Patents Issued in April 28, 2016
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Publication number: 20160113186Abstract: A material handling device to be used on non-horizontal platforms such as roofs, hills, construction sites, and other sloped surfaces. The device is comprised of a large blade for collecting debris or other materials such as shingles. The blade connects to a first handle that hangs forwardly over the opening of the blade. This handle is meant to assist lifting by placing the handle over the center of gravity of the load in the shovel. The blade is also attached to an angle adjustment pivot assembly. The pivot assembly is attached to an elongated handle. The adjustment mechanism adjusts the angle between the blade and the shaft. At the first end of the shaft is an anchor assembly, comprising an anchoring pin. The anchoring pin can be hammered into the surface to secure the shovel from falling or slipping. The shaft is then connected at its second end to a second anchor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Ronald MCAFEE
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Publication number: 20160113187Abstract: A ground opening disc scraper assembly comprising: a scraper arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured for mounting to a support structure; a scraper blade; and a tensioning clip for yieldably mounting the scraper blade to the distal end of the scraper arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Ron Hesla
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Publication number: 20160113188Abstract: A coupling assembly couples a towed implement having a tongue to a vehicle having a pickup hitch. The coupling assembly includes a coupler manifold which is mounted to the vehicle and which supports vehicle couplers. An implement coupler frame is attached to the tongue, and an implement plate is movably coupled to the implement coupler frame. The implement plate supports implement couplers for mating engagement with the vehicle couplers. The manifold is engagable with the implement plate. Spring members are biased to urge the implement plate towards the manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: TONY J. HUEGERICH, STEVEN A. DUPPONG
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Publication number: 20160113189Abstract: A coupling assembly couples an implement to a vehicle having a pickup hitch. The coupling assembly includes a coupler frame attached to the implement. A jack stand member is mounted on two coupling pins which project from the coupler frame. The jack stand member has a first slot which receives the first pin and a second slot which receives the second pin. The second slot forms a first shoulder which engages the second pin to support the coupler frame when the jack stand member is in a ground engaging lowered position. A block mounted to the pickup hitch is spaced apart from the jack stand member to allow it to fall to the lowered position when the coupler frame is uncoupled from the vehicle. The block engages a surface of the jack stand member to raise the jack stand member when the coupler frame is moved towards the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: TONY J. HUEGERICH
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Publication number: 20160113190Abstract: An agricultural implement has front flotation wheels with a significantly increased diameter, increasing flotation and improving rolling characteristics, especially in soft soil conditions. The implement has a frame supported on front and rear wheels. Front flotation wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame about vertical axes. A hitch tongue is pivotally attached to the frame about a vertical hitch pivot axis. A wheel control mechanism connects the front flotation wheels to the hitch tongue, and is configured such that when the hitch tongue is in a neutral position the front flotation wheels roll in the operating direction, and pivoting the hitch tongue causes the front flotation wheels to pivot in the same direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Scott Scherman, Devin Lung
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Publication number: 20160113191Abstract: A system to meter multiple agricultural products according to an independently prescribed rate for each in a variable-ratio blend of the agricultural products from a single opener in a plurality of such systems and openers across an applicator such as a drill. Bulk storage compartments associated with the applicator deliver multiple agricultural products to metering assemblies mounted in clusters or pods across the applicator. The agricultural products are fed from the metering assemblies, via a flow re-director, into a manifold, and then into a corresponding single opener having conduits to transport the agricultural product into the soil. Controllers independently regulate metering by the metering assemblies. The flow re-director and manifold provide blending of combinations of the agricultural products for each opener according to a field prescription.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Colin Mark Rosengren, Robert Sydney Ruff, Charles Joseph Schembri, Gordon Blair Wilson
