Abstract: A tine disc comprises a central hub and multiple individual tines extending radially from the central hub, wherein each of the multiple individual tines includes a rib on a surface of the tine, extending from the central hub to a distal end of the tine. In a spike aerator, such tine discs are mounted on a shaft, and the individual tines pierce and penetrate into the soil of the underlying ground surface as the aerator is moved over the underlying ground surface.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.

Abstract: A calibration block dimensioned and adapted to set a consistent, repeatable furrow depth for planter units. The calibration block provides a deck with a slot for receiving a first plate for supporting a distal end of the planter unit when setting its gauge wheels, whereby the first plate is flush with the deck at a predefine distance from the soil. The calibration block also provides a gauge block and associated second plate for increasing the predefined distance, if the user so desires.

Abstract: A method for automatically steering an agricultural machine on an agricultural area that is to be worked. The method includes optically detecting a first region of the area that is to be worked lying in a direction of travel of the agricultural machine in a first recording via a first optical sensor in a first position with a first viewing direction. The method further includes optically detecting a second region of the area that is to be worked lying in the direction of travel of the agricultural machine in a second recording via a second optical sensor in a second position with a second viewing direction. The method additionally includes detecting a tramline in the first recording and detecting a tramline in the second recording, determining a first trajectory and a second trajectory, and determining a steering signal based on the first trajectory and/or the second trajectory.

Abstract: A tractor with at least one lifting mechanism that has an upper link and lower links and actuators associated therewith, at least one attachment adapted to the lifting mechanism, and a driver assistance system is disclosed. The driver assistance system optimizes the operation of the tractor and has a computing unit, a memory unit and at least one input interface. The computing unit processes information generated by machine-internal sensor systems, external information, and information that may be saved in the memory unit. The tractor and/or the at least one attachment include a control device for controlling and regulating the tractor and the attachment. The driver assistance system comprises an automatic lifting mechanism that is configured to function based on characteristics, and to optimize adjustment of at least one work parameter of the tractor depending on selectable regulation strategies and/or optimization target variables saved in the memory unit.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for agricultural monitoring of soil characteristics and determining soil color are described herein. In one example, a method of calculating soil color data includes obtaining, with sensors of a soil apparatus, soil measurements. The method further includes calculating soil color values in a visible spectrum including at least one of red, green, and blue color values based on the soil measurements and determining color data for at least one color image without false image artifacts based on the calculated soil color values and associated coordinates within an agricultural field.

Abstract: A mobile agricultural machine includes a row unit having a furrow opener mounted to the row unit and configured to engage a surface of ground over which the mobile agricultural machine travels to open a furrow in the ground. A furrow closer is mounted to the row unit behind the furrow opener relative to a direction of travel of the mobile agricultural machine and configured to engage the surface of the ground to close the furrow. A furrow sensor system is mounted to the row unit and configured to sense characteristics relative to the furrow opened by the furrow opener and generate a sensor signal indicative of the characteristics. The mobile agricultural machine can further include a control system configured to determine a furrow quality metric corresponding to the furrow sensed by the furrow sensor system based on the sensor signal and generate an action signal to control an action of the mobile agricultural machine based on the furrow quality metric.

Abstract: A trench closing assembly including a scraper.

Abstract: A row unit of a seeder includes a frame configured to be coupled to a toolbar of the seeder. The row unit also includes a single opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame and a closing system. The closing system includes a closing disc arm pivotally coupled to the frame, and a closing disc rotatably coupled to the closing disc arm. The closing system also includes a closing disc actuator coupled to the closing disc arm. Furthermore, the closing system includes a packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame. The packer wheel arm and the closing disc arm are configured to rotate independently of one another relative to the frame. The closing system also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm. Furthermore, the closing system includes a packer wheel actuator coupled to the frame and to the packer wheel arm.

Abstract: A trench closing assembly including at least one rock guard.

Abstract: An agricultural planting implement is used to plant seed in a field. The implement includes an electrically-driven seed meter that is spaced on a toolbar of the implement. The seed meter, or other metering member, is a precision meter that is used to control the volume, spacing, and location of a seed that is delivered from a meter to the field. A seed source, such as a seed cart or hopper, is attached to the seed meters to provide an on-demand amount of seed to the meters for planting in the field.

