Abstract: In one embodiment of an agriculture planter, the planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper, and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The trailing arm assembly may be coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame via a parallel linkage and extend rearward from the planter frame, and include separate but adjustable trailing arm assemblies for the opening implements and the closing implements.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar system having a toolbar frame, an elevator assembly, and a first wing on one side of the toolbar frame. The first wing may be coupled to the elevator and pivotable about a first vertical axis of rotation between an extended and a folded position. Tools may be coupled to the first wing and rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the first wing from an operating position below the first wing to a transport/shipping position above the first wing. Further, the first wing may be adapted to be moveable to position the first wing higher than a wheel of the agricultural implement on the same side of the toolbar frame in the folded position. Subsequently, the tools may be circularly rotated and the middle wing and tools pushed down to reduce the overall width and height of the implement for transporting or shipping.

Abstract: An agricultural machine having a trailed chassis and a transverse bar in several portions extending substantially transversely to the direction of advance in the work position and extending substantially parallel to the direction of advance in the transport position, the transverse bar includes two portions able to be folded around a first respective articulation with a substantially vertical axis, each portion supports a seeder device made up of a hopper and a seeder bar. Each seeder bar is fixed on the corresponding portion using a second articulation with a substantially horizontal axis oriented parallel to the direction of advance in the work position.

Abstract: A method for agronomic and agricultural monitoring includes designating an area for imaging, determining a flight path above the designated area, operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) along the flight path, acquiring images of the area using a camera system attached to the UAV, and processing the acquired images.

Abstract: A planting machine for forming a trench for planting seeds and/or fertilizer in a ground surface, including a frame that supports a planting assembly having a cutting tool and a gauge that sets the height of the cutting tool so as to determine a depth of the trench formed by the tool, wherein the assembly includes a linkage coupled between the frame to the gauge and an actuator to allow for remote adjustment of the linkage, in order to vary a planting depth of the trench.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.

Abstract: A system for replenishing the supply of a particulate agricultural product in the tank of an air cart. A mixture of air and product comes out of a venturi delivery system and enters in a multiplicity of inlet hoses. Then the product enters into inlet tubes of various lengths and release angles from which product particles are gently spread strategically forming a pile that is more or less horizontal to ensure even feeding of meters during dispensing operations. Then the air exits through one or more fine screens to avoid product escaping as well and is conveyed through the exhaust hoses until reaching an air diffuser. The air diffuser has a series of varying size holes or louvers at the bottom so the air can come out at a uniform low velocity which minimizes any discomfort to nearby operators.

Abstract: A pneumatic manifold is provided for a folding toolbar for use with seed planters having pneumatic seed metering devices. The manifold is formed within the tubular center section and opposite folding wings of the toolbar. A flexible coupler is provided at each wing hinge juncture to provide air flow through the toolbar wings and the center section, while allowing the toolbar to fold and unfold between the transport and field positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing agricultural product having a main frame, a support for the main frame configured so that the main frame can be advanced in an operating direction over an area in which agricultural product is grown, and an operating system on the main frame configured to advance unearthed agricultural product intermixed with debris in a conveying direction in a conveying path between an input location and a first point of use. A first processing assembly a) advances unearthed agricultural product intermixed with debris in the conveying direction towards the first point of use; and b) allows intermixed debris to separate from the agricultural product as it is advanced in the conveying direction. A plurality of processing assemblies downstream of the first processing assembly separate intermixed debris in the form of vines from the agricultural product in different manners as the agricultural product is advanced in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A blade holder device for supporting and immobilizing blades when replacing or assembling a pair of blades on a lawnmower. The blade holder device includes an X-shaped frame having a first elongated support pivotally secured to a second elongated support. The elongated supports have an aperture disposed in the center thereof in order to receive a fastener therethrough. Each elongated support further includes a first and second pair of segments permanently attached to the ends thereof. The pair of segments include a recessed area therebetween in order to receive a portion of a blade therein. The device is removably attached directly to the underside of the deck of a riding lawnmower. The device can be placed over a pair of blades to prevent injury of an individual removing or assembling the blades and to prevent damage to the blades themselves.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame that is able to articulate between a rear frame portion and a forward frame portion. In one embodiment, the rear frame portion is supported by two main drive wheels and carries an engine and controls for operating the mower. The forward frame portion carries a mowing deck which is suitable for cutting grass. The frame may be latched in a lowered mowing position by a releasable frame latch, but, when frame latch is released, the rear frame portion and the forward frame portion may be folded with respect to each other to provide access to the underside of the raised portion.

