Abstract: A modular autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a drive module having a frame, a ground-engaging element rotatably coupled to the frame, a power source, and a drive motor receiving power from the power source and coupled to the ground-engaging element for rotating the ground engaging element. At least one toolbar module is detachably coupled to the frame for coupling the drive module to an agricultural implement or another modular toolbar segment. The modular toolbar preferably includes multiple toolbar modules coupled to each other in series to form the modular toolbar.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device of a vehicle, in particular a tractor, having a hydraulic activation unit for controlling the operation of a towed implement on the vehicle, comprising at least one position detection unit with at least one camera, position detection marks, and an evaluation unit and a data-transmitting connection to a control unit which is assigned to the hydraulic activation unit. Furthermore, a method is proposed, wherein by means of such a position detection unit the position of the towed implement can be determined, and the position can be adjusted according to requirements by suitable operation of the hydraulic activation unit.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.

Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that a spinner spreader system may he augmented with an air assist system in which an air current is generated to engage particles after they have left the spinner spreader system to thereby enhance the trajectory of the particles. In one aspect, one or more fans with appropriate ductwork may be added below one or more spinning disks to direct jets or curtains of air in the direction of the broadcast pattern of particles leaving the one or more disks. The directed air stream should preferably be faster than the particles leaving the one or more disks, thereby adding additional acceleration to the particles compensating opposing forces.

Abstract: The present invention includes a control system for manually varying the speed of a walk behind belt-driven self-propelled lawn mower. The self-propelled lawn mower transmission is equipped with a lever for tilting the transmission for tightening or loosening the belt, and this increases or decreases the lawn mower speed.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for providing larger blades on a lawnmower, while at the same time allowing the lawnmower to be easily handled. This is accomplished while maintaining legal rpm speeds for the cutting blade.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method implemented in an agricultural machine harvesting alfalfa plants, the method comprising: receiving, in real time, input corresponding to a plurality of sensed parameters corresponding to alfalfa plant height and cut alfalfa volume; associating the cut alfalfa volume to an alfalfa stem diameter; and automatically determining a feed quality value for the alfalfa plants based on the sensed alfalfa plant height and the alfalfa stem diameter.

Abstract: Modifications to row unit that result in a greatly reduced loss of kernels due to chatter include substituting stripper plates that have rails upwardly projecting guard rails at the edges of the stripper plates that define their working gap to thereby inhibit escape of loose kernels. Further, the ear transport paddles are modified so as to reduce shelling due to chatter and to move loose kernels collected on the stripper plates to the machine's auger so that these loose kernels become part of the yield. Specifically, a cushioning device is attached to each of the paddles and the paddles further support brushes or scrapers that sweep loose kernels into the auger.

Abstract: Techniques for using a scaling relationship between crop drymass and elevation at a farm level to redistribute crop yield data are provided. In one aspect, a method for analyzing crop yield is provided. The method includes the steps of: obtaining crop yield data for a farm; cleansing the crop yield data using a data filter(s), wherein one or more data points are eliminated from the crop yield data by the data filter; and redistributing a value of the data points eliminated from the crop yield data to data points remaining in the crop yield data to create a crop yield distribution for the farm.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a plant trimmer. The plant trimmer may separate leaves or other peripheral plant matter from a body portion of a plant. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a rotatable basket having a set of ribs separated by openings in a basket sidewall and a cutting assembly having at least one blade. The rotatable basket may be configured to spin in a first direction. The cutting assembly may be configured to spin parallel to the rotatable basket and in a second direction, opposite the first direction. Plant matter extending through one of the openings in the sidewall of the rotatable basket maybe sheared by a cutting face of the blade and a rib of the rotatable basket.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system for adjusting the rotational speed of a hydraulic powered feed roll in a harvester, and specifically to a system where a controller adjusts the rotational speed of the feed roll by adjusting the position of a control valve, which adjusts the rate hydraulic fluid flow through a motor to adjust the rotational speed of the feed roll. In some embodiments, the controller adjusts the position of the control valve so that the rotation of the feed roll matches that of the mechanical drive of an associated tractor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotor and cage assembly that includes a skeleton of curved spaced-apart side members affixed to laterally extending upper and lower spaced-apart members therebetween and surrounding the rotor. One of the curved spaced-apart side members is terminated with curved fingers. Three concave inserts insert laterally into the skeleton spanning 270° around the rotor. One of the concave inserts carries straight fingers that interlace between the skeleton side member curved fingers. A control assembly of plates having arcuate slots placed at 3 of the pivots of the skeleton assembly, control bars connected to the skeleton pivots, and an actuator connect to the control bars at one end effect arcuate rotation of the control bars resulting in the synchronized rotation of the arcuate slotted plates so that the interlaced straight fingers move closer together or farther apart with the fixed skeleton assembly curved fingers for different types of grain.

