Abstract: The present invention relates generally to agricultural tillage equipment and, more specifically, to a vertical tillage sweep providing low surface disturbance. The sweep comprises a wing structure with a downward and generally vertical fin, and having specific wear coating placed on the various wear surfaces.

Abstract: An adjustable three point hitch system includes a frame that may be removably coupled to a tractor. The frame has a selectively adjustable width. Thus, the frame may be coupled to implements having a variety of widths thereby facilitating the tractor to draw the implements. A spreading unit is coupled to the frame and the spreading unit may be manipulated. The spreading unit urges the frame between a minimum width and a maximum width.

Abstract: A control method and system which provides for an automatic quick soil system for an agricultural vehicle. The system monitors the output of a hitch draft sensor to determine if a hitch mounted implement comes into contact with the ground surface, and if so, enables a quick soil engagement module to correctly lower the hitch-mounted implement into the ground.

Abstract: Openers for a seeder, configured to be adjustably engaged with a soil surface when in use; each opener having compliance to vertical and lateral excessive forces independently applied to soil-engaging parts: a fertiliser tine, a seed tine, a press wheel, a coulter, and a support wheel. The openers share a hydraulic circuit, linked to each internal frame-lifting ram so that localised rise and fall effects arising from soil surface irregularities are shared, maintaining a mean height. The seed tine of each opener is made liftable immediately the preceding fertiliser tine is displaced. The openers do not require external weight support.

Abstract: Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.

Abstract: A fertilizer tube system for efficiently dispensing and placing fertilizer within a furrow to minimize germination injury. The fertilizer tube system generally includes a fertilizer tube having an input opening at an upper end of the fertilizer tube and an output opening at a lower end of the fertilizer tube, an upper connector attached to an upper portion of the fertilizer tube, a central connector attached to a central portion of the fertilizer tube and a lower connector attached to a lower portion of the fertilizer tube.

Abstract: An autonomous garden weeding robot includes a chassis, a motorized cutting subsystem, and a drive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis. A weed sensor subsystem is located on the chassis at a first elevation from the ground and a crop/obstacle sensor subsystem is located on the chassis at a second, higher elevation from the ground. The drive subsystem is controlled to maneuver the chassis about a garden. Upon detection of a weed, the motorized cutting subsystem is energized to cut the weed. The motorized cutting subsystem is de-energized after the chassis has moved a predetermined distance and/or after a predetermined period of time. Upon detection of a crop or obstacle, the drive subsystem is controlled to maneuver the chassis away from the obstacle.

Abstract: A multi-mode trimmer head for use with an outdoor handheld tool such as a string trimmer, brush cutter, or the like is provided. The trimmer head includes an upper housing, lower housing, bump head, spool, and a spring. The spool includes a first pair of apertures configured to receive a pair of flexible trimmer lines to provide a bump-feed operating mode for the trimmer head. The spool also includes a separate, second pair of apertures configured to receive a single fixed-line trimmer line to provide a fixed-line operating mode for the trimmer head. The trimmer head is switchable between the fixed-line operating mode and the bump-feed operating mode without the need to disassemble the trimmer head.

Abstract: An extension assembly for a processed crop storage tank on a combine. A closure assembly for a top opening on the tank has at least one panel with one surface area that is exposed to bound a part of an exterior space above the storage space with the closure assembly open. The extension assembly has a first extension panel with a first surface with a first area and a connecting system through which the first extension panel is operatively connected to the combine. The first extension panel is changeable between a deployed position and a stored position. In the deployed position the first surface and one surface define a combined exposed surface area that is greater than the first area of the first surface. The combined surface area is exposed to confine processed crop in the exterior space with the closure assembly open.

