Abstract: A digging tool having a short handle and downwardly depending blade that can be placed on the ground. A striking (i.e., force receiving) surface is provided and configured to be struck by a hammer in order to drive the downwardly depending blade into the soil. Once driven into the soil, the user can simply lift up the handle to break the soil, and pull the soil out of the way. The tool may then be moved to the next location and the striking, pulling moving sequence of operation may be repeated. The tool is particularly useful in locations with limited overhead clearance. In such spaces, conventional tools of the prior art are typically unable to be raised over a user's head and then swung downward with sufficient force to accomplished a desired digging task.

Abstract: The present document shows a suspension unit for an agricultural implement, comprising a bearing unit. The bearing unit contains an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve which is rotatable relative to said inner sleeve, and a friction-reducing member arranged between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The suspension unit further comprises a spring element, arranged radially outside the outer sleeve; and a holder which forms a spring chamber in which the spring element is accommodated. The spring element is fixed in the spring chamber between a circumferential, radially outwardly open groove, which is integrated with the outer sleeve, and a radially inwardly open groove, which surrounds the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.

Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed disc is a motor that is housed within the seed meter housing and that includes a rotatable portion being attached to the circular disc such that the two rotate in tandem. The integrated motor can be positioned within an interior portion of the circular seed disc such that the width of the disc and motor combination is kept to a minimum.

Abstract: The present document shows an agricultural implement comprising a device for feeding granular material, such as seed, fertilizer or pesticide. The device comprises at least two metering devices (109), a first drive device (101) for generating a pressurizing airflow (FT) for pressurization of the metering devices (109), and a central container (102), which is arranged to, via respective feed ducts (103), with the aid of a respective feed airflow (FI), feed the material to the respective metering device (109). The device also comprises a second drive device (201, 201a, 201b) for generating the said feed airflow (FI) and a merging connection (118, 118?) for merging at least a part (FL) of the said feed airflow (FI) with the pressurizing airflow (FT).

Abstract: The present document shows a separator for separating granular material, such as seed, fertilizer or pesticide, from a material-laden airflow (FI). The separator comprises a separator zone (Z) having an inlet (11) for a material-laden airflow, a material outlet (13) and an air outlet (12, 12?), and at least two separator parts (15, 15?), which extend only substantially along a material flow (FM) in the separator zone (Z) and between which is formed a separator gap (12, 12?), which is sufficiently narrow to allow air, but not the granular material, to pass through it. At the material outlet (13), the separator gap (12, 12?) is at least partially open, viewed in a direction which is substantially parallel with the material flow (FM), so that material which gets stuck in the separator gap (12, 12?) is allowed to leave this by means of displacement principally along the material flow (FM).

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle may include a power module and a working module. The power module may include control circuitry configured to execute stored instructions to direct operation of the robotic vehicle on a defined area, and a drive motor for propelling the robotic vehicle responsive to control by the control circuitry. The working module may be configured to perform a function with respect to the defined area responsive to being propelled by the power module. The working module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules that are attachable to the power module. At least one of the interchangeable working modules may have a different function than the working module.

Abstract: A cutting machine with a chassis including a frame and a coupling support configured to be mounted on a three-point hitch of a tractor, and with an arm connected directly to the frame by a first articulation and extending, at least during work, laterally relative to the frame, the arm carrying a work element and configured, by a displacement device, to be pivoted relative to the frame between a work position, a maneuver position, and a transport position. The displacement device includes a connecting-rod and at least a first jack articulated between the frame and the connecting-rod and a second jack articulated to the arm and connected to the connecting-rod by a pin. The connecting-rod is directly connected to the arm by a second articulation, and the second articulation is separate from the first articulation.

Abstract: A harvesting system or device formed with an agricultural harvesting machine having a crop transfer device that that swivels about a swivel angle (?) for transferring crop and allows for setting a setpoint swivel angle (?soil) for discharging the crop, and a hauling vehicle that receives the crop. The crop that is discharged from the agricultural harvesting machine impacts the hauling vehicle at an adjustable impact point. If the deflection of the transfer device deviates from the setpoint swivel angle (?soil), a return of the transfer device to the setpoint swivel angle (?soil) is regulated by changing the ground speed (VE) of the agricultural harvesting machine, the ground speed (VT) of the hauling vehicle or bother while maintaining a position of the impact point substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for harvesting algal growth on an algal growth medium that is arranged within a floway containing water. A cable coupled to the algal growth medium is pulled by a pulling unit to draw the algal growth medium along the floway and past a vacuum positioned adjacent the algal growth medium. Suction from the vacuum is used to remove or harvest the algal growth on the algal growth medium.

