Abstract: A work vehicle includes an automatic steering switching tool to start or end automatic steering of a vehicle body and a setting operation tool to select a setting for the automatic steering of the vehicle body. The automatic steering switching tool and the setting operation tool are positioned at an upper portion of a steering tower and below a steering wheel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a field position and a transport position.

Abstract: A machine control system includes an agricultural work machine having an ECU coupled via a system bus to control engine functions, a GPS receiver, data collector, and specialized guidance system including a stored program. The data collector captures agricultural geospatial data including location data for the work machine and data from the ECU, and executes the stored program to: (a) capture geometries of the farm; (b) capture agricultural geospatial data; (c) automatically classify the agricultural geospatial data using the geometries of the farm, into activity/event categories including operational, travel, and ancillary events; (d) aggregate the classified data to create geospatial data events; (e) match the geospatial data events to a model to generate matched events; (f) use the matched events to generate actionable information for the working machine in real time or near real-time; and (g) send operational directives to the agricultural work machine based on the actionable information.

Abstract: An operation monitoring system and monitoring method are provided, the operation monitoring system is used for monitoring at least one agricultural machine, so as to control an operating range of the agricultural machine, the operation monitoring system includes a storage device and a processor, the processor recognizes at least one operating area and at least one non-operating area of an operation environment, and generates at least one boundary between the operating area and the non-operating area, the processor further generates least one electronic fence at the at least one boundary, the processor further acquires the position of the electronic fence and monitors a position of the agricultural machine, so as to monitor whether the agricultural machine is operating in the operating area on a side of the electronic fence, thereby controlling the operating range of the agricultural machine.

Abstract: Systems for producing nitrogen compounds that are configured for integration with an irrigation device. The systems generally include an absorber receiving a reactor-outlet stream comprising one or more oxidized nitrogen species, the absorber containing water to produce a nitrogen-compound stream comprising nitrates, nitrites, nitric acid, salts thereof, or a mixture thereof; and a system-outlet port configured to be fluidically coupled to an irrigation line, the system-outlet port in fluid communication with the absorber to receive at least a portion of the nitrogen-compound stream and provide the nitrogen-compound stream to the irrigation line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a precision agriculture produce harvesting system and produce harvesting apparatus configured for integration with the system, an essential feature of which is a harvesting device subsystem (100) that includes a harvesting device, for instance pruning shears (102) and a harvesting separation stroke detector (108) housed within a control module housing (110) mounted to the shears (102). A person operating the pruning shears (102) produces discernible separation strokes when the handles (104) of the shears (102) are squeezed together to produce a shearing action. The stroke detector (108) detects the separation strokes of the shears (102). By the addition of the control module (108) to the pruning shears (102), the shears are essentially converted into a data logging device by means of which important aspects of a produce harvesting process can be digitised and supplied to a harvest data digital data processing system.

Abstract: Disclosed are a mover robot system and a controlling method for the same, in which a manipulation of a control screen where a remote control is performed is restricted if a mover robot is located in an area other than a driving area, and a locked screen requesting an input of a preset use code is displayed on a terminal, whereby a display of the locked screen is maintained or released in accordance with the input code.

Abstract: An automatic driving system for grain processing, and an automatic driving method and a path planning method is illustrated. The automatic driving system for grain processing comprises a grain processing host, an image processing system, a path planning system, and an image acquisition device. The image processing system is arranged on the grain processing host and acquires at least one image of farmland surrounding the grain processing host. The image processing system identifies, based on an image segmentation and identification method, an area in the image; and the path planning system plans, based on the area identified by the image processing system, at least one driving planning path. The grain processing host automatically controls driving according to the driving planning path planned by the path planning system.

Abstract: A cutting blade for vegetation is provided for example for use in a straw chopper or rotary mower. The blade includes a first base material and a plurality of hard surface beads of at least two different materials formed on at least one surface of the base material extending up to a cutting edge of the base material wherein the plurality of hard surface beads lie alternately side by side with touching side edges and one contains at least one different material of a different hardness relative to the other so that differential wear rates are created, and a wear profile is controlled. The softer material is burnt away at the edge by the cladding laser to form pockets so that the blade is serrated by the pockets when supplied with additional wear increasing the pockets to maintain the serrations.

