Abstract: There is disclosed an earth cutting apparatus (200) comprising a plurality of articulated elements (210, 212) including at least a first element (210) having a mounting structure (214) thereon and an adjacent second element (212) hingedly connected to the first element (210). An earth cutting member (216) is provided including a proximal end (216.1) which is pivotally mounted to the mounting structure (214) of the first element (210) and an earth cutting end (216.2). The earth cutting member (216) is slidably connected (218) to the adjacent second element (212) and moveable between an extended position (220) and a retracted position (222), such that hinged movement of the adjacent second element (212) relative to the first element (210) causes the earth cutting member (216) to slidably extend from the adjacent second element (212) to the extended position (220) for operatively cutting earth.

Abstract: A single disk fertilizer opener assembly for opening a trench in soil includes a frame support and a cutting disk for forming the trench. The cutting disk is coupled to an axle and rotates about the axle as the assembly moves in a working direction. The assembly also includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame support and the axle, and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frame support at a location spaced from the first arm. A bracket is coupled to the axle and the second arm, and a scraper is coupled to the bracket and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the working direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.

Abstract: An agricultural system that includes a towable agricultural implement. The towable agricultural implement includes a tow bar assembly. A wing tool bar pivotally couples to the tow bar assembly or to a work vehicle. The wing tool bar is configured to transition between a deployed configuration and a retracted configuration. A plurality of row units attach to the wing tool bar. An implement protection system detects an obstruction in a path of the towable agricultural implement. The implement protection system includes a proximity sensor coupled to the towable agricultural implement. The proximity sensor emits a proximity signal indicative of the obstruction. A controller couples to the proximity sensor and receives the proximity signal indicative of the obstruction and emits a warning signal.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a set of ground engaging elements that perform a ground engaging operation. The agricultural machine includes a rearward sensor mounted to the agricultural machine to sense an area of ground behind the agricultural machine and generate a rearward sensor signal. The agricultural machine includes rearward zone generator logic that determines a first zone and a second zone, wherein the first zone and the second zone represent portions of the area of ground behind the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine includes rearward residue generator logic configured to receive the rearward sensor signal and determine a first residue metric indicative of the amount of residue in the first zone. The agricultural machine includes control logic that controls one or more aspects of the ground engaging operation on the area of ground based on the first residue metric.

Abstract: A single disk fertilizer opener assembly for opening a trench in soil includes a frame support and a cutting disk for forming the trench. The cutting disk is coupled to an axle and rotates about the axle as the assembly moves in a working direction. The assembly also includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame support and the axle, and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frame support at a location spaced from the first arm. A bracket is coupled to the axle and the second arm, and a scraper is coupled to the bracket and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the working direction.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a frame member and a seed meter mounted thereto. The seed meter has a housing and a metering member rotatably mounted therein. The metering member has a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface with a rim portion of the sidewall adjacent an outer edge of the sidewall. The inner surface of the side wall and the housing form a trough at a bottom portion of the metering member to hold a seed pool. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member and moves seed to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, a first row of row units coupled to the frame, and a second row of row units coupled to the frame. The second row of row units is positioned behind the first row of row units relative to a direction of travel, and each row unit is configured to deposit seeds into the soil. The agricultural implement also includes a row of fertilizer applicators coupled to the frame and positioned between the first row and the second row of row units relative to the direction of travel. Each fertilizer applicator is laterally positioned between one row unit of the first row and one row unit of the second row that is laterally adjacent to the one row unit of the first row, and each fertilizer applicator is configured to direct displaced soil laterally toward the one row unit of the second row.

