Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Echinacea named ‘Sensation Pink’, that is characterized by its healthy, upright, and consistently shaped plant habit, its densely pubescent stems that are dark gray-orange in color, its inflorescences with ray florets that are bright pink in color and held at a consistent angle to the disk, and its flowering at a young age requiring only 4.5 months to develop into a branched flowering plant from tissue culture.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Monarda plant named ‘Balbalmac’, characterized by its deep lilac-colored inflorescences, dark green-colored foliage, good powdery mildew resistance, and moderately vigorous, upright-compact growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Sedum plant named ‘Firecracker’ that is characterized by its very shiny foliage that is deep cherry-red in color with the color retained in spring, summer and fall, its very heavy branching with the stems forming a mounded plant habit with no opening in the center or flopping of stems, its large pink flower heads, its very heavy vegetative bud production during winter dormancy, and its high resistance to Sedum foliage blight.

Abstract: A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by the positioning stent (20) in a position in the patient's aorta relative the heart valve predefinable by the positioning stent (20).

Abstract: A self sealing inflatable article including an inflatable body portion and a neck portion having an opening, a ring member supporting the opening of the article and a plug member for sealing the opening wherein at least a portion of the body portion of the article is invaginated through the opening of the article with the plug member associated with the invaginated portion.

Abstract: A hollow plastic body comprises a material composite consisting of a stamp-formed panel or sheet-like first layer of a first thermoplastic synthetic material, an optionally stamp-formed panel or sheet-like second layer of a second synthetic material, and an open-cell or mixed-cell foam layer of a third synthetic material disposed between the first and the second layer. The foam layer may be compressed at least in some sections in accordance with the stamped form of the first layer and/or the second layer. The foam layer may be in mechanical contact with the first or/and second layer substantially only in the compressed sections. Advantageous manufacturing methods for hollow plastic bodies are further disclosed.

Abstract: A diverter valve controlling input of two different extruded materials has a valve body having an axially extending opening, and a valve piston axially movable in the opening between first and second positions. The body defines a first inlet for receiving a first material, and a second inlet for receiving a second material with first and second outlets opposite the inlets. The piston has first and second through channels and first and second cross-over channels, each with inlet side and outlet side ports. A first flushing channel communicates with the first inlet and end ports, a second flushing channel communicates with the second inlet and end ports, and a third flushing channel opposite the first two communicates with the second outlet and includes a plurality of ports, with all the ports, inlets and outlets open to the axial opening.

Abstract: A circuit for driving a plurality of light sources via a current generator, wherein the light sources are grouped into a plurality of light source sets wherein the driver circuit comprises a plurality of inductive elements, a plurality of switches adapted to selectively connect each light source set in series with one of the inductive elements, and a control circuit configured for driving the switches, so that during a first operation time interval, each light source set is connected in series with a respective first inductive element, and during a second operation time interval, each light source set is connected in series with a respective second inductive element, wherein the respective second inductive element is separate from the respective first inductive element.

Abstract: A hedgerow cutter for cutting a hedgerow having a root mass, stalks, branches and foliage, into smaller hedgerow segments is formed of a frame, having a vertically oriented centerline, adapted for attachment to a powered vehicle sized and configured to travel alongside, and parallel to a hedgerow, a root cutting spade assembly sized to be driven down and through the root mass of the hedgerow to cut and thereby separate a segment of the hedgerow root mass from the hedgerow and an elongated hedge cutter assembly, for cutting through the hedgerow stalks, branches and foliage, said hedge cutter assembly attached to the upper portion of the spade assembly and oriented to extend generally upwardly and means for extending the root cutting spade assembly outwardly and downwardly away from the centerline and into the hedgerow root mass to separate the root mass of the hedgerow segment from the hedgerow and extending the hedge cutter assembly into the stalks, branches and foliage of the hedgerow to separate the hedgero

Abstract: A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.

Abstract: An agricultural implement, for working soil across which the agricultural implement travels or is towed, includes a frame, a first depth maintaining unit, including a first hydraulic actuator for adjusting height of the first depth maintaining unit relative to the frame, a second depth maintaining unit, including a second hydraulic actuator for adjusting height of the second depth maintaining unit relative to the frame, at least one soil working tool, and a hydraulic system including the hydraulic actuators configured to be connected to a mechanism supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system. A first side of the first hydraulic actuator communicates with a first side of the second hydraulic actuator and a measuring mechanism configured to provide a measured value corresponding to a first amount of hydraulic fluid occurring on said first sides.