Abstract: A threshing drum includes beater arms which are arranged on a circumferential surface of the threshing drum so as to be movable relative to a threshing concave that is disposed adjacent to the threshing drum. At least one of the beater arms is equipped over a periphery thereof with at least one beater body that is movably drivable relative to the at least one of the beater arms.

Abstract: A pre-cutter tine has a relatively wide working face which is pitched or canted relative to a plane extending vertically to an axis of rotation of a pre-cutter rotor carrying a plurality of the tines arranged helically about the axis. The pitched working face of adjacent tines acts to support the crop being cut as the pitched working faces advance the crop toward the pre-cutter knives which are spaced such that the working faces of adjacent tines pass on opposite sides of a given knife. The working faces of the tines may be pitched such as to cause the engaged crop to be conveyed inwardly as well as to the rear by the tines.

Abstract: An agricultural baler equipped with a pre-compression chamber supplied with crop material by a suitable supply means or arrangement or component, and configured to guide crop material from said supply means towards and into the baling chamber where the rectangular bales are formed. The baler of the invention is provided with a buffer chamber located before the pre-compression chamber, the floor of said buffer chamber being formed by a conveyor belt configured to move at a constant speed. The buffer chamber diminishes the irregularity with which crops are supplied to the pre-compression chamber.

Abstract: A machine for distribution of products for animals, including a bucket with an opening toward a casing including a first wall adjacent to the opening and a second wall remote from the first wall, in which casing a turbine is mounted that can rotate around a rotation axis, the turbine including a disc with blades and knives. The turbine further includes a plate oriented toward the opening and remote from the disc, and a central part remote from the disc and at least one branch, the at least one branch extends from the central part in a substantially radial direction of the disc, the at least one branch of the plate is connected to the disc by two lateral closing sheets to form a bin, the at least one blade of the turbine is formed by the bin.

Abstract: The pruning head (1) includes a rotor (10) in the shape of a shaft, radially bearing flexible or supple elongated pruning elements (11, 11?, 1?). This head is essentially characterized in that each elongated pruning element (11, 11?, 11?) includes, at at least one of the ends of same, and at a distance from the axis of rotation of the rotor (10), a weight (110, 110?, 110?, 110??) capable of shearing off undesirable growths formed at the foot of vines and other plants.

Abstract: A plant growth promotion device includes: a flat-plate rotor, a motor coupled to the rotor by a rotary shaft, and a plurality of permanent magnets fixed in place at arbitrary intervals within the rotor, the rotor being rapidly rotatable by the rotary shaft that is coupled to the motor, so as to produce an alternating magnetic field. The device is used by situating and operating it in an agricultural field of crops so that the alternating magnetic field is produced in the agricultural field.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus is arranged inside a house body and includes a watering apparatus that performs watering to a cluster of plants from above. The watering apparatus supplies water to the plants and controls an ambient temperature of the plants due to heat transfer utilizing vaporization heat by watering. A control apparatus acquires an environment information including the ambient temperature of the plants from an environment sensor, and performs the watering by driving the water supply apparatus in a watering period determined according to the environment information, and prohibits the watering by the water supply apparatus in an idle period that is set after the watering period so as to obtain a temperature and a humidity appropriate for growth of the plants.

