Abstract: A kiosk disinfecting system for large walk-up kiosk screens utilizing touchscreens applies a disinfecting fluid to the touchscreen and has a means to move a wiper over the screen to disinfect the touchscreen. A controller may detect the presence of a user and may automatically activate a disinfecting cycle to ensure that the touchscreen is disinfected between users. The disinfecting system may have a disinfecting fluid applicator, such a spray nozzle(s) and a wiper assembly that makes contact with the touchscreen to spread the disinfecting fluid over the touchscreen surface. A wiper may be a wick-wiper that absorbs or wick disinfecting fluid from a reservoir through the wick to the touchscreen. A very small area of the wick may extend out from an applicator opening to reduce the amount of disinfecting fluid that evaporates over time. A disinfection fluid may be non-volatile and may be all natural and food safe.

Abstract: A method performed by a treatment system disposed on a moving platform, the treatment system having one or more processors, a storage and a treatment mechanism, comprising: receiving one or more images of an environment in which the moving platform is operating; identifying, in real-time, a pose of the moving platform using sensor inputs; identifying one or more target objects by processing the one or more images using a machine learning (ML) algorithm; and controlling the treatment mechanism to treat the one or more target objects by orienting the treatment mechanism towards the one or more target objects at least partially based on the pose.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and computer-readable media for. A method can include receiving, from a laser scan device of a tolling station, a time series of distance measurements, determining, based on the time series of distance measurements, height measurements indicating a height of a vehicle from a surface of a road. generating, based on the height measurements, an image of the height measurements, and classifying, using the image as input to a convolutional neural network (CNN), the vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural distribution device includes a plurality of spreading elements arranged on a distribution linkage and adapted to spread granular material on an agricultural land, a detection device adapted to detect plant rows on the agricultural land, an adjustment device configured to change an impact area of the granular material dispensed by one or more of the spreading elements on the agricultural land during a spreading process, and a control device which is adapted to control the adjustment device as a function of the plant rows on the agricultural land detected by the detection device during the spreading process.

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: 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. In some examples, a method may include, receiving data representing a policy specifying a type of action for an agricultural object, selecting an emitter with which to perform a type of action for the agricultural object as one of one or more classified subsets, and configuring the agricultural projectile delivery system to activate an emitter to propel an agricultural projectile to intercept the agricultural object.

Abstract: Provided are a titanium dioxide aqueous dispersion having high dispersibility and little aggregation or coarse particles, and a method for producing the same. The titanium dioxide aqueous dispersion contains titanium dioxide particles having a hydrophobic compound such as a higher fatty acid or a salt thereof on the surface, an aqueous dispersion medium, a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 10 or higher, and a basic compound such as an alkanolamine, and the pH is in the 8.5-13 range. The method for producing a titanium dioxide aqueous dispersion has a step for mixing the titanium dioxide particles having a hydrophobic compound on the surface, the aqueous dispersion medium, the nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 10 or higher, and the basic compound to bring the pH of the aqueous dispersion into the 8.5-13 range.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for impervious surface mapping of a target geographic area. The impervious surface mapping utilizes four-band imagery data and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data collected from the target geographic area. The identified impervious surfaces can be attributed to parcels within the target geographic area for purposes of generating bills for storm water runoff to parcel owners.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by the treatment system, during operation in an agricultural environment, one or more images comprising one or more agricultural objects in the agricultural environment, identifying, in real-time, one or more objects of interest from the one or more agricultural objects by analyzing the one or more images, wherein the analyzing results in a first object being identified as belonging to one or more target objects and a second object being identified as not belonging to the one or more target objects, logging one or more results of the identification of each of the one or more objects of interest and a corresponding treatment decision; and activating the treatment mechanism to treat the one or more target objects.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a frame, a first reservoir coupled to the frame with the first reservoir configured to hold a solvent, a second reservoir coupled to the frame with the second reservoir configured to hold a first solute, and a third reservoir coupled to the frame with the third reservoir configured to hold a second solute different than the first solute. The agricultural vehicle also includes a spray boom coupled to the frame. The spray boom includes a first spray nozzle and a second spray nozzle. The first spray nozzle is independently operable relative to the second spray nozzle such that the first spray nozzle is configured to dispense a first solution comprising the solvent and the first solute onto an agricultural surface and the second spray nozzle is configured to dispense a second solution comprising the solvent and the second solute onto the agricultural surface.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is moveable across a surface. The agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a traction member coupled to the chassis with the traction member configured to engage the surface and move the chassis relative to the surface, a holding tank coupled to the chassis with the holding tank configured to support agricultural matter, a support boom coupled to the chassis, and a plurality of applicator assemblies. Each applicator assembly of the plurality of applicator assemblies includes a resilient body coupled to the support boom, a foot coupled to the body with the foot configured to be biased into engagement with the surface via the resiliency of the body, and a nozzle. The nozzle is in communication with the holding tank and configured to dispense the agricultural matter.

