Abstract: A trenching tool including an elongated pole having a bottom end connected to an elbow construction. A hollow cylindrical tube is movably mounted to the bottom end of the elbow construction. The tube is opened on both ends allowing loading of and emptying material scooped from the trench. An adjustable connection secures the tube to the elbow construction.

Abstract: A locking device (3) for a wearing part (2) detachably attached to a soil-working working element (1) by means of quick-coupling elements (11, 21), wherein a locking element (31) attached to the working element (1) includes an end portion (312) projecting from the working element (1) and being provided with an engagement section (313) arranged to engage with a lock-receiving element (22) arranged on a lee-side face (2a) of the wearing part (2).

Abstract: A link assembly (3) for an agricultural ground engaging chain (1) including a plurality of said link assemblies (3), the link assembly including: a first component (7) having a first clamping portion (21) and a first link portion (13) for linking with a link portion of an adjacent link assembly; a second component (9) having a second clamping portion (27) and a second link portion (15) for linking with a link portion of an adjacent link assembly; a resilient harrow member (5), wherein the resilient harrow member (5) is elastically deformable; and at least one fastening element (11).

Abstract: A planter downforce system includes a plurality of hydraulic accumulators, each of the plurality of hydraulic accumulators operatively connected to a pressure line associated with a row unit of a planter, a pressure sensor operatively connected to the pressure line, an orifice operatively connected to the pressure line to limit flow of fluid within the pressure line to a hydraulic zero-pressure tank, and a controller operatively connected to the pressure sensor and configured to determine accumulator charge pressure of the accumulators.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for determining the amount of material contained in a windrow. In particular embodiments, the methods and systems are applicable to agricultural applications, and in particular to hay yield monitoring. Systems include a remote sensing technology to determine windrow height. Remote sensing methods can include ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and the like. Systems can provide real time yield data.

Abstract: Methods and devices for automated adjustment of a digging implement during harvest of underground crops are described. Utilizing the devices, a digging implement, e.g., a blade, can be located and maintained at a desired depth as a harvester travels across a field. During use, the digging implement depth controls can be varied as the harvester travels within a single field under different operating conditions, e.g., different soil friability, consistency, etc., thereby preventing crop loss and improving crop yield.

Abstract: The invention relates to seed material pellets of elongated form each comprising at least two seeds (1) of elongated form, wherein the pellets consist of the seeds (1) embedded within a matrix (2), wherein at least 80% of the seeds (1) are oriented in directions essentially parallel to the pellets, and wherein the matrix (2) does not comprise distinct layers of different constitution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating base-cutter assembly (16) for use on sugar-cane harvesters, the assembly being formed by two base-cutters, wherein each of the base-cutters (16) comprises a set of cutting knives (9), the base-cutter assembly (16) comprising primary adjustment of the distance of the set of cutting knives (9) with respect to the ground, the base-cutter assembly (16) being mounted on the harvester body by means of a set of articulated rods (2, 5), the base-cutter assembly (16) comprising reading means for reading variation of the ground surface, the reading means (7, 8) being capable of generating an electric signal for variation of the distance of the set of cutting knives (9) with respect to the ground With this invention, the base-cutters (16) can accommodate ground unevenness rapidly, enabling one to cut the sugar-cane at an adequate height.

Abstract: A sensor signal is received, and is indicative of a sensed parameter. A metric is generated that indicates a likelihood of a tailings elevator plug, based upon the sensed parameter. A controller determines whether adjustments to controllable mechanisms are to be made, based upon the metric, in order to avoid a tailings elevator plug and, if so, automatically makes the adjustments.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, a header carried by the chassis, and a header height control system. The header is movable in upward and downward directions. The header height control system includes an electrical processing circuit, a non-contact sensor and a contact sensor. The non-contact sensor is positioned to sense a crop canopy ahead of the header. The contact sensor is positioned to sense an actual ground position relative to the header. The electrical processing circuit is coupled with and receives signals from each of the non-contact sensor and the contact sensor. The electrical processing circuit is operable to predict an upcoming ground position based upon the sensed crop canopy and actual ground position.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester including a chassis and a header for gathering a crop and feeding it into the agricultural harvester. The agricultural harvester further includes a threshing and separating system, a grain cleaning system for separating grain from MOG, and a feeder housing for moving the crop gathered by the header from the header into the threshing and separating system. The agricultural harvester further includes a header tilt mechanism that allows the header to tilt in order to follow ground contours. The header tilt mechanism may use a face plate movably attached to the feeder housing. The header tilt mechanism includes at least one straight line linkage movably connecting the header to the feeder housing. The feeder housing or header tilt mechanism may be provided with hydraulic cylinders or pressure controlling or limiting arrangements.