Abstract: A method of operating a drip irrigation system is provided and includes providing drip irrigation lines aside a diverter line with T-junctions interleaved between adjacent ones of the drip irrigation lines and each T-junction including a three-way line coupled to the diverter line, a check valve operably disposable between the three-way line and a downstream end of an upstream one of the drip irrigation lines to permit fluid flow in only a forward direction and a controllable valve operably disposable between the three-way line and an upstream end of a downstream one of the drip irrigation lines.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for obtaining plants that exhibit useful traits by perturbation of organellar function in plants. Methods for identifying genetic loci that provide for useful traits in plants and plants produced with those loci are also provided. In addition, plants and grafted plants that exhibit, contain, or harbor the useful traits, parts of the plants including seeds, and products of the plants are provided as well as methods of using the plants. Recombinant DNA vectors and transgenic plants comprising those vectors that provide for organellar perturbation are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for selecting a plant comprising a functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility comprising the steps of (a) screening a population of plants for at least one marker nucleic acid, wherein the marker nucleic acid comprises an allele linked to the functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility; (b) detecting the marker nucleic acid; (c) identifying a plant comprising the marker nucleic acid; and (d) selecting the plant comprising the marker nucleic acid, wherein the plant comprising the marker nucleic acid further comprises the functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility. The present disclosure also provides methods for restoring fertility in a progeny of an S-type cytoplasmic male sterile plant and methods for transferring an Rf3 gene into a progeny plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining a plant in which a homologous recombination event has occurred, preferably resulting in targeting gene insertion in the genome of said plant, by regeneration of the plant from in vitro culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gherkin (Cucumis sativus) seed designated 12-107 RZ, whereby a plant grown from such seed may exhibit early flowering, gynoecious sex expression, good parthenocarpic fruit set, a small to very small fruit diameter, a small to medium L/D fruit ratio, a prickled skin, resistance to Cladosporium cucumerinum, and intermediate resistance to Podosphaera xanthii. The present invention also relates to a gherkin (Cucumis sativus) plant produced by growing the 12-107 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the gherkin (Cucumis sativus) cultivar, represented by gherkin (Cucumis sativus) variety 12-107 RZ.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid 840701782 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid 840701782 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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: A novel maize variety designated PH1K6Y and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1K6Y with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1K6Y through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1K6Y or a locus conversion of PH1K6Y with another maize variety.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the tomato variety designated Picus. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato variety Picus and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing a plant of tomato variety Picus with itself or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing, and also relates to parts of a plant of tomato variety Picus including the fruit and gametes of such plants. The invention also relates to tomato variety FDS 14-2081, and to seeds and plants produced by crossing a plant of tomato variety FDS 14-2081 with itself or another tomato plant. The present invention is also directed to tomato variety FDS 14-2090, and to seeds and plants produced by crossing a plant of tomato variety FDS 14-2090 with itself or another tomato plant.

Abstract: A moulded module for a rotary milking platform comprising or including a core of filler material (for example foamed plastics) surrounded by layers of fibre reinforced materials and optionally also with steel reinforcements, all components having been applied in-mould.

Abstract: A robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a gripping portion coupled to the supplemental arm. The supplemental arm moves in an x-direction and a y-direction. The gripping portion moves in a first z-direction in relation to the supplemental arm. The gripping portion also moves in a second z-direction opposite the first z-direction in relation to the supplemental arm.

Abstract: Animal litter having up to a sixty percent reduction in bulk density can be produced by combining flat-shaped cellulosic materials and sodium bentonite clay. Not only is the resulting litter lighter, but it also maintains a high clump strength as compared to clay-based animal litters that contain greater than ninety percent by weight sodium bentonite clay.

Abstract: A sheet for pets, comprising an absorbent body, a surface sheet, and a rear surface sheet. The absorbent body has: a first absorbent layer formed by hydrophilic fibers; a second absorbent layer formed by water-absorbent resin; a surface-side covered sheet; and a rear surface-side covered sheet. The rear surface-side covered sheet comprises either a sheet comprising hydrophobized hydrophilic fibers, a sheet comprising hydrophilized hydrophobic fibers, or a sheet comprising a mixture of hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers.

Abstract: A pet sheet for pet excrement has a fluid-permeable surface sheet and a fluid-impermeable rear sheet. The pet sheet has a first folded section and a second folded section that are formed by the folding of the surface sheet and the rear sheet so as to protrude on the surface sheet side. The surface sheet and the rear sheet positioned on both sides of the first folded section and the second folded section, respectively, are configured so as to fold out and be used as the pet sheet. Ridge lines formed in the surface sheet in the first folded section and the second folded section extend continuously along a first direction parallel to the surface sheet, from one end of the surface sheet in the first direction to the other end thereof.

