Abstract: A multi-use hand tool system featuring modular interchangeable components including a digging and cutting head, a rake head; a claw hammer head, a snow shovel head; a garden fork head comprising, one or more hafts, an offset-L component providing a 90 degree orientation between components and/or and handle. The hand tool system features components and grips having a Reuleaux triangle configuration.

Abstract: The instant application discloses, among other things, a Gardening Tool. In one embodiment, Gardening Tool may comprise an elongated handle which may connect to a head by an offset bracket. The bracket may be offset at an angle such as approximately 45°, for example. The head may include a detachable U-shaped, double-edged blade which may rotate slightly, for example, at 8° to 12° angles, upon pushing and pulling motions. The head may include a plurality of spikes which may facilitate the process of breaking through weeds, roots, debris, or other matter at or below the surface of the soil, reducing labor time and costs and improving efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosed single pass raised bed preparation system makes use of one or more rows of adjustable height compact discs (4), to mulch up stubble and loosen the soil in the depressed furrows prior to the action of a bed-forming implement (6) mounted behind the discs. At the same time the raised beds are cultivated by two rows of compact discs, with the second row (2) opposite handed to the leading row (1). A roller or crumbler (7) levels and conditions the beds, so that both the beds and the furrows are restored in a single pass to a condition ready for sowing.

Abstract: A single-grain seeder including a chassis that supports at least one seeding element including a dispensing housing, at least one opening disk for opening a furrow in the ground, and at least one depth control wheel, the dispensing housing delivering seeds one by one via a rotary dosing element configured to turn about a rotation axis, each seed being ejected from the rotary dosing element at an ejection point extending in a lower portion of the rotary dosing element. The ejection point is disposed in an external diameter of the opening disk, when viewed along the rotation axis of the rotary dosing element.

Abstract: A toolbar implement with steering tracks connects to a tractor and a plurality of row units are connected to the toolbar implement. The toolbar implement contains: (a) a main longitudinal frame; (b) a transverse axle assembly; (c) a lift arm assembly pivotably connected to the frame and pivotably connected to the axle assembly for raising or lowering the frame relative to the axle assembly; (d) a control arm pivotably connected to each end of the axle; (e) a track assembly connected to each spindle; and (f) a steering mechanism extending between the control arms.

Abstract: A tool mounting assembly comprising a shank holder having an elongated passage and an elongated tool shank for an earth working or agricultural tool which is received within the passage and which includes a series of longitudinally spaced teeth. A rotatable adjuster is mounted on the shank holder and can cooperate with the teeth for moving the shank longitudinally of the passage to vary the operating depth of the tool. The shank can also cooperate with the adjuster to lock the adjuster against rotation which prevents longitudinal movement of the shank. A retaining member can be located in the passage for cooperation with the shank to hold the shank in this position. The adjuster may also be rotated to a position out of engagement with the shank teeth which allows for longitudinal sliding movement of the shank through the passage.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.

Abstract: Various strip tilling systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the strip tilling system includes: at least one strip tilling unit, said strip tilling unit including a support frame, at least one tilling member mounted to the support frame; at least one fertilizer delivery device mounted to the support frame; and a control system arranged to adjust the position of the fertilizer delivery device with respect to the support frame.

Abstract: A seed planting apparatus has a first disc is rotatably disposed about a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to a line of travel. A following trenching device has a second disc rotatably attached along a second axis transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to the first axis. A third disc is rotatably attached along a third axis which is transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to either the first axis or the second axis. At least one of the first, second and third discs has a first side has an outer periphery and a second side has an outer periphery. The second side is spaced from the first side and has a larger diameter than the first side. A transition surface between the outer periphery of the first side and the outer periphery of the second side being annular and concave.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided that includes a plurality of row units attached thereto for planting seed in a field. The row units include a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The row unit can include one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. Furthermore, one or more cylinders may be provided that control the depth of furrow being created to also control the depth at which the seed is deposited.

Abstract: A gas monitoring system on an agricultural implement such as a tractor or cultivator includes a nutrient applicator to inject chemicals or compounds into the soil. Although the soil generally covers over the chemicals or compounds, there still may be gases released into the atmosphere. The system includes a sensor that detects the gas phase of the chemicals or compounds. The system is also set up to generate an indication when a concentration of the gas passes a threshold. If the concentration of the gas in the atmosphere is too high, an alarm may sound or flash, or the release of the chemicals or compounds is reduced or ceased.

