Abstract: An apparatus for performing a ground treatment, such as aeration or dethatching, is provided. The apparatus includes a base frame component to which a pair of angled side frame components are pivotally mounted. Each angled side frame can include first and second ends that are oriented to form a central angle. A first end of an angled side frame can be pivotally attached to a wheel and/or the base frame component, while the second end can include a mechanism for mounting a ground treatment component.

Abstract: A stacking head of a sod harvester can be configured to move with a stacking conveyor during a pick up operation. A stacking head on a roll harvester can be configured to move with a stacking conveyor to allow the stacking conveyor to be moved while the stacking head is removing rolls of sod from the stacking conveyor.

Abstract: Sod harvester stacking head and stacking conveyor configurations can increase the rate at which sod can be harvested. The movement of the stacking head and/or the stacking conveyor can be controlled to maximize the rate at which the stacking head can remove sod from the stacking conveyor. A stacking head can employ multiple pick up positions. A stacking conveyor may also advance sod for pick up at varying rates. A stacking head may include a pivoting connection to allow the stacking head to rotate around a pivot during a pick up operation.

Abstract: An assembly for angle adjustment is disclosed and shown for use with agriculture equipment such as planters, applicators and tillage equipment wherein deployment of a coupler upon a shaft to allow introduction of an angle is beneficial. A closing wheel assembly incorporating the assembly for angle adjustment allows control of the angle of a closing wheel to improve soil gathering action for delivery of more or less soil to the seed slot/open furrow generated by the opener or opener assembly of a planter (drill) row unit. Exemplary applications of the assembly for angle adjustment include row unit closing wheel assemblies, fertilizer applicators and strip tillage closing systems.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for row guidance parameterization with Hough transform are described herein. An electronic representation of a field (ERF) can be received. The ERF can include a set of feature sets including one of a set of crop row features or a set of furrow features. A first parameter space can be produced by applying a slope-intercept Hough transform (SLIHT) to members of a feature set. Peaks in the first parameter space can be identified. A second parameter space can be produced by application of the SLIHT to the peaks. A vanishing point can be calculated based on a vanishing point peak in the second parameter space. A track-angle error can be calculated from the vanishing point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for metering and treating seed. The apparatus incorporates a belt conveyor or circular conveyor within a housing enabling a low-profile configuration, the conveyor having a plurality of cleats forming a series of separate voids for transporting determinable volumes of seed, and a seed treatment applicator adjacent the conveyor outlet for applying seed treatment to the seed. The apparatus and method enables the application of seed treatment based on a mass flow calculation derived from the measured volume flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: An air cart has a drop chute for conveying an agricultural product such as seed, from a metering device to a venturi portion of a product conveyance tube. The drop chute has a contoured downstream sidewall resulting in changes in drop chute width which introduce vortices providing an enhanced product flow. The downstream sidewall has an inward sloping region reducing the drop chute width beginning closely adjacent the metering device and continuing down about one-third the way from the metering device to the conveyance tube, and an abrupt corner causing an increase in drop chute width near the product conveyance tube followed by a curved region creating a gradual further increase in width terminating adjacent to the product delivery tube. A large low speed vortex is created near the inward sloping region and a small strong vortex is created adjacent the curved region.

Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport belt and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the belt. The belt has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a plot in a field based on the location of a marker placed in an application prescription map prior to a crop input application operation. The plot defines a plot region. The plot region is defined during the crop input application operation based on the marker location.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided with a mower assembly supported on a vehicle body frame between front wheels and rear wheels. A steering assembly is configured to be operated by a driver. A driver seat is supported on the vehicle body frame. A floor panel extends from an area including the driver seat toward the front. The floor panel is provided with a main panel located in front of the driver seat, as well as left and right footrests extending further forward from the main panel. A recessed portion is formed on at least one side edge of the floor panel and includes a side edge drop off point.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.

Abstract: A mower includes a rotary grass cutting blade. A mower deck houses the rotary blade in an interior thereof. A motor has at least a portion thereof positioned or extending into the interior of the mower deck. The motor rotationally drives the rotary blade. A guide member can be utilized to form an air flow passage along the motor, with the air flow passage connecting the interior and exterior of the mower deck.

