Abstract: Described herein is a combination apparatus and methods of using the combination apparatus. The combination apparatus is operable as both an edger and a sod cutter. The combination apparatus includes an arm that oscillates when driven by a motor. Both a sod cutter blade and an edger blade are coupled to the arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic control for an attachment on a work vehicle. Power is provided to the attachment by manually actuating a control that is biased toward a first position. This first position corresponds to a deactuated mode of the attachment. By unlocking a lock mechanism, the control may be maintained in a second position under hand pressure. This second position corresponds to an actuated mode of the attachment. The lock mechanism may be actuated by an operator platform-actuated release mechanism. While an operator is on a platform on the vehicle, the lock mechanism remains unlocked, and the attachment maintains its operation without hand pressure on the control. The release mechanism actuates the lock mechanism when an operator is not on the platform. As a result, the attachment is deactuated. A filter may be utilized to prevent premature actuation of the release mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying manure to fields. Some apparatus and methods maintain constant height of a manure supply swing pipe above the ground during use. Pivotally mounted side wings supported by tracks or wheels and carrying manure applicators such and shanks and coulters can be carried along side of and secured to the apparatus tongue in a narrow configuration above the ground for transport and deployed in a wide configuration on the ground during use. Center rear mounted manure applicators are movable off the ground for transport using hydraulics in some apparatus. Some apparatus have the pivotally mounted side wings pivoted well inside of the outer most extent of the read center region to provide a narrower transport configuration.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an agricultural machine uses the following steps: (a) successively recording signals from at least one first sensor sensing at least one agronomic parameter of a field during an operation of the machine in the field, (b) successively recording signals from at least one second sensor sensing at least one operation parameter of the machine during the operation of the machine in the field, (c) spatially overlaying the signals of the first sensor and the second sensor, (d) determining from the overlaid values a respective zone in the field, and (e) controlling an actuator of the machine dependent on the determined zone in which the machine operates.

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: The present invention relates to a smart seeder which significantly enhances efficiency in individual seed separation by enabling the seeds supplied onto a transfer plate to be spread more easily so that the seeds do not overlap, and consequently by enabling the seeds to be separated individually. Furthermore, the smart seeder can not only significantly reduce production costs due to the simple structure thereof, but also significantly enhance seed separation efficiency by separating one or multiple seeds, which may comprise fine seeds, such as lettuce seeds, or the like, whether the seeds are small seeds or large seeds.

Abstract: A row unit of an agricultural planter includes a seed meter. The seed meter includes a seed disk within a seed meter housing. The seed disk is positioned in the seed meter housing such that the disk rotates and includes a seed release point. A drive member is operatively connected to the seed disk such that the drive member selectively rotates the disk. The seed disk is angularly positioned and is a conical-shaped member with a central axis and includes seed cells radially positioned about an outer portion. The seed disk is substantially non-perpendicular to the central axis. An air pressure source also is included to adhere seed to the disk.

Abstract: An agricultural metering system includes multiple meter boxes and multiple meter rollers, in which each meter roller is disposed in a respective meter box. The agricultural metering system also includes multiple meter roller sleeves, in which each meter roller sleeve is disposed about a respective meter roller, and each meter roller sleeve is configured to move relative to the respective meter roller to selectively cover a first portion of the respective meter roller and a second portion of the respective meter roller. In addition, the agricultural metering system includes a control bar coupled to the meter roller sleeves. The control bar is configured to collectively move the meter roller sleeves relative to the meter rollers.

Abstract: A method of using an unmanned agricultural robot to generate an anticipatory geospatial data map of the positions of annual crop rows planted within a perimeter of an agricultural field, the method including the step of creating a geospatial data map of an agricultural field by plotting actual annual crop row positions in a portion of the geospatial data map that corresponds to a starting point observation window, and filling in a remainder of the geospatial data map with anticipated annual crop row positions corresponding to the annual crop rows outside of the starting point observation window, and refining the geospatial data map by replacing the anticipated annual crop row positions with measured actual annual crop row positions when an unexpected obstacle is encountered.

Abstract: A light source section configured to couple a plurality of laser beams having different wavelengths and emit measuring light; an illuminating section configured to illuminate a measurement target at a predetermined angle; a light receiving section configured to receive reflected measuring light from the measurement target; and a controlling section configured to compute a reflectance at each of the wavelengths, based on a light receiving result. The light source section includes: a first and a second light source configured to emit each laser beams having different wavelengths; and a dichroic mirror disposed in optical axes of the laser beams intersected, configured to combine the laser beams. The light receiving section includes: a first, a second and a third light receiving unit configured to receive the reflected measuring light from different distance. The controlling section is configured to select which of results from each light receiving unit to use.

