Abstract: A rock collecting apparatus includes a frame that has a front side, a back side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A pair of wheels is rotatably attached to the frame. A housing for receiving and carrying a plurality of rocks is mounted on the frame. A hitch connector is coupled to the frame and a rake is pivotally coupled to the frame adjacent to the front side. The rake engages rocks such that the rocks are moved upwardly into the housing. The rake is positionable in a deployed position positioned adjacent to the ground surface or in a stored position spaced from the ground surface. A shovel is rotatably mounted to the rake and moves rocks up the rake and into the housing.

Abstract: An agricultural implement (10) has front and rear gangs (12, 13) of rotatable tillage tools arranged to follow each other along a line of travel. The front and rear gangs (12, 13) are mounted to a main frame (21F), which is mechanically linked to a hitch frame (22) by a self-leveling linkage system (32, 33). The linkage system (32, 33) includes a spring assembly (48) arranged to allow relative movement between the hitch frame (22) and the main frame (21F) when the implement (10) is in a lowered field working position. The linkage system (32, 33) has a pivoting cam (41) for changing the field working preload of the spring assembly (48) to provide multiple hitch operation modes. The linkage system (32, 33) is arranged to make the main frame (21F) level and the hitch frame (22) rigid relative to the main frame (21F) when the implement (10) is in a raised position.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods for a coulter disk system relate to a lateral actuator module having a programmably positionable control member that is coupled to a gang of coulter disks and is operable to position a control point of the coulter disks at a predetermined position between two opposing, laterally-spaced end-of-travel positions. In an exemplary embodiment, a gang may be mechanically connected to and laterally positioned by the control point. The predetermined position may be, in some examples, dynamically calculated according to a predetermined function and based on information about conditions of the soil in contact with the coulter disks. Various embodiments may dynamically adjust the position of a gang of coulter disks to dynamically and automatically optimize the conditioning effectiveness of the gang of coulter disks in response to parametric information about the soil conditions.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a foldable header for cutting and gathering crop material, the foldable header being carried by the chassis. The foldable header includes a center header frame and at least one wing header frame. The at least one wing header frame is connected to the center header frame by at least one parallel folding mechanism, which includes a lower parallel beam and an upper parallel hydraulic piston substantially parallel to the lower parallel beam.

Abstract: A pneumatic precision seed drill has a multiplicity of seeding hearts 1 for holding pivoting separating devices 3 exposed to a pressure difference between their inner space 21 and their exterior space 22. A multiplicity of holes 17-20 intended for the accumulation of seeds is arranged in the device 3. The separating device 3 is formed by a pair of separating plates 4, 5 connected to one another at their outer edge 38, 39 that are arranged offset in a tangential direction to one another to produce a spread seed row and are assigned to separate outlets 23, 24 for the discharge of the seed from the seeding heart 1 in the direction of the sowing coulter.

Abstract: A seed planter and seed meter for planting different seed varieties based on the location of the machine in a field. A movable gate switches between seed varieties. The gate in one embodiment has three positions; one position opening a first seed passage to the meter and closing a second seed passage, a second position opening the second seed passage and closing the first seed passage and a third position closing both the first and second seed passages. Two other gate embodiments have only two positions, each position opening one seed passage and closing the other.

Abstract: A seed firming assembly is mounted to a planter by a bracket attached to a seed tube guard between a pair of opener disks. The bracket has first and second sides that define a cavity therebetween for receiving a seed tube. A first mounting structure in front of the cavity secures the bracket to the seed tube guard. A second mounting structure behind the cavity attaches a seed firmer to the bracket with a pivot connection that allows rotation of the seed firmer relative to the bracket about a generally horizontal transverse axis. A stopper bushing limits an extent of forward pivoting of the seed firmer relative to the bracket, and an adjustable tensioner mechanism limits an extent of rearward pivoting. The seed firmer has an upper portion comprising a leaf spring, and a lower portion comprising a material that has a higher abrasion resistance than the upper portion.

Abstract: An operator detection system for sensing the presence of an operator at an operator control station of a turf-care vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one operator presence sensor structured and operable to sense whether an operator is present at the operator control station and a controller communicatively connected to the operator presence sensor(s). The controller structured and operable to determine whether each of the operator presence sensor(s) sense(s) that an operator is present at the operator control station, enable operation of an engine of the vehicle and at least one cutting unit of the vehicle when one or more operator presence sensor(s) sense(s) that the operator is present at the operator control station, and disable operation of the engine and at least one cutting unit when one or more operator presence sensor(s) sense(s) that the operator is not present at the operator control station.