Abstract: An agricultural combine including a residue processing system including a straw spreader and at least one chaff spreader. The at least one chaff spreader includes a first chaff accelerator and a second chaff accelerator so that, in operation, chaff particles are accelerated by the first chaff accelerator to an intermediate energy level after which the chaff particles are further accelerated by the second chaff accelerator to an ejection energy level. The second chaff accelerator includes grinding elements for grinding the chaff particles while accelerating them to the ejection energy level.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting biomass from a dead zone in a body of water includes structure and/or function whereby, preferably, at least one guide float is configured to float below the water surface. At least one support structure is configured to be coupled to the bottom beneath water, and is configured to support a substantially rigid frame within the dead zone. A main funnel is coupled to (i) the at least one guide float and (ii) the substantially rigid frame within the dead zone, and is configured to collect descending biomass and funnel it toward a lower funnel that is coupled to the bottom of the main funnel. A collection canister is disposed adjacent the lower funnel and is configured to store the descending biomass. Hauling structure is coupled to the guide float and is configured to haul the collection canister from the lower funnel to the surface.

Abstract: A fruit harvester (100) includes a conventional engine (108) with gear and throttle assemblies (106) for use in the field to harvest fruit. The harvester (100) includes an air divider assembly with ducting (118), catcher pans and baffles (120). A pivoting picking mechanism (124) is provided, along with a conveyor assembly (126). A separator (138) is provided, with air ducting (146). As fruit passes through the harvester (100), fingers (172, 174) cause the fruit to be removed from the fruit plants and deposited within the harvester (100).

Abstract: The above is a description of a self-propelled tree fruit picking machine, of the type which includes a vibrator device which acts on the trunk of a tree detected by a probe device, including two side frames joined by a transverse gantries device, equipped with pulling devices to move the fruit towards peeling devices, and from these towards hoppers, in which each gantry includes four successively articulated segments, with anchoring devices between adjacent segments, which are extractable to fold the machine by the closing together of both side frames via the action of cylinders to a minimum width, with the machine equipped with a control cabin which can be moved inwards to the position of minimum width, and with the transport wheels connected to suspension devices adjustable in height via cylinders.

Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a first longitudinally extending stripping plate and a second longitudinally extending stripping plate each mounted on a frame and each having opposed stripping edges which define a gap between the first stripping plate and the second stripping plate. The row unit includes both operator-selected macro adjustment of the gap and automatic micro adjustment of the gap. The micro adjustment occurs on both deck plates. The micro adjustment is achieved through resilient members positioned functionally between the deck plates and the row unit frame.

Abstract: A adjustable assist device for and method for using the assist device for exiting a zero turn lawn mower or adjusting a cutting deck height of a zero turn lawn mower having an operator deck and an operator seat proximate the operator deck wherein the adjustable assist device is attached and extends upwardly from the deck and is positioned forward of the operator seat and comprises a hand hold section for gripping to aid an operator in reaching a standing position on the operator deck. The adjustable assist device can change its height based on changing the pivot between the device and the deck.

Abstract: It is new in the art to mechanically expose Phragmites to continual rain water internal intrusion and retention. Man-made water reservoirs made from the Phragmites living stalk is a new mechanical removal method. Rapid destruction in one season of entire clones occurs with simply one or two cuttings and is effective in any season. Maintaining minimum ? of stalk height leaves the ground shaded and water-logged continually inhibiting seedling growth and causing Phragmites destruction without soil disturbance. Phragmites coding does not have a repair system to overcome mid-section stalk cutting collecting water. It fails to send out new rhizomes as it sends new suckers from the top ligule instead. A second sucker is easily removed below the ligule and the stalk fails to support it's life and dies. Increased insect and fungal activity from the man-made water-logging Phragmites stalk reservoir further reduces Phragmites function and suppresses seedling growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of watermelon grafting. In particular, double grafted watermelon seedlings and plants are provided and methods for producing such double grafted seedlings and plants.

