Patents Issued in May 19, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160135352
    Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a housing supported by a plurality of wheels that include a pair of drive wheels. The drive wheels are pivotally mounted to the housing to permit the housing to move between operational and transport positions thereof. A control is used to so move the housing with the control having a hand grip whose height above the ground is easily adjustable to accommodate users of different effective heights. A foot guard maintains a relatively constant disposition relative to the ground whether the housing is in its operational or transport position. The housing of the aerator has a vent system and an air gap relative to a prime mover deck which cool a traction drive system contained within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Christian S.C. Bryant, Alex W. Buhr, Timothy D. Andre, Jeremy J. Tate
  • Publication number: 20160135353
    Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a housing supported by a plurality of wheels that include a pair of drive wheels. The drive wheels are pivotally mounted to the housing to permit the housing to move between operational and transport positions thereof. A control is used to so move the housing with the control having a hand grip whose height above the ground is easily adjustable to accommodate users of different effective heights. A foot guard maintains a relatively constant disposition relative to the ground whether the housing is in its operational or transport position. The housing of the aerator has a vent system and an air gap relative to a prime mover deck which cool a traction drive system contained within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Christian S.C. Bryant, Alex W. Buhr, Daniel W. Dorn
  • Publication number: 20160135354
    Abstract: An agricultural implement for use with a tractor. The agricultural implement comprises a main body, a hitch, a plurality of wheel support assemblies, and a pair of wheels coupled to each of the wheel support assemblies. Each of the wheel support assemblies includes a longitudinal support assembly extending rearward from the main body. The wheel support assemblies further include a transverse support assembly coupled to the longitudinal support assembly, with each of the wheels of the pair of wheels being disposed on opposite sides of the transverse support assembly, and with the transverse support assembly being rotatable relative to the main body, such that raising one wheel of the pair of wheels causes the corresponding lowering of another wheel of the pair of wheels. The wheel support assemblies also include a rotational damping mechanism for restricting rotation of the transverse assembly and the pair of wheels relative to the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Erik Thorsell, Rodney Hake
  • Publication number: 20160135355
    Abstract: An implement (1) comprises a number of work devices (2A,2B,2C) for performing work therewith in an operative position. The work devices comprise an input drive shaft (4) which sets the work devices into operation. At least one work device (2B) of the work devices comprises an output shaft (3B) coupled to the input drive shaft (4A) of the work device and the input drive shaft (4C) of a subsequent work device (2C). The mutual coupling of the input and output shafts of the work devices together forms an efficient single drive line with which the work devices can be driven simultaneously without a separate drive branch being required per work device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Leonardus Joannes Antonius VAN LOEN
  • Publication number: 20160135356
    Abstract: An agricultural planter which provides an improved method for extending and retracting the wing boom and which has improved maneuverability is disclosed. A drive member is provided that drives one or more of the wing wheels on the agricultural planter. The drive member may be, for example, a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. When a wing boom is extended or retracted between the transport position and the working position, a controller generates a command signal to the drive member to drive one or more of the wing wheels forward or reverse, thereby assisting the wing boom in retracting or extending the telescoping portion of the hitch assembly and in extending or retracting the booms. During operation, the controller may similarly generate a command to the drive member to drive one or more of the wing wheels either in forward or reverse according to the operation of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Marvin A. Prickel, Brian J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160135357
    Abstract: An agricultural planter which provides an improved method for extending and retracting the wing boom and which has improved maneuverability is disclosed. A drive member is provided that drives one or more of the carrier wheels on the agricultural planter. The drive member may be, for example, a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. When a wing boom is extended or retracted between the transport position and the working position, a controller generates a command signal to the drive member to drive one or more of the carrier wheels forward or reverse, thereby assisting the draft links in retracting or extending the telescoping portion of the hitch assembly and in extending or retracting the booms. During operation, the controller may similarly generate a command to the drive member to drive one or more of the carrier wheels either in forward or reverse according to the operation of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Marvin A. Prickel, Brian J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20160135358