Abstract: A system for distributing seeds includes a storage tank operable to store a plurality of seeds. A seed-on-demand distribution system is operable to transfer at least some seeds of the plurality of seeds from the storage tank to a distribution system outlet. A dispersion unit has an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet is in communication with the distribution system outlet. The first outlet is in communication with a first secondary conduit. The second outlet is in communication with a second secondary conduit. A first volumetric meter is operable to volumetrically meter at least some seeds of the plurality of seeds from the first secondary conduit. A second volumetric meter is operable to volumetrically meter at least some seeds of the plurality of seeds from the secondary conduit.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine operable to plant seeds into soil. A frame supports a furrow opener, a gauge wheel, a seed dispenser, and a furrow closer. A row unit downforce actuator is operable to push the row unit frame toward the soil to adjustably control soil engagement forces for the furrow opener, the gauge wheel, and the furrow closer. An acceleration sensor is configured to detect accelerations of the row unit. A controller is in communication with the acceleration sensor and the row unit downforce actuator, and the controller is programmed with an algorithm to maintain a target downforce value during operation of the row unit. The controller is further programmed to abandon the target downforce value and relieve the row unit downforce actuator in response to a signal from the acceleration sensor indicative of acceleration of the row unit in excess of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A lagoon pump may comprise a chassis structure having front and rear ends; a tow bar couple releasably to the front end of the chassis structure; a centrifugal pump couple to the rear end of the structure; a diesel engine fluidly connected to a fuel tank; a clutch rotationally connected to the diesel engine; an extended driveline directly connected to the clutch at one end and to the pump at an opposed end to drive the pump via rotational energy from the diesel engine; a pair of steerable wheels connected adjacent the front end of the chassis structure; and ground engaging wheels connected under the chassis structure between the ends, wherein the ground engaging wheels are both extendable radially outwardly and rotatable axially relative to the chassis structure. A method of mixing and pumping a slurry material from a lagoon or storage pit utilizing such a pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: An operator support for a grounds maintenance vehicle, the operator support including a platform, one or more isolator arms, and an isolator element. The platform includes a platform body and a platform arm extending from the platform body. The platform arm is pivotally coupled to a chassis of the grounds maintenance vehicle and configured to pivot about a platform pivot axis. The isolator element is coupled to the chassis of the grounds maintenance vehicle and configured to attenuate vibration transmitted from the chassis to the platform body through the one or more isolator arms. The one or more isolator arms are configured to isolate the platform.

Abstract: A self-propelled machine includes a drive motor, a handle having two grips, an electromechanical converting device, and a speed adjusting element configured to move relative to the handle to adjust a rotational speed of the drive motor and configured to be operated by a user when the user holds one of the two grips with a single hand. The speed adjusting element is disposed between the two grips. The electromechanical converting device is configured to convert a positional change of the speed adjusting element into an electrical signal for adjusting the rotational speed of the drive motor. The speed adjusting element is movable between a first position and a second position. The rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the first position is greater than the rotational speed of the drive motor when the speed adjusting element is in the second position.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises determining, in received yield data, one or more passes, each pass including a plurality of observations. For each pass of the one or more passes, one or more discrete derivatives are determined, and based on the one or more discrete derivatives first outlier data is generated. First filtered data is generated by removing the first outlier data from the yield data. Furthermore, for each observation in the yield data, a plurality of nearest neighbor observations is determined, and used to determine a plurality of absolute differences in yield values. Based on the plurality of absolute differences, second outlier data is determined. Second filtered data is generated by removing the second outlier data from the first filtered data. Using a presentation layer of a computer system, a graphical representation of the second filtered data is generated and displayed on the computing system.

Abstract: A method and device for harvesting grain crops is provided. A threshing method includes separating grain from harvested material, which is fed to a threshing phase after a gathering process taking place against a direction of working travel. During threshing, the harvested material is processed as the respective grain crops and admixtures in the form of straw and chaff such that essential, dischargeable admixtures are separated from the grain crops, and these, in the form of a mixture with chaff or similar fine particles, are fed as a grain/chaff stream to a final cleaning. The grains free of these residual admixtures are subsequently collected as grain crops. During at least one feed phase preceding the final cleaning, a transport movement is imparted to the at least one grain/chaff stream with the transport movement having a component in a vertical direction and a component in the direction of working travel.

Abstract: A header has a position controlled gauge wheel that is controlled using a position actuator. The position actuator is locked when the gauge wheel is in a selected position, relative to a mainframe of the header. An operator input, changing the position of the header, is detected and the position actuator is unlocked to accommodate movement of the header, based on the detected operator input signal.

Abstract: A system for a header assembly that has a center frame configured to pivot relative to an adapter frame about at least one center axis, a center actuator coupled to the center frame to selectively provide a biasing force thereto, a first arm assembly configured to pivot relative to the center frame about at least a first arm axis, a first actuator coupled to the first arm assembly to selectively provide a biasing force thereto, a controller in communication with the center actuator and the first actuator to selectively alter performance characteristics of the center actuator and the first actuator, and a user interface in communication with the controller and having at least a first option and a second option. Wherein, the controller adjusts the performance characteristics of both the center actuator and the first actuator when the user interface is transitioned between the first option and the second option.

