Abstract: An autonomous farm vehicle is provided. In a preferred embodiment the vehicle is a plow, which is capable of driving itself without input from an operator. The plow is significantly lighter in weight and smaller in size then a combined tractor and plow, and can be operated continuously. The vehicle, includes a chassis mounted on a plurality of wheels and a tool in the form of a plowing assembly mounted to the chassis and displaceable about the chassis between a first and a second position, such that in the first position the plowing assembly is operational while the vehicle is driven in a first direction. In the second position the plowing assembly is operational while the vehicle is driven in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A tilling apparatus and a method of tilling soils which includes the use of a rotational shaft having a number of cutter assemblies located at spaced apart locations on the shaft in which each cutter assembly has a multitude of blades which rotate as the rotary shaft rotates to form a plurality of spaced apart trenches having the same spacing as the spacing of the cutters, and a width caused by the width of the blades. As the blades dig the trench, the soil contacted by the blades is granulated and is tossed about by the spinning blades so that some soil falls back into the trench and some falls along the periphery of the trench to form rows of aerated granules which promote enhanced growth of plants or seeds in the trench and along the edge of the trench to improve the yield of pasture having the trenches. Various attachments can be provided on the tilling apparatus, either in front of or towards the rear of the spinning blades for different purposes, such as rippers, seeders, levellers, or similar.

Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and a separator supported by the frame. The separator is configured to form a strip of exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. A crimping device associated with the separator is configured to at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter while maintaining the strip.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for crop stand optimization. In some embodiments a field is planted at a first population prescription determined based on a first data set including forecasted weather. A subsequently determined second population prescription is determined based on a second data set determined after planting, and the planted crop is thinned according to the second population prescription. In some embodiments the crop is selectively thinned to remove plants having a plant removal index below a threshold.

Abstract: Tine assemblies (100a, 100b, 104) are secured by a single bolt (126) extending diametrically through each tine (120) located in a cavity (112) of a tine plate (110). An outer tine assembly (104) is connected to a sleeve (116) rotatably mounted on independently rotatable shafts (102) to which inner tine assemblies (100a, 100b) are connected. A tine cover (50) removably closes an opening (40) in the top plate (28) and in which weights (70) are removably received over the tine assemblies (100a, 100b, 104). Transport wheels (134) are moveable by pivoting a stop plate (140) to position an upper pivot axis (150a) of an abutment bar (150) ahead of or behind the stop axis (142) and lower pivot axis (150b). A stop (146) positioned on the stop plate (140) without the use of tools adjusts the depth of the tine assemblies (100a, 100b, 104).

Abstract: A conditioning system for conditioning a ground surface having a base layer and a cushion layer. The conditioning system includes at least one conditioning element adapted for conditioning the ground surface, a floating frame adapted for supporting the at least one conditioning system to maintain desired contact with the ground surface, and a levelling system for defining a desired spacing between a base layer of the ground surface and the at least one conditioning element to define a cushion layer. In one embodiment a first conditioning element and a second conditioning element are provided where the first conditioning element is disposed at a first angle relative to a directional axis and the second conditioning element is disposed at a second angle relative to the directional axis and wherein the first conditioning element is offset from the second conditioning element relative to the directional axis.

Abstract: An implement leveling system for efficiently leveling an implement or other device. The implement leveling system generally includes an implement having a frame, a plurality of wheels connected to the implement by corresponding wheel support structures and an adjustable actuator connected to each of the wheel support structures. The adjustable actuator includes a first actuator extending in a first direction and a second actuator extending in a second direction. A plurality of shims are connected to the first actuator, wherein the shims each have a storage position and an engaged position. When a shim is in the engaged position, the shim is positioned between a first end mount and a first head of the first actuator to adjust the minimum length of the adjustable actuator. The minimum length for each of the adjustable actuators may be adjusted by selecting the desired number of shims to be in the engaged position.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus is provided for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capsule or other self-contained packets containing bioenvironmental seed delivery units for vegetation plantings. Each packet has a water soluble outer shell that contains seeds, fertilizer, char, topsoil, mulch, 5 compost, or other landscaping/agriculture additives or enhancers in any combination. These packets are self-contained units that is easily transported and distributed on any type of terrain.