Abstract: A mower includes a plurality of grass cutting units, either reel or rotary, arranged in a gang configuration. Each cutting unit is connected to the mower by a separate suspension that includes a lift and lower portion for lifting and lowering the cutting unit out of and into contact with the ground, respectively. The suspension includes a ground contour following portion permitting the cutting unit to have one or more degrees of freedom relative to the lift and lower portion to independently follow the ground contours the cutting unit encounters. A tuned mass damper is installed in the ground contour following portion of the suspension or is adjacent to a connection between the ground contour following portion and the lift and lower portion for damping undesired vertical bobbing of the cutting unit.

Abstract: An undercarriage of a rotary mower deck has a cutting chamber and encloses at least two cutting blades attached to a spindle. A flange encloses lateral sides of the cutting chamber to prevent discharge of debris laterally. A debris guide positioned toward a front end of the cutting chamber has the effect of reducing or eliminating formation of wind rows.

Abstract: A cutting and threshing blade for a bush hog, wherein the blade has a trailing edge and a leading edge. At least a third of the leading edge of the upper-side of an elongate distal portion of the blade has a knife edge with a knife length that thickens toward the trailing edge. The trailing edge can have an upward air deflector. The bottom-side of the elongate distal portion has a threshing element, which includes a threshing block, which is a steel block having a block length that is comparable to the knife length and projects downward and substantially parallel to the knife edge. The rotating blades pummel growth carriers (i.e.; cob, husk) bearing seeds, grains, and kernels with enough force that they are released. The synergistic rotating knife edge and threshing block transform the bush hogging process from a cutting process to a cutting and threshing process.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.

Abstract: A trimmer and mower which utilizes a string cutting type apparatus includes a stabilizing third wheel positioned ahead of the trimmer head which enables safer and easier manipulation and control of the trimmer. The trimmer and mower includes a third wheel attachment apparatus which provides increased strength and rigidity of the motor support platform and more reliably protects the operative components of the trimmer and mower supported on the underside of the engine support platform.

Abstract: A combine that can accurately measure the weight of grain retained in a grain tank is provided. When a weight measurement signal is output from a measurement switch 66, a weight measurement decision unit 75 instructs a working state determination unit 71 to perform working state determination. If it is determined that the combine is in the working state, the weight measurement decision unit 75 does not instruct a load cell 39 to perform weight measurement.

Abstract: A harvesting system has a climbing unit with a body driven by traction wheels, a control unit, an articulated arm with a cutting implement at an extremity, a video camera focused on the cutting implement, and a computerized portable control station having a display and a user interface with inputs operable to control driving the traction wheels of the climbing unit, the articulation of the articulated arm, and the cutting implement. Video streamed in real time from the video camera is displayed on the display screen, and a user viewing the video display operates the inputs to position the cutting implement to cut a stem of a fruit or nut in the tree.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating harvested crop product from twigs, dirt, dust, and other debris. A disk to be used in a harvester includes a first segment and a second segment and is configured to cooperate with adjacent disks axially mounted on a common rotational shaft, and radially cooperate with disks mounted on a parallel rotational shaft. The disks are used in a roller assembly or a harvester, and gaps between cooperating disks remain effectively constant during operation.

Abstract: A system for lubrication of a bearing of a crop transport and/or processing system of a harvesting machine includes a supply container for storing a lubricant, means for delivering the lubricant from the supply container to the bearing, and means for returning the lubricant from the bearing to the supply container.

Abstract: A bale unroller includes a longitude, a bale cutting assembly, and a dispersing assembly. The bale cutting assembly includes a cutting conveyor, and the bale cutting assembly configured to receive the bale on a first side of the cutting conveyor and to cut the bale into a mat. The dispersing assembly has a longitudinally rear end and an exit longitudinally forward from the longitudinally rear end. The dispersing assembly is coupled at the longitudinally rear end with the bale cutting assembly and is configured to receive the mat and feed the mat out the exit along the longitude.

Abstract: A combine harvester is disclosed with an infeed arrangement for receiving the harvested material, with a threshing device for degraining the harvested material, and with a cleaning device that is downstream from the threshing device for segregating the harvested material, and thereby a separating the grain from the non-grain components. The cleaning device includes has a sieve device that can rotate about a rotational axis with an at least sectionally sieve-shaped sieve jacket that extends in a peripheral direction around the rotational axis. Separating the grain from the non-grain components is performed by the cleaning device by superimposing a rotary movement and oscillating movement of the sieve jacket such that the oscillating movement is directed transverse to the rotational axis of the sieve device.

Abstract: An adjustable vane system for use with a rotor cage of a threshing system of an agricultural harvester includes a vane. The vane includes: a generally helically curved inner profile; a surface being an outer profile that is opposite the inner profile and is generally helically curved over a portion of the vane, the outer profile being configured to be positioned closer to the rotor cage than the inner profile; and a flat portion located midway along the outer profile.

