Abstract: An agricultural machine tool includes a wheel body which includes a hub, a rim and at least two arms which each connect the hub and the rim to each other. At least one aperture is provided between the two arms and the rim, and has a closed contour. The tool includes a component which forms an accessory having a profiled portion having a shape which generally corresponds to the closed contour, and a generally superficial portion which terminates the profiled portion. The profiled portion is introduced at one side of the wheel body into the aperture closing the aperture by means of form-fitting cooperation. A set of fixing members ensures the retention of the component in a final position, in which the superficial portion moves into a flush state with the arms, at least in the region of the contour.

Abstract: A farm implement supported by at least one wheeled support mounted on a pivot arm extending from a wing and at least one tracked support on a main carrier. The tracked support can be rotated about a primary rotational axis and the wheeled support being rotatable about a secondary rotational axis. The pivot arm can be rotated to position the wheeled support to elevate or lower the wing. The rotational of the pivot arm also changes the alignment of the secondary rotational axis of the winged support relative to the primary rotational axis of the tracked support to prevent berming when maneuvering the farm implement.

Abstract: A windrower has a first dual-path steering mode, causing a left drive wheel and a right drive wheel to concurrently rotate, wherein the rotation of the left drive wheel is in a direction opposite that of the rotation of the right drive wheel and the position of tailwheel casters are not controlled but are permitted unconstrained rotation. The windrower also has a second tailwheel steering mode non-overlapping in operation with the dual-path steering mode, causing the left drive wheel and the right drive wheel to rotate concurrently in only a same direction and the tailwheel casters are steered based in part on tailwheel caster steer position information received from a sensor.

Abstract: A farm implement having rotatable wings rotatably connected to a main carrier and also having a folding bar linkage, which folds as the corresponding wing is rotated into a stowed position and extends as the wing rotates into a deployed position. A fixed length control bar rotatably linking a tow bar of the folding bar linkage to the main carrier controls the folding and unfolding of the bar linkage as the wing rotates between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: A tool for working in fields includes a first flange and a second flange which mount one on the other, forming a wheel body. The first flange includes a central portion, a generally annular peripheral portion and arms which connect the central portion and the peripheral portion to each other. The second flange is homologous to the first flange. In the assembled state, the wheel body has a rim which is formed together by the peripheral portion of the first flange and the homologous peripheral portion of the second flange and a hub which is formed by the central portion of the first flange. The central portion of the second flange receives the hub which is formed by the central portion of the first flange.

Abstract: A tool for working in fields includes a first flange and a second flange which mount one on the other, forming a wheel body. The first flange includes a central portion, a generally annular peripheral portion and at least one arm which connect(s) the central portion and the peripheral portion to each other. The second flange is homologous to the peripheral portion of the first flange. In the assembled state, the wheel body has a rim which is formed together by the peripheral portion of the first flange and the second flange and a hub which is formed by the central portion of the first flange.

Abstract: A system for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop or other planting of an agricultural field. The system may include a bulk storage system, an on-row storage system, and a charging system that selectively delivers seeds of different varieties from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system. The system may include a seed metering system that can be controlled at each of multiple row units to selectively plant different types or varieties of seed based on seed type or variety zones agricultural field, which may correspond to field characteristics defined in a seed variety prescription map.

Abstract: A system for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop or other planting of an agricultural field. The system may include a bulk storage system, an on-row storage system, and a charging system that selectively delivers seeds of different varieties from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system. The system may include a seed metering system that can be controlled at each of multiple row units to selectively plant different types or varieties of seed based on seed type or variety zones agricultural field, which may correspond to field characteristics defined in a seed variety prescription map.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.

Abstract: A lawn/garden spraying device comprising a manifold having a gauge outlet path and one or more outlet paths, and a pressure sensing device attached to the gauge outlet path for sensing the fluid pressure within the manifold. The device also comprises a variable valve for regulating the pressure of the lawn/garden liquid within the manifold.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric auxiliary motors for performing work, such as electric deck motors for mower blades. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary cutting head with wires for a brush cutter, grass trimmer, edge trimmer, hedge trimmer or the like, said head comprising a housing (1) containing a supporting body (2) comprising a system (3, 3?, 4, 4?, 12) for blocking at least two cutting or shearing wires, and a peripheral wall (6) allowing the or each wire to be wound around said wall in said head. Said blocking system comprises at least two movable blocking elements (3, 3?) that are independent from each other and each associated with a clamping surface (4, 4?) built into the supporting body (2) and comprising a clamping face (10, 10?) and a supporting face (11, 11?), and a single elastic body (12) that can exert stress on each clamping face (11, 11?) for clamping and blocking each wire.

