Abstract: An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached to respective outer ends of the center section. Controlling a pressure in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables adjustment of the downward pressure precharge provided by hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. Flow from a hydraulic supply through a pressure-reducing valve puts the downward pressure precharge on gauge wheels. Once this desired downward pressure precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the hydraulic cylinders hold the gauge wheels in the desired position.

Abstract: A method of controlling tilt of an agricultural implement being towed by a tow vehicle along a field includes providing a controller, a first sensor, a second sensor, and an actuator coupled to the implement. The method includes detecting a baseline level of the tow vehicle with the first sensor at a first location in the field, wherein the implement is located at a second location in the field spaced rearward of the first location. The controller determines when the implement will be at the first location in the field, and an implement level of the implement is measured with the second sensor once the implement is at the first location. The implement level is compared to the baseline level with the controller. The controller determines if the difference between the implement level and baseline level is within a tolerance range, and further controls the actuator as needed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an attachment includes coupling the attachment to a tractor via a power lift comprising two lower link arms and detecting a pull point as a geometrical intersection of imaginary extensions of both lower link arms based on reference angles. The method further includes determining the reference angles by an optical capture of the lower link arms, and controlling the operation based on the detected pull point.

Abstract: A trench closing sensor adapted to mount to an agricultural implement to detect whether a seed trench is sufficiently closed with soil to ensure good seed to soil contact. The trench closing sensor may also detect the amount of compaction of the soil over the seed within the seed trench. The trench closing sensor may be in the form of a seed firmer from which a drag wire extends. As the open seed trench and drag wire are covered with soil, instrumentation measures or detects whether the seed trench is being adequately closed with soil by measuring the amount of force required to pull the wire through the soil or by measuring the amount of strain, pulling force or tension in the wire or by measuring the amount of soil pressure acting on the wire. The trench closing sensor may include other sensors for detecting soil characteristics.

Abstract: A memory embodies instructions, and a processor is coupled to the memory and is operative by the instructions to facilitate: accessing a source of information regarding farm cultivation techniques; constructing a cultivation knowledge graph by parsing the source of information regarding farm cultivation techniques, using natural language processing; identifying cultivation quality assessment factors by applying machine learning to the cultivation knowledge graph; estimating quality of a farm cultivation task by comparing a stream of real-time data to the cultivation quality assessment factors, wherein the stream of real-time data is related to performance of the farm cultivation task; identifying from the stream of real-time data, using the cultivation knowledge graph, a controllable variable that affects the quality of the farm cultivation task; and improving the quality of the farm cultivation task by facilitating a change in the controllable variable.

Abstract: A method of weed control is provided. The method comprising: (a) determining development of flowers of at least one weed species of interest; and (b) artificially pollinating at flowering the flowers of the at least one weed species of interest with pollen that reduces fitness of the at least one weed species of interest. Also provided are systems for executing the method.

Abstract: A method for reducing salinity stress symptoms in a seed plant, comprising the step of adding carbon-based nanomaterials into a salinity growth medium in which the seed plant is cultivated, the salinity growth medium is in a salinity condition which causes the seed plant cultivated in the growth medium demonstrates the salinity stress symptom.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: Seed sensors for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed are described herein. Plant sensors for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an agricultural aircraft for spreading granular fertilizer and a spreading method thereof. The agricultural aircraft includes an aircraft body, a power system, and a spreading device, where the spreading device is located at a front part of the aircraft body, and the aircraft body is also provided at the front thereof with a wind direction sensor and a wind speed sensor communicatively connected a controller; the spreading device includes a box body, a throwing disc, and a tray connected to the box body, where a left baffle plate and a right baffle plate with controllable opening angles are disposed on the tray; an upper part of the box body is a material box for storing granular fertilizer, a cavity for accommodating the tray and the throwing disc is disposed on one side of the box body.

Abstract: A knife blade for a cutting apparatus has two cutting edges which are arranged at a substantially triangular cutting portion extending longitudinal to a fastening portion, wherein the cutting edges have areas with different tooth pitches from tooth pitches in other areas.