Abstract: A transition cone for a threshing system of an agricultural harvesting machine has an inner surface with a tapering inner circumference between a wider upstream end and a narrower downstream end, and a plurality of vanes in the transition cone. Each vane extends between the upstream end and the downstream end and at least partly around the tapering inner circumference. Each vane includes an upstanding segment extending away from the inner surface, and a base segment extending from the upstanding segment along the inner surface on the downstream side of the upstanding segment. The base segment has a thicker proximal region adjacent the upstanding segment and a thinner distal edge opposite thereto.

Abstract: A combine harvester is disclosed with an infeed arrangement for receiving the harvested material, with a threshing device for degraining the harvested material, and with a cleaning device that is downstream from the threshing device for segregating the harvested material, and thereby separating the grain from the non-grain components. The cleaning device has a sieve device that can rotate about a rotational axis with an at least sectionally sieve-shaped sieve jacket that extends in a peripheral direction around the rotational axis.

Abstract: Systems for encasing articles such as forage or crop bales in a protective wrap are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a packing conveyor that at least partially extends through a wrapping device for stretching a tube of wrapping material as articles pass through the wrapping device and into the protective wrap.

Abstract: A combination baling and wrapping machine is provided to enclose harvested material in a protective layer to eliminate or minimize spoilage. The machine includes a bale forming station or compartment with vertical and horizontal compactors to form the bales, and a downstream wrapping station with a first zone for wrapping the bale in a first direction and a second zone for wrapping the bale in a transverse direction, such that the bale is completely enclosed by the wrap material. The machine can be operated while moving through a field or while sitting in a stationery position.

Abstract: A weighing device for detecting the weight force of a pressed bale on a roll includes a bearing device of the roll. At least one weighing means is integrally disposed in the bearing device.

Abstract: A foldable gardening shear may comprise a main body, a pair of handles, and a pair of pivot members. Each of the pivot members has a control unit, a knob, a screw and a pair of covers. The main body comprises a first pivot pin pivotally connect to a pair of cutting members at a middle portion of the main body. Each of the cutting members has a blade formed at an upper portion thereof, and the two blades are configured to couple together to achieve the cutting effect. The present invention is advantageous because the handles can be folded upwardly, which enables the gardening shear to be carried and stored easily; and in the folded position, the handles are respectively located at two lateral sides of the cutting members, which can prevent the blades from hurting the user.

Abstract: A raised garden bed system is comprised of a plurality of corner members configured for adjoining a plurality of plank members. The corner members are configured to be stackable on top of one another and to hold two adjacent ends of the planks at an angle relative to one another.

Abstract: A robotic irrigation system enables autonomous control and manipulation of irrigation systems to eliminate the need to manually reconfigure and move the elements of the irrigation systems. In some embodiments, the system may include a robotic-enhanced coupling and valve assembly (RECVS) and a robotic assisted movement platform (RAMP) having a robotic appendage control module (RACM), a robotic object lifting appendage (ROLA), a robotic object manipulation appendage (ROMA). The RECVS may comprise one or more valves which may be manipulated by the RAMP to control the supply of water to the lateral move irrigation system via the ROLA and ROMA of the RAMP. Additionally, the ROLA and ROMA may enable the RAMP to connect, disconnect, and move one or more sections of a lateral move irrigation system thereby allowing the irrigation system to be reconfigured for different areas of a property or location that the irrigation system is positioned on.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for a hybrid distributed hydroculture system. A set of growing profiles is stored, wherein each growing profile defines a set of growing parameters for a type of plant. Data is received that is indicative of a growing profile being associated with a plant growing unit in communication with the computing device. A set of growing parameters is transmitted from the growing profile to the plant growing unit so that the plant growing unit can execute the growing parameters to grow a plant that is planted in the plant growing unit. Sensor data is received from the plant growing unit indicative of data from one or more sensors locally installed at the plant growing unit. The set of growing parameters is customized based on the sensor data from the plant growing unit to customize the parameters for the plant environment.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR2379TH. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR2379TH 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 tomato hybrid SVTM2303. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM2303 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: A new garden bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris L) designated as ‘PV-857’, particularly characterized by resistance to Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and Bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus), is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of lettuce designated NUN 07839 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are alfalfa varieties with low or reduced lignin content, including an alfalfa seed designated CW 096043 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122473, an alfalfa seed designated CW 103009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122475, an alfalfa seed designated CW 099079 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122474, an alfalfa seed designated CW 090075 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122471, an alfalfa seed designated CW 054004 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122470, an alfalfa seed designated CW 093009 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122472, and an alfalfa seed designated CW 104015 deposited as ATCC Accession Number PTA-122476.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) variety Sicot 711RRF, or a part, cell, tissue or organ thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) variety Sicot 812RRF, or a part, cell, tissue or organ thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to seedless pepper (SLP); and more specifically, it pertains to male sterile pepper plants having unique characteristics including the capability of growing edible seedless fruits, wherein the “seedless” trait is controlled by a genetic determinant independent of exogenous factors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides metabolic signatures and genetic markers for tracking enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency phenotypes in tobacco plants and for introgressing enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency phenotypes into tobacco plants. The disclosure also provides tobacco plants comprising enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency and methods to the creation of tobacco plants comprising enhanced nitrogen utilization efficiency. The disclosure also provides recombinant polynucleotides and polypeptides for enhancing nitrogen utilization efficiency in modified tobacco plants and tobacco plants comprising the provided recombinant polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 09220 TOF as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: An electronic pet door is provided herein. The electronic pet door includes a pivotal flap and a frame that defines a through-way. A rotatable knob is mounted to the frame and has a handle portion and a stop wall. The handle portion and stop wall include various profiles and configurations that work in concert to control the flap's direction of pivotal movement. In a first configuration, the flap may swing outwardly or inwardly. A second configuration prevents the flap from swinging inwardly. A third configuration prevents the flap from swinging outwardly. A fourth configuration places the flap is in a locked position to prevent swinging in either direction. The electronic door also includes an electronic latch mechanism which selectively latches and unlatches the flap. The latch mechanism unlatches the flap in response to a wireless signal from an electronic transmitter that may be affixed to a pet.

