Abstract: A rotary tiller device provides at least one interchangeable torqueing apparatus to generate different torques and angular velocities for tilling soil and removing weeds with at least one interchangeable rotary shank. The type, size, and voltage of the torqueing apparatus is dictated by the type of soil and nature of the work being performed. The interchangeable rotary shank is also interchangeably attached based on the type of soil and tilling requirements. The device is lightweight and portable. The device includes a hollow shaft having a power end and a rotary end. The power end is adapted to interchangeably couple to the torqueing apparatus and includes a control portion for regulating the torqueing apparatus. The rotary end includes a rotary shank that rotatably engages the soil. A gear portion transmits torque from the torqueing apparatus to the rotary shank through a rotatable rod. A handle helps in controlling the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a secondary tool bar in spaced relation to a primary toolbar utilizes a spring biased quadrilateral linkage connected between the primary and secondary tool bars independently of any tools mounted on said bars such that said primary tool bar supports said secondary tool bar and any tools mounted thereon.

Abstract: An agricultural metering device with a variable geometry meter roller is provided. The agricultural metering device includes a meter roller having a plurality of flutes. An aggregate cross sectional area of the flutes increases along a longitudinal axis of the meter roller.

Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport member and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the member. The transport member is an endless member. The endless member has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.

Abstract: A germination facility includes a seedling growing system configured to grow a plurality of seedlings; and a seedling sorting device configured to receive spatially variable planting data regarding a planting area for planting the seedlings; receive seedling data regarding the plurality of seedlings; and arrange the plurality of seedlings in a planting container based on the seedling data and on the planting data.

Abstract: A seed meter drive system includes a clutch having a toolless fastener configured to selectively couple the clutch to a downstream component. The clutch is configured to receive a rotational input via a flexible drive shaft, and to drive the downstream component in rotation while the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: In one aspect, an agricultural system is provided and includes an information gathering component and a computing element. The information gathering component is configured to gather information pertaining to at least one agronomic characteristic of a land area of interest and generate agricultural data associated with the gathered information. The agricultural data is configured to be transmitted over a network. The computing element includes a processor and a memory. The computing element is configured to receive at least one of the agricultural data from the information gathering component and agricultural data from a source. The computing element is configured to determine an agronomic ratio associated with two agronomic characteristics based on the received data, and the computing element is configured to generate agronomic ratio data associated with the agronomic ratio. The agronomic ratio data is configured to be transmitted over the network.

Abstract: A fluid flow monitoring and control system for a self-propelled applicator which may be a sprayer and is configured to allow real-time visual monitoring of graphical representations of system statuses, control of the systems, and coordinated control instructions for multiple tasks through a single user input or command. The fluid flow monitoring and control system may include a touchscreen HMI providing electronic control and monitoring for the systems and components of the applicator. A rules engine may be implemented to prevent erroneous states, such as activating a pump without fluid flow to the pump as a rule implemented interlock to prevent inadvertent rapid component wear or other compromises of system integrity.

Abstract: A sickle cutting section is provided. The sickle cutting section comprises a plate having a base material of a first hardness. The plate extends forwardly from a mounting portion to a front tip. A serrated cutting edge extends at least partially between the front tip and the mounting portion. A clad material is of a second hardness that is harder than the first hardness and is deposited along the base material at least partially along the serrated cutting edge.

Abstract: A grass cutter is provided with a duct which extends in a conveyance direction of grass clippings and has a conveyance path for the grass clippings formed inside of the duct; and a duct opening/closing lid provided with a turning shaft which is disposed on the outer side of the duct, and a closing plate which is turnable around the axis of the turning shaft and opens and closes the conveyance path by turning.