Abstract: A draper belt for a head of a harvester that is to extend about a roller having an outer groove encircling the roller and may include a web and an elastomeric belt guide. The web may have a first surface to carry crop material and a second surface to face the roller. The elastomeric belt guide may extend from the second surface and may include downwardly projecting teeth.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a grounds maintenance vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle includes a frame and a control tower disposed at or near a rear end of the frame. The control tower includes a support structure that defines an interior space of the control tower and a nonplanar removable skin connected to the support structure. The removable skin includes a front side disposed over a front side of the support structure and a lateral side disposed over at least one of a left side or a right side of the support structure. A portion of at least one of the front side or lateral side of the removable skin is disposed above an uppermost surface of the prime mover. Further, the removable skin is adapted to be at least partially removed from the support structure to facilitate additional access to the interior space of the control tower.

Abstract: A crop divider assembly for a harvesting header includes a housing defining an interior cavity and including a forwardmost end. A divider rod has a first end and a second end, where the first end is coupled to the forwardmost end of the housing. A light-emitting mechanism is coupled to the second end of the divider rod. The divider rod extends upwardly from the forwardmost end, and the light-emitting mechanism is positioned at a location above the forwardmost end of the housing.

Abstract: Method and device for tagging round bales during wrapping in plastic foil, using a stationary or mobile baler-wrapper. Each round bale is oriented with the circular end surfaces mainly vertically and layers of plastic foil is wrapped around the round bale by foil wrapping arms. At a point in time where at least one layer of plastic film remains to be wrapped, each round bale is tagged with an ID tag having an adhesive back-side surface, using a time controlled, pivotal tagging arm provided with a tag transferring member. The movement of said tagging arm is controlled by a computer, which synchronizes the movement of the tagging arm with the movement of the foil supplying arms. After tagging, at least one additional layer of plastic is wrapped around each round bale to protect the ID tag.

Abstract: The automated trimming of an untrimmed plant stem comprises a device for transporting an untrimmed plant stem to an imaging stage, using a camera to capture at least one image of the plant stem, sending the at least one image to a central processor which creates a trim map which constructs a pattern for moving a cutting armature along the plant stem, and trimming the plant stem by cutting structure of the cutting armature to change the untrimmed plant stem to a trimmed plant stem.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for use in the shipment, delivery, and display of flowers. The apparatus comprises a preferably translucent enclosure with a lid, housing a removable tray assembly. The removable trays have aligned openings for the insertion of flower stems. The enclosure itself is configured to be stacked conveniently on a pallet for bulk shipment and delivery. The system and method comprise providing an interface for users to order flowers contained in the enclosure and delivering the enclosure with a customized multimedia electronic greeting.

Abstract: A packaging bag as an agricultural container has a film which forms a partition separating a housing space which houses agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables from an external space. The packaging bag includes a CA film and a porous film. The CA film contains cellulose acylate having an acyl group substitution degree of 2.00 to 2.97. The porous film is formed such that a plurality of pores having an average pore size of 0.0050 ?m to 5.0 ?m penetrate the film in a thickness direction.

Abstract: A seed starting tray including at least one cell defining a space, the at least one cell including a rigid upper portion defining an opening of the least one cell, and a flexible lower portion defining a base of the at least one cell, the flexible lower portion being transitionable between a first position in which the space defines a first volume and a first height and a second position in which the space defines a second volume and a second height, the first volume being greater than the second volume and the first height being greater than the second height.

Abstract: A nutrient medium for the cultivation of plants, containing (a) 3 g/l to 18 g/l agar and (b) 0.5 g/l to 3 g/l carrageenan, as well as plant plugs which contain such a nutrient medium, a method for the production of the plant plugs, and a method for the automated or semi-automated cultivation of plants using the plant plugs.

Abstract: A method of managing treatment of crop is disclosed. The method comprises: monitoring a first parameter describing a daily shrinkage of a plant part of the crop, and a second parameter describing daily growth rate of a plant part of the crop. The method further comprises calculating a plant status function based on a value of the first parameter and a value of the second parameter, and operating a crop treatment system responsively to the plant status function.

Abstract: Systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective monitoring and control of various activities using a remote self-contained in-field installed device capable of self-harvesting power. A power self harvesting control device comprises: a power sub-system configured to self-harvest energy required of its internal components; a communication sub-system configured to communicate with other external devices; an exterior function interface sub-system configured to generate and receive input/output signals associated with the external component interactions; and a management sub-system configured to manage and coordinate activities of the power control sub-system, the communication sub-system, and external function control sub-system. The management sub-system directs management and coordination of the self-harvested energy supply and consumption. The power sub-subsystem includes a non-removable self contained energy storage component that stores self-harvested energy.