Abstract: Attributes of vegetables or biologics are derived by use of color imaging sensors and relative spectral band analysis. Enabled smart phones or dedicated single pixel or focal plane instruments for crop applications to quickly report the biological condition of vegetables or other organics by providing an augmented view or relative quantification of RGB of the inspected items. Disclosed embodiments are well suited for analyzing the health and needs of living plants or crops. Ratios of observed wide band red, green and blue are compared on a relative basis. While food shopping, an enabled smart phone may view a collection of produce and display each piece of produce in a manner disclosing a quality ranking. Thus, a consumer may view produce through a smartphone camera and quickly evaluate its relative quality. Novel approaches are used to associate the calculated data with the original source imagery.

Abstract: A movable agricultural product applicator system for dispensing various agricultural-related products along the ground surface of agricultural crops is provided. The application system provides a hose assembly interconnecting a supporting boom and an applicator, wherein the applicator drags along the ground surface dispensing product as the supporting boom moves by a carrier. The application system may include a swivel connection facilitating a rotational and pivotal connection of the hose assembly to the supporting boom, wherein a mounting assembly removably mounts the application system to the supporting boom. The hose assembly is designed with bending properties that enable the applicator to self-center and locate rows between crops as it is being dragged along the ground surface, as well as enable the applicator to surf above obstacles.

Abstract: A seeding device is provided. That seeding device includes a seeding paddle having a plurality of seed holders and a seed tray having a channel. The channel receives the seeding paddle so that seeds in the seed tray are easily directed into the plurality of seed holders. The paddle may then be removed from the seeding tray for planting seeds in a desired quantity at the desired spaced locations.

Abstract: A method of managing treatment of crop is disclosed. The method comprises: monitoring a first parameter describing a daily shrinkage of a plant part of the crop, and a second parameter describing daily growth rate of a plant part of the crop. The method further comprises calculating a plant status function based on a value of the first parameter and a value of the second parameter, and operating a crop treatment system responsively to the plant status function.

Abstract: This invention kills the phragmites plant reed and rhizome by stimulating a specific DNA repair response with a mechanical cutting in the lower portion of the middle ? of the reed. The DNA repair instruction for said damage is to seal the ligules closed and sucker outside the above ground ligules starting from the top down. First allow the reed to grow into its seasonal size. Cut just under a ligule in said range and remove the top. The DNA repair response is activated by the position of the cut. Rainwater enters the internal reed components over time, the DNA repair is incapable of sealing the ligule closed, rotting forms on any ligules or suckers and the reed and rhizome die. If the top ligule does seal closed and or suckers it is removed just below the ligule with a second cutting to maintain an open stalk to collect rainwater.

Abstract: The present specification describes increasing the Brix degree, nutrient transport and density, and yields of cannabis crops through the application of photoacoustic resonance to a nutrient formulation. An activated nutrient solution is obtained by forming an unactivated nutrient solution and applying to the unactivated nutrient solution ultra-rapid impulses of modulated laser light, from one or more laser systems. An increase of at least 5% in the Brix degree of the crop, relative to an unactivated nutrient formulation, can be achieved. In addition, an increase of at least 5%, relative to an unactivated nutrient formulation, is seen with respect to nutrient density and crop yield through application of the activated nutrient solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to agriculture. The teachings thereof may be embodied in methods to determine a percentage of weeds and/or control device. For example, a method for determining a weed percentage in an observation section of a field may include: acquiring actual spectral information using an optical observation section sensor aimed at the observation section; acquiring reference spectral information using an optical reference sensor aimed at a reference section of the same ground area; determining a difference between the actual spectral information and the reference spectral information; and mapping the difference to the weed percentage using predefined mapping.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method and a machine for planting seeds or plants in a field to enable a planting of the seeds or plants in an established spacing based on two-dimensional coordinates output by a positioning system and the slope of the field in the working direction.