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Publication number: 20160113192Abstract: A root crop harvesting machine has a crop lifting device that has associated therewith downstream in the conveying direction an ascending first sorting stretch with substantially unchangeable working width. The crop is conveyed across a cleaning stretch to a collecting bunker, wherein a conveying run movable along the ascending sorting stretch is guided to a top drop zone where the conveyed material is transferred onto a downstream conveying stretch. The conveying run in the area of an upper unloading end interacts with at least one deflection conveying unit receiving the conveyed crop stream. This upper deflection conveying unit is provided with at least one separating device that, in working position, is moveable into a position of lateral projecting width so as to project at least on one side past the receiving width of the machine; from this position, it is returnable into a travel position for road travel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Franz-Josef Dettmer, Werner Bellersen
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Publication number: 20160113193Abstract: A machine for harvesting root crop has a lifting device that in a position of use on a harvest field lifts several rows of the crop with admixtures from the soil transversely to the travel direction in accordance with a lifting width. From the lifting device the loosened mixture of crop and admixtures is movable opposite to the travel direction by a first longitudinal conveyor and is transferred onto a second screening belt conveyor. Between longitudinal conveyor and screening belt conveyor, a transfer zone is defined with belt overlap. The first longitudinal conveyor in the conveying direction together with the upstream lifting device forms a module that is movable in transverse direction of the machine relative to the second screening belt conveyor. This module, relative to the common transfer zone, can be moved at least sectionwise into a position of lateral spacing relative to the second screening belt conveyor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Franz-Josef Dettmer, Stefan Feldkämper
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Publication number: 20160113194Abstract: Mechanisms and related methods for drive by wire control systems in walk-behind working machines are provided herein. The mechanism can include a sensor and at least one resilient member. The sensor can be rotatable about a sensor axis and can be in communication with a control unit, while the at least one resilient member can cooperate with the sensor to bias the sensor about the sensor axis. Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to control an operating state of a transmission of the walk-behind machine. In addition, the mechanism can be configured such that if the drive by wire control system becomes inoperative, a change in the operating state of the transmission occurs, such that the transmission is non-operational if the drive by wire control system becomes inoperative.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Vincent Andrew Prinzo
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Publication number: 20160113195Abstract: A robotic mower navigation system has a plurality of landmark tags sequentially spaced along or inside a boundary wire. Each landmark tag has a unique identifier. The robotic mower has a detector for detecting the landmark tags, and a vehicle control unit having memory storing data for each of the landmark tags including the unique identifiers, a departure angle and a distance from the landmark tag to another non-sequential landmark tag. The vehicle control unit determines the shortest route to a specified destination based on the stored landmark tag data.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Colin E. Das, David A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20160113196Abstract: A powered landscaping apparatus having a frame, at least one wheel on the frame through which the frame can be supported upon and advanced over a subjacent support surface, a blower assembly operatively positioned on the frame and having a fan assembly that is mounted to be turned guidingly around a vertically extending axis, and a drive on the frame for moving the fan assembly around the vertically extending axis. The blower assembly is configured to generate a pressurized supply of air that is propelled in a stream that is directed in a manner to continuously redistribute loose material that resides on the subjacent support surface as the fan assembly is moved around the vertically extending axis by the drive and the frame is advanced over the subjacent support surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Christopher A. Pearson
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Publication number: 20160113197Abstract: A disk for vertically cutting grass surfaces is provided. The disk includes a center plate mountable to a shaft and a plurality of teeth extending from a circumferential edge of the center plate. Each tooth comprises a base extending from the circumferential edge of the center plate and at least one blade extending from the base at an offset angle. Each blade includes a neck extending from the base at the offset angle, and a tip extending radially outward from the neck relative to a center plane of the center plate such that the tip is offset from the center plane. The tip also extends from the neck at a yaw angle relative to the center plane such that when the disk is rotated about a rotational axis of the shaft a leading edge of the tip rotates in a different rotational plane than a trailing edge of the tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Ramya Mahalingham, Robert James Pilon, JR., James Christopher Fox
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Publication number: 20160113198Abstract: A mower deck spindle cover includes a panel that covers a spindle pocket on a mower deck in a lowered position. The spindle cover is attached to a mounting arm for pivoting between the lowered position and a raised position. A torsion spring biases the panel to the lowered position. The spindle cover cannot be removed from the mower deck unless them mower deck is separated from the tractor or vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Patrick Shaver, Melissa Tolson, Kyle T. Ressler
