Abstract: A sand bunker rake/infield groomer vehicle having a frame; a plurality of wheels to traverse a driven surface, wherein the wheels are rotatably mounted to the frame; a power source mounted to the frame; and a rear attachment structure attached to the frame, wherein the rear attachment structure provides a joint enabling rotation; a bracket including a shaft wherein the bracket is configured to cooperate with an associated rake/grooming attachment; and a pivoting bracket mounted to the frame.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. Pressure in the down chamber tending to oppose pressure in the lift chamber of the at least one actuator.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having ground engaging components and inboard and outboard frame members are safely unfolded by using a radar or laser sensor to detect the presence of an obstacle in the unfolded position. A warning signal or disabling the unfolding process occurs when an obstacle is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support system for determining a trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle when weeding distinct areas of weed within a field of crops, said system comprises: a mapping unit configured for receiving: i) coordinates relating to the boundaries of a field to be worked; and ii) coordinates relating to the boundaries of distinct areas of weed being located within said boundary of said field of crops; a capacity parameter unit configured for receiving one or more capacity parameters relating to said working vehicle; a trajectory calculating unit configured for calculating an optimized trajectory to be followed by said work vehicle upon weeding said distinct areas of weed; wherein said optimized trajectory is being calculated on the basis of said coordinates received by said mapping unit; and one or more of said one or more capacity parameters received by said capacity parameter unit.

Abstract: An agricultural system can include an agricultural machine having an in-situ sampling of samples for analysis and determination of preferred courses of action based on characteristics of the samples. Options regarding the preferred courses of action can be communicated to a user for selection.

Abstract: An agricultural planting system for controlling the depth of an opener device in an agricultural planter includes an agricultural planter, an opener device, a gauge wheel, a GPS device, and a controller. The opener device is mounted on the agricultural planter for engaging the ground of a field. The gauge wheel is mounted on the agricultural planter for rotating on the ground of the field. The GPS device is coupled to the agricultural planter. The GPS device is configured to determine a location of the agricultural planter in the field. The controller is in electrical communication with the agricultural planter and the GPS device. The controller has predetermined settings associated with a map of the field. The controller is configured to select a relative elevation of the opener device and the gauge wheel based at least in part on the location determined by the GPS device.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes row units. The row units each include an air pressure device configured to generate a pressure differential for retaining a commodity against a metering element to singulate and meter a commodity. The air pressure device includes an exhaust structure with a passage configured to direct an exhaust substance to the ground as the row unit travels.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame structure and a plurality of row units with a row unit support structure attached to the frame structure. The row units also include a meter housing with a housing member and a removable cover. The housing member is attached to the row unit support structure and houses a metering element. The metering element is configured to singulate a commodity and meter the commodity from the meter housing. The row unit further includes an air pressure device configured to generate an air pressure differential across the metering element to retain the commodity on the metering element. The air pressure device is fixed relative to the row unit support structure. The air pressure device is configured to remain fixed relative to the row unit support structure as the cover is removed and reattached.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural planter having features for releasably operably coupling a seed meter of the row unit to a seed deposition apparatus of the row unit such as a seed conveyor, seed tube or the like. Apparatus are provided for tipping a seed meter of the hopper for disengagement from the seed deposition apparatus. Apparatus are provided for biasing the seed deposition apparatus into operative engagement with the seed meter. The row unit includes features such as latches for releasably operably coupling the row unit to crop input and vacuum supply lines. Apparatus are provided for tipping a seed meter of the hopper for disengagement from the crop input and vacuum supply lines. Systems are provided for supplying vacuum and crop inputs to the seed meter via the releasably engageable apparatus.

Abstract: Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluid to plants in rows in a field includes a frame, at least one applicator arm disposed in a rhizosphere of plants during fluid flow through the applicator, and a fluid conduit connected to the frame and disposed in the row between plants to deliver fluid to the row between plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foliage-processing device which can be moved across agricultural land in a direction of travel for foliage of tuberous plants growing in rows on agricultural land, wherein the foliage-processing device is provided with: a foliage puller which is provided with at least two mutually oppositely rotating rollers between which foliage can be clamped and pulled off; a foliage-processing mechanism by means of which the foliage pulled off by means of the foliage puller can be removed next to a row or between the rows of tuberous plants growing on the agricultural land.

