A computer-implemented method including querying, from data sources including a data historian associated with performance of an automated environment controlled by one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), data for the automated environment controlled by the one or more PLCs. The method also can include validating and error-correcting the data, and generating multiple potential solution sets based on the data and multiple machine-learning models. The method additionally can include assessing the multiple potential solution sets to select one or more solution sets. The method further can include outputting at least one solution set of the one or more solution sets to cause (i) set points and process inputs of the one or more PLCs to be automatically updated based at least in part on the at least one solution set, and (ii) physical devices of the automated environment controlled by the one or more PLCs to alter behavior of the automated environment. Other embodiments are described.
A computer-implemented method including querying, from data sources including a data historian associated with performance of an automated environment controlled by one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), data for the automated environment controlled by the one or more PLCs. The method also can include validating and error-correcting the data, and generating multiple potential solution sets based on the data and multiple machine-learning models. The method additionally can include assessing the multiple potential solution sets to select one or more solution sets. The method further can include outputting at least one solution set of the one or more solution sets to cause (i) set points and process inputs of the one or more PLCs to be automatically updated based at least in part on the at least one solution set, and (ii) physical devices of the automated environment controlled by the one or more PLCs to alter behavior of the automated environment. Other embodiments are described.
A seeding device for depositing seeds in a soil material, comprising: (i) a frame detachably mounted to a support structure of a moveable gantry, (ii) a plurality of discs rotatably mounted about a shaft of the frame and configured to be vertically lowered into the soil at a predefined depth relative to the ground plane, and, (iii) a seed deposition system mounted to the frame configured to dispense seeds into a plurality of seeding tubes. Each seeding tube is aligned with, and disposed downstream from, a respective one of the plurality of discs such that as the frame traverses over the soil by displacement of flue moveable gantry, grooves are produced in the soil by the plurality of discs, and seeds are deposited into each groove by the seeding tubes of the seed deposition system.
A soil beating apparatus comprising: (i) a frame configured to he detachably mounted to a support structure of a moveable gantry., (ii) an exhaust hood disposed in combination with the frame and having a shield directing heat downwardly toward a soil material to be heat treated, (iii) a plurality of plates each an end portion projecting downwardly from the exhaust hood toward the soil material and configured to be lowered into the soil material by the frame at a predefined depth relative to the ground plane of the soil material, and (iv) a burner disposed in combination with the exhaust hood and in fluid communication with a first supply of fuel and oxidizer, the burner configured to combust the first supply of fuel and oxidizer to beat each of the plates. The plurality of plates are oriented along a direction of motion of the moveable gantry to transfer heat into the soil material at the predefined depth to thermally heat-treat the soil material.
The present invention is directed to a self-locking non-backdrivable gear system. The gear system may comprise a primary motor input and gear box. The primary motor input is for rotation of the gearbox about the axis of a drive shaft. The gearbox may comprise an input ring gear, one or more locking gears, fixed gear, and output gear. In operation, rotation of the primary motor input causes rotation of the ring gear which causes rotation of the locking gear which causes rotation of the output gear which causes rotation of the drive shaft. However, in the absence of rotation of the ring gear, a rotational force applied to the output gear causes the gear teeth on the fixed and output gears to lock the gear in place.
A seeding device for depositing seeds in a soil material, comprising: (i) a frame detachably mounted to a support structure of a moveable gantry, (ii) a plurality of discs rotatably mounted about a shaft of the frame and configured to be vertically lowered into the soil at a predefined depth relative to the ground plane, and, (iii) a seed deposition system mounted to the frame configured to dispense seeds into a plurality of seeding tubes. Each seeding tube is aligned with, and disposed downstream from, a respective one of the plurality of discs such that as the frame traverses over the soil by displacement of the moveable gantry, grooves are produced in the soil by the plurality of discs, and seeds are deposited into each groove by the seeding tubes of the seed deposition system.
A soil heating apparatus comprising: (i) a frame configured to be detachably mounted to a support structure of a moveable gantry, (ii) an exhaust hood disposed in combination with the frame and having a shield directing heat downwardly toward a soil material to be heat treated, (iii) a plurality of plates each an end portion projecting downwardly from the exhaust hood toward the soil material and configured to be lowered into the soil material by the frame at a predefined depth relative to the ground plane of the soil material, and (iv) a burner disposed in combination with the exhaust hood and in fluid communication with a first supply of fuel and oxidizer, the burner configured to combust the first supply of fuel and oxidizer to heat each of the plates. The plurality of plates are oriented along a direction of motion of the moveable gantry to transfer heat into the soil material at the predefined depth to thermally heat-treat the soil material.
A01M 17/00 - Apparatus for the destruction of vermin in soil or in foodstuffs
A01M 21/04 - Apparatus for destruction by steam, chemicals, burning, or electricity
A01B 59/06 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines mounted on tractors
A01B 51/02 - Undercarriages specially adapted for mounting-on various kinds of agricultural tools or apparatus propelled by a motor
A robotic gantry (10) for conducting farming operations. The robotic gantry has a bridge (12) which is moved by propulsion mechanisms (14), one or more farming implements (16), a controller (38), and one or more devices (28, 30) to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of crop rows (40). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (20) and, optionally, to a liquid supply system (22), which may be implemented as festoon systems. The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the farming implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by height adjustment frames (18) to accommodate crops of different heights and at different times during a growing season.
A robotic gantry (10) for conducting farming operations. The robotic gantry has a bridge (12) which is moved by propulsion mechanisms (14), one or more farming implements (16), a controller (38), and one or more devices (28, 30) to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of crop rows (40). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (20) and, optionally, to a liquid supply system (22), which may be implemented as festoon systems. The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the farming implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by height adjustment frames (18) to accommodate crops of different heights and at different times during a growing season.