Abstract: A backpack type blowing apparatus includes an intake pipe that connects an air cleaner fixed to a fan case of an air blower to a carburetor that supplies an evaporated fuel to an engine body, and a top cover fixed to the fan case to cover at least the intake pipe by interposing the intake pipe between the top cover and the fan case. The top cover has a plurality of cover fixing portions fixed to the fan case. An outer circumferential-side fixed portion positioned on an outer circumferential side of the intake pipe in the fan case is included in the plurality of cover fixing portions.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool having a motor, a cutting member and a transmission linking the cutting member to the motor, the motor and the transmission being housed in a main housing, the transmission having a ball screw/nut mechanism with a screw and a nut, one of the screw and the nut being rotatably engaged with the motor, and the other of the screw and the nut being linked to the cutting member. The tool has a protective housing for protecting the ball screw/nut mechanism, separate from the main housing, and a sliding seal cooperating with an inner face of the protective housing, the sliding seal being driven by one of the nut and the screw linked to the cutting member, the sliding seal being rigidly connected respectively to one of a sleeve covering the nut and a cap protecting the screw.

Abstract: Provided is a raised-bed gardening container, including a base, a feeding tube, and a cover frame. The base may include a bottom edge; a top rim at least 36 inches above the bottom edge; an exterior sidewall extending between the bottom edge and the top rim; an interior sidewall extending from the top rim to a bottom interior, the interior sidewall and bottom interior defining an interior volume for containing a gardening media, the interior volume having a diameter of greater than approximately four feet; a feeding tube support generally centrally disposed in the base; and a gardener passage extending to the feeding tube support and having a width configured to allow a gardener to walk through the gardener passage to the feeding tube support.

Abstract: A fan trellis manufactured from a composite fiber material includes a lower crossbar configured as a base for the trellis that attaches around, and is permanently affixed to, the lower ends of a series of vertical rods, securing them in a desired position. The rods extend upwardly through apertures in middle and upper crossbars that bow the vertical rods into a fan shape.

Abstract: An expandable, portable, and semi-permanent garden planter box for the cultivation of plant life with an enclosable canopy for allowing limited control of the immediate atmospheric environment. The garden planter box is assembled from multiple component blocks capable of longitudinal and vertical integration providing the structural integrity of a solid structure and the adaptability and portability of structure composed of multiple interchangeable component parts capable of relatively easy assembly and disassembly without special tools or heavy equipment.

Abstract: A fire retardant darkening screen for use in greenhouses is provided, the screen including a top fabric and a bottom fabric. The top fabric includes halogen-containing polymeric strips laminated with a light-reflective film or foil. The bottom fabric includes polyolefin tapes, preferably high density polyethylene tapes, the polyolefin tapes including a synergistic fire resistance composition.

Abstract: Top furling automated retractable greenhouse cover is a retractable cover for a greenhouse that is mounted on top of the greenhouse. Top furling automated retractable greenhouse cover comprises: a spine clamp, a left furling cover assembly, a right furling cover assembly, a hinge pin assembly, and an electrical control box. Left and right furling assemblies each comprise a curtain or cover, a furling rod, a furling motor, and a support arm. Electrical control box sends electronic signals to cause left and right covers or curtains to furl above the greenhouse when retracted and to unfurl down to the ground when extended to cover the greenhouse. The top-mounted design allows efficient use of gravity to apply tension to the furled rolls.

Abstract: A device for encasing a plot of land is disclosed. The device includes a modular base placed around the perimeter of the plot of land. The base has a slot in the top for receiving a number of panels that form the sides and top of the enclosure. A bottom screen may extend across the bottom of the base. The panels may have an opening which is covered by an insert panel. The insert panel may be a screen or a material having greenhouse properties.

Abstract: Most of the time, the disclosed plant husbandry and food preparation apparatus encloses a garden plant, such that the plant is protected on all sides from animals. It may comprise a planter in which the plant is grown, a cage that is attached to the lip of the planter, and a dome containing apertures, which is seated atop the cage. The seated dome may be opened, while the dome is still attached to the cage, allowing the gardener to harvest produce. The opened dome is configured for use as a receptacle into which the harvested produce is deposited. The dome is also configured to be effortlessly detachable from the remainder of the apparatus, so that produce within it may be conveniently transported and rinsed. The dome may also be configured to serve as a strainer/steamer basket and as support for an auxiliary irrigation and/or animal deterrence system.