Abstract: A system for enhancement of crop production includes a triggerable seed support package. The triggerable seed support package has a payload including seed enhancement material, where the payload is configured to be released in response to a trigger.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis; a storage tank carried by the chassis; and a row unit carried by the chassis. The row unit includes: a row body; an opening blade carried by the row body and configured to open a trench as the row body is carried in a direction of travel; and a closing tandem carried by the row body behind the opening blade that is pivotally movable relative to the row body. The closing tandem includes a closing disc and a press wheel carried behind the closing disc, the closing disc and the press wheel being configured to rotate as the row body is carried in the direction of travel, the closing disc defining a projection path as it rotates, and the press wheel having a treaded surface in the projection path.

Abstract: A seed metering system comprising a housing, a seed pick-up disc with a singulating member and one or more resilient members. The housing defines a space therewith which is partitioned by a rotating seed pick-up disc. The seed pick-up disc is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart seed holding grooves. The housing accommodates seeds within a portion of the space which are picked up by the seed holding grooves during rotation of the seed pick-up disc. The singulating member cooperates with the seed pick-up disc to eliminate excess seed within each of the seed holding grooves to ensure sowing of single seed at regular intervals.

Abstract: A row unit for use with a planter includes a furrow creator and an apparatus for controlling the depth of furrow created. The furrow creator can be a blade and shank. A seed meter, for example, a positive pressure meter, can be included that provides precision planting of one or more particulates. The seed meter can be a single meter or can include more than one meter at each row unit, such as to provide for multi-hybrid or multi-particulate planting. The positive pressure can then be used to delivering the seed via a seed to ground device to plant the one or more particulates in the created furrow. The row unit as provided will be a more precise planting for both seed spacing and depth, as well as other planting characteristics.

Abstract: A height of cut control system on a mower deck includes a linear actuator connected to the lift linkage. A height of cut dial has a plurality of operator-selected desired cutting heights, and a deck height control is connected to the electronic controller that commands the linear actuator to lower or raise the mower deck to the desired cutting height when the deck height control is in a down position or an up position. A deck height display provides visual feedback of operator selected cutting height and actual cutting height. If the actual height is at least a specified amount off the operator selected cutting height, the electronic controller may automatically adjust the mower deck by commanding the linear actuator to move the mower deck to the desired cutting height.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.

Abstract: One describes a feed-belt (100) for a sugar-cane harvester, comprising first (1) and second (2) belts that substantially overlap each other and define a space for passage of cut cane between them (1, 2), the first and the second belts (1,2) exhibiting a substantially curved profile. The invention has the objective of providing a feed-belt (100) for a sugar-cane harvester that can be used for the processes of both harvesting cane for grinding and harvesting seedlings for plantation, also providing a decrease in the total weight of the machine, lower hydraulic power required for the feed assembly, a smaller number of hydraulic components and lower final cost of the machine, besides simplicity and lower maintenance cost.

Abstract: A landscape edging piece which forms a boundary between a landscaped bed and a mowed lawn area. The edging piece has a top face that is inclined downwardly from the endwall that abuts the landscaped bed, so that the endwall that abuts the mowed area is at approximately lawn level. The edging piece is formed by molding and has integrally formed anchoring spikes that secure the piece in the desired location. The edging piece used in a landscaped area appears the same as a conventional paver, but is far less expensive to install since it does not require digging to place it in the proper position.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall-surface flower bed structure, wherein work efficiency is better, root damage when plants are transferred is prevented, and the designability of the wall-surface flower bed is improving. This wall-surface flower bed structure (1) is provided with: a plant-holding pot (4) for holding a plant, a plurality of through holes for water passage being formed in a bottom surface and side surface thereof, and the root section of the plant being covered with a water-permeable material (3) that allows permeation of water; and a box body (2) that has an opened upper surface and has an inclined section (2a) for the placement of a plurality of the plant-holding pot (4), a water-collecting section (2b) for collecting water at the lower end side of the inclined section (2a), and a water outlet for discharging water that is not collected in the water-collecting section (2b).