Abstract: A housing holding parts includes a plurality of outer circumferential plates connected with each other to form a first enclosed space, one or more of the outer circumferential plates having a total of two or more outer holes formed therein, and a gutter member connected to at least two outer circumferential plates, the gutter member having an inner hole formed therein, wherein a second enclosed space is formed by the outer circumferential plates and the gutter member, the outer holes communicate with the second enclosed space, and the inner hole is provided to be offset from each of the lines passing through each of the outer holes which are perpendicular to the outer circumferential plates in which the outer holes 8 are formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically controlling the opening and closing of a gate hingedly mounted at the upper margin of a portal, leveraging the gate from a closed position to either a fully open position or a partially-open resting position. The gate opening function is controlled by a lever-handle actuated gate lifting assembly including a lift leverage bracket carrying a lift actuating rod engageable with a fulcrumatic gate pickup bracket lifting a lifting element of a gate attachment arm providing a hinged connection for the chute gate. The gate closing-catch function is controlled by a pivoting gate stop bracket carried on a second gate attachment arm; the gate stop bracket is biased to have a catch end ridable along an edge of a riser mount for the second hinged connection for the gate, until the catch end seats or lodges in a closing-catch notch of the riser mount.

Abstract: A feederhouse assembly for an agricultural harvester includes a feederhouse comprising an inlet end, a rotational shaft coupled to the feederhouse and defining a plurality of fluid passages therethrough, and a frame adjacent the inlet end and arranged to pivot about the rotational shaft relative to the feederhouse. The frame defines a crop opening therethrough and is configured to carry a harvesting header. An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, the feederhouse assembly mounted to the chassis, and a processing system carried by the chassis and structured to receive crop material from the feederhouse.

Abstract: A rotary thresher for a combine harvester including a plurality of concaves which may be rotated around a rotor to move to or from a threshing position or one or more of one or more resting positions.

Abstract: A transfer device includes an arm that has a first end and a second end. The transfer device includes a pivot positioned at the first end of the arm. The pivot is configured to be secured to a baling machine. The transfer device includes a lifting device positioned on the arm. The lifting device is configured to be attached to a bale wrap material supply roll.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to baling materials. In some embodiments, there is provided a system for baling recyclable materials including a baling a machine configured to compress materials into a shape suitable for at least one of storage and transportation; the materials comprising mixed type recyclable materials, the material not comprising added cardboard header materials configured to structurally enhanced the shape having been compressed; baling wire configured to twine and secure the materials compressed by the baling machine resulting in a bale comprising twined and compressed materials; and shrink film configured to wrap around the bale.

Abstract: A twine knotter including a bill hook for forming a knot in a twine, a twine holding device for clamping twine with a twine holder and a twine disk rotatable relative thereto, the twine disk having recesses over its circumference for receiving twine, a twine feeding device for feeding twine over the bill hook into the twine holding device, and a twine knife for cutting twine. The twine disk has at least two pairs of recesses over the circumference, each pair of recesses having a front recess in a direction of rotation of the twine disk for receiving a single twine strand or a single twine strand pair and a to rear recess for receiving a further single twine strand or said single twine strand pair.

Abstract: A baler for forming a bale of crop material includes a plurality of walls defining a bale chamber. A drive roller and a plurality of idler rollers are disposed in the bale chamber. At least one baling belt contacts the drive roller and the plurality of idler rollers. A bale engagement roller is rotatable about a bale engagement roller axis. The bale engagement roller is positioned to directly engage crop material in the bale chamber. An actuator is coupled to the bale engagement roller. The actuator translates the bale engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the bale engagement roller axis.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is an electric lopper, comprising a handle, a connecting pole and a pruning component which are connected in sequence, wherein the pruning component comprises a casing, a control mechanism and, connected in sequence, a motive power mechanism, a drive mechanism and a cutter set, wherein the motive power mechanism and the drive mechanism are disposed in the casing, the cutter set is disposed at that end of the casing which is remote from the motive power mechanism, a switch connected to the motive power mechanism is provided on the handle, and the control mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism; the drive mechanism is a worm gear/worm drive mechanism or a ball screw drive mechanism. The present invention is used for pruning bushes, branches, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a small hand-held garden tool, for example a hedgetrimmer, having an electrically powered powerhead, and a detachable pole assembly. The powerhead can be used alone to cut nearby vegetation or in combination with a pole assembly to reach vegetation farther away. The powerhead has a separate handle and motor chamber, with the pole assembly being secured to the motor chamber. Actuation of the powerhead is controlled by a trigger on the handle. However, when connected to the pole assembly, actuation of the powerhead is controlled by a second trigger on the pole assembly.