Abstract: An apparatus that controls the position of a component of a mechanical system, such as an adjustable concave in a combine harvester, while at the same time exhibiting a safety function that is reversible without requiring a long downtime of the combine. The apparatus includes a control part and an auxiliary part, both pivotable about the same axis, and a force transmission part to maintain these two parts in an assembled state by a spring force, as long as the component is subjected to forces below a given limit. When the forces exceed the limit, the auxiliary part and the control part are configured to become separated in such a manner that they can be reassembled by the intervention of an actuator. The safety function of the apparatus resembles the operation of a shear bolt.

Abstract: A crop feeding mechanism for a harvester includes one or a plurality of screws or augers positioned in a hollow chamber of defined by the interior surface of an elongated frame, whereby the interior surface is tapered with decreasing volume in it rear portion. The one or a plurality of screws or augers are affixed upon a rotating axis and, as crop material is fed into the chamber, the one or a plurality of screws or augers conveys crop material rearward toward the tapered end and compact the crop materials so that the compacted crop material is extruded out of an opening at the rear end at a rate and temperature and in a form sufficient to allow a net wrap mechanism positioned at or near the opening to wrap the crop into a bale.

Abstract: Methods for promoting plant growth based on novel photosafening treatment regimes with glycopyranosides including glycopyranosylglycopyranosides, and aryl-?-D-glycopyranosides, and more specifically, with one or more compounds comprising terminal mannosyl-triose, optionally in the presence of light enhanced by one or more light reflecting and/or refracting members such as silicon-based substrates. Furthermore, chemical synthesis processes for the above compounds are disclosed for general application to plants. Silicate microbeads of the like are distributed over the ground or substrate in which roots of a plant are supported and planted, beneath and around a plant in a manner that light is refracted or reflected toward the phylloplane.

Abstract: A brush chipper assembly has a housing and a feeder subassembly connected to the housing. The feeder subassembly includes opposed, first and second feeder rollers. When the feeder subassembly is actuated, the first feeder roller is operable to rotate in a first direction and the second feeder roller is operable to rotate in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) so as to draw the brush into the housing. Also provided is a chipping subassembly substantially contained within the housing behind the feeder subassembly. The chipping subassembly including first and second, opposed chipping heads, each of which carrying cutting teeth for chipping the brush. When the chipping subassembly is actuated, the first chipping head is operable to rotate in a third direction and the second chipping head is operable to rotate in a fourth direction (opposite to the second direction).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cleaning a cloth or fabric that has been used for growing plants. The cloth or fabric may be separated from or mounted with respect to a tray or support during the cleaning operation. At least two opposed, rotating brushes engage the top and bottom surfaces of the cloth or fabric to abrade and clean those surfaces. In addition, spray units, e.g., high pressure fluid nozzles, may direct cleaning fluid against one or both surfaces of the cloth or fabric. Filtration and sterilization systems may also be associated with the cleaning operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the cultivation of a number of plants (9), comprising providing a carrier with apertures for said plants (3, 13) and providing a water supply (8), wherein said carrier can be provided on said water supply in a floating manner and wherein a growth medium containing the roots of said plant or the precursor thereof are placed in an air-containing intermediate space (10) in the apertures in said carrier at such a distance from said water supply that said roots of said plant or the precursor thereof are situated at a vertical distance (a) from said water supply, wherein at least two horizontally opposing sides of an upper part of the growth medium are sideways supported along a height (h) by corresponding sides of a removable side support structure (18), removably arranged on top of the carrier.

Abstract: There is provided an assembly for retaining hanging plants or other botanicals items that evokes the pleasing visual aesthetic of an umbrella in that the ribs and other elements of the assembly extend from a central pole and provide an overall downwardly arching arrangement. The assembly can be shipped and stored in a convenient space saving configuration and can be easily assembled by a user.