Abstract: Disclosed are manure amendment compositions containing a dry or liquid mixture of (1) alum mud and at least one member selected from the group consisting of acid (e.g., sulfuric), bauxite, and mixtures thereof, or (2) bauxite and at least one member selected from the group consisting of acid (e.g., sulfuric), alum mud, and mixtures thereof, which when added to animal manure will form a treated manure product having improved environmental, health and/or animal performance. Also disclosed are various methods of using the manure amendment composition.

Abstract: A brush conditioner is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path with a brush belt having free brush ends and attached brush ends. The brush conditioner may include a conditioning member with a mounting portion and a conditioning portion. The mounting portion may be attached to the brush belt housing and the conditioning portion may angle away from the mounting portion to extend across the seed path. The conditioning portion may thereby contact a portion of the free brush ends to deflect the free brush ends toward the attached brush ends.

Abstract: The irrigation system provides for the purification of water from a source of impure water, and for the distribution of the purified water to crops for agricultural irrigation purposes. The system includes a specially configured tank, the tank being partially evacuated to lower the pressure therein to vaporize or boil the water in the tank under vacuum. Heat energy may be provided to the tank by solar reflectors or other heat source. The purified water vapor passes from the tank and through a heat exchanger. The cooled vapor flows through a distribution network and out through a plurality of specially configured moisture distribution heads to flow into the soil. The distribution heads may also distribute liquid fertilizer to the soil.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a driving wheel motor for driving at least one driving wheel, a working implement-related motor for driving at least one working implement, and at least one controller. The at least one controller sets, upon satisfaction of a predetermined condition set in advance, a relationship between vehicle speed of the work vehicle and working implement-related target rotational speed of the working implement-related motor to a working travelling cooperative relationship according to which the working implement-related target rotational speed is increased according to an increase in the vehicle speed at least within a predetermined vehicle speed range of the work vehicle, and controls the working implement-related motor to implement a working travelling cooperative mode in which the working implement-related motor is driven at the working implement-related target rotational speed based on the working travelling cooperative relationship.

Abstract: A rotary cutting deck height of cut adjustment mechanism includes a front pair of height of cut arms and a rear pair of height of cut arms, each height of cut arm pivotably mounted at an angle to a rotary cutting deck. A height of cut rod extends between a front height of cut arm and a rear height of cut arm on each side of the deck. A height of cut adjustment screw is rotatable to extend or retract each height of cut rod. A linkage is provided between the pair of height of cut adjustment screws, so that the angle of the height of cut arms may be adjusted from a single point.

Abstract: A grain deflector assembly includes a combine head that has a pair of lateral walls and a rear wall extending therebetween. The rear wall has an intake chute extending therethrough. An auger extends between the lateral walls. The auger is positioned in front of the intake chute. A frame has a first end, a second end and a rear side and a front side each extending between the first end and the second end. The frame is coupled to the combine head. The frame extends between the lateral walls. The frame is positioned over the intake chute. The frame extends forwardly over the auger. A panel is coupled to the frame. The panel extends between the first end, the second end, the front side and the rear side. The panel may deflect grain tossed upwardly by the auger such that the grain is directed into the intake chute.

Abstract: A arrangement is provided for the anticipatory assessment of plants to be gathered by a harvesting machine, disclosed as a combine harvester, and includes a non-contact sensor arrangement for the generation of signals representing at least one characteristic of plants located ahead of the machine, a measurement device for recording at least one characteristic of the plants actually gathered by the machine, and an evaluation device for producing calibration data with the aid of signals generated by the measurement device and from statistical parameters derived from the signals of the sensor arrangement and for the calculation of the characteristic of plants to be gathered with the aid of statistical parameters, which were derived from the signals of the sensor arrangement, corresponding to the plants to be gathered, and with the aid of the calibration data.

Abstract: A control arrangement and method for controlling the transfer of agricultural crop from a harvesting machine to a transport vehicle comprises a loading container. The control arrangement is able to be operated to automatically deposit the crop during the harvesting mode successively at different points in the loading container, following a predetermined loading strategy, by means of a discharging device of the harvesting machine, where the loading strategy may be changed and/or a choice may be made between different loading strategies.

