Abstract: The present invention provides users with a fully adjustable shovel to move different quantities of debris, dirt, snow, and the like. The invention comprises a blade that can be expanded in length and width. The invention affords the user with a shovel device that can be adjusted to different sizes in order to accommodate various tasks and materials.

Abstract: An electric row cleaner actuation assembly is provided. The electric row cleaner actuation assembly includes a row cleaner unit engageable with a soil to clear a planting area for a seed planting device to dispense seeds. The electric row cleaner actuation assembly also includes a motor. The actuation assembly further includes a telescoping tube arrangement comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, the outer tube moveable along the inner tube and operatively coupled to the row cleaner unit. The actuation assembly yet further includes a position driving element engageable with the outer tube to displace the outer tube to adjust a downforce applied to the row cleaner unit.

Abstract: A sod harvester can include an inclined stacking conveyor from which slabs of sod are removed for stacking on a pallet. The direction of incline of the stacking conveyor can be opposite that of one or more inclined conveyors used to convey sod from a cutting head to the stacking conveyor. Therefore, slabs of sod can ascend along the one or more inclined conveyors and then descend along the inclined stacking conveyor from which they are removed by the stacking head. The stacking head can also be inclined to correspond with the incline of the stacking conveyor. By inclining the stacking conveyor and the stacking head, the stacking head does not need to move vertically when removing slabs of sod from the stacking conveyor.

Abstract: A sod harvester can include a preliminary stacking head for stacking slabs of sod prior to the stacked slabs being removed from a stacking conveyor for stacking on a pallet. In this way, the stacking head can remove multiple layers of sod during a single stacking operation. The preliminary stacking head can be positioned overtop a conveyor and can be configured to pick up a slab of sod as the slab travels along the conveyor. The preliminary stacking head can then drop the slab on top of a trailing slab thereby forming a stack of slabs on the conveyor. The conveyor over which the preliminary stacking head is positioned can be an inclined conveyor that transports slabs of sod from the ground to a stacking conveyor.

Abstract: A sod harvester can include an auxiliary stacking conveyor for stacking or folding slabs of sod on an inclined conveyor prior to the stacked/folded slabs being removed from a stacking conveyor by a stacking head. The auxiliary stacking conveyor can be configured to receive a leading slab of sod and then stack the leading slab on top of a trailing slab while the trailing slab is being advanced along an inclined conveyor. The auxiliary stacking conveyor can also be configured to partially receive a slab of sod and then reverse direction to cause the slab to be folded backwards on top of itself while being advanced along an inclined conveyor. Different configurations can be employed to cause slabs to be selectively positioned on an auxiliary stacking conveyor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an agricultural system with a baler for picking up and compressing crop from a crop swath in a field and a tow tractor. The baler is towed by the tow tractor via a draft hitch arrangement that (8), which draft hitch arrangement allows a baler pickup track to be laterally offset from the tractor driving track with respect to the tractor driving direction. During baling, the baler pickup track is aligned to the crop swath for picking up crop and the tractor driving track is laterally spaced from the crop swath with respect to the tractor driving direction. A steering system autonomously aligns the baler pickup track onto the crop swath.

Abstract: A method system/apparatus for the streamlined cutting of seeds to sample the seeds and select seeds for planting is disclosed. A method of sampling seeds using such system/apparatus is also provided. The seeds are manually positioned and cut by a serrated cutting tool.

Abstract: A system includes a boom. The boom includes a first section and a second section. The system includes a first actuator element configured to drive rotation of the first section, a second actuator element configured to drive rotation of the second section, and a locking element configured to block rotation of the first section and to block rotation of the second section while the locking element is in an activated position. Moreover, the system includes a sensor element disposed on the boom. The sensor element is configured to output a signal indicative of a first height between the first section and a field and a second height between the second section and the field. The first and second sections are configured to independently rotate based on the received signal to maintain a desired height between the field and each of the first section and the second section.

