system comprises a bracket and a wheel system operably engaged with a surface beneath the cutting deck. The mount is fixedly engaged to the center portion and comprises a guide. The actuator comprises a distal end slidably engaged with the guide, and a proximal end engaged with the bracket. The bracket stop limits the travel of the deck support system past a predetermined position and allows the distal end of the actuator to move to a shipping set point at the end of the guide whereby putting the first wing and the second wing in position for transport.

Abstract: A header assembly of a windrower has a cutter bar pivotably mounted on a header framework so as to pivot about a cutterbar fulcrum. Cutterbed modules are arranged in series and pivotably attached to the header framework to form a cutterbar fulcrum. An elastomeric isolator is located between the each cutterbed module and the header framework. A controller receives input from a header pitch cylinder to calculate a point of ground engagement for the cutter bar. The controller is also configured to receive input from a load cell and use a distance between the cutterbar fulcrum and the calculated point of ground engagement and a distance between the load cell and the cutterbar fulcrum to calculate a ground force and compare the calculated ground force to a desired force.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for leveling a rotary cutter that includes a center cutting portion, a first cutting wing pivotally coupled to the center cutting portion, a second cutting wing pivotally coupled to the center cutting portion, and an actuator system having a center leveling sub-system, a first wing leveling sub-system, and a second wing leveling sub-system. The actuator system is configured to synchronously adjust the height of the center cutting portion, the first cutting wing, and the second cutting wing. The first wing leveling sub-system is configured to adjust the height of the first cutting wing independent from the center cutting portion and the second cutting wing, and the second wing leveling sub-system is configured to adjust the height of the second cutting wing independent from the center cutting portion and the first cutting wing.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving an unload tube of an agricultural vehicle between stowed and deployed positions. The actuator assembly includes a mount that is configured to be fixed to a fixed mounting point on the agricultural vehicle. An actuator of the actuator assembly has a first end that is mounted to the mount and a second end that is mounted to the unload tube for moving the unload tube between the stowed and deployed positions. A tension rod of the actuator assembly has a first end that is pivotably mounted to the mount and a second end that is mounted to a fixed tension rod mounting point located either on or adjacent the unload tube.

Abstract: A chaff spreader for a combine harvester has second fan modules are coupled by a linkage, such that an angle adjustment of one fan module entrains an opposite direction angle adjustment of the other fan module. A single actuator adjusts an angle at which chaff is ejected from the first and second fan modules. The linkage enables only one to be positively driven to different angular settings, and the other is passively driven in an opposite angular direction, to maintain symmetry between the two sides of the combine harvester. This simplifies the overall design of the chaff spreader.

Abstract: A method for determining floatation of a header assembly includes mounting rotary cutters on cutterbed modules, where each cutterbed module is pivotably attached to a header framework with a pivotable module mounting mechanism that forms a cutterbar fulcrum and isolated from the header framework with an elastomeric isolator. Header pitch is determined from a position of a header pitch cylinder. A point of ground engagement of the cutterbar is calculated a using the determined header pitch. A load is measured a with a load cell positioned between the cutter bar and the header framework. A ground force of the header assembly is calculated a using the calculated point of ground engagement for the cutterbar, a distance between the cutterbar fulcrum and the calculated point of ground engagement, and a distance between the load cell and the cutterbar fulcrum. Proper floatation of the header assembly is determined by comparing the calculated ground force to a desired force.

Abstract: A push mower lawn striping attachment device is provided. The device is comprised of a frame that can be attached to a push lawnmower, between the two rear wheels of the mower, via at least one fastener. The frame has at least one bristle that extends downwards from the frame. As a result, the bristle brushes blades of grass in the same or opposite direction of the push mower in order to create a striping pattern in the grass.

Abstract: A stalk roll having twelve flutes extending radially from the main cylinder along the length of the main cylinder. Within the row unit opposing stalk rolls cooperate to engage and capture the corn stalk, thereafter, controlling and processing the corn stalk. The flutes may be configured with differing edges to facilitate control and movement of the stalk to the point of ear separation within the row unit. The flutes may be configured such that opposing compressive forces acting on the exterior of the stalk at approximately 180° of separation operate to implode the stalk while sharp edges on the flutes operate to cut the stalk into small segments which are deposited on the ground for decomposition.