Abstract: A sensor generates an output signal indicative of an attribute of a limited amount of material above the sensor. A controller receives the output signal and incorporates a corresponding variable into a programmatic calculation of an indication of a volume of material in a tank.

Abstract: A row unit of a seeder includes an opener having a shank and a blade rigidly coupled to the shank. The shank is configured to be movably coupled to a toolbar of the seeder. The row unit also includes a closing system having a frame coupled to the opener. The frame is only coupled to the toolbar via the opener. In addition, the closing system includes a closing disc arm pivotally coupled to the frame and at least one closing disc rotatably coupled to the closing disc arm. The closing system also includes a packer wheel arm coupled to the frame and a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm.

Abstract: A row unit of a seeder includes a frame configured to be coupled to a toolbar of the seeder. The row unit also includes a single opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame and a closing system. The closing system includes a closing disc arm pivotally coupled to the frame and a closing disc rotatably coupled to the closing disc arm. The closing system also includes a packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame. The packer wheel arm and the closing disc arm are configured to rotate independently of one another relative to the frame. In addition, the closing system includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm. Furthermore, an agricultural product storage compartment is not non-movably coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A trench closing assembly including a fluid applicator.

Abstract: A control apparatus of an autonomously navigating work machine driven by drive units while servicing a work area which is equipped with an information acquisition unit that acquires information relating to a navigation-desired region where navigation is desired inside or outside of the work area, a search unit that searches for a navigation route from a current location of the work machine to a desired location based on acquired information relating to the navigation-desired region, and a control unit that drives the work machine to run by driving the drive units in accordance with the navigation route searched by the search unit.

Abstract: A robotic lawnmower system (200) comprising a robotic lawnmower (100) comprising a grass cutting device (160), the robotic lawnmower (100) being arranged to enter a feature marking mode (1010) indicating a feature to be marked; find the feature (1020); adjust a cutting height (h1, h2) of the grass cutting device (160) to generate a mowing pattern (MP) marking the feature.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a pin configured to movably couple to a first element of an agricultural header, wherein the first element includes one of an arm and a frame. The locking mechanism also includes a mount configured to couple to a second element of the agricultural header, wherein the second element includes the other of the arm and the frame. The pin is disposed within an opening of the mount, the opening has a first portion configured to receive the pin while the pin is in a first position and to block relative movement between the pin and the mount to block rotation of the arm, and the opening has a second portion configured to receive the pin while the pin is in a second position and to enable relative movement between the pin and the mount to enable rotation of the arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lawn mower (100) comprising a cutter propulsion unit (165), a transmission axle (166, 166?) that has a longitudinal extension (L, L?) and is adapted to be rotated by the cutter propulsion unit (165). The lawn mower (100) further comprises a cutting disc (160) that has a radial extension (R) that runs between a center (182) and an outer edge (181), where the cutting disc (160) comprises one or more cutting edges (161, 162, 163) that are adapted to cut grass when the cutting disc (160) is brought into a rotational motion by means of the transmission axle (166). The cutting disc (160) further comprises a connection portion (164, 164?) which is adapted to receive a coupling member (173, 173?), comprised in the transmission axle (166, 166?), in at least two different mounting positions that are adapted to position the connection portion (164) in mutually separated positions along the longitudinal extension (L, L?).

Abstract: Disclosed are an all-wheel drive self-propelled assembly and mower, which includes a front-drive unit including a front transmission mechanism, a front-wheel shaft mechanism and front-wheels. The front-wheel shaft mechanism includes a front linkage rod provided with a front avoidance groove matched with the front transmission mechanism. A rear-drive unit including a rear transmission mechanism provided with a rear output shaft, a rear-wheel shaft mechanism and rear-wheels, and a height adjusting unit directly or indirectly controlling the rotation of the front shaft plates. When a distance between the front output shaft and ground is minimum, the front avoidance groove is arranged above a plane where the front output shaft and the rear output shaft are located.