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Publication number: 20160113199Abstract: A corn header includes a plurality of harvesting units to separate corn ears from corn stalks. Each harvesting unit has a deck plate assembly, and an actuator assembly to adjust a width of a stalk receiving channel by adjusting a position of at least a deck plate of the deck plate assembly. A kernel sensor can generate a signal representative of the presence of kernels detached from the ears during the separation of the corn ears from the corn stalks by the harvesting units and a control unit to receive the signal from the kernel sensor and generate an actuator control signal for controlling the actuator assemblies of the plurality of harvesting units, thereby controlling the width of the stalk receiving channels of the harvesting units.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Dre Jongmans, Bart M.A. Missotten, Frederik Tallir, Willem Vandamme, Karel M.C. Viaene
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Publication number: 20160113200Abstract: A combine harvester with a chassis, an implement coupled to the chassis, and a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system includes plural hydraulic cylinders coupled to the chassis and operative to cause movement of the implement, and a cylinder circuit coupled to the plural hydraulic cylinders. The cylinder circuit includes an actuable valve configured to enable hydraulic fluid flow through the plural hydraulic cylinders to enable the movement of the implement and a control system. The control system includes one or more sensors, each configured to provide a signal based on a motion of the chassis, and a controller configured to receive the signals from the one or more sensors and cause actuation of the actuable valve to cause the plural hydraulic cylinders to move the implement based on the signals to counter the motion of the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Marian Gofron, Steven R. Tippery
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Publication number: 20160113201Abstract: A rotary mower has a center mower deck and a hitch arm assembly adapted at a front end for connection to a tractor drawbar. A hydraulic pump is mounted on the hitch arm assembly and connected to a hydraulic motor mounted on the center mower. An upward arm section of the hitch arm assembly extends upward from a front portion of the hitch arm assembly to provide a desired clearance distance between a middle arm section of the hitch arm assembly and the ground, and a downward arm section of the hitch arm assembly extends downward from the middle arm section to a rear end of the hitch arm assembly which is pivotally connected to the mower deck about a hitch pivot axis oriented horizontally and perpendicular to the operating travel direction. The hitch pivot axis is located at a vertical position below top edges of the front wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Blake Neudorf, Montgomerie Summach, Gerard Bourgault, Mark Cresswell
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Publication number: 20160113202Abstract: A straw chopper to be mounted at the rear discharge of a combine harvester includes a housing with a feed opening and a discharge opening with a rotor mounted in the housing for chopping and accelerating the crop materials. The rotor has a hub and a plurality of flail blade members where at least some of the blades are formed of a plate having a mounting hole through the plate for mounting on a bushing or pin of the rotor where a bearing surface of the mounting hole of the plate and not the plate surface is coated with material such as tungsten carbide or chromium carbide of a thickness less than 0.020 inches which is harder than a parent material of the plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Dean Mayerle
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Publication number: 20160113203Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, a threshing system carried by the chassis, and a cleaning system carried by the chassis and positioned below the threshing system. The cleaning system includes one or more sieves, a clean grain auger positioned below at least one sieve, and a cover plate positioned above the clean grain auger. The cover plate has a front edge and a rear edge which each extend generally parallel to a lateral axis of the clean grain auger. The front edge and rear edge are each open to allow clean grain to pass therebelow to the clean grain auger.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Bart M. A. Missotten
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Publication number: 20160113204Abstract: A bale wrapping mechanism has a roll holding station and a duckbill provided for clamping one end of the roll of wrapping material, said duckbill being pivotally mounted, via at least a first hinge, to the baling chamber sidewalls, for delivering said wrapping material to said baling chamber by insertion of said duckbill between adjacent rolls of said baling chamber, wherein the wrapping mechanism further has at least a first guiding roll for guiding the wrapping material between said roll holding station and said duckbill, wherein said first guiding roll axis substantially coincides with the first hinge axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Bram Rosseel, Eddy Lammerant, Kurt Zwaenepoel, Johan A.E. Vande Ryse