Abstract: Robotic systems and methods are provided for tending, manipulating, engaging, acting upon, observing and/or monitoring objects and conditions in a defined volume or space (“work space”) in or overlying a target area. The robotic system includes a mobile robot supported by or suspended from suspension cables secured to spaced apart anchor locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively treating plants is provided which may include a frame arranged to provide a plurality of horizontally spaced apart, non-overlapping treatment regions. Each treatment region may include at least one sensor which is arranged to monitor the respective treatment region for a plant to be treated. The apparatus may also include an electronic controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and operatively coupled to a fluid delivery system. The electronic controller may control the fluid delivery system to deliver an application fluid through a respective application device when a targeted plant is detected in a respective treatment region.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system that includes a carrier having a storage tank disposed thereon for storing a liquid product. A boom is coupled to the carrier and includes a distribution hose through which the liquid product flows from the storage tank and into a number of liquid placement apparatuses. Each liquid placement apparatus includes a drop assembly coupled to the boom and extending downward. A base assembly is coupled to the lower end of the drop assembly and a hose assembly extends from the distribution hose to the base assembly. A lower hose assembly is protected within the base assembly and includes a pair of dribble hoses extruding from the base assembly. The liquid product is delivered proximate to the ground surface through the dribble hoses.

Abstract: An autonomously controlled greenhouse cultivation system includes a fuel cell module, an environment detection and control module, and environment set-up devices. The fuel cell module includes input terminals and output terminals. After fuel and air are received through the input terminals, the output terminals supply, respectively, various environmental products, including electrical power, thermal energy, carbon dioxide, and water, which are fed to the environment detection and control module that controls the output of these environmental products and includes detection units and control units to detect and effect feedback control of illumination, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and water level.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-toxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

Abstract: A plant air purifier and associated method for purifying air, comprising: at least one grow container; a filter bed comprising a surface which is horizontal within 20 degrees of a horizontal plane; at least one plant which grows within the filter bed; a reservoir for containing water for watering the at least one plant; a mechanical watering device which waters the filter bed from the top down; a pump for pumping water from the reservoir to and through the mechanical watering device; and an air propulsion mechanism for propelling air through the filter bed.

Abstract: An automatic agricultural cultivating equipment includes a supporting unit, a rotating unit, a driving unit, a loading unit, an operating unit, and a supply unit. The rotating unit is driven by the driving unit to rotate on the supporting unit about a vertical axis, and defines an operation region and a cultivation region. The loading unit includes a plurality of loading plates disposed on the rotating unit and in the cultivation region. The supply unit is disposed on the rotating unit for supplying water and light to the loading unit.

Abstract: Agricultural cultivating equipment includes a support unit, a rotating unit, a driving unit for driving the rotating unit, a transmission unit extending around the rotating unit, a plurality of loading units, and a supply unit. The transmission unit includes a plurality of hangers. The loading units are disposed respectively on the hangers. Each of the loading units is circulatable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position. The supply unit includes a water supplying device for supplying water into the loading units, and a lighting device for lighting the loading units.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a device (1) for accommodating plant material (4), such as in particular seed, but also a cutting, a seedling or other plant material. The device (1) comprises at least one holder (2) in which at least the plant material (4), and possibly herein a substrate material (5), can be placed, and the bottom of which is substantially open and can be closed with a closing element (6).