Abstract: A spreader having at least two rotors rotatably attached to a first and a second support member. Extending below the rotors is a moveable apron. Attached above the support members is a hood with a pivotally connected deflector.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide improved material flow for an agricultural vehicle, such as an overland combine harvester vehicle, for example. A sieve of the vehicle is modified with one or more baffles to reduce the quantity of harvested grain that is returned as tailings to the cleaning process during a harvesting pass.

Abstract: An agricultural baler has a shaft, a flywheel connected to the shaft, and a disc brake system including a brake disc with a toothed rim for engaging with an auxiliary motor. The brake disc may be directly mounted on the flywheel. The baler may have a brake controller for controlling the disc brake system, and a motor controller for controlling the auxiliary motor, or an integrated baler controller for controlling both. The auxiliary motor may be arranged for rotating the flywheel forward or backwards.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling the orientation of a bale discharged from an agricultural round baler according to the position of the discharge gate. When the bale reaches the desired orientation inside the bale forming chamber, such as when a segment or the cut end of the bale wrap is within a desired angular position, an electro-hydraulic control valve is activated, manually or automatically, to actuate the gate cylinders to open the gate, thereby stopping bale rotation and discharging the bale in the desired orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural robot system having a laser beam generator to cut peduncles or thin blossoms and, more particularly, to an agricultural robot system for recognizing fruits, flowers, or flower buds from camera input images and then scanning laser beams to cut peduncles or thin blossoms (burn or cure flowers or flower buds), thereby speeding up the operation, and the non-contact operation prevents damage to crops and contamination by viruses and germs and saves on labor.

Abstract: A bush pruning apparatus adapted for use in combination with a tractor or similar vehicle, wherein the apparatus is mounted to the tractor by a frame that allows the position of the cutting blade relative to the bush be pruned to be freely independent of the position or tilt of the tractor, such that changes in elevation or ground surface encountered by the tractor are not transmitted to the cutting blade to adversely affect the height of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A movable heat applicator is provided that is configured to treat a citrus tree for a bacterial disease. The heat applicator includes a heat containment structure that at least partially enclose a citrus tree. A steam generator adapted to produce steam is provided to release steam at a desired pressure and temperature for treating the citrus tree. A steam dispenser is connected to the steam generator and may be arranged in the interior of the heat containment structure at a positioned to dispense steam below branches of the citrus tree. The steam is dispensed into the heat containment structure to create a steam heated treatment environment to treat the bacterial disease. The movable heat applicator may also include a chassis coupled with the heat containment structure and a drivetrain that supports the chassis over a ground surface for moving the containment structure.

Abstract: A potting system and method are provided in which a flexible pot side includes two sets of bottom panel apertures, each set receiving tabs from a bottom panel. The potting system is assembled by positioning mutually engaging panel mesh structures on the bottom panels while folding the flexible pot side so that a plurality of first lacing apertures aligns with a plurality of second lacing apertures, and then inserting a pull lace through the aligned apertures to mechanically interlock them. Additionally, the pot system may be easily disassembled by disengaging the pull lace from the lacing apertures which causes the pot side to unbend and allows the bottom panel tabs to disengage. The pot system may then be reassembled by reengaging the bottom panels, repositioning the lacing apertures and inserting the pull lace.

Abstract: Implementations provide an expandable vertical garden system comprising a frame; drip irrigation pipe(s); drainage pipe(s); a drain tray; and optionally pots or plant containers. The frame of the expandable vertical garden may comprise: holes for inserting screws which get drilled into the support wall/framework; cavities wherein pots can be snapped in and snapped out; a support element in each cavity for the pots to get good anchorage; small holes above each cavity, wherein clips to hold a horizontal irrigation pipe can be fixed in; a large hole at the bottom of the frame for inserting the drain tray; a cavity on a rear side of each frame wherein the drainage pipe can be fixed.