Abstract: A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area.

Abstract: A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a trimming head, a driving device for driving the trimming head to rotate so as to cut vegetation, and an operating device for use in controlling the driving device. The trimming head includes a spool and a line holding element formed with a line holding structure. The driving device includes a motor. The grass trimmer has an auto-winding mode. In the auto-winding mode, the motor drives at least one of the spool and the line holding element to make the spool and the line holding element rotate relatively so that a trimming line is wound on the spool automatically.

Abstract: A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area.

Abstract: A lawn mowing assembly having selectively extendable mowing decks includes a tractor that is driven on a lawn. A pair of mowing decks is each movably coupled to the tractor. Each of the mowing decks is positioned between a retracted position and an extended position. An extension unit is coupled to the tractor and the extension unit is coupled to each of the mowing decks. The extension unit urges the mowing decks between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.

Abstract: A draper header is attached to a harvesting machine by an adapter including a bottom feed draper and an upper feed roller driven by a coupling from an output of the machine rotatable about an axis parallel to the forward direction and a right angle gearbox. The feed roller is mounted at each end allowing independent up and down floating movement of the ends and there is provided a mechanical linkage using two chains and an idler shaft between the output shaft of the gear box an input shaft of the roller with a universal coupling therebetween. The gear box is located at least partly underneath the discharge opening and underneath the feed roller, rearwardly of the rear guide roller of the feed draper, rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the feed roller and underneath a feed pan which is inclined upwardly and rearwardly over the gear box.

Abstract: An agricultural mowing device includes a linkage assembly for attaching to a towing vehicle, and a shaft having an upper end coupled to the linkage assembly for being towed in a field between two adjacent rows of planted matter. The device further includes a primary cutting device mounted to a lower end of the shaft for cutting shorter plant material, and a secondary cutting device mounted near the upper end of the shaft for cutting taller plant material. The device also includes a sensor for sensing a desired cutting height of the planted matter and being communicatively coupled to the primary cutting device or the secondary cutting device, the sensing causing an adjustment along the shaft of the respective one of the primary cutting device or the second cutting device to cut the planted matter at the desired cutting height.

Abstract: A trimmer for trimming around a sprinkler head includes: an annular blade member defining an annular region inside the annular blade member, the annular blade member being sized so as to surround the sprinkler head in close proximity thereto; a support member coupled to the annular blade member without blocking an extended annular region extending upward from the annular region for a distance sufficient to accommodate a user's foot; and a handle coupled to the support member. The annular blade member and support member define a foot pressure surface. The annular blade member includes two opposing blades. Each of the two opposing blades includes two curved edges, the two curved edges meeting at a point of the blade.

Abstract: A crop sensor includes: a housing sized and shaped to correspond to a foodstuff of a crop; a sensor to sense a physiochemical parameter relative to growth of the crop; and an energy-harvesting unit to generate electrical energy for the sensor from movement of the housing.

Abstract: A light projector assembly for irradiating the interior of a bin when the bin is in a predetermined position, the bin having walls and a ceiling. A bin interior may include a plant-growing zone proximate a bottom of the bin. The walls may include one or more light-transmissive windows above the plant-growing zone. The light projector assembly may comprise a light projector and a support structure. A light projector may be supported outside of the bin position and proximate to and spaced from one of the one or more windows when the bin assembly is in the predetermined position. The light projector may be configured to project light upwardly through the one window and toward the ceiling. A support structure may support the light projector. The support structure may be spaced from a vertical extension of the predetermined position, unobstructive of vertical access to the bin.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and systems of optimizing plant growth where the quantity and quality of ambient light received by a plant is measured, the difference between the measured ambient light and an optimized target spectral irradiance is determined, and a light source is adjusted to provide supplemental light in a quantity and quality to achieve the target spectral irradiance. A light source may include a plurality of LEDs, configured to have a combined output which is adjustable for frequency and intensity and a radiometer for measuring ambient light. The light source further includes a control system which receives the output of the radiometer, determines the difference between the ambient spectral irradiance and a target spectral irradiance, and causes the plurality of LEDs to emit supplemental light substantially equal to the difference. A lighting system may include separate light sources and radiometers for different zones, allowing for separate and customized control for each zone.