Abstract: An auxiliary mower cutting blade attachable to a mounting member of a lawnmower. The auxiliary mower cutting blade includes a mid-section portion forming a first longitudinal plane, first and second wing portions, each extending in a substantially upward-angled direction from a corresponding side of the mid-section portion, and first and second end portions, each extending from a corresponding wing portion. The first and second end portions form a second longitudinal plane, the second longitudinal plane being above the first longitudinal plane. A cutting region may be disposed on at least one edge of the first end portion and the second end portion, the cutting region including a downward-angled cutting edge.

Abstract: A rotary tool for cutting woody brush, that includes an engine, a transmission for transferring rotational movement to a head, an elongate pole, and the head is positioned at the end of the pole, and connected to the head is a cutting blade that has a flat middle section that is adapted to engage and opposite cutting sections that extend downwardly from the middle section, and the cutting sections have cutting surfaces and, in embodiments, the tool includes cutting line.

Abstract: This invention relates to a lawn mower including a deck lift system. The deck lift system is adapted to permit at least the cutter deck to be raised and lowered relative to the ground so as to selectively adjust the mower's height of cut.

Abstract: A mower includes a rotary blade cutting grass due to being rotationally driven. A work motor rotationally drives the rotary blade. A mower deck houses the rotary blade in an interior thereof. A first shroud forms an air flow passage along the work motor. The air flow passage connects the interior and exterior of the mower deck.

Abstract: Provided herein are means and method to convert a lawn line trimmer into a lightweight and rugged four-wheeled lawn mower of adjustable height to mow grass evenly, which provide further for a hold-down member and forward cam members fixed on the base face to easily lock virtually any line trimmer by its protective shroud onto a base having either a horseshoe shaped cutout opening or a centrally located circular cutout opening, wherein the trimmer's rotating shaft and lines are centered; further provided is a hinged support bar member that further connects the present assembly at the line trimmer handle.

Abstract: A lawn mower deck opening guard includes an underbody plate, a reversed angle flange, a first mounting flange, and a second mounting flange. The reversed angle flange is connected to the underbody plate through a front free edge of the underbody plate while the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange are respectively connected to the underbody plate through a first fixed edge and a second fixed edge of the underbody plate. The lawn mower deck opening guard utilizes a plurality of fasteners to connect with a mower deck of a lawn mower through the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange. The reversed angle flange and the underbody plate are then able to improve the safety of the operator and control the debris expulsion during the mowing process.

Abstract: A modular assembly for a sugarcane harvester is disclosed. A sugarcane harvester may include a chassis with various discreet and laterally separated mounting locations. Crop divider support modules may be configured to separately and fixedly attach to the chassis at various of the mounting locations, in order to support respective crop dividers in a variety of discreet and laterally separated orientations.

Abstract: A bale mover with self-adjusting spinners for loading/unloading bales and unrolling bales. The bale mover includes a cross member and a pair of opposing arms that extend generally orthogonally to the cross member. The cross member is pivotable about an axis extending transverse to the bale mover to move the arms to extend away from the bale mover. The arms are pivotable toward one another to pinch a bale between distal ends thereof. A spinner is provided at the distal end of each arm. The spinners include axles secured to the arms and spinner bodies which are rotatable about the respective axles to facilitate rotation of a bale engaged by the spinners. The spinners are also pivotable relative to the axles to enable alignment of the spinners with surfaces of the bale.

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 grain bin vacuum tube extension system with (i) an extension tube comprising a bottom surface and a plurality of slots on the bottom surface of the extension tube, (ii) a sealing strip that is slidably secured to the bottom surface of the extension tube and that comprises a plurality of slots, and (iii) a butterfly valve that is configured to close when the slots on the bottom surface of the extension tube are aligned with the slots in the sealing strip and to open when the slots on the bottom surface of the extension tube are not aligned with the slots in the sealing strip. The sealing strip is slidably secured to the bottom surface of the extension tube such that the slots on the bottom surface of the extension cube align with the slots in the sealing strip when the sealing strip is slid to an open position. The sealing strip creates and airtight seal against the bottom surface of the extension tube when the butterfly valve is in an open position.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel soilless pre-vegetated mats comprising a carrier mat comprised of a material that does not degrade under exterior growing conditions, and vegetation whose roots intertwine within and under the carrier mat. The present application also relates to processes for production of the soilless pre-vegetated mats.