Abstract: A sensor system for counting elements of a flow of harvested material is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an oscillating circuit and a measuring device, wherein the oscillating circuit comprises at least one capacitive component with a capacitance and an inductive component with an inductance. The oscillating circuit has a resonance frequency which depends on the capacitance and the inductance. Further, the capacitive component is positioned in the region of the flow of harvested material, so that the capacitance is influenced by individual elements of the flow of harvested material. The measuring device is configured to determine the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit. In this way, the sensor system is configured to deduce at least one property of the particular element of the flow of harvested material from the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for an autonomous robot to automate watering, mowing, fertilizing and several other gardening services. Consisting of a robot body having at least one motor arranged to propel the robot body via a wheel arrangement and drive a cutting blade or trimmer line, wherein the robot body also has predefined areas for including at least one more motor to drive a sprayer, trimmer or edging blade. Wherein the robot body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control operation of the robot within predefined operating and target areas.

Abstract: An improved hop picking finger for use in automated hop harvesting equipment.

Abstract: A crop ramp for use in a combine header is provided. The crop ramp includes a flat section, a curved section, and a flange. The flat section facilitates coupling the crop ramp to a cutterbar of the combine header. The curved section extends from the flat section. The curved section is configured to facilitate transfer of crop to a belt system of the combine header. The crop is transferred in a first direction defined from the flat section to the curved section. The flange extends from the curved section. The flange is configured to hover above the belt system of the combine header to prevent dirt from flowing in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A crop conditioning device for an agricultural harvesting machine. The crop conditioning device includes a frame, a first conditioning roll, and a second conditioning roll. The crop conditioning device also includes a tension member operably connected to the second conditioning roll. The tension member is configured for applying a tension force on the second conditioning roll. The crop conditioning device also includes a tension actuator operably connected to the tension member. The tension actuator is configured for adjusting the tension force applied by the tension member. The crop conditioning device also includes a pair of control rods respectively connected to the pair of lateral ends of the second conditioning roll. The crop conditioning device also includes a pair of roll-gap actuators respectively and operably connected to the pair of control rods. The pair of roll-gap actuators are configured for pivoting the second conditioning roll to adjust the roll gap.

Abstract: A crop conditioning device for an agricultural harvesting machine. The crop conditioning device includes a frame, a first conditioning roll connected to the frame, and a second conditioning roll connected to the frame such that the second conditioning roll is movable relative to the first conditioning roll. The crop conditioning device also includes a tension mechanism connected to the second conditioning roll. The crop conditioning device also includes a roll-gap mechanism connected to the second conditioning roll. The crop conditioning device also includes a controller which is configured for automatically setting at least one of an initial tension force and an initial roll gap dependent upon at least one of a type of crop material and at least one operational setting.

Abstract: Hydraulic power savings for a rear module handler cylinder of a round module cotton harvester is possible by using a regenerative hydraulic arrangement for raising an empty handler and using gravity to lower the handler. A bale handler system for a cotton picker baler includes a handler for receiving a round module that is movable between upright and lowered positions and a handler cylinder operably connected to the handler. The handler cylinder system includes a regenerative valve. The regenerative valve is engaged when the handler moves to the upright position during regenerative handler raise mode of operation, the regenerative valve is not engaged when the handler moves to the lowered position during float handler lower mode of operation. While in the float handler lower mode of operation, the handler cylinder retracts and diverts an oil flow pressure from a base end to a rod end of the handler cylinder.

Abstract: A feeding assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes: a pickup including a pickup reel carrying a plurality of tines; a rotor including a plurality of rotor fins disposed rearwardly from the pickup; a windguard assembly including a pair of movable support arms and a windguard coupled to the support arms, the windguard including a tube and a plurality of windguard tines coupled to the tube, the windguard being movable from a first position to a second position that is elevated relative to the first position; and a windguard retainer configured to engage the windguard when the windguard is in the second position and retain the windguard in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a removable cover plate assembly, which may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The cover plate assembly improves the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. Moreover, the cover plate assembly of the present invention enables a single set of concave grate assemblies to better harvest a wider variety of crop types.

Abstract: A sensor system for counting elements of a flow of harvested material is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an oscillating circuit and a measuring device, wherein the oscillating circuit comprises at least one capacitive component with a capacitance and an inductive component with an inductance. The oscillating circuit has a resonance frequency which depends on the capacitance and the inductance. Further, the capacitive component is positioned in the region of the flow of harvested material, so that the capacitance is influenced by individual elements of the flow of harvested material. The measuring device is configured to determine the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit. In this way, the sensor system is configured to deduce at least one property of the particular element of the flow of harvested material from the resonance frequency of the oscillating circuit.

