Abstract: The present invention is a light-weight, single handle post hole digger. The single handle of the post hole digger is generally comprised of an outer elongated vertical handle and an inner elongated vertical shaft located substantially within the outer handle. The post hole digger of the present invention has two blade members used to cut into the ground and to loosen soil when in an open configuration and then used to capture and remove soil when in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, a first stationary blade member is permanently attached to the inner elongated vertical shaft by an adjustable pin or bolt and a second movable blade member is connected to the outer elongated handle via a connection rod.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle has an implement connection hitch including means for controllably moving the same relative to a rear axle of the vehicle under the direction of a vehicle control system. Under user control from a cab of the vehicle, the hitch is moved rearward from the vehicle until it reaches a first position at a chosen distance from the rear axle. Following the attachment of a known implement to the hitch, the control system retracts the hitch and implement toward the rear axle to a second position at a distance from the rear axle determined in the control system optionally at least partly on the basis of the identity of the implement. The identity of the implement may be input by the user or determined via an ISOBUS connection.

Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism for a three point hitch includes a hitch frame attached to a frame of a vehicle. The hitch frame includes left and right link supports for coupling to left and right draft links and left and right draft bars. Each draft bar has a first portion attached to a corresponding one of the link supports, and a second portion positioned rearwardly and inwardly with respect to its first portion. Draft forces applied by the draft links to the link supports are transmitted to the second portions of the draft bars. A linkage unit sums the draft forces from the draft bars and includes a draft force transducer which generates a draft force signal in response to deflection of the draft bars.

Abstract: A front guard for a string trimmer is an apparatus that is used to prevent a user from cutting unwanted objects with the string trimmer. The apparatus includes a pliable rod and a flexible guard. The flexible guard is mounted about the spool and line assembly for the string trimmer opposite of its rear guard so that the flexible guard comes into contact with an unwanted object before the wire of the string trimmer comes into contact with the unwanted object. The pliable rod is used to mount the flexible guard to the main shaft of the string trimmer and allows the flexible guard to be moved from its original position.

Abstract: A feed beater (114) for a single-rotor, axial-flow combine (100) that comprises a cylinder (200) having a first end portion and a second end portion; first blades (202) fixed to the first end portion of the cylinder (200) and disposed at a first angle (alpha) with respect to a rotational axis (300) of the cylinder (200); second blades (204) fixed to the second end portion of the cylinder (200) and disposed at a second angle (beta) with respect to the rotational axis (300) of the cylinder (200); the first blades (202) spiral in a first direction over a first longitudinal extent of the cylinder (200); and the second blades (204) spiral in a second direction over a second longitudinal extent of the cylinder (200), wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction, and further wherein the first longitudinal extent is greater than the second longitudinal extent.

Abstract: A leaf screen cleaner system to remove crop material such as leaves and stalks from one or more leaf screens of a combine harvester, the system including a slotted carriage movable in opposing directions, a screen having plural members, each of the plural members disposed in a respective slot of the carriage. A pulley assembly is coupled to the carriage and a feeder house is coupled to the pulley assembly. Based on pivotal motion of the feeder house, the carriage moves relative to the screen along the plural members.

