Abstract: A device to facilitate the installation of a cultivator blade on a shank. The device comprises a frame having a configuration complementary to the peripheral configuration of the blade and defining a channel that fits over the cultivator blade to seat at least a portion of the edges or wings of the blade as well as to protect the tip of the blade. The device has a fortified or reinforced tip to provide a striking surface. To use, the blade is seated in the device and positioned on the shank and the installer can strike the striking surface and the force of the blow is spread along the periphery of the blade to prevent or reduce damage to any one area of the blade.

Abstract: A self propelled aerator and fertilizer apparatus 10 is provided. The apparatus 10 includes an elongated frame 12, having front wheels 20 and rear wheels 22 coupled to the frame. A steering wheel 30 which controls the front wheels 20 is provided so that the apparatus 10 can be moved in a predetermined direction. An aerator 34 is coupled underneath a lower intermediate portion of the frame 12 for aerating the soil upon rotation thereof when the aerator is moved up and down to selectively engage the soil. A fertilizer 90 is coupled to an upper end portion of the elongated frame 12 so that fertilizer can be dispensed into the soil after aeration is accomplished.

Abstract: A shifting module for releasable securement on the lower two arms of a conventional three-point hitch of a tractor and for laterally shifting a pull-type implement mounted on the shifting module. The shifting module includes a lateral support having a pin on either end section for grasping and securement by the lower two arms of the three-point hitch. A traveler is mounted on the lateral support and a linear actuator operates to shift the traveler along the lateral support to any desired position along the lateral support. A hitch on the traveler is used for mounting of the pull-type implement so that the implement can be reliably and accurately positioned along a desired path.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a utility machine configured to automatically work outdoors including a work actuator installed in the utility machine, a setting unit setting a time schedule of the utility machine in advance, an information acquiring unit acquiring current and future weather information for a work site or nearby, an adjusting unit adjusting the time schedule based on the weather information acquired by the information acquiring unit, and an actuator control unit controlling the work actuator so that the utility machine works in accordance with a time schedule adjusted by the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A seed meter system with singulators that are automatically controlled while planting to reduce instances of skips and doubles, without requiring stopping for manual adjustment of singulators. This allows the seed meter system to automatically adjust the singulators to compensate for variations in rotational speed of seed disks of the seed meters, variations in vacuum pressure within the seed meters, and variations in the size(s) of seeds being planted to reduce instances of skips and doubles while planting. Adjustments to the singulator may be made reactively by identifying seed delivery discontinuities such as skips and doubles and then making correction adjustments to attenuate singulator-induced stimulus that may influence seed delivery discontinuities. Adjustments to the singulator may be made proactively by identifying changes in seed meter performance characteristics or environment that lead to delivery discontinuities such as skips and doubles and, thus, influence seed delivery rate.

Abstract: A robust system and method for positioning and heading for guidance or logging agricultural input placement amounts and locations is disclosed and can be used to aid or direct treatment of a field that has only partial or temporary access to a reliable GNSS signal. The guidance information or data can be stored in memory and output to a video display terminal or the visual display of a computing unit (e.g. laptop or user mobile phone) or alternative formatted or translated to produce an output on a heads-up display such as a light bar.

Abstract: A fork and shovel combination assembly includes a frame with a first wall and a second wall. The first wall has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. The second wall has a proximal edge attached to and being continuous with the second edge. The first wall has a front surface and a rear surface and the second wall has a first surface forming a 90° angle with the front surface. A handle is attached to the rear surface of the first wall and is oriented perpendicular to the rear surface. A plurality of linear tines is attached to the frame and extends forward therefrom. Each of the tines has an attached end abutting the front surface and each tine abuts the first surface. The tines are each oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Abstract: A lawn care device may include an engine to selectively power the lawn care device, a frame supporting the engine of the lawn care device, and an ignition interface having a processor therein to enable selective powering of the lawn care device based at least in part on operation of the ignition interface. The ignition interface may include a switch monitoring assembly configured to enable the processor to monitor status of a plurality of switches associated with respective components of the lawn care device. The switch monitoring assembly may be further configured to enable the processor to monitor opposing statuses (330, 332 or 324, 326) of at least one of the switches.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present invention disclose a robotic lawn mowing system coupled with boundary stands to control and to monitor the moving of the robotic lawn mower. The robotic lawn mower uses boundary stands to identify the lawn boundary, to determine the position of the robotic lawn mower in a lawn, and to define the mowing routes. The ultrasonic and RF devices are placed on the robotic lawn mower and on the boundary stands. Based on the disclosed technology, users can define and design the mowing routes to mow the lawn according to their preferences. The control of the robotic lawn mower may be wireless, and users may monitor and control the robotic lawn mower with a computer, a cell phone, or a tablet through a wireless network.