Abstract: A horticulture tray including a plurality of growing cells each configured to accommodate a stabilized growth plug therein. A support peak of each cell is configured to protrude into a center of the stabilized growth plug and force soil of the stabilized growth plug outward and away from the support peak. A sidewall of each cell is angled to force soil of the stabilized growth plug inward and away from the sidewall. The support peak and the sidewall force soil of the stabilized growth plug together between the support peak and the sidewall to compact the soil to form a soil bridge that extends between the support peak and the sidewall, and prevents soil from passing through the growing cell.

Abstract: An apparatus to optimize and enhance plant growth, development and performance at any stage of its development including sowing, growth, flowering, fruit formation or during many processes associated with the handling of the culture through an automated, enclosed and controlled environment system.

Abstract: Collapsible shelters for trees, shrubs and vines are provided. The collapsible shelters may be configured to be collapsible in the axial or the longitudinal direction. The collapsible shelters can be transported to a site of use in a collapsed configuration and expanded into an uncollapsed configuration at the site of use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hanging basket with a trellis support system that includes one or more flexible mesh strips and one or more flexibly stiff rods, the rod or rods interwoven throughout the mesh strip or strips to allow climbing plants and vines to grow along the trellis support system, thereby creating attractive plant creations.

Abstract: This emitter (120) includes a channel which spans to a recessed section (252), from an intake path (221) for receiving an irrigation liquid inside a tube. The channel includes an aperture (243) which is closed by a lid (244) disposed so as to not be in contact with a film (300). A groove is formed at the periphery of the aperture (243). When the film (300) is pressed as a result of the pressure of the irrigation liquid inside the tube, and the lid (244) closes the aperture (243), the flow rate of the irrigation liquid inside the emitter (120) is controlled so as to be the amount capable of passing through the groove. This flow-rate control continues until the pressure difference in the channel between a side upstream with respect to the lid (244) and a side downstream with respect to the lid (244) has been sufficiently reduced.

Abstract: An irrigation emitter and drip line, and methods relating to same, are provided for reducing the flow and pressure of fluid via an emitter or plurality of emitters defined by two concentric tubes. In one form, the first tube defines an emitter inlet and connected pressure-reducing flow channel and the second tube is extruded over the first tube to enclose the emitter inlet and flow channel and defines an outlet connected to an end of the flow channel opposite the inlet to create an emitter for converting fluid flowing at a high flow rate in the lumen and at the first end of the inlet to a fluid with a low flow rate at the outlet of the emitter. In another form, a drip line is provided having a plurality of such emitters. Various other forms and methods relating to the emitter and drip line are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular gardening system characterized by a rain collection system, one or more planters, a water distribution system, a growing medium, and an optional bench suitable for plant growth. The water distribution system is capable of collecting, storing, and distributing water to the plants. The modular gardening system further comprises water retention baskets with a wicking system. The method of modular gardening utilizes the modular gardening system and determines the proper plant species, growing medium, and habitat requirements while adjusting the modular gardening system for the proper application.

Abstract: A method to optimize and enhance plant growth, development and performance at any stage of its development including sowing, growth, flowering, fruit formation or during many processes associated with the handling of the culture through an automated, enclosed and controlled environment system.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a method for delivering nutrients to the plants in a hydroponic system. The method comprises delivering a nutrient solution, planting a plurality of plants in a plurality of plant receivers, combining a plurality of angled joints with a single side of one plastic pipe with rest of the plastic pipes, combining a plurality of T-fitting/connectors with the plurality of plastic pipes, closing an end of the plastic pipes with a plurality of pipe caps and delivering water to the plurality of pipes using a customizable water pipe. The method further comprises adjusting the plurality of plastic pipes with an adjustable pipe brace and circulating the nutrient solution in the reservoir to the plurality of plant receivers using an electrical pump.

