Abstract: An implement coupling arrangement, typically for use with a lawn care vehicle (1), comprising a first part arranged to be coupled to a vehicle (1) and a second part arranged to be selectively mounted on the first part, in which the first part comprises a support arm (5) configured to support the second part, a mounting (6) for moveably mounting the support arm (5) relative to the vehicle (1), and a biasing member (7) arranged so as to bias the support arm (5) upwards relative to the vehicle (1), in which the second part comprises an implement (9) and a mounting assembly (8), the mounting assembly (8) and the support arm (5) being interengageable so as to mount the second part on the first part; and in which the arrangement further comprises a locking mechanism (10), which has a locked state which inhibits movement of the support arm (5) upwards relative to the vehicle (1) beyond a point, and an unlocked state which allows upward movement of the support arm (5) relative to the vehicle (1) beyond the point; in

Abstract: An agricultural discing apparatus having bifold wing assemblies includes a center section and a plurality of winged assemblies attached to the center section. Each of the plurality of winged sections includes an inner wing and an outer wing which folds upon itself when in a retracted position. The outer wing section is supported without the use of a wheel assembly directly under the outer wing and is supported solely by a plurality of block members attached to the inner wing. The plurality of winged sections folds inwardly upon one another when in the retracted position. Finally, a plurality of retractable support wheels attached to the rear of the center section are used for use in distributing the load of the agricultural discing apparatus in transport.

Abstract: A sowing heart control apparatus for controlling a sowing heart with a sowing heart monitoring apparatus having an evaluation unit for determining the occupancy of sowing holes of a rotating seed disk with a seed in operation. The evaluation unit delivers an actual value of the occupancy of one or more sowing holes. The sowing heart control apparatus, depending on a deviation of the actual occupancy value from a predetermined setpoint of the occupancy of one or more sowing holes, controlling actuating elements which influence the occupancy. The invention also relates to a sowing heart and a single seed drill.

Abstract: A ground opener assembly mountable to a tool bar of a seeder for depositing a at least one product into the ground is provided, comprising: a first member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the first member pivotably attached to the tool bar; a second member having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being pivotably attached to the distal end of the first member; a first arm having one end attached at or near the proximal end of the second member and a second arm having one end attached at or near the distal end of the second member, whereby the second member, first arm and second arm operate as a single unit; a first opener attached at or near the proximal end of the second member for forming a furrow into the ground and depositing a first product therein; a second opener attached at or near the distal end of the second member for forming a furrow into the ground and depositing a second product therein; a front gauging device attached to the free end of the first arm a

Abstract: An agricultural particulate delivery system includes a tank operable to contain particulate, a metering structure including a metering element operable to regulate flow of particulate from the tank, and a collector assembly configured to receive particulate from the metering structure. The collector assembly directs particulate into a particulate-transporting line configured to deliver particulate toward an implement. The system also includes a sensor located between the metering element and the particulate-transporting line and that is configured to detect particulate flow from the metering element to the particulate-transporting line.

Abstract: A dispensing system store and selectively dispenses granular products, such as corn, nuts, grain, or animal feed pellets, or for inedibles such as roadway salt, sand, gravel, fertilizer, seeds, or the like. The system includes a main housing with a storage hopper and, typically, at least one other internal area or region for additional components, such as a camera or a cable spool. The storage hopper has a lower dispensing portion and an upper filling portion. A flexible securing member secures the main housing to a tree or other support surface. The securing member is extendable, retractable, and lockable relative to storage hopper by a retractor at the housing, and a distal end is selectively attachable to a receiving portion at the main housing, so that the securing member may be looped around a tree. Optionally, a game camera is mountable in the main housing.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam.

Abstract: A mid-mount mower has a mower unit mounted under a vehicle body between front wheels and rear wheels. The mower includes a lift link mechanism having a front link and a rear link, an intermediate structure interconnecting one end of the front link and one end of the rear link via a pivot axis, a blade housing having an engaged portion engageable with an engaging potion of the intermediate structure and a guide face configured to guide the engaging portion ad the engaged portion to an engaging position so as to establish connection between the blade housing placed on a ground surface and the intermediate structure in association with a movement of the vehicle body in a front/rear direction.