Abstract: A replaceable mower blade for attachment to a mounting member operatively connected to a mower is provided. The blade includes a central portion having opposing side edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The blade also includes a tip portion extending from the central portion. The central portion includes at least one attachment mechanism for operatively connecting the blade to the mounting member.

Abstract: A method for mowing around an obstacle. A mower arm is pivotally connected to a supporting member supportively connect to a supporting vehicle. A pivotal arm is pivotally connected to the mower arm. A cutter head is connected to the pivotal arm, the cutter head comprising a first cutter and a second cutter. A release mechanism comprising a holding plate is located on the pivotal arm and an actuator is located on the mower arm, the holding plate comprising at least one hole, the actuator engaging the at least one hole in the holding plate to hold the pivotal arm in a first position such that the first cutter is in a relatively leading position to the second cutter.

Abstract: A method comprising receiving a scan or plural images of crop material located in an area between a cutting portion of a header and an input end of a conveyor of an agricultural machine, the header coupled to the agricultural machine; determining a crop material throughput based on the scan or the plural images; and adjusting a machine parameter of the agricultural machine based on the crop material throughput.

Abstract: An improved base cutter blade suited for use in a sugar cane harvester. The preferred improved blade has a generally elongated flat body with opposing longitudinal edges. A removable, replaceable knife is also provided. The knife is made to releasably engage the leading edge of the body. Grooves are preferably centrally positioned in both edges of the body. In the preferred configuration, the knife dovetails with the portion of the groove corresponding to the leading edge of the body. Thus, the knife will perform most of the cutting work and bear the brunt of the wear suffered by the blade. When the knife becomes dull, only the knife need be replaced, which can be done quickly. This will save a significant amount of time during harvest operations. It will also reduce the amount of material that is consumed in the form of worn out blades.

Abstract: An agricultural rake assembly includes a frame. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the frame. A shaft is coupled to and extends upwardly from the frame. A pair of disks is rotatably coupled to the shaft. The disks are rotated when the wheels are rotated. A cam track is coupled to the shaft. A plurality of rake arms are each movably coupled between the disks. The plurality of rake arms is distributed around the disks. A plurality of rakes is coupled to each of the rake arms. The rakes may engage a crop. A plurality of cam arms is each movably coupled between the rake arms and the disks. The cam arms each urge the rake arms between a raking position, a lifted position and a lowered position when the first end of the associated one of the rake arms moves along the cam track.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-hydraulic drive system including first and second electro-hydraulic transmissions for driving respective wheels, the transmissions each including an electric motor, a hydraulic pump driven by the electric motor, and a hydraulic motor drive by the hydraulic pump. When used in a turf vehicle, such as a zero-turn-radius mower, the electro-hydraulic drive system operates the wheels independently from an engine of the mower, thereby allowing the mower to be moved without having to start the engine. In this way, power consumption is lowered and total efficiency of the mower is increased.

Abstract: Mounting pads for attaching tines to a pick-up device of a crop implement such as a round baler are disclosed. In some embodiments, the mounting pad includes a tab portion that is hinged to loop around the connecting loop of the tine.

Abstract: Pick-up devices of a forage implement such as a round baler are disclosed. In some embodiments, a back-plate of the pick-up device for attaching stripper bands includes chambers to receive the bands.

Abstract: Rotor assemblies for conveying crop material from a pick-up device of a baler apparatus into the baling chamber are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies include a rotor stripper having a head section and a tail section removably attached to the head section to remove crop material from the rotating teeth of the assembly.

Abstract: A grain processing assembly having a feeder assembly with a discharge end that is adjacent and above an opening in a thresher assembly.

Abstract: A round baler is equipped with a bale-forming chamber, a storage reservoir for wrapping material, and a feeding roller that can be set into rotation at a specified rotational speed, in order to specify the speed at which the wrapping material is introduced from the storage reservoir into the bale-forming chamber. The feeding roller has, in its axially central area, a larger diameter than in its axial edge areas.

Abstract: An unloading ramp for a round baler includes an elongated, flexible carrier that has one end that can be attached or is attached to the round baler and on whose top side there is a rolling surface for a bale ejected from the round baler.

