Abstract: An arrangement of electrodes for removing weeds by contact electrocution comprising: —a general support (1) formed by a first connection means (2) associated with the proximal end of a deformable frame (3), and a first mounting means (5); —a first electrode support (8) associated with said general support (1) by said first connection means (2); —a second electrode support (22) associated with said general support (1) by the distal end (4) of said deformable frame (3); wherein said first electrode support (8) includes a first electrode (15); and wherein said second electrode support (22) includes at least one electrode (29).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, a method and the use of the system according to the invention for controlling undesirable plants, in particular on railway tracks, using electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly depositing feed for a large number of animals. The rapid feed dispenser can include a motorized vehicle having a bulk feed bin that can contain hundreds or thousands of pounds of feed, one or more augers that pre-load a feeding dose into a holding area, and a fast-acting valve that quickly dumps the feeding dose as a user drives past a feeding station. While driving from one feeding station to the next, the next feeding dose can be pre-loaded so that by the time the vehicle arrives at the next feeding station, the feeding dose will be loaded and ready to be quickly dumped.

Abstract: An electrical energy processing unit of an apparatus to kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth is disclosed. The electrical energy processing unit includes a converter and a control circuit. Also disclosed are an apparatus that includes the electrical energy processing unit and a method of utilizing the apparatus. Further disclosed are a computer program for a processor of the control circuit of the electrical energy processing unit and a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes the computer program.

Abstract: A soil disinfector comprising an insulating endless belt with at least one row of positive electrodes and at least one row of negative electrodes mounted on the endless belt. The electrodes are mounted with their heads on the inside of the belt and their bodies pointing outward from the belt, the electrodes being configured to penetrate the soil. The electrodes take their power from a power source, the power source being connected to the electrodes via sets of rows of rollers and sets of rows of stationary conductive contact plates, at least one set of each being positive and at least one set of each being negative. The soil disinfector also has sensors to detect soil conditions and a processor to alter power applied to the soil based on the soil conditions.

Abstract: A method for the management of a soil pest or pathogen includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest and/or pathogen to be managed; and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closes so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest and/or pathogen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and implements for sensing, analyzing, and displaying different soil parameters. A soil sensing system includes a mechanical component of an agricultural implement and at least one sensor disposed on the mechanical component. The sensor generates an electromagnetic field through a region of soil as the agricultural implement traverses a field. The sensor comprises at least one radar transmitter and at least one radar receiver and the sensor measures different soil parameters including a soil dielectric constant.

Abstract: Capturing data in a drone enabled environmental for testing soil and ecological decision making includes initiating, using a computer, collection of data from multiple sources using a drone. The data includes information about soil at a specified soil location, in response to the drone flying over air space of a physical or geographical location respective to the soil location and/or landing at the soil location. Soil data is received, as part of the data, from the drone in response to testing the soil. The testing of the soil can include conducting a ground conductivity test using two or more probes coupled to respective landing pads of the drone, and positioning the drone over the soil location such that the two or more probes contact the soil. The data is analyzed to determine a best location for seeding and growing a plant in the soil.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate generally to computer vision and automation to autonomously identify and deliver for application a treatment to an object among other objects, data science and data analysis, including machine learning, deep learning, and other disciplines of computer-based artificial intelligence to facilitate identification and treatment of objects, and robotics and mobility technologies to navigate a delivery system, more specifically, to an agricultural delivery system configured to identify and apply, for example, an agricultural treatment to an identified agricultural object.

Abstract: An electrical energy processing unit of an apparatus to kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth is disclosed. The electrical energy processing unit includes a converter and a control circuit. Also disclosed are an apparatus that includes the electrical energy processing unit and a method of utilizing the apparatus. Further disclosed are a computer program for a processor of the control circuit of the electrical energy processing unit and a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes the computer program.

Abstract: An apparatus for weed control includes a processing unit that receives at least one image of an environment. The processing unit analyses the at least one image to determine at least one vegetation control technology from a plurality of vegetation control technologies to be used for weed control for at least a first part of the environment. An output unit outputs information that is useable to activate the at least one vegetation control technology.