Abstract: A method of selectively harvesting fruits includes generating a first series of images of a plant while the plant is moved to expose hidden fruits, identifying an object displayed in the first series of images as a suspect fruit from feature boundary data defined by color regions, comparing a color parameter of the suspect fruit to a criterion associated with a ripeness, advancing an automated picker toward the suspect fruit based on a determined position of the suspect fruit and while monitoring a proximity sensor of the automated picker, detecting a color of the impediment and confirming that the impediment is a fruit, operating the automated picker to pick the fruit from the plant, and while the automated picker is operated to pick the fruit, generating a second series of images of one or more additional plants while the one or more additional plants are moved to expose additional fruits.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge of a header frame structure, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop for further processing, and a reel with a reel drive mechanism for driving rotation of the reel including a variable speed drive motor and a drive transmission having two different drive ratios for high and low speed reel operation. The transmission is mounted in a housing with a readily removable cover part allowing access to a chain and sprocket drive system where the chain can be loosened to allow it to be transferred from one set of cooperating sprockets to another. The reel shaft is movable to release the chain tension and adjusted by a cam and ratchet arrangement.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge of a header frame structure, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop for further processing, and a reel with tines mounted on angularly spaced tine tubes each driven in a pivotal movement around its own bat axis as the reel rotates. The tine tubes are mounted on bearings where each bearing includes a cylindrical collar carried by support members on the reel and a cylindrical bearing member within the collar. The hollow tine tube has its peripheral wall punched to define an indented recess at each end of a transverse hole so that opposed projecting portions projecting on the bearing member are pulled into the recesses by a transverse fastener through the hole.

Abstract: A walk-behind mower/trimmer includes one or more cutting heads secured to a deck supporting frame and supported on a glider disk. A rear support and handle assembly facilitate operator use and control of the mower/trimmer. The heads may be powered using a gas motor, an electric motor, or a hybrid.

Abstract: An agricultural rake including a frame, ground engaging wheels for supporting the frame on the ground, and at least two rotors each of which is driven in rotation about a respective vertical rotor axis and mounted to the frame by a folding linkage that permits folding movement of each rotor between a working position and a raised position. Each rotor has at least one ground engaging guide wheel mounted inwardly of crop engaging tines with a height adjustment mechanism permitting adjustment of the rotor operating height. For road transport, a control system automatically retracts each ground engaging guide wheel into the respective rotor in the raised position to reduce overall width.

Abstract: A windrower with a header has a conveying medium with first and second portions connected with a pivot joint and moveable across a plural rollers configured to receive crop material from the header and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower. In an operational position and with the frame selected to one of the predetermined angular adjustments, the conveying medium discharges the harvested crop material at an angle of trajectory determined by the selected angular position of the second portion. The windrower harvests crop with the header, receives the mowed crop on the conveyor system, adjusts a rate at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system, and adjusts an angle of trajectory at which the mowed crop is discharged from the conveyor system.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine such as a combine harvester has multiple working units for processing crop picked up from a field, a driver assistance system for the sensor-supported control of the working units, an environmental sensor system for detecting environmental information and spatial areas of applicability located in the environment of the harvesting machine. The driver assistance system has a memory for storing data and a computing unit for processing data, including the data stored in the memory. A functional system model for at least one part of the harvesting machine is stored in the memory. The computing unit functions as a characteristic control on the basis of the system model and autonomously determines machine parameters of at least one working unit and specifies these to the particular working unit.

Abstract: A combine harvester including threshing and separating apparatus which are arranged to process a cut crop stream and each having a grate arrangement through which material separated from the crop stream falls under gravity. Grain conveyance means arranged below the threshing and separating apparatus catch the falling grain and material other than grain (MOG). A stratification pan is located below a front region of the threshing and separating apparatus and a return conveyor is located below a rear region of the threshing and separating apparatus, both conveyors being driven in a oscillating manner. The return conveyor conveys said grain and MOG in a forward direction to a front edge thereof which is located above the stratification pan. The stratification pan conveys collected material rearwardly to a rear edge from where the collected material falls under gravity into a cleaning unit.

Abstract: A water and soil conservation and ecological restoration method of high and steep, abandoned slag piles at high elevation with large temperature differential in xerothermic drought valleys, comprises: preparing a mixed material; collecting and cutting a plant to obtain a plant ingredient; preparing a treated material; digging tree holes; planting; spreading the treated material, and watering. The water and soil conservation method adds gelling material for cover soil, and stirs to allow fine particles in the cover soil to be uniformly coated on the coarse particles to realize coherence, thus effectively avoiding water erosion and wind erosion on the loose cover soil on a slope and slag pile, reducing the cover soil falling into gaps of large slag pieces on the slope surface, thus controlling the water and cover soil conservation of a slag pile, and the scale of fill earth, and ensuring the survival rate and preservation rate of planted trees.