Abstract: Powered turf conditioning brushes having increased efficiency, improved lift, and which minimize the introduction of grain, and their method of use with reel mower cutting units such as those used for precision mowing of golf course greens. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A mowing apparatus including a body portion comprising rotary drive means (not shown) and a wing portion pivotable about a main axis relative to the body portion between a lowered cutting position and a raised position, the wing portion comprising rotary cutting means (not shown) arranged to cut the grass or other plant matter, the drive means and the cutting means being coupled through a limited range of angular positions of the wing between the lowered position and a partially raised position.

Abstract: A boom deck and removable side deck mowing tractor device facilitates efficient conversion between use of the boom deck and the side deck. The device includes a boom arm coupled to and extendable from a tractor. A boom deck is coupled to the boom arm and a first mowing blade is coupled to the boom deck wherein the boom arm, the boom deck, and the first mowing blade define a boom mower. A side deck is removably coupled to a lateral side of the tractor. A second mowing blade is coupled to the side deck wherein the side deck and the second mowing blade define a side mower. A control mechanism is coupled to the tractor and selectively couplable to each of the boom mower and the side mower wherein the control mechanism controls a selectable one of the side mower and the boom mower.

Abstract: The invention relates to the air blast soft fruit harvesting device comprising an air flow director (1), pulsator (2), distancing channel (3), segmented extension (4) and blower fan (5) assembly. The distancing channel (3) is connected with the segmented extension (4) on the top side and with the pulsator (2) on the bottom side, whereas the pulsator (2) is simultaneously connected with the air flow director (1) on the bottom side, and the segmented extension (4) is connected with the blower fan (5). The blower fan (5) constantly sends air to the director (1), through the segmented extension (4), distancing channel (3) and pulsator (2) directing the air towards a fruit shrub, thus shaking ripe fruits. In the course of the rotation of the pulsator (2) rotor (32), the pulsator (2) alternately sends air, in a single cycle, through the channels (6, 7 and 8), and then through the channels (9, 10 and 11) of the director (1), where the air flow leaving the pulsator (2) varies, achieving its power impact.

Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.

Abstract: A hand-held motor-driven cutting device is provided, comprising a motor 2, a first cutting tool 3, and a first transmission arranged to translate a rotating motion to a reciprocating motion of the first cutting tool 3. The first transmission comprises a first rotatable part 6 arranged to be driven by the motor 2 and a first connecting rod 9 with a first end 11 and a second end 12. The first end 11 is eccentrically connected to the first rotatable part 6 at a first connecting point 10 of the first rotatable part 6 and the second end 12 is connected to the first cutting tool 3. The first transmission 5 comprises a force limiting element 4 arranged between the first rotatable part 6 and the first cutting tool 3 in order to prevent a transmitted force applied to the first cutting tool 3 from exceeding a predetermined force level. The present invention also relates to a method of transmitting momentum in a hand-held motor-driven cutting device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enhancing the nutritional value in a first plant part (2) of a crop (1), wherein the first plant part (2) comprises an edible plant part, wherein the crop (1) in addition to the first plant part (2) comprises one or more other plant parts (3), wherein the method comprises illuminating during a nutritional enhancement lighting period a target part (5) of said first plant part (2) with horticulture light (511) that is selected to enhance formation of a nutrient in said first plant part (2) while allowing one or more other plant parts (3) to be subjected to different light conditions, wherein the nutritional enhancement lighting period is started within two weeks from harvest of the first plant part (2).

Abstract: Lighting method and devices can be used to treat a seedling in a growth chamber or greenhouse prior to the introduction of the seedling to outdoors. A light by which the plants can be prepared for the outdoors, by giving them certain wavelengths of light they do not currently receive from the light in the greenhouse or growth chambers. The light can be applied in smaller doses during the major part of nursing of the seedlings or as a “sun-shock” period in the end of the indoors nursing period. By giving the seedlings this light, they are prepared to Sun light and do not need to spend a few weeks under the sunshade curtains. Thus, the growth cycle of tree seedlings is shortened, the proportion of viable seedlings is enhanced, and one work phase in the growth process is eliminated, thereby improving the economics of seedling cultivation.