Abstract: An approach for controlling light exposure of a light sensitive object is described. Aspects of this approach involve using a first set of radiation sources to irradiate the object with visible radiation and infrared radiation. A second set of radiation sources spot irradiate the object in a set of locations with a target ultraviolet radiation having a range of wavelengths. Radiation sensors detect radiation reflected from the object and environment condition sensors detect conditions of the environment in which the object is located during irradiation. A controller controls irradiation of the light sensitive object by the first and second set of radiation sources according to predetermined optimal irradiation settings specified for various environmental conditions. In addition, the controller adjusts irradiation settings of the first and second set of radiation sources as a function of measurements obtained by the various sensors.

Abstract: A modular and scalable box/container system comprises square or rectangular panels having holes on all four sides, an extension-flat-angled connector for extending a vertically-oriented panel by securing it to another vertically-oriented panel, a corner-flat-angled connector for securing two vertical panels in a square corner configuration, a corner-angled-angled connector for securing a vertically-oriented panel to a horizontally-oriented panel, and an extension-angled-angled connector for extending a horizontally-oriented panel by securing it to another horizontally-oriented panel. The system further comprises bolts and nuts, or other hardware, for securing panels to connectors.

Abstract: A planter for detachably affixing and securing a pot and plant in a vertical orientation relative to a tree, the planter adapted to allow the tree to grow through the planter and blend in with surrounding vegetation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a greenhouse, specifically a closed greenhouse environment suitable for use in dry environments which regulates the conditions of the growing environment whilst minimising heat and water loss. The greenhouse is especially suitable for use with macrophyte growing systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayered composite textile, comprising at least one first layer, comprising a first biodegradable polymer; and, at least one second layer, comprising a second layer fabric wherein the second layer fabric comprises second layer filaments; wherein said second layer fabric comprises a second biodegradable polymer, characterized in that, the visual degradation speed of the first layer is slower than the visual degradation speed of the second layer. The invention further relates to the use of such fabric for temporary weed control, temporary erosion control, as a hygienic article, or temporary packaging material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a wood fibre mat for use as a plant substrate including wood fibres, and at least one polar liquid absorbing agent, and a biodegradable binder consisting of polylactic acid fibres and at least one starch. The disclosure also relates to processes for its production.

Abstract: A self watering bottle planter insert allows a regular bottle to be transformed into a hydroponic planter. The self watering bottle planter insert is insertable into a bottle and removes the need for a separate source of nutrients. The planter uses composite media with an enriched substrate layered beneath a more standard hydroponic growth media to add nutrients to the water for the life cycle of the plant. Also provided is a substrate assembly for use in a bottle planter assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed a plant cultivation system including: a replaceable cultivation box including a housing, and identification information of the cultivation box, and an electronic device configured to acquire the identification information from the cultivation box, detect state information about an inside of the cultivation box or around the cultivation box using a sensor, and spray liquid into the cultivation box based on the identification information and the state information.

Abstract: A Petunia plant designated KLEPH18370 is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of Petunia KLEPH18370, plants of Petunia KLEPH18370, to plant parts of Petunia KLEPH18370, and methods for producing a plant by crossing Petunia KLEPH18370 with itself or with another variety. Embodiments also relate to Petunia varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from Petunia KLEPH18370, methods for producing other Petunia lines or plant parts derived from Petunia KLEPH18370, and the Petunia plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid Petunia seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing Petunia KLEPH18370 with another Petunia variety or another plant type.

