Abstract: A system for reducing implement wheel forces on a field surface has an agricultural implement with a frame mounted on frame wheels and ground engaging tools mounted on the frame. When the ground engaging tools move down to penetrate the field surface they exert an upward tool force on the frame. Support arms are movably connected to the implement frame and a support wheel is rotatably mounted to each support arm. A support bias element exerts a support bias force on each support arm to force the support wheel against the field surface and to correspondingly force the implement frame upward, transferring a supported frame weight from the implement frame to the support wheels, such that an unsupported frame weight is carried on the frame wheels. A bias control varies the support bias forces to maintain the unsupported frame weight at a level greater than the upward tool force.

Abstract: A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system provides for allowing the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.

Abstract: An agricultural product flow sensor and a flow sensor system for delivery tubes in an air seeder is provided. The flow sensor can include a particulate material sensor for sensing agricultural product passing through a delivery tub, a radio node for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless power source. The sensor system can use the flow sensors by attaching the flow sensors inline with delivery tubes and near a working tool. The flow sensors can monitor the flow of agricultural product through the delivery tube and transmit flow information to a person operating the air seeder.

Abstract: A system is provided for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting an agricultural field. The system may include a selector assembly arranged between a multi-compartment on-row hopper and a seed meter at each row unit of a planter. A control system controls selector valves of the selector assembly to switch from releasing of seeds of a first type from the on-row hopper the seed meter to releasing of seeds of a second type from the on-row hopper to the seed meter for providing a switchover of seeds being planted from the seed meter, from the first to the second type when the seed meter cross a boundary between different zones of the agricultural field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed discharge system is that employs a pair of rotating belts spaced from one another to receive the seeds from a seed metering device and to direct the seeds into the desired location within a trench over which the discharge system is positioned. The seeds are received within a gap formed between the belts and are clamped and held between the belts as the belts move, consequently moving the seeds from the seed metering device to the discharge opening of the discharge system. The constant engagement of the seeds with the belts through the discharge system prevents the seeds from bouncing, thereby maintaining a constant residence time for the seeds within the discharge system.

Abstract: An agricultural machine is equipped with a frame, on which a discharging device for granular material and a supply container for granular material are fastened, which can be supplied to the discharging device. The supply container can be removed and thus connected with the frame and the discharging device without the use of tools.

Abstract: A system for planting cover crop seeds in fields with standing row crops. A high-clearance agricultural vehicle is provided with a high-clearance toolbar. The system is provided with soil sealers. A seeder with a reciprocating seeder is provided above the soil sealers to deliver various types of seeds onto the disrupted soil, after which the soil sealers cover the seeds with soil.

Abstract: A riding lawn mower is provided with an electrical system. The electrical system includes a control module, transceiver modules, and a wiring system. The control module allows for programmably controlling electrical operations of the riding lawn mower. The transceiver modules are operably connected with respective devices of the riding lawn mower so as to communicate data between the respective devices and the control module. The wiring system comprising wires that electrically connect the transceiver modules with the control module/The wiring system includes a power wire that provide electrical power to the transceiver modules from the battery; and a data bus comprising a data wire that transmits data between the control module and the transceiver modules.

Abstract: A harvesting header for a row crop machine has a plurality of row units having fore-and-aft extending arms forming a passageway, a gathering mechanism to gather stalks into the passageway, snap rolls to pull the stalks downwardly through the passageway, and a knife set to cut the stalks in the passageway. The knife set includes a pair of opposing blades, each blade having a main portion with an inner edge located on a first side of a centerline of the passageway and a cutting protrusion with a sharpened cutting edge extending across the centerline toward the opposing blade. The cutting protrusions are offset longitudinally from one another such that the cutting protrusion of one of the blades is a different distance from a mouth of the passageway than the cutting protrusion of the opposing blade such that there is a continuous gap between the blades along the length of blades.

Abstract: A string trimmer with a controller that brakes an electric motor so that the electric motor can selectively generate a moment that is used as a control signal for a line pay-out mechanism.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a cutting head for mounting a cutting member, a drive head having a output shaft for driving the cutting head to rotate, and an anti-winding member for preventing the output shaft from being wound to by grass. The drive head includes a drive device to drive the output shaft and a head housing for accommodating the drive device. The output shaft connects to the cutting head and passes through the anti-winding member and the anti-winding member is mounted to the cutting head so as to rotate with the cutting head and is disposed between the cutting head and the head housing so as to fill the space between the cutting head and the head housing.

