Abstract: A work vehicle includes wheels for steering, a steering device to change a steering angle of the wheels for steering, a sensor to output data indicating features around the work vehicle, and a controller to control self-traveling of the work vehicle, set a maximum steering angle for the wheels for steering based on a state of the work vehicle or its surrounding environment, detect two crop rows on opposite sides of the work vehicle based on the data, set a target path for the work vehicle in between the two crop rows, compute a target steering angle for the wheels for steering, limit the target steering angle to be equal to or smaller than a maximum steering angle when the computed target steering angle is greater than the maximum steering angle, and control the steering device so that the steering angle of the wheels for steering equals the target steering angle.

Abstract: A working vehicle is a working vehicle to perform automatic operation including doing work at an agricultural field using a working device, including a border-crossing prevention controller configured or programmed to prohibit the working vehicle from traveling beyond a borderline of the agricultural field, a determiner configured or programmed to determine whether or not to permit a cross-border state in which the working vehicle remotely operated by a remote controller crosses the borderline, a border-crossing permitter configured or programmed to permit the cross-border state if the determiner determines to permit the cross-border state, and a limiter configured or programmed to limit content of an operation of the working vehicle in the cross-border state.

Abstract: A working vehicle is a working vehicle to perform automatic operation including doing work at an agricultural field using a working device, including a setter configured or programmed to set a first threshold for the automatic operation and a second threshold for remote operation controlled by a remote controller, and a controller configured or programmed to cause the working vehicle to stop traveling if a tilt angle of the working vehicle reaches the first threshold during the automatic operation or the second threshold during the remote operation.

Abstract: A travel control system controls self-driving of an agricultural machine and includes a sensor provided in the agricultural machine to sense an environment around the agricultural machine to output sensor data, and a controller configured or programmed to control travel of the agricultural machine. When the agricultural machine turns left or right to enter a passageway, the controller is configured or programmed to control the agricultural machine so as to travel along a target path such that both sides of the passageway with respect to a transverse direction are sensed.

Abstract: An agricultural autonomous vehicle is provided which is operable to traverse a field and perform one or more detection tasks.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a set of ground engaging elements that perform a ground engaging operation. The agricultural machine includes a rearward sensor mounted to the agricultural machine to sense an area of ground behind the agricultural machine and generate a rearward sensor signal. The agricultural machine includes rearward zone generator logic that determines a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone and the second zone represent portions of the area of ground behind the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine includes rearward residue generator logic configured to receive the rearward sensor signal and determine a first residue metric indicative of the amount of residue in the first zone. The agricultural machine includes control logic that controls one or more aspects of the ground engaging operation on the area of ground based on the first residue metric.

Abstract: A planning portal for a farmer to planning and to initiate an agricultural operation of an autonomous agricultural work machine on an agricultural field. The planning portal is configured in such a way that, during planning, only the use is permitted of attachments which may have dimensions such that the attachments are arranged or positioned completely within the detectable surrounding area during the state in which the attachments are coupled to the autonomous agricultural work machine.

Abstract: A method for aerating a manure pit by providing fluid at a pressure of greater than 10 psi within a plurality of tubes placed in designated zones of the manure pit. Tubes are mounted below a raised floor of the manure pit at an average depth of between 12? and 120? below a top surface of the manure. Fluid is emitted into the manure at a flow rate that is maintained between 0.1 GPH and 1.0 GPH through a series of emitters positioned along the length of each tube. Each emitter prevents backflow of manure into the tube and reduces the volume of fluid released into the pit relative to fluid pressure within the tube. The aeration process produces small bubbles having an approximate diameter of between 1 micrometer and 1 millimeter to promote the efficient decomposition of organic matter while reducing odors from the manure pit.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit (10) having a frame (16); an opening unit (18) connected to the frame (16) for opening a trench as the row unit (10) moves in a direction of travel; a positive pressure seed meter (13) disposed on the row unit (10); a conduit (14) connected to an outlet of the positive pressure seed meter (13); and a seed orientation device (30) in fluid communication with the conduit (14).