Abstract: A sweeping machine for working ground surfaces, in particular lawns comprises a machine frame adapted to be moved in the traveling direction, at least one wheel axle with at least one wheel, said wheel axle being supported in the machine frame transversely to the traveling direction, said wheel axle supporting the machine frame parallel to the ground surface, a least one sweeping element adapted to be driven for rotation about a sweeping element axis, said sweeping element axis extending substantially parallel to the ground surface, and said sweeping element is in contact with the ground surface when in an operating position. The sweeping machine of the invention provides that the sweeping element axis of the at least one sweeping element is adapted to be moved from a first operating position, assumed when travelling straight, to a second operating position, assumed when driving a curve, in which second position the sweeping element axis is in a position pivoted towards the inner side of the curve.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for plant stress mitigation. The systems provided comprises three key components to perform a self-standardized algorithm for identifying/measuring significant stress conditions within a short time window (for example 1 to 3 days). After identification of a significant stress condition, plants under stress can be treated with a composition comprising an ethylene synthesis or perception inhibitor, for example 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). Also provided are methods for identifying plant genes in response to stress using the system disclosed herein.

Abstract: Airships for weather manipulation are disclosed. An airship may include a hull and a frame supporting the hull. The airship may also include a container configured to capture and transport a cloud. The airship may also include a sunlight reflecting system configured to block the sunlight over a destination area on ground. The airship may also include a nozzle configured to distribute a material to the cloud. The airship may also include a sensing system including at least one sensor configured to measure a parameter reflecting a condition of the cloud. The airship may further include at least one weather interference device configured to generate a wave or light and direct the wave or light toward the cloud. In some examples, two or more airships may be used to tow a parachute-style container deployable for capturing and transporting the cloud.

Abstract: A device for irrigating soil has a chassis having wheels or tracks for motion, the chassis having one or more water sprinklers with streams directed at the soil, a water storage tank, and a sloped catchment surface having one or more sloped planes or curved surfaces for receiving water from a refill station into the water storage tank, wherein, under the control of an electronic circuit, the irrigation device can refill the water tank by positioning any part of the catchment surface under a water stream from the refill station. A method has the steps of measuring soil moisture at remote locations, refilling the mobile robot using a gravity feed water stream, defining a route for distribution of water, traversing the irrigation routes, refilling water according to soil moisture measurements, storing photovoltaic energy in a battery, and rotating, to a compass heading such that the photovoltaic array is optimally oriented.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV299420 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV299420 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV299420, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV299420 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV299420 with another canola variety.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV630541 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV630541 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV630541, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV630541 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV630541 with another canola variety.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the breeding, production, processing and use of specialty cannabis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for automatically detecting the presence of a cage or tray for containing laboratory animals in a specific position of a facility shelf and to a method for managing the data relating to the cage, implemented by means of said system, particularly advantageous for the laboratory technician. In particular, the present invention relates to a system (1) composed of a shelf (20) comprising a plurality of devices (23) designed to detect the position in the facility and the ID of a cage (30), a central control unit (73) designed to process, through software, the information received in order to offer the operator the possibility of tracking and managing, by means of a database, the whole facility. Numerous other functions of the system are included in the present invention, such as the function designed to detect and notify, visually or through the software, the correct positioning of a cage in the shelf.

Abstract: Horse feeders comprising: a feeder body having a top and bottom and formed by surrounding at least one helical coil with a covering material, wherein the feeder contracts and expands by the elasticity of the helical coil and wherein the helical coil maintains a shape of the feeder body and confinement of feed, as the horse feeds.

Abstract: A feeder for dispensing feed to livestock includes a trough and a hopper mounted above the trough. The hopper includes a sidewall, a bottom, a central feed discharge hole through the bottom, and a plurality of gravity flow feed openings arranged around the central feed discharge hole. A deflector is mounted in the hopper above and vertically spaced from the hopper bottom to cover the central feed discharge hole to restrict gravity flow of feed from the hopper through the central feed discharge hole. A sweep member is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis for sweeping feed under the deflector to the central feed discharge hole for discharge into the trough. A closure system is associated with the gravity flow feed openings to automatically close the gravity flow feed openings once animals start moving the sweep member to sweep feed to the central feed discharge hole.