Abstract: A mobile picking platform system includes a mobile picking platform having a mobile carriage with a superstructure supporting multiple adjustable picking stations. A storage box carrier on the mobile picking platform has a pick position with storage boxes held at optimum heights for access by pickers on the picking stations, an unload position in which full storage boxes are unloaded onto a ground surface, and a load position for receiving empty storage boxes. A storage unit carries empty storage boxes and facilitates transfer of storage boxes to the mobile picking platform. A shuttle trailer may also be included in the system to transfer empty storage boxes to the mobile picking platform and storage unit. The shuttle trailer has a down positon in which full storage boxes may be picked up from a ground surface, and an up position for transferring storage boxes to the storage unit or mobile picking platform.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a device for selectively harvesting crops on a plant. The device can include a picking apparatus. The picking apparatus can be rotatable around a central axis. The picking apparatus can include a plurality of grippers each spaced apart and extending radially from the central axis, and each configured to pick a different individual one of the crops. Each of the plurality of grippers can be adjustable between an open position and a closed position. Each of the plurality of grippers can be configured in the open position to open around the individual crop. Each of the plurality of grippers can be configured in the closed position to securely hold the individual crop when the picking apparatus is rotated around the central axis. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Sugarcane harvesting machine has an inclined conveyor which conveys sugarcane sections from the harvesting machine into a collection car and has at least two traction mechanisms which extend parallel to one another and have continuous carriers, and which circulate over upper drive wheels, and lower deflection wheels carried along and situated in the feed area of the sugarcane sections. Thus, inclined conveyor has a long, low maintenance service life and sugarcane harvesting machine operates quietly and energy-efficiently with a high cleaning effect. The continuous traction mechanisms are belts of fabric layer-reinforced crosslinked polymer, and cams situated at a distance from one another are situated on bottom side of the belts for forcible drive by the drive wheels. Belts are connected by transverse rods which as a whole form a screening floor and support floor, and deflection wheels which are carried along are configured as single wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle 10 includes a prime mover engine 15, a drive wheel 16, and a hydrostatic transmission 20. The prime mover engine 15 has a substantially vertical prime mover output shaft 18. The hydrostatic transmission 20 has a hydraulic pump 24 with a substantially vertical pump input shaft 28. A drive link 31 drivingly connects the pump input shaft 28 to the prime mover output shaft 18, The hydraulic motor 25 has a substantially vertical output shaft 30. An interface connector 32 establishes fluid pressure communication between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor. A gear set is intermediate the hydrostatic transmission 20 and drive wheel 16. The gear set includes a vertically disposed bevel gear 41 drivingly connected to the motor output shaft 30 and a horizontally disposed bevel gear 42 drivingly connected to the drive wheel 16.

Abstract: An agricultural square baler comprising a baling chamber, for compressing crop by a plunger, and a plunger drive connected to the plunger provided to drive the plunger. At least one connecting rod longitudinally delimited by a first and a second end is provided to transfer the rotational movement of the plunger drive into the linear reciprocal movement of the plunger. Each of the ends of the connecting rod having a first surface. An attachment connects a constraining element with the connecting rod at an attachment location away from the first surface of the connecting rod.

Abstract: The water-deficit stress of plants or crops is managed using plant temperatures to maximize product quality. The temperature of the target plant is repeatedly measured over a period of interest, and after each measurement, the plant temperature is compared with a predetermined plant setpoint temperature associated with a desired water-deficit stress level, above which temperature the plant is deemed to be in an undesired metabolic state. If the measured plant temperature is greater than the setpoint temperature, and humidity is not restrictive to plant cooling, then irrigation can be triggered to retain the plant within the desired stressed level, as determined by the temperature of the plant. By this method, irrigation can be withheld to increase plant temperature or applied to reduce plant temperature. The temperature of the plant is thus continuously increased and decreased relative to a desired temperature value that is indicative of a desired water-deficit stress.

Abstract: Provided is a reflective article including a first reflecting material and a second retro reflecting material; where sunlight that is photosynthetically active is at least partially reflected by the article and sunlight that is not photosynthetically active is at least partially retro reflected by the article. Also provided is a method for growing a plant, where the method includes placing the reflective article under, around, or in the proximity of the plant.

Abstract: A self-contained container gardening system that utilizes a continuous tubular structure raised on stringer supports that provide a spiral configuration. Ports within the tubular sections allow for planting along the length of the tubular structure. A porous hose within the system provides water and other nutrients, while port covers inhibit rain, insects, pests, disease, and other undesirables from gaining access to the soil and plant roots. A reservoir tank attached to the system allows water to be stored and released as needed and gravity-fed into the porous hose. The entire system can be wheeled to any desired location without concern for water or electrical access. A protective cover supported by one or more uprights can provide additional protection to plants.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved modular aquaponics system for growing plants and fish together in a closed system whereby fish tank waste water is utilized by the plants as a source of fertilizer, thereby clarifying the water before returning it to the fish tank. The improvements comprise an improved plant grow tray, a prefabricated, “snap-together” grow tray system, an energy-efficient calibrated air displacement pump and a fish waste water clarifier having a baffle.