    Abstract: A seed mat for placement in a growing medium, such as soil. The seed mat includes a biodegradable mat having at least one opening positioned within an indentation, and a seed that is placed near the opening. The opening is sized smaller than the seed, and the seed is secured below the opening between a bottom biodegradable sheet that is adhered to the bottom surface of the mat. An adhesive is used to adhere the bottom sheet to the mat. The adhesive can optionally include a water-soluble fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Kathie Lynn Seacord
  • Publication number: 20160135359
    Abstract: One embodiment describes an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground engaging opener assemblies that each excavates a trench into soil and deposits a granular product into the trench as the agricultural implement is towed though a field; and a first tool meter coupled to the agricultural implement and pneumatically coupled to a first portion of the plurality of ground engaging opener assemblies. The first tool meter instructs a pneumatic distribution system to supply the granular product to the first tool meter based at least in part on a first amount of granular product stored in the first tool meter; and pneumatically distributes the granular product to the first portion of the plurality of ground engaging opener assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Trevor Lawrence Kowalchuk, Gordon Anthony Engel
  • Publication number: 20160135360
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a self-aligning head bracket for a seed planting implement. The self-aligning head bracket includes a securing element that secures the head bracket to a hollow support frame of the seed planting implement and to support a row unit; and a vacuum port fixedly coupled to the securing element. The vacuum port interfaces with an opening in the hollow support frame to establish at least a portion of a pneumatic path between an interior of the hollow support frame and the row unit and to facilitate alignment of the row unit on the hollow support frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Patrick Dinnon, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20160135361
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for entraining seed into a plurality of seed supply lines. Some embodiments enable selective prevention of seeds from entering a subset of seed supply lines. Some embodiments enable improved flow of seed through an entrainer by angled surfaces provided on blocking members disposed to selectively block seed from entering seed supply lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventor: Todd Swanson
  • Publication number: 20160135362
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a seed metering system that includes a first seed meter that controls seed deposition by a first row unit on a seed planting implement; a first direct vacuum source fluidly coupled to the first seed meter, in which the first direct vacuum source supplies vacuum pressure only to the first seed meter to enable the first seed meter to control seed deposition by the first row unit; a second seed meter that controls seed deposition by a second row unit on the seed planting implement; a second direct vacuum source fluidly coupled to the second seed meter, wherein the second direct vacuum source supplies vacuum pressure only to the second seed meter to enable the second seed meter to control seed deposition by the second row unit; and a control unit communicatively coupled to the first direct vacuum source and the second direct vacuum source, in which the control unit controls vacuum pressure supplied by the first direct vacuum source and the second direct vacuum source independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Johnathon R. Dienst, Scott A. Long, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20160135363
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Derek Sauder, Dale Koch, Troy Plattner
  • Publication number: 20160135364
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a liquid delivery apparatus for a planter unit. The liquid delivery apparatus is used to deliver fertilizer during crop planting. The apparatus is configured to attach to a planting device. The liquid delivery apparatus includes a tube which receives a liquid from a reservoir and delivers that liquid to the ground. The liquid flows through a passage extending down the tube. On the end of the tube proximal to the ground, the tube includes an injector with an aperture extending down a center axis. The aperture has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the passage. The injector also includes a tool receiving aperture that is collinear with the axis. Together the injector and the tube are no larger in diameter than the fertilizer tube alone. In this configuration the delivery apparatus is sufficiently compact and strong to be placed close to the ground without interfering with disks or be permanently deformed by debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
  • Publication number: 20160135365
    Abstract: A multiple row sugar cane harvester having automatic and independent control of multiple base cutters utilized to severe sugar cane stalks in adjacent rows. Position sensors sense the height of the base cutters relative to the chassis of the sugar cane harvester and feed the signals to a controller for adjusting the height to a preselected level. The base cutters are individually driven by hydraulic motors through individual hydraulic circuits and the operating pressure is sensed and fed to the controller for determining whether a choke condition exists. A load sensor is incorporated between the linkage and the sugar cane harvester chassis for determining whether the base cutters have ground contact to elevate the base cutters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Daenio Cleodolphi, Jan Verstraete, Adriano Fagundes, Ramon Sarchi, Fabio Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20160135366