Abstract: A method of maintaining seed spacing including: forming a trench (899); depositing a foam (889) into the trench; and depositing seed (879) from a seed tube (28) or seed conveyor (200) into the foam in the trench, wherein the foam prevents movement of the seed in the trench so that the seed maintains spacing between seeds.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present disclosure is an intelligent obstacle avoidance method. An obstacle in a current path may be detected; a first obstacle avoidance path is generated with a first parameter based on a detection result, and a mowing robot is controlled to operate; if the obstacle is detected again in the first obstacle avoidance path, a second obstacle avoidance path is generated with a second parameter, and the mowing robot is controlled to operate; and the above steps are repeated until the obstacle is bypassed.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a frame, an operator support, a blade assembly, a motor assembly, a steering assembly, one or more sensors and one or more processors. The frame is supported on rotatable wheels for movement over a ground surface. The operator support is configured to support the entire weight of an operator of the lawn mower during use thereof. The blade assembly comprises one or more blades. The motor assembly is configured to: drive the wheels so as to move the frame along the ground surface; and drive the one or more blades relative to the ground surface to cut grass. The steering assembly is configured to manipulate the steering direction of the wheels. The one or more processors are configured to control one or more components of the lawn mower based on input received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A suspended mower device is disclosed which is a tool engineered explicitly for efficiently mowing terrains with challenging attributes. The suspended mower device comprises a compact tractor or skid steer that supports an attachment component configured to support a mower over inclined areas. The attachment component comprises a dual unistrut or dual square tubing and chains which allow the mower component to hover. As the mower hovers above the surface, the cutting blades consistently engage with the grass, ensuring an even cut. Further, a set of wheels affixed to the mower offer stabilization on all terrains. Additionally, the compact tractor has a hydrostatic drive, which acts to control the mower's speed and the tractor's bucket control is used to adjust the mower's height, angle, and orientation.

Abstract: A speed control system for an electric drive motor of a self-propelled machine can include a switch assembly, speed lever, potentiometer, actuator lever, cable, and controller. The switch assembly can select a requested maximum speed from a plurality of predetermined maximum travel speeds, and can output a maximum speed signal that is indicative of the requested maximum speed. The speed lever can be movable to any of a plurality of travel speeds, including a zero speed. The potentiometer can be configured to output a requested speed signal that is indicative of the requested travel speed. The controller can be configured to output a motor speed signal to the electric drive motor, the motor speed signal is based on the maximum speed signal and the requested speed signal and causes the electric drive motor to operate at an output speed that corresponds to the motor speed signal.

Abstract: The present application provides a lifting/lowering device (1) and a harvester (1000). The lifting/lowering device (1) comprises a driving member (20), a transmission mechanism (30), a mounting mechanism (40), and a measuring mechanism (50). The transmission mechanism (30) comprises a first transmission member (31) and a second transmission member (32). The first transmission member (31) is connected to the second transmission member (32) and the driving member (20) respectively. The first transmission member (31) is driven by the driving member (20) to drive the second transmission member (32) to rotate. The mounting mechanism (40) is threadedly connected to the second transmission member (32), and the mounting mechanism (40) is configured to mount a cutter head mechanism (2). When the second transmission member (32) rotates, the mounting mechanism (40) moves towards or away from the first transmission member (31).

Abstract: A lawnmower including a mower deck including a skirt defining a volume bounded by a lip, wherein the skirt comprises a first material; a plurality of wheels supporting the mower deck; a motive device supported by the mower deck; a cutting implement driven by the motive device; and a shroud disposed at the lip, wherein the shroud comprises a second material having greater sound-affecting characteristics than the first material.

Abstract: Geotagged information about a crop harvest is captured while harvesting. The geotagged information may be communicated to a management system or other work machines. The geotagged information may be utilized by a tractor or other work vehicle during collection of the harvested crop. For instance, the vehicle may automatically control a speed or output information on a display to aid an operator to control the speed.

Abstract: A control system includes a first controller configured or programmed to control an operation of discharging a harvested crop of an agricultural machine, and a second controller configured or programmed to control an operation of the transport vehicle so that the transport vehicle travels by automated driving and to perform a control to increase a distance between the agricultural machine and the transport vehicle while the agricultural machine makes a turn, compared to when the agricultural machine is traveling while harvesting the crop.