Abstract: A method of managing treatment of crop is disclosed. The method comprises: monitoring at least one parameter describing growth and/or condition of a plant and calculating a plant status function based on a value of the at least one parameter. The method further comprises comparing the calculated plant status function to a plant status baseline corresponding to a predicted yield or a predicted yield change, and operating a crop treatment system responsively to the comparison.

Abstract: Provided is a reflective article including a first reflecting material and a second retro reflecting material; where sunlight that is photosynthetically active is at least partially reflected by the article and sunlight that is not photosynthetically active is at least partially retro reflected by the article. Also provided is a method for growing a plant, where the method includes placing the reflective article under, around, or in the proximity of the plant.

Abstract: A blower can have a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a volute channel in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. A fan assembly may be at least partially supported by the housing, and include a fan, and a driving mechanism can be coupled to the fan assembly for rotating the fan to create air flow through the housing. A tube can be removably connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the outlet to direct air flow exiting the housing, and a guard can be at least partially received within the tube. The guard can have guard features preventing access to the housing and attachment features attaching the tube to the housing.

Abstract: A multi-use flat pack product includes two side panels each with a pair of upper slots and two end panels each with a pair of lower slots. The two side panels are respectively engageable with the two end panels without tools or additional connectors via engagements between the upper slots and the lower slots to define a four-sided construction. A base plate is positionable inside the four-sided construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a greenhouse arrangement comprising a framework and a system for thermicity improvement. The system for thermicity improvement comprises at least one film. The film is spread over and/or connected directly and/or indirectly to the framework. The film comprises an additive suitable for enhancing the thermicity of the film. Said additive comprises an alkyl phosphonic acid or derivatives thereof. Said film has a transmission of IR of lower than 40% especially lower than 25%.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-span greenhouse having an inflatable and thermal insulation system. The multi-span greenhouse includes a lateral frame, a vertical frame, a top cover, an inflatable and thermal insulation system and a plurality of rotary shafts. The vertical frame is arranged at left and right sides. The lateral frame is arranged above and supported by the vertical frame. The top cover is arranged above the lateral frame. The plurality of rotary shafts are provided at both ends of the lateral frame, and at a top end of the vertical frame. The inflatable and thermal insulation system includes an air compressor, a dust collector, a dehydrator, a dryer, a constant-pressure and air-releasing controller, and a thermal insulation quilt which are communicated with each other in this order through a pipeline. The thermal insulation quilt is provided in the lateral frame and the vertical frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supporting pole. The supporting pole includes a metal inner pipe having an upper end and a lower end, with a reserved pipe portion on at least one of the upper end and the lower end. The supporting pole further includes an outer wrap layer wrapping the metal inner pipe except the reserved pipe portion, and a cone-shaped sleeve covering the reserved pipe portion. The reserved pipe portion has a plurality of axial grooves formed by a clamping and closing process that invigilates a wall of the reserved pipe portion, such that the reserved pipe portion has alternating protrusions and grooves. A maximum outer diameter of an open end of the reserved pipe portion is less than an outer diameter of the metal inner pipe. The cone-shaped sleeve is produced by injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the indication of the sharpness of the teeth at a harvesting head at a forestry machine, an arrangement for the execution of the method, and a forestry machine for the use of the arrangement during execution of the method.

Abstract: A control system for an irrigation system is disclosed that is configured to prevent a substantial positional change of the irrigation system while the system is traversing a substantially non-flat terrain, or surface. In an implementation, an irrigation system includes multiple interconnected spans that are supported by multiple tower structures. Each tower structure includes a drive unit for driving a tower structure at a selected speed. The irrigation system also includes a position-determining module configured to determine an actual position of the main section assembly. The irrigation system also includes a control device configured to determine an actual position of the main section assembly, compare the actual position with a desired position of the main section assembly, and to determine that the main section assembly is traversing a substantially non-flat surface.

Abstract: A rigid wand receives water under pressure from a pump. A canister of larger diameter than the wand receives the water from the wand with impact on flow disruptive material promoting aeration by turbulence. A large number of peripheral outlet ports allow water to tumble out of the canister through the ports.