    Abstract: A cutter guard assembly for a knife drive of an agricultural farm implement is provided. The cutter guard assembly includes a cutter bar assembly, a floor assembly and a knife assembly. The cutter bar assembly has a cutter bar. The floor assembly includes a floor extending from the cutter bar and a cover extending from the floor. The knife assembly is covered by and situated below the floor assembly. In operation the cover drapes over a rigid frame of a header shielding the knife assembly from debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Joel T. Cook, Andrew V. Lauwers, Craig D. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20160135367
    Abstract: A vegetation trimmer with a filament enclosure has cutting filament stored inside the filament enclosure. The free end of the cutting filament extends through a portal in the filament enclosure into the cutting plane. The filament enclosure is rotated at a high rate to allow the cutting filament to cut vegetation. Additional portals in the filament enclosure provide air circulation to the cutting filament stored inside the filament enclosure to prevent heating of the cutting filament during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: James Doane
  • Publication number: 20160135368
    Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. VAN MILL, Shawn W. GERDEMAN, Ronald J. SCHLIMGEN
  • Publication number: 20160135369
    Abstract: A haymaking device for displacing mown crop includes a frame having a main beam which extends in a longitudinal direction and defines a longitudinal centre line, and at least a first side arm located on one side of the main beam, wherein the side arm carries at least one crop processing tool, preferably rotatably driven about a rotor centre line. The crop processing tool can be a crop displacing tool, such as a rake. The crop processing tool is mounted on a first pivot arm which, in the region of a first pivot arm connection, is pivotably connected, about a substantially horizontal centre line, to the first side arm for movement between an operative position and a transport position. In the operative position, the first pivot arm connection is located at a larger distance from the main beam than the rotor centre line of the first crop processing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Martin ARNOLD, Cornelis Christianus Franciscus HAVERMANS
  • Publication number: 20160135370
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a grain processing section having a chaff pan with a discharge end adjacent aft steerable wheels for the combine. The main chaff pan has a deflector positioned across its discharge end. The deflector has articulated end sections that are displaceable between a first position where they are fully deployed to direct chaff towards the discharge end and a second position where they deflect to clear the steerable wheels adjacent their steering limits. Either a lost motion mechanism or direct abutment device is connected to the end sections so that they are actuated only adjacent the steering limits of the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Nathan E. Isaac
  • Publication number: 20160135371
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes: a chassis; a cleaning system carried by the chassis; a crop material elevator supplied with crop material that has passed through the cleaning system; and an auger supplying the crop material from the cleaning system to the crop material elevator. The auger includes: an auger axle configured to rotate and defining an auger axis of rotation; a first flighting having a first helical direction and configured to be rotated by the auger axle; a second flighting having a second helical direction opposite to the first helical direction, the second flighting configured to be rotated so as to direct crop material conveyed by the first flighting back toward the first flighting; and a thrower connected to the first flighting and the second flighting and configured to convey crop material transversely relative to the auger axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Pieter Vandevelde, Clayton E. Banks, JR., Denver R. Yoder, Eric E. Veikle
  • Publication number: 20160135372
    Abstract: A combine harvester is provided with a threshing system, a preparation arrangement and cleaning arrangement. The preparation arrangement comprises multiple preparation stages, each of said stages being configured to transport said mixture over a given distance between a front edge and a rear edge of the stage, with an air gap being present between each pair of consecutive stages. The preparation arrangement further comprises a blower, separate from the main blower, said blower configured to direct air towards at least one of said air gaps, to thereby blow at least a portion of said mixture towards the rear of the combine harvester. The preparation arrangement comprises a plate provided with fins mounted transversally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the harvester, each fin representing one of said preparation stages, the plate further comprising one or more openings between at least one pair of consecutive fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: WARD BONTE, TODD A. CANNEGIETER, FRANK R.G. DUQUESNE, BART M.A. MISSOTTEN, BART MOUTTON, DIMITRI VAN STEENKISTE, BENNY WILLEM, BERT VAN DE STEENE
  • Publication number: 20160135373
    Abstract: An arrangement includes a processing chamber, at least one cover plate for the processing chamber, and a holding assembly. The holding assembly is arranged to hold the cover plate at an outer surface of the processing chamber. A method for operating such an arrangement is disclosed. The holding arrangement guides the cover plate with respect to the processing chamber from a covering position into an access-enabling position and back from the access-enabling position into the covering position. The cover plate in the covering position covers a part of the outer surface of the processing chamber. The distance between the cover plate in the access-enabling position and the processing chamber occurs. The cover plate is moved from the covering position into the access-enabling position along a curved opening trajectory. This opening trajectory is horizontal or is sloping with respect to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: FORAGE INNOVATIONS B.V.
