Patent classifications
A01D43/003
Harvesting system including modular units
A harvesting system includes at least one modular unit coupled to a harvester includes a drying unit to dry a harvested material introduced into the harvester including at least one rotating drum, a number of appendages extending from the at least one rotating drum, at least one sensor to determine at least one environmental state within the drying unit, and at least one environmental state adjustment device to adjust at least one environmental attribute within the drying unit. The modular unit also includes a collection unit to collect the harvested material into a unit, a first conveyor mechanism to convey the harvested material from the drying unit to the collection unit, and a control system to control at least the harvester, the drying unit, the collection unit, the first conveyor mechanism, the sensor, and the environmental state adjustment device based on a signal received from the at least one sensor.
Mobile platform biomass harvester and processor
A mobile platform biomass harvester has a header, a biomass processor, a storage container, a guidance system, an engine, an electric generator, and a guidance system. The header harvests biomass. The biomass processor includes a shredder, a press, a dryer, and a densifier. The densifier compacts the biomass into a multitude of compressed biomass pieces. The storage container receives compressed biomass pieces from the biomass processor. The guidance system guides the mobile platform at a speed determined by the operating capacity of the mobile platform. The engine generates shaft power. The electrical generator converts the shaft power to electricity to power the guidance system.
Unwanted plant removal system
Embodiments include an apparatus and methods for removing unwanted plants or weeds from an area such as an agricultural plot or lawn. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional imager configured to capture plant images and locate plants; an image processor configured to distinguish between wanted and unwanted plants based upon the captured plant images; at least one laser device configured to emit a laser beam having power sufficient to damage the unwanted plants; a laser beam controller configured to direct at least one laser beam toward the unwanted plant; and a chassis configured to support the three-dimensional imager, the laser device, and the laser beam controller. The chassis is configured to be moved across the area.
Autonomous device for in-field conversion of biomass into biochar
Systems, methods and apparatus for the thermal conversion of biomass into biochar. A mobile platform may be used to maneuver a mobile biochar generation system within a field of biomass. The biomass may be harvested, preprocessed and pyrolyzed. After pyrolyzation, the biochar may be cooled to a predetermined temperature by integrating water and liquid nutrients into the biochar. The system may then control the application of the infused biochar by adjusting a spreading attachment and a plowing attachment.