Abstract: A sickle cutting apparatus includes double finger knife guards where the ledger surface of each guard finger has a width at an imaginary line joining the apexes between the rear edges of the blades which is greater than a spacing at the imaginary line between the first side edge of the ledger surface of each guard finger and the second side edge of the ledger surface of each next adjacent guard finger. The first and second side edges of the ledger surfaces of each of the guard fingers extend to a position behind the imaginary line so as to be free from any trash bar connecting each to the next in front of said imaginary line. The hold down fingers are all individually adjustable so that the double hold-down have two adjustment screws which can be individually operated causing flexing of the bridge between the double fingers.

Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a frame and two spaced apart stripping plates. The row unit further includes a first stalk roll mounted to the frame adjacent the first stripping plate and a second stalk roll mounted to the frame adjacent the second stripping plate. The first stalk roll includes a primary helical flight having a front end that starts at a front edge of the first stalk roll and the second stalk roll includes a secondary helical flight having a front end that starts at a position axially spaced from a front edge of the second stalk roll.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for a mowing machine that includes a brake gear operatively rotatable with a rotatable member and a lock assembly for meshing with the brake gear to restrict rotation of the brake gear. A guide rail assembly is fixable relative to a support for supporting the rotatable member for rotation. The guide rail assembly guides a lock assembly movable between an unlocked arrangement and a locked arrangement. An actuator plate and the guide rail assembly jointly engage the lock assembly to effect meshing and unmeshing of at least one engagement member of the lock assembly, such as a roller or a jaw member, with the brake gear. The actuator plate is selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation of the brake gear relative to the guide rail assembly, where rotation of the actuator plate effects movement of the lock assembly between the unlocked and locked arrangements.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for forming a cylindrical bale in a bale forming chamber. An endless pressing mechanims partially surrounds the bale forming chamber. A first tensioning member and a second tensioning member together tension the pressing mechanism by at least two guiding elements. A tensioning actuator is biased to pivot the second tensioning member away from the first tensioning member.

Abstract: A grafted seedling producing apparatus 1 includes a seeding apparatus 2, a seedling raising apparatus 3 having a carriage 6 and a chamber 7, a grafting apparatus 4, and a plurality of nursery apparatuses 5. The seeding apparatus 2 creates seed-containing cultivation mediums each made up of a cultivated plant seed and a soil contained in a pot, arranges the mediums on a tray, and loads the tray into the carriage 6. The carriage 6 is housed in the chamber 7. The seedling raising apparatus 3 germinates the seeds and grows seedlings generated by the germination while applying light from LEDs. Since a worker does not have to enter the chamber 7, the seedling raising apparatus 3 becomes compact. The grafting apparatus 4 grafts a stock and a scion created by the seedling raising apparatus 3 to form a grafted seedling. The nursery apparatus 5 nurses the grafted seedling.

Abstract: A lighting system for stimulating plant growth. The system includes two or more plants in a grow area. The system also includes an array of light fixtures. The light fixtures in the array of light fixtures are positioned vertically such that at least a portion of each of the light fixtures is at or below the top of the two or more plants. The light fixtures in the array of light fixtures are also located such that each plant is exposed to the light from at least two of the light fixtures. The light fixtures in the array of light fixtures are further arranged in a flanking pattern around each plant. At least one of the light fixtures is positioned between at least two of the two or more plants.

Abstract: Provided is a cultivation system comprising: a cultivation container capable of accommodating a plurality of plants and a cultivation medium for growing the plant, and provided with a recording medium for recording identification information that is used for identifying each of the plurality of plant; a cultivation shelf provided with plural stages of shelf boards on which the cultivation container is placed; light sources projecting light individually onto upper faces of the shelf boards; a conveyance machine conveying the cultivation container between the plurality of shelf boards. The cultivation system is additionally provided with: an inspection part which has an accommodation part accommodating the cultivation container, and inspects individually the plurality of plants contained in the cultivation container accommodated in the accommodation part; and a recording processing part recording an inspection result each of plant obtained by the inspection part, into the recording medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a strawberry growth method and system using upper and lower strawberry growth modules wherein the most superior runner is selected from the mother strawberry plant on the upper level and then is guided into the lower level and the most superior runner becomes a new superior mother strawberry plant, thereby to produce improved fruits quality and yield.