Abstract: Containerized plant growing solution systems are disclosed. Methods of making and using containerized plant growing solution systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a plant cradle including a main body including a first and second end. Some embodiments include a segmented main body and at least one portion pivotable with respect to another. In some embodiments, the plant cradle includes an outer surface extending from the first to the second end and which includes a ridge adjacent a first surface. The plant cradle also includes an aperture extending at least partially through the main body from the first end towards the second end. Further, in some embodiments, the plant cradle includes a hinge section coupled to the at least two portions. The hinge section is configured to enable at least two portions to be pivoted with respect to each other about the hinge section. In some embodiments, the main body can be a polymer, a foamed polymer, a polymer fiber, polymer mesh, polymer weave, or polymer mat.

Abstract: Provided is an adaptive greenhouse control method that can control a greenhouse to provide an optimized environment by automatically and daily adapting to an external environment and a type of the greenhouse.

Abstract: A greenhouse and a method for cooling a greenhouse are disclosed. The greenhouse has side walls providing a structural frame and which define an enclosed growing area. The greenhouse also has a roof which extends from the structural frame, and which has multiple roof sections extending inwardly over the growing area. A first roof section covers a first portion of the growing area and terminates in a first remote edge which is spaced inwardly from the structural frame. A second and subsequent roof sections covers the growing area and terminates in a second remote edge which overlaps the first remote edge, thus defining a vertical gap between the adjacent roof sections through which air can circulate. The greenhouse also has a cooling system mounted to a roof section which has nozzles for spraying water vapour into the circulating air, thus cooling the air.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for simultaneously irrigating a plurality of plant containers. The system implements a method which includes providing a plurality of dispensers including a separate dispenser for each of the plurality of plant containers, each dispenser having a known fluid volume capacity; filling each of the plurality of dispensers with a measured volume of fluid; locating the plurality of plant containers below the plurality of dispensers; and dispensing the measured volume of fluid from the plurality of dispensers into corresponding plant containers simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention is based on a cutting device for a comminution rotor, in particular for comminuting wood and/or soil, with at least one cutter holder. To the purpose of providing a comminution rotor with advantageously low operation costs, it is proposed that the cutter holder comprises at least one groove which is provided to at least partially receive a basis element of the comminution rotor and which has at least one longitudinal center line with at least two partial lengths that are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: A saw attachment for a vehicle. The saw attachment includes a wedge-shaped saw blade with teeth extending along sides of the saw blade. The saw attachment also includes a guard secured to the saw blade and extending in a non-coplanar direction from the saw blade. The saw attachment further includes a mounting assembly comprising a longitudinally-extending frame having first and second ends, with the first end pivotably secured to the saw blade, and a mounting plate pivotably secured to the second end of the frame, such that the mounting plate is operable to be removably secured to the vehicle. The saw attachment further includes an adjustable linkage connected to the mounting assembly and the guard, with the adjustable linkage being operable to selectively extend or retract so as to allow the saw blade to decline and incline, respectively.

Abstract: A modular integrated plant system having has a liquid receiver (2) with a dosing element (3) comprising two holes, respectively, one for the passage of an air feeding tube (5) to the receiver (2) and another (6) for discharge of liquid from the receiver (2) under the action of gravity. A watertight platform (4) contains liquid from the receiver. Water flows from the receiver (2) due to a difference in height between the feeding tube (5) and the discharge tube (6), only if the water level in platform (4) is lower than the length of tube (5). An absorbing cloth is at the bottom of the component (4). A drainage means (9) removes the excess water from the platform (4), and aerating means (10) for the platform (4) has of holes positioned above the water line.