Abstract: An stripper comprising a plurality of ducting units, a platform, a bin, a header, and a chassis. The platform supporting the plurality of ducting units. The bin capable of holding a harvested crop. The header is capable of harvesting the harvested crop. The plurality of ducting units convey the harvested crop from the header to the bin. The chassis supports the platform, the bin, the headers and the plurality of ducting units. The plurality of ducting units comprise hollow channel comprising a passage between an entry at a first end and an exit at a second end of the plurality of ducting units. The channel in the plurality of ducting units are formed between the entry to the exit in a two vectors. The two vectors comprise a y-axis and a z-axis. The channel in the plurality of ducting units are capable of moving the harvested crop from the header to the bin without moving the harvested crop in an x-axis direction and thereby limit clogging of the harvested crop in the passage of the plurality of ducting units.

Abstract: A fruit harvester and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The fruit harvester includes a frame and a collector connected to the frame. The collector includes a beater, one or more arms supporting the beater, one or more conveyor belts or moving beds configured to collect fruit dislodged from the plant(s) by the beater; and one or more augers configured to deposit the fruit into one or more bins held by the frame. The beater is configured to dislodge fruit and plant matter from one or more plants to which the fruit and plant matter are attached. The arm(s) are attached directly or indirectly to the frame. The conveyor belt(s) or moving bed(s) are configured to carry the fruit to the auger(s).

Abstract: A combine feeding system includes a lower conveyor roller configured to rotate around a lower conveyor roller axis, an upper conveyor roller configured to rotate around an upper conveyor roller axis and a drive shaft configured to rotate around a drive shaft axis. The lower conveyor roller axis, upper conveyor roller axis and drive shaft axis are substantially perpendicular to first and second housing walls. The feeding system also includes at least one chain configured to move over the drive shaft, the lower conveyor roller and the upper conveyor roller. The feeding system further includes at least one lower support arm coupled to the drive shaft and the lower conveyor roller and configured to pivot about the drive shaft axis. At least one force mechanism is configured to apply a force to the at least one chain in at least one of a first direction and a second direction.

Abstract: A grain bag unloading device which is compact and reduces farm operating expenses by unloading grain from an elongated grain bag to a position adjacent to the grain bag such that the grain may be further moved using an existing grain elevator or the like. The device includes a spool coupled to a frame. An actuator rotates the spool to pull a grain bag onto the spool. Wheels facilitate movement of the frame as the grain bag is pulled onto the spool. A gathering mechanism urges grain in the grain bag towards a collection area. A first end of a collector is operationally coupled to the gathering mechanism such that the collector is dispenses the grain from the collection area.

Abstract: An advanced method and facility for growing abundant crops for food together with a sustainable growth of biomass for energy within a farm setting measuring (by way of example) 600 acres and yielding some 180 bushels of corn per acre, amounting to a total farm yield of 108,000 bushels. By increasing the yield of 180 to 270 bushels per acre with drainage, irrigation, and a pond that accepts water in wet weather and dispenses water for irrigation in dry weather, and supplementing with fertilizer, the 108,000 bushels can be produced with only 400 acres, this freeing 200 acres for growing biomass to be harvested and delivered to a centralized processor (preferably in pellet form) and efficiently converts the biomass into a biofuel rich in H2 for transportation such as gasoline and a low-Btu biofuel to generate biopower while co-producing fertilizer to enhance growth of both crops and biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for placing cuttings of plants in a cultivation medium. The apparatus has a cuttings supply system for supplying a plurality of cuttings, a camera system for identifying cuttings among the plurality of cuttings that are suitable for individual pick up using pattern recognition, a pick-up tool for picking up cuttings identified by the camera system, and a planting system for simultaneously planting multiple cuttings in the cultivation medium. The planting system and the pick-up tool are separate entities. Furthermore, the pick-up tool is arranged for suitably placing picked-up cuttings in the planting system.