Abstract: An electric bayberry picker with direct cooling and fast encapsulation based on machine vision includes: a mechanical claw with at least three flexible fingers, wherein each flexible finger is equipped with a pressure sensor on one side facing the bayberry, and a collecting pipe is arranged at an enclosing center of all the flexible fingers; an image recognition device configured for positioning and recognizing maturity of the bayberry; a carbon dioxide spraying device for spraying carbon dioxide on a fruit stalk and around the bayberry to freeze the fruit stalk and reduce the surface temperature of the bayberry; a photoelectric sensor for detecting whether a bayberry exits an outlet of the collecting pipe; a liquid polyurethane foam spraying device for wrapping the bayberry exited the outlet of the collecting pipe with the liquid polyurethane foam; and a transportation device.

Abstract: A control system for an agricultural baler includes a controller configured to receive a bale wrap signal indicative of a type of a bale wrap. The controller is also configured to determine whether the bale wrap is segmented or continuous based on the type. Furthermore, the controller is configured to control a braking system to establish a tension force at a weakened section of the bale wrap sufficient to separate a first portion disposed about a bale from a second portion disposed about a shaft in response to determining the bale wrap is segmented and the weakened section is positioned between the shaft and the bale. In addition, the controller is configured to control a cutting system of the agricultural baler to cut the bale wrap in response to determining the bale wrap is continuous and a target section of the bale wrap is positioned at the cutting system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic bale-handling machine for handling material bales, the materials that have been pressed to form bales being intended for comminution. The automatic bale-handling machine comprises a loading device which is designed to supply a bale to a comminution device, the loading device comprising a supply unit, and the supply unit being designed to transfer the bale from a first level into a second level which is located above the first level. According to the invention, the supply unit is designed as a lifting unit in such a way that the lifting unit lifts a bale from a supporting face within an action space.

Abstract: An extraction system for extraction of planting material from a plurality of planting cells of a tray includes a carriage with a base, a frame arranged atop the base, and a plurality of compressible frame supports joined therebetween. A pin board with a plurality of pins joined to a base thereof is releasably securable to the base of the carriage. The carriage frame and base are movable relative to one another from a first position to a second position, and in the first position, the frame receives and supports the tray above the plurality of pins of the pin board, and during movement to the second position, the pins to enter a cell opening of each of the planting cells, extend into the planting cells to thereby contact the planting material therein, and force the planting material out of an open end of each of the plurality of planting cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-arch-shaped rainproof water-collection greenhouse, characterized by: a matrix of upright galvanized steel pipe columns, with adjacent columns fixed by cables connected to their upper ends, forming cable grids. A square greenhouse film with support rods along its edges is installed onto these cable grids. A water-collecting funnel and collection bucket are mounted at the center of the square film. The weight of the collection bucket and rainwater causes the square film to sag into a conical shape. To prevent excessive sagging or tearing, sag-limiting ropes are attached from the top ends of the four steel pipe columns corresponding to the film's corners, supporting the film from below and suspending the funnel and bucket in midair, creating a smooth, controlled sag. This invention features a rational design, simple structure, and minimal steel usage.

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: Disclosed is a smart plant monitoring and delivery system that monitors and maintains the health of various vegetation. The smart plant monitoring and delivery system comprises a monitoring and delivery system having a groove and protruding lip that conforms to the shape of a shovel for easy installation into soil.

Abstract: A sapling planting unit for a transplanter, the sapling planting unit comprising a power transmitting assembly and a planting tube assembly. The power transmitting assembly provides a movement in a longitudinal direction. The power transmitting assembly comprises a driving element, functionally connected to a power source and a power transmitting mechanism, configured to move along the direction of rotation of the driving element. The planting tube assembly is coupled to the power transmitting mechanism and is configured to be driven in a longitudinal direction. The planting tube assembly comprises a plurality of spades operatively coupled to a planting tube, wherein the planting tube is configured to move in a transverse direction with the help of a first actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A method for producing a dry preformed plant growth substrate and to a dry preformed plant growth substrate. The dry preformed growth substrate includes a solid substrate body having a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface around the solid substrate body, seeds arranged inside the solid substrate body, and the solid substrate body including in a dry state at least one plant-derived component and an adhesive component forming a mixture in a form of a solid substrate body, and the solid substrate body further including natamycin.

Abstract: A drip irrigation unit includes conduits for delivering the irrigation water in small quantities directly to the plants being irrigated. The water is pressurized and dripped onto the soil adjacent to the plant. It can, however, be delivered in a slow trickle to the soil. The device includes a system that can be utilized to clean the device when it becomes clogged and ceases to drip.