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to a system for growing plants or other living organisms. A container is used that includes sensors for sensing conditions of the plant. Dispensers, such as emitters, provide a way to dispense materials such as water, nutrients, insecticides, herbicides, etc. under human or machine control. A network connection allows monitoring and control of the container from a remote site. Management of plant growth can be local or remote, or a combination of the two. Control expertise can be selected by a user who is local to the container from a website. Control expertise can also be provided by a human expert who is remote from the container. Other features are described.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting plant growth by inducing hypothermia by applying a treating substance to summer annual weeds and grasses. Susceptible undesirable plants will be killed by this treatment, while non-susceptible desirable plants will not be adversely affected by this treatment. Compressed carbon dioxide may be applied to other summer grasses to cause the grasses to become dormant. An apparatus is provided for inducing hypothermia in undesirable plants by applying a treating substance. A canister capable of housing gas may be provided. A valve may be provided to control the amount and pressure of gas dispensed from the canister.

Abstract: A pruning clipper includes a pair of handles each having a distal end and a proximal end, with the handles being pivotally connected to each other close to the proximal ends of the handles. A first blade is connected to the proximal end of one of said handles, and a second blade is connected to the proximal end of the other handle. A chemical storage tank may be positioned within the distal end of one of said handles for storing a chemical to be selectively applied to vegetation. A bulb is connected to the proximal end of one of the handles, with the bulb being connected to the tank using a first connecting tube. A dispensing member extends along one of the blades and beyond the blade to a dispersion point, and the dispensing member is connected to the bulb using a second connecting tube. The user will thus cut the vegetation using the clippers, and selectively dispense an herbicide at the precise time and point as desired by the user.

Abstract: A method and a device for discharging fertilizer for agricultural cultivated plants are disclosed. According to the invention, the required quantity of fertilizer is determined depending on the current nutrient uptake (nutrient status), optimum nutrient uptake (nutrient requirement) by the fertilizing deadline, and optimum nutrient uptake (nutrient requirement by the next fertilizing deadline, wherein other influencing factors are taken into consideration via a correction factor DIMA.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: An inoculation apparatus is disclosed whereby plants may be inoculated with a pathogen. The inoculation apparatus may includes a plurality of wound members and one or more pads. The pathogen is provided in an inoculum. In one example, the pressure of the inoculum is up to about 2 psi.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: One or more plants may be associated with an electronic tag including a memory circuit and interrogation interface. The memory circuit in the electronic tag may include data corresponding to the one or more plants. According to an embodiment the data may include at least one data coordinate corresponding to an external database holding data related to the one or more plants. The external database may hold plant care information such as a record of treatments received by the one or more plants and/or plant care instructions, for example. The data may be structured.

Abstract: A system for tracking treatments for at least one plant includes an electronic tag associated with the at least one plant, an electronic tag interrogator configured to interrogate the electronic tag, and a treatment apparatus for applying treatments to the at least one plant.

Abstract: A pruning clipper includes a pair of handles each having a distal end and a proximal end, with the handles being pivotally connected to each other close to the proximal ends of the handles. A first blade is connected to the proximal end of one of said handles, and a second blade is connected to the proximal end of the other handle. A chemical storage tank is connected to the distal end of one of said handles for storing a chemical to be selectively applied to vegetation. A bulb is connected to the proximal end of one of the handles, with the bulb being connected to the tank using a first connecting tube. A dispensing member extends along the side of one of the blades and beyond the blade to a dispersion point, and the dispensing member is connected to the bulb using a second connecting tube. As a result, the user will be able to cut the vegetation as desired using the clippers, and selectively dispense an herbicide as desired by the user.

Abstract: A rolling herbicide applicator contains an herbicide nozzle fastened to a rigid shaft and axle at the center of a rolling disc for selectively applying herbicide to undesirable plants, while shielding desirable plants from herbicide overspray. The rolling applicator allows a user to trace a flowing outline through landscape arrangements of any shape with a steady movement as the rolling disc proceeds along the outline. The open design simultaneously provides the operator a direct and continuous view of the sprayer in operation.

Abstract: An inoculation apparatus is disclosed whereby plants may be inoculated with a pathogen. The inoculation apparatus may includes a plurality of wound members and one or more pads. The pathogen is provided in an inoculum. In one example, the pressure of the inoculum is up to about 2 psi.

Abstract: A system for tracking treatments for at least one plant includes an electronic tag associated with the at least one plant, an electronic tag interrogator configured to interrogate the electronic tag, and a treatment apparatus for applying treatments to the at least one plant.