Abstract: Described is a plant pot system that can house plant growing media or soil designed for multistage growth of plants. The plant pot system includes a pot with a divider slot in the sidewall and a divider which is removably insertable into the divider slot of the pot. When the divider is inserted into the divider slot of the pot, the pot is divided into an upper section, which provides a smaller space for a young plant to establish healthy roots, and a lower section. Once the plant has reached an appropriate stage of development, the divider can be removed from the pot, allowing the plant to utilize the remaining growth media in the lower section for the next stages of growth and maturity. This eliminates the need for transplanting the plant into a different, larger container for next stages of growth.

Abstract: Described is a reflective ground cover sheet material (1) in which longitudinally extending opposite side margins (A) of the sheet material are stronger than a longitudinally extending center section between the side margins of the material. Also described is a reflective ground cover sheet material (1) having longitudinally extending opposite side margins (A) of the sheet material of lower porosity than a longitudinally extending center section between the side margins of the material.

Abstract: A system and method for providing irrigation management services is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of controllers, where each controller controls application of water by an irrigation system associated with the controller. A central computer that is remote from each of the controllers may be configured to implement an irrigation management plan that is individualized to each location and based, at least in part, upon one or more characteristics of the location as determined by an on-site visit. The irrigation manager may guarantee that the system will provide a return on investment within a predefined period of time. The system may also detect faults in the irrigation systems using water usage data from the controllers and diagnose the faults. A technician may be notified and dispatched to repair the faults.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, irrigation software is provided for an irrigation system. The irrigation software may include a hierarchical watering plan display, water pump adjustment, water pump efficiency profile use, a soil moisture interface, a historical flow interface, a demand ET interface, an instant program interface, an instant program interface, a manual irrigation interface, a precipitation management group interface, a rain schedule adjustment algorithm, a map-to-monitor button, a universal start time shift interface, and a conditional screen saver.

Abstract: A self-priming wick to wick liquid transfer system. The system is preferable for watering plants. The functionality is very simple and user friendly. The system can be used in nearly every way a non self-watering planter is used, both indoors and outdoors, giving it a versatility and usability that other self-watering systems or devices do not have.

Abstract: A greenhouse growing environment has a distributed control system for selecting, monitoring, and administering hydroponic nutrient solution mixtures that are tailored to crop varieties of the greenhouse. The crop varieties are preselected based on location characteristics of the greenhouse and analysis results of source water. The analysis results indicate a nutrient composition of the source water. A predefined nutrient formulation is then automatically combined with the source water by a nutrient dispensing subsystem, to achieve a desired nutrient solution mixture that is applied to a hydroponic bay. A computational system automatically monitors the state of a hydroponic environment and directs input modules as programmed, in order to increase plant growth, plant quality, and volume of plant yield.

Abstract: A hydroponic tower for growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and/or other plants. The tower illustratively includes a substantially vertically-oriented tube with an inlet end and a drain end. The tube defines a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of cups that can be added to and removed from the tube as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating phenotypic expression of a stem canker resistance trait in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of this trait.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing elite lines of corn exhibiting reduced tassel skeletonization severity (TSS). Also provided in the present invention are corn plants exhibiting reduced TSS resulting from such methods, and methods for breeding corn such that the reduced tassel skeletonization traits may be transferred to a desired genetic background.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media formulations for high-quality and large-scale micropropagation without callus phase and plant regeneration from callus of graminaceous monocot plants such as Arundo, corn and wheat involving composite meristem explants, leaf explants and other explants have been developed. Graminaceous plants and plantlets propagated and regenerated by these systems, methods, and medium formulations are also described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV0599TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV0599TM 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 provides seed and plants of squash hybrid SV3451YG and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid SV3451YG 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: An inbred corn line designated IT7EE42 is disclosed. The invention relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line IT7EE42 and methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing the inbred corn line IT7EE42 with itself or with another corn plant. The invention also relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to corn cultivars and plant parts derived from inbred corn line IT7EE42 and to methods for producing other corn cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from inbred corn line IT7EE42, and to the corn plants and parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing inbred corn line IT7EE42 with another corn cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV1286GW. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV1286GW, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV1286GW with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line SV1286GW, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV1545GA. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV1545GA, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV1545GA with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line SV1545GA, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV1869LG. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV1869LG, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV1869LG with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV1869LG, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV7772LG. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV7772LG, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV7772LG with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV7772LG, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV4868LG. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV4868LG, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV4868LG with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV4868LG, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV6881LG. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV6881LG, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV6881LG with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV6881LG, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV3673LD. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV3673LD, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV3673LD with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV3673LD, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV3176LG. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV3176LG, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV3176LG with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV3176LG, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A method for preparing a coated cheese product, includes: a) injecting a cheese material in the viscous state between two coating films, the films being malleable at the storage temperature of the coated cheese product, and each including, on the outer face, at least one external layer of a coating composition C1 in the gelled state, the coating composition including at least one hydrophobic polymer, and b) shaping at least a coated cheese product by pressure on the outer face of each coating film to obtain a coated cheese product including a cheese core including the material and a coating that is malleable at the storage temperature of the coated cheese product and sealed against moisture and microorganisms, and completely surrounds the core at its periphery, the coating being formed by assembly by pressure of the two coating films including at least an outer layer of the coating composition C1.

