Abstract: A hoe-like excavation tool having an elongated handle, and a hoe plate mounted to one end of the handle, perpendicular to the handle and offset from the axis of the handle. The plate has a sharp working edge, and a plurality of teeth extending outward from the edge.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a method for maintaining a desired amount of residue coverage in a field during a tillage operation. The method includes generating, with a computing device, an available residue map that includes an amount of available residue at each location of the field using a yield map and/or crop biomass. The method also includes generating, with the computing device, a desired residue coverage map that includes a desired amount of residue coverage for each location within the field. Further, the method includes determining, with the computing device, an amount of residue that needs to be incorporated into the surface of the field based on the available residue map and the desired residue coverage map.

Abstract: Optional attachments, such as a drop seeder and a sprayer unit, can be removably attached to the front plate of a turf aerator. The attachment includes a hitch slideably received in a tubular receiver and pinned therein by a pin. A lock is pivotal relative to the attachment from an unlocked position to a locked position with the front plate received in slots of the lock. The lock is pivoted relative to the attachment by a rod which is threadably received in the hitch. Valve openings in a valve plate are aligned or mis-aligned with lower openings formed in a hopper mounted to the hitch by a linear electric actuator. A lever is pivotably mounted to a housing which is removably attached to the chassis of the turf aerator and activates the linear electric actuator and a switch controlling an agitator. A valve is alternately in fluid communication with a spray nozzle mounted relative to the hitch and a spray wand.

Abstract: An apparatus, which may be a tillage apparatus, is disclosed that may have a flexible frame. The frame may be made from open members. The frame may support ground engagers and may be supported on wheel assemblies. The ground engagers may be connected to a spring trip mechanism. The ground engagers may be mounted to open members of the frame with a clamping style mechanism. The clamp mechanism may include wedge devices. The frame may be lowered and raised relative to wheels of the wheel assemblies with a lift mechanism. One row of ground engagers may be raised or lowered relative to the frame independent of another row of ground engagers. An anti-skid or skew control system may be employed in association with the independent height adjustment of one row of ground engagers. A system may be provided to maintain and control the height of a tow hitch forming part of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, which may be a tillage apparatus, is disclosed that may have a flexible frame. The frame may be made from open members. The frame may support ground engagers and may be supported on wheel assemblies. The ground engagers may be connected to a spring trip mechanism. The ground engagers may be mounted to open members of the frame with a clamping style mechanism. The clamp mechanism may include wedge devices. The frame may be lowered and raised relative to wheels of the wheel assemblies with a lift mechanism. One row of ground engagers may be raised or lowered relative to the frame independent of another row of ground engagers. An anti-skid or skew control system may be employed in association with the independent height adjustment of one row of ground engagers. A system may be provided to maintain and control the height of a tow hitch forming part of the apparatus.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use with a quick coupler. The actuator assembly includes a manual actuator assembly, a control rod coupled to the manual actuator assembly, and a remote actuator assembly coupled to the control rod. The manual actuator assembly is configured to be hand actuated from outside of the quick part coupler, and configured to move the latching assembly from a locked position to an unlocked position via the control rod. The remote actuator assembly is configured to be remotely actuated from outside of the quick coupler, and configured to move the latching assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position via the control rod.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring an orientation of an agricultural implement during an agricultural operation is disclosed. The system may include a work vehicle and an agricultural implement coupled to the work vehicle and configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The system may include a vision-based sensor coupled to the work vehicle and a controller communicatively coupled to the vision-based sensor. The controller may include a processor and associated memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the controller to receive image data from the vision-based sensor; determine an orientation parameter based on the received image data; and initiate a corrective action based on the orientation parameter of the agricultural implement while the agricultural implement is being towed by the work vehicle. The orientation parameter may describe an orientation of the agricultural implement relative to the work vehicle.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement including a main chassis member, a moveable arm for carrying at least one working implement located to each side of the main chassis member, each moveable arm being moveable between a working position and a transport position, the main chassis member having a support device for attachment to a towing vehicle, the support device having left and right lower attachment points for attaching to lower mounting points of a three point hitch of a towing vehicle and a central upper attachment point for attaching to the upper mounting point of the three point hitch, in which each left and right attachment point is mounted on an articulated arm connected to the main chassis member, the main chassis member further including a regulating control apparatus to secure and release a free end of each articulated arm in an operative position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for reducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillage implement is disclosed. The tillage implement may include a frame including a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. The tillage implement may include a plurality of ground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame. The method may include pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame may be disposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface before pivoting. After pivoting, the frame may be lowered to a transport height relative to the ground surface. At least one wing frame section may be folded relative to the center frame section from an operating position to a transport position to reduce a width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for reducing an overall transport profile of a multi-section tillage implement is disclosed. The tillage implement may include a frame including a center frame section and at least one wing frame section. The tillage implement may include a plurality of ground-engaging tools pivotally mounted to the frame. The method may include pivoting each of the plurality of ground-engaging tools away from the ground surface from a ground-engaging position to a retracted position. The frame may be disposed at an initial height relative to the ground surface before pivoting. After pivoting, the frame may be lowered to a transport height relative to the ground surface. At least one wing frame section may be folded relative to the center frame section from an operating position to a transport position to reduce a width of the tillage implement in the widthwise direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for estimating field conditions may include an agricultural machine having a tire configured to engage soil within a field. The system may also include an image capture device configured to capture one or more images of the tire as the agricultural machine is moved across the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the image capture device. As such, the controller may be configured to estimate a parameter associated with a soil condition of the soil within the field based on the one or more images captured by the image capture device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a work vehicle towing an agricultural implement having ground-engaging tools across a field includes a vehicle controller configured to control operation of the work vehicle, an implement controller configured to control operation of the implement, and at least one sensor communicatively coupled to either or both of the vehicle controller and/or the implement controller. The vehicle controller and/or the implement controller is also programmed with a field map. The sensor(s) is configured to provide an indication of a location of the implement within the field.