Abstract: Disclosed is a robotic work tool (100) for use with at least one guiding wire (250; 260) adapted to conduct electric current to generate a magnetic field around the guiding wire. The robotic work tool has a sensing system (510) adapted to detect a strength of the magnetic field, a steering system (540), a controller (530) configured to control the steering system in response to output from the sensing system by means of a feedback control loop (532) so as to cause movement of the robotic work tool along the guiding wire. The controller is configured to determine a measure indicative of a distance between the robotic work tool and the guiding wire, and adjust at least one parameter of the feedback control loop in response to the determined distance measure.

Abstract: A header of a combine harvester has a center part connected by an attachment frame to the combine feed channel. A first side part with first lateral frame and a second side part with second lateral frame are adjustable for changing their position relative to the center part. The first and second lateral frames are connected by a first ball joint and a second ball joint to the attachment frame, respectively so that the weight of the first and second lateral frames is supported by the first and second ball joints on the attachment frame. The first and second ball joints form first and second pivot axes. An end of the first lateral frame facing away from the center part is pivotable about the first pivot axis. An end of the second lateral frame facing away from the center part is pivotable about the second pivot axis.

Abstract: A combine header for a harvesting machine is provided with a frame and a cutter bar connected to a leading end of the frame. A conveying device connected to the frame conveys stalk material cut by the cutter bar. A drive device drives the cutter bar and the conveying device. First support wheels are connected to the frame at lateral ends of the combine header and support the combine header on the ground. The support wheels arranged underneath the combine header.

Abstract: A draper platform for a combine harvester has a center section attachable to a feed channel of the combine harvester. Lateral sections are arranged laterally on opposite ends of the center section. The center section has a center frame; the lateral sections have a lateral frame and are pivotable relative to the center section about a pivot axis that is oriented in travel direction of the draper platform. A cutter bar is provided and pivotable arms having a first end connected to the cutter bar and a second end connected to the center frame or the lateral frames connect the cutter bar pivotably to the center section and the lateral sections. Drive devices are operatively connected to the cutter bar and conveying devices that convey cut stalk material. The pivotable arms are arranged such that less than one of them is present per meter of working width of the draper platform.

Abstract: A header for attachment to an agricultural machine is provided with a frame, a driven moveable cutting device connected to the frame, and a driven movable conveying device connected to the frame. A gearbox is connected to the frame and transmits a drive force onto the cutting device and the conveying device. The gearbox is provided with an input gearbox arranged in a first housing and a main gearbox arranged in a second housing. A separation site is formed between the input gearbox and the main gearbox. The input gearbox is arranged at a back of the header. The input gear box is a rotary speed adapter exchangeable for a gearbox with different gearing ratio.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber, and a stuffer unit including a tine arm defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of tines coupled with and extending from the tine arm. The baler is characterized in that the tines are rotatable around the axis of rotation of the tine arm between a first position associated with a stuffing cycle and a second position associated with a loading cycle.

Abstract: A bale clamp comprises at least one actuator. The bale clamp also comprises at least two clamp members and at least one protruding portion extending from each clamp member. At least one of the protruding portions is configured such that, in use, it may be inserted into a bale. At least one of the clamp members can be caused by the actuator to move relatively towards the other clamp member(s) such that at least part of the bale can be secured between the protruding portions of the clamp members.

Abstract: A weed seed devitalization arrangement for use with a. combine harvester, attached to the combine harvester, towed behind, or standalone. The weed seed devitalization arrangement receives weed seeds entrained in a. portion of the air and material previously discharged from a combine harvester or other crop/lawn cutung apparatus. The weed seed devitalization arrangement includes a roton’stator arrangement including but not necessarily excluding other elements, one or more stationary substantially circular array of weed seed impact members, the members being arranged so as to impact weed seeds being provided into the substantially circular array; and one or more rotatable substantially circular array of weed seed impact members, the rotatable array movable with respect to a stationary substantially circular array of weed seed impact members, the impact members of the rotatable substantially circular array arranged to impact weed seeds being directed through the rotatable substantially circular array.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a harvester and a wrapping system for bales of material, often for the baling of agricultural crop. The harvester and wrapping system comprise a first and a second subframe, a panel, and a wrapping assembly that is capable of moving from an internal position to an external position relative to the harvester. The present disclosure relates to a harvester and a wrapping system that facilitates maintenance of the wrapping assembly and the loading and unloading of wrapping material while the wrapping assembly is in the external position relative to the harvester.