Abstract: Plants, and methods of generating plants, having an increased content of rebaudioside D and oilier desirable characteristics are disclosed. Rebaudioside D (rebD) has been observed to have desirable sweetening properties, and accordingly, it has been desirable to produce Stevia plant lines, cultivars, and varieties with defined glycoside profiles where rebD is increased in content, either on a total weight basis of Stevia leaves, relative to other glycosides (e.g., rebA, or stevioside), or both.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to lettuce variety NUN 06567 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 06567 LTL is a midi-romaine lettuce variety comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates Bl:16-33EU and Isolate Bl:35EU, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae Race 1 (IR-HR), and Rhizomonas suberifaciens (Corky Root).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to lettuce variety NUN 06256 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 06256 LTL is a romaine lettuce variety comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) Isolates Bl:16-36EU and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae Race 1 (HR).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides Cucumis melo inbred line CHA-ZA15-0014AN. The present disclosure also provides methods to select, produce, and grow these plants, parts of such plants, and products made from those parts. The disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrid and inbred lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated strains of Epichloë endophytes that form symbiotic associations with host plants, wherein the symbiotic associations are combinations of endophytes and host plants that are not found in nature. The invention also relates to combinations of host plants and Epichloë endophytes that are not found in nature, methods of making such combinations and methods of conferring at least some level of pest resistance on a host plant using such endophytes.

Abstract: A crate (1) for a cheese, said crate (1) comprising a base (2), an open top (3) substantially parallel to the base (2), a peripheral wall (4), the peripheral wall (4) forming a closed contour and forming with the base (2) a space (8) intended to receive the cheese, the peripheral wall (4) comprising a medium portion (29) which is approximately at mid-height of the space (8) intended to receive the cheese and further having at least one through-hole (36, 60) formed therein. The peripheral wall (4) comprises a solid strip (27) enclosing the space (8) intended to receive the cheese while being substantially parallel to the base (2), said solid strip (27) including the medium portion (29) of the peripheral wall (4) and having a minimum height which is at least 15% of the height of the space (8) intended to receive the cheese.

Abstract: A collapsible dish assembly for carrying a water dish on a collar of an animal includes a dish that has a plurality of collapsible sections. The dish is positionable in a flattened position. Additionally, the dish is positionable in an expanded position to contain water. A coupler is coupled to the dish and the coupler engages a collar on an animal when the dish is in the collapsed position. In this way the dish can be suspended from the collar for transporting the dish.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a portable pet water feeder, comprising a cup body and a drinking water slide cover, wherein the drinking water slide cover is sleeved on the outer wall of the cup body and is slidable along the outer wall of the cup body, the cup body is provided with an upper cover, the upper cover is provided with a water outlet nozzle, a partition plate is provided between the upper cover and the cup body, the partition plate is provided with a water outlet hole, a pressing water outlet component is provided in the upper cover, and the pressing water outlet component connects the water outlet hole and the water outlet nozzle. The portable pet water feeder comes with a drinking water slide cover for providing water by pressing, and is provided with a water locking switch, which is convenient and practical, safe and sanitary, and long in service life.

Abstract: An electronic ear tag allows an individual to track a herd animal. Further, the electronic ear tag is an ultra-low power, and lightweight tag that runs only when needed. The electronic ear tag includes a substrate, a microcontroller, a rechargeable battery, a wireless communication module, a global positioning system (GPS) module, and a solar panel. The substrate is a circuit board used to support the electronic components of the present invention. The microcontroller is used to manage and control the electronic components of the electronic ear tag. The rechargeable battery is the main power source of the electronic ear tag. The wireless communication module allows the electronic ear tag to communicate with a central network. The GPS module allows the electronic ear tag to communicate with a GPS satellite. The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy used to charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A protective sleeve is provided to protect and/or decorate the dock of a horse's tail. The sleeve may allow for attachment of a decorative cover, such as a pre-braided and/or partially braided hairpiece, which substitutes for the need to manually braid a tail, thereby avoiding damage to the natural hairs on the bony structure of the tail known as the dock where all hair follicles reside. The sleeve may allow for braiding of the horse's tail hairs into the decorative cover. Further, in another aspect of the present disclosure, the protective sleeve may be used for preservation of the horse's tail hairs when the horse is not competing as a preventative measure to protect the tail from further damage from rubbing or abrasion.