Abstract: A cutter head assembly (11, 40) is disclosed comprising a cutter head (11) and a cutter (40). The cutter head (11) has first and second substantially planar and parallel flanges spaced so as to define a channel there between and in which channel the cutter (40) is releasably and pivotally retained therein. The cutter (40) is characterised by a length of cable (31), plastic reinforcement (32) surrounding a portion of the cable (31) , a retaining portion (34) attached to a bare portion of the cable (33) for retaining the cutter in an external cutter head and a collar (41) attached to the retaining portion (34) and axially surrounding a portion of the cable (31).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain. Grain released from paddles on the clean grain elevator chain of a harvester contacts a flow sensor which reports the rate of grain flow through the clean grain elevator. In some embodiments a brush is mounted to the chain and disposed to clean the flow sensor surface. In other embodiments a bucket mounted to the clean grain elevator chain releases grain against the flow sensor at a rate dependent on a grain property.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain. In some embodiments a template is provided for cutting an opening in a clean grain elevator plane. In some embodiments, a gauge and shims are provided for positioning a yield sensor on the clean grain elevator.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting a produce with a stem/core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, and a cutting device and a transport assembly connected to the chassis. The cutting device is configured to cut the stem/core of the produce. The transport assembly is configured to transport the produce cut by the cutting device. The transport assembly includes a movable first belt and a movable second belt. The movable first belt includes a first set of produce grippers and the movable second belt includes a second set of produce grippers. When the produce cut by the cutting device is held between the first set and second set of produce grippers, a portion of the first set of produce grippers opposes a portion of the second set of produce grippers. The opposing produce grippers are configured to compress and exert a force on the produce to hold the produce between the movable first and second belts.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes: a base member; a leading edge coupled with the base member and configured for receiving a flow of a material; and an assembly coupled with the base member, the assembly including a device and at least one flexible wiper coupled with the device, the device being configured for rotating and thereby for rotating the at least one flexible wiper therewith, said at least one flexible wiper thereby being configured for cleaning the material from the leading edge.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically stops a tractor based on position of a twine arm assembly in a round baler. A control system monitors position (s) of the twine arm assembly when an automatic twine-wrapping cycle is initiated. This may include starting a twine arm position monitoring procedure when an initial position change of the twine arms is detected. One or more sensors may be mounted on the baler to detect position characteristics of twine arm assembly, which may include presence or absence of the twine arm assembly at certain locations relative to a bale chamber of the baler and/or movement of the twine arm assembly. When the control system determines that the twine arm assembly is in an insert preparatory position, the control system sends a tractor halt command which, automatically stops tractor at the same time that the wrapping procedure begins.

Abstract: A turf sweeper with a rotatable brush including an adaptable hydraulic control system is disclosed. The turf sweeper includes a controller adapted to modify the hydraulic system to affect the rotational speed and direction of the rotatable brush. The controller and hydraulic control system are adapted such that the rotatable brush will not rotate if the turf sweeper is turned on and the speed adjuster for the rotatable brush is not set to the zero speed setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cultivating device designed for raising plants, comprising an at least substantially non-shape-retaining amount of substrate enveloped by a flexible substrate envelope which holds the substrate together during the raising and associated handling of a plant at least substantially in a shape-retaining form of a cube, a beam or a cylinder that is suitable for cultivating purposes. The substrate envelope is made of a water-permeable layer of material.

Abstract: A system and related method for monitoring plant growth conditions is provided, comprising a plurality of detectors (7) and central detector data processing means (1103); each detector (7) being arranged to measure properties indicative of a temperature, a water content, and a nutrient content, of a plant growth substrate; each detector (7) being further arranged to transmit the measured property or properties over a communications link to the central detector data processing means (1103); the central detector data processing means (1103) being arranged to store predefined irrigation data, defining a relationship between plural values for temperature, water content, pH level and/or nutrient content of the plant growth substrate; and plural desired irrigation output values; process the measured properties from each detector (7) to determine calculated properties of the substrate; and provide an output indicative of a desired irrigation input for the growth substrate, based upon measured properties received fro

Abstract: A device for wine or fruit growing, having at least one metallic trellis post and having at least one, in particular metallic, profile piece, which is fastened to the trellis post and has at least one holding element for a tensioning wire. In order to facilitate handling of the device and to increase its stability, the invention proposes providing a closed rectilinear guide between the trellis post and the profile piece, of which guide the trellis post forms, on the longitudinal side, a rail-like guide element on which the profile piece is guided in sliding fashion, and providing an open snap connection of which the profile piece has a spring element that engages with the trellis post M detent fashion.