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Publication number: 20160113205Abstract: A signal processing method of a baler system includes the steps of receiving a signal, determining a steady state level and relating the steady state level to a characteristic of a forming bale. A signal is received from at least one sensor associated with a bale chamber of the baler system and a steady state level is determined from the signal. The steady state level of the signal is related to a characteristic of the forming bale in the bale chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Didier Verhaeghe, Tom Coen
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Publication number: 20160113206Abstract: A baler and method are described for forming and wrapping bales of crop material. A baler may include a baling chamber, a crop-moving device for compressing crop material into a bale within the baling chamber, a bale chute oriented outside the baling chamber, and a wrap frame supported by the bale chute. Once formed within the baling chamber, the bales may be ejected from the baling chamber to the bale chute. A sheet of wrap material may be wrapped about the wrap frame, such that a sleeve of wrap material is formed from the sheet. The bale may be moved through the wrap frame, such that the bale engages the sleeve to pull the sleeve from the wrap frame and the bale is wrapped by the sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: TIMOTHY J. KRAUS
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Publication number: 20160113207Abstract: A landscaping blower nozzle assembly includes an inlet section for allowing air into the assembly, an elbow section and a motor. A nozzle is insertable into the elbow section such that the motor moves the elbow section in an Moveable motion back and forth though at least 180 degree of motion for aiding the operator in the movement and removal of leaves and other debris.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Kristopher D. Shumaker, Jeremy C. Stoddard, Steven J. Leibrandt
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Publication number: 20160113208Abstract: A pruning shears is revealed. The pruning shears include a first brake arm, a second brake arm, a blade, and at least one connection piece. The first brake arm is disposed with a first toothed part while the second brake arm is arranged with a second toothed part. The first toothed part and the second toothed part are engaged with each other. The connection piece is pivotally connected to the blade, the first brake arm, and the second brake arm. During a cutting process (pruning process), a force applied is reduced due to the connection piece pivotally connected to the first brake arm and the second brake arm. While the first and the second toothed parts are engaged with each other, the connection piece becomes a wall of the first and the second toothed parts for stabilizing the engagement of the first and the second toothed parts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: WEI-CHUN HSU
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Publication number: 20160113209Abstract: A method for operating a shearing tool that includes: operating a first switch to control a drive unit to drive a blade of a blade set; and operating a second switch to cause the drive unit to operate in an anti-binding mode in which a direction of an input to the drive unit is alternated at least twice. A shearing tool is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Oleksiy P. SERGYEYENKO, Wong Kun NG, Kelly E. DYER, Robert WU
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Publication number: 20160113210Abstract: A planting package is provided. The planting package includes a water discharging bag, a soil, at least a seed and a hanging structure, wherein the water discharging bag is made of material having water discharging function. The water discharging bag has a tear line to form a tear portion on the water discharging bag. The soil is disposed in the water discharging bag, the seed is also disposed in the water discharging bag, and the hanging structure is disposed on an outer surface of the water discharging bag. The planting package has the advantage of easily planted.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: SHENG-LIAN LIN, YU-YING LIN, TUNG-YI LIN
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Publication number: 20160113211Abstract: A wall mounted agricultural system includes a mounting structure including first and a second ends and supported from a substantially vertically extending wall surface, and at least one planter box that includes a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall that cooperate to form a compartment and an upwardly opening aperture, wherein at least one of the sidewalls comprises a rear wall facing the wall surface, the at least one planter box is configured to mount to the mounting structure such that the rear wall is spaced from the wall surface to create a space therebetween, and wherein the at least one planter box includes an aperture in fluid communication with the compartment and the space positioned between the rear wall and the wall surface, and wherein the aperture in fluid communication with the space is configured to allow water received through the upwardly opening aperture to drain into the space.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: David S. MacKenzie