Abstract: A cane harvester including a support member and a basecutter assembly carried by the support member. The basecutter assembly includes a plurality of basecutter units and a control system. The plurality of basecutter units include first and second basecutter units. The first basecutter unit has a first set of blades and the second basecutter has a second set of blades. The first set of blades are rotatable by the first basecutter unit, and the second set of blades are rotatable by the second basecutter unit. The control system is configured to synchronize the first set of blades with the second set of blades.

Abstract: A robotic mower may include a chassis, a cutting motor driving at least one cutting blade, and a height adjustment assembly. The cutting motor may be mounted on a motor bracket. The motor bracket may provide structural support for the cutting motor at an adjustable level relative to the chassis. The height adjustment assembly may include a biasing element, a screw engagement nut, and a height adjustment screw. The screw engagement nut may be operably coupled to the motor bracket to enable adjustment of a height of the motor bracket via rotation of the height adjustment screw. The height adjustment screw may rotate to translate the screw engagement nut vertically along the height adjustment screw based on an engagement of teeth on the screw engagement nut with threads of the height adjustment screw. The teeth of the screw engagement nut may be urged toward the threads of the height adjustment screw via the biasing element.

Abstract: A shock absorption device of a safety plate for a grass mower includes: an upper safety plate support member formed at the upper portion of a safety plate for supporting a blade; and a lower safety plate support member coupled to the upper safety plate support member for supporting the safety plate. Safety plate rotation-restraining means are formed to correspond to each other on an inner periphery of a through hole of the safety plate and an outer periphery of the upper safety plate support member or the lower safety plate support member, and a rotation preventing die is fixed to a handle in order to prevent the rotation of the lower safety plate support member.

Abstract: A device which is suitable for harvesting fruit hanging from a plant at least comprises a mobile frame, which frame at least comprises two opposite, elongated fruit guiding means. First longitudinal sides of the fruit guiding means are positioned lower than opposite second longitudinal sides of the fruit guiding means. The frame further comprises fruit collecting devices adjoining the first longitudinal sides of the fruit guiding means. At least one fruit guiding means is provided with wirelike, flexible elements extending from the first longitudinal side, over which elements the fruit can be guided.

Abstract: A combine harvester is provided that separates grain material from material other than grain using multiple processing areas, including a harvesting area, a feederhouse area, a threshing area, a cleaning area, and a grain delivery area. In a location at or prior to entering one of the processing areas, the material may be collected and held until a collection threshold is reached. Once it is determined that the collection threshold is reached, the material forming a first group of material may be transported from the location to the processing area or a subsequent processing area. The first group of material is transported from the location to the processing area or the subsequent processing area substantially simultaneously and thus simulates the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved. In this way, reduced cycle times may be achieved, and the efficiency benefits of large-plot harvesting may be extended to small-plot applications.

Abstract: A transport system for transport of a harvesting header comprises separate front and rear carriers in a configuration that permits a single person to prepare a harvesting header for transport. The wheeled front carrier engages a support member attached to one end of the harvesting header and includes a towing member and means of connecting the front carrier to a towing vehicle. A wheeled rear carrier comprises deployable straps that can be attached to the harvesting header. A winch applies tension to the straps and on retraction pulls the rear carrier up and into position underneath the header. The harvesting header is then lowered to transfer the weight to the carriers and the header then disconnected from the combine, and is ready for transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a binding machine for agriculture which is used when binding, using a binding tape, a crop to a pole which is previously installed near the crop so as to keep in places the stems or branches of various crops. A steel needle standby groove is formed at an inner side of the steel 5 needle exit of the steel needle supply part loaded with binding steel needles, and when steel needles are extruded, the steel needle is separated from the steel needle group and stands by in the steel needle standby groove, and in the steel needle extrusion plate, a steel needle separation protrusion is formed at a side surface 10 in the direction of the steel needle standby groove, and then the binding steel needle is extruded.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for providing horticulture light (511) to a crop (1), the method comprising sideways illuminating the crop (1) with the horticulture light (511) of a lighting device (500), the lighting device (500) comprising a grid (530) comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (510) and a plurality of through holes (570), wherein one or more of the plurality of LEDs (510) are configured to provide said horticulture light (511).

Abstract: A plant tray for receiving and retaining one or more plant pots includes a plant-receiving tray for use in a high-throughput plant infiltration process used to produce recombinant proteins. The plant tray described has a base retaining tray with an upper surface defining cavities for receiving the plant pots, and a top plate displaceably mounted on the base retaining tray and having apertures, the apertures defining a channel with the corresponding cavities of the bottom tray when aligned. The top plate is displaceable between a locked operative position wherein the apertures and the corresponding cavities are partially misaligned, thereby locking the plant pots in between the top plate and the base retaining tray.