Abstract: A modular plant container system is disclosed for displaying and providing life support and mechanical support for live, synthetic, and rootless plants. The system includes a primary container, a subcontainer intended to contain life supporting elements such as nutrients, soil, and moisture, and a removable structure that engages with the primary container and the subcontainer to support the trunks of rootless plants such as live Christmas trees or top heavy synthetic plants. Said removable structure is configured to support a wide variety of trunk sizes be easily installed or removed from said primary container.

Abstract: A modular plant container system is disclosed for displaying and providing life support and mechanical support for live, synthetic, and rootless plants. The system may include a primary container, a subcontainer intended to contain life supporting elements such as nutrients, soil, and moisture, and a clamping structure integrated with the primary container to support the trunks of rootless plants such as live Christmas trees or top heavy synthetic plants. Said removable structure is configured to support a wide variety of trunk sizes be easily installed or removed from said primary container. Said modular plant container system is configured to be easily disassembled for storage.

Abstract: A planter includes a concave container and a separate rim, both formed from a thermoplastic material. The container has a brim extending radially outward from an upper portion of the container. A vertical wall extends upward from the brim. The rim has a top wall with outer and inner side walls extending downward from its edges. The upper surface of the brim of the container comprises a stop inward of the vertical wall such that when the rim is advanced onto the upper end of the container, a lower portion of the inner rim wall confronts the stop to inhibit further advancement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a passive solar greenhouse for controlling the greenhouse's interior environment and maximizing photosynthetic metabolism within the plants grown therein through regulation of sunlight, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels and methods optimizing plant growth conditions by using passive solar greenhouse of the present invention. Generally the greenhouse has a sloped glazed face which faces substantially true south in the Northern hemisphere and substantially true north in the Southern hemisphere with a predetermined slope angle designed to maximize incident solar radiation (insolation) and increase the interior temperature during the colder months of the year while reducing overheating during the warmer months of the year.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which may be used to grow plants in a chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber includes an artificial light source, a plurality of plant supports, a supporting structure configured to rotate the plant supports between two positions, the first position being closer to the artificial light source than the second, and a divider separating the chamber into a light region containing the artificial light source and one of the plant supports in the first position and a dark region containing the other plant support in the second position, wherein the divider is moveable between a first divider position in which the divider prevents movement of the plant supports and a second divider position in which the divider does not prevent movement of the plant supports. Methods of growing plants in a chamber on a moveable member are also disclosed.

Abstract: A desalination greenhouse includes a method of fresh water production hybridized with growth and production of a crop. The co-location of a growing crop can provide additional economic incentive to a hybrid system, and provide a moisture enhancement to an internal atmosphere which can be utilized to more efficiently produce and yet benefit from the production of water without the salt content, and as well to concentrate the salt content of brine which is used in another salt production operation. A further substantial achievement could be obtained by desalinization of water by using renewable energy economically and saving 95% of water normally used in open field irrigation of crops.

Abstract: A greenhouse paneling system that has a very high R value that can be used in colder climates. Such panels being vacuum sealed and interconnected and maintained by an active pump. Such pump being electronically controlled based upon the temperature of the outside environment and to compensate for leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to crop netting materials, crop cover materials, and ground cover materials for agricultural applications, which is knitted, woven or non-woven, from a synthetic monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape or combination thereof, formed from a resin comprising at least one pigment such that the monofilament, multifilament yarn, or tape, transmit solar radiation in the visible wavelength range of about 420 to 720 nm at a level similar to the level that the materials transmit solar radiation in the infra-red wavelength ranges of about 700 to about 1000 nm and 1500 to about 1600 nm. The materials also absorb solar radiation in the UV wavelength range of about 300 to about 380 nm.

Abstract: A plant cage for placement about a plant for assisting in plant growth. At least three vertical rods are arranged relative to one another to define a three-dimensional area into which the plant is locatable. One or more ring members have a circular shape and are formed from two separate components that are pivotal relative to one another to provide an open position for the cage. Two fasteners are connectable to each of the two ring ends. Grommets are disposed on the rods and connect to the ring member, and are positioned at a vertical height along the rods.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a garden trellis assembly that includes a plurality of generally planar panels that are pivotably connected to one another such that the assembly can attain a stowed orientation, wherein the panels are generally parallel to one another, and a deployed orientation, wherein the panels are oriented in a generally vertical triangular orientation along the length of the panels.