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Publication number: 20160113212Abstract: A sun-tracking light distributor for a photosynthetic culture in an aqueous liquid, comprising: two light distribution walls made of a transparent material, creating an elongated V-shaped channel adapted to receive the sunlight and to be partly immersed in the aqueous liquid, the sun-tracking light distributor has a center of buoyancy, a vertical passing through the center of buoyancy defines an axis of flotation, and a pivot axis of the sun-tracking light distributor is offset relative to the axis of flotation. Owing to the offset pivot axis, the orientation of the light distributor is changed by varying the level of aqueous liquid, thus allowing a tracking of the sun's altitude.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Denis HOTTE, Marc-Andrè BOUCHER, Marc DAIGLE, Paul GRENIER, Frédéric LAMONTAGNE, Yann LE BIHAN, Marc LÉVESQUE
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Publication number: 20160113213Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for illuminating plants in an indoor site, comprising a plurality of illumination units for emitting light in intermittent pulses; a central unit connected to the plurality of illumination units for synchronizing the operation of the plurality of illumination units, such that two or more plants clusters receive light in intermittent pulses emitted in the same time. The illumination units may contain wireless communication units and are synchronized wirelessly. The present invention also discloses adjusting an illumination plan of plants according to information of various types from a central server and adjusting the height of the illumination units accordingly. The system adjusts illumination plans according to information received from one or more sites, and predicts problematic situations from a series of images.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Gennadiy BERINSKY
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Publication number: 20160113214Abstract: The invention relates to the field of agriculture and can be used for producing plant cultivation systems. The solar bio-greenhouse consists of a south part and a north part which are continuously structurally interconnected and are mounted on a base part and base supports or without a base. Said parts are equipped with systems for accumulating heat, and for ventilation and distribution of thermal flows, with systems for microdroplet irrigation and illumination, and also with an automated system for controlling and monitoring the microclimate. An increase in energy efficiency and productivity are ensured in order to increase the growth rate and development of cultivatable, environmentally friendly plants.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Sergei Stepanovich KONIN
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Publication number: 20160113215Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide materials and methods for induced precipitation recycling, including establishing afforestation plots and harvesting natural resources. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include targeted development and implementation of an environmentally sustainable precipitation recycling program to ameliorate chronic regional water shortages and drought conditions. In other embodiments, methods and systems disclosed provide for synergistic ecological benefits, including, but not limited to, methods for wastewater treatment, carbon sequestration, storm water management, groundwater recharge and phytoremediation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Kevin Layton
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Publication number: 20160113216Abstract: An apparatus for staking a tree is provided that includes a rigid body defining an outer surface, an inner surface, and opposed guides, the inner surface having a conformal curvature and the opposed guides being disposed along a longitudinal periphery of the rigid body, wherein the conformal curvature is sized to conform to an outer profile geometry of the tree.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Justin Dart Ward
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Publication number: 20160113217Abstract: A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Thomas P. Cox, Mark A. Merit, Joseph B. Carlisle
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Publication number: 20160113218Abstract: Expandable drip emitter tubing is provided that can be moved from a compact configuration to an expanded, grid-like configuration. The tubing includes primary tubes supplied with fluid, which in turn feed secondary tubes. The secondary tubes rotatably connect the primary tubes, and allow the primary tubes to move from the compact configuration to the expanded configuration while in the latter configuration maintaining spacing within desired limits. Advantageously, the secondary tubes can be configured to include emission points, thereby increasing the number of emission points and the density of such emission points.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Michael F. Turk, Kevin Scott Judd
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Publication number: 20160113219Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems of controlling irrigation. Some of these systems comprise: a connector of a controller interface (CI) coupled with an irrigation controller, wherein the connector is configured to receive a valve activation signal activated by the irrigation controller; a user interface of the CI; a processor of the CI configured to obtain valve transceiver (VT) programming with VT programming being received from inputs through the user interface, determine a station identifier, and identify as defined in the VT programming a remote valve associated with the station identifier and controlled by a remote VT; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a wireless activation signal configured to be wirelessly received by the VT controlling the valve associated by the VT programming with the station identifier such that the VT is configured to control an actuator to actuate the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Michael James Tennyson, Angel Reyes Archundia, Frank Torre, Robert H. Jenkins, Brian Jeffrey Mueller