Abstract: System and method for controlling an irrigation system using feedback from flow meters installed in an irrigation system are described. The system and method allows for automatic detection of the number of flow meters and their relation to controls valves attached to an irrigation system and for precise and reliable fluid flow measurements. Typical water flows for the system are learned and then compared to current water flows to detect water leaks (i.e., high water flow), malfunctioning control valves and/or low water flow and subsequently trigger electronic alerts to the user when system malfunctions are detected.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.

Abstract: A gardening apparatus includes one or more of a base, a fluid reservoir, and a plant tray or support disposed on the reservoir. The support is adapted for receiving one or more modular plant inserts, and can define a flow structure for channeling fluid to each insert. A pump supplies fluid from the reservoir to the plant tray or support, with a light assembly adapted to generate a spectrum of light for growth of plants from the inserts. A processor is configured for controlling fluid flow from the pump, the light spectrum generated by the lighting elements, or both. For example, the processor can use a dynamic recipe, algorithm or control schedule to modulate the fluid flow or spectrum based the plant type, growth stage, height, plant health data, digital phenotyping data, or ambient conditions, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: There is a modular, insulated, all-in-one, plug-and-play (MIAP) aquaponics unit that includes a framework having a single base and plural walls; an aquaculture tank defined by a first portion of the single base and a first set of the plural walls; a clarifier tank defined by a second portion of the single base and a second set of the plural walls; a bio-reactor tank defined by a third portion of the single base and a third set of the plural walls; a hydroponics tank defined by a fourth portion of the single base and a fourth set of the plural walls; and piping extending through the plural walls between each two adjacent tanks for allowing water from the aquaculture tank to flow into the clarifier tank and then into the bio-reactor tank and then into the hydroponics tank and back to the aquaculture tank.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rosemary plant and, more specifically, to a proprietary clonal plant line KI937 that hyper-accumulates carnosic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rosemary plant and, more specifically, to a proprietary clonal plant line KI1005 that hyper-accumulates carnosic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pea line SV7441QC. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of pea line SV7441QC and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line SV7441QC with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line SV7441QC, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an F1 hybrid or a portion thereof, and use of the F1 hybrid or a portion thereof. The F1 hybrid of the present invention is an F1 hybrid between Nicotiana umbratica and Nicotiana kawakamii.

Abstract: A leg (205) detection system comprising: a robotic arm (200) comprising a gripping portion (208) for holding a teat cup (203, 210) for attaching to a teat (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, 203S, 203) of a dairy livestock (200, 202, 203); an imaging system coupled to the robotic arm (200) and configured to capture a first three-dimensional (3D) image (138, 2400, 2500) of a rearview of the dairy livestock (200, 202, 203) in a stall (402), the imaging system comprising a 3D camera (136, 138) or a laser (132), wherein each pixel of the first 3D image (138, 2400, 2500) is associated with a depth value; one or more memory (104) devices configured to store a reference (3D) 3D image (138, 2400, 2500) of the stall (402) without any dairy livestock (200, 202, 203); and a processor (102) communicatively coupled to the imaging system and the one or more memory (104) devices, the processor (102) configured to: access the first 3D image (138, 2400, 2500) and the reference (3D) 3D image (138, 2400, 2500); subtract the first 3D image

Abstract: A barrier component is disclosed for an animal stall, comprising a curved, elongated body member of elastomeric material such as rubber. This body member has first and second end sections each adapted for engagement within a respective hollow pipe. Together the two hollow pipes and the barrier component provide a stall divider when mounted on a suitable set of brackets, poles or supports at the head end of a stall. The component has a collar formation at each end which defines an annular recess for receiving a hollow pipe end and shielding the end of the pipe from the animal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mattress for thermal comfort of animals in a livestock enclosure, wherein the comfort mattress includes at least one resilient layer including: at least one sealed chamber, intended to contain a first heat-transfer fluid, and at least one watertight duct, intended to contain a second heat-transfer fluid, at least one section of which passes through the at least one sealed chamber between the upper and lower surfaces thereof so that the at least one section is intended to soak/to bathe in the first heat-transfer fluid. The at least one watertight duct includes at least two through-orifices, to generate a circulation of the second heat-transfer fluid within the at least one watertight duct, between the through-orifices thereof.