Abstract: A computerized system for targeted horticultural advertising. In some embodiments, the system comprises a computer. The computer receives environmental data collected at a horticultural site. The computer determines conformance of the environmental data to a plant species profile and directs a user to commercial information regarding a plant associated with the plant species profile based on the conformance. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant selection and purchasing. In some embodiments, the system is used in plant health diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Abstract: A gardening apparatus that isolates a targeted plant for spraying of chemicals such as herbicides, while protecting desired vegetation in proximity to the targeted plant. The gardening apparatus can be held and operated in one hand, while the other hand is used to operate a sprayer. The apparatus includes an elongated shaft that permits a user to spray a targeted plant from a safe distance such as in an erect position. Located at the distal end of the shaft is a shield, and on the opposite proximal end of the shaft is a hand control mechanism for adjusting the opening and closing of the shield around a plant stem. The adjustability of the opening/closing of the shield through the hand control mechanism permits targeting of different sized stems as the shield can be adjustably configured to surround the stem, whether thick or thin, without having to touch the targeted plant by hand.

Abstract: A computerized plant selection system comprises a probe and a computer. The probe is installed at a proposed site for a plant. The probe collects environmental data at the site. The environmental data are uploaded to a computer. The computer identifies one or more compatible plant species using the environmental data. Information regarding the compatible plant species is displayed to a user, which advantageously enables the user to select a plant that is environmentally compatible with the proposed site. The compatible plant species may be further identified using user interview data, which enables the user to advantageously select a plant that is compatible with the user's aesthetic and utilitarian preferences. The computer may further identify purchasing information, which advantageously saves the user time and effort in locating a plant and enables the user to purchase a plant that is compatible with the user's budget.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: Tunnel sprayer for rows of plants, is of the type having opposing shields (S, S?) which substantially cover the whole heights of the opposing sides of at least one row, and which comprise fans (14) to create a flow of air which in delivery travels parallel to the flow of treatment liquid sprayed on to each side of the row by at least one corresponding bar (22) with nozzles (122) and which in intake sucks in the air and treatment liquid delivered by the shield operating on the other side of the row, so as to avoid the dispersion due to wind drift and limit losses in the air and drips of excess liquid on to the ground.

Abstract: Spraying apparatus (1) is provided that has two horizontally disposed upright spray arm assemblies (33) that each carry sprayers (43). Each spray arm assembly (33) has a sprayer (43) in an upper part (35) and a sprayer (43) in a lower part (37). The upper part (35) is able to move relative to the lower part (37) so the axis of spraying from the upper part (35) will be downwardly directed towards an upper part of crop to be sprayed. The spray arm assemblies (33) are mounted on respective arms (25) for moving laterally inwardly or outwardly relative to a longitudinal direction of a row of crop to accommodate for different width crops and/or different crop row widths.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying liquids to foliage with a roller and adjustable spray nozzle apparatus. A large heavy roller is pulled or pushed across a field of plants, thereby forcing the plants very close to the ground. A height adjustable applicator nozzle directly following the roller can be adjusted very close to the compacted plants. The combination of an adjustable roller and adjustable applicator nozzles allows the fluid to be released very near the plants, thereby increasing the amount of fluid transferred to the plants' surface and lowering the amount of fluid sprayed into the atmosphere. This reduces the amount of fluid required to treat a given area. The result of the invention is a savings in the cost of fluids, improved effectiveness of the treatment and an improved environmental impact where the selected fluid has a negative environmental impact.

Abstract: A clipper and herbicide or other chemical dispenser comprises a pair of pivotal handle members that are squeezed together to operate a shear mechanism and a chemical dispenser that dispenses chemical directly on the end of the cut stem after the stem has been cut. Preferably, a clamping mechanism clamps a plant stem in place below the shears while the shears cut the stem. The chemical dispenser includes a liquid pump actuated by the handles that pumps a discreet amount of chemical through an opening in a cutting blade at a time when the opening is aligned with the cut end of the plant stem. The dispenser has an outlet mounted on a dispenser arm that is moved away from the opening in the cutting blade by the upper plant stem as the stem is being cut. When the upper stem falls away, the dispenser arm pivots back to align the outlet with the opening in the cutting blade for chemical dispensation on the lower cut stem.