    Inventors: Tobias KEUNE, Willem Jacobus REIJERSEN VAN BUUREN
  • Publication number: 20160135374
    Abstract: An agricultural baler including a base unit, a plurality of ground engaging devices and a transmission. The plurality of ground engaging devices support the base unit. The transmission is mounted on the base unit. The transmission includes an input shaft and an other shaft. The other shaft is separate from the input shaft. The other shaft is drivingly coupled to the input shaft. The other shaft is connected to a flywheel and/or a hydraulic pump. The other shaft is configured to operate at a different speed than the speed at which the input shaft operates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: DARIN L. ROTH
  • Publication number: 20160135375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a baler ejection system that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as a round baler, waste baler, combine, or cotton harvester. More particularly, the bale ejection system uses the motion of a pair of parallel arms that extend transversely from the sidewalls of a bale chamber a set of distinct pivot points. When activated by the operator of the bale ejection system, the a pairs of parallel arms raise simultaneously to expose an outlet through which the bale may be ejected. A formed bale may become ejected by one or more conveyer belts that exert a rearward force on the bale within the bale chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160135376
    Abstract: A roller for a variable chamber round baler includes an axle configured to be mounted to a mounting element of the baler, a rotary bearing mounted on the axle, and a roller casing supported by the bearing for rotation around the axle. The roller includes a first seal plate adjacent an end of the roller casing mounted in a fixed position relative to the axle and extending radially outwards towards the roller casing, and a second seal plate located between the first seal plate and the bearing mounted for rotation with the roller casing and extending radially inwards towards the axle and located axially inwards from the first seal plate to provide a space between the first and second seal plates. The first seal plate includes an opening in a lower portion through which waste crop material can escape outwards from the space between the first and second seal plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: KUHN-GELDROP BV
    Inventors: Jaap Johannes Wilhelmus RAAIJMAKERS, Theodorus Antonius TIJSEN
  • Publication number: 20160135377
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, with a separating system and a residue handling system each carried by the chassis. The separating system receives a flow of crop material producing a chaff flow and a residue flow. The residue handling system receives the chaff flow and the residue flow from the separating system, and the residue handling system includes a residue chopper operationally positioned immediately above a residue spreader. The residue spreader is oriented to receive the chaff flow and the residue flow chopped by the residue chopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Stefaan Ballegeer, Frank R.G. Duquesne, Nathan E. Isaac, Joachim Meurisse, Mark D. Dilts, Frederik Baes
  • Publication number: 20160135378
    Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a demountable silo (10) comprising a series of interconnected silo modules (12A to 12F) constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention. The silo modules such as (12A) are each of a substantially identical configuration and interconnected in a side-by-side and end-to-end relationship. The demountable silo (10) is designed to contain particulate material and configured depending on the nature of the material and its storage requirements. It will be appreciated that the provision of multiple silo modules such as (12A to 12F) together contains significantly more particulate material in a heap than a single silo module. The maximum storage capacity for the demountable silo (10) is determined largely by the angle of repose of the heaped particulate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: David Leroy Rowling
  • Publication number: 20160135379
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of shoot apical meristem transformation for dicot plant via sufficient and micro wounding (SMW). The technical process includes: germinate the seeds in Petri dish or in the nutrient matrix which can be transplanted with the seedling; expose the shoot apical meristem by removing one cotyledon away; make sufficient and micro wounding transformation treatment in vivo to the apical meristem by stabbing and brushing for 2-3 times using the SMW brush having 100-5000 bristles which is 4-20 ?m in diameter for each one and 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Haibo Wang, Mengyu Lv, Fushuang Dong, Yanmin Zhang, Zhiheng Ren, Fan Yang, Guozhong Sun, Xian Xu, Xueping Shi, Huanhuan Zhang, He Zhao, Jianfang Chai, Yiping Gao, Yongwei Liu, Jinyong Zhu, Qiufen Han, Qiang Zhang, Huijie Ma, Zhanwu Wang, Junfeng Guan
  • Publication number: 20160135380
    Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Tsipi SHOHAM, Benjamin SHOHAM
  • Publication number: 20160135381
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter broadly involves vegetated systems, apparatuses, and methods or portions thereof having structures and configurations to intentionally hold captured water gravitationally within and above a portion of a vegetated surface thereof. The vegetated system can be configured to periodically desiccate, dry or dry out, substantially completely or partially. Further, the vegetated system can be configured to allow the water to escape via evaporation, evapotranspiration, and transpiration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Furbish Company, LLC
    Inventors: Brad GARNER, Michael FURBISH, Whitney GRIFFIN
  • Publication number: 20160135382