Abstract: The invention herein discloses a traffic barrier having a wall portion and a base, said wall portion configured to attach an interchangeable framework, which has thereon a cover containing at least one of an artificial that is synthetic representation of a living organism, or a live plant of the kind exemplified by flowers, trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses, ferns, and mosses, to improve the aesthetic appeal of the barrier, at least one utilitarian object to further the visibility of the barrier to oncoming traffic, and at least one object to improve the preservation of the barrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and system for transporting a length of growth medium cut into pieces of suitable size into a propagation tray.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to novel systems, materials and methods for aseptic production of fungi on a large scale. In particular, the subject invention provides systems, materials and methods for producing endomycorrhizal fungal propagules, including spores and hyphal mycelium, using a two-stratum system supplemented with plant hormones and other natural growth stimulators.

Abstract: A valve control assembly for a watering system including a decoder unit and provided with valve control outputs, a solenoid releasably attachable to a valve. The decoder unit is arranged in a substantially cylindrical shaped decoder body having a central axis. The solenoid is arranged in a substantially cylindrical solenoid housing. The decoder body and the solenoid housing are releasably attachable together so that in attached position their axes fall in the same line and their edges along which they are united have respective conforming recesses that are fitted together and prevent angular displacement. In the interior of the decoder body and the solenoid housing in the connection zone a hollow space is defined. Control wires connect the decoder unit, with the solenoid are placed in the hollow space. The control wires having a length to permit dis-assembly and replacement of any of the decoder unit and the solenoid.

Abstract: An aerification system for controlling moisture content and gas exchange below a surface of one or more plant growing areas includes at least first and second sub-systems installed below the surface of the one or more plant growing areas. The first and second sub-systems each having a water permeable layer overlying a respective water impermeable layer, where the water impermeable layer defines a respective boundary of each of the first and second sub-systems. The system also includes at least one conduit connecting the water permeable layer of the first sub-system to the water permeable layer of the second sub-system, and at least one pumping system for pumping water therebetween. The pumping system is configured to alternate between pumping water to the first sub-system and the second sub-system in order to periodically raise and lower a water level in the water permeable layer of each of the first and second sub-systems.

Abstract: A plant cultivating apparatus may comprise a cultivating unit, a plurality of cultivating cups, a nutrient bucket, a motor, a temperature adjusting unit, a temperature and humidity sensor, and a control unit. The control unit, which is electrically connected to the motor, the temperature adjusting unit and the sensor, is configured to receive environmental data such as temperature and humidity from the sensor and to turn on/off the motor or/and the temperature adjusting unit according to the received data.

Abstract: The present invention includes a modular aeroponic garden system for growing plants. Through circulating an atomized fluid, nutrients and air through a conduit circuit the modular aeroponic garden system provides a closed-loop aeroponic system for growing plants. The closed-loop configuration allows the user to better control the internal environmental conditions of the modular aeroponic garden system, therein facilitating improved plant growth. Modular sections of conduit and modular joints allow the user to customize the aeroponic garden system to unique spaces and grow a variable quantity of plants. In doing so, the closed-loop system reduces time spent on maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of the plants grown within the modular aeroponic garden system and the system itself while better conserving resources such as water, electricity, and nutrients than comparable open-loop systems.