Abstract: Plantsurface structure, comprising one of an array of plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements, wherein the deck is provided with at least a number of the pillar elements have an open top end in said deck, wherein at least a membrane is placed over said deck and is provided with slits or cut-outs or water permeable elements, such that they open into at least some of the open top ends of pillars, wherein a growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in said pillars, the growing medium in said pillars preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on said membrane.

Abstract: Stacked growing containers. The growing containers are stacked so that they are offset to each other in order to expose their corners to optimum light. Each growing container has a locking mechanism to ensure that the growing containers are locked into their correct offset position. Also each growing container has a drainage hole. A drainage container is positioned below the stack of growing containers and receives the excess water from the stack. Piping may be used to remove and redirect the excess water from the drainage container if required. In a preferred embodiment the growing containers are offset by 45 degrees.

Abstract: A tree guard protects trees from deer rutting, power tools, and other animals and rodents. The tree guard wraps around a tree using a spring loaded coil that can expand as the tree grows. The tree guard is formed as a spiral piece of plastic that ensures a proper grip about the tree's bark by its spring loaded features. The tree guard has a tapered design incorporated into the plastic that allows the tree guard to grip any tree trunk, from about ¾ inch to about 4 inches. The tree guard can further include perforations formed therethrough to allow air circulation to the tree. The tree guard can include a repellent scent blended into the plastic product to provide a tree guard that not only prevents animal injury to trees, but that also repels the animals from the trees in the first place.

Abstract: A piece insertion method for a pipe, for example an irrigation pipe, including: ejecting at least one piece, for example a dripper, from an ejection unit, advancing the at least one dripper inside the irrigation pipe by a dripper advancing unit, lifting the dripper towards the inner surface of the irrigation pipe by using a lifting device such that the dripper is parallel or substantially parallel to this inner surface of the irrigation pipe on impact with this inner surface. The method according to the invention allows also coordination between the lifting device, the ejection unit and the dripper advancing unit such that the dripper spacing can be maintained in tight tolerances.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soil moisture sensor for interrupting an irrigation schedule of an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor comprises a relatively flat body with two lower electrodes and two lower anchoring barbs. A receiver receives moisture readings from the sensor and compares moisture data to a predetermined moisture interrupt value or limit, over which irrigation is interrupted.

Abstract: The Rainbed is a freestanding, independent structure that harvests, stores and distributes water to irrigate the integrated garden bed throughout one typical 17 week growing season per year. A Rainbed installation requires a level surface and works best in direct sunlight. A Rainbed is comprised of one or two rainwater collector panels, a storage tank, a hand-operated piston pump, and a raised bed garden box. The Rainbed is engineered to store all the water necessary to provide the irrigation needs of the garden bed over a 17 week growing season. The average annual rainfall in most urban locations on the planet is sufficient for achieving sustainability. The Rainbed is engineered to perform in climates with 13 inches or more of annual rainfall.

Abstract: A system for automatic watering of a plurality of plants using a programmable airborne vehicle (AV). The AV is capable of locating the plants to be watered via various wireless, sonar and pattern-recognition-based means. The AV is programmed with scheduling information such as the amount of water and the frequency of watering for each plant. The optional base unit acts as a refilling and recharging station for the AV.

Abstract: An irrigation system for watering lawns, plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants. The irrigation system includes a plurality of irrigation spikes which clamp onto and puncture into a standard garden hose. The spikes are placed into soil where desired and the garden hose is placed into a clamp opening of the spikes, where a needle pierces the hose. In a preferred embodiment, the hose is deformed by the clamp opening into an oblong shape to improve water flow through the spike. An alternative embodiment includes a remote hose connecting the clamp to the stake portion of the spike, so that the stake can be placed a distance away from the hose for remote irrigation.

Abstract: A prefabricated vertical aquaponic system, including: a first plant pot part; a second plant pot part coupled to the lower portion of the first plant pot part so as to rotate with the first plant pot part; a rotatable rotation part positioned at the lower side of the second plant pot part; a tank part coupled to the lower portion of the rotation part and storing a nutrient solution; and an induction part which is extended from the tank part to the first plant pot part, connects the first plant pot part, the second plant pot part and the rotation part, rotates by the rotation part so as to rotate the first plant pot part and the second plant pot part, and induces the nutrient solution of the tank part to the first plant pot part.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for estimating the breeding value of plants for the purpose of producing doubled haploid, for example, to identify selection candidates having high breeding values.