Abstract: A round baler is provided with a bale-forming chamber and boundary apparatus of the bale-forming chamber that can be moved into an open position for ejecting a completed bale. The axial dimensions of the bale-forming chamber can be changed by at least one side wall that can be moved by means of an adjustment drive. The adjustment drive is configured such that the axial dimensions of the bale-forming chamber are initially increased during the ejection of the bale relative to the dimensions provided for generating the bale and then reduced again for braking the bale.

Abstract: An accumulator is coupled to an agricultural baler and is configured to support a crop package exiting the baler. The accumulator includes an accumulator frame coupled to a wheel supported on a surface and a carriage pivotably coupled to the accumulator frame about a first rotational axis for movement between a first position and a second position. The carriage is configured to support the crop package when the carriage is in the first position. The carriage is also configured to discharge the crop package from the accumulator when the carriage is in the second position. The accumulator also includes an over-center linkage system coupled between the accumulator frame and the carriage. The over-center linkage system is configured to lock the carriage in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the growth of a plant, the plant being of a predetermined type and arranged in a controlled environment subject to receiving illumination of a mixture of natural and artificial light. The invention also relates to a corresponding system for controlling the growth of a plant and to a computer program product.

Abstract: A wavelength emitting electronic device for enhancing growth of a plurality of plants includes a supporting frame member, at least one printed circuit board (PCB), and an optically transmittive material. The supporting frame member includes a first surface and a second surface. The PCB includes an array of light sources. The PCB is detachably attached to the second surface of the supporting frame. The array of light sources receives electrical signals from a circuit rectification module power source. Each light source of the array of light sources emits light of predetermined wavelengths. The optically transmittive material is fixedly attached to the supporting frame member for transmitting the light emitted by the array of light sources to the plants for enhancing growth of plants.

Abstract: A plant labeling system includes an adjustable, malleable support made of weather-resistant material, a tag made of weather-resistant material removably secured to the support and a label removable affixed to the tag corresponding to a predetermined type of plant. The system may also include an electronic identification beacon removably attached to at least one of the support, tag or label. A method for manufacturing a plant labeling system includes preparing a malleable support made of weather-resistant material having one end configured to stake into the ground; mixing malleable material that becomes weather resistant when cured; rolling out the malleable material onto sheets having a support matrix; cutting malleable material to predetermined size and shape for plant tag; integrating the malleable material with the support; shaping resulting integrated material and support into predetermined size and shape; and curing the integrated material and support into the finished labeling system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a stagger stacked flowerpot, which is characterized in that: the stagger stacked flowerpot is comprised of a flowerpot body, in which a soil baffle is provided to divide the flowerpot body into a plant and compost space and a water storage space; the soil baffle is provided with a water groove, which effectively separates the irrigated water from the soil. The invention has the advantages as simple structure, preferable rigidity, security, stability, reliability, convenient plantation, low construction and maintenance cost, fast irrigation and easy control thereof, and water-soil separation, and is suitable for building masonry walls, commercial spaces, residences and so on.

Abstract: The invention could be a prefabricated modular greenhouse comprising a plurality of sections, each section constructed from a framework further creating an open space that is enclosed by a cover attached to the framework; a first group of sections from the plurality of sections forming a plurality of foldable panels, two or more foldable panels being connected together in a manner to allow the one foldable panel to fold upon the second foldable panel for a compact state; a second group of sections from the plurality of sections are connected together to form at least one non-foldable panel; and the connected non-foldable panels and the at least one foldable panel being removably connected to form an assembled modular greenhouse that allows additional non-foldable panels non-foldable panels or both to be added to assembled modular greenhouse to subsequently change one or more architectural details of the assembled modular greenhouse.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus according to the present technology includes a cultivation space where a cultivation environment is controllable, and a plurality of cultivation shelves disposed in the cultivation space. An air conditioner for supplying airflow to the cultivation shelves is provided in an upper region of the cultivation space. An induced draft fan for inducing the airflow supplied from the air conditioner to the cultivation shelves is provided at least at an end of the cultivation space. The induced draft fan is configured to induce the airflow supplied from the air conditioner to the cultivation shelves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable landscape fabric comprising spunlaced cellulosic fibers which comprise 0% to 75% wood pulp fibers and 25% to 100% regenerated cellulosic fibers without fiber binding materials and may further comprise a colorant.