Abstract: A protective shield apparatus for a power trimmer is provided. The power trimmer has a lower shaft with a trimmer head attached thereto with the trimmer head spinning a trimmer wire. The protective shield apparatus comprises a telescopic adjusting rod having a first end and a second end with the first end of the rod capable of being secured to the lower shaft of the power trimmer. A dome cover is secured to the second end of the telescopic adjusting rod by a gimbal bearing. The dome cover remains at a horizontal position, parallel with a ground surface and above the trimmer head, even when the trimmer head is being used at an angle with the dome cover reducing the power trimmer's hazardous tendency to “throw” debris out as it trims.

Abstract: A method for conditioning at least one control signal transmitted by a controller is disclosed. The method involves intercepting the control signal and producing at least one output signal for receipt by the positioning system instead of the control signal in response to the control signal. The output signal represents a plurality of active times during which the positioning system is instructed to move the agricultural implement towards the at least one desired position and a plurality of inactive times during which the positioning system is instructed not to move, each active time being followed by a respective one of the plurality of inactive times. Each of the plurality of inactive times is sufficiently long to permit the agricultural implement to settle into a fixed position due to a positioning response time of the positioning system. Other methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A header has a cutterbar table that is movably mounted to a frame and configured to cut a standing crop, an intake auger mounted to the frame and configured to receive the cut crop; the intake auger further being configured to rotate, during a normal state, in a predetermined direction, and to rotate, during a corrective state, in a predetermined reversed direction, an actuator assembly configured to displace the cutterbar table relative to the frame, thereby changing a distance between the cutterbar table and the intake auger, a control unit configured to, upon receipt of an error signal indicative of a need to operate in the corrective state control the actuator assembly to displace the cutterbar table away from the intake auger to a safe operating position, prior to controlling the intake auger to rotate in the predetermined reversed direction.

Abstract: A combine harvester processing system comprises a rotor and a rotor cage encircling the rotor. The rotor cage comprises an arcuate section having an interior surface which includes a first vane and a second vane each disposed at an angle relative to a radial axis. The first vane is disposed forwardly of the second vane. The angle of the first vane is less than the angle of the second vane.

Abstract: A rotor top cover assembly for an axial-flow crop processor in a combine harvester is provided. The cover assembly comprises first and second curved cover plate sections at least one of which sections forming an upper part of a generally cylindrical shaped rotor housing for a crop processing rotor. A curved transition plate nests radially inside, and is fastened to, adjoining respective end regions of the cover plate sections. Helical guide vanes are mounted in an axially spaced relationship along an inner surface of at least one of the cover plate sections. At least one guide vane is mounted directly to the transition plate.

Abstract: A combine harvester (10) comprising axial separating apparatus (24, 5) is provided. The axial separating apparatus comprises at least one rotor (28) mounted for rotation in a rotor cage (30) and is arranged to convey crop material in a spiral path from a front end to a rear end. The rotors (28) may also serve to thresh the crop material before separation. The rotor cage (30) includes a grate (34) for allowing separated grain to fall there through under gravity. Two return conveyors (42, 44) are positioned below the grate (34), one behind the other. A first return conveyor (42) disposed under a front portion of the separating apparatus is arranged to catch a portion of said separated grain and convey the caught grain forwardly to a first front edge (46) from where the grain falls under gravity onto a first region of an underlying grain pan (60).

Abstract: The invention is four separate plastic injection molded pieces that combines to make a cannabis trim station for the harvesting, trimming, and manicuring of the cannabis flower. Kief is stored under a screen that flips towards a trim storage area. The invention divides the flower and trim by utilizing a divider inside the unit. The invention can also attach to the standard five gallon bucket creating a free standing work station and added storage capacity for the flower and or trim. A strap is attached to the unit to make the whole unit mobile and a walk around working station.