Abstract: A generally planar foundation pad is formed of a material such as concrete, or the like, and supports a framework defining a plurality of concentric circular paths stacked in a cylindrical array. A plurality of helical water troughs are supported by the framework within each of the circular paths. Water circulation apparatus is provided which pumps water from the bottom of each helical water trough to the top and selected intermediate portions of the water trough to produce a continuous circulation of water. The circulating water is combined with various nutrients and the nutrient and water solution is filtered as it is circulated. Each helical water trough is fanned of multiple vertically stacked layers of the trough. As a result, a great length of water trough is stacked upon a small footprint of land. Each water trough is filled with a plurality of floating growing trays to form a continuous “train” of growing trays extending down the entire water trough.

Abstract: A method of improving germination of plant embryos is provided. The method entails treating a culture of plant tissue with a liquid multiplication medium comprising a plant non-metabolizable sugar. Also provided is a multiplication medium for liquid cultures of plant cells comprising isomaltulose.

Abstract: A determinate castor is provided. Also provided are methods of generating and using same as well as products thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV6100TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV6100TD 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: Hybrid tomato varieties ‘H1418’, ‘H1421’, ‘H1422’, and ‘H1428’ are described. The ‘H1418’, ‘H1421’, ‘H1422’, and ‘H1428’ tomato varieties are ground-culture hybrid tomato varieties suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 00241 TOP.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lettuce cultivar Stellita and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce plants of the invention with themselves or another lettuce plant. The invention also provides lettuce plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: A system comprises a robotic arm, camera, and a controller. The camera is positioned on a surface of the robotic arm and emits a laser signal at an upward, non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the robotic arm. The controller instructs the robotic arm to grip a milking cup, and determines a position of a teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the non-zero angle of the laser signal emitted by the camera. The controller instructs the robotic arm to move the milking cup towards the determined position of the teat between the hind legs of the dairy livestock from the rear, release the milking cup in response to the milking cup being attached to the teat. move in an upward direction towards an udder of the dairy livestock in conjunction with the robotic arm releasing the milking cup, and to move away from the teat.

Abstract: A dairy inflation (10) for use in a milking device, including a flexible sleeve (24) adapted to surround a teat, wherein the flexible sleeve (24) includes a clear polyurethane composition. The clear polyurethane composition can be derived from a polyol mixture including a glycerine-based polyol having an average molecular weight in a range from about 200 g/mol to about 300 g/mol, and a first hydroxyl value; and a glycol-based polyol having an average molecular weight in a range from about 600 g/mol to about 700 g/mol, and a second hydroxyl value; and about 0.65 to about 1.05 stoichiometric equivalents of a cross-linking agent comprising a plurality of isocyanate groups, wherein the stoichiometric equivalents is based on a sum of the first and second hydroxyl values.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes corn cob, a lubricant, and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which tend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: A raised pet bed assembly consisting generally of a main frame having an upper loop and a lower loop connected at a riser sleeve which may include a spring or hinge to allow the upper loop to gently bounce. A soft fabric sling lays into the top loop of the frame and is connected to the frame using loops or other connectors. Loops within the sling could be slid into the frame members of the top loop. A padded insert can be placed into the sling portion for use on cooler days or for additional comfort. These parts can easily be removed for cleaning and would be washable in a commercial clothes washer. A canopy can be placed on wire supports above the fabric sling, and a cover can provide an enclosure within the frame.

Abstract: The gravity fed animal feeder of the present invention provides incorporates a cradle and a hopper that can be joined into a complete feeder. The hopper has a hollow interior shaped generally like an inverted, truncated pyramid or cone that attaches to a fully integrated head. The head has a center feed aperture through which feed drops onto a bottom plate. The feed is an accessible by animals through feed ports. At the outer edge of the feed ports is a feed arrest member which helps keep feed from accidentally dropping off of the bottom plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet toy and treat dispenser wherein treats are inserted into a hollow center tube and a cap is placed to close the fill tube. A basket with a hole for a ball drop resides atop the fill tube. A ball must then be dropped into the basket where it will travel down a spiral track and fall onto a trip tab which will briefly open a flap and a few treats will be ejected into a dish portion in the base. The flap will then reclose in preparation for further activation.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder, comprising a bowl with a plurality of compartments, a cover and a sensor, the bowl being rotated relative to the cover to sequentially expose each the compartments, the bowl having location regions detectable by the sensor, each location region having a first edge and a second edge, the motor being driven at a first speed until the first edge is detected, and the motor being driven at a second, slower speed until the second edge is detected, stopping the motor.