Abstract: An assembly for arranging plants vertically, with a built-in watering system, applicable to plants contained in plant pots, consisting of a framework with individual supports for plant pots, a water container provided with a trickier in the upper part, a support with a drainage collector in the lower part, and plant pots, used to carry water to the upper container where it passes through the trickier and falls to an inverted relief in the body of the plant pot just below. From there, it is guided to an inner cavity which finally allows the water to enter the plant pot. The excess water is ejected via a drainage opening with a conduit used as an extension and falls to the inverted relief of the plant pot directly beneath, in order to then repeat the process in the other plant pots.

Abstract: A hydroponic pot for supporting vegetation therein has a neck forming an opening. A cage extends from the neck. A lip extends from the neck, and curved along the neck.

Abstract: Procedure and modular structure for continuously growing an aeroponic crop, including the following phases: preparation of the seeding area, positioning on the line and germination; transfer and positioning on production bars; distribution by level and row, vegetative growth and maturing; irrigation and inspection; guiding, transport of production bars and harvesting; and cleaning and preparation of production bars and seed trays. These phases initially take place on the bottom floor and during maturing on one or more successive floors of a modular structure above the ground or beneath it.

Abstract: A system for growing plants without soil uses removable V-shaped baskets to support plants in a tiered, self-contained unit. Nutrient enriched water is sprayed on the plant roots. The roots are held by perforations in the elongated V-shaped basket and a plant blanket. The unit is multilevel and can be set over an aquarium. The growing shelf can have a worm bag in order to add natural nutrients. Baskets can be comprised of a pair of identical halves that can be readily mutually coupled. Coupling mechanisms can include those that snap together and those providing for a pivoting coupling.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a useful carbon-enriched media in a reactor which will assimilate carbon into an algae biomass, requires measuring a respective carbon concentration of the media, C(measured), as it enters, and as it leaves the reactor. Operationally, desired carbon concentration values are preset, C(set), and are provided along with values obtained for C(measured) as input to a system controller. Respective differentials between C(measured) and C(set) at the reactor's input and output ports are determined by the controller and are used to control a volumetric fluid flow rate of the media through the reactor. Specifically, the controller establishes a volumetric fluid flow rate of the media as it is passed through an absorber where the media is carbon-enriched by interaction with combustion gases from an external source (e.g. a power plant).

Abstract: A maize plant exhibiting additional leaves above the ear (LAE) architecture. The architecture is controlled by a genetic determinant, which shows a non dominant inheritance. The maize plant is an inbred and hybrid variant with an enhanced yield. Also disclosed are methods for developing and producing the inbred and hybrid maize plant with an enhanced yield.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a number of sequences involved in the transport of alkaloids from the root to the leaf in tobacco, methods of using such sequences, tobacco plants carrying modifications to such sequences, and tobacco products made from such plants.

Abstract: A safety valve device for a milking installation for milking milk-producing animals having a first valve with a first port and with a first port connector, a second valve with a second port and with a second port connector, a third valve with a third port and a third port connector, a drive, a common actuator, and at least one valve spring, and arranged so that the first port connector of the first valve is in fluid communication with the second port connector of the second valve, and the safety valve device can be moved between a first switching position, in which the first valve and the second valve are closed in order to block the first port and the second port and the third valve, is open a transition position, in which the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are closed, and a second switching position, in which the first valve and the second valve are open to connect the first port to the second port and the third valve is closed to block the third port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conduit for transferring milk. The conduit is provided with at least one flexible wall, which divides the conduit into at least one milk duct and at least one secondary duct. The milk duct and the at least one secondary duct extend along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, it being possible for the at least one milk duct to be substantially emptied by pressing through filling the at least one secondary duct.