Abstract: A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling is described that comprises a first and second bale chamber and a conveyor system in operable communication with the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can comprise at least three bale carriers, at least two serpentine systems to facilitate movement of the bale into and out of the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling is described that comprises a first and second bale chamber, a conveyor system and optionally a wrapping system. The crop harvesting system comprises at least a conveyor system that facilitates movement of a bale from a first bale chamber to a second bale chamber. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus and a feeding method are disclosed. The apparatus and the method feed wrapping material towards an inlet of a chamber. An object in this chamber is to be wrapped with wrapping material injected into the chamber. A wrapping material supplying unit supplies wrapping material from a reservoir towards the inlet such that a loose end area is formed. A drive drives a conveying surface of a wrapping material feeding unit either in a feeding direction or in a cleaning direction. If moved in the feeding direction, the conveying surface conveys the loose end area towards the inlet. If moved in the cleaning direction, the conveying surface cleans the inlet from debris.

Abstract: An agricultural baler having a baling chamber and a pre-compression chamber, wherein the pre-compression chamber is adapted to periodically form a slice of crop material and push the slice towards the baling chamber into a first segment of the baling chamber, the baling chamber has a plunger provided for reciprocally moving in the baling chamber thereby compressing slices of crop material into a bale, wherein at least one optical bale length sensor is provided in the baling chamber for measuring the length of the bale.

Abstract: A square baler having a baling chamber, a plunger reciprocable at one end of the baling chamber, a pre-compression chamber where charges of crop are amassed and pre-compressed by a rotor prior to transfer into the baling chamber. A transducer is provided for producing an electrical output signal indicative of the load on the rotor and a processing circuit is operative to estimate the rate of crop flow into the pre-compression chamber by analysing the output signal of the transducer over a complete filling and emptying cycle of the pre-compression chamber.

Abstract: A consumer product for supplementing carbon dioxide is provided with delayed activation control in the form of a clamp. A bag, having a top and a bottom seal and a filter, contains a mycelial mass prepared under sterile laboratory conditions using aseptic techniques. The bag may be selectively clamped at various locations on its exterior. During manufacturing, the mycelial mass is sealed away from the air exchange portal by the clamp. The manipulation delays the optimized carbon dioxide generation and extends the product shelf-life significantly. The fungi are utilized on-demand by removal of the clamp and carbon dioxide flows from the product. Consumers will place the product near indoor plants. The precise clamping method delays the expiration of the product for storage and shipping optimization. The clamp is relocated to the top of the bag in order to provide a hanger for the carbon dioxide generator above plant level.

Abstract: A blower apparatus having an airflow diverting unit is described. The disclosed blower apparatus comprises a housing containing an airflow-generating means and an airflow discharge tube physically coupled with the housing. The airflow discharge tube has a first terminal end, a second terminal end, and an aperture protruding a portion of a side surface of the airflow discharge tube. The disclosed blower apparatus also comprises an airflow diverting unit attached to an outer surface of the airflow discharge tube.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment for a landscaping air blower includes a mounting tube, a nozzle and a connecting ring that rotatably couples the mounting ring and the nozzle. The upstream end of the nozzle defines a circle aligned at an acute angle to the axis of the nozzle and the downstream end of the mounting tube defines a circle aligned at an acute angle to the axis of the mounting tube. Rotation of the nozzle about its axis changes the alignment of the axis of the nozzle relative to the axis of the mounting tube.