Abstract: A pet crate cover includes a resiliently stretchable sleeve having front and back ends. The sleeve is stretched to expand a ventilation opening formed in one end of the sleeve and a pet crate is inserted into the sleeve through the expanded ventilation opening. The resilient material of the sleeve constrains the sleeve to snugly interengage the covered pet crate and air flow to the interior of the crate is provided through the ventilation opening.

Abstract: A music pet house structured and arranged to be motion-activated to play therapeutic music and circulate the air upon a pet's entry to sooth and comfort traumatized pets within their very own safe haven.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pet weight management system (100) comprising: a controller (10) receiving data from a pet, these data comprising at least one or more invariant parameters (11) and one or more variable parameters (12), the controller (10) establishing a nutritional program (31) as a function of these data, the nutritional program (31) comprising at least one or a plurality of feeding cycles, each feeding cycle comprising at least a caloric reduction period and at least a caloric maintenance period; a nutrition management device (20) operatively linked to the controller (10) receiving the information on the nutritional program (31) to follow, and dosing and/or dispensing via weighing or volume measurement; a composition kit (30) comprising the required nutritional products in the required quantities needed to follow the nutritional program (31) established.

Abstract: Within a view field, a camera records image data representing a body portion of an animal. A reader unit registers identity data from a data carrier on the animal and a data processor associates the recorded image data with the registered identity data. A passageway only allows a single animal at the time within the camera's view field. The camera is arranged so that the view field covers an identification zone within the passageway. To reduce the risk that the reader unit interferes with other nearby equipment, the data processor detects the presence of any animal within the view field of the camera based on the recorded image data, and activates the reader unit only when an animal is detected within the identification zone.

Abstract: An animal temperature regulation garment includes multiple pouches with temperature control packets which allow an animal, such as a pet dog, to play or exercise comfortably in hot or cold climates. When it would otherwise be too hot for outdoor activity, the animal temperature regulation garment may be worn with cooling packs in the pouches, allowing the animal to engage in outdoor activity while reducing the likelihood of heat stroke or other heat-related illness. In the cold, the cooling packs in the temperature regulation garment may be replaced with heating packs.

Abstract: An equine accomodative hoof support (rocker shoe) system consisting of a tapered base that allows, in some embodiments, the equine hoof to roll forward or to the side, without unnecessary bending, thus allowing it to find a comfortable natural position to relieve stress on a sore, injured, or diseased hoof. The ability of the base to rock allows the equine to adjust its stance to find the most comfortable position, not unlike standing in a bed of sand. The system can replace expensive hoof treatment by a farrier and can easily be utilized directly by an equine practitioner or equine owner. The system provides an efficient, user friendly self-adjusting approach to sole supportive realignment of the P3 (third phalanx) as the hoof grows out.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatuses and methods for protecting surfaces (e.g., furniture) from animal contact. The surface protection apparatus may comprise a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid members extending from a base portion. The protrusions may comprise a plurality of conical members extending from the base portion or may comprise a plurality of panels extending from the base portion. A plurality of apparatuses may be secured relative to one another to provide an enlarged surface area such that large surfaces (e.g., counters) may be covered by the surface protector to prevent pets from lying on the large surfaces.

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.