Abstract: A space divider (4) of a milking parlor arrangement (1, 1?, 1?, 1??) for at least one milking parlor (3) for milking milk-producing animals (T), wherein the space divider (4) is arranged approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the animal (T) to be milked, has an arm device (6) having a milking cluster (5), which can be adjusted from a parking position to a working position and back. The arm device (6) is arranged with the milking cluster (5) in the parking position in the space divider (4) and can be adjusted into the working position laterally to the animal (T) to be milked between the front and rear legs thereof in fully automatic operation or semi-automatic operation. The space divider (4) is designed in such a way that no additional space is required between adjacent animals (T), so that many animals (T) can be milked in a milking parlor arrangement (1, 1?, 1?, 1??) while the smallest possible amount of space is required.

Abstract: An animal feed dispenser includes a feeding tube for receiving a predetermined amount of animal feed from a hopper. The feeding tube includes at least one opening through which animals may access the interior of the feeding tube. The opening may be closed by a movable closure flap so as to restrict access to the animal feed located within the feeding tube.

Abstract: A pet watering device for use in a vehicle that has a basin with sidewalls, a bottom and a porous member mounted over the bottom, forming an upper and a lower chamber. The porous member permits the passage of water from the upper to the lower chamber but preferably does not permit the reverse flow of water there through. Water is pumped from the lower to the upper chamber, the amount being substantially equal to the water passing through the porous member and sufficient to maintain the presence of a thin, constant layer of water over the porous member. The device is securely mounted in the vehicle. When the watering device is jostled by the moving vehicle water does not pass from the lower to the upper chamber through the porous member and only a small amount, if any, of water slops out over the upper rim of the basin.

Abstract: A shower includes a housing, having front and rear openings, suitable for use in washing a pet. An array of water jets coupled with the housing direct water towards an interior of the housing and an array of air vents coupled with the housing direct air towards an interior of the housing. A front gate is configured to at least partially close the front opening, while a rear door is configured to at least partially close the rear opening.

Abstract: A stool pouch for a dog comprises a sac, two leg holes, a tail hole, and two tying straps. The sac is configured for receiving and collecting dog stool dropped from above. The two leg holes are provided through an upper portion of the front portion of the sac and configured for receiving dog hindlegs and queuing the dog hindlegs therethrough respectively. The tail hole is provided through the rear portion of the sac. Each of the two tying straps extends from a corresponding edge portion of the opening portion of the sac, configured for tying over a rear portion of dog waist so as to fix the stool pouch in place. The two leg holes are disposed apart by an interval substantially same as a distance between two upper portions of the dog hindlegs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal waste collecting device. The device includes a harness that includes an adjustable waist strap that is attached to a back strap and a pair of leg straps. The leg straps are connected by means of a connecting rod of a receptacle holder, wherein the receptacle holder is positioned adjacent to an animal's buttocks. The connecting rod includes a rotatable rod attached thereto, wherein the rotatable rod includes a pair of bag attachment rods for holding a disposable bag thereon. The connecting rod is connected to the pull straps so that when the pull straps are actuated, the connecting rod moves the rotatable rod and the bag attachment rods. In this way, the disposable bag can be automatically positioned to collect animal waste as the animal defecates, thereby eliminating the need for an animal owner to pick up animal waste by hand.

Abstract: A leash for an animal is provided that includes a collar end and a handle end positioned opposite the collar end. An intermediate portion of the leash is located between the collar end and the handle end of the leash. The intermediate portion includes two separate strands wherein a first end of each strand is attached at the collar end of the leash and a second end of each strand is attached at the handle end of the leash. The leash is configured to encircle the abdomen of the animal by passing the handle end of the leash through a loop formed between the two separate strands such that the leash forms a constrictive loop around the animal's midsection or abdomen, specifically the portion of the animal's torso located between animal's hind legs and the animal's ribs. Methods for using the leash are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an artificial reef molded from a mixture of environmentally friendly homogenized organic and inorganic materials, cement, and 5 aggregates of sand and gravel to form thereon an artificial reef such as reef buds, reef plates, reef honey combs and other reef structures.

Abstract: A modular filter for a submersible pump that has a filter housing with an integrally formed pump coupling that telescopically receives pail of a housing of the pump and a filter chamber defined by a pair of spaced apart perforate sidewalls having filter media disposed therebetween. The perforate filter chamber defining sidewalls are opposed to one another with one of the perforate sidewalls defining a first intake grate inline with an intake of the pump and the other one of the perforate sidewalls defining at least one second intake grate that can function as a bypass should the filter media inline with the first intake grate become plugged. In a preferred embodiment, the other one of the perforate sidewalls includes a filtrate grate adjoining the at least one second intake grate. In a preferred embodiment, the other one of the sidewalls has a pair of spaced apart second intake grates outboard of the pump intake that are generally coplanar with the filtrate grate.