Abstract: A method for field processing includes mowing, via a mowing machine having at least one mower, a crop within a processing area so as to provide a mown crop. At least one mowing parameter is determined for each position of a plurality of positions within the processing area. The at least one mowing parameter has a mower parameter which relates to the at least one mower and which is associated with an area density of the crop. The mown crop is processed via a cropmaking machine which has at least one processing device. At least one cropmaking parameter which characterizes an operation of the cropmaking machine is set as a function of a position of the cropmaking machine.

Abstract: An auger slip can be monitored to determine when an auger slip condition indicative of possible plugging of a harvesting work vehicle is present. In response to the auger slip condition, various implements of the harvesting work vehicle can be adjusted to resolve the auger slip condition or mitigate plugging. The implements may include a cutter bar, an auger, a roll gap, a swath flap, and/or a shield former. Further, an engine speed or vehicle speed of the harvesting work vehicle can be adjusted to mitigate plugging.

Abstract: A crop processing roll has the outer cylindrical surface thereof hardened differently at selected areas along the axial length of the crop processing roll. Typically, the high wear areas on at least one end of the crop processing roll have higher levels of hardening, while the low wear area at the central portion of the roll has a lesser level of hardening. The preferable system for hardening is a High Velocity Air Fuel system in which a powdered carbide and metal is mixed in a combustion chamber with air and fuel before applied through an injection gun at different flow rates to selected areas on the crop processing roll. Alternatively, the crop processing roll can be segmented with various segments having different levels of surface hardening, which can be done by conventional heat treating, electroplating or HVAF application of material, and assembled as appropriate to position hardened areas where needed.

Abstract: A windrow forming device is movable over ground in a direction of travel. The windrow forming device is provided with a rigid frame, at least one pick-up mechanism for picking up a product from the ground, and at least one conveyor belt arranged to convey the picked up material in at least one direction extending sidewards with respect to the direction of travel, and to deposit the material on the ground for forming a windrow. The windrow forming device may be a self-propelled agricultural machine, for example a self-propelled merger, or a pulled agricultural machine having at least one windrow forming device.

Abstract: A bale accumulator for towed conveyance behind a rectangular baler features a bale platform for receiving the bales, a variable length drawbar enabling selective adjustment of the platform between a working field position of close working adjacency and statically in-line relation to the baler, and a road transport position trailing further therebehind and movable relative thereto about a yaw axis. Using an actuated coupler/decoupler, a bale pusher movable longitudinally of the platform to dump accumulated bales onto the field is selectively couplable to, and decouplable from, one or more elongated front bale supports slidably engaged with the baler, over which ejected bales can ride continuously from the baler without awaiting reset of the bale pusher. The front bale supports are coupled to the pusher for working use therewith in the working field mode, and decoupled therefrom to permit yawing of the platform in road transport mode.

Abstract: A feederhouse is provided for delivering crop material to the threshing system of a combine harvester. The feederhouse has a frame structure with a tilt frame, pitch frame, and front and rear housing sections. First and second lift actuators and lift actuator pins and first and second pitch actuators and pitch actuator pins are provided. First and second reinforcement bars are provided at opposite lateral sides, wherein each reinforcement bar connects to the lift actuator pin and pitch actuator pin at a first end and to the rear housing section at the opposite second end.

Abstract: An over-center latch for a concave combine comprises a mount directly attached to a concave combine or an accessory for a concave combine, a base plate, a lever with a loop at one end that is configured to attach to a catch, and a center pin that allows the lever to rotate with respect to a handle. Either the handle or the lever can be pulled into a vertical position.

Abstract: A concave system for a combine harvester, including a concave configured to be placed within the combine harvester around a rotor positioned within the combine harvester, a cover plate or MOG limiter; and an over-center latch assembly including a base plate, a handle, a lever, and a loop. Further, a kit including one or more concaves, cover plates and/or MOG limiters, one or more over-center latches, one or more linchpins, and one or more wire lock clevis pins.