Abstract: This invention concerns a feed wheel arrangement intended to be used in a timber working head for at least one of felling, trimming, bark-peeling and cutting of a tree or tree trunk, comprising a frame to which feed wheels and grip fittings are mounted either fixed or in a manner that allows them to be removed. The feed wheel arrangement comprises a feed wheel with a power transfer arrangement lowered centrally in a jacket of the feed wheel, a motor arranged at a distance from the feed wheel, and a power transfer arrangement for the transfer of rotational force from the motor to the feed wheel, for the feed of the tree or trunk through the timber working head. The invention concerns also a timber working head, a crane and a timber working machine.

Abstract: The present application relates to a polymer composition as defined in claims comprising (A) a polymer base resin, which comprises a blend of (A-1) a multimodal ethylene polymer and (A-2) an ethylene polymer, and carbon black, a drip irrigation pipe comprising said polymer composition, a process for producing said drip irrigation pipe, pellets comprising said polymer composition and the use of said polymer composition for producing said drip irrigation pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing apportion of a flow of water in an irrigated field having a pre-formed irrigation wheel track comprising a first trough capable of receiving a wheel of a mobile irrigation system, the first trough having an elevation. Further provided is an irrigation track system for directing a water flow having a pre-formed irrigation track comprised of (1) a first trough having an elevation and the first trough capable of receiving a wheel of a mobile irrigation system, (2) an irrigation reservoir having an elevation and (3) an irrigation canal having an elevation and connecting the first trough and the irrigation reservoir, the elevation of the first trough is higher than the elevation of the first irrigation reservoir and the elevation of the irrigation canal is higher than the elevation of the irrigation reservoir.

Abstract: A portable water container (10) comprises a receptacle (20) provided with a mouth (18), a shoulder strap (12), an outlet comprising a hose (22), and a hole (14) for holding the outer end (24) of the hose. The hole is located at a height above the mid-height of the receptacle.

Abstract: [Problem] There has been needed a greening unit in which watering is simple and flexibility in installation is high when arranging a number of plants in the vertical direction. [Solution] The greening unit includes at least one or more case members. Each of the case members is substantially rectangular, can be bent in the width direction, and has an element of a fastener on each side along the longitudinal direction. The element is closed by sliders of a fastener to form a hollow body constituted by the case member. A plant cultivation base material is poured into the hollow body. Two or more of the sliders are disposed to one fastener structure. Positions of the sliders are adjusted to form an opening along part of the fastener. A plant can be planted to the plant cultivation base material through the opening.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing device having a transparent dome positioned over a transparent propagation tray contained within an opaque catch tray and a locking mechanism for rigidly connecting the transparent dome with the transparent propagation tray and the catch tray.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Dendrobium in vitro crossbreeding method. The method can be used to greatly shorten the maturation period of fruits, to enable a hybrid to bloom in vitro in a short period so as to observe flower shapes and colors, and to cultivate a novel variety, thus accelerating Dendrobium breeding, the first such report internationally. Since in vitro Dendrobium blooms annually, it enables crossbreeding of varieties having different inflorescences in nature. In addition, the medium used at each stage of the invention utilizes Hyponex which has a unique composition and costs little, thus allowing for a high blossoming rate and rapid fruit development. Also, only simple plant tissue culture equipment is required for implementing the invention, thus the entire breeding method is simple and low cost, and provides conditions for cultivating of high-quality Dendrobium varieties.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement of plant tissue culture. The invention relates to a method for improving the efficiency of response of plant tissues to tissue culture. It specifically relates to using vacuum infiltration to introduce media and other solutions into the plant tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077387’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077387’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold 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 gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077396’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077396’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold 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 gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077393’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077393’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold 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 gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077390’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077390’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold 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 gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077381’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of Tagetes patula variety ‘PAS1077381’, and to methods for producing a marigold plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another marigold 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 gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XB07A14R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XB07A14R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XB07A14R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XB07A14R2 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XB15R14R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XB15R14R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XB15R4R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XB15R14R2 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-153 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1-B1:31, CA-I to CA-VIII, resistance against currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), a small head size, and moderate blistering. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-153 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-153 RZ.

Abstract: A fast absorption side leakage-prevention pet urinal pad includes a urinal pad body that includes a stratiform structure, wherein the urinal pad body includes a non-woven fabric coating layer; an absorbing layer below the coating layer; and a PE film leakage-prevention layer below the absorbing layer; wherein a toilet paper absorbing layer is also arranged between the PE film leakage-prevention layer and the absorbing layer, wherein the absorbing layer comprises two parts: a fast absorbing layer in the middle of the urinal pad body and a mixed absorbing layer at the periphery of the fast absorbing layer, wherein a thickness of the urinal pad body at a location corresponding to the mixed absorbing layer is larger than the thickness of the urinal pad body at a location corresponding to the fast absorbing layer, thereby a recess structure is formed on the surface of the urinal pad body.