Abstract: An agricultural header includes a frame and a mount having a mount opening. The agricultural header also includes an arm configured to rotate about a pivot axis relative to the frame and to support a cutter bar assembly of the agricultural header. In addition, the agricultural header includes a pin coupled to a first element and extending through the mount opening. The first element includes one of the arm and the frame. The agricultural header also includes a fastener configured to non-movably couple the mount to a second element while the fastener is in a locked state and to enable the mount to move relative to the second element while the fastener is in an unlocked state. The second element includes the other of the arm and the frame.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and a method for controlling a reel of a combine harvester, wherein, the system comprises a satellite positioning receiver, a driving device, a controller and a rotating speed sensor; the rotating speed sensor collects and transmits an actual rotating speed of the reel to the controller, and the controller provides the driving device with a speed regulation signal according to the actual rotating speed and the operation running speed. The disclosure may realize that the rotating speed of the reel can be automatically, accurately and quickly adjusted according to the operation running speed of the combine harvester during the operation of the combine harvester, and improve the operation efficiency and quality while ensuring the crop feed quantity.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for reducing cross-track error in harvesting row crops such as corn. A cross track error system including a corn head, a row unit disposed on the corn head. The row unit including a set of stripper plates, a resilient member disposed proximal to the stripper plates, a sensor unit in communication with the resilient member, and a processor. The processor is constructed and arranged to process signals generated by the sensor unit in response to deflection of the resilient member.

Abstract: An agricultural work machine is provided comprising a surroundings detection device for detecting a surroundings in sections, and one or more controllable working elements, wherein the surroundings detection device generates surroundings detection signals, which can be processed in a control and regulating device assigned to the agricultural work machine, wherein the surroundings detection device is designed as a scanner, which scans the surroundings in scanning planes, and wherein each scanning plane is assigned to the control of working elements.

Abstract: A crop cutting device including a crop guiding surface including parallel slots. A row of knives pivotally mounted below the guiding surface is pivotable between a retracted inoperative position in which it is located below the guiding surface and an extended operative position, wherein the knives project above the guiding surface. An actuating mechanism includes movable operating members. Each operating member is associated with a respective knife and is movable from a first position in which the knife is in its retracted position to a second position in which the knife is in its extended position. Further, there is included a lifting mechanism for raising at least a part of each knife above the guiding surface, while the operating members are in their first position.

Abstract: A stalk roller assembly for an agricultural system includes a stalk roller having a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft has a first end having a first shape, such that the first end engages a guide element. Furthermore, the hollow shaft has a second end having a second shape that engages a drive shaft, such that the first shape is different than the second shape. In addition, the hollow shaft is formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: Provided are a system, method(s), and apparatus for automatically harvesting mushrooms from a mushroom bed. The system, in one implementation, may be referred to herein as an “automated harvester”, having at least an apparatus/frame/body/structure for supporting and positioning the harvester on a mushroom bed, a vision system for scanning and identifying mushrooms in the mushroom bed, a picking system for harvesting the mushrooms from the bed, and a control system for directing the picking system according to data acquired by the vision system. Various other components, sub-systems, and connected systems may also be integrated into or coupled to the automated harvester.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle includes: a header frame; at least one crop remover carried by the header frame; a plurality of row dividers pivotably carried by the header frame; and at least one divider lifter coupled to at least one of the row dividers and configured to activate in order to pivot the coupled at least one row divider relative to the header frame. The at least one divider lifter is configured to be selectively activated by a remote controller.

Abstract: A reel assembly for a harvester head of agricultural machine includes a carrier bar, standard tines coupled to the carrier bar, and gaps tine removably coupled to the carrier bar and such that the gap tines do not penetrate an outer surface of the carrier bar. The gap tines contact the standard tines to prevent rotation of the gap tines relative to the carrier bar during operation of the work machine.

Abstract: A header system is provided. The headers system includes a conveyor belt and a belt roller assembly comprising a belt roller configured to contact the conveyor belt and to rotate about an axis during movement of the conveyor belt. The header system further includes a belt roller assembly mount configured to secure the belt roller on the header system, wherein the belt roller mount assembly comprises a first mounting member configured to secure the belt roller to an infeed deck frame included in the header system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the general technical field of agricultural machinery. It concerns an agricultural device, in particular a haymaking device, which can be moved in a direction of advance and which includes a cutter bar equipped with cutting elements intended to cut a standing crop product. The device also comprises a conditioner positioned behind the bar, and a grouping device intended to move the product transversely to the direction of advance and located behind the bar, in an active position. A retraction actuator is configured to transpose the grouping device between the active position and a passive position in which the product is deposited at the rear of the device. A collecting device extends partially under and partially behind the conditioner in active position of the grouping device. The invention also concerns an agricultural machine equipped with such a device and a method for access between a conditioner and a grouping device belonging to such a device.