    Abstract: The invention comprises a holder containing mushrooms for the commerical growing, storage, transportation and/or sale of mushrooms, comprising: a base part (3), and a transparent top part (1) comprising one or more perforations (9,10), wherein the base part (3) of the holder is the bearer of a solid mushroom growth medium (4) which makes the growth and/or preservation of the mushrooms (8) independent of external solid media, characterized in that the circumference of the base part (3) of the holder is smaller than the circumference of the top part (1), whereby a cavity is formed between the top part (1) and base part (3) of the holder, wherein the cavity is bridged by an intermediate part (2) which forms part of the base part (3) and/or top part (1) of the holder, and wherein the top part (1) is fastened by the intermediate part (2) to the base part (3) by means of a click and/or turning system (16, 17); and further characterized in that the base part (3) comprises no, one or more perforations (12), if presen
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: ARCHIDUC USIL BVBA
    Inventors: Hilde Lapierre, Steven Van Robays
  • Publication number: 20160135383
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an artificial plant, comprising: manufacturing a three-dimensional fixation frame, and burying a part of the three-dimensional fixation frame into the ground; providing a plurality of temporary annular growing zones, in a bottom-up manner, on an outer peripheral surface of a part of the three-dimensional fixation frame which is out of ground; grafting saplings in a preset shape, to form a grafted sapling unit; planting a plurality of the grafted sapling units in each of the plurality of temporary annular growing zones, and fixing the grafted sapling units onto the three-dimensional fixation frame; forming a re-grafted sapling unit by grafting the grafted sapling units of the adjacent temporary annular growing zones; and forming an artificial plant when the re-grafted sapling units mature after a preset period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Peilin JIANG
  • Publication number: 20160135384
    Abstract: An apparatus for growing and harvesting a tangled mass composed of sprouted seed grain, including a plurality of overlying movable (relative to the frame), substantially planar surfaces having a length, each surface movable (relative to the frame) between a first position and a second position, each surface configured to receive a layer of seed grain that is permitted to grow for a predetermined period of time on each surface in the first position, the layer of seed grain becoming a continuous tangled mass of sprouted seed grain. After the predetermined period of time, a surface of the plurality of surfaces is moved to the second position, such that the mass associated with the moved surface is at least substantially removable from the moved surface due to gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis SOUDER, Ivan W. MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20160135385
    Abstract: A screen of green has a base, a supporting seat, at least one supporting pillar, and a platform. The at least one supporting pillar is erectly mounted on the base. The supporting seat is movably mounted on the at least one supporting pillar and is above the base. The platform has multiple grids and is mounted on the supporting seat. The screen of green kit is utilized to grow a vine and to support the fruit of the vine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Meng-Wei Wang
  • Publication number: 20160135386
    Abstract: A plant growth support pot having a support structure to enhance growth in a desired line, said support pot comprising of a pot, wherein said pot has a pot-height, a pot-collar, a pot-bottom, a pot-side-wall and a pot-top; an insert, wherein said insert has an insert-height, an insert-collar, an insert-bottom, an insert-side-wall and an insert-top, wherein said insert-height being shorter than said pot-height; said insert being inserted into the pot, wherein said insert-collar coincides with said pot-collar; a plurality of pillar members each having a distal, a medial and a proximal end; said pot-bottom comprising of a plurality of receiving holes to receive said distal end of said pillar members; and said insert-bottom comprising of a plurality of insert-aperture to receive said medial section of said pillar members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Victor Merz
  • Publication number: 20160135387
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting trees from undesired contact or access. One exemplary embodiment describes a tree trunk protection device. The tree trunk protection device can have a flexible cord having a first end and a second end; a substantially inflexible cord having a first end and a second end; and a plurality of legs each having a top end and a bottom end. The plurality of legs may be coupled to a flexible cord having at a first end and forming a circle having a first diameter. Additionally, the plurality of legs can be coupled at a second end to a substantially inflexible cord forming a circle having a second diameter that is larger than the circle with the first diameter at the top of the plurality of legs, and the plurality of legs can have a plurality of spacers disposed between each of the plurality of legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Jonathan STEWART
  • Publication number: 20160135388
    Abstract: The present invention relates to grinding tools and, more particularly, to outdoor grinding tools, and also more particularly to rotating disc assemblies (including a disc, bit subassembly, and cutting bit shield/guard assembly). The rotating disc assembly can be used for grinding tree stumps, among other things.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: LEONARDI MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Leonardi, Bruce C. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20160135389
    Abstract: A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. In some embodiments, the wireless system includes at least one wireless nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or for controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the site. The server computer system is coupled to the node/s over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the node/s. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Bulut F. Ersavas, Semih Pekol, Atakan Bodur
  • Publication number: 20160135390
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20160135391