Abstract: A fruit plucking device includes a supporting rod and a fruit plucking arrangement. The fruit plucking arrangement includes a plucking frame, a cutting blade and a collector net. The plucking frame is supported on a top portion of the supporting rod, and is configured to form a substantial loop portion. The cutting blade is extended on the plucking frame, and has a sharp cutting edge for cutting fruit. The collector net is provided underneath the plucking frame for collecting the fruit cut by the plucking blade.

Abstract: A grass mower is provided with a plurality of rotating shafts passing through a ceiling wall of a mower deck and extending upward, disposed in a side-by-side state; cutting blades respectively linked to the rotating shafts in an internal space of the mower deck; an electric motor mounted at a location to the lateral outside relative to a rotation path of the cutting blades within the mower deck, and having an output shaft extending upward; and a power transmission mechanism positioned above the ceiling wall of the mower deck, and configured to transmit power from the output shaft to the rotating shafts of the cutting blades.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a threshing and separating system carried by the chassis that is configured for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating system includes: a rotor defining a longitudinal axis; a concave at least partially surrounding the rotor; a transition cone defining an infeed to the rotor; and a transition surface connecting the transition cone to the concave and having a conical portion defined about the longitudinal axis and a blended portion connected to the conical portion. The blended portion defines a first end connected to the conical portion and a second end distanced from the first end in a lateral direction. The blended portion defines a substantially conical shape about the longitudinal axis at the first end and approaches a substantially cylindrical shape about the longitudinal axis toward the second end.

Abstract: A rectangular baler comprising a bale chamber delimited by a plurality of walls including a movable wall section, an actuator for exerting a pressure on the movable wall section, a plunger for compressing crop material in the bale chamber, and a density control system including: a position calculating module configured to calculate a new position for the movable wall section based on an input representative for bale density of compressed crop material in the bale chamber, and a position control module configured to control the actuator to position the movable wall section in the calculated position.

Abstract: Yield monitoring systems for round baling machines and methods that can provide weight estimations for round bales at the time of formation are described. Balers can include those that incorporate hydraulically actuated bale kicking or pushing assemblies as well as those that incorporate spring-loaded off ramps. Farm implements including baling machines and cotton module builders are encompassed. The system includes a sensor that can ascertain a physical parameter associated with ejection of a round bale from the farm implement. Physical parameters as may be ascertained can include pressures, velocities, accelerations, etc. associated with bale ejection.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a baling chamber configured to receive a compressible material. The baler includes a plunger proximate a first end of the baling chamber and configured to move within the baling chamber to compress the compressible material into a bale. The baler also includes a rear door assembly having one or more rails positioned at a second end of the baling chamber, opposite the first end. The rear door assembly has a rear door with parallel tracks configured to receive and to guide a strap around the second end of the baling chamber to facilitate surrounding the bale with the strap. The rear door is slidingly coupled to the one or more rails and is configured to move along the one or more rails between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant grafting method using a plurality of rootstocks grafted together to one scion. A collar is positioned around at least one rootstock to limit a period of its contribution for growth and development of said plant. The grafting method benefits from simultaneous utilization of plurality of rootstocks with versatile growth control.

Abstract: An improved method to produce artificial light for plant cultivation, an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse and/or dark growth chamber environment are described. The best mode is considered to be a lighting device with LEDs that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum in a dark growth chamber. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant (310, 311) cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production, especially in dark growth chambers, such as basements, are realized.

Abstract: The agricultural grow tube uses standard pipe and tube to except a variety of agricultural grow baskets and configurations.

Abstract: A vertical garden assembly for coupling to a downpipe of a building, including an elongate base support structure, said base support structure having a direction of 5 extend that is coaxial the downpipe; and a series of receptacles coupled in spaced apart positions to the base support member in said direction of extent, wherein each receptacle of said receptacles is shaped to hold soil for growing plants therein.

Abstract: An enclosure temperature control system utilizes a renewable power source and a thermal sink to reduce the overall power requirements from a power grid. A renewable power source, such as a solar panel may provide power that drives the components required to maintain the greenhouse temperature within upper and lower limits, including a HVAC system and/or a heat transfer system coupled with a thermal sink. The thermal sink includes a phase change material that releases heat when it solidifies and this heat can be used to heat the greenhouse. Likewise, the phase change material absorbs heat during the day to reduce the temperature within the greenhouse. A heat transfer system may be coupled with the phase change material and a solid conductor component within the tank of a phase change material may increase thermal transfer rate.