Abstract: Pelagic, surface floating, macroalga, Sargassum is harvested at large scale from a free-roaming farm floating freely on the ocean surface, monitored and tracked with GPS drifters and contained only by naturally occurring circular currents known as eddies or gyres, without aquaculture equipment. The farming technique occurs in open ocean through the utilization of system design and technology. Satellite imagery is interpreted to locate naturally occurring Sargassum aggregations or mats. Harvest vessel(s) travel to an identified mat, where only a portion of the natural mat is harvested as starter culture for a free-roaming farm. Cuttings are left behind to become new plants to restore the “mother mat” for no net loss of habitat and for migration for cohabitating organisms. The remainder of the biomass is transported to the identified free-roaming farm site which is in a suitable Eddie. GPS drifters are adhered with seedlings until the crop is ready for harvest.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to selectively growing microalgae of a size suitable for the culturing of planktivorous finfish such as sardines, menhaden, herring, anchovy or shellfish such as oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and sessile invertebrates such as sponges, coral, sea jellies, and other Cnidaria, or sedentary polychaete or bristle worms. A nitrogen to phosphorous content ratio of a nutrient medium may be measured. Nitrogen and/or phosphorous may be added to adjust the nitrogen to phosphorous content ratio in the nutrient medium to a ratio of 100:1 or higher. Microalgae may be grown in the adjusted nutrient medium. The environment may be controlled to produce microalgae with a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR5800TJ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR5800TJ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV2756TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV2756TM and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV1131TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV1131TD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns triploid hybrid watermelon plants characterized by a tolerance to powdery mildew (PM) and capable of producing seedless fruits with a total soluble solid (TSS) in the range of 10% to 13%, and a red fruit flesh. In some embodiments, the triploid plants are resistant to at least one of PM1 and PM2 races. The present disclosure also concerns seeds of said triploid watermelon plant, and any progeny of such plant. Further provided by the present disclosure is a diploid watermelon line having tolerance to PM and being capable of pollinating a tetraploid watermelon to produce a triploid hybrid, as well as the tetraploid watermelon and methods of producing said triploid plant from said diploid and tetraploid plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R336B3XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R336B3XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R336B3XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R336B3XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco Nic1b locus and associated genes (e.g., a group of ERF genes). Also provided are tobacco plants with altered total alkaloid and nicotine levels and commercially acceptable leaf grade, their development via breeding or transgenic approaches, and production of tobacco products from these tobacco plants. Further provided are compositions and methods for producing tobacco plants having novel mutations or alleles to reduce nicotine levels. Further provided are sequence polymorphisms and molecular markers for breeding tobacco with reduced nicotine or alkaloids while maintaining tobacco leaf grade and tobacco product quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed of hybrid tomato variety 72-008 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant of the hybrid tomato variety produced by growing the 72-008 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by hybrid tomato variety 72-008 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention therefore provides a modular system for constraining milk flow in a pressure-dependent and/or controlled manner. Due to the modular concept, the required properties of the device can be adjusted in an efficient manner. For example, it is possible to adapt the connection to a milk line, i.e., the geometry of the connection arrangement, specifically to the existing conditions of the milking stall and the milking system. The pressure-dependent constraining when milking can be adjusted specifically for a single teat or in pairs for two teats by using a respective module component. If necessary, adjustment of the range for reliable switching can be performed by selecting suitable spring components and/or by adapting the flow resistance. The flow resistance is adjustable by using a suitable connection arrangement and/or by exchanging a modular flow body.

Abstract: A system for receiving, maintaining and disposing of waste from domesticated animals has an upper section formed of sheet material that defines an inner volume for holding and receiving litter and a bottom section that operates to support the upper section. The lower section includes an opening for access to inner volume of the lower section. A plate may be inserted in an opening between the inner volume of the upper section and the inner volume of the lower section, to form a bottom and lower boundary of the inner volume of the upper section. Upon removing the plate, any litter, waste and other debris present in the inner volume of the top section falls or drops into the inner volume of the bottom section.

Abstract: A waste cartridge in combination with a waste machine or apparatus that maintains waste pads for a pet owner, automatically or manually by removing and sealing soiled pads and waste and then replacing the soiled pad with a clean pad on a pet bed of the machine. The apparatus senses when a pet is using a waste pad portion and when the pet is finished, the machine takes up the soiled portion of the pad and removes and seals the soiled portion of the pad roll and the waste automatically, moving the pad into a repository for later removal and disposal of the waste cartridge when the pad roll is used up and then replacing removed pad with a new waste cartridge. The waste cartridge is comprised of a pad roll and a take-up rod attached to one end of the pad by any means such as a clip, slot or adhesive on the take-up rod.

Abstract: A disposable kitty litter box is provided. The disposable kitty litter box includes a base portion and a plurality of layer portions each including a plurality of apertures. In an assembled configuration, the plurality of apertures of each layer portion of the plurality of layer portions are offset from each other to keep kitty litter from passing between a plurality of apertures of a top layer portion.

Abstract: Scraper (10) for an endless and moving animal retention floor provided with slip-reducing means (52) in the form of elevations (52) from the base surface (51) of the animal retention floor (11). The scraper (10) is formed with elastic tongues (21), each one of which is fixed to a base part (22) and which extend out from the base part (22) and are terminated with a free end (23). The scraper (10) is fitted in relation to the moving animal retention floor (11) so that the free ends (23) of the tongues (21) connect both against the base surface (51) of the animal retention floor and against the elevations (52) thereof for a scraping function in the motion of the animal retention floor (11). Floor having such a scraper and an animal retention facility having such a floor.

Abstract: A method of observing the complete lifecycles of living creatures. A portable enclosure is created to match the best environment needed for any life-form to flourish. This enclosure contains lights, video cameras and colorful background scenes to record the lifecycle of the living creature. The video and still photography is then transmitted by WIFI to a smart phone, tablet or computer for review. A method of creating an adjustable opening dimension for bird enclosures for attracting different species of birds to the enclosure. A method of observing complete lifecycles of non-living material and living tissue going through changes due to chemical and temperature alterations or living tissue additions. A portable enclosure is created to match the best environment needed for a material and living tissue observation as the material and living tissue undergoes intentional changes. This enclosure contains lights and video cameras to record the lifecycle of the material or living tissue changes.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure can include a multilayer static housing system for preventing the ingress of microorganisms therein. The housing system can include a static outer housing unit and at least one static inner housing unit nested completely inside of the outer housing unit. Airflow through the housing system can be driven passively by the chimney effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are housings, systems, kits and methods for reducing aggression among rodents. A laboratory rodent housing may have, for example, a common milieu area and one or more segregated individual nesting areas.

Abstract: A bed foldable between an open position and a closed position includes a case having a first side and a second side. Each side has at least one sidewall defining a bedding receptacle. The sidewall of the first side and the sidewall of the second side are connected via a hinge having a hinge axis located at a position between the sidewall of the first side and the sidewall of the second side. In the open position, an outer surface of the sidewall of the first side faces an outer surface of the sidewall of the second side. The bed further includes a mattress assembly having a top surface and two downwardly extending cushions, each of the two downwardly extending cushions shaped to correspond to the bedding receptacle of one of the first side and the second side of the case.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for allowing an animal to eat and/or drink from a position at which the animal's spine and/or esophagus is aligned includes a first section that provides a feeding surface from which an animal may eat and/or drink, the feeding surface being oriented at an angle relative to the surface on which the feeding apparatus is placed to prevent the animal from looking down and/or to cause the animal to tilt its head back when eating and/or drinking from feeding apparatus. The feeding apparatus further includes a second section that provides a paw surface oriented generally parallel to the surface on which the feeding apparatus is placed and located below the feeding surface. The paw surface provides a surface on which an animal may place its front feet when eating and/or drinking from the feeding surface. The first section and the second section are formed from the same piece of material.

Abstract: A smart pet toy capable of automatically rolling to leak food, including a chamber, where the chamber is in a ball shape or a cylindrical shape and is internally provided with a mechanism; the mechanism is internally provided with a driving apparatus, and the driving apparatus is connected to the chamber by using a drive rod, so that the mechanism can drive the chamber to roll; the chamber is internally provided with an annular storage area, and the wall of the chamber is provided with food leakage windows in communication with the storage area, so that pet food in the storage area leaks out through the food leakage windows. The toy can be flexibly controlled manually or by a remote controller to roll and leak food as required.