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Publication number: 20160113220Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Ryan L. Walker, Harvey J. Nickerson, Blake Snider
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Publication number: 20160113221Abstract: A vegetable preservation and growing case includes a thermally-insulated case body. The thermally-insulated case is provided therein with at least one vegetable carrying box for use in vegetable growing or preservation. The vegetable carrying box bearing case (1) and the thermally-insulated case body have a pluggable electrical connection and a pluggable water-path connection and allow for disassembly, thus effectively increasing the degree of use convenience.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Jian Wu, Shu Zhou, Zhaojun Fei, Haibo Liu
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Publication number: 20160113222Abstract: A multi-layered aquaponics system and an aquaponics cultivation method in an indoor vertical farming application are disclosed. The aquaponics cultivation method of the multi-layered aquaponic system involves using a submersible pump to drain water (through a supply pipe) from a fish tank, located at the lowest level, to each layer of plant grow-bed. When water in one particular grow-bed is filled up to the height of a standpipe of a Bell Siphon, water would drain automatically into a water drain pipe, which circulates back to the fish tank. The strong water current deploying at least one Bell Siphon in a vertical structure will give suitable aeration into the fish tank and emit no carbon by saving power in the aeration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: HORIMASA INTERNATIONAL CO., LIMITEDInventors: Masaharu HORI, Mitsuhiro HOTTA
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Publication number: 20160113223Abstract: A vegetable preservation and growing case includes a thermally-insulated case body used for vegetable growing or preservation, where an electrical control component for electrically controlling the thermally-insulated case and a pipeline component for circularly supplying a nutrient solution to the thermally-insulated case body. The preservation and growing case allows the freshness of a vegetable to be preserved for an extended period of time, has a simple structure, and is easy to maintain.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Jian Wu, Shu Zhou, Zhaojun Fei, Haibo Liu
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Publication number: 20160113224Abstract: The present disclosure provides a photobioreactor system designed for optimal algae productivity at large volumes in order to deliver a high yield per acre. The photobioreactor system comprises photobioreactor units, that may be isolated from each other to reduce culture clashes; an array of diffused acrylic rods attached to the bottom of a removable acrylic circular top in each photobioreactor unit that provides more light into the photobioreactors; a double parabolic trough mirror system, which utilizes two parabolic trough mirrors to reflect and concentrate sunlight into fiber optic cables; and an algae-cycling system mounted at the bottom of each photobioreactor unit and driven by air to circulate the algae suspension in a vertical motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: MORGAN HILL BIOENERGY, INC.Inventors: David Shiao-tsing Chiang, Xuezhi Zhang, Jun Wang
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Publication number: 20160113225Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 14R435B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 14R435B2R2. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 14R435B2R2 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 14R435B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: DAWN E. FRASER
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Publication number: 20160113226Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 14R1456B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 14R1456B2R2. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 14R1456B2R2 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 14R1456B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: O. Lloyd MAY
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Publication number: 20160113227Abstract: A system comprises a milking box, a robotic attacher, a sensor, and a controller. The milking box has a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock. The stall comprises a first exit gate on a first side of the stall leading to a first sorting region and a second exit gate on a second side of the stall leading to a second sorting region. The robotic attacher extends from the rear between the hind legs of the dairy livestock, move in at least one direction along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. The sensor identifies the dairy livestock within the milking box stall. The controller selects and opens the first exit gate or the second exit gate based at least in part upon the identity of the dairy livestock in order to direct the first dairy livestock into either the first sorting region or the second sorting region.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20160113228Abstract: A milking system includes an optical detector for detecting radiation emitted and/or reflected by a part of an animal, the optical detector having a housing with a window that is substantially transparent to the radiation. The milking system further includes a cleaning device for cleaning the window of the optical detector. The cleaning device includes a nozzle connected to a source of steam, and in operation the nozzle directs steam against the window of the optical detector. The use of steam to clean the window provides heating and rinsing free of impurities and minerals that can leave deposits and residue on the window and which, over time, may degrade the operation of the optical detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Nils-Erik HOLMERTZ