Abstract: A system and method for providing light to a plant with a life cycle that includes a seedling growth period, a vegetative growth period, and a flowering growth period. Illumination to the plant is provided with an array of LEDs that contains red LEDs, blue LEDs and white LEDs. During the seedling growth period, no red LEDs are illuminated. Blue and white LEDs are lit, wherein the blue light is more intense than the white. During the vegetative growth period, white and blue LEDs are lit, wherein the white light is more intense than the white. During the flowering growth period, red and white LEDs are lit, wherein the red light is more intense than the white light. The change in coloring and intensity has beneficial effects during each growth period and at the same time inhibits insects.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a plant receptacle wherein the following steps are performed: a) providing a mixture of fibres, said mixture at least comprising PLA fibres and a bio-degradable fibre; b) using said mixture of fibres in a woven or non-woven process, making a permeable sheet material; c) continuously forming said sheet material into a continuous receptacle, by bringing the side edges of said sheet material into contact and welding said side edges together; d) cutting said continuous receptacle in predetermined lengths thereby creating separate plant receptacles or wherein said continuous receptacle is perforated substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the continuous receptacle at predetermined intervals, thereby allowing separate plant receptacles to be detached from the continuous receptacle.

Abstract: Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one living organism are disclosed. Methods of producing and using same are also provided.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method configured for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, installing a support system for a green wall, the support system comprising a plurality of trays that are configured to interface with a securement system.

Abstract: Protective seed case (A) comprising two casing sections (1, 3) interposed with a water soluble and/or hydrolytically degradable layer (2), said case (A) being biodegradable, hygroscopic and water soluble, and encasing seed articles (4) that are self-contained. The seed case (A) packages and protects the seeds (4) prior to planting, the seed case (A) is inserted at the normal to the surface of the growing medium (5) and once in contact with water moisture it provides an ideal moist environment for germination, the moisture then opens the seed case (A) up for root and shoot growth. The system can also encase beans and bulbs which can all be planted in hostile environments with a low moisture content without the need for any specific horticultural knowledge or specialist tools. A seed package comprises at least one such protective seed case (A) attached to each other.

Abstract: Top furling automated retractable greenhouse cover is a retractable cover for a greenhouse that is mounted on top of the greenhouse. Top furling automated retractable greenhouse cover comprises: a spine clamp, a left furling cover assembly, a right furling cover assembly, a hinge pin assembly, and an electrical control box. Left and right furling assemblies each comprise a curtain or cover, a furling rod, a furling motor, and a support arm. Electrical control box sends electronic signals to cause left and right covers or curtains to furl above the greenhouse when retracted and to unfurl down to the ground when extended to cover the greenhouse. The top-mounted design allows efficient use of gravity to apply tension to the furled rolls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drip irrigation hose with an emitter, devoid of fluid storage, the emitter comprising, a plurality of holes, running along a first edge and a second edge of the emitter, wherein the plurality of holes enable filtration. An inlet support positioned at a first side of the emitter, wherein the inlet support has an inverted funnel shape, with a separating structure extending from at least one corner of the inverted funnel. A first inlet positioned parallel to the plurality of holes and located along the first edge. A second inlet positioned parallel to the plurality of holes and located along the second edge. Further an outlet support positioned at a second side of the emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus for planting a seedling (3) in an arid area comprises a vertical, downwardly tapering shroud (20) and a seedling plug (1) comprising a body of growing medium covered by a moisture resistant cap (14) which preferably is sealingly received in a lower region (22) of the shroud. The lower region of the shroud surrounding the upper portion of the seedling is buried beneath ground level (51) with at least one water reservoir (40, 200) and supplied with water via capillary wicks (43), the reservoir being buried beneath ground level and covered by a moisture resistant cover (60) which sealingly surrounds the shroud. The shroud extends above ground level to protect and shade the seedling and together with the cap (14) and cover (60) serves to retain moisture in the planting region for the first year of growth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivation management apparatus for edible perennial herbaceous flowering plants and bulbs and tubers. The cultivation management apparatus allows plants to root and take root and to grow stably in a constant immersed state in order of 40%˜50% of water with low temperature treatment for dormancy by filling a movable water tank flowerpot with a moisture absorption member by in the order of 50% of the pot and by filling thereon a plant growth soil member consisting of a mixing oil up to the upper portion and arranging a partition for partitioning off the moisture absorption element from the plant growth soil member.