Abstract: A homogenizer valve includes two or more pressurized, movable valve cones, two or more valve seats and a valve housing which surrounds the valve cones and the valve seats. The valve cones and the valve seats are disposed so that throttles occur between them, which constitute homogenization gaps, which have a gap height h. The homogenization gaps are disposed at an angle in relation to the horizontal plane. The homogenizer valve is intended to be used in existing homogenizers and has been particularly produced to be able to obtain an efficient homogenization for liquids which are processed at a lower pressure and with a greater flow, such as, for example, pasteurized milk.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a self-cleaning litter box. The self-cleaning litter box includes a litter tray having a bottom surface, a first and second side wall, a home end, and a waste end, the bottom surface having an upwardly sloping ramp directed towards the discharge end, A carriage assembly is supported between the first and second side walls, and has a rake positioned thereon. A drive assembly is removably attached to the home end of the litter tray. The drive assembly is operably connected to the carriage assembly to drive the carriage assembly along a path between the home end and discharge end of the litter tray. A waste receptacle positioned adjacent to the discharge end of the litter tray, the waste receptacle includes a selectively openable lid. The drive assembly includes all of the electronics of the litter box. This permits the litter tray to be separated from the drive assembly, and cleaned without damaging the electronics in the drive assembly.

Abstract: The Flip n Go is a self-contained litter box comprising an attachable filtering mechanism for use in collecting waste matter from within the box thereby providing consumers with a simple and sanitary means of disposing pet waste either in a reusable plastic or a disposable/recyclable cardboard version.

Abstract: A device for connecting to a window comprising a unitary support member configured for secure engagement with an interior portion of a door and a cushioning member removably attached to the support member.

Abstract: A tether system for restraining and/or training a domestic animal includes a vertical member having an uppermost end adapted to receive a swivel arm assembly. The swivel arm assembly includes a rigid extension arm, a rotatable swivel attached to one end of the extension arm at the vertical member, and a clevis movably attached to the other end of the extension arm. The tether system further includes a suitable length of a tether having a first end attached to the clevis and a second end configured for attachment to a collar, harness, yoke or the like, provided on the animal. The vertical member is suitably secured within the ground in a generally vertical orientation and the swivel of the swivel arm assembly is configured to rotate freely about a vertical axis defined by the vertical member such that the extension arm likewise rotates freely about the vertical axis.

Abstract: An animal containment system is described that comprises a transmitter unit and a receiver, the transmitter unit comprising a transmitter coil and signal generator. The signal generator transmits a modulated activation signal through the coil and generates a uniform magnetic field within a region around the coil. A receiver travels through a portion of the uniform magnetic field and uses information of periodically emphasized positively directed portions of the signal to detect a first polarity of the magnetic field in a first detection area and a second reversed polarity of the magnetic field in the second detection area. A detected reversal of polarity indicates a boundary crossing event including the receiver transitioning across the boundary.

Abstract: An example collar includes a strap, a removable buckle slidable along the strap, and at least one removable leash attachment. The leash attachment includes a strap-receiving portion with a thickness approximately equal to a thickness of the strap such that the strap is receivable in the strap-receiving portion in a biased fit and the leash attachment is fixable at a location along the strap. Another example collar and a method of assembling a collar are also disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiment is a compact electro-mechanical device to deter pests from accessing bird feeders. The device is placed above or below a bird feeder to deter pests by application of an electrical shock. The deterrent charge is non-injurious, and the physical discomfort ends when the pest departs from the device. Activation of the charge is automatic and immediate when a pest upsets the level rest position of the device, requiring neither human input for activation nor battery-consuming continuous electronic sensing in the device. Activation is omni-directional, protecting the bird feeder from pests approaching from any direction. The device is designed for installation directly between a feeder and its mount, permitting its use on any suspended or pole-mounted bird feeder with no modification to the feeder or to the device.