Abstract: A round bale or module building assembly with a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from one another by a module width and a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path. Wherein, at least two rollers of the plurality of rollers have a combined width configured to substantially span the module width.

Abstract: A gardening trimmer may include: a conversion mechanism configured to convert rotational motion of a prime mover to linear motion along a first direction; a blade configured to move in reciprocating motion relative to a guide bar and including a plurality of slots; and a plurality of guide members each disposed in a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots of the blade. The plurality of slots may include: at least one first slot in which a corresponding guide member of the guide members that is connected to a housing is disposed. A combination of the slots and the guide members may include: a first combination configured to reduce frictional resistance generated by the reciprocating motion; and a second combination configured to reduce vibration generated by the reciprocating motion, and at least one combination of the at least one first slot and its corresponding guide member is the second combination.

Abstract: A system for preserving cut-flowers using an atmospheric pressure plasma generator according to an embodiment of the present application includes a container that preserves cut-flowers, an air filter that extracts at least some of moisture contained in air in the container and discharges the same, an air compressor that generates compressed air from the air from which the at least some of the moisture was removed by the air filter, and a plasma generator that generates active species through plasma discharge using the compressed air generated from the air compressor as a plasma discharge gas.

Abstract: An indicator capable of determining accumulated temperatures of about 500° C.·h and about 1000° C.·h are important indexes in quality management for cut flowers. The indicator includes a first packet containing first solution and a second packet containing second solution. The first and second solutions are brought into contact by pressing either packet, and a first color change from transparent color to pale blue color and a second color change from blue color to brown color are generated by Maillard reaction. The first solution includes sugar and solvent, and the second solution includes amino acid, pH adjuster, and solvent. An accumulated temperature is within 500° C.·h when the indicator shows a transparent color, and the accumulated temperature is within 1000° C.·h when the indicator shows a blue color. The accumulated temperatures can be readily checked by one look so that remaining vase life of the cut flowers can be determined.

Abstract: In a computing device and agricultural planning method the computing device receives data indicative of at least one practice associated with growing an agricultural crop. An overall sustainability score is determined for at least one sustainability category by determining an overall level for at least one indicator indicative of the sustainability category. A benchmark score is also determined for the at least one sustainability category by determining a benchmark level corresponding to the at least one indicator. The benchmark level is at least in part a function of the crop, the location of the field in which the crop is planted and the sustainability category. A comparison value of the overall sustainability score to the benchmark score for the at least one sustainability category is determined. An indicator of whether the comparison value is below a predetermined minimum threshold comparison value is output.

Abstract: The LED Grow-light System has grow-light canopies housed within modular grow containers. The modular grow containers include sky-light structure including light panels and light tubes that allow the modular grow containers to be stacked or placed next to each other to minimize the footprint for growing plants.

Abstract: A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures. A collapsible light may be positioned adjacent plants and plant support structures for improved access to the plants or plant support structures while allowing variable and controllable light distribution beneficial to control of adjacent plants and plant structures.

Abstract: Described herein are implements, systems, and methods for applying stress to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an agricultural implement comprises a frame transverse to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement and a stress mechanism disposed on the frame in operation such that the stress mechanism applies a force to the row of plants as the agricultural implement moves through the field.

Abstract: A planter includes an interior surface and a riser extending from a bottom of the interior surface and including a space between the riser and lateral walls of the planter. The riser includes an open-top recess formed in a top portion of the riser. A plate including a protrusion extending from a bottom side of the plate and forming an open-top reservoir on a top side of the protrusion. The protrusion is configured to be coupled with the recess to secure the plate to the riser.

Abstract: A plant cultivation pot comprises a first paper fiber board constituting a wall portion of the plant cultivation pot and a second paper fiber board constituting a bottom portion of the plant cultivation pot. The plant cultivation pot comprises a plinth portion so that a part of the wall portion is below the bottom portion in the height direction of the plant cultivation pot. An outline of a lower edge of the first paper fiber board constituting the plinth portion is provided with cuts extending towards an upper rim of the plant cultivation pot. Thus, the cuts form openings in the wall portion through which roots of a plant can grow out from the plant cultivation pot.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus includes a carrier, a fresh air supply, a humidifying mechanism, an illuminating mechanism, a blower mechanism, a sterilizing pool and a controlling mechanism. The fresh air supply, the humidifying mechanism, the illuminating mechanism, the blower mechanism, the sterilizing pool and the controlling mechanism are inserted in or supported on the carrier. Thus, the cultivate apparatus is movable and operable to control temperature, humidity, air quality and irradiation for cultivating of plants or mushrooms.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for facilitating artificial climate control, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the system may include a greenhouse enclosure, a condensation assembly, at least one sensor, a water collection compartment, and a processing device. Further, the greenhouse enclosure may include an internal space. Further, the greenhouse enclosure may be configured for generating a greenhouse effect. Further, the condensation assembly may be configured for condensing water vapor present in the interior space. Further, the condensation assembly may include at least one coolant dispenser, a heat exchanger, a coolant sensor, and at least one coolant dispensing actuator. Further, the at least one sensor may be configured for generating at least one sensor data. Further, the water collection compartment may be fluidly coupled with the condensation assembly. Further, the processing device may be communicatively coupled to each of the at least one sensor and the coolant sensor.