Abstract: This curved blade (20) comprises a cutting rim (30), at least one portion of which comprises a continuous flange (31) defining a continuous cutting edge, as well as at least one row of ribs (32), the longitudinal axes (Alg) of which are straight and parallel to each other, extending in the direction of at least one face of the cutting rim, from this continuous flange. The blade in accordance with the invention allows reducing the cutting forces, in comparison with a non-ribbed curved blade, as used in the prior art. Indeed, the continuous edge is associated with ribs which serve to reduce the lateral load of this continuous edge. Consequently, it is possible to size the flange and the edge, without any risk of breakage, so as to present a reduced contact surface with the tree, which improves cutting of the matter.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter has an outer element and a flow-restricting element. The outer element has a channel, an inlet and an outlet. The flow-restricting element is detachably mounted in the channel of the outer element. The flow-restricting element has a body, a passageway, a piercing portion and multiple notches. The passageway is helically formed around the body and has a caliber. The piercing portion is mounted on the body and protrudes out of the inlet. The notches are formed around the body between a first end surface of the body and the piercing portion and are in communication with the passageway. Each one of the notches has a caliber that is smaller than the caliber of the passageway to prevent the passageway from obstruction by the impurities. The piercing portion can directly pierce into a water supply tube for adjusting to plants accurately.

Abstract: A system and method for overriding an alignment circuit of an electric center pivot irrigation system. The system may include a local controller wired to the alignment circuit and a remote control wirelessly communicating with the local controller. The remote control may receive an alignment fault alert from the local controller indicating that the alignment circuit has switched to the open circuit configuration. Next, the remote control may send an auto-alignment signal to the local controller. The auto-alignment signal may instruct the local controller to command a relay to switch to a bypass mode. In the bypass mode, signals between the local controller and operational elements of the electric center pivot irrigation system bypass the alignment circuit. The auto-alignment circuit may also command the operational elements to reverse travel directions of the electric center pivot irrigation system simultaneously while the alignment circuit is bypassed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified Slmyc2 gene, which may comprise at least one modification as compared to the wild type sequence of SEQ ID No. 5, which modification leads to the reduction or absence of SlMYC2 protein activity, wherein the modified Slmyc2 gene is capable of conferring an aberrant glandular hair phenotype to a Solanum lycopersicum plant. The modification may be suitably selected from a modification that decreases the mRNA level of the Slmyc2 gene, a modification that decreases the level of the SlMYC2 protein and/or a modification that decreases the activity of the SlMYC2 protein, as compared to the wild type Slmyc2 gene of SEQ ID No. 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated DA909-325. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar DA909-325. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar DA909-325 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar DA909-325 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9W09-2212. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2212. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2212 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2212 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention overcomes the deficiencies of the art by providing an agronomically elite soybean plant with non-transgenic mutations of at least two of the glycinin subunits selected from the group consisting of Gy1, Gy2, Gy3, Gy4, and Gy5, such as conferring a Gy2 and Gy4 null phenotype and increased ?-conglycinin content in seed. The invention also provides derivatives, and plant parts of these plants and uses thereof. Methods for marker assisted selection of soybean varieties comprising non-transgenic mutations conferring a reduced Gy1, Gy2, Gy3, Gy4, and Gy5 phenotype are also provided as part of the current invention. Methods for producing such plants that are further lipoxygenase and/or Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor null and the plants produced thereby are also provided. The invention is significant in that soybeans from such plants are preferred dietary additives and provide important health benefits.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14×L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: A teatcup liner includes a head defining a mouthpiece, a barrel with an upper barrel joined to a lower barrel, an outlet portion that extends downward from the lower barrel co-operates with the shell of the teat cup. In a relaxed state, the barrel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, with the lower barrel having a flexibility for closing during the liner collapse phase of the milking operation greater than a flexibility of the upper barrel such that corner portions of the lower barrel are weaker than the corner portions of the upper barrel thereby assuring the lower barrel collapses first to create an upward wave movement of the lower barrel towards the upper barrel that securely collapses the upper barrel onto the teat to provide an enhanced teat massage and relieve congestion in the teat tissue.