Abstract: The multifunctional agricultural machine includes a vehicle body with a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted thereon. At least one sensor is mounted on a front end of the vehicle body for measuring at least one soil condition. At least one soil excavation unit is mounted on the vehicle body for digging a hole in the soil. A seed tank is in communication with the at least one soil excavation unit for delivering a selectable number of seeds thereto. The at least one soil excavation unit is configured to drop the selectable number of seeds into the hole in the soil. A water tank is in fluid communication with the at least one soil excavation unit for delivering a selectable volume of water thereto. The at least one soil excavation unit is further configured to dispense the selectable volume of water in the hole in the soil.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for generating digital models of relative crop yield based on nitrate values in the soil is provided. In an embodiment, nitrate measurements from soil during a particular portion of a crop's development and corresponding crop yields are received by an agricultural intelligence computing system. Based, at least in part, on the nitrate measurements and corresponding crop yields, the system determines maximum yields for each location of a plurality of locations. The system then converts each crop yield value into a relative crop yield by dividing the crop yield value by the maximum crop yield for the location. Using the relative crop yields and the corresponding nitrate values in the soil, the system generates a digital model of relative crop yield as a function of nitrate in the soil during the particular portion of the crop's development.

Abstract: A screw conveyor system includes a conveyor body defining a conveyor cavity. The conveyor body includes an inlet for a conveyed material and an outlet. A screw blade is rotatably connected to the conveyor body via a shaft. The screw blade extends within the conveyor cavity between the inlet and the outlet. A hanger bearing support extends from an interior surface of the conveyor body into the conveyor cavity and a hanger bearing is attached to the hanger bearing support with the hanger bearing contacting the shaft to support the screw blade. A sensor support structure is connected to the hanger bearing support and the conveyor body. A capacitive sensor is attached to the sensor support structure and includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate spaced apart from one another to allow the conveyed material to travel between the first and second conductive plates.

Abstract: An electronic bait box assembly for storing earthworms includes a box for containing earth and earthworms. A lid is removably attached to the box for closing the box. A voltage unit is coupled to the bait box and the voltage unit is in electrical communication with an interior of the box. Moreover, the voltage unit is placed in electrical communication with the earth that is positioned in the box. The voltage unit induces an electrical voltage through the earth when the voltage unit is turned on. In this way the voltage unit urges the earthworms to move upwardly in the earth thereby facilitating a user to remove the earthworms for fishing bait.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to activate, modify, and sanitize the surfaces of granular, powdered, or seed material placed in a continuous flow of a low-temperature, reduced-pressure gas plasma. Said plasma may be created with radio-frequency power, using capacitive-inductive, or a combination of both types of discharge. The plasma is generated at pressures in the 0.01 to 10 Torr range. RF frequency ranges from 0.2 to 220 MHz, and correspond to a plasma density between about ne×108?ne×1012 or 0.001 to 0.4 W/cm3. Inserts and electrodes may be temperature controlled to control process conditions. RF discharge may be pulsed or modulated by different frequency in order to stimulate energy exchange between gas plasma and process material. The apparatuses may be grounded, biased and mechanically activated (e.g., vibration, rotation, etc.).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting insect infestation are described. The apparatus includes a cylindrical capacitive sensor including a first semi-cylindrical electrode plate and a second semi-cylindrical electrode plate, wherein the first semi and second semi-cylindrical electrode plates are configured to wrap around the test tree trunk and a processing circuitry, which is configured to measure a capacitance of the test tree trunk when positioned between the first semi-cylindrical electrode plate and the second semi-cylindrical electrode plate and provide a measured capacitance, compare the measured capacitance of the test tree trunk to a reference capacitance of a reference tree trunk, and determine whether an insect infestation is present in the test tree trunk.

Abstract: A system for controlling vegetation within a field may include an implement frame and a ground-engaging tool supported on the implement frame. The ground-engaging tool may, in turn, be configured to perform an agricultural operation on the field as the implement frame is moved across the field. Furthermore, the system may include an electrode supported on the implement frame. As such, when a plant within the field contacts the electrode as the implement frame is moved across the field, an electric current is discharged from the electrode into the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus to electrically kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth is disclosed herein, wherein the apparatus comprises at least an electrical energy processing unit and an electrical continuity system. Also disclosed are methods of producing and using same.