    Abstract: A plant watering reservoir has a container having a container sidewall. Sidewall openings are formed on the container sidewall. The sidewall openings are large enough to allow passage of water. A cavity section is formed within the container. The cavity section includes an air cavity having air and superabsorbent polymer hydrogel loaded into the cavity section. A solid vertical column is formed between columns of vertical sidewall openings. A solid horizontal column is formed between rows of horizontal sidewall opening. The superabsorbent polymer hydrogel is loaded to a loading amount of less than full volume when the superabsorbent polymer hydrogel fully engorged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Dave Fenton, Lori Fenton
  • Publication number: 20160135392
    Abstract: A multiple plant container self-watering system comprising a frame supporting multiple grow pots, the multiple grow pots comprising at least a primary grow pot and a secondary grow pot; a primary container at a first elevation on said frame wherein said primary grow pot rests on a primary wick of the primary reservoir pot, and a plurality of secondary containers, each of the plurality of secondary containers being at a different elevation and comprising a secondary grow pot resting on a secondary wick of the secondary reservoir pot; whereby the primary container and the plurality of secondary containers are fluidly connected by means of the tubing and configured to allow for substantially similar dry-down time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Donald J. Stewart, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160135393
    Abstract: This invention relates to a modular configuration unit vertical shaped pendant bags of geotextile felt for hydroponic cultivation of plants 6 vegetation, which comprises a vertical panel with a plurality of pendant units in way geotextile felt bags for hydroponics cultivation and its construction process. The object of this invention is to provide a totally different type of vertical panel to those currently on the market, thanks to an innovative internal construction, whose main feature is that it combines the advantages of several of the vertical panels existing on the market, but with a smaller number of components and more benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Luis Héctor Alberto MARTINEZ RUANOVA
  • Publication number: 20160135394
    Abstract: A hydroponics plant growing system comprises a bamboo tower having a grow chamber and a water chamber formed therein. A plurality of grow cups are attached to side of the tower adjacent the grow chamber. Cutouts in a sidewall of the tower form passageways between the grow cups and grow chamber. A low voltage electric pump is disposed in the water chamber to pump water to the top of the grow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Daniel Davidson Wagner
  • Publication number: 20160135395
    Abstract: A hydroponic system has multiple interconnecting components, including a reservoir, a manifold that fills and drains the hydroponic system, a trunk that extends from the manifold, one or more branches that extend from the trunk, end caps that close the ends of the trunk and the branches, and optionally, extension sections for both the trunk and the branches. The trunk and the branches are constructed from a plurality of tubular sections that interconnect with one another using a levered locking system. An air line is integrated into an interior wall of the manifold and the trunk, and extends from the manifold through the trunk. The system is constructed of pre-assembled components, making it easy for a user to accommodate any size space. The modularity and interconnectivity of the system allows a user to easily and quickly perform maintenance and repairs without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Neil Umpstead
  • Publication number: 20160135396
    Abstract: Embodiments of a hydroponic growing system include raft segments that can be reversibly attached together to form a raft. Rafts can have one or more plant holes to support a plant body, and one or more thermal chimneys to provide for gas transport from underneath the raft to the upper surface, to control temperature and humidity of the plant. Additional embodiments include wireless sensors that may or may not be part of a raft, and a growing environment control system that can receive data from one or more sensors of environmental conditions of a plant and in other embodiments, can detect discrepancies between the actual environmental conditions and desired conditions. In still further embodiments, a growing environment control system can automatically adjust an actuator to return an environmental condition to a desired state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: Suncrest USA, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Day
  • Publication number: 20160135397
    Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Tsipi SHOHAM, Benjamin Shoham
  • Publication number: 20160135398
    Abstract: A vertical growing system is provided which utilizes a plurality of plant receptors positioned on a container. The container has a plurality of holes drilled therein. Each of the plant receptors has a hollow pocket formed with a plate. The plate has an opening on the rear side thereof for positioning over the hole drilled in the container. The plate has flanges extending outwardly from the pocket that can form to the shape of the exterior of the container. A plant portal in the hollow pocket allows the plant to grow outwardly of the plant receptor apparatus. A method of vertical growing is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: BELLWETHER INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Sandra Lee MATHIEU, Neil James GILLBANKS
  • Publication number: 20160135399
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV4919HG and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV4919HG and the parent lines thereof, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Terry Berke
  • Publication number: 20160135400
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV2794TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV2794TD 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: James D. Frantz
  • Publication number: 20160135401
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV9014SB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV9014SB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn 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 parts of such plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: David Elon Fisher, Kendell B Hellewell