Abstract: A pet sling provides a safe, comfortable and convenient way of carrying and transporting small to medium size pets. The pet sling is foldable, light weight and machine washable. It is also equipped with a safety collar hook to ensure the safety of the pet while carrying it. In addition, the length of the shoulder strap is adjustable. Pet owners can easily adjust the length of the shoulder strap according to their personal preferences.

Abstract: This invention relates to an animal cage, particularly for small animals such as cats, rabbits, small dogs, hamsters, reptiles, amphibians, etc., which is lightweight and collapsible to flat components in order to allow shipment and ease of assembly. The cage is a six-sided rectangular box with at least a top side and/or a front side being mostly mesh to provide ventilation. At least the back, left, and right sides of the cage are made from a single flat sheet of material, preferably corrugated plastic, which is die cut, and contains pre-formed fold lines. Each of the tops and front sides includes a perimeter frame with mesh or solid material inside the frame. The frames are preferably made of linear profile sections connected that the corners by molded joints. The font side includes at least one door for accessing the interior of the rectangular box.

Abstract: 1. Animal care and/or cleaning device. 2.

Abstract: Training aid delivery devices (TADDs) enabling the containment of training aid substances while allowing odor, in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), to emanate freely out of the device have been developed. The use of one or more TADD in canine training are described.

Abstract: A restraint assembly for an animal having a front anchor member, a rear anchor member and a coupling assembly. The front anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through an interaction with at least one of a neck, a first front leg, and second front leg thereof. The rear anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through interaction with at least one of a tail, a first rear leg, and a second rear leg thereof. The coupling assembly coupling the front anchor member to the rear anchor member in releasable engagement, to limit articulation of a body of the animal, sufficient to substantially preclude a head of the animal to rotate and reach portions of behind the head with a mouth of the animal.

Abstract: A video monitoring apparatus for assessing marine diversity includes a support frame, one or more cameras mounted on the support frame for recording images, and a bait receptacle mounted on the support frame for holding bait. The bait receptacle is adapted to release bait therefrom when the support frame comes to rest on a surface.

Abstract: A beehive stand has a basin which holds liquid such as oil which is covered by a baffle. However, the baffle is spaced apart from the basin such that the basin and baffle have an air gap there-between and are separate from each other. A centrally located vertical pole or support pole rises from the basin through a portal in the baffle and continues upwards to support another object such as a beehive. Multiple such beehive stands can be used to support or be different legs of a beehive, table, cabinet, appliance or other object especially one used outdoors. As there is no direct physical path directly upwards from the ground on which the stand is supported to the object there-above without an air space or oil, this prevents insects from climbing up from the ground to an object supported by the stand.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an enclosure that can be easily cleaned, [Solution] A fish-breeding enclosure including: a frame 3 constituting the sides of a cuboid; a first net 11 covering a right side surface 5, a bottom surface 7, and a left side surface 9 of the frame 3; a first net feeder 19 for feeding the first net 11 and a second net 17 that covers a front surface 13, the bottom surface 7, and a rear surface 15 of the frame 3; and a second net feeder 21 for feeding the second net 17. When the first net 11 or the second net 17 is renewed. the first net 11 or the second net 17 is drawn out from the first net feeder 19 or the second net feeder 21, respectively.

Abstract: The present application provides genetically modified non-human animals and methods for producing heavy chain-only antibodies (HcAbs), wherein the genetically modified non-human animal comprises a germline genome comprising an engineered immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) allele at an endogenous IgH locus, wherein the engineered IgH allele lacks functional gene segments encoding CH1 domains of all endogenous IgG subclasses. In some embodiments, a genetically modified mouse is provided, comprising an engineered IgH allele that lacks a functional endogenous gene segment encoding C?3, C?1, C?2b and CH1 exon of C?2c. Further provided are HcAbs or derivatives thereof produced by the genetically modified non-human animals.

Abstract: A fishing lure for avoiding snags and attracting a target fish includes a shell that defines an interior space. The shell, which is fish shaped, is water tight so that the shell is buoyant. The shell is configured to float above objects that are positioned on a bed of a body of water. A ring that is coupled to and extends from a tail end of the shell is configured to couple the shell to a leader. A hook that is coupled to and extends from a mouth end of the shell is configured to couple to a bait and to hook a target fish.