Abstract: A heat delivery system for agricultural applications, the system including: piping including alternate heat insulated segments and heat transferring segments, the piping being configured with a fluid flow path extending through the alternating heat insulated segments and heat transferring segments; and a fluid propelling arrangement configured for motivating flow of heat accommodating fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A fruit bag having a body and an entrance formed on the body to insert young fruit thereinto, the body having a front surface, a back surface, and side surfaces is provided. The fruit bag includes: a cover protruding from the front surface to cover the entrance; multiple folding portions formed by folding each side surface at least one or more times; and an opening part attached to the form of a band to the end portion of the body forming the entrance and having flat portions attached to the front surface and the back surface and grasping portions attached to the side surfaces, the grasping portions forming hinges together with the multiple folding portions so that if a pressure is applied to the grasping portions, the entrance is expanded by means of the flat portions.

Abstract: A soil-less biodegradable and porous rigid foam substrate for cultivating plants that has been formed of a heterogeneous matrix of organic fibers pasteurized with organic matter and natural minerals, and then contacted with a fungus, resulting in a biocomposite foam with excellent capillary dynamics, the whole of which does not compact and whose organic bio-composition favors the proper micro-biological activity upon a plants' rhizosphere. The preferred embodiment is to grow said substrate inside a waxed hexagonal prism shaped box, and around an externally accessible means of internal aeration, for approximately 3-5 days, and then to deactivate the live fungus in said biocomposite foam by exposure to microwave radiation.

Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus includes: a cultivation tank inside which a plant is held, and into a lower portion of which a nutrient solution is introduced; a separator that separates a first space where aboveground portions of the plant are positioned and a second space where underground portions of the plant are positioned; an environmental control unit that performs control of adjusting a temperature of the first space to a first temperature in a first period and adjusting the temperature of the first space to a second temperature lower than the first temperature in a second period; and a humidity control unit that performs control to decrease a humidity of the second space when the growing period for the plant shifts from the first period to the second period.

Abstract: A plant growing apparatus of a hydroponic and/or aeroponic plant growing system includes a support assembly and a pair of height control mechanisms. The support assembly includes a bottom platform, supported and mobilized by corner caster wheel devices, and top and intermediate platforms, vertically spaced apart from one another and the bottom platform by upright corner posts rigidly affixed at the corners of the bottom platform. The intermediate platform may be manually raised or lowered along the posts. The height control mechanisms are concurrently operable to raise or lower the top platform along the posts. In addition to the plant growing apparatus, the plant growing system also includes light modules supported by the top platform, plant grow cells supported by the intermediate platform below the light modules, and a water reservoir and pump on the bottom platform and connected in communication with the plant grow cells and height control mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided which permit extraction of a dicot embryo of a dicot seed without damage to the dicot embryo. Methods disclosed herein provide embryos for uses in plant breeding and research procedures.

Abstract: A milking device for milking dairy cattle contains at least one teat cup which is connected to a milk-collecting container by a hose. In order to simplify the production of the milking device, at least one surface coming in contact with the milk or one component of the teat cup and/or of the milk-collecting container is made of an alloy that contains at least 50% Cu and, as a further alloying constituent, at least 2% Zn or at least 2% Sn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cage system (15) for housing experimental animals which are to experience an environment different from that of a surrounding space (19). The cage system (15) comprises a climate control unit having a vaporizer (1) for generation of water into vapour. The vaporizer (1) comprises a vaporization chamber (4), and water is fed to the vaporization chamber (4) via a liquid supply tube (3). A surface tension breaking device (8) having an open structure is provided at the end (9) of the liquid supply tube (3) so that the water passes therethrough when flowing from the liquid supply tube (3) and into the vaporization chamber (4). Hereby water can be supplied to the vaporization chamber (4) without any significant formation of droplets in the vaporization chamber (4). The vaporizer (1) is used to supply a controllable and uniform flow of vapour to the cages (16) so that a desired humidity can be maintained.

Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to pets training pads and more specifically to dog training pads. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the training pads comprise: multiple layers of absorbent made from superabsorbent polymer, a layer of polyethylene film and an attractant, wherein the attractant releases a special scent which attracts/reminds the pets to use the training pads. The training pads further comprise a fragrance that eliminates urine odor after the training pads have been used.