Abstract: A collector/distribution assembly is provided for use with a product supply tank having a bottom outlet, comprising a housing having a front wall, a back wall and two side walls, said housing having an open top for receiving product from the bottom outlet of the product supply tank, an open bottom and at least one pair of side by side loading zones comprising a left loading zone and a right loading zone; a number of left pneumatic conveying lines for receiving air, each left pneumatic conveying line operably associated with a corresponding left loading zone to allow air to pass into, through and out of the left loading zone; a number of right to pneumatic conveying lines for receiving air, each right pneumatic conveying line operably associated with a corresponding right loading zone to allow air to pass into, through and out of the right loading zone; and at least one air stream selector device comprising a shaped diverter operable to be positioned at the bottom of the housing; whereby when the at least one

Abstract: A monitoring system for an agricultural metering system includes a processor configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors positioned about the agricultural metering system. The processor is also configured to compare the sensor data to one or more thresholds to determine a condition of one or more drive units of the agricultural metering system. The processor is further configured to provide an output indicative of the condition of the one or more drive units of the agricultural metering system.

Abstract: Depth of penetration of a soil coulter is obtained using a sensor being mounted on the side of the disk adjacent the edge such that the sensor as the disk rotates is located above the surface of the soil during a first part of its rotation and is located below the surface during a second part of its rotation. This sensor is also used to detect characteristics of material outside the coulter as it rotates and temperature. This data is used in a growth model to generate predicted growth data to allow control of growth remediation materials to the crop.

Abstract: A seed conduit defining a first end and a second end. The first end couples to a storage container and the second end to a planter shoe. The seed conduit includes a first flange coupled to and extending away from the second end of the seed conduit. The first flange extends into a gap defined by the planter shoe to deliver product from the storage container to a trench. The seed conduit includes a first support rib coupled to the first flange.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture, soil electrical conductivity and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil reflectivity sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. A thermopile for measuring temperature via infrared radiation is described herein. In one example, the thermopile is disposed in a body and senses infrared radiation through an infrared transparent window. Aspects of any of the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in or communicate with an agricultural intelligence computer system as described herein.

Abstract: A precision fertilizer system used with a sprinkler system having a water conduit with a plurality of nozzles positioned along a length of the water conduit. A fertilizer delivery conduit is connected to a tank and runs along the length of the water conduit. A plurality of valves are connected to the fertilizer delivery conduit adjacent the nozzles.

Abstract: The trimmer head (1) includes a housing (3) and a spool (5) that can be housed in the housing. A pair of ring members (35A, 35B) with teeth inclined at opposite inclinations can be selectively coupled to the head, to engage the trimmer head (1) in combination with trimmer apparatuses having engine that rotates selectively in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

Abstract: A reel for a reel mower having reference grooves formed in the shaft thereof and usable as datum to ensure ends formed in the shaft are concentrically aligned and for sharpening and truing maintenance operations.