Abstract: A dog toy includes a projectile and a slingshot. The projectile is configured to fly through the air while resembling a dog bone. Accordingly, the projectile has a first and second visual pair of bulbous portions disposed at the leading and trailing ends. The trailing end is also shaped as fins for stability in flight, whereas the leading end is heavier in mass. A pair of hooks are at the leading end. A finger grip is attached near, to or formed as part of the trailing end and allows a user to grip the projectile with a user's fingers. The slingshot includes a handle configured to be gripped by the user. A pair of prongs extend from a handle top and form an opening. An elastic band is connected to each prong. A hand guard protects a portion of the user's hand during use.

Abstract: A system for distinguishing identities based on nose prints of animals contains: an input end, a database, an identification unit, and an output end. The input end is configured to input image data. The database includes multiple animal identity data which are actual nose prints data, actual body information, actual face data, and identity information of the animals. The identification unit is electrically connected with the input end, the database, and an output end. The identification unit includes multiple identification programs configured to analyze the image data, thus obtaining compared nose prints data, compared body information, and compared face data of the animals. The compared nose prints data, the compared body information, and the compared face data of the animals are compared with the actual nose prints data, the actual body information, and the actual face data of the animal identity data respectively.

Abstract: The urine examination container (1) includes a bottom portion (2), a peripheral wall portion (3) that extends upward from an outer peripheral edge (6) of the bottom portion (2), surrounds the periphery of the bottom portion (2), and defines a urine receiving portion (5) that opens upward together with the bottom portion (2), and a grip portion (4) that projects outward from the peripheral wall portion (3).

Abstract: An at least partially floorless semirigid poultry enclosure configured to flex and/or adjust to accommodate undulating terrain during movement across a field. The semirigid poultry enclosure may comprise a semirigid foundation. The semirigid foundation may include one or more flexible joints disposed between two or more rigid structural elements. The semirigid poultry enclosure may include multiple wall barriers coupled to the semirigid foundation. The semirigid poultry enclosure may include a roof barrier coupled to one or more of the multiple wall barriers and/or the semirigid foundation. Multiple wheels may be coupled to the semirigid foundation to facilitate movement of the semirigid poultry enclosure, wherein poultry within the semirigid poultry enclosure have access to the field from within the enclosure.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for an automated chicken sorting conveyor belt system. Conveyor belts that move chicks from a loading area into bins move laterally (or horizontally) as the chicks fill up the bins. This reduces various impact, acceleration, and other forces imparted on the chicks.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for automatic sea lice monitoring in fish aquaculture, the method comprising submerging a camera (4) in a sea pen (300) comprising fish, using the camera to make an image of at least one of said fish, analysing the image to differentiate between individual sea lice present on the fish and the fish itself and assessing the number of sea lice present on the fish, wherein the camera is attached to a device (1, 10, 100) for guiding the salmon along an imaging track (5), the camera being directed to the track.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to a water filter for an aquarium comprising a housing with an interior area configured to house a plurality of filtration cartridges, at least one first clamp and at least one second clamp, and a cover with a lid in operative movable+connection therewith. The cover includes a roughing filter chamber that is in operative fluid connection with the housing interior area and a first connection port that is in operative fluid connection with a water inlet, and a second connection port in operative fluid connection with a water outlet and the housing interior area. The first and second clamps are in operative connection with the housing and are releasably engageable with a rim extending around the cover and the lid. In a disengaged position of the second clamp, the lid is movable between open and closed positions while the cover is maintained in engagement with the housing.

Abstract: Genetically modified rodents such as mice and rats, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided. The rodents comprise a humanization of at least one endogenous rodent Tmprss gene, such as an endogenous rodent Tmprss2, Tmprss4, or Tmprss11d gene.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human T cell co-receptor polypeptides (e.g., CD4, CD8?, CD8?), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same.