Abstract: The invention provides containers comprising at least one or at least two seedlings of at least one seedless watermelon variety and at least one seedling of a seeded pollenizer watermelon variety. The present invention further provides methods for producing watermelon fruit, optionally over an extended season, comprising planting together in a container at least one seedling of a seedless watermelon variety and at least one seedling of a seeded pollenizer watermelon variety, wherein the at least one seedling of a seeded pollenizer watermelon variety produces male flowers in sufficient time to pollenize female flowers of the at least one seedling of a seedless watermelon variety.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Cucumis sativus, in particular to a new variety of Cucumis sativus designated NUN 52009 CUP plants, seeds and cucumber fruits thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Cucumis sativus, in particular to a new variety of Cucumis sativus designated NUN 52007 CUP plants, seeds and cucumber fruits thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Cucumis sativus, in particular to a new variety of Cucumis sativus designated NUN 55513 CUP plants, seeds and cucumber fruits thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Cucumis sativus, in particular to a new variety of Cucumis sativus designated NUN 53016 CUP plants, seeds and cucumber fruits thereof.

Abstract: A method that can monitor a milking process is presented and, in particular, a method and apparatus that can effectively determine the stage of the milking process. An additional aspect is to provide a method that may measure a vacuum level associated with the milking process, receive an operational state of a valve associated with the milking process, and compare the vacuum level and valve operational state to criteria to determine the milking stage. Further, the method may be configured to issue an indication of the milking stage or issue an alarm if alarm conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cup holder bracket and a cup holder. The cup holder bracket comprises a hinge that allows the cup holder bracket to pivot between a substantially horizontal position when closed to a substantially vertical position when opened. The cup holder is coupled to the cup holder bracket and comprises a rimmed structure configured to hold an attachment end of a cup when the cup holder bracket is closed.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: Animal litter compositions having a non-agglomerated, organic, coated particle are described herein. Methods of manufacturing such litter compositions are also described.

Abstract: Method and coated lightweight granular absorbent formed of lightweight inner cores made of extruded pellets coated with powdered smectite, preferably bentonite, to form an outer sorbent smectite shell around each pellet producing lightweight sorbent granules where the pellets have sufficient water soluble binder to facilitate shell formation and clumping during sorbent use. When lightweight sorbent granules are wetted, clumps are formed that shrink during drying producing a clean, generally non-sticking clump having a high clump retention rate of at least 92% and/or a crush strength of at least 15 PSI. In a preferred method, the pellets are dried coated with dry powdered smectite before wetting using an atomizer or mister while turbulently directing air towards the pellets and powdered smectite to coat the pellets with the powdered smectite forming the outer sorbent shell while minimizing pellet shrinkage and densification. Such lightweight granular sorbent is well suited for use as litter.

Abstract: To provide animal toilet sand that can prevent an aggregate from growing depth-wise upon absorption of liquid such as urine, and can suppress scattering. An animal toilet sand composed of a plurality of particulates mainly composed of bentonite, wherein: the particulates include smaller diameter particulates of at least 0.8 mm and no greater than 2 mm in grain size, and larger diameter particulates of at least 2 mm and no greater than 10 mm in grain size; and the particulates include the smaller diameter particulates in a range of at least 20% and no greater than 100% of the larger diameter particulates in ratio by weight. In addition, it is preferable that the proportion of the smaller diameter particulates and the larger diameter particulates with respect to the animal toilet sand is at least 90% in ratio by weight.

Abstract: Extruded granular sorbent formed of sorbent granules each being or including an extruded pellet containing water soluble binder sufficient to self-clump when wetted producing clumps of granules each having a clump retention rate of at least 90% and which shrink after clump formation during drying producing a nonstick clump that condenses pulling away from any contacting solid surface minimizing adhesion therebetween. Such clumps preferably also have a crush strength of at least 15 PSI when dry. Pellets preferably contain cold water-soluble amylopectin binder that not only solubilizes when wetted to facilitate clumping but which also opens the interior of the pellet improving absorption capacity. Sorbent well suited for use as litter is formed of granules or pellets having sizes falling within a plurality of different size ranges with the smaller sized fines causing the clumps to form on top of the litter extending generally horizontally along the litter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for delivering drugs or sending or receiving information to or from a lab test animal over a long period of time without having the cords attached to the animal tangle as it moves around in its enclosure.