Abstract: A knotter drive apparatus for a baler includes a knotter gear drive shaft having a drive shaft axis and a shaft outside diameter. A plurality of knotter assemblies are mounted on the knotter gear drive shaft. Each assembly includes a first knotter gear sector including a first sector hub portion and a first sector radial portion. The first sector hub portion includes a central passage at least partly defined in the first sector hub portion for receiving the knotter gear drive shaft. The first sector radial portion extends radially outward from the first sector hub portion relative to the drive shaft axis, and has defined thereon a plurality of intermittent gear tooth segments. The first sector hub portion has a circumferential gap defined therein greater than the shaft outside diameter such that the first knotter gear sector is removable radially, relative to the drive shaft axis, from the knotter gear drive shaft.

Abstract: A twine tensioner arrangement for a baler including a pair of rollers, each of the rollers being rotatable about a shaft and having circumferential lobes, at least one of the shafts being mounted on a displaceable armature, displacement measurement apparatus to measure the displacement of the displaceable armature and a signalling apparatus to generate a signal if the displacement of the displaceable armature exceeds a predetermined value. This enables monitoring of the tension in a strand of twine entering the twine tensioner arrangement and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, allows action to be taken to avoid a mistie or damage to the baler components.

Abstract: A twine tension relief assembly for a baler including a tension detection apparatus for detecting the tension in a line of twine, a biased cutting element displaceable between a first retained position and a second released position and an actuator adapted to cause the biased cutting element to move from the first retained position to the second released position in response to a signal issued by the tension detection apparatus. The practical application includes when the tension in a strand of twine exceeds a predetermined threshold, the tension detection apparatus causes movement of the biased cutting element so that a strand of twine passing though the twine tension relief assembly is severed and damage to the knotter mechanism and its component parts is avoided.

Abstract: A baler twine tension control assembly including a displacement detector and elements defining a twine path. The twine path enters and exits the twine tension control assembly and within the twine tension control assembly extends across a first fixed location and a second fixed location as well as across an intermediate displaceable location located between the first fixed location and the second fixed location. The displacement detector is connected to the intermediate displaceable location and generates a signal indicative of the displacement of the displaceable location.

Abstract: A baler twine tension measurement assembly including a displacement detector and elements defining a first twine path. The first twine path extends between a first location and a second location which is angularly displaceable with respect to the first location. The displacement detector operates to generate a signal indicative of the angular displacement of the second location with respect to the first location.

Abstract: A graft system configured to graft plant material, including a first holder configured to engage a stem of a first plant below a cutline to hold a severed stem and connected roots of the first plant, and a second holder configured to engage a stem of a second plant above a cut line to hold a severed stem and connected leaves of the second plant. The second holder is stackable on the first holder to abut and align the severed stems. A strip embodying a graft system as well as an assembly of a strip or graft system with a tray.

Abstract: A cultivation method for cultivating leaf vegetables includes preparing correspondence information associating light characteristic information indicative of a characteristic of light with which leaf vegetables are irradiated, with quantified quality information having a quantified quality of leaf vegetables; setting the light characteristic information; and irradiating the leaf vegetables with light.

Abstract: An assembly that provides an appearance of a potted plant and can be used for multiple purposes. The assembly includes an upper section mounted to a lower section. Each the upper section and the lower section having an inner volume. The upper section can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The upper section can be switched to the open state for gaining access to the inner volume of the lower section. An upstanding artificial plant extends from the inner volume of the upper section.

Abstract: Horticulture systems and methods are disclosed. The systems include an air handling rack system comprising frame supply and return plenums, an input diffusion assembly physically supported by and fluidically coupled to the frame supply plenum, and a plant support tray assembly physically supported by and fluidically coupled to the frame return plenum. The input diffusion assembly is configured to direct a supply airflow flowing through the frame supply plenum downwardly from an underside thereof. The plant support tray assembly is positioned below the at least one input diffusion assembly to form an environmental cultivation chamber therebetween. The rack system is configured to direct the supply airflow through the environmental cultivation chamber from the input diffusion assembly to the plant support tray assembly past one or more plants positioned on a support side of the plant support tray assembly and into the frame return plenum as a return airflow.