Abstract: An animal incontinence device comprises a base layer of a liquid-impervious polymer film, an intermediate absorbent layer comprising superabsorbent polymer particles intermediate a plurality of layers of tissue, and a top layer comprising a porous, hydrophilic, woven or non-woven polymer fiber mat.

Abstract: A leakage-prevention pet urinal pad includes a urinal pad body having a stratiform structure that includes: a non-woven fabric coating layer; an absorbing layer arranged below the non-woven fabric coating layer; a PE film leakage prevention layer arranged below the absorbing layer; and a toilet paper absorbing layer arranged between the PE film leakage prevention layer and the absorbing layer, wherein the absorbing layer includes two parts: a first absorbing layer arranged in a middle section of the urinal pad body and having a lower expansivity, and a second absorbing layer arranged at a periphery of the urinal pad body around the first absorbing layer and having a higher expansivity, thereby after absorbing water, the second absorbing layer becomes thicker than the first absorbing layer.

Abstract: Mixer feeder comprising a mobile chassis with which the mixer feeder can be displaced and a mixing tub which is placed on the chassis and in which different types of ingredient can be mixed, at least one mixing element arranged in the mixing tub for mixing ingredients fed to the mixing tub. The mixer feeder further comprises a driving unit for the at least one mixing element, comprising a drive shaft connectable to a power take-off of a tractor vehicle and at least one electric motor coupled to the common drive shaft, a converter for supplying power to the at least one electric motor, wherein the at least one electric motor is a six or eight-pole electric motor. The electric motor can be supplied with power via a battery pack or via a mains power supply.

Abstract: A form fit therapy boot along with methods of fabricating the boot for animals (including zoo animals, domestic animals and farm animals)to treat foot and/or hoof injuries is described. Embodiments of the boot permit the maintenance of a clean, reasonably sterile environment surrounding a wound or infection.

Abstract: A physical toy comprising a body and a digestible noise-emitting device. The body may have a shape conducive to physical manipulation and play and may be compliant to facilitate compression. The noise-emitting device may be carried by the body. The noise-emitting device may have a noise-emitting orifice. The noise-emitting device may be configured to force air through the noise-emitting orifice in response to compression of the body. Compression of the physical toy body may cause noise generation as air escapes through the noise-emitting orifice. The noise-emitting device may be formed from a digestible material.

Abstract: Disclosed are harness assemblies for use in tethering a pet, such as a dog, to a leash. The harness assemblies distribute the forces associated with restraining the animal over the animal's entire body. The harness assemblies also provide a wide range of adjustability and are easy to position upon or take off the animal. Various buckle constructions are also disclosed for use in easily securing the harness onto an animal. The various components of the present invention, and the manner in which they interrelate, are described in greater detail hereinafter.

Abstract: A leash assembly includes a housing structured to define a handle portion extending away from a spool portion. A spool is rotatably positioned within the spool portion of the housing. A leash is coupled to the spool. The leash is selectively extendable outwardly from the housing and retractable inwardly to the housing. The leash is selectively coupled to an animal. A knob is coupled to the spool such that the knob is positioned outside of the housing. The knob is selectively rotated by the user. The knob is respectively tightened toward the housing and loosened away from the housing. A disk is coupled between the knob and the housing. The disk frictionally engages the spool when the knob is tightened toward the housing and slips on the spool when the knob is loosened away from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a leash, collar, harness, and jacket for pet animals that embodies air-activated sound making devices, such as air sacks with reeds, whistles, horns, bells and shakers to allow for one way or two way communications between an animal and a human. Said sound making device is made of a reed embedded in an air pocket or air pouch or idiophone instruments attached to a leash, harness, collar or jacket. Said sound device can be activated through biting or pulling or movement by the animal and squeezing by the human.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic, large non-human animal models of Ataxia-Telangiectasia, as well as methods of using such animal models in the identification and characterization of therapies for Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

Abstract: As described herein, Mrap2 negatively regulates weight gain in animals. Accordingly, provided herein are cells, animals, and methods relating to the inhibition of Mrap2 to increase the rate of growth in cells and/or animals, e.g. animals comprising Mrap2 modifications to improve production of animal products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of stopping a larva of a sessile invertebrate in a settlement stage from swimming or crawling in water, by means of irradiating violet light having a wavelength range of 400 to 550 nm to the larva in the settlement stage of the sessile invertebrate.

Abstract: A shielded point motion fishing tackle having a twin set of springless, retractable fishing hooks shielded by the body of a live or artificial lure until activated by the force caused by the striking motion of a fish.