Abstract: An emitter (120) includes a flow path from a water intake path (221), which is for taking in irrigation liquid within a tube, to a recessed part (251). This flow path includes a recessed surface part (242) closed, without contact, by a film (300). A channel (243) that forms a reduced pressure flow path included in the above flow path is formed on the surface of the recessed surface part (242). If the film (300) is pressed by the pressure of the irrigation liquid in the tube (110) and adheres to the recessed surface part (242), the flow rate of the irrigation liquid inside the emitter (120) is controlled to an amount that can pass through the channel (243).

Abstract: A multi-functional flowerpot may comprise a pot body, a tank and a plurality of supporting units. The pot body has at least a through hole formed at a bottom portion thereof, and the supporting units are configured to support the pot body to locate above the tank. More specifically, when the pot body is connected to the tank through the supporting units, a lower portion of the pot body is inserted into the tank and the position of the pot body is located above a bottom portion of the tank. Thus, when the plants cultivated in the pot body and the aquatic plants or aquatic animals raised in the tank, the excess water of the pot body can flow through the through hole into the tank.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 38292104 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 38292104, to the plants of soybean cultivar 38292104, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 38292104, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 38292104. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 38292104. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 38292104, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 38292104 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets forth alleles at two genetic loci whose presence reduces the saturated fatty acid content of Brassica seeds. Methods for producing plants containing those alleles, and which produce seeds having low saturated fatty acid content, are also described.

Abstract: The herbicide-tolerant rice cultivar designated ‘CL271’ and its hybrids and derivatives are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (4) for cleaning and pretreating teats of an animal for milking, milking machine (2) provided therewith and method therefor. The cleaning device according to the invention comprises: • a frame (52) provided with an arm (6); • a cleaning head arranged on the arm and provided with a rotatable holder (12) on which one or more rotatable cleaning elements (14) are provided; and • moving means (48, 50, 56) connected to the frame for displacing the cleaning head relative to the teats such that the teats are cleanable using the cleaning elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable pole to encourage localized urination of a pet or dog. The present invention relates to a disposable pole that may be placed indoors on absorbent material to encourage a pet to urinate in a particular location, for ease in cleanup when a pet or dog urinates indoors.

Abstract: L-Felinine (2-amino-7-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-4-thiaheptanoic acid) can be used to attract a cat to eliminate in a litter box. The present disclosure provides litters containing L-Felinine, litter boxes containing L-Felinine, compositions containing L-Felinine that can be added to a litter and/or a litter box, and devices for adding L-Felinine to a litter and/or a litter box. In an embodiment, the L-Felinine can be applied to a litter and/or a litter box as an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.2 wt % of L-Felinine, for example by spraying the aqueous solution of L-Felinine from a bottle or applying the aqueous solution of L-Felinine using a dropper pipette.

Abstract: A liner or pad is configured to be positioned on a bottom surface of a metabolic cage or to form a bottom of a metabolic cage so as to provide a surface that comfortably supports a confined animal in the cage. The pad provides a surface that prevents the mouse from directly contacting the wire mesh bottom of the cage.

Abstract: A cushion support product comprising a cushion body with a cover defining its overall shape, the cover also defining at least two distinct vertically stacked zones encased within the cover, the lower zones, single or multiple, are filled with a resilient material, the uppermost zone is filled with resilient bulky soft pliable material, that is pieced into parts, and is loosely filled allowing space for shifting of the material within the zone, providing a nesting experience and a place of rest for the occupant.

Abstract: A rotary milking platform has: a) a deck 1 suitable for supporting cows for milking; b) an beam 2 arranged to support the deck 1; and c) a plurality of rollers 4 arranged to take at least a substantial amount of the weight of the beam 2 as it moves in a generally rotary fashion; characterised in that each roller 4 is adapted to automatically orient itself to distribute the weight of the beam 2 generally evenly over the roller 4 to avoid or substantially reduce point loading between the beam 2 and the roller 4 in the event that a least part of the beam 2 is not level.

Abstract: A backyard wildlife feeder with a base member, a central vertical post, a plurality of feeding trays, a plurality of canopy members, a water retaining tray, and plurality of leaf shaped photovoltaic panels. The vertical post has a plurality of plug together sections, the lowest of which attaches to the base. The feeding trays are circular and include a central aperture to allow the vertical post to penetrate through from one tray to the next. The feeding trays are each capped by a canopy member which protects food stored in the trays. One the feeding trays include small orifices to accommodate the feeding of humming birds. One tray includes a hive type assembly for the nesting of bees. The top tray is capable of retaining water and acting as a bird bath. A ladder extends from the base to the lowest the feeding tray which can contain squirrel food.