Abstract: An apparatus for drying piglets immediately after birth includes a container shaped and arranged for receiving up to three or four of the piglets having an opening arrangement for manual insertion by the worker of the piglets to be confined within the container during a drying period. The container has a system for applying air movement and optionally heat to the piglets while confined with the container for drying and a release arrangement having a door controlled by a settable timer or a system for detecting when the piglets are dry for allowing release from the container of the piglets after a sufficient drying time period has elapsed. The container includes a base mounted in each farrowing crate and a cover portion which is removable from one crate to another.

Abstract: An animal feeder comprises a vertical portion having a front side, a back side, a left side, and a right side. A first groove extends continuously through each of the left side, the front side, and the right side. At least a part of the back side is generally concave to facilitate the securement of the feeder to a tree. An angular portion of the feeder extends from the vertical portion at an angle. The angular portion has a mouth with a stop. The vertical portion and the angular portion collectively define a cavity configured for retaining animal feed. The cavity is accessible at least at the mouth. The back side comprises a channel, a first bracket, and a second bracket, each of which are collectively configured for securement of a T-post.

Abstract: A livestock feed system adapted to be modular and readily scalable from one bin assembly to multiple bin assemblies that can be communicatively networked together. The system includes a stainless steel feed bin with an opening on a first surface of the one or more sidewalls for receiving an animal head. The feed bin further includes an access door on a second surface of the one or more sidewalls that is pivotally, slidably, or removably coupled to adjacent portions of the one or more sidewalls to allow easy cleaning of the bin. The system includes a portable support frame supporting the feed bin, and a controller mounted on the support frame. The controller includes a self-contained computer with a processor executing code (programs or software) to provide an animal monitoring and management module that causes the controller to determine intake by an animal accessing the feed bin through the opening.

Abstract: The animal tube feeder is an animal feeder for holding and dispensing animal feed. It has a hollow body that is generally tubular or polyhedral in shape. The bottom of the feeder is generally conical or pyrimidal in shape, but the surface is not regular, Instead, it has a series of ridges and surfaces that are sloped and shaped create feeding channels that allow gravity to urge the animal feed out of feeding tubes on the sides of the feeder. The feed is generally held in the tubes by a lip and allows animals to access the feed in the tubes.

Abstract: A pet restraint with integrated protective shield. The restraint may be one of a collar or harness carrying a pouch at a top portion. The protective shield is stored within the pouch and may be deployed so as to cover and protect the pet's back and sides. The protective shield may be one or more of a raincoat, a thermal blanket, or a solar shield.

Abstract: A toy for a horse is provided. The toy includes a mounting assembly, a treat guide support that attaches to the mounting assembly, and a treat ring that attaches to the treat guide support. The treat ring is movable relative to the treat guide support when the treat ring is attached thereto.

Abstract: A claw shearing device including a pair of shearing elements having cutting edges that face one another, a fastener configured to pivotably attach the shearing elements, and an adjustable limiting mechanism connected to the pair of shearing elements. The cutting edges form an orifice for the insertion of a claw of an animal or a pet therebetween, where the maximum size of the orifice is limited by the adjustable limiting mechanism. The device is configured to bring together the shearing elements to cut the claw or nail of the animal or pet at a predetermined length.

Abstract: A tri-fold bag for containment of items while walking a pet, the tri-fold bag including a collapsible main compartment section made from a water-resistant flexible material having an opening opposite a base with drain holes, and foldable along its length. A cover flap is foldable over the opening for enclosing the main compartment section when open, and foldable over the tri-fold closed configuration. Fastener straps provide for attaching a shoulder strap or a leash to the tri-fold bag during the pet walk. The tri-fold bag includes a plurality of easily accessible secondary compartments for storage of personal items while walking the pet.

Abstract: The disclosed herein is a method of using radio frequency identification (RFID), in is described, which keeps pets from accessing household objects. The pet wears a device on neck which is preferably powered by the animal's own activity, converted to electrical power by a motion harvesting system to recharge a battery or standard lithium battery Because the RFID tags are individually identifiable, the forbidden area alarm can be configured to the pet, allowing use in a multiple-pet household.

Abstract: A relesably submersible float assembly comprising a float body and a retainer is disclosed. In one application the assembly is for use in conjunction with a mooring line to releasably submerse support lines for growing ropes used in aquaculture.