Abstract: An electrical energy processing unit of an apparatus to kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth is disclosed. The electrical energy processing unit includes a converter and a control circuit. Also disclosed are an apparatus that includes the electrical energy processing unit and a method of utilizing the apparatus. Further disclosed are a computer program for a processor of the control circuit of the electrical energy processing unit and a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes the computer program.

Abstract: An auger system having an auger with an internal measurement system that is contained within the auger. The measurement system has a power source located within the auger and a sensor for measuring at least one condition within the auger. The measurement system is connected to the power source and a transmitter is powered by the power source to transmit a signal from the sensor. A receiver receives the signal from the transmitter and is spaced from the transmitter. The signal is then sent to a control system that compares the signal to a predetermined value to determine whether the condition measured is within an acceptable range. The control system may alter inputs into components for moving the auger until said condition is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for automatically performing disease detection using image processing. The technique includes receiving, from image capture devices, a first image depicting a first set of plants of a first unit and a second image depicting a second set of plants of a second unit. One or more metrics associated with the first and second sets of the plants are measured based at least on the images. At least one difference in the first and second sets of the plants is detected based at least on differences in the measurement for the one or more metrics associated with the first set of the plants and the second set of the plants. In response to detecting the at least one difference, additional images of the plants are requested from the one or more image capture devices to detect the presence of plant disease.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant seedling is provided, which is based on microwave radiation in order to efficiently facilitate the plant growth. In the method, microwave radiation is started at any timing during a period ranging from appearance of a first true leaf to a timing provided before appearance of a second true leaf in a growth process of a plant. The radiation time of the microwave may be within 1 hour, and the output of the microwave may be 2 to 25 W per 1 to 20 seedling or seedlings.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a desired amount of mechanical abrasion to plants and selective cutting of undesirable plant material. The apparatus includes a base, a brush and an elevation device for maintaining the base at desirable height. The base has a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves, the grooves being oriented approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The brush has a second longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristles and/or blades extending outwardly from the second longitudinal axis. The brush is attached to the apparatus such that the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis and the brush is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis. The brush is spaced from the base such that the plurality of bristles engage the plurality of grooves. The base is adjustable enabling the operator to move the base closer or further from the rotating brush/blades.

Abstract: A nitrogen-enriched water generator includes an elongated housing defining a sealed nitrogen/oxygen chamber in which nitrogen molecules are combined with oxygen molecules to form a nitrate (NO3) or a nitrite (NO2) gas (NOx gas). The housing includes an NOx gas and water mixing tube, a plasma generator and a nitrogen-enriched water trap. A water spray nozzle sprays water into the chamber. At least one air injection port injects air into the chamber. A vacuum port removes a volume of NOx gas not absorbed by the water from the sealed nitrogen/oxygen chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metering and treating seed. The apparatus incorporates a belt conveyor or circular conveyor within a housing enabling a low-profile configuration, the conveyor having a plurality of cleats forming a series of separate voids for transporting determinable volumes of seed, and a seed treatment applicator adjacent the conveyor outlet for applying seed treatment to the seed. The apparatus and method enables the application of seed treatment based on a mass flow calculation derived from the measured volume flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for plant phenotyping using mechanical manipulation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for plant phenotyping includes: agitating a plant with an agitator; acquiring images of the plant with a camera while agitating the plant; and analyzing the images of the plant to determine properties of the plant. The plant may be at least partially agitated at a resonance frequency of oscillation of a stalk of the plant.

Abstract: A system for electrostimulation therapy includes two or more electrodes of different metals or metal alloys. The electrodes can be optionally provided on a flexible non-conducting substrate with a binder, thereby acting as a bandage or patch. Alternatively, the electrodes can be in the form of a needle, such as acupuncture needle, bracelets, armbands, wristbands, necklaces, or jewelry pieces. A method for electrostimulation therapy includes the steps of attaching a first electrode to a user or soil of a plant at a first location and attaching at least one additional electrode to the user or the plant at other locations for a predetermined period. The electrodes are not connected to a voltage or current source. Because at least two electrodes are of different metals, they cause an electrical current to flow via at least a portion of the user or the soil of the plant.

