Abstract: A shovel and ergonomic second-handle for a shovel are disclosed. The shovel includes a scoop; a shaft having first and second end portions, the first end portion being secured to the scoop; a main handle at the second end portion of the shaft; and a second handle positioned relatively closer to the first end portion of the shaft than to the second end portion of the shaft, the second handle including a grip, and the second handle being positioned such that a line extending through a longitudinal axis of the grip intersects the shaft. The grip is disposed at an angle ? relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A cutting device that can be used, among other things, for efficiently removing items such as extant trees and vegetation by cutting the subterranean root systems in situ with a powered multi-blade system. Among other uses, the cutting device may be implemented and deployed as a powered multi-blade device with cyclic, reciprocating or ellipsoid cutting action that severs root and other comparable matter such as cable in situ, without having to drag same to the surface.

Abstract: An aerator with active turf calibration of a ground sensor that provides signals to a controller relating to changes in slope of a ground surface. The controller adjusts the position of a coring head based on signals from the ground sensor. The controller determines an offset from a neutral position of the ground sensor based on signals from the ground sensor on a flat surface during aeration compared to the neutral position of the ground sensor on a flat surface from static calibration.

Abstract: An aerator with variable delay of the coring head includes a lift/lower control on an aerator control panel that raises and lowers a coring head and starts or discontinues rotation of a coring head crankshaft that reciprocates a plurality of coring tines. A delay timer provides a variable time period between starting to raise or lower the coring head and the rotation of the crankshaft. A switch is provided on the control panel to preset the time period.

Abstract: Turf maintenance devices and adjustment devices for use with turf maintenance devices are provided. A turf maintenance device includes a plurality of blades each rotatable about a central axis, a housing supporting the blades, a frame, and a plurality of wheels. The turf maintenance device further includes an arm assembly comprising a first arm and a second arm spaced apart from the first arm. The turf maintenance device further includes an actuator coupled to the housing and operable to adjust a position of the housing, the actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and an electronic control system in operative communication with the actuator.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a tow bar for attachment to a towing vehicle in a trailing position relative to a direction of movement along a field. The system includes a plurality of row-cleaning devices attached in parallel strip positions along the tow bar. Each row-cleaning device has a rigid frame, a leading coulter, one or more furrow-opener disks, and a pivotable row-cleaning linkage. The disks have a leading edge adjacent to a trailing edge of the coulter. The row-cleaning linkage is attached to the rigid frame, with the coulter and disks being coupled to the rigid frame via the row-cleaning linkage. The system further includes a roller device between two adjacent parallel strip positions and attached at each end to a respective rigid frame via a respective pivotable roller linkage. The roller linkage is independently movable relative to the row-cleaning linkage.

Abstract: Herein is described an agricultural device that can include a frame; and a plurality of roller-crimping devices supported by the frame arranged in at least one row oriented in a direction that is transverse to a direction of travel of the agricultural device. Each of the plurality of roller-crimping devices having an exterior surface configured to at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter, and being individually movably mounted to the frame such that each of the plurality of roller-crimping devices will move at least vertically with respect to the frame when subjected to a temporary increase in resistance caused by an encounter with a non-uniform region in the field.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method for treating pourable products made of particles which can be separated, preferably seeds (2), with accelerated electrons. During the method, a transparent product flow is guided, using gravity, in a product guiding channel (1) through the electron field generated by at least one electron accelerator (12) under low pressure or excess pressure. The product flow is guided by means of an accelerated gas flow (5) in such a way that the movement thereof corresponds in magnitude and direction to the accelerated movement, which the falling particles execute in said gas flow due to gravitational acceleration. In addition, a device is disclosed which realizes the acceleration of the gas flow (5) in the required way through the shaping of the product guiding channel (1).

Abstract: A seed delivery system is provided that includes a row crop seed planter having a seed meter that can pneumatically deliver seeds to the agricultural field at a rearward velocity that matches a forward velocity of the planter. The seed meter may include a positive pressure source that pressurizes the seed meter and creates an airflow out of a seed tube of the seed meter that carries the individual seeds out of the seed tube at a rearward velocity that is automatically adjusted to match a forward velocity of the seed planter and tractor.