Abstract: A lawnmower includes a cutting deck, a cutting blade positioned below the cutting deck, and an electric motor coupled to and configured to drive the cutting blade. The electric motor is positioned at least partially below the cutting deck.

Abstract: An article such as grass clippings collected by work equipment, such as a lawn mower, and stored in a container is allowed to be transported to an area for discarding such a collected article in an energy efficient and a work efficient way without imposing any undue burden on the operator. A collected article container device provided with a collected article container and capable of traveling autonomously is detachably connected to a work equipment main body that has a work unit such as a cutting blade device and is able to travel, the container device being configured to travel in a detached state to a collected article destination by itself. Further, the container device is provided with a lifting device that moves the rear wheels vertically relative to a device frame.

Abstract: A skid plate for use with a combine harvester head unit moving in a direction of travel. The skid plate includes a body, and a contact surface at least partially defined by the body, the contact surface including a leading edge facing the direction of travel and a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, where the contact surface at least partially defines a groove, where the groove defines a groove width, and where the groove width varies as the groove extends away from the leading edge.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus includes management of a net wrap cycle of a cylindrical bale in a baling chamber of a round baler. The baler includes a crop supply assembly that passes crop material into the baling chamber and a net wrap unit. An electronic controller determines a net wrapping condition of the bale in the baling chamber in response to operation of the crop supply assembly, initiates a net wrap start event to dispense a first portion of a net wrap material from the net wrap unit in response to the net wrapping condition being less than a full bale condition, and disengages a component from the crop supply assembly to stop operation of the crop supply assembly when the bale has satisfied the full bale condition. The net wrapping condition includes a diameter growth rate measurement being greater than a net wrap initiation threshold.

Abstract: A method for inducing plants to increase their flavonoid compound content, includes performing an induction culture on a young shoot or an adult of a living plant, wherein flavonoid compound content of the young shoot or the adult of the living plant which has been subjected to the induction culture is higher than that of a young shoot or an adult of a living plant which is not subjected to the induction culture. Moreover, the induction culture includes a metal ion stimulation procedure comprising culturing the young shoot or the adult of the living plant in a culture environment with metal ion stimulation, wherein the culture environment with metal ion stimulation contains a metal ion used for stimulating the living plant, and the concentration of the metal ion used for stimulating the living plant is 5 ?M-50 mM.

Abstract: A growing device for propagation and germination of plants, the device having a transparent dome positioned over a transparent propagation tray contained within an opaque catch tray and a locking mechanism for rigidly connecting the transparent dome with both the transparent propagation tray and the catch tray.

Abstract: A light-transmissive fruit protection case for installation about a cluster of fruit pieces hanging from stems along or at an end portion of a tree branch. The light-transmissive fruit protection case comprises first and second case housing portions connected about a common flexible hinge structure. The first and second case housing portions each have side, top and bottom surfaces. A plurality of air and water openings formed about the side, top and bottom surfaces of the first and second case housing portions. First and second branch access ports are formed on opposing ends of the first and second case housing portions, along its longitudinal axis, so as to allow the entry and passage of a fruit tree branch. A set of reclosable fasteners are formed on the side end portions of the first and second case housing portions to releasably lock the case in its closed configuration once arranged about a cluster of fruit hanging from the tree branch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hub comprising i) a first hub member, comprising a first plurality of spar receiving zones; and ii) a second hub member, comprising a second plurality of spar receiving zones; wherein: a) the first and second hub members are located immediately adjacent to each other and share a common, substantially central axis; b) the first hub member is not identical to the second hub member; and c) each spar receiving zone of the first and second plurality of spar receiving zones is adapted to receive a spar, wherein the spar is adapted to link two hubs. The present invention further relates to methods of assembling three dimensional structures incorporating such hubs, including but not limited to trellis.

Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle to draw out a tape, a clincher arm rotatably attached to the main handle, and a tape gripping device attached to the clincher arm. When the clincher arm rotates in a closing direction to a predetermined position with respect to the main handle, a gripping operation is performed in which the tape gripping device grips the tape. When the clincher arm further rotates in the closing direction from the predetermined position with respect to the main handle to be in a closed state, a binding operation is performed to bind objects. The gripping operation and the binding operation are performed alternately. The movement restricting unit is provided to restrict the rotation of the clincher arm in the closing direction from the predetermined position at the time of the gripping operation.

