An apparatus for applying electrical current to plants is provided, comprising at least two synergistically acting modules, wherein a first module comprises at least one application device for applying a medium reducing the electrical contact resistance and a second module comprises at least one application device for applying electrical current to plants. The invention also relates to a method with which an increase in the effect of the application of electrical current to plants, e.g., to control plant growth, is achieved by reducing the electrical contact resistance.

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

Provided herein is a system for semi-automatic and/or automatic weed removal a system for automatic detection of weeds including an optical sensor and a central server unit, with communication network, an open-loop and/or closed-loop control device and a weed removal device, wherein the optical sensor, the server unit and the open-loop and/or closed-loop control device are in data connection via the communication network, wherein image data of a weed is generated via the optical sensor and transmitted to the server unit, which analyses the transmitted image data such that the weed can be determined, and wherein, via the server unit, in the case of a clear determination of the weed, weed confirmation data is transmitted to the open-loop and/or closed-loop control device which, in response to the weed confirmation data, controls and/or regulates the weed-removal device so that the weed detected by the optical sensor can be removed.

Electrical apparatus to kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth, the apparatus comprising: an electrical energy supply unit; an applicator unit comprising an applicator electrode; a return unit comprising a return electrode; the electrical energy supply unit arranged to apply electrical energy through a transmission circuit comprising the applicator electrode, a plant, and the return electrode, a Faraday enclosure arranged to block electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electrical energy.

Disclosed are methods and devices that are useful for limiting plant growth using microwaves without the use of chemical agents such as herbicides and, in some embodiments, are thereby useful for weed control. Disclosed are also methods and devices that are useful for injuring and/or killing arthropods using microwaves without the use of chemical agents such as pesticides and, in some embodiments, are thereby useful for the control of arthropod infestation.

A ground utility robot and implement attachment apparatus having a ground utility robot, at least one implement, at least one solar panel, at least one battery that is chargeable by the at least one solar panel, a power take-off system that is connected to the ground utility robot and to the at least one implement; where the battery powers said ground utility robot and the implement; a safety system that has a computer, a safety program that utilizes a processing logic on the computer, where the safety program initiates precautionary measures that are carried out by the ground utility robot and the power take-off system if an object comes within a predefined distance from the ground utility robot and implement attachment apparatus.

A device for minimizing the risk of fire in weed control applications, provides that arcs are detected by analyzing characteristic partial discharge or current and voltage values, which are prevented by round, channel-less geometries, the use of a depth electrode or the use of high ground contact pressures, which are extinguished by extinguishing mats or liquid spraying on the treated and/or surrounding surface before, during or after the high voltage treatment.

A system may include an imaging device to obtain image data from a field of view outside of a vehicle. A controller may analyze the image data and identify one or more vegetation features of a target vegetation within the field of view. The vegetation features may be a type, a quantity, a distance, and/or a size of vegetation. A directed energy system may direct one or more directed energy beams toward the target vegetation responsive to the controller identifying the one or more vegetation features. A method may include analyzing image data from a field of view adjacent to a vehicle and determining one or more vegetation features of target vegetation within the field of view to be removed. The method may include directing a directed energy beam(s) onto the target vegetation. The directed energy beam(s) may be controlled based in part on the one or more vegetation features.

An apparatus and a method for increasing the movement speed of the rail vehicle while carrying out measures for controlling weeds on track systems. A rail vehicle equipped with an apparatus for increasing the movement speed of the rail vehicle while carrying out measures for controlling weeds on track systems.

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