Abstract: An aquaponic system, having at least one farming section; each farming section has an aquaculture unit, a vegetable farming unit and a water circulation unit; the aquaculture unit has an outer tank and an aquaculture tank inside the outer tank; the vegetable farming unit has a vegetable farming column and a water collection tank at a bottom part thereof; the water circulation unit has a filter tank, a water pump, and at least one guiding pipe extending from the aquaculture tank to the vegetable farming column; a water inlet of the filter tank is connected with a water outlet of the aquaculture tank; a water outlet of the filter tank is connected with a water inlet of the aquaculture tank; one end of the water pump is connected with the water collection tank, another end of the water pump is connected with the aquaculture tank.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with a solar panel having a large power generation amount while ensuring light quantity for a plant. [Solution] Since the high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system 80 equipped with a solar panel has a light transmitting region A provided at the solar panel 50, more light can be taken into the frame unit and can be utilized for cultivating the plants P1 and P2. Since the double-sided light receiving solar cell 52 is employed for the solar panel 50 and light reflectivity is given to the floating bench 34, the weed-proof sheet 56, the vertical frame 20b and the like, light which does not shine on the plants P1 and P2 is reflected to a light receiving region on a rear face side of the double-sided light receiving solar cell 52 and can be effectively utilized for power generation. Thus, a large power generation amount can be obtained while ensuring light quantity for the plants.

Abstract: Provided are a plant cultivation system, device, and method for simultaneously producing wide variety of plants such as leaf vegetables, fruit vegetables, head-forming vegetables, and legumes year-round without causing continuous cropping injury by circulating a simple nutrient solution. In each of the plant cultivation system, device, and method, a temperature of reformed air, which is obtained by reforming air into a state suitable for setting a dissolved-oxygen concentration of the simple nutrient solution in a cultivation tank for holding a wide variety of plants to a predetermined concentration, is set to a predetermined temperature, and the reformed air is supplied, at a flow rate required for setting the dissolved-oxygen concentration of the simple nutrient solution to the predetermined concentration, from a vicinity of a bacterial colonization portion into the simple nutrient solution flowing at a predetermined speed through the cultivation tank.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX3122B-51WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX3122B-51WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX3122B-51WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX3122B-51WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX3122B-51WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX3122B-51WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1112922 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1112922 and its progeny, and methods of making AR1112922.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety OW1012353 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety OW1012353 and its progeny, and methods of making OW1012353.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety GO1110602 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety GO1110602 and its progeny, and methods of making GO1110602.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety BK1211980 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety BK1211980 and its progeny, and methods of making BK1211980.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety OW1213323 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety OW1213323 and its progeny, and methods of making OW1213323.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety NE1212391 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety NE1212391 and its progeny, and methods of making NE1212391.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CE1211109 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CE1211109 and its progeny, and methods of making CE1211109.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CE1211339 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CE1211339 and its progeny, and methods of making CE1211339.

Abstract: The invention relates to wheat lines and improved food compositions. In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to flour made from a wheat grain comprising genetic material with a null allele at one or more loci encoding a protein selected from the group consisting of glutenins and gliadins. In even more preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a tortilla made from said flour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to at least one epichloae fungal endophyte strain combined with at least one species of Secale spp., which confers at least some level of pest protection on the Secale spp. plant. In particular, the invention relates to an isolated strain of epichloae fungal endophyte selected from the group consisting of AR3039 (NRRL #50716), AR3046 (NRRL #50576), AR3049 (NRRL #50577), AR3050 (NRRL #50578), AR3064 (NRRL #50718), AR3067 (NRRL #50719), AR3068 (NRRL #50720), AR3073 (NRRL #50721), AR3074 (NRRL #50722), AR3076 (NRRL #50723), and AR3078 (NRRL #50724), and combinations thereof; a Secale spp. plant infected with a fungal endophyte wherein Secale spp. is not a natural host of the endophyte; a method of making a stable host plant/epichloae fungal endophyte combination; a method of conferring at least some level of pest protection on a host Secale spp. plant; and a Secale spp. seed infected with an epichloae fungal endophyte.

Abstract: A system includes a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The milking box stall comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The system further includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion comprises a separation container for use with only the milking box stall and that is operable to receive milk from the dairy livestock to be discarded if it is determined to be bad milk. The equipment portion further comprises a receiver jar for use with only the milking box stall and that is operable to receive milk from the dairy livestock if it is determined to be good milk.