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Publication number: 20160113229Abstract: A livestock gate includes a plurality of retractable horizontal members to create a variable height opening in the gate. The variable height opening allows animals below a particular height to pass through while restricting larger animals. While weaning, young animals are permitted to pass through the variable height opening to reach feed while cows are excluded to prevent nursing and competition from the larger animals.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Daniel Lee Porter, Margie Lucille Porter
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Publication number: 20160113230Abstract: Provided is a litter box for animals in which a suitable amount of excretion treating agent can be determined visually. A litter box for animals is provided with a granule accommodating container that accommodates a plurality of granules. The granule accommodating container is provided with: a container main body, which has a lower surface part and a side wall part standing up from the peripheral edge of the lower surface part; and a protruding part, which has a protruding part lower surface, which sticks out toward the outside from the side wall part on the container main body and is curved at a prescribed angle with respect to the side wall part, and a protruding part side wall. The lower end part of the protruding part lower surface is positioned above the upper end part of the lower surface part.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Chiyo TAKAGI, Shinya KANEKO, Tomoko HIRAO, Nobuharu NAMIKAWA
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Publication number: 20160113231Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: THE CLOROX COMPANYInventors: Charles F. Fritter, Ananth N. Shenoy
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Publication number: 20160113232Abstract: A bedding and waste disposal system for use with a pet cage tray includes a nonporous outer liner that transitions between an open shape and a closed shape, a retention member having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls is positioned within the liner, and pet bedding is positioned along the bottom wall of the retention member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Frank Thompson, Toni Merlington
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Publication number: 20160113233Abstract: A coiled folded pet urine pad includes a plurality of pet urine pads, wherein every two adjacent pet urine pads are laminated to each other and sequentially coiled from inside to outside to form a coiled integral body, and a lower half edge of a last single pet urine pad is pressed inside an upper half edge of the next single pet urine pad. A method and equipment for processing a coiled folded pet urine pad that includes multiple single pet urine pads, wherein every two adjacent single pet urine pads are laminated to each other and sequentially coiled from inside to outside to form a coiled integral body, and the lower half edge of the last single pet urine pad is pressed inside the upper half edge of the next single pet urine pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: Jiangsu Zhongheng Pet Articles Joint-Stock Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qiu Bin
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Publication number: 20160113234Abstract: A coiled pet urine pad includes multiple single pet urine pads, wherein every two adjacent single pet urine pads are connected through a breakpoint line, and the multiple independent single urine pads are coiled in sequence from inside to outside to form a coiled integral body. A coiled pet urine pad processing equipment includes a pet urine pad processing main machine frame and a conveying device arranged on the pet urine pad processing main machine frame. A buffer device frame is arranged at the rear end of the pet urine pad processing main machine frame, and a buffer device is arranged on the buffer device frame. A coiling device frame is arranged at the rear end of the buffer device frame and a coiling device is arranged on the coiling device frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: Jiangsu Zhongheng Pet Articles Joint-Stock Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qiu Bin
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Publication number: 20160113235Abstract: A folded pet urine pad convenient to carry includes multiple single pet urine pads, wherein the middle part of each single pet urine pad is folded, every two adjacent single pet urine pads are laminated in a staggered manner, and the lower half edge of the last single pet urine pad is pressed underneath the upper half edge of the next single pet urine pad.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: Jiangsu Zhongheng Pet Articles Joint-Stock Co., Ltd.Inventor: Qiu Bin