Abstract: A concave extends circumferentially about a portion of a rotor of a rotary processing unit of an agricultural combine. The concave has threshing beds forming openings therebetween for grain to pass through from a path of crop material between the concave and the rotor. The path of crop material has a flow direction relative to the concave in response to rotation of the rotor in a threshing direction. Each threshing bed includes a first extremity defining a threshing edge, a second extremity, and a separating grate extending across one of the openings between the first extremity and the second extremity, the first extremity overlapping the second extremity of an adjacent one of the threshing beds, locating the threshing edge in the path of crop material facing opposite to the flow direction. Each threshing bed extends from its threshing edge to its second extremity in the flow direction.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a bale chamber having a discharge outlet and a bale splitting system. The bale splitting system includes a cutting mechanism arranged downstream of the discharge outlet and configured to split the bale into two smaller bales. The cutting mechanism is angled forwardly or rearwardly relative to a top wall or a bottom wall of the bale chamber. A bale splitting system that includes two cutting mechanisms angled in opposite directions relative to the bottom wall or the top wall of the bale chamber is also provided.

Abstract: Shiftable lock assemblies for knotter assemblies in baling systems are provided that improve a user's accessibility of the knotter assemblies without the need for tools or by removing any components from the baling system. While in the locked position, the shiftable lock assemblies can keep the knotting mechanisms in the operating position; however, once easily moved into the unlocked position, the knotting mechanisms may be simply rotated to a passive position. Consequently, due to the shiftable lock assemblies of the present disclosure, routine maintenance on the knotter assemblies may be significantly easier to carry out.

Abstract: A grain handling system having an air system is presented that is capable of automatically detecting and clearing a plug in a tube of an air system using a central controller, an air pressure sensor, a dynamic pressure relief valve and a variable frequency drive connected to and controlling a blower motor. When a plug is detected, the central controller stops the flow of grain into the tube and ramps up the output of the blower motor to full capacity. Thereafter, the central controller performs an unplugging routine by opening and closing the dynamic pressure relief valve causing surges of air to impact the plug either breaking up the plug or bumping the plug along the tube until it clears. Once the plug clears, the central controller resumes normal operation.

Abstract: A weed clipping device for removing weeds at the base of the plant while standing includes a shaft having a handle end, a blades end, and a peripheral wall defining an interior space. A rod is rotatably coupled to the shaft within the interior space. The rod has a top portion, a bottom portion, and a middle portion. The top portion is positioned adjacent to the handle end. The bottom portion is positioned adjacent to the blades end. A handle is coupled to the handle end that extends outwardly from the shaft in a first direction. A trigger mechanism is coupled to the handle that engages the rod and rotates the rod within the shaft. A pair of blades is pivotably coupled to the rod, extending outwardly from the blades end in a second. A coupler pivotably couples the pair of blades together at the bottom portion of the rod.

Abstract: A plant growing system having a growing chamber containing an aqueous growing medium and a growing atmosphere in which a plant is grown, a compound delivery system configured to deliver one or more compounds including nutrients mixed with surfactant into the growing atmosphere for plant stomatal uptake, an acoustical stimulation system configured to increase stomatal uptake, a growing medium oxygenation system configured for oxygenating, preferably hyperoxygenating or oxygen supersaturating, the growing medium which plant roots immersed therein take up oxygen longer before needing oxygen replenishment, and a plant lighting system configured to deliver ultraviolet wavelength filtered solar light to the plant for photosynthesis. The chamber preferably is a hyperbaric chamber, the growing atmosphere contains at least 0.06% carbon dioxide, the compounds are delivered in the form of atomized droplets, and the growing medium contains at least 2 mg/L oxygen in the form of nanobubbles diffused or dissolved therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for changing the natural colour of the flowers of a pot plant, said method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a pot plant having one or more stems, one or more flowers and a root system surrounded by a potting medium for pot plants; (ii) providing a tubular injection device (1) comprising a hollow tube (2) having two ends (4a, 4b), wherein part of the wall (3) of the hollow tube (2) at one of the ends (4a) is removed so that an opening (5) of the hollow tube (2) at end (4a) has the form of an open gutter; (iii) forcing the end (4a) of the hollow tube (2) into the tissue of a stem of the pot plant; (iv) providing colourant with a colour different from the natural colour of the one or more flowers to the hollow tube (2) of the tubular injection device (1); (v) exposing the tissue of the stem to the colourant for a period of time sufficiently long to change the colour of the one or more flowers; and (vi) removing the tubular injection device, wherein no tissue is removed f