Abstract: A pet tag with location and alarm functions includes a cover; a bottom shell; and a circuit board, wherein two convex poles are symmetrically disposed on the bottom shell, and a piece having a threading hole protrudes outwards from an edge of the bottom shell, wherein the circuit board is equipped with an electric horn sound-generating device, a power supply, and a signal transceiving device, wherein two positioning holes corresponding to locations of the convex poles are disposed on the circuit board, wherein the circuit board is installed in the bottom shell through matching of the positioning holes and the convex poles, and wherein the cover covers the bottom shell to accommodate the circuit board therein.

Abstract: A light is disposed on a blade of a nail clipper and covered by a light housing. The housing is dimensioned and configured to the cutting edge of the blade of the nail clipper. The housing clears the cutting edge of the blade so as not to obstruct the cutting action of the blades in the clipper. Light emitted from the light housing is focused on a pet's nail intended to be cut due, in part, to the fact that the housing corresponds in shape to the cutting edge of the blade. The housing may be made of light diffusing material that also allows light to illuminate a pet's nail. The illuminated nail clipper allows a user to cut a pet's nail regardless of the position or angle of the nail and protects the users eyes from the direct exposure to the lighting source in the light housing.

Abstract: A thumb supported leash is provided. The thumb supported leash includes a thumb tab grip having a first end and a second end, a lead portion having a first end and a second end, and a clasp. The first end of the thumb tab grip includes an aperture extending there through having a size to receive one thumb there through. The second end of the thumb tab grip is coupled to the first end of the lead portion. The second end of the lead portion is coupled to the clasp. The aperture of the thumb tab grip may receive a thumb from a hand there through and the remaining fingers of the hand may then grasp the second end of the thumb tab grip to operate the thumb supported leash.

Abstract: A method of developing a dog is described. The method comprises testing a dog to determine a personality profile, and further testing the dog to determine a cognitive skill level. The method also comprises (i) identifying an optimum training protocol for the dog, (ii) identifying an optimum developmental product for the dog, (iii) identifying an optimum pet toy for the dog, or (iv) combinations thereof, based upon a combination of the determined personality profile and the determined cognitive skill level. In one aspect, evaluation of intelligence and personality are part of a single test. A system for training a dog is also provided. The system includes a test for determining a profile of the dog. The system also includes a products database and a training database. The databases are developed by identifying optimum training products and training protocols based on dog profiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to broiler containers having a floor and side walls defining an inner volume which is designed and configured to receive and accommodate at least five live broilers, wherein the broiler container is designed and configured to be stackable with broiler containers of the same construction and has at least one ventilation opening and at least one air outflow opening, which broiler container is characterised in that the broiler container comprises at least one segment of a ventilation or air outflow column which extends through the inner volume and has at least one ventilation or air outflow opening at a distance from the side walls, wherein each segment of the ventilation or air outflow column is designed and configured for connection to corresponding segments of broiler containers of the same construction and also for connection to an active ventilation system.

Abstract: A system for chicken farming, comprising: a coop floor; at least one slat elevated from the coop floor; and a nesting cabin. The at least one slat is at least partially made of a natural fiber plastic composite (NFPC), such as a wood-plastic composite (WPC). In addition, a method for chicken farming using the system, and a wood-plastic composite for use in improving egg production performance in hens.

Abstract: A bird feeder assembly has a substantially horizontal plate that can be mounted to the uppermost inverted U-shaped curved portion of a typical shepherd's hook. The plate comprises a plurality of apertures in it. Several of the apertures are used to fasten the plate to the hook by means of a U-shaped bolt, a clamp plate and a plurality of fasteners. Several more apertures can be used to support feeding cups within them. The cups are preferably made of a material that is easy to clean. Several more apertures are provided to allow a perch point along the plate such that feeding birds can wrap their feet around a portion of the plate. An alternative embodiment provides a support member such that the assembly can be attached to the vertical portion of the shepherd's hook.