Abstract: The present invention is a wind adjustment device that takes into account the wind pushing against the surface of the water pipe mainline segments and elongated truss spans located between the mobile support towers. Although there are currently mechanisms to take into account alignment issues with the mobile support towers there are currently no mechanisms to take into account the curvature of the water pipe mainline segments and elongated truss spans located between the mobile support towers as a result of the wind pushing on the surface.

Abstract: An irrigation system including a series of mobile towers and horizontally extending spans, an irrigation fluid conduit, a number of nozzles, sensor booms, and crop sensors, and a control system. The sensor booms extend forwardly from the horizontally extending spans. The sensors are positioned near the ends of the sensor booms in front of the spray range of the nozzles and sense crop temperature or other parameters. The irrigation system irrigates the crops according to crop data analyzed by the processor in a closed-loop, real-time control scheme. In this way, the crops can be irrigated according to current crop needs with little to no user input.

Abstract: A device for irrigating soil has a chassis having wheels or tracks for motion, the chassis having one or more water sprinklers with streams directed at the soil, a water storage tank or supply hose, a control valve, a water flow sensor, boundary sensor and surface moisture probes, wherein, under the control of an electronic circuit, the robotic irrigator can make even passes over the irrigated area so that water is distributed evenly and efficiently and without the use of sprinklers. A method has the steps of navigating within an irrigation area using surface moisture to determine the location of prior irrigation passes, following the profile of prior irrigation passes based on surface moisture, and utilizing the perimeter where available such that the device is always positioned for accurate and even irrigation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid application system for plants and the like, the system including a power supply, controller, supply system and a tube member. The tube member is placeable into or connectable to a liquid reservoir to allow liquid from the reservoir to be supplied therefrom to plants and the like. Additionally, a liquid application system is provided having a reservoir in which liquid can be collected, a body of matter in which at least one plant can be planted to grow and a supply system to allow liquid to be selectively removed from the reservoir to be applied to the body of matter, the application of liquid occurring with respect to the condition of a power supply connected to at least the supply system. The system further includes flow rate limiter, for restricting the flow of liquid through the system and into the body of matter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for introducing a substance into a plant, said method comprising the following steps: forming a final hole into a stem of the plant, wherein the final hole is accessible via an opening in an outer surface of the stem, and wherein the final hole has a dimension in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem which is larger than a maximum dimension of the opening in said direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem subjecting the interior of the final hole to the substance by introducing the substance through the opening. The invention further relates to a plant provided with a hole into its stem, wherein the hole is accessible via an opening in an outer surface of the stem, and wherein the hole has a dimension in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stem which is larger than a maximum dimension of the opening in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating carrier and a cultivation system for crops such as lettuce in floating carriers on water. The cultivation system comprises a basin comprising at least one elongate production pond with an infeed end on a short side and an opposite outfeed end and with water therein, a number of elongate floating carriers, the length of which corresponds to the width of the elongate production pond and which move in an orientation transversely of a longitudinal direction of the elongate production pond through the production pond from the infeed end to the outfeed end at a rate corresponding to bringing the crops to full growth, which floating carriers each comprise a number of growth locations for the crops where holders for the crops or roots of the crops extend into the water, and a transport system comprising a lifting mechanism and conveyors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 15R517. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 15R517. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 15R517 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 15R517 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: A partition for an animal includes a wire panel having an edge rod, a dual axes swivel connector and a wire member is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector is pivotally connected to the edge rod of the wire panel. The wire member is mountable to a first structure. The second groove of the dual axes swivel connected is receive the wire member for forming a hinge so that the wire panel may partition a first area from a second area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an animal enclosure including a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure. One of the plurality of members includes a first member having a frame structure and door assembly formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. At least two of the horizontal wires of the frame structure form a hook positioned inside the defined opening. The door assembly is coupled to the frame and moves between an open and close positions. The door assembly includes a first door and a second door removably coupled to one another. The enclosure also includes a latch assembly for releasing the door assembly from the frame structure. In the close position, at least one horizontal wire of the first door and at least one horizontal wire of the second door are coupled to the hooks formed by the at least two horizontal wires of the frame structure.

Abstract: Structures and methods for livestock, such as those, for example, for accommodating and/or milking livestock.