Abstract: A multi-source ground-to-air heat transfer system is configured to store thermal energy during a cooling/dehumidification mode of operation for future use during a heating mode of operation. The multi-source ground-to-air heat transfer system utilizes a ground loop that is configured under an enclosure, such as a greenhouse, and is in thermal communication with a thermal reservoir medium to conduct and store heat. A thermal exchange fluid is pumped through the ground loop and ground heat exchanger and may receive heat from a condenser during a cooling/dehumidification mode of operation and may liberate heat to the evaporator during a heating mode. The enclosure air may receive heat from the heat pump during a heating mode and may liberate heat to the evaporator during a cooling/dehumidification mode. The heat exchange system may employ a heat pump having a reversing valve to change the mode of operation.

Abstract: A landscape edging system forms landscape edging by connecting landscape edging units end-to-end and securing them to ground. The landscape edging system includes landscape edging units, a landscape edging end connector, and landscape spikes. The end connector has first and second legs that define lower spike receivers. The first and second landscape edging units define fitting recesses below upper spike receivers. The legs of the end connector are press-fit into the fitting recesses of adjacent landscape edging units to establish mortise-and-tenon connections between the end connector and the landscape edging units. This aligns the upper and lower spike receivers so that first and second landscape spikes can be driven through a first pair of aligned upper and lower spike receivers and a second pair of aligned upper and lower spike receivers, respectively, into the ground.

Abstract: A tree or plant protection mat is provided, comprising: a top layer, having a first perimeter edge; a water-permeable bottom layer, having a second perimeter edge affixed either directly to the first perimeter edge, or indirectly to the first perimeter edge via an intervening sidewall; and a water-absorbing and releasing center layer disposed between the top and bottom layers, and comprising a section having superabsorbent particles and a section not having superabsorbent particles. Other mats and methods are provided.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for flood mitigation is provided. The present invention may include detecting cloud formation; projecting a path of the formed cloud; determining a risk of a flood event in a city based on the projected cloud path and the detected cloud formation; performing a cost-benefit analysis based on the determined risk; and, based on the cost-benefit analysis, deploying cloud seeding at one or more regions.

Abstract: A portable electric tying machine for binding plants, including a body, a motor, an immobile tying head and a guide path for a tying wire, a system for driving the tying wire into the guide path, and a mechanism for twisting the tying wire. The drive system includes a first mechanism for pushing the tying wire to an intermediate position, situated in the tying head, and a second movable mechanism for pulling the tying wire from the intermediate position, to reach a twisting position, and wherein the second mechanism includes a movable arm equipped with a means for gripping the tying wire, the movable arm being configured for positioning the gripping means in the intermediate position such that the gripping means can grip the tying wire in the intermediate position, and retracted to the twisting position such that the gripping means can release the tying wire in the twisting position.

Abstract: A lawn care apparatus which can be mounted on a mobile unit and includes a digital camera, which can be oriented towards the lawn, and a control device and at least one tool which can be controlled by the control device and can be lowered to the lawn by a motor. The images from the digital camera are supplied to an algorithm implemented in the control device to perform object recognition so that upon recognition of an object, the control device lowers the tool in order for a work step to be performed on the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for remotely and/or autonomously harvesting a tree from air. The method comprises detecting by at least one sensor on a UAV (100) a tree to be harvested, positioning a harvesting tool (105) comprising delimbing means (114) carried by the UAV (100), by using information from the at least one sensor, at a predetermined distance above a canopy of the tree to be harvested, releasing the harvesting tool (105) in a first mode from the UAV (100) from the predetermined distance above the canopy of the tree to be harvested, setting the harvesting tool (105) in a second mode when the harvesting tool (105) has the tree top (131) within its tree receiving area (177). At least a portion of the harvesting tool (105) is below the tree top (131) of the tree to be harvested while the harvesting tool (105) has a certain speed >0 in a downward direction.