Abstract: A portable agrarian biosystem is a self-contained plant and fish growth facility encased in a shipping container so that it can be readily transported and set up. The system is designed for self-sufficient operation without connection to external sources of water or electricity. The modified aquaponic growth system is computer controlled for unattended operation with significantly lower consumption of water than other plant growth systems.

Abstract: An aquarium structure for the housing and display of aquatic life, particularly jellyfish, adapted to provide a beneficial flow of fluid within it, such as a rising or suspending current. The aquarium structure includes a bottom surface, at least one sidewall, and a barrier disposed within in spaced apart relation to the bottom surface by a predetermined distance to form a gap therebetween. In preferred embodiments, the aquarium structure includes an air pump and also, is generally cylindrical in shape and disposed vertically along its major axis, to offer a wide area for viewing aquatic life within, and yet a relatively small and compact aquarium housing suitable for “desktop” use, although the invention may have other sizes and configurations. The aquarium housing can also include a lighting assembly disposed below the viewing area and configured to direct illumination therein and in some embodiments onto other surfaces above the aquarium housing.

Abstract: A surface filter for aquarium water purification is placed on the bottom of the aquarium that sucks the waste out of the tank to the canister filter. Small plastic pieces make and connect the main stream channels. Each plastic piece is composed of a couple of inverted pyramids that acts like a funnel. Water flows through the main channels sucked by an external filter. In the base of each inverted pyramid a small hole opens to the drainage channel, which has a hollow inverted V shape. Water, particles and fish waste are passed through the channels to the external filter. At the end of the assembly a cross channel collects the drained water. Collected water is transferred to the external filter outside the aquarium. A hose connects the external filter with the collector. Another hose is connected to the same filter to return the filtered water back to the aquarium.

Abstract: A fishing device particularly designed for Asian carp fishing, which includes two fishing boats, a collection frame, a fishing net, a display mechanism with a plurality of optical sensors and optical receivers, one support mechanism for one fishing boat and one lifting mechanism for one fishing boat. The lifting mechanism includes a motor, a rotary shaft, a bait holding basket, a plurality of shaft supports and a plurality of rope units. Thus, a selected bait can be used for classification fishing. The quantity of fish catch can be determined timely through the display mechanism. The lifting mechanism allows steading lifting of the fish catch out of the water without introducing any harm to the fish catch. The number and survival rate of the fish catch can be ensured while an effective fishing can be achieved. This fishing device is particularly designed for catching Asian carp fishes.

Abstract: A fishing device which includes a tow boat, a noise generator, a Catamaran boat plate, a collection net assembly, a Catamaran, two rigid tow bars and a plurality of bent tubes. The collection net assembly includes an inlet net frame, a collection net, a rectangular outlet door and two blocking nets. The problems in conventional fishing methods: low fish catch and large manpower requirement which is not suitable for large scale fishing in fishing with fishhooks and small fishing nets, as well as failure to provide classification fishing for silver carp which in turn resulted in low fishing efficiency, low work efficiency and wasting of manpower in seine fishing, can be resolved effectively.

Abstract: A fishing lure adapted to mimic sea turtle hatchlings in size, shape and movement is provided. The replica lure may provide a plurality of planar lure members that sandwich a proximal portion of a hook so that the distal portion is disposed adjacent to and underneath the mimicked sea turtle profile. The proximal end of the hook may provide a built up portion that is sandwiched, thereby providing voids between some of the plurality of lure members further mimicking the profile of a baby sea turtle, while also enabling a seesaw effect when the replica lure and/or hook is bitten by a fish.

Abstract: Disclosed are reel seats for use with a gripping member to provide a gripping surface on the exterior of a reel seat. The reel seat may include a recessed portion that extends partially or fully around a portion of the reel seat. The recessed portion may be configured to receive a gripping member that may be adhered to the recessed portion. The gipping member may include multiple layers designed to provide a comfortable grip and maximum sensitivity to an angler using the reel seat.

Abstract: A fishing reel with a deco trim and a drain includes: a frame; a shaft mounted on the frame; a spool fitted on the shaft to wind a fishing line; a first side cover disposed on a side of the frame; and a second side cover disposed on the opposite side to the first side cover, coupled to the frame, and capable of opening to separate the spool. The fishing reel further includes a mounting portion formed at one or both of the first side and second side covers, a deco trim coupled to the mounting portion, and a drain formed on the first side cover, the second side cover, the deco trim, or the frame to discharge water between the deco trim and the first side cover or the second side cover.