Abstract: An arrangement in a boom system, specifically in a forest machine, includes at least two interlinked boom parts and at least one power transmission connected to the boom parts for moving the boom parts in relation to each other and the environment. The boom part includes an elongated body with a hollow structure and at least one set of joints intersected by turning axles for attaching the boom part to an adjacent structure, and at least one set of attachments for attaching an actuator controlling the boom system to the body, whereby at least one boom part is formed as a uniform, hollow piece made of fluid material. The cross-section of the body is made to cinch toward the midpoint of the body.

Abstract: An automated tree cutting assembly includes a collar that may be positioned around a tree. A plurality of climbing units is movably coupled to the collar. The climbing units frictionally engage the tree thereby facilitating each of the climbing units to urge the collar around and up the tree. Each of the climbing units is positionable at selected angle with respect to the collar. Thus, each of the climbing unit units may urge the collar to travel in a spiral along the tree thereby facilitating the collar to climb upwardly and downwardly along the tree. A cutting unit is movably coupled to the collar to cut branches from the tree when the collar is positioned around the tree.

Abstract: An irrigation device (10) including a solar collector (18) connected to a heating element (14). The heating element is embedded in a hydrated medium and heats this to produce water vapour. A semi-permeable membrane (34) allows the heated water vapour to be used for irrigation, thereby allowing marsh or sea water to be used to irrigate large tracts of arid soil.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present application provide a method for making continuous micro-irrigation tubing, the continuous micro-irrigation tubing so made, a method for performing irrigation using the said continuous micro-irrigation tubing, and the application of the said continuous micro-irrigation tubing in agricultural irrigation, wherein the method for making continuous micro-irrigation tubing comprises: preconditioning a filler; blending the preconditioned filler with high-pressure polyethylene resin at a predefined weight ratio and making said filler and resin into filler pellet; making preformed tubing from the filler pellet; and threading the preformed tubing into a high-temperature extractor in which continuous extraction is performed to make continuous micro-irrigation tubing. The method enables the making of continuous micro-irrigation tubing containing micro-pores on the tubing wall. After the continuous micro-irrigation tubing is filled with water, water exudes through the micro-pores.

Abstract: Water is a precious resource in the world, and hence it is imperative to find solutions for an effective use of water, including an efficient irrigation system. A method and apparatus is disclosed that effectively processes the images of the vegetation, determines the optimum weather conditions and the soil moisture conditions, controls irrigation schedules of vegetation to efficiently conserve water while maintaining vegetation health, and predicts the nutrition stress in plants for optimum application of fertilizer when necessary.

Abstract: Plant-aeration systems, methods for plant aeration, plant-aeration cells, methods of environmental remediation, systems for algae cultivation, and apparatuses for algae aeration.

Abstract: An improved hydroponic net pot includes a layer of filter material enabling moisture and nutrients to enter into the growth media, while preventing the growth media and debris from entering into the hydroponic vessel. The pot and the filter are both preferably constructed of biodegradable, compostable materials. The pot may include a non-zero shoulder allowing the pot to be inserted into vessels with vertical walls or upright, slanted walls of vertical vessels. A removable cover may be provided over the opening of the pot, enabling the article to be shipped with growth media, with or without seeds or plant material.