Abstract: An airborne grapple saw system includes a suspension assembly, a hydraulic power pack assembly, and a grapple saw head assembly. The suspension assembly is configured to be suspended from an aerial vehicle. The hydraulic power pack assembly is operatively coupled with the suspension assembly. The grapple saw head assembly is operatively coupled with the hydraulic power pack assembly. The grapple saw head assembly is configured to freely rotate about a vertical axis an unlimited number of revolutions. The grapple saw head assembly includes a saw and first and second grapple arms. The grapple arms are pivotable between an open configuration, where the grapple arms are configured to obtain and release the vegetation, and a closed configuration, where the grapple arms are configured to securely retain the vegetation.

Abstract: A water control device includes a valve pipe section with a controllable valve configured for controlling flow of a fluid and/or a gas therethrough having a fluid inlet opposite a fluid outlet. A first pipe stub defines a first end opposite a flanged end. An inlet-side nut is configured to be disposed around the first pipe stub and the first end of the first pipe stud is configured to be permanently attached to a first pipe section. The flanged end is configured to attach to the fluid inlet of the valve pipe section by the inlet-side nut abutting the flanged end of the first pipe stub when internal screw threads of the inlet-side nut threadably engages with external screw threads of fluid inlet of the valve pipe section. A second pipe stub is similarly attached to the fluid outlet by a similarly constructed outlet-side nut.

Abstract: A system comprising: a planter or pot configured to receive a plant with a root base embedded in plant bedding material; a fluid tank arrangement configured to contain irrigation fluid; at least one irrigation pipe with a continuous wick; at least one irrigation stake comprising a tipped end configured to be embedded in the bedding material in proximity to the root base. The at least one irrigation stake is coupled to the fluid tank arrangement by the at least one irrigation pipe. The wick is configured to originate from inside the fluid tank arrangement and extend through the irrigation stake to a fluid outlet location in proximity to the tipped end of the irrigation stake. Fluid inside the fluid tank arrangement is thereby configured to be conveyed by the wick through a fluid outlet in the irrigation stake to the plant root base by capillary action.

Abstract: Use of a non-woven fabric comprising polylactic acid fibers for inoculation of to be mycorrhized plants.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vertical shelf arrangement for holding growing plants, comprising a plurality of layers each holding a plurality of transplantation trays; wherein the plurality of layers employ a floating raft technique for holding the plurality of transplantation trays, wherein each of the plurality of layers contains a liquid such that when the plurality of transplantation trays are placed on the plurality of layers, the plurality of transplantation trays float on the plurality of layers, making it easy for moving the plurality of transplantation trays.

Abstract: Seaweed seeders that can deposit seaweed directly along a grow-line or other grow structure are disclosed herein. In a specific embodiment, the seaweed seeder includes: a bracket; at least one cap member, where the at least one cap member is connected to the bracket; at least one motor, at least one propeller, where the at least one propeller is connected to the at least one motor; at least one main housing, where the at least one main housing includes a length, an outer surface, an inner surface, and an interior space, and where the at least one main housing is connected to the at least one cap member; at least one electronic controller, where the at least one electronic controller is positioned in the interior space of the main housing, where at least one electronic controller is in electronic communication with the at least at least one motor; and an attaching member.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing plants, with specific predetermined mutation(s) in one or more NOI(s). The specific predetermined mutation(s) preferably may result in the identification of plants having desired traits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel tomato plants displaying an increased resistance to ToBRFV infection. The present invention also relates to seeds and parts of said plants, for example fruits. The present invention further relates to methods of making and using such seeds and plants. The present invention also relates to novel genetic sequences associated with said increased resistance and to molecular markers associated with said novel genetic sequences.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing a rose plant using somatic embryogenesis. In particular, the present disclosure provides novel methods and media for rose callus induction, embryoid suspension, and embryo regeneration. Unlike currently available techniques, the novel compositions and methods provided herein produce high yields of competent cells and high frequencies of rose somatic embryogenesis.

Abstract: Provided are a novel tipburn-resistance marker for lettuce plant, a tipburn-resistant lettuce plant, and a production method for the tipburn-resistant lettuce plant that uses the tipburn-resistance marker. Disclosed is a tipburn-resistant lettuce plant that includes a tipburn-resistance gene locus on the 4th chromosome, the tipburn-resistance gene locus being specified by at least one SNP marker selected from the group that consists of NC_056626.1-271576390, NC_056626.274188377, NC_056626.1-274188380, and NC_056626.274188382.