Abstract: A container for effecting at least one non-lethal change in inherent properties of a non-human biological system, such as a plant or a fungus, under the influence of zero gravity, comprising a carrier plate configured to receive two capacitor plates of a plate capacitor, wherein the plates are situated parallel to one another and in each case perpendicularly on the carrier plate, at least one sample container arranged horizontally on the carrier plate, adjacent to each of the two capacitor plates and configured to receive the biological system, and an electromagnet arranged substantially half way between the capacitor plates and, when seen from the carrier plate, arranged horizontally above the at least one sample container. Additionally, a European modular cultivation system for use in the International Space Station comprises a centrifuge, wherein the container is received in the centrifuge.

Abstract: A system for limiting the growth of creeper plants on an upright surface, including a voltage generator comprising a ground terminal and a voltage terminal, a conductive stopping element positioned on the upright surface and adapted to be connected to the voltage terminal thereby obtaining a growth limiting boundary for the creeper plants, and a grounding element positioned on the upright surface and adapted to be connected to the ground terminal, thereby providing a grounding of the upright surface. The grounding element is positioned such that the grounding element grounds the creeper plants by contact with the creeper plants within a distance of a hundred centimeters from the conductive stopping element.

Abstract: This manual and localized weeding apparatus (1) comprises a heat generator (4) which is attached to a rod (2). The heat generator (4) comprises a fan and a heating resistor projecting a hot air jet (J1) into an inner volume (V5) of a bell (5) provided with a free edge (551) for supporting the apparatus (1) on the ground. According to the invention, the bell (5) is provided with at least one hole for discharging an air jet (J2) from the inner volume (V5) of the bell (5). The hole is separated from the free edge (551) by a distance of more than 2 cm.

Abstract: A stimulating device for enhancing release of negative air ions by a plant includes a plant pot to receive a culture medium for cultivating the plant, and a negative voltage pulse module that outputs a negative voltage pulse to stimulate the plant via a pair of first and second conductive terminals. The first conductive terminal contacts the culture medium. The second conductive terminal is non-contact with the culture medium when the culture medium is placed in the plant pot.

Abstract: An apparatus for using microwave energy for treating an infected site infested with insects or other small pests is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of microwave energy connected to a power source and a power controller, a transmission element, and an antenna. The apparatus can also comprise an isolator to protect the source of microwave energy. Methods to use such an apparatus for treatment of an infected site are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ski slope snow grooming method, whereby a ski slope grooming implement is moved in a travelling direction along the snow covering; and coherent-energy beams are projected onto the snow covering to form furrows in the snow covering.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for subjecting organic cells in a region of a subject to an extremely low frequency magnetic field. At least one resonance medium is operably connected to a generator. The generator produces a sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal, having a predetermined frequency of substantially between 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz. The resonance medium is energized by the signal and the magnetic field yielded is substantially between 0.7 mT and 3 mT to be located adjacent organic cellular tissue in the region for a predetermined period. Organic cells in the laboratory, repository or in the region are subjected to a constant magnetic field of less than 1 mT and having a frequency of substantially between 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz for the predetermined period.

Abstract: A system for the administration of modified plasma to a subject, including: (a) a non thermal plasma (NTP) emitting source for emitting a plasma beam; (b) a plasma coupling mechanism (PCM) with a plasma beam dish having at least one opening for the passage of the plasma beam; the plasma beam dish having a first surface and a second opposite surface. The first surface of the plasma beam dish includes: at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of: (1) at least one ferroelectric element for providing the field; (2) at least one ferromagnetic element for providing the field; (3) at least one piezoelectric element for providing the field; and (4) at least one piezomagnetic element for providing the field. The system additionally includes at least one reflecting element configured to focus the NTP beam, thereby providing the modified plasma.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of free-form areas and zones of human or animal skin areas or plant surfaces by means of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma. The core of the device is a specific, preferably gas-permeable, electrode arrangement for generating a dielectrically impeded surface discharge where the earthed electrode is composed of electrically conductive textile material and the high-voltage electrode consists of a thin wire or electrically conductive thread which is sheathed with an insulting layer which has to meet specific requirements. On the basis of the present invention, it is possible to generate, in the area of diseased skin parts of the human body, in direct proximity to the skin surface or to wounds, a flat plasma for the treatment of the diseased areas which is acceptable in respect of the stress on the skin caused by temperature and electric potentials.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one removal device configured to damage a target on the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; a stabilization system configured to provide feedback compensation to one or both of the three-dimensional imager and the guidance system; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, the guidance system, and the stabilization system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods can removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a guidance system configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the guidance system. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications.

