Abstract: A rotary disc valve includes a rotatable assembly having a drive shaft with a flow control wall. The flow control wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of defines a flow chamber within the drive shaft. A rotary disc is coupled to the drive shaft and is configured to rotate in unison therewith. The rotary disc includes an inner flow passage and an outer flow passage formed therethrough. The inner flow passage is always axially aligned with and fluidly coupled to the flow chamber of the drive shaft and the outer flow passage is always fluidly coupled to the outer surface of the flow control wall. A fixed disc sealing engages the rotary disc and includes a first flow opening, a second flow opening, and a third flow opening formed therethrough and disposed around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An autonomous farming machine navigable in an environment for performing farming action(s) is disclosed. The farming machine receives a notification from a manager that there are no obstacles in the blind spots of the detection system. The farming machine applies an obstacle detection model to the captured images to verify that there are no obstacles in unobstructed views. The farming machine determines a configuration of the farming machine. The farming machine determines a virtual safety bubble for the farming machine to autonomously perform the farming action(s) based on the determined configuration. The farming machine detects an obstacle in the environment by applying the obstacle detection model to the captured images. The farming machine determines that the obstacle is entering the virtual safety bubble. In response to determining that the obstacle is entering the virtual safety bubble, the farming machine terminates operation of the farming machine and/or enacts preventive measures.

Abstract: A transmission system for a working vehicle includes a hydraulic drive motor 38 and a transmission 100. The transmission includes an output member 102; a first input member 104 connectable to a prime mover, wherein the transmission is operable to transmit drive from the first input member via a first drive path 108 to the output member in a mechanical drive mode; and a second input member 106 drivable by the operation of the hydraulic drive motor, wherein the transmission is operable to transmit drive from the second input member via a second drive path 110 to the output member in a hydrostatic drive mode. The transmission is configured so that there is a fixed ratio of rotation speed of the first input member to rotation speed of the output member in the mechanical drive mode.

Abstract: A rotary disc valve includes a rotatable assembly having a drive shaft with a flow control wall. The flow control wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of defines a flow chamber within the drive shaft. A rotary disc is coupled to the drive shaft and is configured to rotate in unison therewith. The rotary disc includes an inner flow passage and an outer flow passage formed therethrough. The inner flow passage is always axially aligned with and fluidly coupled to the flow chamber of the drive shaft and the outer flow passage is always fluidly coupled to the outer surface of the flow control wall. A fixed disc sealing engages the rotary disc and includes a first flow opening, a second flow opening, and a third flow opening formed therethrough and disposed around the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a flexible plumbing hose, and then conveniently releasing the hose so that it may be retracted, as well as related plumbing fixtures is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a two-piece cleat assembly which easily engages and disengages the hose. The cleat assembly comprises two spring-loaded cam cleats that can partially rotate to pinch and grip the flexible hose in place but can quickly released by physically lifting the hose away from the cleat assembly. The two-piece cleat assembly may be employed as a component in a plumbing fixture such as a shower system having a hose attached to a hand-held shower head, or in a kitchen faucet having a hose attached to a hand-held sprayer. The cleat assembly is configured as a replaceable cartridge which can easily be disassembled from the plumbing fixture for replacement or repair.

Abstract: Disclosed is electrical stimulation apparatus and an associated method for delivering therapy to an eye of a patient is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: an implantable device comprising one or more electrodes for delivering therapeutic electrical stimulation to the eye, the implantable device being configured for implanting in a suprachoroidal space between the sclera and choroid layers of the eye. Also disclosed is electroretinography (ERG) apparatus for monitoring an eye of a patient, the apparatus comprising: an implantable device comprising one or more electrodes for monitoring properties of the eye, the implantable device being configured for implanting in a suprachoroidal space between the sclera and choroid layers of the eye. Also disclosed are implantable devices, apparatuses and methods for the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is electrical apparatus for stimulating and/or monitoring an eye of a patient, comprising an implantable electrode device and a lead extending outwardly from the implantable device, the lead including a section that locates externally to the eye having at least one pre-formed bend. Also disclosed is a lead connected to an implantable electrode device, the lead having one or more stripes that extend along at least a portion of the lead. Also disclosed is an implantable device having a substrate and at least one electrode, the electrode having at least one aperture through which material of the substrate extends to anchor the electrode to the substrate. Other disclosed features relate to a foldable anchor device, a curved electrode substrate and depth markers, for example.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for limiting mobile device functionality in a geographic area. When a mobile device is located within a predetermined geographic area, the mobile device receives a disabling signal from a disabling device. A Device Owner Application on the mobile device responds to the disabling signal, restricting functionality of the mobile device. Such restrictions may include restricting the mobile device's ability to send and receive text messages and email messages; restricting the mobile device's ability to respond to user input; restricting the mobile device's ability to place and receive phone calls; restricting the mobile device's ability to place and receive phone calls requiring user interaction with the mobile device; restricting the mobile device's ability to utilize a web browser application; restricting the mobile device's web browser from accessing predetermined web sites; and any other predetermined restriction of mobile device functionality as may be desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for transforming soybean, corn, cotton, or canola explants using spectinomycin as a selective agent for transformation of the explants. The method may further comprise treatment of the explants with cytokinin during the transformation and regeneration process.