Abstract: An indoor farming module system in provided. The indoor farming module system may comprise a housing. Additionally, the indoor farming module system may comprise a plurality of indoor farming module components within the housing, the plurality of indoor farming module components comprising a high-density racking system having a plurality of vertical levels within the housing, wherein a vertical distance between two adjacent vertical levels is not more than 11 inches; an airflow management lighting system, wherein the airflow management lighting system provides airflow and lighting to each level of the plurality of vertical levels; an irrigation system; and a recirculation system.

Abstract: A blank for a plant protection and water saving device includes four generally trapezoidal panels arranged in a row and connected to each other at a widest part of each panel, which panels in use form four side walls of the device. Two flaps each extend from one trapezoidal panel at a narrowest part of the panel, with a cut-out being defined at a free leading edge of each flap and several spaced apart lines of weakness being provided around the cut-out. The blank is manufactured from a fluted sheet material.

Abstract: A decorative miniature garden apparatus and kit is provided. The decorative miniature garden of the present invention may at least include a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer perimeter forming an edge. An opening is formed through the plate and is sized to receive a plant within. The upper surface and the lower surface of the plate may include at least one decoration depicting a miniature garden scene or outdoor screen. A plant may be placed within a container and the plate may be placed within the container so that the plant is protruding through the opening.

Abstract: A stump grinder is configured to mount to a portable machine that operably supports the stump grinder during a stump grinding procedure. The stump grinder includes a cutting wheel that is rotatably driven during the stump grinding procedure. The cutting wheel has a cutting surface to grind the stump by moving the rotating cutting wheel across the stump. A wheel stabilizing assembly is disposed between the portable machine and the drive system for supporting the drive system and cutting wheel. The cutting wheel is held in a generally vertical orientation and movement of the cutting wheel is biased relative to the portable machine. Accordingly, forces applied against the cutting surface of the cutting wheel during the grinding procedure are limited by the biased movement.

Abstract: A fixed spray application system generally includes tubing, one or more spray heads, one or more brackets, one or more connectors and one or more fluid reservoirs. One or more of the spray heads may be suspended from a tube below one of the connectors and below one of the reservoirs. A tube may extend from below one of the reservoirs to another spray head supported by one of the brackets. In use, the system may be suspended from trellis wires in an agricultural field. Water, pesticides or other liquids are supplied to the system through the tubing. The size of the reservoirs and the volume of tubing can be selected to hold the desired amount of liquid for a given application. After the system is primed with liquid, the tubing is connected to a source of pressurized air. The air is supplied to the system at a sufficient pressure so as to force the liquid from the system through the spray heads.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for providing a flow-able hydrogel for germinating, cultivating, transporting or displaying plants. The method generally includes at least three distinct steps: 1) dissolving a polyethylene glycol having functionalized end-groups in water to form a flow-able solution, 2) dissolving one or more activating agents within the flow-able solution such that the activating agents react with the functionalized end-groups of the polyethylene glycol to form a non-flow-able hydrogel after a set-time, 3) pouring the flow-able solution into a container prior to the set time such that the flow-able solution assumes the shape of the container and forms a non-flow-able hydrogel.

Abstract: The Avocado Seed Planter is a reusable device which holds an avocado seed while it produces roots in a jar or glass of water. Once the seed has rooted it is removed from the planter and can be planted in a pot with dirt to grow as a house plant or planted to grow outside if desired. At which time the planter can be reused with another seed.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for circulating fluid in an algae cultivation pond. The system includes an algae cultivation pond having an aspect ratio of length to width between 0.7:1 to 2:1, and the pond is at least 5 acres in overall size. An island has a first side and a second side and is positioned in the pond to create a first channel adjacent the first side of the island and a second channel adjacent the second side of the island. An energy input means is located in the first channel and moves fluid around the island through the first channel and through the second channel. The second channel is at least three times wider than the first channel, and a length of the island is at least six times larger than a width of the island.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Molecular markers associated with soybean reproductive stage, methods of their use, and compositions having one or more marker loci are provided. Methods comprise detecting at least one marker locus, detecting a haplotype, and/or detecting a marker profile. Methods may further comprise crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Isolated polynucleotides, primers, probes, kits, systems, etc., are also provided, as well as plants and seeds comprising one or more marker loci and having a preferred reproductive growth phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Calibrachoa plants displaying at least one inflorescence with a radially symmetric pattern along the center of the fused petal margins, wherein the pattern extends from the center of the inflorescence and does not fade during the life of the inflorescence.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV5685TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV5685TD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR3914PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR3914PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of spinach breeding, in particular to a new dominant resistance gene, designated RPF11, which confers resistance against races 7 to 14 of Peronospora farinosa and to spinach plants comprising said gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of spinach breeding, in particular to a new dominant resistance gene, designated RPF12, which confers resistance against all races of Peronospora farinosa and to spinach plants comprising said gene.