Abstract: A method for generating a localized data map, the method including (a) traversing an area with a machine, the machine including at least one sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to receive data; (b) collecting data of the area utilizing the sensor; and (c) communicating the data to generate a localized data map. A system and method for generating a localized turf grass data map, the method including (a) traversing an area of turf grass with an outdoor power equipment machine, the outdoor power equipment machine including at least one sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to receive data; (b) collecting turf grass data utilizing the sensor; and (c) communicating the turf grass data to generate a localized turf grass data map.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for aligning drive towers within an irrigation system. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a system and method for cascading alignment of independent drive systems. According to a preferred embodiment, a preferred method may include the steps of: transmitting controller timing data to the first intermediate drive tower and the second intermediate drive tower; assigning a first correction time slot to the second intermediate drive tower; assigning a second correction time slot to the first intermediate drive tower; receiving first alignment data by the second intermediate drive tower; receiving second alignment data by the first intermediate drive tower; performing a first alignment correction based on the first alignment data received by the second intermediate drive tower; and performing a second alignment correction based on the second alignment data received by the first intermediate drive tower.

Abstract: Devices used to provide water to a container plant are disclosed. The devices may be configured to collect and retain water from saturated soil and then to distribute the collected water to dry soil. The devices may comprise a reservoir, a collection lid, and a wick. The devices may be configured to be disposed within a plant container.

Abstract: A portable device for irrigating the roots of plants has a handle, a stem, and a removable base supporting removable spikes. The stem of the device is adapted for connection to a hose. The spikes each have openings for delivering water. The device has an on/off switch, which may be manually operated or electronically operated. The device is configured to optionally allow the flow of another substance into the stem of the rake, such as plant food.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the protein GS. The invention provides genomic sequence for the GS gene. GS is responsible for controlling nitrogen utilization efficiency in plants. Glutamine synthase sequences are provided for improving grain yield and plant growth. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells and transgenic plants.

Abstract: A method and system for flushing an area of a robotic harvest dairy barn is presented. The method is based upon defining areas within the dairy barn that, by virtue of use of robots for “cow-initiated” milking will be maintained in a hygienically clean and dry condition with frequent flushings of short duration. The four areas of the barn felt to benefit from this frequent flushing including any of: an area immediately surrounding a robot; a holding area for staging cows for milking at the robot; a robot control room; and a milk collection room. In the relevant areas the flooring deck is configured to slope at its upper surface to define a drain area, the drain area including at least one grated drain positioned to collect any liquid deposited on the upper surface of the provided flooring deck. A collecting pipe network conducts liquid collected to a baffled tank.

Abstract: Provided is a pet case. The pet case includes at least two case bodies fitted together. Two adjacent case bodies of the at least two case bodies are communicated to each other, a first connector is arranged between the two adjacent case bodies, and the first connector is connected to a side plate of each of the two adjacent case bodies. The at least two case bodies are combined to form the pet case through the first connector, which may increase the space of the pet case on the basis of effectively using the original pet case, avoid a situation that the original pet case is abandoned due to the sufficiency of space in the pet case and the replacement of a new pet case, and increase utilization ratio of the original pet case.

Abstract: Described herein are sticky mats and methods for using sticky mats to reduce the mess associated with pieces of litter being ejected from litter boxes during use. As described, a sticky mat that includes one or more adhesive sheets may be placed adjacent to a litter box such that litter that is ejected by a pet (or otherwise) from the litter box adheres to the adhesive sheet, rather than landing on a floor around the box. In some instances, the litter box includes multiple removable adhesive sheets, such that a pet owner may remove (e.g., tear off) and dispose of a top adhesive sheet when it has been dirtied with litter, so as to expose a fresh adhesive sheet for use.

Abstract: A circular grazing system for poultry and/or livestock. The circular grazing system including a center pivot structure installed at a field. The center pivot structure may have a center pivot axis. The field may be a poultry and/or livestock grazing field. The circular grazing system for poultry and/or livestock may include an enclosure for containing poultry and/or livestock. The enclosure may extend generally radially from the center pivot structure to a circumference of the field. The enclosure may be rotably coupled to the center pivot structure such that the enclosure rotates around the center pivot axis.