Abstract: A milking parlour and a method includes a rotary platform, plurality of milking stalls arranged on the rotary platform, a common milk line conducting milk from several milking stalls to a common milk tank, a local milk receiver for each milking stall and a valve member controlling the milk flow from the local milk receiver to the common milk line. The valve members are controlled such that all milk of acceptable quality from the local milk receiver is discharged, via the common milk line, to the common milk tank before milk of unacceptable quality is discharged from the local milk receivers to the common milk line during a milking period in the milking parlour between two following washing processes of the common milk line.

Abstract: An animal feeding system is provided. The feeding system includes a container that holds dry pet food, and a receptacle that gravitationally receives the pet food. The system also provides a conveyor system. The conveyor system moves the dry pet food from the receptacle and to a feeding bowl. Additionally, the animal feeding system includes a micro-processor. The micro-processor is configured to deliver start and stop signals to a motor in response to wireless signals sent from a control unit. The animal feeding system additionally comprises the control unit. The control unit offers a user interface for programming the system according to a desired feeding schedule. A method for feeding an animal using the feeding system is also provided herein.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus is provided for supplying feed to a trough. The feeding apparatus includes a plurality of feed dispensers having respective outlets. The feeding apparatus further includes a slide, the slide being positioned below the outlets to receive feed falling from the outlets and guide the feed towards the trough. The slide includes a plurality of impact detectors located below the respective outlets to detect impact of feed on the slide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pet chew products and methods for making them. The methods include sewing together strips of material obtained from a bovine or from other animals to form an outline of a desired shape; interweaving additional strips of rawhide, animal penis or both under and on top of the strips forming an outline to form a pet chew product of desired shape and size; and drying the pet chew product to the desired moisture content.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of an animal using multiple sensors is described. The wearable device may include one or more sensors whose resultant signal levels may be analyzed in the wearable device or uploaded to a data management server for additional analysis. One or more embodiments include variations of the UWB system to accommodate differences in animals.

Abstract: The invention of a production device for queen bee and royal jelly comprises; a spawn-incubating unit 20 including spawn-incubating plates 21, 22, worker bee inlets 23 and a queen bee inlet 24 on the plates 21, 22, spawning holes 25 formed on a side of the inlets 23, 24 in which the queen bee can spawn, and feed chambers 32 formed as separate chambers at a side of the inner space 28 and communicating with the inner space 28 or formed on the inner side of the plates 21, 22 as a plurality of recesses, in which feeds such as pollen, water and sugar solution are supplied; a plurality of larva cell pieces 41 or a larva cell strip 40; and a production unit 50 which includes a plurality of queen houses 60 or a queen house strip 52.

Abstract: Device for dispensing food to fish in aquariums, composed of a casing inside which there are areas successively in communication with one another vertically, since inside the casing there is a series of shelves attached alternately to two of the opposing side faces of the actual casing, thereby forming a series of cascades that causes the water and therefore the food to run from one shelf to the next. The dispensing device is partly submerged in the water, with its upper part projecting out of the water, with the food being deposited on the shelf in the upper part and, by means of impulsion of water using a pump, said food will be moved from one shelf to the next, alternately, towards an outlet in the zone underneath the lower shelf.

Abstract: A filtration system for a fish tank includes an upper housing having an inner cavity. The filtration system also includes a lower housing slidingly coupled to the upper housing to permit changes in an overall length of the filtration system. The filtration system also includes a filter cartridge disposed at least partially within the inner cavity, and a pump disposed at least partially within the inner cavity that draws water into the inner cavity and through the plurality of filter cartridges.

Abstract: Described herein is the generation of Fah+/? heterozygote pigs by homologous recombination and somatic cell nuclear transfer, and a method for producing Fah?/? homozygote pigs. The Fah-deficient pigs of the disclosure can be used for a variety of research and therapeutic purposes, such as for the expansion of human hepatocytes, and as large animal models of hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: Systems and methods for screening whether a candidate compound inhibits delta-6 desaturase activity are disclosed. Also disclosed is a transgenic mammal which overexpresses a gene encoding delta-6 desaturase and an animal model of a cardiometabolic disorder or disease that includes the transgenic mammal. A method of treating a cardiometabolic disorder or disease is also disclosed.