Abstract: A flea removal device for removing undesirable material is provided. The flea removal device comprises a housing having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a front end, and a rear end. A vacuum mechanism creating a vacuum at the front end of the housing. A sprayer mechanism sprays a flea eradicating liquid. A grooming comb is releasably securable to the front end of the housing. A power mechanism powers the vacuum mechanism and the sprayer mechanism. A toggle switch alternatingly switches power between a vacuum mode and a sprayer mode. Upon activation of the vacuum mechanism, the undesirable material enters the housing through the front end of the housing. Upon activation of the sprayer mechanism, the flea eradicating liquid exits the housing through the front end of the housing.

Abstract: A portable petting device for petting or scratching of pets, such as dogs or cats. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Automated pet toys are disclosed having a movable lure to solicit reaction by a pet. Exemplary pet toys include a toy housing, an electronic motor contained within the toy housing, a drive mechanism that includes a motor, a member with a first end and a second end attached at the first end to the drive mechanism; and a visually attractive lure attached to the second end of the member. Wherein the member protrudes through a slot formed with the toy housing and is movable within the slot. The visually attractive lure can also travel inside a tubing and be moved by air pressure.

Abstract: A pet toy and feeder includes a main container, an insert, a lid, a ring, and an optional jar. In an example configuration the main container holds the jar, and the insert is placed within the jar. The lid attaches to the main container and the ring connects around the outside of the main container such that the pet toy and feeder is in an assembled state. In another example configuration the jar replaces the main container with the lid and the ring connecting to the jar. In use the inserts collects portions of a food item, e.g. peanut butter, within the main container or jar. The ring tilts the orientation of the pet toy and feeder such that the insert is accessible to a pet via one or more openings in an end of the pet toy and feeder.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for providing an end-of-leash warning. Embodiments provide for determining when a retractable leash is about to reach a maximum state of detraction from a housing or reel mechanism as the leash is being detracted (e.g., by a dog), and generating a warning signal in response to determining when the retractable leash is about to reach the maximum state of detraction. The warning signal may be in the form of, for example, an emitted sonic signal, an emitted infrared signal, a transmitted radio frequency signal, or a mechanical vibration through the leash. The warning signal may be used to alert, for example, a dog and/or a person walking a dog that the leash is running out.

Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for providing an end-of-leash warning. Embodiments provide for determining when a retractable leash is about to reach a maximum state of detraction from a housing or reel mechanism as the leash is being detracted (e.g., by a dog), and generating a warning signal in response to determining when the retractable leash is about to reach the maximum state of detraction. The warning signal may be in the form of, for example, an emitted sonic signal, an emitted infrared signal, a transmitted radio frequency signal, or a mechanical vibration through the leash. The warning signal may be used to alert, for example, a dog and/or a person walking a dog that the leash is running out.

Abstract: The invention concerns the detection of pathogenic mycobacterium comprising Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) and genomic variants in a bulk milk sample, and more particularly a method for herd management that stratifies the risk of bulk tank milk lots derived from diagnostic-tested subgroups potentially containing DNA from pathogenic mycobacterium including Map. The method involves creating defined risk groups (categories) of milk-producing animals, such as dairy cows, for the presence of Map or related genomic variants in their milk. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method to strengthen the ability of milk-producing animals to resist environmental challenges by Map based on identifying those animals that have and maintain a low antibody level to Map using their female progeny as replacement animals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying real-time automated, non-invasive infrared thermography information of an animal induced into a non-steady state in order to determine the animal's metabolic efficiency.