Abstract: A portable livestock support system can be provided for supporting a suckling animal relative to a mother. The system is adjustable in multiple dimensions to accommodate animals of varying sizes. The system supports the animal during positioning for suckling and during suckling. A method of using the system also is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mink slurry handling system (1) comprising a first collection tray (2) comprising a first tray inlet (3) at one end and a first tray outlet (4) at the other end, where the first collection tray (2) is arranged to extend beneath a first group (5) of mink cages (9) arranged substantially side by side.

Abstract: A detachable carrier for small pets that can be attached to vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, ATV's, golf carts or watercraft. The carrier allows not only for the transportation of the pet, but also for the enjoyment of the ride, by way of an open top hatch through which the pet can extend its head allowing for an “open air” ride and visibility. The carrier for transporting a small pet on a vehicle includes a box-like container provided with an upper opening that forms part of the container top. The opening has padded edges and is large enough so that an animal such as a dog can stand up in the container with his/her front legs on the padded front edge. Anchoring structure on the container bottom is arranged to detachably couple to a luggage rack or support plate on a luggage rack that is mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: The Pet Portable Articulated Walkway (PetPAW) is a portable pet ramp with integral protective folding sides and locking handles. The PetPAW is designed to allow owners of large and/or infirm pets to assist their pets in moving between heights (as from the ground to a car or other such distance) safely. The PetPAW s integral sides provide visual and physical protection from falls or missteps by the animals, and improved handle locking and securing features provide increased user protection against injury to hands and fingers during use.

Abstract: The Texas haynet is a durable net configured to fit over a hay bale, where the holes within the net are sufficiently large enough to allow livestock to eat the hay through the holes yet small enough to restrict the rate at which the hay is eaten, so as to reduce the rate livestock eat, which improves digestion.

Abstract: A portable travel mug and water bowl combination which is used to retain water and dispense water for a dog to consume and thereafter enable the unconsumed water to be returned to the travel mug. The water bottle contains an upper section, a lower section and an interior recessed section which enables the bottle to be compressed to squeeze water out of the bottle through a straw into the dog bowl and at the same time provide a sufficient stiffness so that the shape of the bottle will not deform. The water bottle is designed to be fit into and retained in a standard car beverage container holder. The device is also designed to be aesthetically pleasing so that it can even be used in luxury vehicles.

Abstract: A device to prevent feces from a pet from touching the ground, comprising an extendable rod that extends freely to a fully extended position when the rod is pointed approximately 30 degrees downwardly. A catch ring is rotatably attached to the rod and can be frictionally fixed at a selected catch ring angle, so that the catch ring can rotate from a closed position parallel to and abutting against the rod, to a plurality of open positions and frictionally fixed in a selected one of the open positions. A bag can be draped across the catch ring to be retained on said catch ring. The user can extend the rod to the fully extended position and place said catch ring retaining said bag in an open position against the ground, and then press the catch ring against the ground to adjust the catch ring angle so that the catch ring (retaining the bag) is approximately flat on the ground. The bag retained in the catch ring can be slid along the ground to be under the pet before the feces is dropped.

Abstract: A secondary restraint for restraining an animal in the event of the failure of a primary restraint. The secondary restraint preferably includes a length of nylon fabric having a ring on one end and a releasable hook on the other. The ring is sized so that the hook will fit through the ring. In use, the length of fabric is wrapped around the neck of the animal to be restrained, and the hook is passed through the ring. The hook is then attached to a ring on the primary restraint. If the primary restraint, such as a collar or harness, slips from the animal, the leash attached to the ring on the primary restraint will pull freely, tightening the secondary restraint and preventing the escape of the animal being restrained.