Abstract: Methods for conveying Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis (FOM) race 1,2 resistance into non-resistant melon germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include introgressing FOM race 1,2 resistance into a non-resistant melon using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted selection among melon lines to be used in a melon breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to FOM race 1,2 resistance. Also provided are quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance to FOM race 1,2; isolated and purified genetic markers associated with FOM race 1,2 resistance; melon plants, seeds, and tissue cultures produced by any of the disclosed methods; fruit and seed produced by the disclosed melon plants; and compositions including amplification primer pairs capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase on melon nucleic acid templates to generate melon marker amplicons.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include systems, methods, compositions, and products by process for Rapid-breeding of plants. In certain embodiments, the systems and/or methods are at least partially automated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and devices for the rapid mechanical isolation of monocot plant tissues suitable for transformation or tissue culture. The invention includes mechanical devices for substantially isolating target plant tissues for use as transformable explants, and propagation of transgenic plants and plant tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV6496HJ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV6496HJ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV5873HE and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV5873HE and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated cucumber plants comprising a yield QTL on chromosome 2 and/or chromosome 6 of their genome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated cucumber plants comprising a yield QTL on chromosome 2 of their genome.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CC1313393 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CC1313393 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CC1313393 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety BY1312015 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety BY1312015 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using BY1312015 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety BY1213290 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety BY1213290 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using BY1213290 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety BY1310554 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety BY1310554 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using BY1310554 in a breeding program.

Abstract: A rice cultivar designated FRC-22 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar FRC-22, to the plants of rice FRC-22 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar FRC-22 with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar FRC-22 with another rice cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a rice plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other rice cultivars derived from rice cultivar FRC-22.

Abstract: Milk meter (10) for milking plants comprising an upper collecting chamber (30) delimited at the top by a covering membrane (33), a first discharge opening (22) connectable to a milk passage manifold of a milking plant, said first discharge opening (22) being adapted to put in communication the milk passage manifold with the upper collecting chamber (30), a lower measuring chamber (40) connected to the upper collecting chamber (30) and communicating with it by means of a second discharge opening (32), a shutter (31) comprising a central portion (36), adapted to open and/or close the second discharge opening (32), and an upper portion (37) connected to the central portion (36) and associated with the covering membrane (33), wherein the central portion (36) of the shutter (31) comprises a chimney (51) to discharge upwards, that is towards the upper collecting chamber (30) and towards the first discharge opening (22), the air rising from the lower measuring chamber (40) when the latter chamber becomes filled with

Abstract: A buttermaking apparatus includes an inlet, a churning cylinder having a rotatable beater, a secondary churning drum having a hood, at least one press stage having a press, and at least one inspection glass having a viewing window. The viewing window has a heater to melt butter accumulated on the viewing window.

Abstract: The invention is unique, not so much by the separate details many of which can be found in other devices or prior art, but by the grouping of them all together to function in an innovative way to remove the repellant odor of urine found in most previous models in a speedy, relatively effortless, economical and hygienic manner. The process is done employing a pump attached to the dog toilet's funnel to send the urine through a small hose which the owner may either manually take to the toilet and discharge it there, or the hose may be installed in the cabinetry of the bathroom with the nozzle located near the toilet, or alternately fed into the sink drain below its trap if the invention is located in a room adjacent to the bathroom.

Abstract: A collapsible dog basket is provided. The basket includes bottom and side walls made of plastic and flexible bendable joints around which the bottom and side walls are folded such that the dog basket has a collapsed position. The bendable joints are made of a flexible plastic material being more flexible than the remaining part of the dog basket. The sidewalls of the dog basket are directly connected with the bottom so that the collapsible dog basket is in one piece. When collapsing the basket, the bottom is pressed upwards between the side walls. The bottom has special air circulation holes to make sure that the dog gets the right air circulation while sleeping in the basket. The holes also prevent the body heat from the dog from getting in contact with the floor surface underneath the dog basket.

Abstract: An automated animal feeding assembly includes a housing that may be positioned to be accessible to an animal. A turret is rotatably coupled to the housing. A plurality of tubes is provided and each of the tubes is positioned within the turret. Each of the tubes may contain animal food. A rotation unit is positioned within the housing. The rotation unit engages the turret such that the rotation unit selectively rotates the turret. A dispensing unit is positioned within the housing. The dispensing unit selectively urges the animal food outwardly from the tubes into the third well. Thus, the animal may consume the animal food. A control is coupled to the housing and the control may be manipulated. The control is electrically coupled to rotation unit and the dispensing unit. Thus, the control controls operational parameters of each of the rotation unit and the dispensing unit.