Abstract: An animal occupancy structure can include a vent, a cover and a base. The cover can include a planar surface and a cylindrical collar formed to extend perpendicularly from the planar surface and define an orifice therein. The vent can be coupled with the collar and is rotatable between a closed position in which the vent fully surrounds the collar and is nearest the planar surface, and an open position in which the vent only partially surrounds the collar and is spaced away from the planar surface. The base can be detachably coupled with the cover at a peripheral edge of the base and the cover. The base can include a uniformly concaved inner surface extending radially to the peripheral edge of the base to form an interior chamber between the base and the cover.

Abstract: The present invention is a pet feeding apparatus with an elongated polyhedron shape with directly opposed feeding and drinking portions with a feeding bin disposed therebetween. The feeding apparatus is bounded by a bottom wall attached to the lower edges of opposing side walls and a top wall attached to the top edges of the opposing side walls. The top wall overhangs the feeding troff and the drinking compartments. The bottom wall is supported by legs that terminate in a reservoir that contains an insect repellant liquid. The apparatus is made of a material that repels heat to allow the water to prevent overheating of the water.

Abstract: A one handed squeezable water bottle for pets with an attached water bowl on top. The invention can be used for one hand dispensing of water for a pet. The bowl is adapted to contain a remaining volume of water for the pet to drink when the user releases pressure from the reservoir carrying the water.

Abstract: A system is described that includes communications modules, a wearable device, and an application running on a processor of a computing platform. The system includes placing each communications module at a location in a premise, wherein each communications module periodically transmits a unique number, wherein the application detects and stores each unique number. The system includes the application organizing linking information by linking each unique number with a distance and a function and transmitting the linking information to the wearable device. The wearable device may detect a transmission of a communications module, use information of the transmission to identify the communications module's unique number and to estimate a distance from the wearable device to its location. The wearable device may use the linking information to identify the corresponding function and distance and perform the function when the estimated distance meets at least one criterion with respect to the distance.

Abstract: A system is described that includes communications modules, a wearable device, and an application running on a processor of a computing platform. The system includes placing each communications module at a location in a premises, wherein each communications module periodically transmits a unique number, wherein the application detects and stores each unique number. The system includes the application organizing linking information by linking each unique number with a function and transmitting the linking information to the wearable device. The wearable device may detect a transmission of a communications module and use information of the transmission to identify the communications module's unique number. The wearable device may use the linking information to identify the corresponding function and perform the function when at least one criterion is met.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet comb apparatus. The pet comb apparatus includes an elongated shaft, an illumination system, and at least one row of a plurality of teeth extending outwardly and perpendicularly from the elongated shaft. The light from the illumination is used to locate fleas, ticks, insect eggs, skin infections and injuries on a pet.

Abstract: A system and device for restraining an animal. A bracket and crossbar provide a means by which the system can be disposed on or over a door or window jamb. The crossbar provides a counter-force to a mount disposed on top of the door or window header, the crossbar having been disposed through the door or window and providing counter-pressure on the frame of the door or window. The system includes a suspension mechanism by which an animal can be suspended from the bracket. The suspension mechanism includes a means for adjusting the length, allowing the animal to be lifted off the ground or floor.

Abstract: A pet collar having an integrated audio playback system for easing the manner in which identification concerning a pet can be stored and retrieved. The audio message pet collar includes collar body constructed in substantially the same manner and of substantially the same materials as a conventional dog collar except that it includes an integrated electronics housing and speakers system. The electronics housing defines a waterproof case which includes a manually engagable electrical switch, a microphone, a controller, battery, sound card, and memory module. The controller is configured to, upon various engagements of the switch, enter a record mode or enter a playback mode, thereby enabling a pet caretaker to record desired information on the audio message pet collar, which subsequently be directly and quickly availed through an audible message to another in the event the pet is lost.

Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver's distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

Abstract: A portable device and a method for a domestic pet to contact its master whenever the pet desires so is disclosed. The device comprises of two units and an interconnecting mechanism between them via wireless communication methods such as Bluetooth© or other equivalent RF technologies. The first unit comprises of a circuit board, an antenna, a camera, LCD screen, a speaker, a microphone and a power source all enclosed in a water resistant housing. It is designed to be mounted on a wall semi-permanently by means of flanges at the top and sides or by using an S-hook for temporary mounting. The second unit comprises of a pet friendly and safe tactile momentary switch and dead weight embedded inside it to keep it firmly on the ground. The second unit is designed to be water proof as well to prevent saliva from pets altering the circuit behaviour. The pet can be very easily trained to tap the pet safe switch whenever it desires to reach out to its master.