Abstract: To generate an animal model exhibiting symptoms similar to those of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or human frontotemporal lobar degeneration. An animal model exhibiting symptoms similar to those of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or human frontotemporal lobar degeneration can be produced by means of generating a mutation in a vertebrate so that expression of a mutant protein with a substitution of tyrosine for alanine at a position corresponding to position 382 of SEQ ID NO. 1 or a mutant protein with a substitution of cysteine for glycine at a position corresponding to position 348 of SEQ ID NO. 1 is regulated by an endogenous TDP-43 gene promoter in at least one allele of an endogenous TDP-43 gene of the vertebrate.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice are provided that express human ? variable (hV?) sequences, including mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, and mice that express hV? sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hV? sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human ? variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human ? variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice are provided that express human ? variable (hV?) sequences, including mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, and mice that express hV? sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hV? sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human ? variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human ? variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.

Abstract: A method of producing at least one specific pathogen free (SPF) non-human animal and/or a method of producing at least one specific pathogen resistant (SPR) non-human animal, the method comprising administration of a fusion protein to the surviving animal wherein the fusion protein comprises at least one polypeptide B which is a Type 1 Ribosome Inactivating Protein (RIP) or fragment thereof; and (i) at least one polypeptide A which is an Antimicrobial peptide; and/or (ii) at least one polypeptide C which is a Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide (CAP) or fragment thereof.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprises a hydrogel material and at least one water soluble attractant. The fishing lure can be a single hydrogel component or can have a core-shell structure having one or more shells on a core, where the shells and core differ by repeating unit composition and/or by the cross-linking density of the shell and core material, wherein the core is more highly cross-linked than the shells. The hydrogel can be cross-linked ionically, covalently, or physically by phase separation of a block copolymer. The fishing lure displays a loss of attractant during use, but the lure can be reloaded by submerging the lure in a solution of or in neat liquid attractant. When the fishing lure has a core-shell structure, an additional attractant that has low water-solubility, such as a lipid or oil, can be infused into the lure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing line spool assembly including an open body frame, wherein a fishing line spool is mounted between two side plates of the body frame at an open end, has a central bore, and is rotatably sandwiched between the two side plates by a clamping adjustable device inserted through the central bore of the fishing line spool and bores of the two side plates. The body frame is provided with a connection device for connecting to a fishing rod. With the present invention, the clamping force applied on the fishing line spool by the two side plates can by adjusted by the clamping adjustable device. When the fishing line in the fishing line spool is drawn by a fishing reel, the clamping force on the fishing line spool by the body frame will function as a brake against the rotation of the fishing line spool.

Abstract: A fishing reel employs a driving mechanism having a cooperative pinion gear and a face gear. The face gear has a tooth form with a cross-section wherein the cross-section of the inner pitch portion is less than the cross-section of an outer pitch portion. The pinion gear effectively engages the inner pitch portion less than an outer pitch portion to provide a more uniform distribution of torque and to improve the wearing rate of the gear mechanism.

Abstract: A fishing float with an improved line arrestor to releasably clamp the fishing float to the fishing line. The line arrestor includes a lock clamp and a slip clamp so that the line may be secured to the fishing line at a desired position, or alternatively may be secured to the fishing line yet allow the fishing float to slip along the line. The fishing float may include a light to allow for night fishing and to attract fish.

Abstract: A trap for collecting flying insects, said trap comprising: a housing; a means within the housing for forcing air movement, a means for containing an attractant; and a means for collecting insects, said means for collecting insects further comprising means for preventing insects from exiting said means for collecting insects.

Abstract: A combination insect trap and furniture moving apparatus, said apparatus comprising: an exterior wall, said exterior wall having an angled leading side, an upper plateau, and a vertical trailing side; an interior wall, said interior wall having a vertical leading side, an upper plateau, and an vertical trailing side; a channel, said channel disposed between said vertical trailing side of said exterior wall and said vertical leading side of said interior wall; said exterior wall further comprises a height relative to said channel; said interior wall further comprises a height relative to said channel; and said height of said interior wall is greater than said height of said exterior wall.