Abstract: A milking system includes several milking devices, each having a milk-carrying part, a temporary milk storage vessel, a milk pipe system, a milk storage tank, and a main milk pipe, which connects the temporary milk storage vessel to the milk storage tank. The milking system includes a first cleaning device having at least one first cleaning liquid supply and at least a pump, which cleaning device is configured to clean at least the milk-carrying part of at least one milking device and a part of the milk pipe system which connects the milk-carrying part to the temporary milk storage vessel, by transferring cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply through at least the milk-carrying part of the at least one milking device and through said part of the milk pipe system to the temporary milk storage vessel by pumping. The temporary milk storage vessel includes a main pump for transferring liquid from the temporary milk storage vessel through the main milk pipe in the direction of the milk storage tank.

Abstract: The object of invention is an animal cage litter composition, especially suitable for cats, in the form of compacted and/or ground down sunflower hulls, in the amount from 1% to 100%, preferably 100%, with addition of the known binder, in the amount from 0% to 50%, and/or the known filler, in the amount from 0% to 80%, in the total mass of compacted sunflower hulls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet hideaway or shelter that is particularly suitable for use with pets that are typically kept in hutches or enclosures such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus, hamsters etc. The hideaway comprises a plurality of substantially tubular modules connected together by connection means. Separate heating and/or cooling units can be inserted into the modules, which have a generally tubular construction.

Abstract: A structure and method for providing a locker system for pets, where the locker is controlled by a software system and has a communication system for outside control. The locker monitors a pet therein and has a multitude of comfort elements. The locker may be remotely controlled using a mobile application which is in communication with the locker and which can be used for accessing and controlling the locker.

Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosed equine support boot comprises a base portion, at least one upper strap, and a v-shaped sling strap attached to a top section of the base portion, the sling strap being configured to pull the fetlock joint towards the attachment point to apply an upward force on the leg thus decreasing tensile stress in a localized area. In this embodiment, the disclosed equine support boot represents an improvement over known equine support boots because in known boots, sling straps rap horizontally around the horse's leg and thus do not provide an upward vertical force on the fetlock joint of the horse's leg. The use of a v-shaped sling strap in embodiments of the disclosed boot enables the straps themselves to apply an upward force toward the attachment point of the v-shaped strap when the boot is mounted on the horse's leg.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming system may allow pets to engage in games, exercises, training, and other activities with little to no human oversight. A pet may initiate game play by triggering a motion sensor or visual detection sensor, for example, and may progress through levels based on its completion of tasks. Humans may also initiate game play, record, and watch a pet's game play remotely, and receive notifications through various multimedia formats. Adaptive Learning System for Animals may include a console that is physically separate from and compatible with third-party products such controllers, pet toys, and reward dispensing units.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal training device and method of use. The training device has a housing in communication with a collar. The housing has a clock spring rotatably engaged about a central axis of the housing. A handle provides a user point of contact. a locking mechanism with a plunger and a plunger tube, wherein the plunger extends into the plunger tube. A tether having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the central axis, wherein the second end is attached to the handle, and wherein the second end of the tether passes through the locking mechanism and the length of the tether is adjustable as controlled by the locking mechanism. The method comprises use of the training device in creating control and allowing for rapid adjustment of the tether length to correspond to reactions of the animal's response to the commands.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for stimulating a desired response, such as ovulation and egg laying, fertility, hunger, growth, mood and sexual maturity in birds or ayes, by controlling the pulsing of two or more different wavelength bands and cycle, frequency of photon bursts within a photon signal to a bird, where the photon modulation and duty cycle is based upon the specific needs of the bird.