Abstract: This invention titled ‘Hollow Plastic Garden Blocks’ provides a new and convenient construction material for the home gardener. The blocks can be stacked or placed side by side to construct raised beds, or living walls, or used as garden bed edging. Unlike traditional cement wall blocks, the hollow plastic blocks are very lightweight and easily transported or moved by the home gardener. The blocks can be filled with soil or a suitable planting medium and then seeded or populated with living plants. These blocks are not restricted by interlocking positions therefore offer complete freedom of linear shape alignment. All blocks have drainage holes for greater durability. Any standard and efficient method of plastic shape fabrication could be used to produce these blocks. The blocks can be made of any durable plastic, virgin or recycled, and color choices are unlimited.

Abstract: The present invention is new art with a new function and is comprised of box or container that is composed of grass, dirt, herbs and any and all toys to decorate the backyard. The intent is for kids to create their own real-life backyard by growing grass, cutting the grass, watering the grass, planting herbs and putting toys and items in the backyard to decorate as they see fit. This toy will help educate kids on becoming a gardener while teaching them responsibility.

Abstract: A barrier system to be installed on a ground surface for keeping unwanted vegetation from growing across a boundary comprises a first end stake, a second end stake, a plurality of inner stakes, and a cover. Each stake includes generally horizontally-oriented cap and a generally vertically-oriented anchor attached to the cap. The cover includes a channel, a top wall, a first side wall attached to one side of the top wall, and a second side wall attached to the other side of the top wall. The first end stake is configured to be positioned in the channel at a first end of the cover, the second end stake is configured to be positioned in the channel at a second end of the cover, and the inner stakes are configured to be positioned in the channel in between the first end of the cover and the second end of the cover.

Abstract: A supporting device on a supporting pole, in particular for at least one wire for containing row, which includes wire-holding element formed by shaped thread-like body comprising resting portion adapted to be removably rested, in use, on first portion of outer surface of supporting pole and supporting means for containment wire extending from opposite sides with respect to resting portion, and pulling and anchoring element formed by shaped thread-like body including engagement portion adapted to interact, in use, with second portion of outer surface of supporting pole opposite to first portion and elastically deformable anchoring means which extend substantially perpendicularly and from opposite sides with respect to engagement portion and adapted to cooperate with second portion of outer surface of supporting pole.

Abstract: A method of restricting the growth of vines along a guy wire includes possessing a member defining a tapered chamber having first and second openings. The chamber is tapered such that the chamber is widest at the first opening. The method further includes positioning the member such that the guy wire extends through the first opening, the second opening, and the tapered chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator includes two or more cylinder parts that nest inside each other, each cylinder part including a piston and piston rod forming an operating element and a cylindrical component, inside which the operating element is arranged, the piston of the inner cylinder part being inside the piston rod of the outer cylinder part, chambers formed for each cylinder part, a pressure-medium feed arrangement creating work-movement in the operating element by the pressure medium led to the chambers, a pressure-difference-controlled valve controlling operation of the hydraulic actuator between a first ducting and a second ducting, controlling the feed of the pressure medium among the chambers and a pressure-difference-controlled spool valve including a housing, connecting chambers and a spool arranged to move backwards and forwards in the housing to open and close the connections creating a work movement alternately by the operating element of the inner or outer cylinder part.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a power-transmission gear in a forest machine having a harvester head includes measuring a selected property of at least two trees with aid of observation means on a basis of electromagnetic radiation at a distance from the trees being measured to create measurement data. The power-transmission gear is controlled by software on the basis of the measurement data to change a state of the power-transmission gear to optimize energy required to perform an operation of an operating device. The operating device uses the energy transmitted by the power-transmission gear (after the change in state of the power-transmission gear so that operation of the operating device create a change in the attitude, location, or state of the harvester head.