Abstract: A pet grooming assembly includes a brush that has a handle portion and a bristle portion. The bristle portion has a chamber within the bristle portion. The handle portion has a reservoir within the handle portion wherein the reservoir may contain a liquid medication. The chamber and the reservoir are in fluid communication with each other. A valve is movably attached to the brush and the valve selectively inhibits a flow of the liquid medication from the reservoir to the chamber. A plurality of first bristles is attached to the bristle portion wherein each of the first bristles may brush an animal. A plurality of second bristles is attached to the bristle portion. Each of the second bristles is substantially hollow such that each of the second bristles is in fluid communication with the chamber. Thus, each of the second bristles may release the liquid medication onto the animal.

Abstract: A pet toy incorporates distinct materials having differing elastomeric features and others. The pet toy has an inner member and an outer shell that covers selected portions of the inner member such that an exposed exterior surface of the toy includes both portions of the inner member and outer shell. The inner member is more elastic or compressible as compared to the outer shell that is stiffer or more resilient. Yet, the outer shell still maintains an elastomeric response to contact. A noise making device may be mounted within an interior chamber of the outer shell. The inner member has a central opening to receive the chamber housing that interlocks the inner member and outer shell. Exposed portions of the inner member may be flush with the outer surface of the outer shell or may protrude beyond the exterior surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved pet collar and leash for discouraging pets from pulling while walking while encouraging good leash manners. In a preferred embodiment, the collar includes two terminal ends, each of the terminal ends having a ring thereon. One terminal end of the collar is threaded through the ring on the opposite terminal end so as to form a P-shape, and then it is removably connected to a leash via a connecting member. The leash includes a handle on each of its terminal ends. The handle that is closest to the collar can be used to gently pull the collar so as to quickly tighten and release the collar. The tightening and releasing motion does not harm the pet, but can be used to grab the pet's attention when providing a command.

Abstract: The apparatus is for a pet harness of a pet. The apparatus includes a harness-connector assembly configured to be attached to the pet harness. The apparatus also includes a light-emitting device configured to be operatively mounted to the harness-connector assembly.

Abstract: Systems for selecting, generating, and breeding hybrid dairy cattle are described, as are methods for maintaining herds of hybrid cattle.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic birds capable of producing chimeric immunoglobulins, with a combination of human and avian sequence, in their B cells. In some embodiments, the birds are chickens. When challenged with an antigen, the transgenic avians produce antigen-specific functional antibodies. The invention also relates to light chain immunoglobulin transgenes for making such transgenic avians, as well as methods and vectors for disrupting endogenous immunoglobulin loci in birds.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a lip on a distal end portion of a lure body. The lure body has a hollow wall structure formed to have an appearance form of small fish. The fishing lure includes a spindle disposed over in the lure body, an arm swingably supported at least in the right and left direction with respect to a fulcrum set on the spindle, and a weight ball mounted on the end part of the arm. The weight ball is movable in a pendulum manner at least in the right and left direction via the arm in the lure body. The weight ball contacts the right and left inner wall surfaces of the lure body.

Abstract: A tool for injecting prepared bait into an artificial fishing lure having a handle with a generally linear upper portion and a punch tube moveably engaged with the upper portion for movement between a retracted position and an extended position to bore the fishing lure, receive bait in the tube, and inject bait into the bored fishing lure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fishing reel wherein a bearing rotatably supporting a drive shaft securely shuts out water from its interior so as to maintain stable sealing and thus smooth rotation for a long period wherein such a bearing can be readily built in. In accordance with one aspect, the fishing reel of the present invention includes a drive shaft to be rotationally driven for winding a fishing line around a spool. The drive shaft is rotationally supported by a magnetic fluid sealed bearing having an inner ring magnetic fluid retained between an inner ring and a polar plate retaining a magnet and/or between the inner ring and the magnet, and an outer ring magnetic fluid retained between an outer ring and the polar plate retaining the magnet and/or between the outer ring and the magnet.