Abstract: A safety valve device for a milking installation for milking milk-producing animals having a first valve with a first port and with a first port connector, a second valve with a second port and with a second port connector, a third valve with a third port and a third port connector, a drive, a common actuator, and at least one valve spring, and arranged so that the first port connector of the first valve is in fluid communication with the second port connector of the second valve, and the safety valve device can be moved between a first switching position, in which the first valve and the second valve are closed in order to block the first port and the second port and the third valve, is open a transition position, in which the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are closed, and a second switching position, in which the first valve and the second valve are open to connect the first port to the second port and the third valve is closed to block the third port.

Abstract: A closed litter box for pets includes at least one lower module configured for containing granular material for the collection of excrement products; at least one upper module coupled to the lower module and configured for closing it; at least a handle of the upper module configured for allowing the carriage of the closed litter box for pets; a collector for the collection of produced excrement. The handle comprises at least a portion of the collector for the collection of produced excrement when the collector is placed in an excavated region of the upper module.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing cattle with a horizontally oriented inside ladder and a horizontally oriented outside ladder that is parallel to the inside ladder. The inside ladder is configured to slide laterally relative to the outside ladder. The top rail of the inside ladder is parallel to and spaced apart from the top rail of the outside ladder, and the bottom rail of the inside ladder is parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom rail of the outside ladder. The inside and outside ladders each comprises a plurality of vertically oriented, equally spaced rods that extend from the top rail to the bottom rail. The proximal end of the inside ladder is attached to a hydraulic cylinder that slides the inside ladder laterally relative to the outside ladder.

Abstract: A pet dish assembly, including a base, a vertical support member extending upwardly from the base, at least one ladle slidingly secured to a top surface of the vertical support member, the ladle comprising an arcuate handle at a first end and a bowl at a second end.

Abstract: Generally, an animal monitoring system including a bolus administered to reside in an animal operable to sense changes in one or more physiological parameters of the animal and generate and transmit encoded bolus sensor data to a tag affixed on the outside of the animal which operates to sense changes in one or more environmental parameters surrounding the animal and to generate encoded tag sensor data and to receive encoded bolus sensor data each of which can be analyzed by the tag or a remote data processor to generate environmental parameter values and physiological parameter values to assess an environmental or physiological condition of or about the animal.

Abstract: Animal transmitters are provided that can include: a transducer configured to transmit a signal; process circuitry coupled to the transducer; and an energy harvesting element coupled to the process circuitry. Animals having a transmitter coupled thereto are also provided with the transmitter including an energy harvesting element in operational alignment with the animal's musculoskeletal system. Methods for transmitting the location of an animal are also provided with the methods including: coupling a transmitter powered by an energy harvesting element to the animal; and monitoring the transmissions of the transmitter.

Abstract: A pet leash handle having a hard frame, a clip and a leash attachment mechanism. The hard frame forms a body of the pet leash handle and includes a soft grip portion shaped for the comfort of a pet owner's hand. The clip is pivotally attached to the hard frame so as to move between an open position and a closed position. The leash attachment mechanism removably attaches a pet leash to the pet leash handle. The pet leash handle also includes a retractable cord connected to the leash attachment mechanism and allowing for the pet leash to extend and to retract depending on the pet owner's need.

Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a pet restraining mechanism with a seatbelt of a vehicle having an elongated opening in a form of a slot that receives a webbing of the seatbelt and a narrow cut in a form of a slit for insertion and removal of the webbing into and from the elongated opening. The adapter also includes an opening for connecting the pet restraining mechanism with adapter.

Abstract: A suet feeder which comprises an inner frame, a tray sized to receive a suet pack, the tray being slidably mounted on the frame, a suet support member which is mounted on the frame, the tray being slidable past the suet support member, and a shroud extending over the frame and tray and suet support member, the shroud having a wall which extends over the tray and suet support member, the wall having a feed opening therein with a relatively closed area of the shroud being located above the feed opening, the arrangement being such that the feed opening is normally located proximate an upper portion of the suet support member such that access may be had to a lower portion of a suet pack mounted on the suet support member.

Abstract: A freeze-resistant watering nipple assembly comprising a watering nipple valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space and/or insulation material is described, which thermally couples a watering nipple to a container or supply pipe via a sufficiently good thermal conduction path so that the nipple can be maintained at a temperature that is near the temperature of the liquid in the container or supply pipe. Further, the use of one or more freeze-resistant watering nipple assemblies with a thermally insulated container is described so that the unit comprising the nipple assembly or assemblies and the insulated container provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.