Abstract: A gel plug comprised of a gel may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the gel plug.

Abstract: A growing media composition includes peat and a biosurfactant produced by only mechanical and biological processes without chemical reaction that would result in any structural alteration to the biosurfactant molecule. The biosurfactant can be a glycolipid such as a rhamnolipid.

Abstract: A substrate comprised of a gel on a wire or mesh scaffolding may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity and/or adherence to the scaffolding. Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the substrate. The substrate may be used as part of a grow wall in an aeroponics plant growth system.

Abstract: An irrigation communicates wirelessly with irrigation control valves. A wireless controller transceiver unit obtains signals from the irrigation controller and transmits these signals wirelessly to a valve transceiver. The irrigation control valves open or close according to the signals received by the valve transceiver. The irrigation system also includes an auxiliary communication device that communicates user commands to the controller transceiver. The user commands are used to create associations between the controller transceiver and each of the valve transceivers. The communication link between the auxiliary communication device and the communication transceiver or the valve transceiver can be an RF communication link such as Bluetooth, a close field communication link such as an inductive communication link, or an optical communication link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of precision agriculture, particularly to systems and methods for providing crop coefficient (Kc) values including near real time and forecast values for the management of precise agricultural irrigation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for monitoring plant development in aeroponic farming. The output from one or more sensors in the apparatus be used to modify the flow of one or more fluids to the developing plants.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to soilless growing systems (100), such as aeroponic and hydroponic systems, and specifically to modular structures for constructing soilless farms. A soilless farming (100) unit may include a plurality of root chambers (6) for growing plants in a growing zone enclosed by a shell (8), a nutrient delivery system (300, 320, 330, 340) that moistens plant roots in the plurality of root chambers (6), and a plurality of apertures (190) in the shell (8) for connecting the farming unit to an adjacent farming unit via at least one of a fluid conduit (150, 152, 210, 220) and a power supply (230). A soilless growing system (100) may include a building having a perimeter sized to match an arrangement of farming units inside the building. A soilless growing system (100) may be a multi-story building with a plurality of farming units on each story.

Abstract: Aeroponics apparatus is disclosed, which includes a grow bed tray having a base and at least two side-walls, the grow bed tray being able to hold a plant support at a position spaced from the base of the grow bed tray, and a nebulizer for nebulizing nutrient solution, the nebulizer located at the base of the grow bed tray and comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a holder for holding the ultrasonic transducer. Also disclosed is a method for crop production using the aeroponics apparatus by either flowing nutrient solution into the base of the grow bed tray to contact at least the roots of the crops or providing nutrient solution at the base of the grow bed tray and nebulizing the nutrient solution so that the nebulized nutrient solution contacts at least the roots of the crops.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for weight measurement of grow towers and/or grow lines with grow towers disposed thereon. In various embodiments, compression type, tension type, and/or beam type load cells may be positioned at various locations within the apparatus to facilitate weight measurement. In one embodiment, a hook, which couples a grow tower to a grow line, includes a tension type load cell disposed between two portions of the hook. The load cell measures force applied thereto which can provide or be translated into a weight measurement.

Abstract: Described herein is the evaluation of the antifungal properties of bacterial strain KGS-3 against Fusarium Head Blight (FHB)) white mold, blackleg and a number of potato fungal diseases and the plant growth effect attained. KGS-3 is a novel strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa that can suppress bacterial and fungal plant diseases. KGS-3 is predicted to produce antifungal metabolites polymyxin, fusaricidin, and paenilarvin and has been demonstrated to produce cylindrol B. KGS-3 is a plant growth promoting bacteria demonstrated to increase protein content of plants and/or plant products.

Abstract: A milk measuring cell having an inlet channel and an outlet, a cavity, a barrier which protrudes from a bottom of the cavity and divides the cavity into a measurement trough (13) on the side of the inlet channel and an outlet channel on the side of the outlet, wherein a peak of the barrier is positioned below an elevation of the inlet channel.

Abstract: A differential vacuum system for use with a milking system. The differential vacuum system is configured to modulate the fluid pressure in the pulsation volume to cause a milking operation on a teat of an animal that is inserted into the bore of a liner. The pulsation cycle includes an “on” phase to open the liner and thereby enable milk flow from the teat, and an “off” phase in which the pulsation volume is at an increased pressure relative to the “on” phase to close the liner bore to thereby stop milk flow from the teat. The differential vacuum system controls the maximum vacuum applied to the pulsation volume to exceed the maximum vacuum applied to the liner bore.