Abstract: A method for plant treatment, including: receiving a first measurement for a plant from a sensor as the sensor moves within a geographic area comprising a plurality of plants; in response to receipt of the first measurement and prior to receipt of a second measurement for a second plant of the plurality, determining a set of treatment mechanism operation parameters for the plant to optimize a geographic area output parameter based on the first measurement and historical measurements for the geographic area; determining an initial treatment parameter for the plant; and operating a treatment mechanism in a treatment mode based on the set of operating parameters in response to satisfaction of the initial treatment parameter.

Abstract: A plant necrosis method including, by a computing system, identifying, for necrosis, an in-situ plant within a geographic area, based on measurements received from a set of sensors; selecting a treatment position on the in-situ plant for electric discharge application based on a plant cross-sectional dimension; and applying electric discharge to the treatment position.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for agricultural applications.

Abstract: A method and system is provided whereby the environment of the container grown plant is controlled to replicate a natural environment. Since container grown plants are not in direct contact with the soil in the earth, a container grown plant can develop its own local electrical field and static charge that can hinder the development of the plant. A plant media grounding device is provided in which copper prongs fit into a housing that is connected to a power cord. The prongs are inserted at the plant's base in the growing media. The power cord is plugged into an outlet. The plant then becomes grounded to the earth ground of the building's power distribution system. In a further embodiment, the plant media grounding device may further include a variety of sensors in order to monitor the progress of the plant and the plant's environment.

Abstract: Controlled release of one or more agricultural chemicals is provided by microcapsules adapted to rupture in a magnetic field. The microcapsules, which may be applied to soil, seeds and/or plants, each have a shell that encapsulates an agricultural chemical, such as a fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide. One or more organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles is/are covalently bound into the shell of each microcapsule. For example, (3-aminopropyl) trimethylsilane-coated magnetite nanoparticles may be incorporated into the shell of a urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsule during in situ polymerization. In one embodiment, microcapsules encapsulating a fertilizer are applied during seed planting. Controlled release is subsequently triggered after an appropriate period of dormancy by positioning a magnetic field generating device proximate the microcapsules to generate a magnetic field sufficient to rupture the microcapsule shells through magnetic stimulation of the organosilane-coated magnetic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A picafina device for electrical stimulation and electrical measurements of neural and muscular cells, which is capable of electrical measurements of cells in the neighborhood of the picafina device and also of electrical stimulation at different voltages and current levels.

Abstract: A two-sided attraction structure including an electrostatic chuck portion (2) and a power supply portion (5), the electrostatic chuck portion (2) including a dielectric member (3) in a plate-like shape, which is made of an insulating material and has a front side and a back side, and an internal electrode (4) mounted into the dielectric member, the front side and the back side of the dielectric member each serving as an attraction surface when voltage is applied to the internal electrode (4), the power supply portion (5) applying the voltage to the internal electrode, of the electrostatic chuck portion (2), in which the power supply portion (5) includes a solar cell (6) and a voltage boost circuit (7) for boosting power generated by the solar cell (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of plants using electromagnetic fields and consists in applying pulse sequences to growing plants or the seeds thereof in a pulsed electromagnetic field by means of a pulse generator, wherein the individual pulses have a frequency ranging from 1 to 100 Hz and the amplitude of each individual pulse corresponds to an exponential function or the pulses have envelope curves rising and falling in the form of an arc, wherein the individual pulses are emitted in synchronous or asynchronous groups of pulses having different magnetic flux densities, and wherein the plants are exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic field once to 30 times a day for 1 to 120 minutes each time or continuously for several days. Plant growth, germination and yields are significantly increased in an environmentally friendly manner. Resistance to diseases is increased.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biological optimization systems for enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and methods of use.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications.