Abstract: Farming tool systems are described. In some embodiments, the farming tool includes a handle shaft and a farming tool that detachably connects to the handle shaft via a locking bit and a locking port that includes a socket. In some embodiments, a multi-head attachment is provided that may include one or more farming tools that slide laterally along a rail (perpendicular to the shaft length) and another farming tool that does not slide along the rail. In some embodiments, the farming tool(s) is a hoe. The farming tool(s) may be in the form of a wire that includes flat portions located inside a crimp to prevent the wire from rotating within the crimp and a forward portion that may be, for example, generally triangular in shape.

Abstract: An electric tractor including one or more all-electric bidirectional force exerting three-point hitch assemblies for lifting and lowering farm tool implements in level relationship to the ground regardless of the elevation of lift applied to the implement. The front, middle and rear three-point hitch assemblies are each operated using linear actuators. The hitches may be coupled with battery boxes to provide power and to counterbalance attached farm implements. Each of the described three-point hitch assemblies (including embodiments for front, middle and rear positions) may be operated through manipulation of electric controls. Electronic components include controller, displays, panels, wiring harnesses, linear actuators, joy sticks, lighting, switches, gauges, electric battery management system for managing one or more power sources, and processing modules and memory for controlling hitch movement and implements.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided for a planter row unit and resides at the forward end of the row unit beneath the tool bar. The assembly includes a bracket assembly connected to the row unit, with a ground engaging tool removably mounted on the bracket assembly for movement between raised and lowered positions. A linear actuator controls the position of the tool. The tool may also include a depth control mechanism. Different tools can be interchanged on the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a tank of an agricultural air distribution system includes an air source configured to supply pressurized air and a plenum having an inlet fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to receive a flow of pressurized air. The plenum includes a face element positioned opposite from the inlet relative to a direction of flow of the pressurized air through the plenum. Moreover, the face element includes a pressurization port configured to direct the flow of pressurized air to the tank and at least one outlet port configured to couple to at least one hose to supply the pressurized air to an agricultural implement.

Abstract: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for monitoring seed meter operation may include operating a seed meter such that seeds are transported by a seed transport member of the seed meter from a seed acquisition region to a separate location for subsequent discharge from the seed meter. In addition, the method may include receiving an index signal from a sensor located within a portion of the seed meter across which an air pressure differential exists to allow seeds to be transported by the seed transport member and receiving a timing signal associated with an extent to which the seed transport member has been rotated within the seed meter following receipt of the index signal. The method may also include evaluating data from the sensor based on the timing signal to identify at least one of the presence or absence of a seed within the one or more seeds cells of the seed transport member.

Abstract: A cutting blade for vegetation is provided for example for use in a straw chopper or rotary mower. The blade includes a first base material and a plurality of hard surface beads of at least two different materials formed on at least one surface of the base material extending up to a cutting edge of the base material wherein the plurality of hard surface beads lie alternately side by side with touching side edges and one contains at least one different material of a different hardness relative to the other so that differential wear rates are created, and a wear profile is controlled. The softer material is burnt away at the edge by the cladding laser to form pockets so that the blade is serrated by the pockets when supplied with additional wear increasing the pockets to maintain the serrations.

Abstract: A movement system for farming machinery includes a transmission box inserted in the rotation group which, due to the action of a rigid arm, causes a lateral translation movement and, due the action of the rotation group, a rotation movement of the functional head around the center of rotation. The rotation group is positioned with respect to the functional head to translate along the trajectory. The functional head is arranged in a collapsed configuration so the functional head is situated within the overall road size determined by the tractor; and to assume a translated configuration, in which the functional head is situated outside the overall road form of the tractor; the rotation movement allows full rotations of 360° of the functional head due to the coincidence of the center of rotation with the axis of rotation of the transmission box.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a chassis carrying a header for gathering a crop. The header is removably attached to a feeder housing for feeding the crop into the agricultural harvester to be processed. A threshing and separating system is connected to the feeder housing for separating grain from Material Other than Grain (MOG). A grain cleaning system is connected to the threshing and separating system for further cleaning the separated grain. The grain cleaning system has at least one sieve operable to oscillate fore and aft and a side shaker mechanism operable to produce a side to side shaking motion in the at least one sieve. A control system is connected to the side shaker mechanism and operable to automatically proportionately increase an amount of the side to side shaking motion as a function of an amount and type of crop being processed.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting seeds or insects includes a mechanical compressor, a seed removal device, and an air curtain for directing seeds into troughs below the seed removal device.

Abstract: A berry harvester provides flexible cushioned elements and surfaces to limit bruising of the fruit harvested. A chassis defines a picking tunnel that passes over rows of plants. A picking system removes fruit from the plants as the harvester moves along the rows. A catching system configured to receive fruit removed from the plants. The catching system includes resilient catch assemblies on each side of the picking tunnel, each of the catch assemblies at least partially overlapping adjacent catch assemblies. Each of the catch assemblies has an upper surface oriented orthogonally to horizontal and flex upon impact by falling fruit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for picking up and collecting plant matter, in particular plant embryos. To pick up the plant matter, a pick-up unit is used that is mounted to a robotic arm. According to the invention, two separate imaging steps are performed at two different positions of the pick-up unit. The first imaging step is performed to identify an isolated piece of plant matter. The second imaging step is performed when the pick-up unit is at a confirming position and enables a verification of whether a piece of plant matter has been picked up or not. The confirming position is in between the position of the pick-up unit for picking up plant matter and the position for depositing plant matter in suitable receptacles.

Abstract: A system for wrapping a material around a bale in a baler includes a feed system to direct the material through a feed path. A knife mechanism with a fixed knife and a counter-knife alternately cuts the material, and moves out of the feed path for feed of the material. The feed system includes a roll element configured to direct the material between the fixed knife and the counter-knife when the counter-knife is moved out of the feed path. A cylindrical brush rotates freely and is disposed between the roll element and the knife mechanism, the brush having a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A shredding and baling apparatus provided includes a shredding assembly operatively connected to a baling assembly via a conveyor. A rotatable drum with cutting teeth spirally arranged along the drum is preferably centered within a lower portion of an intake hopper for cutting through material as it is fed into the hopper. Fixed cutting teeth are preferably arranged in a row or rows along each of the longitudinal sidewalls of the hopper, adjacent the cutting drum. A touch screen display and computer may be used in combination with sensors to monitor and control the shredding and baling operation, and a hydraulic system is used to drive the components. The shredding and baling assembly is preferably designed in an industrial size to handle high volumes of material and may be driven or transported from one location to another.

Abstract: A harvesting machine including a frame, a rotor assembly rotatably coupled to the frame configured to move crop material, and a plurality of knives movably attached to the harvesting machine. The rotor assembly includes a plurality of spaced apart rotating blades, wherein one or more of the plurality of knives extends into the spaces between the blades. Each of the plurality of knives includes a knife body and a cutting edge having a plurality of teeth, wherein each of the teeth includes a scallop or valley. Each one of the plurality of valleys extends from the knife body to the leading edge of one of the plurality of teeth, wherein adjacent valleys are located on opposite sides of the knife body. The valleys are lined with a wear resistant material to increase the longevity of the cutting edge and cutting ability.

Abstract: An organic material and plant vine chopper assembly has two plant vine chopper rotor drum assemblies that chop plant vines and other organic material. Each rotor drum assembly has a plurality of rotor rings each ring having a plurality of angled blades that effectively cooperate with each other to guard each blade and the drum against the wrapping of clogging fibrous strands and other clogging material around the drum. Each chopper rotor drum assembly incorporates a plurality of rotor rings spaced along and encircling and attached to a main drum tube and distributed in a cutting zone along and surrounding the longitudinal rotational axis of the drum tube with each rotor ring having a pair or a plurality of pairs of cutting blades attached to respective alternately angled mounting tabs that alternate to the left and to the right to the general plane of the rotor ring.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ecological environmentally-friendly flowerpot for disposing garbage, including an outer liner and an inner liner, wherein the inner liner is sleeved inside the outer liner, the inner liner is fixed to the inner wall of the outer liner by a plurality of connecting poles, and a sandwich layer for growing plants is formed between the inner liner and the outer liner; and the side wall of the inner liner is provided with a plurality of meshes, and the inner liner is in communication with the bottom of the outer liner. The flowerpot of the present invention can save water resources, is beneficial to garbage decomposition, and also facilitates plants in absorbing nutrients, thereby being more ecological environmentally-friendly.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes providing a first movable assembly that is movable between a first location and a second location of a structure, providing a second movable assembly that is movable between a third location and a fourth location of the structure, and disposing a first growth material in the first movable assembly and a second growth material in the second movable assembly. The method also includes illuminating the first growth material from a first position at the first location at a first time and from a second position at the second location at a second time, and illuminating the second growth material from a third position at the third location at the first time and from a fourth position at the fourth location at the second time.

Abstract: A method to stimulate tree sap self-ejection from a tree through a plurality of spouts by wrapping a tree with a metal liner and a flexible tube, adding an insulation shell then heating or chilling a portion of a tree trunk by flowing heated or chilled a freeze resistant fluid through the flexible tube. At least one fluid pump, heat exchanger and controller are used to modulate temperature based on forest information and weather historical information to create a more efficient sap collection and processing method.

Abstract: A system to stimulate tree sap self-ejection from a tree through a plurality of spouts by heating or chilling a portion of a tree trunk. The system can include a metal liner and at least one flexible tube wrapped around the metal liner containing a freeze resistant fluid, a shell encapsulates the flexible tube and metal liner around the tree. At least one fluid pump, heat exchanger and controller form the sap self-ejection system which can include one or more sources to heat or chill freeze resistant fluid, creating a system for more efficient sap collection and processing.

Abstract: An emitter includes a water intake part, a pressure-reducing flow path part, a first flow-rate adjusting part, a second flow-rate adjusting part, and a discharge part. The first flow-rate adjusting part includes a first valve seat, a first communication hole, a first diaphragm part, and a valve body. The valve body is disposed between the first diaphragm part and an opening of the first communication hole. The valve body moves toward the first communication hole as the first diaphragm part approaches the first valve seat. The shape of the valve body is such that, when the traveling distance of the valve body is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the gap decreases as the valve body moves and such that, when the traveling distance of the valve body exceeds the predetermined value, the gap increases as the valve body moves.

Abstract: An irrigation device for facilitating growth of a plant includes a mat that is air and water permeable and has an opening through which a plant extends. A drip tube is disposed within the mat between upper and lower surfaces thereof. The drip tube has an open end connectable to a water source, and a series of apertures or emitters along the length thereof permitting water to exit the drip tube and through the lower surface of the mat to the ground surrounding the plant.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a plurality of mobile support towers driven my motors; a fluid-carrying conduit supported by the mobile towers; a number of water-emitters connected to the conduit; one or more valves which can be opened or closed to control fluid flow through the water emitters; and a control system. The control system controls the speed of the mobile towers and the flow of water through the water emitters in accordance with one or more irrigation scheduling plans. The control system also receives crop growth data from one or more sensors and aerial image data from one or more remote imaging systems and detects significant crop events from the data and improves irrigation scheduling in response to such detections.

Abstract: In order to further improve a climatically sealed climate cell for cultivating plants in indoor spaces so that contaminants of any type contained in the water supply or in the nutrient solution do not lead to disease in the roots or in the plant, it is proposed that a substrate that is disposed in the accommodation area (12) of a container (10) by means of at least one fixing means is temporarily or permanently fastened to the frame (14).

Abstract: A horticultural raft includes a raft body, at least one top cavity, and a group of mid cavities. The top cavity includes an upper face defining a first projected area and a lower face defining a second projected area substantially equal to or less than the first projected area. The upper face provides a seeding pattern having one or two degrees of freedom in a growing medium disposed in the top cavity. Each mid cavity has an upper face defining a third projected area that is entirely contained within the second projected area. The mid cavities are configured to contribute to buoyancy of the floating horticultural raft, allow germinants in the growing medium to communicate via capillary action with a nutrient solution when the raft is floating in the nutrient solution, and mitigate hyperhydration and asphyxiation at respective root-stem junctions of the germinants.

Abstract: A novel hybrid squash plant, designated Macaria is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of squash hybrid Macaria, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid squash Macaria, and to methods for producing a squash plant by crossing the hybrid squash Macaria with itself or another squash plant.

Abstract: A novel hybrid squash plant, designated Chabela is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of squash hybrid Chabela, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid squash Chabela, and to methods for producing a squash plant by crossing the hybrid squash Chabela with itself or another squash plant.

Abstract: A seed imaging system for imaging seeds includes a seed transfer station configured to move seeds through the system. An imaging assembly includes a first camera mounted relative to the seed transfer station and configured to acquire images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. A second camera is mounted relative to the seed transfer station and is configured to acquire images of the seeds as the seeds move through the system. The second camera has an imaging modality different from an imaging modality of the first camera. First and second cameras may be disposed above and below the seed transfer stations, such as a transparent belt.

Abstract: A New Guinea Impatiens plant designated SAKIMP055 is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP055, plants of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP055, to plant parts of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP055, and methods for producing an impatiens plant produced by crossing New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP055 with itself or with another impatiens variety. Embodiments include methods for producing an impatiens plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and transgenic impatiens plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to impatiens varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP055, methods for producing other impatiens lines or plant parts derived from New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP055, and the impatiens plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct watermelon variety NUN 31609 WMW, as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 31609 WMW is a seedless, crimson sweet type triploid watermelon variety, comprising resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f sp. niveum Race 1, and Colletotrichum orbiculare Race 1.

Abstract: A teat treatment apparatus comprising a tubular outer housing containing a tubular inner shell. The tubular inner shell includes a side wall defining a teat treatment cavity, including a central side wall portion. An inlet port extends through a side wall of the tubular outer housing and is in fluid communication with an annular cavity formed by the inner side surface of the tubular housing and an upper annular ridge, recessed central side surface, and lower annular ridge of the side wall of the tubular inner shell. Orifices are provided in the central side wall portion of the tubular inner shell. Each of the orifices is in fluid communication with the annular cavity and the treatment cavity, and each of the orifices defines an orifice axis directed at an oblique angle with respect to the central axis of the treatment cavity and downwardly with respect to the treatment cavity plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mechanical frozen butter heater (40), a frozen butter reworking line (2) and a method of reworking frozen butter which are particular in being able to rework frozen butter without the butter having to be cut into chips prior to entry into the mechanical frozen butter heater (40), or the frozen butter reworking line (2) or used in the method of reworking frozen butter according to the invention.

Abstract: A catch drawer litter box for the recovery of litter and prevention of unwanted dispersal outside of a litter box. The catch drawer litter box generally includes a base and a cover. The base generally comprises a recovery region, a litter region, and a base divider separating these two regions. The litter region generally comprises a litter container configured for the receipt of litter comprising litter particles. Recovery region generally comprises a grate with openings large enough to allow passage of litter particles and a recovery drawer configured for removable deposition within the recovery region via an opening in the base. The recovery drawer is configured to receive at least a portion of the particles of litter that may pass through the openings in the grate.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a container for, in use, containing food for an animal. The container has a side wall through which a slot is defined, the slot extending between closed upper and lower ends of the slot. In use, a feeding restrictor rests on top of the food in the container. A retaining element is positioned outside the container and is movably engageable with an outer portion or surface of the container side wall. The feeding restrictor is coupled to the retaining element before the animal starts to feed, and moves downwardly, guided by the slot, as the animal eats the food. The feeding restrictor can then be uncoupled from the retaining element after the food is eaten, and withdrawn from the container to allow further food to be placed in the container.

Abstract: A feeding device including a base with at least one leg extending downwardly from the base to support the base above a surface; a feeding chamber defined in the base; and a plurality of obstructions extending upwardly into the feeding chamber. A removable liner may be nestingly engaged with the base. The liner may include a second feeding chamber and the plurality of obstructions extending upwardly into the second feeding chamber. The method of feeding an animal may include arranging pieces of food within a feeding chamber according to a random distribution pattern; placing the feeding chamber within reach of an animal to be fed; and obstructing the animal from simultaneously locating all pieces of food within the feeding chamber while feeding using obstructions arranged in a pattern.

Abstract: A double diner pet food bowl assembly may include first and second dog bowls, and a base portion. The base portion may include first and second opposing ends, and a medial portion separating the first and second opposing ends. Each of the first and second opposing ends may define a receptacle configured to respectively receive the first and second dog bowls. The base portion may have an anti-skid feature on a bottom surface of the base portion and extending between the first and second first opposing ends.

Abstract: A gravity animal feeder apparatus is provided that can be quickly and easily setup without assistance. The feeder apparatus comprises a roll top closure that may or may not contain a malleable material to allow the closure to remain in the open position as adjusted by the user for filling. The feeder's gravity design allows use of many formats of feed types to be used individually or simultaneously.

Abstract: The present specification relates to apparatus, methods and kits for applying an identification tag to an animal and removing a tissue sample from the animal. Apparatus of the disclosure cannot be manipulated to transfer an identification tag from one animal to another. An apparatus can comprise a sample container, a flap, a downholder clip and a cutting element that can be placed on a male part of an ear-tag and at least one element/feature that supports movement of the sample container out of the movement path of the male tag toward the female part of the ear-tag.

Abstract: A protective cover for an animal hoof is provided that includes a sheet having a first side, a second side, and an exterior edge surrounding an interior area of the sheet. The exterior edge includes a plurality of slits extending from the exterior edge to the interior area of the sheet, and flaps of the sheet between each of the plurality of slits. The first side has an adhesive material and the second side has a textured surface. The protective cover may be applied by providing the protective cover; removing the film from the adhesive material; applying the first side with the adhesive material to a center of a bottom of the animal hoof; folding the flaps of the sheet between each of the plurality of slits; and pressing the protective cover against the animal hoof toe, heel, and sidewalls.

Abstract: A canine trail boot has a molded sole with raised lugs that divide the sole into individual pad cups that each receive a single pad from a dog foot. Independent movement between adjacent pad cups better replicates a dog's pad movement. The molded sole may include a toe having unidirectional treads, a tail having a combination of treads that also receive and retain straps, and a cushioning pad that protrudes into and engages with an indentation on a dog's paw to retain a boot securely. The sole interior may be layered with insoles that provide puncture resistance, heat isolation or reflection, and other custom interior features, or a liner may be provided that may also further incorporate the raised cushioning pad. The cushioning pad may be longitudinally adjustable within the boot interior, to tailor the cushioning pad to the ideal position to engage with a dog's metatarsal or metacarpal pad.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a pet collar that can be configured to determine its geolocational position and evaluate that position with respect to the geo-fence of a predetermined, geo-fenced “safe” zone. If the collar determines that its position is inside a safe zone but is near the geo-fence, the collar may be configured to provide a warning correction. If the collar determines that it is outside a predetermined safe zone, the collar can also be configured to provide a stronger correction to discourage the pet from continuing away from the safe zone. The collar may also be configured to guide the pet back to the safe zone such as by varying the strength and/or type of correction provided based at least in part on the distance of the collar from the geo-fence.

Abstract: A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws.

Abstract: A fish tank includes a first water chamber for providing living space for fish; a second water chamber in fluid connection with the first water chamber with a grating therebetween. The openings of the grating are sized to keep the first water chamber and the second water chamber fluidly connected but prevent fish or other aquatic animals from entering the second water chamber. In an embodiment, a one-way valve allows water to flow out of the second water chamber and prevents water from flowing back into the first water chamber. A removable syringe with a plunger, a barrel and an orifice is provided such that when the orifice is connected to the one-way valve means and the plunger is pulled out of the barrel, water in the second water chamber flows into the barrel of the removable syringe through the one-way valve means.

Abstract: Provided are a psoriasis-induced transgenic animal model overexpressing the Pellino homolog 1 (Peli1) gene according to doxycycline administration, and a use thereof. The transgenic animal model of the present disclosure exhibited similarity to phenotypes shown in patients with psoriasis, due to overexpression of the Pellino homolog 1 (Peli1) gene according to doxycycline administration. It is anticipated that the transgenic animal model may be usefully used in clinical studies, such as screening for a candidate drug for the treatment of psoriasis. Additionally, it is anticipated that a peptide derived from the Peli1 FHA domain targeting the FHA binding motif that inhibits normal substrate binding between a substrate protein and the Peli1 protein may be usefully used in the development of new drugs for psoriasis-associated diseases. Moreover, by confirming an expression level of the Peli1 protein, it is anticipated to be usefully used in evaluating the severity of patients with psoriasis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to genetically modified animal expressing human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1, PDL1, or B7-H1), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to improve the process of farming insects, such as crickets. Systems are provided to provide drinking water to insects and disinfect and clean insect water sources. Systems are provided used to predict insect maturity and perform farming actions. Systems are provided to provide clean insect living spaces. Systems are provided for the easy counting of insects for harvesting or invest eggs for hatching. Systems are provided to improve the health of farmed insects. Methods and systems are provided to improve the process of farming insects, such as crickets. Systems are provided to provide drinking water to insects and maintain the cleanliness of water sources. Systems are provided to provide clean insect living spaces. Systems are provided to improve the health of farmed insects. Systems methods are provided as harvesting systems and methods to sort and to help insects self sort as to live and/or healthy insects.

Abstract: Improved molluscan shellfish in diploid, tetraploid and triploid forms are provided. Also provided are methods for improving molluscan shellfish through progressive rotational crossbreeding and/or coalesced interploidy breeding.

Abstract: A fish retrieval assembly for lifting a fish out of an ice fishing hole includes a handle for gripping. The handle is elongated such that the handle is extendable downwardly through the ice fishing hole. A scoop is pivotally coupled to the handle and the scoop is positionable in a first position having the scoop being oriented co-linear with the handle. Thus, the scoop may be extended through the ice fishing hole without closing off the ice fishing hole. The scoop is positionable in a second position having the scoop being oriented perpendicular to the handle for lifting a fish upwardly through the ice fishing hole. A trigger is movably coupled between the handle and the scoop to urge the scoop between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A fishing line management device, including a body defining a passage therethrough, the body defining a first attachment point, a second attachment point, and first and second wings extending therefrom; a substantially triangular keel disposed within the passage; and a rudder movably coupled to the body.

Abstract: A minnow holding assembly includes a tubular member having a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. Each of the first and second ends is open. The tubular member includes a first portion including the first end and a second portion including the second end. The perimeter wall of the first portion has a plurality of elongated slits therein extending into the first end and toward the second portion. The slits expose portions of a minnow held within the tubular member such that a hook can extend through the slits and through the minnow.