Abstract: Dripper comprises Substrate integrally formed of a resin material and that includes a channel for an irrigating liquid. The channel comprises Inflow control part for controlling flowing in of the irrigating liquid and/or Flow rate control part for controlling the flow rate of the irrigating liquid that has flowed in. Inflow control part opens the channel in association with an increase in the pressure of the liquid to flow therein, and Flow rate control part closes the channel in association with an increase in the pressure of the liquid that has flowed in Dripper. Dripper is able to stabilize the control of inflow and discharge of the irrigating liquid, regardless of whether the pressure of the irrigating liquid increases or decreases, and also is able to achieve a reduction in manufacturing costs and improvement in manufacturing efficiency.

Abstract: A watering apparatus and associated methods and systems to enable networked gardening with a remotely controllable positioning extension are disclosed. In one embodiment, the watering apparatus includes a weather-resistant housing to encompass a micro-processor and a communications circuitry. In addition, the watering apparatus includes a weather-resistant camera communicatively coupled with the weather resistant housing through the communications circuitry. An input connector directs water through a partitioned channel from the weather-resistant housing responsive to a signal from the microprocessor through a pressure regulated valve. The watering apparatus is connected to a flexible extension coupled with the weather-resistant housing to automatically transport the water through the partitioned channel to a desired location within a central view of a focused angle of the weather-resistant camera.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a method that may include receiving a watering restriction for a location, detecting that a sprinkler controller is associated with a property within the location, and transmitting, to the sprinkler controller, the watering restriction. Additionally, a method may include receiving, at a sprinkler controller, a watering restriction for a location, the sprinkler controller associated with a property within the location, and adjusting, in response to the watering restriction, a sprinkling schedule for the property.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to stably yield a leafy vegetable having a low potassium content even when large scale hydroponics is practiced. The cultivation is carried out by strictly controlling the concentrations of the hydroponic solutions based on the EC value throughout the entire cultivation period as well as by changing the N:P ratio between the potassium containing hydroponic solution used in the first part of the cultivation period and the subsequently used potassium-free hydroponic solution. As a result, leafy vegetables having a potassium content of about ¼ of that of the typical hydroponics leafy vegetables can be yielded with a stable quality even in large scale hydroponics.

Abstract: A light-weight, modular, adjustable vertical hydroponic growing system and method of Native American design for cultivation plants and beneficial soil organisms (BSO's) in symbiotic combination. Forest-like arrays of fully rotatable and demountable grow tubes are suspended within climate-moderating greenhouses, optionally from conveyor tracks. The tubes are filled with light-weight, porous 100% in-organic grow media predominately comprised of expanded volcanic or recycled glass granules. The grow tube arrays are provided with an insulated, overhead-mounted fertigation distribution system delivering metered intermittent flows from insulated mixing and holding tanks. The flows are recycled via an insulated return piping system to maintain cool fertigation temperatures near those of natural ground water.

Abstract: An improved plant breeding system for high throughput analysis of plant phenotype and genotype is provided. A method for analyzing the impact of genetic modifications on plants and selecting a plant with a genetic modification of interest is also provided. Also provided is a method for developing marketable information for improved plant breeding and a method for collecting data on a selected plant phenotype for rapid analysis of the effect of a genetic modification on the selected phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of regenerating a plant, which allows stable regeneration of plants from calli; and a method of reproducing a plant, which allows stable reproduction of plants without being affected by weather, seasons or other factors. The present invention relates to a method of regenerating a plant, including a step of inducing adventitious embryos from calli; and a method of reproducing a plant, including a step of inducing adventitious embryos from calli.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of squash hybrid SV8575YL and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid SV8575YL and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a squash plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another squash plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis Hongkyeongchae, and a seed thereof by abandoning an interspecific hybrid F1 of Brassica campestris var. chinensis and Brassica koreana Lee var. redleaf for the stabilization of a hybrid embryo; back crossing a F2 plant by using Brassica campestris var. chinensis as a seed parent; obtaining various strains of plants having the shape of conventional Brassica campestris var. chinensis and showing red color; obtaining a plurality of red Brassica campestris var. chinensis from the progenies obtained by back crossing various strains of B1F1 plants selected from the obtained plants with Brassica campestris var. chinensis; and carrying out strain acclimation and a self-incompatibility test, a seed productivity test and a local adaption test of a remarkable strain of a plant having the shape of conventional Brassica campestris var. chinensis and showing red color.