Abstract: A peat moss composition having improved water holding capacity, hydrophilicity, and/or anti-leaching properties comprising one or more polysaccharides, for example guars and/or guar derivatives, is disclosed. A method of preparing the peat moss composition and a method of using it are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a disk saw felling head has a fore-aft dimension, a lateral dimension, and a vertical dimension such that the fore-aft dimension, the lateral dimension, and the vertical dimension are perpendicular to one another. The disk saw felling head comprises a frame comprising a first mounting post, a second mounting post, a motor housing, and a horn section, The first and second mounting posts are configured for attaching the disk saw felling head to a base machine and spaced laterally apart from one another relative to the lateral dimension and extending vertically relative to the vertical dimension. The horn section is mounted to a top portion of the first mounting post and a top portion of the second mounting post relative to the vertical dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus preferably coupled to a boom on a truck, the apparatus capable of a plurality of configurations for a variety of uses. In one configuration, the apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. In another configuration, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use an aerial tank mounted at the far end of a boom assembly. Typically the aerial tank will be mounted just beneath the attachment of the cutter head assembly to the boom and above one or more insulation couplings. In some disclosed embodiments, the aerial tank that can be remotely controlled. The aerial tank can be used as a liquid chemical supply or cleaning liquid supply as needed for various tree trimming tasks.

Abstract: A fully automated land irrigation system to irrigate regular and irregular shapes of land. The system includes a water deliver pipe assembly configured to travel laterally while irrigating adjacent to a stationary row of spaced access valves supplied by a water main. The system includes a single coupler automated connector to automatically supply water to the water delivery pipe assembly. The connector includes a swing arm pivotably mounted to and hydraulically connected to the water delivery pipe assembly, a valve coupler mounted to the swing arm to selectively access water from the water main via the spaced access valves and a water conveyance to operably flow water between the valve coupler and the swing arm. The valve coupler includes a vertical coupler travel configured to provide essentially vertical travel of the valve coupler relative to the swing arm.

Abstract: An irrigation control module is described that adjusts a watering schedule for a connected irrigation controller based on weather data provided by a local weather station. The irrigation control module can add additional weather-based irrigation schedule adjustments to an irrigation controller that may otherwise lack the hardware (e.g., wireless transmitter, sufficient memory) and software (e.g., evapotranspiration algorithms) to store and interpret weather data from a weather station.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes an irrigation controller with an adjust feature and at least one sensor. The irrigation system further includes a sensor control unit operatively connected to the irrigation controller and the at least one sensor. The sensor control unit is configured to calculate an irrigation value using a signal from the sensor and to automatically modify a watering schedule of the irrigation controller through the adjust feature based on the irrigation value to thereby conserve water while maintaining plant health.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus, more particularly to an automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus to provide a thin mist for watering the roots of plants. In one example embodiment, the automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus is configured to: circulate mist to provide humidity to the leaves of plants, to control water temperature, to control humidity levels, to be notified of low water levels, and to measure pH levels of the water.

Abstract: Lavandula plants in section Stoechas having at least two branched cymeous spikes are disclosed. The present invention further relates to methods for producing Lavandula section Stoechas plants having branched cymeous spikes, and methods of breeding Lavandula plants having branched cymeous spikes, wherein at least one parent plant is a Lavandula section Stoechas plant having branched cymeous spikes. Lavandula section Stoechas plants produced by the described methods and characterized by their unique branched cymeous spikes are also described.

Abstract: A hybrid pepper designated ‘E20S12779’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid pepper ‘E20S12779’ to the plants of hybrid pepper ‘E20S12779’ and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid pepper ‘E20S12779’.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper line ‘Hot Pops Purple’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper line ‘Hot Pops Purple’, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated HID3259, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line HID3259 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line HID3259, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line HID3259, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated AX3611, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line AX3611 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line AX3611, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line AX3611, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated HAF4561, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line HAF4561 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line HAF4561, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line HAF4561, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ID3823, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ID3823 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ID3823, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ID3823, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV844429. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV844429, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV844429 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV844429 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV844429.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV700968. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV700968, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV700968 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV700968 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV700968.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV934423. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV934423, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV934423 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV934423 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV934423.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV996840. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV996840, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV996840 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV996840 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV996840.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV153252. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV153252, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV153252 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV153252 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV153252.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV907271. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV907271, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV907271 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV907271 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV907271.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV061486. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV061486, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV061486 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV061486 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV061486.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH746391. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH746391, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH746391 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH746391.