Abstract: A plant irrigation device includes a support that surrounds a plant and provides an opening through which the plant extends. A drip tube is attached to the support and connectable to a water source. The drip tube has a series of spaced apart apertures or water emitters along a length thereof permitting water to exit the drip tube and into the ground surrounding the plant.

Abstract: A machine learning device and method for managing water provision to crops by learning and detecting plant stages. The device includes sensors for measuring environmental parameters, a camera for capturing images of the plant stage, an observation unit for defining a feature map of observable variables and evaluating captured data, a learning unit for comparing captured data against training data and learning the plant stage, and a watering mechanism. The device can be connected to a microcontroller with a wireless module for data transmission. The method involves capturing images of a plant at different growth stages, analyzing the image to detect the growth stage, training a learning unit to recognize the different growth stages, and adjusting the water provided to the plant based on its growth stage. The device and method can be used for managing water provision to multiple types of plants.

Abstract: A process for the line production of seed filled plant growth medium pots, rods, or bands, is provided. Specific seed filled plant growth medium pots, rods, or bands are also provided for use in the process. A continuous line of growth medium is prepared and seeded. The growth medium is then placed within hydroponic reservoirs. Seeding before separation of the growth medium means there is more control over placement of the seed(s) in a larger mass and more freedom to control and handle the subsequently formed seed filled plant growth medium pot, rod, or band.

Abstract: The avirulent strain A257 of the bacterial rice pathogen Burkholderia glumae is an effective priming material to reduce or suppress major diseases in rice and other plants. Protection includes that against bacterial panicle blight, sheath blight, and narrow brown leaf spot. A mutant derivative of A257, A257?qsmR, significantly reduces the risk that the priming agent might potentially revert to wild-type pathogenicity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of genetically detecting or generating a peanut line that is resistant to peanut smut infection. The disclosure also relates to cultivation of smut resistant peanut lines and the cessation or prevention of peanut smut in a given geographic area.

Abstract: A method of preserving the pollen viability of maize, especially under heat stress, comprising treating the maize plants with a protein hydrolysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of haploid, polyhaploid and/or doubled haploid embryos, calli, seeds and/or plants of the species Beta vulgaris from isolated microspore cultures, more specifically to a method comprising contacting the isolated microspores with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and a complex protein composition. The present invention also provides a kit for producing a haploid, polyhaploid and/or doubled haploid embryo, callus, seed and/or plant of the species Beta vulgaris from at least one isolated microspore as well as the use of a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) and a complex protein composition for producing a haploid, polyhaploid and/or doubled haploid embryo, callus, seed and/or plant of the species Beta vulgaris. Finally, the present invention also relates to a population of haploid, polyhaploid and/or doubled haploid Beta vulgaris plants directly derived from a single flower, single inflorescence or single bud.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of spinach hybrid SVVB2725. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SVVB2725 and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a spinach 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 spinach hybrid SVVB2725 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of spinach hybrid SVVB2740 and spinach line MSA-S018-1288F. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SVVB2740 and spinach line MSA-S018-1288F and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a spinach 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 spinach hybrid SVVB2740 and spinach line MSA-S018-1288F comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of spinach hybrid SVVB2741. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SVVB2741 and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a spinach 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 spinach hybrid SVVB2741 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated T16Y871, the plants and seeds and plant parts of wheat variety T16Y871, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety T16Y871 with itself or another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety T16Y871 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by backcrossing, mutagenesis or transformation of variety T16Y871. Methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety T16Y871 and wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods are also provided.

Abstract: An indoor pet toilet system has an elevated platform having a vertical wall extension along the rear, a drain opening through the top surface of the platform, a water source connection, a sewer drain connection, and a motion activated and timer controlled flushing mechanism in fluid communication with a water source.

Abstract: A driving device of a pet toilet is configured to drive a litter scoop to move in a litter box to separate a litter clump from the litter box, and the driving device includes a driving force arm and a driving source component. A first end of the driving force arm is rotatably connected to the litter scoop, and an opposite second end of the driving force arm is rotatably connected to the driving source component. The first end of the driving force arm is rotatable around the driving source component to move the opposite second end between two opposite ends of the litter box, thereby driving the litter scoop through the driving force arm to separate the litter clump from the litter box. The driving source component is further configured to drive the litter scoop to be lifted and move the lifted litter scoop out of the litter box.