Abstract: A pet treat holder includes an outer body shell, treat and actuator openings penetrating therethrough, and an adjustment unit having an internal body situated within the shell, and an actuator joined to the internal body for rotation thereof from outside the shell. The internal body has a non-uniform profile, different areas of which are selectively movable into registration with the treat opening by rotation of the actuator to adjust the effective size of an open passageway through said treat opening. In one mode of use, kibble treats are placed inside the hollow interior space the size of the passageway is adjusted to control an ease by which said kibble treats escape through the passageway. In another mode of use, a chew treat is partially inserted through the treat opening, and wedged into a gripped position between the edge of the treat opening and the adjustment unit by rotation thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet carer. The present invention includes a base, a container located on the base, the container having a space for receiving a pet therein, an entrance for the pet to enter/exit the space, and a discharge hole provided therein to discharge air, a door selectively opening/closing the entrance, a door drive device provided to the base to drive the door, a compressor supplying the air to the discharge hole, a filter unit located under the container to filter off dirt separated from the pet, and a suction fan located under the container to suck air into the filter unit.

Abstract: A cat brush with a surface having adjacent spaced apart fingers intended to interfit between the hairs of a feline coat, so that the hairs can be dragged therethrough to align the hairs and remove matted fur, wherein the improvement comprises configuring the fingers such that the fingers taper from the surface to a point and are characterized by a maximum thickness (Tmax) measured at and parallel to the surface, a maximum height (Hmax) measured perpendicular to the surface, and a midway thickness (T1/2) measured parallel to the surface at one-half the maximum height, such that: (2×Tmax)<Hmax<(3×Tmax); and Tmax?(2×T1/2); and Hmax=2 to 5 mm.

Abstract: A P-shaped pet leash comprises a strap having a first end and a second end, a snap hook connected to the first end, a retention ring connected to the second end, a handhold adjustment ring and a collar adjustment ring movably kept on the strap adjacent to the snap hook and the retention ring respectively. The snap hook is connected to the handhold adjustment ring, a resizable handhold is formed at the strap near the first end for a user to hold, sling across the user's shoulder, tie to the user's waist, or to tie the handhold to a ground object. The retention ring is connected to the collar adjustment ring, a pre-adjusted sized collar is formed at the strap near the second end to prevent the collar from tightening during the pet storm.

Abstract: The invention is a collar with a removable flea collar sleeve. The invention is comprised of a conventional collar to be worn by the pet, which provides an inner flea collar sleeve. The collar provides a sturdy, protective outer layer and may provide decorative features. The sleeve is available separately in a broad variety of sizes, such that users may elect to affix the sleeve within other pet collars.

Abstract: There is provided herein a system and a method for promoting production of female embryos in eggs. The method comprises the steps of: incubating a plurality of fertilized eggs to promote hatching of the fertilized eggs; and transmitting a soundwave having a frequency ranging from 100 Hz to 1200 Hz to the fertilized eggs, thereby promoting production of female embryos in the fertilized eggs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for collecting and/or pre-processing data related to feeding animals in water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for minimising wasted feed used in a fish farm. According to an aspect, there is a provided a computer-implemented method for detecting motion in relation to one or more aquatic animals, the method comprising the steps of: receiving sensor data; determining from the sensor data one or more moving objects using one or more learned functions; and generating output data in relation to the determined one or more moving objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic ornamental fish, as well as methods of making such fish by in vitro fertilization techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing.

Abstract: This publication relates to a system and a method for hauling fish gear, such as longlines, gillnets or demersal seine nets, into a fishing vessel (10) and collecting and transporting catch (12) to a working station, using a hatch (16) in a part of a hull exposed to the sea and arranged in a water line region (27) of the vessel (10); a vertical well (18) for receipt of at least a part of the catch through the hatch (16); a transport device for transporting the catch to the deck; and with means for bringing the catch to flow towards the transport device.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for fishing. In one aspect, disclosed is a device having a hollow tube, which has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are open-ended and on opposite ends of the hollow tube. Further, the device may include at least one slot at the first end, wherein the first end is optionally flared. Further still, the device may include a first slot located along a longest length of the hollow tube, and a second slot located between the first end and the first slot, wherein the second slot is optionally oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the first slot.