Abstract: A novel garden bean cultivars, designated H33121, H33122 and/or H33124 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivars H33121, H33122 and/or H33124, to the plants of garden bean line H33121, H33122 and/or H33124 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivars H33121, H33122 and/or H33124 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivars H22 H33121, H33122 and/or H33124.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning system for teats is designed to apply at least two different process fluids to the teats so that, in advantageous embodiments, a cleaning treatment can be performed in an automated manner before and after the milking process.

Abstract: A method of milking a group of dairy animals by an automatic milking system, the group including at least two subgroups. The method has a number of steps. In one step, a dairy animal that presents itself for a milking is identified. Subsequently, a decision is taken about whether or not the dairy animal should be milked at that moment. If milking is desirable and the dairy animal belongs to the first subgroup, a teat cleaning treatment is carried out prior to the start of the milking. During the teat cleaning treatment, at least one teat of the dairy animal is cleaned. Upon identification of a dairy animal from the second subgroup, a limitation for a teat cleaning treatment is issued by a control device.

Abstract: A holding tank for replacing a commonly known holding cell is provided. A system, a distribution device and liquid directing element is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning at least a part of a cubicle from a row of individual cubicles in a stable, each cubicle having lateral partitions extending in the longitudinal direction on each side of the cubicle, the method comprising the steps of providing an animal presence sensor for detecting the presence of an animal in a cubicle, and providing an autonomous unmanned vehicle, the vehicle comprising a control system for controlling the operation of the vehicle and cubicle floor cleaning means, and the method further comprising the steps of detecting by an animal presence sensor a first of the cubicles free of an animal, detecting whether an animal is present in a second of the cubicles neighboring next to the first cubicle, and controlling the autonomous vehicle to clean the first cubicle in a first cleaning mode that is dependent on the presence of an animal in said second neighboring cubicle. The invention also relates to an autonomous unmanned vehicle for cleaning cubicles.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting sand that is moved outwardly, from a lower end of an enclosure region in at least one animal stall toward a gutter, to a discharge location. The conveyor system includes a conveyor assembly having a transportation element for moving the sand, a drive subassembly for moving the transportation element on a predetermined path, and one or more guide subassemblies, for guiding the transportation element. The conveyor system also includes one or more support assemblies for at least partially defining a slot in the preselected region in which a part of the transportation element is receivable, for receiving at least a portion of the sand, and one or more grates located at least partially above the part of the transportation element positioned in the preselected region, through which the portion of the sand is permitted to pass.

Abstract: Self-propelled animal-shed vehicle for removing manure from a floor, and comprising a frame, a manure pick-up device, and a manure collecting bin, wherein the manure pick-up device comprises a rotating, continuous manure pick-up belt, at least two reversing parts, around which the belt can be rotatably moved, and a drive for moving the manure pick-up belt around the reversing parts, wherein the manure pick-up device during use keeps the manure pick-up belt in contact with the floor by means of a bottom reversing part, and wherein the drive is configured to move the manure pick-up belt at a peripheral speed, in such a manner that the manure pick-up belt moves from a bottom side of the bottom reversing part to a top side of the reversing part along the reversing part. Such a vehicle can keep an animal-shed floor clean in a very efficient manner.

Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: A tag for attachment to an animal including: a transponder casing (40) housing a transponder; a cartridge (12) for housing the transponder casing; a female component (10) and a male component (28) adapted to engage one another; said male component (28) having a pair of penetrating members (32, 34) and said female component (10) having a pair of apertures (14, 16), each aperture arranged to receive and retain a respective penetrating member when applied by an applicator through skin of the animal; wherein the cartridge (12) and transponder casing (40) are encapsulated within said tag to prevent dislodgment, movement or damage to the transponder.

Abstract: A dog leash is disclosed, adapted to facilitate efficient restrain during walking or transport of a plurality of canines The leash comprises a plurality of straps slidably connected to a primary strap for restraining a plurality of dogs.

Abstract: A method of monitoring activity of an animal, the method comprising the steps of: retaining the animal in an enclosed chamber; controlling a food supply to the animal in the enclosed chamber as a first stimulus; and monitoring the activity of the animal in response to the first stimulus, wherein monitoring the activity of the animal comprises analysing change in a volume of food in the food supply and location of the animal in the enclosed chamber over a predetermined period of time.