Abstract: A bait holder hook apparatus comprising a coupler zone configured to couple the apparatus with an external element; a first segment linked with the coupler zone, and ending in a bait end; and a second segment associated with the first segment, and ending in a hook end. In aspects, the bait end may comprise a protrusion configured for insertion into a bait.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-speed fishing reel which allows the choice of a higher or lower speed when reeling in or pulling out the fishing line, while keeping constant the rotation speed of the handle driving the reel operation. That is possible because the fishing reel features two kinematic chains, which, by means of a knob, allow choosing one or the other, and due to the diameter and number of cogs of each one of the gears of these kinematic chains, the rotation speed of the rotor increases or decreases, at the same rotation speed of the handle.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a fishing line threading section (60A) through which a fishing line to be unreeled from a spool (5A) is threaded, a main body (60B) that is engaged with a worm shaft (51) provided between left and right side plates, a fishing line guide body (60) that reciprocates between the left and right side plates through the rotational drive of the worm shaft, and a clutch mechanism (20) that switches the spool (5A) between a fishing line winding state and a fishing line unwinding state. The fishing line guide body (60) is supported in front of the spool (5A) so as to be switched and movable between the fishing line unwinding state and the fishing line winding state, and the fishing line threading section (60A) and the main body (60B) are formed separately and integrated with each other.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one pump in a perfusion apparatus for delivering a fluid to at least one organ through a plurality of vessels for maintaining the viability of the at least one organ, the method including supplying a fluid to a first vessel of an organ and to a second vessel of an organ; measuring a first parameter of the fluid flowing in the first vessel and a second parameter of the fluid flowing in the second vessel; and executing direct control of the second parameter of the fluid flowing in the second vessel to influence the first parameter of the fluid flowing in the first vessel.

Abstract: Provided in various embodiments are methods of loading solid microparticles and nanoparticles of silver, including silver-based compounds, on silicone particles to surface modify the silicone particles. The silver-loaded microparticles and silver-loaded nanoparticles can be dispersed or loaded into silicones for use in antimicrobial and other applications.

Abstract: A method for making a bactericidal and virucidal covering material comprises the steps of preparing a web of thermoplastic polymeric material, applying a plurality of particles of photocatalytic material on the web of thermoplastic material and heating at least one portion of the web from a first, lower temperature to a second, upper temperature at least equal to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic polymeric material, in order to allow the particles of photocatalytic material to be integrated in the thermoplastic polymeric material.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include ethoxylated lecithin for use as an adjuvant in aqueous composition. Specifically, the compositions may be utilized primarily as drift reduction agents in agricultural compositions, as a soil or foliage penetrant, as a pesticide adjuvant, as a pesticide formulation component, and for other uses. More specifically, the compositions are useful in reducing drift in spray compositions, such as in use in agricultural applications, such as pesticide, herbicide, fungicide and insecticide formulations, in industrial vegetation management (“IVM”) and integrated pest management (“IPM”) applications, in rights-of-way applications, in forestry applications, and other like applications.

Abstract: Treated wood, wood preservative compositions, and methods for treating wood generally include applying to the wood a wood preservative composition comprising a boron containing compound and a pH-reduced black liquor comprising soluble lignin, wherein the boron-containing compound is soluble in the pH-reduced black liquor and wherein the pH-reduced black liquor is derived from a carbonation process or an acid addition process of black liquor having phase-separated solid lignin and/or dense liquid lignin removed therefrom, and drying the wood.

Abstract: Composite particles containing hydrophobic particles and spores of an entomopathogenic fungus that are capable of germinating on the cuticle of a grain storage arthropod, dry powder compositions comprising such composite particles, methods of producing such compositions and methods and uses thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antimicrobial composition that includes a) one or more C3 to C5 alkane dioles-1,3, b) one or more aromatic alcohols and c) one or more C8 to C14 alkanols. A preferred component a) is propane diol-1,3. Preferred components b) are phenoxyethanol and phenethyl alcohol. A preferred component c) is undecanol-1. Optionally, an antioxidant c) is present, which is preferably Vitamin E. In a preferred embodiment the composition is a concentrate and is suitable for the antimicrobial finishing of dermatological, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.