Abstract: A battery management system for batteries, such as, but not limited to, electric vehicle battery packs and cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries, lead acid batteries, gel batteries, and absorbed gel mat batteries, in engine start applications is disclosed. The battery management system is configured to control the charge and charging of each cell individually. The battery management system may be configured to control the charge of a battery which may consist of a plurality of cells, such as, but not limited to, lithium iron phosphate cells, and in at least one embodiment, the battery may consist of, but is not limited to being formed from, four lithium iron phosphate cells connected in series and a battery management system to ensure proper charge and safe operation.

Abstract: A drawer glide mechanism includes a first elongate guide member, a second elongate glide member, and a v-notch socket. The first and second elongate members are ball-bearing guide members. The first elongate guide member includes a distal end that is configured to fit within an opening in the v-notch socket, thereby locking it in place.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a system 10 for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a site 18 on the body of a mammal. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a piston 22 and cylinder 24 device 12 having a self-contained power source for the generation of a reduced pressure and for aspirating the site 18. Some embodiments of the system 10 comprise a dressing 14 sealably surrounding the site 18 that can be operably connected to the device 12 by a conduit means 16 to apply the reduced pressure to the site 18.

Abstract: A damping apparatus (10) can be self-centering and include one or more precompressed and preloaded mechanical springs (16). A solar tracking apparatus (100) can include a solar panel (102) mounted on a rotating shaft (104), and a self-centering damping apparatus (50) operatively connected to the rotating shaft (104) to compensate for torque created when the solar panel (102) is rotated at an angle to horizontal. A steering assembly for a zero-turn riding lawn mower can include a pair of steering levers and a self-centering damping apparatus (50) operatively connected to the steering levers.

Abstract: A secondary steering pump system may include a secondary steering pump, a bypass valve having a first bypass position configured for placing the secondary steering pump in fluid communication with a hydraulic tank and a second use/testing position configured for placing the secondary steering pump in fluid communication with a steering control circuit. The system may also include a solenoid valve configured for actuation by a solenoid and for selectively actuating the bypass valve from the first position to the second position. The system may also include a pressure sensor configured for sensing pressure in the system.

Abstract: A drawer glide mechanism can include a first elongate guide member, a second elongate glide member, a ball bearing component, and a v-notch socket. The first elongate guide member includes a distal end that is configured to fit within an opening in the v-notch socket. The drawer glide mechanism can further include one or more floating members and fixed members.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient methods for transforming plant explants with an exogenous nucleic acid by culturing the explant with the exogenous nucleic acid on a liquid selection medium to select for a transformed explant. Transformed Cannabis or other plant explants are also provided. Plants and seeds produced by the methods are also provided and includes production of T1 plants.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for acquiring information. An image and metadata associated with the image are captured utilizing a wireless device. The image and the metadata are associated with a device incapable of communication with an external device. Information associated with the device and user information is determined. The user information is characterized in context of historical data for at least the user and other similar users. The information is distributed from the wireless device to one or more authorized devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing cables in overhead transmission and distribution systems and a corresponding method of use are disclosed herein. The apparatus described herein may comprise a dual messenger rolling cable spacer used to install cables in overhead transmission and distribution systems. In various embodiments, the method of using the dual messenger rolling cable spacer may include installing a carrier messenger wire across a span between utility structures. One or more rolling spacers may then be hung from the carrier messenger wire via a roller such that the roller is in contact with the carrier messenger wire. A set of cables and a circuit messenger wire may be affixed to the one or more rolling spacers. The circuit messenger wire may then be pulled across the span causing the one or more rolling spacers to roll along the carrier messenger wire, thereby pulling the set of cables across the span.

Abstract: A damping apparatus can be self-centering and include one or more pre-compressed and preloaded mechanical springs. A solar tracking apparatus can include a solar panel mounted on a rotating shaft, and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the rotating shaft to compensate for torque created when the solar panel is rotated at an angle to horizontal. A steering assembly for a zero-turn riding lawn mower can include a pair of steering levers and a self-centering damping apparatus operatively connected to the steering levers.

Abstract: A multi-mode control module for selectively controlling a flow of one or more fluids through a thermal management system is disclosed. The control module includes a fluid valve system in fluid communication with one or more fluid manifolds. The fluid valve system includes at least one fluid valve assembly disposed in a housing defining a plurality of flow paths. Each fluid valve assembly includes a plurality of flow control members in stacked relationship moveably disposed and selectively positionable within the housing to achieve various operating modes of the control module, and thereby, the thermal management system.