Vol. 87, No. 1
Abstract
Development of Drainpipe Retractable Implement with Farm Tractor for New Outlet (Part 1)
──Outline of Implement and Shape of Retractable Head──
[Keywords: outlet, corrugated drainpipe, retractor, tractor implement, farm tractor]
We developed a drainpipe retractable implement capable of constructing new outlets using only a tractor. This implement consists of an attachment to tractor, an extended arm, a vertical blade, a retractable head, and a reel unit. The adaptability to various types of levees and the shape of the retractable head that can retract drainpipes with inner diameters of 50-150 mm were examined. We found that the shape of the implement should be suitable for retracting drainpipe 200-400 mm below the ground surface from the outside of the levee. Additionally, the sloping plate of the retractable head should be set at a 45° angle, and its width should be 60-80 % of the outer diameter of the retractable head.
Development of Drainpipe Retractable Implement with Farm Tractor for New Outlet (Part 2)
──Adaptability of Implement in Outlet Construction──
[Keywords: outlet, corrugated drainpipe, retractor, tractor implement, farm tractor]
We investigated the possibility of retracting drainpipes with inner diameters of 50-150 mm over the levees without open ditches using a drainpipe retractable implement with an outlet specification and a semi-crawler tractor of ≥47.8 kW. The results revealed that the drainpipe could be retracted at a depth of 200-400 mm below the ground surface and separated from the retractable head. Additionally, when retracting drainpipes with an inner diameter of 100 mm at a depth of 300 mm below the surface, a retracting speed of 0.20-0.60 m/s was achievable, and connection to open ditches was feasible. This study confirmed that the outlet could be constructed using only a tractor and this implement.
Investigation of the Relationship between Fluorescence Images and Weight Loss Rate in Cherry Tomatoes during Storage
[Keywords: cherry tomato, fluorescence, imaging, excitation emission matrix, monitoring]