Abstract: A system of harvesting sea creatures from a trench holding the sea creatures in seawater, including a trench and a harvesting apparatus that extracts the sea creatures from the trench. The trench includes a gate at one end of the trench. The gate insertable into an opening at the end of the trench to prevent seawater from entering or exiting the trench and removable from the opening to allow the seawater to enter or exit the trench. The harvesting apparatus includes a conveyor that inclines. The conveyor includes a conveyor belt and a wedge at one end of the conveyor that contacts the bottom floor of the trench when the conveyor is inclined. The wedge directs the sea creatures onto the conveyor so that the sea creatures are conveyed by the conveyor belt out of the trench.

Abstract: Non-human animals, expressing humanized CD3 proteins are provided. Non-human animals, e.g., rodents, genetically modified to comprise in their genome humanized CD3 proteins are also provided. Additionally, provided are methods and compositions of making such non-human animals, as well as methods of using said non-human animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutation in the Dock8 encoding gene that is causative for type 1 diabetes mellitus at least in the rat (rattus norvegicus) or mouse, the rat or mouse preferably having an MHC predisposing towards type 1 diabetes mellitus and/or a mutation in the von Willebrand factor Vwa2. Embodiments of the invention comprise a process for generating a non-human mammal by genetic manipulation to contain at least heterozygously, preferably homozygously, the mutation causative for type 1 diabetes mellitus, preferably in combination with an MHC predisposing for type 1 diabetes mellitus and/or with a mutation in the von Willebrand factor Vwa2.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I polypeptide and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper2) are disclosed. The CatSper2 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper2 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper2 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper2, methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper2-mediated disorders, including infertility, as well as methods of doing business related to CatSper2-mediated disorders.

Abstract: A rotor for a spinning reel is configured to rotate about a spool shaft, and includes a tubular portion and a plate-shaped portion. The tubular portion is disposed away from the spool shaft at a predetermined interval. The plate-shaped portion includes a radially outer part and a radially inner part. The radially outer part is integrated with an inner peripheral part of the tubular portion. The radially inner part extends from the radially outer part toward the spool shaft. The radially outer part has a smaller thickness than at least a part of the radially inner part.

Abstract: A line roller for guiding the fishing line onto a spool of a spinning reel for fishing includes a cylindrical guide member including a guide surface for guiding the fishing line on the outer perimeter, an axle bearing member that rotatably supports an inner perimeter surface of the guide member, a support member that supports the axle bearing member, and a grease holding unit that forms a space leading from the axle bearing member to the guide member and that holds a water-repellent grease in the space.

Abstract: A line roller for guiding a fishing line to a spool of a spinning reel includes a bearing member rotatable about a rotational axis. The line roller also includes a guide member disposed outside the bearing member in a radial direction from the rotational axis. The guide member includes a holding portion and a body. The holding portion is made of a metal or a ceramic. The holding portion is to hold a fishing line. The holding portion extends in a circumferential direction centered about the rotational axis. The body includes a resin, and a guide surface for leading the fishing line to the holding portion.

Abstract: A dredge having easily replaceable arms, a composite dredge which is configurable to laterally couple at least two hubs, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a dredge includes plurality of arms having at least one teaser attachment and a first hub configured to removably retain the arms in a radial orientation. At least one arm is configured to attached to a second hub.

Abstract: The present invention discloses attractants and bait stations comprising date-derived syrup products for attracting biting flies and methods therein. The methods including the steps of: providing a bait station including: a date-derived syrup product for attracting at least one type of biting fly selected from the group consisting of: mosquitoes, sand flies, stable flies, biting midges, and stomoxys; and a substrate material for supporting the date-derived syrup product; and locating the bait station in a designated geographic area in order to attract said at least one type of biting fly. Preferably, the date-derived syrup product is derived from at least one date material selected from the group consisting of: dates, date paste, date syrup obtained from pressed dates, and commercially-available date syrup.

Abstract: An improved termite monitoring and detection system which in the preferred form utilises a first bulk attractant and a second smaller portion of attractant, whereupon consumption of the smaller portion activates a short travel biased trigger mechanism to create a detection signal without disturbing the termites as they continue to consume the bulk attractant. A variety of electronic and electrical features are optionally included which facilitate remote monitoring, optional remote application of termiticide and multi-party interfacing. The system also enables third party bulk collection of termite activity data and provides a system which ensures compliance with agreed monitoring and treatment protocols.