Abstract: Plasma treatment devices for reducing bacterial viability, enhancing stem growth, enhancing root growth or increasing germination times are disclosed herein. In addition, a treated sprout plant treated with a plasma activate medium or plasma with decreased bacterial viability relative to an untreated sprout plant. The treated sprout plant has at least a 1-log reduction in bacterial viability relative to the untreated sprout plant. Methods and apparatuses of producing the treated sprout plant are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coherent propagation growth substrate product (1) formed of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF), the product (1) having two opposed top and bottom surfaces and at least one cavity (2) which is open at the top surface and which extends from the top surface towards the bottom surface, wherein a superabsorbent polymer (3) is provided in the cavity (2).

Abstract: A horticultural container filling apparatus has a hopper to selectively dispense soil through an exit. A two-tier strip conveyor assembly has a plurality of narrow conveyor belts coupled to a motor for translating the narrow conveyor belts in a first direction along a first plane below the exit of the hopper. The narrow conveyor belts spaced apart, defining one or more gaps. A plurality of support rails support and guide the narrow conveyor belts along the first plane and are configured to support and convey a container on the narrow conveyor belts in the first direction. The container receives a portion of the soil dispensed from the exit of the hopper, and the gaps pass a remaining portion of soil not received by the container to a second plane below the first plane. A catch conveyor belt along the second plane receives and translates the remaining portion of soil in a second direction along the second plane.

Abstract: The present invention can provide an optimum sensory temperature and can increase productivity by a system having a variable fan provided in a vinyl greenhouse, receiving optimum temperature (A) and humidity (B), detecting internal temperature (A?) and humidity (B?), calculating temperature (A?) according to the humidity, and providing the temperature (A?) suitable for the humidity (B?) detected through an operational control of the variable fan.

Abstract: A method for installing a cultivation floor system including a floor on which plant containers are placed, and an ebb/flood watering installation which is configured to alternately cause a supply of water to the cultivation floor and a discharge of water from the cultivation floor. The method includes: providing a watertight basin; placing one or more irrigation lines in the basin, which irrigation lines provide outflow openings along their length to enable water to flow from the one or more irrigation lines; providing a water pump and connecting that water pump to the one or more irrigation lines; providing a water-permeable structure in the basin, which structure has a permeable and horizontal top which forms the floor on which plant containers are placed, which structure comprises one or more layers of granular material, wherein the one or more irrigation lines are covered by the permeable structure.

Abstract: A containment panel is disclosed configured to separate a portion of ground from another portion of the ground. The panels include a portion of the panel configured to be inserted into the ground comprising a retention feature and a portion of the panel configured to remain above the ground. The portion configured to remain above the ground includes a slanted portion configured to channel water toward plants contained by the panel.

Abstract: A protective and decorative system for trees, particularly holiday or Christmas trees, which segregates portions of the tree for safety reasons, by utilization of concentric ring mechanisms and a backing section. The versatile system includes fire retardant capabilities and includes demarcations on is fitted to any size of tree for ease of installation.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A stump grinder has a grinding arm that durably mounts a rotatable grinding wheel by securing the drive shaft of a motor to the grinding wheel such that a pair of bearings within the motor support one side of the grinding wheel and by supporting the other side of the grinding wheel with a stub shaft received within a third bearing. The grinding arm is laterally offset on the frame of the stump grinder to have a swing angle that is not symmetrical relative to the width of the frame, but with the swing angle starting at one side of the frame and then traversing across substantially the entire width of the frame to improve the ability of the operator to see the grinding wheel. A single joystick is movable in orthogonal directions corresponding to desired up and down and side-to-side pivoting motions of the grinding arm. The joystick includes a depressible trigger for starting and stopping the operation of the grinding wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, particularly for vegetation cultivation, including a water reserve, a device for controlling the flow towards the exterior of the volume contained in the reserve, including a floating regulator placed in the reserve to monitor the level thereof, which floating regulator defines a chamber having at least one upper inlet orifice in fluidic communication with the reserve volume, at least one lower calibrated outlet orifice of reduced section in communication with the exterior, such that the floating regulator allows a discharge of water towards the exterior via the outlet orifice at constant flow rate as long as the water level in the reserve is above the height of the inlet orifice and interrupts the discharge of water towards the exterior via the outlet orifice when the water level is below the inlet orifice to then define a water reserve. The invention also relates to the floating regulator, the use thereof and/or of the system, and a water reserve control method.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-watering system for a potted plant comprising a liquid container and an insert with an in use position against the potted plant pointing upper part, which extends at least partially through an opening in the pot bottom. The invention is primarily intended for use in watering of potted plants ready for sale from e.g. horticultural greenhouses, but can obviously also be used for both the subsequent watering during the rest of the plant's life from end-users and for watering during the cultivation of a potted plant.