Abstract: Real-time automated, non-invasive infrared thermography information of a group of animals to be used for both thermal and behavioural measurement, thereby providing an earlier and more accurate predictor of onset of disease, growth states, or reproductive states in an animal within the group. More specifically, the present system and method provide for the use of thermal images to obtain both temperature and behavioural information about one or more animals at a time, and to utilize that information to determine the health, growth, or reproductive state of the animal. The combination of thermal biometric data, such as radio frequency identification infrared thermography, and behavioural biometric information, such as grouping behaviour can be used to detect early-onset of biological states in animals.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for tracking and analyzing animal behaviors. Specifically, certain animal data, such as animal motions of interest (running, walking, resting, playing), are captured through a device attached to the animal. Such data can be locally processed and stored or periodically uploaded into servers or cloud storage for further processing to generate animal reports or sickness notifications for the pet owner to view via an animal tracking and viewing application in a user terminal device.

Abstract: An oriole jelly birdfeeder is provided that includes a jelly holding container, a base having a feeding platform and a connecting element for connecting the base to the container, and a mixing mechanism. The mixing mechanism includes a mixer element and a mixer handle which are coupled to one another and rotatable together. The mixer element includes a paddle positioned within the connecting element to enable the user to mix and distribute the jelly, which is held within the container, onto the feeding platform as needed by rotating the mixer handle.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system implemented within an in ovo injection apparatus is disclosed, wherein the fluid delivery system includes a plurality of membrane valves. In particular, the fluid delivery system includes a diaphragm valve that is used to meter out a precise volume of a treatment substance liquid. Further, the diaphragm valve includes certain standoff features on the surface thereof for reducing or entirely preventing the adhesion of the diaphragm to adjacent surfaces when left idle for an extended period of time, as well as an arrangement of fluid channels in the surface thereof for reducing or entirely preventing the trapping of liquid between the diaphragm and adjacent surfaces. The fluid delivery system includes features contributing to optimized flow characteristics.

Abstract: A bee vectoring apparatus includes a tray for positioning in the exit path of a beehive. The tray includes a bottom, a bee entrance end, and a bee exit end. The apparatus includes a tray lid positioned above the bottom, with first and second barrier walls extruding downwardly from the lid. A ceiling extends between bottom ends of the first and second barrier walls.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to imaging for determination of crustacean physical attributes. An image of a shell of a live crustacean is captured and processed to determine a physical attribute of the live crustacean. In an embodiment a characteristic of a pattern indicative of moult stage of the live crustacean is detected, from the captured image. Multiple images may be used in some embodiments, including images of different types such as visible spectrum images, infrared spectrum images, and/or ultraviolet spectrum images.

Abstract: An outlet basin for a fish pen is provided, with at least one outlet hose extending from the outlet basin to a surface. The outlet basin includes a cylinder-shaped housing which is provided, at its upper portion, with a mounting collar arranged to be attached to a bottom portion of the fish pen, and which is provided, at its lower portion, with a through opening. The outlet basin further includes a cylinder-shaped outlet channel which, in a portion, is housed in the housing, the outlet channel is provided, at its upper portion, with a strainer covering the cross section of the outlet channel, an elongated annular space between the housing and the outlet channel, a slanted grating covering, the entire annular space, the lowermost portion of the slanted grating being positioned just below the opening of the housing, a slanted bottom plate sealingly covering the entire annular space, and a lower through opening at the lowermost portion of the bottom plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal model for evaluating hemostatic performance, and the use thereof, and more particularly, to an animal model for evaluating the performance of a hemostatic agent, which has hemorrhage induced in the common carotid artery (CCA) or superior sagittal sinus (SSS) of the animal, a method of screening a hemostatic agent using the animal model, and a method of evaluating the effect of a hemostatic agent using the animal model. The animal model according to the present invention makes it possible to observe the hemostatic effect of a hemostatic agent in a rapid and accurate manner without causing side effects. Thus, the animal model is useful for screening a hemostatic agent and evaluating the effect of a hemostatic agent.

Abstract: Method for supporting the preservation of the insect population, having the following steps of: determining the lethal effect of a product unit on an insect population, determining a difference in the insect population on the basis of the effect of a particular quantity of product units, determining the actual insect population in a predetermined area, determining a desired insect population in the predetermined area, which desired insect population is derived from the actual insect population in the predetermined area and the difference in the insect population, and creating a basis of life for the desired insect population in the predetermined area by adapting the biological nature of the predetermined area.