Abstract: A submersible raft device that is primarily used for aquaculture farming. The raft device has a raft surface, a buoyance support structure, and a submersion control system. The buoyance support structure and the submersion control system allow the raft to be submerged to a desired depth beneath the ocean surface. When used for certain kinds of aquaculture farming, such as mussel farming, submerging the raft below the surface protects the raft, as well as the mussels growing on ropes suspended from the raft, from damage in times of hazardous sea conditions.

Abstract: A module for storing and transporting live products, in particular sea products, characterised in that it includes a box-shaped unit which is made from a light material, which has a length L and a width I defining a front surface FF and a rear surface RF, as well as a thickness E, and which is provided with at least one recess, the size of which is equal to the overall length of a crustacean to be inserted, the recess opening onto both the front surface FF and the rear surface RF. The invention also relates to the complete device, including a plurality of juxtaposed modules, and a system for treating water with an adapted composition.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an oxygen dissolution device. According to the device, the oxygen and water introduced into the housing are agitated and mixed with each other by eddies and currents formed by the plurality of first smashing blades and the second smashing blades, then converted into oxygen-dissolved water having a large amount of dissolved oxygen. Therefore, an amount of oxygen which is not dissolved in the water to be waste may be decreased so as to reduce purchase costs of oxygen, as well as, when supplying the oxygen-dissolved water having a large amount of dissolved oxygen as described above to a fish farm, the amount of dissolved oxygen of the water in the fish farm may be rapidly adjusted to a level which is suitable for the farmed fish to live in.

Abstract: This disclosure provides non-human animal models for age-related disorders and age-sensitive traits, particularly those caused by senescence-inducing stimuli, wherein the models comprise transgenes selectively expressed by senescent cells. The disclosure further provides methods for identifying therapeutic agents effective for treating or preventing age-related disorders and age-sensitive traits using the animal models, therapeutic agents identified using such methods, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the identified therapeutic agents, and methods of treating or preventing age-related disorders and age-sensitive traits.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods of using transgenic non-human animals expressing human SIRP? that are engrafted with a human hematopoietic system. In various embodiments, the human hematopoietic system engrafted, human SIRP? transgenic non-human animals of the invention are useful as systems for the in vivo evaluation of the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic and immune cells, for the in vivo assessment of an immune response, for the in vivo evaluation of vaccines and vaccination regimens, for in vivo production and collection of immune mediators, including human antibodies, and for use in testing the effect of agents that modulate hematopoietic and immune cell function.

Abstract: A device for handling and affecting a physiological state of an aquatic species with a pair of gloves, a multiplicity of electrodes, and a pulsator attached to the electrodes, so that when the pulsator is activated the current, alters the physiological state of the aquatic species.

Abstract: A fishing lure is configured to prevent a fishing hook, or other organism capture device, from becoming entangled or caught on submerged or surface level flora by maintaining the hook above the water line while in use. Specifically, the fishing lure apparatus includes a swim body that has a curved profile that allows the swim body, when under user directed motion, to skim or ride across the surface of a body of water and maintain an attached hook in the upright position such that a barbed end of the hook is not submerged in the water.

Abstract: An improved simple method to inexpensively add full time 100% vibration to both solid and hollow bodied hard plastic fishing lures. This system would use a replaceable calculator type battery that is exposed to the elements ie; water, saltwater, humidity etc. and electrically connected to a non-removable vibrator and it's wiring that's 100% sealed into the hard plastic body/insert, except for the actual battery contact tips (+& ?) of said wiring that would also be exposed inside the battery retention slot and also resistant to the elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to fishing lures, and more specifically, to an expanding or contracting fishing lure that provides a natural movement that mimics live bait. The fishing lure is configured so that when the fishing lure is retrieved (e.g., reeled in) or jigged by an angler, or the fishing line is pulled or twitched, the fishing lure transitions from a first position to a second position and then returns to the first position. The purpose of the invention is to provide a fishing lure that will successfully attract fish by displaying a unique action in the water.

Abstract: A reel for fishing line or the like provides for extremely rapid payout by releasing the line to unwind by sliding rapidly around a guide surrounding the line spool and by rotation of the line spool itself. A lever controls a line guide preventing sliding of the fishing line around the guide and providing controllable friction and locking of rotation of the line spool only when actuated by the user to permit retraction of the line or controlled tensioning of the line.