Abstract: An irrigation device for promoting deep root growth of a plant. The device may comprise: a tube and a hose. The first end of the tube may connect to a water source. A second end of the tube may be substantially confined within the hose. The tube may pass through a first end of the hose. The first end of the hose may be closed around the tube, such that the tube may be kept substantially in place and such that water from the water source may be substantially prevented from exiting out of the first end of the hose. The second end of the hose may be closed, such that water from the water source may be prevented from exiting out of the second end of the hose. The hose may comprise a plurality of perforations that allow water to seep out of the hose.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a grow board may include an outer member that may be engaged with an inner member such that a grow media may be positioned therebetween, secured, and/or tightened by the engagement between the inner and outer members. The outer member may have one or more slots formed therein to allow a plant to grow from the grow media through the slots, wherein the root of the plant may be positioned adjacent the inner member. The inner member may be configured with risers along the periphery and interior to provide a sufficient gap between stacked grow boards to allow for improved penetration of light and air into the seeded and stacked grow boards to aid in seed germination.

Abstract: A plant growth system is provided, which comprises: one or more plant growth substrates (1); one or more detectors (7) arranged to monitor nutrient levels of at least one of the plant growth substrates; at least one irrigation device (6) arranged to supply water to the plant growth substrates; and control means (9) connected to said detectors and said at least one irrigation device. The supply of water by the at least one irrigation device is controlled by the control means in dependence on the monitored nutrient levels. In this manner, the water and nutrient levels of the substrates can be accurately controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing the competitive fitness of an organism hemizygous for a transgenic locus compared to the organism homozygous for the transgenic locus comprising the steps of: (a) reducing the expression of a haploinsufficient gene in the organism, wherein said reduction is conveyed by a transgenic locus in the organism; and (b) rescuing the reduced expression in the organism, wherein said rescue is conveyed by the same transgenic locus in the organism, yielding an organism which is less competitively fit if hemizygous for the transgenic locus than if homozygous for the transgenic locus.

Abstract: Methods for the production of an intergeneric hybrid plants and plants produced thereby. In certain aspects, intergeneric hybrid plants are produced by crossing a sorghum parent plant comprising a mutant sorghum iap allele with a second moncot plant. Methods for the use of such plants and products obtained therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS 02353389 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS 02353389 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9WM09-1663. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9WM09-1663 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: Turfgrass varieties with desirable looking turf when mowed infreqently are provided. Also provided is a method of producing a turfgrass plant having desirable looking turf when mowed infrequently. The turfgrass plants of the present invention display green leaf chlorophyll concentrations above 1.8 mg/g and a field insitu CM-1000 chlorophyll meter reading of 341.7 or higher, as well as high general turfgrass quality ratings. The turfgrass plants of the present invention retain a dark green color even when scalped back by infrequent mowing.

Abstract: A new lettuce variety designated ‘Celinet’ is described. ‘Celinet’ is a cutting lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a milking box having a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock and a robotic attacher. The robotic attacher comprises a main arm that is suspended vertically from a rail of the milking box, and a supplemental arm that is coupled to and extends horizontally from the main arm along a longitudinal axis. The supplemental arm comprises a pivot assembly that pivots a gripping portion around a vertical axis that is substantially parallel to the main arm of the robotic attacher, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the supplemental arm.

Abstract: A stackable, nestable pet shelter includes first, second and third housings. Each housing has a top of a predetermined shape and sidewalls that extend downwardly, and taper somewhat outwardly, toward an open bottom. In use, the bottom of the second housing rests upon the upper portion of the first housing, and the bottom of the third housing rests upon the upper portion of the second housing. The first and second housings are substantially hollow. When not in use, the third housing nests within the second housing which, in turn, nests within the first housing. An opening is provided in the sidewalls of the first housing for allowing an animal to enter or exit. The top of each housing includes an opening for allowing an animal to pass from one housing to the next.