Abstract: A milking stall includes a base structure supporting a pen within which an animal undergoing milking may be enclosed, the pen including at least one entrance gate and first and second exit gates, each gate being movable between an open position in which an animal may pass through the gate and a closed position in which an animal is unable to do so.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic arm comprises determining a speed of rotation of a rotary milking platform, the rotary milking platform having a stall for a dairy livestock. The method further includes moving a carriage along a track positioned adjacent to the rotary milking platform at a rate that is based at least in part upon the determined speed of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The method further includes extending a robotic arm that is coupled to the carriage between the legs of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: The livestock shed has parallel rows of stanchions rising from a concrete base and a metal roof that is built in two halves that are separated by a central air gap. Each roof half has an inclined center strip defining one half of the gap edge. The roof portion is generally concave. The resulting shed is of correspondingly low profile while still exerting good ventilation. In capped versions, the gap is surmounted by a convex roof cap spaced above the gap in order to allow ventilation while excluding precipitation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cleaning and sanitizing productive agribusiness areas such as production farms, reproduction farms, poultry, pig and egg incubators, using a system that includes a standalone mobile unit which includes a foam-producing unit for applying a specialized detergent formulation for use with livestock and a pressure washing unit for pre-rinsing and rinsing, as well as to the cleaning and sanitizing process using the system that includes the standalone unit, making it possible to increase cleaning efficiency and productivity, and to reduce the death rate among poultry and pigs for reasons related to ineffective sanitation.

Abstract: Provided is toilet sand for animals which retains satisfactory liquid permeability and can absorb, with the lapse of time, any liquid remaining on the surface and which can be prevented from generating dust when in use, etc. The toilet sand for animals comprises a plurality of granules, each of the granules comprising: a core configured of an inorganic porous material and a binder with which particles of the inorganic porous material are integrally affixed; and a water-blocking coating layer formed on the surface of the core and configured of a water-blocking material which has water-absorbing properties and which, in the state of having absorbed water, has viscosity. Preferably, the water-blocking material is configured of one or more substances selected from the group consisting of ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, and starch.

Abstract: Litter compositions are provided comprising sodium bentonite and various fillers. These litter compositions have substantially the same clumpability properties as a composition consisting of only the sodium bentonite.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure providing convenient automated access and payment with validated User identification and validated animal identification linked to the animal's vaccinations and health records and configured for use in or near business, commercial, entertainment, workplace and other venues.

Abstract: A window-mounted pet litter housing is described. The housing is equipped with a left front door, a right front door, a transparent rear panel, a ceiling, a floor, and at least one window anchor mount. The front left door and front right door are configured to open outward from the housing. The front left door is equipped with a flap door configured for use by the pet to enter and exit the housing. The interior of the housing provides adequate space for the pet litter box, as well as space for the pet to lie down and peer through the transparent rear panel. Vented louvers are disposed in the left wall and right wall which provide ventilation while preventing rain and snow from entering the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to designing a non-skid, attractive pet bowl that is made up of a material, which is free of chemicals and Bisphenol A (BPA). The pet bowl is a double layered bowl with air acting as an insulator placed in between the two layers to keep the food or liquid temperature constant. The lid cover provided on the top of the pet bowl has a siliconized rubber ring contour that fits into top of the pet bowl and makes the pet bowl spill proof while carrying the pet bowl by maintaining the temperature of the food constant. Additionally, the bottom area of the pet bowl is provided with a non-skid gripping material to avoid tumbling of the food while the pet is eating the food or drinking liquid placed inside the pet bowl. Further, the outer part of the inner layer of the pet bowl is decorated to look attractive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method of using the device for pet care. The device has a housing divided into two halves that may be fastened together to form a single item such as a ball. Each of the halves having an interior side, an exterior side and a circumferential edge that contains the locking means to removably fasten the halves together. One half of the device having a refillable liquid cavity with cap for holding liquid, a reusable sponge, massaging bristles extending through and beyond the reusable sponge on the interior side, and a liquid dispensing mechanism with one or more apertures for releasing the fluid into the reusable sponge. The other half is hollow and has a grooming surface and vents to allow the reusable sponge to dry when the device is fastened together. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A grooming device includes hair collectors and a scraper. The scraper uncovers the hair collectors when the device is pressed down for use, and scrapes the hair collectors to eject hair collected when the device is released. Ejection of collected hair can also be controlled manually. A collection chamber may be provided, and multiple combs may be mounted on a rotatable dowel that recede within the rotatable barrel, or with sliding plates around and offset from the dowel as the dowel is rotated. A door or window on a surface of the collection chamber can be opened to empty the chamber of collected hair.