Abstract: A modular vertical cultivation wall system includes at least two vertical posts, at least one planter shelf including a planter flange and a planter web, and a plurality of wall panels. Each of the at least two vertical posts may be anchored and may include a post web and at least one post flange coupled thereto. The at least one planter shelf may be coupled to one of a plurality of wall panels, and is horizontally disposed. The at least one planter shelf may extend between the at least two vertical posts. At least one of the plurality of wall panels may be disposed above and coupled to another one of the plurality of wall panels, and at least one of the planter flange and the planter web may be coupled to at least one of: the post web and the at least one post flange.

Abstract: An automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that includes a horizontal-to-vertical grow tower interface between a vertical grow structure that includes vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, and a processing system that performs one or more processing operations—such as harvesting, cleaning and/or transplanting—on the grow towers in a substantially horizontal orientation. The present disclosure also describes an automated crop production system for controlled environment agriculture that selectively routes grow towers through various processing stages of an automated crop production system.

Abstract: An open-top gutter for cultivation of plants. In an example, the open-top gutter comprises at least one water space formed by a double edge and being closed at the top, or almost closed. The water space is open at the bottom of the gutter. In an example, the open-top gutter includes at least one separate water space formed by a partially double bottom and connected to the bottom of the gutter via a bottom gap. In an example, the open-top gutter includes a space limited by two side walls and a bottom wall and divided into trough-like compartments by at least one dividing wall. The dividing wall includes at least one water space formed by a double wall, open at the bottom of the gutter.

Abstract: In order to climatically optimise and keep as flexible as possible a sealed climate cell for plant cultivation in a plurality of layers which are arranged one over the other and which each have at least one plant cultivation container and a lighting platform arranged thereabove, it is proposed that a first climate system of the climate cell has at least one air bag, which runs in the height direction, is arranged within the climate cell, and is designed to supply air to the individual layers in the first cultivation region.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a plant from the effects of contact or exposure to salt and/or salt water, comprising placing, around or near the plant: a salt protection mat, comprising: a top layer; a center layer disposed beneath the top layer and comprising superabsorbent polymer particles; and a semipermeable bottom layer disposed beneath the center layer; wherein the top layer reduces or prevents evaporative water loss from the center layer; and wherein the semipermeable bottom layer permits water to seep out from the center layer.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of applying a plant growing material to a surface of a mold décor, the method comprising flocking at least one aquatic seed to the surface of a mold décor to adhere the at least one aquatic seed to the surface of the mold décor.

Abstract: Resilient plant development media are disclosed that can include a first layer that includes a plurality of adjacent strands, a second layer that includes a plurality of strands that are adjacent and that is in stacked relation relative to the first layer, wherein the strands of the first layer and the strands of the second layer are in a non-aligned orientation relative to each other. The strands in the first layer and the strands in the second layer may define a crisscross pattern. The multilayer resilient media is effective in supporting seeds during germination and plants throughout their growth and development. The multilayer resilient media is effective for use in various plant growing modalities, e.g., aeroponic, nutrient film, and hydroponic plant growing environments, and may be easily cleaned for reuse.

Abstract: A hydroponic growth system comprises a reservoir including a lower chamber, an upper chamber, and a divider therebetween. The divider has a first aperture and a second aperture. The system includes an air blower in fluid communication with the lower chamber. Actuation of the air blower causes fluid from the lower chamber to pass through the first aperture and selectively flood the upper chamber. The valve inhibits communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber via the second aperture in a resting state. Upon actuation of the air blower, the valve moves to a flooding state in which communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber via the second aperture is promoted.

Abstract: A container unit for hydroponics includes a container having an overflow unit and an outflow unit located therein. The overflow unit includes an overflow tube, and the outflow unit includes a siphon pipe which is height adjustable. A cover is mounted to the container and includes an opening, a first hole and a second hole. A pot is engaged with the opening of the cover. Two hooks are connected to the back of the container so as to be hooked to a shelve to form multiple rows of the containers between which the overflow tubes and the outflow tubes are connected via the first and second holes of the containers. The overflow tube and siphon pipe control the water level in the container to prevent plant root from being rotted.