Abstract: A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element.

Abstract: A product metering assembly for receiving a product from an air seeding supply source, metering the product and dispensing the metered product to an air seeding apparatus is provided comprising a meter housing having a first end for receiving the product, a number of meter rolls disposed at or near the first end for metering the product, and a second end for dispensing the metered product to the air seeding apparatus; and a number of individual drive devices, each drive device operably associated with each meter roll to rotate each meter roll separately and apart from other meter rolls; whereby the drive device can be set to rotate the meter roll at a predetermined speed (rpm) or to stop the rotation of the meter roll.

Abstract: A sensor and sensor mount assembly are described. The sensor may include a sensor body, window, and frame. When the sensor is mounted to a seed delivery system, an alignment tab or recess on the sensor or the delivery system may mate with an alignment recess or tab included on the other of the sensor and the delivery system. The sensor frame may include a side flange proximate the sensor window, which may seat in a recess on the delivery system when the sensor is mounted to the delivery system. A mounting tab or groove on one of the sensor or the delivery system may be oriented at an oblique angle with respect to a seed path, and may seat in an obliquely angled mounting groove or tab included on the other of the sensor or the delivery system, in order to mount the sensor to the delivery system.

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: A seed-double eliminator is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path. The seed-double eliminator may include a mounting fixture mounted in a fixed position relative to the seed path and a slide member mounted to the mounting fixture. Various flexible extensions, such as various brushes, may extend from the slide member toward the seed path. The various flexible extensions may thereby contact at least one seed of a seed-double pair being moved along the seed path by the seeding machine in order to remove the at least one seed from the seed path. The slide member may be configured to mount to the mounting fixture in various locations, thereby altering the distance that the flexible extensions extend toward the seed path. A seed deflector may also be provided, for directing seed toward a seed pool after the seed has been removed from the seed path.

Abstract: A brush conditioner is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path with a brush belt having free brush ends and attached brush ends. The brush conditioner may include a conditioning member with a mounting portion and a conditioning portion. The mounting portion may be attached to the brush belt housing and the conditioning portion may angle away from the mounting portion to extend across the seed path. The conditioning portion may thereby contact a portion of the free brush ends to deflect the free brush ends toward the attached brush ends.

Abstract: A vibrational seed-double eliminator (“VSDE”) for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path from a seed pool to a release position and a related planting unit are described. The VSDE may include a vibration strip extending along the seed path along the seed pool. As the seed is moved by the seeding machine along the seed path, the vibration strip may cause the seed to vibrate, thereby removing from the seed path one or more seeds from a seed double. The vibration strip may include a plurality of protrusions extending into the seed path, including rounded, cylindrical or other protrusions. The vibration strip may include various parallel ridges extending into the seed path, or a various recesses extending into the vibration strip and away from the seed path. An automated vibration device may impart vibrational motion to the vibration strip.

Abstract: A seed-double eliminator is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path. The seed-double eliminator may include a pocket with a pocket opening exposed to the seed path and a pocket cavity extending away from the seed path. A flexible extension may extend from within the pocket cavity toward the seed path. The flexible extension may be disposed to contact at least one seed of a seed-double pair being moved along the seed path by the seeding machine in order to remove the at least one seed from the seed path.

Abstract: There is provided a plant transplantation device capable of reliably sucking a root of a plant into a hole portion, reliably causing the root to extend downward from the hole portion without remaining in the hole portion, and improving production efficiency without requiring monitoring or manual operations with a simple configuration. The plant transplantation device includes a suctioning means 110 for sucking a root 103 of a plant 101 and causing the root 103 to pass through a hole portion 121, the suctioning means 110 has a suctioning tube 111 which can be hermetically attached to a lower portion of the hole portion 121 and a suction pipe 112 which causes a negative pressure in the suctioning tube 111, and a water supplying means 130 for supplying water to the root 103 is provided in the vicinity of the hole portion 121.

Abstract: A method for producing marking strips using at least two seeders moving simultaneously in a field in which one seeder is a head seeder and at least one other seeder follows the head seeder being laterally offset, each seeder includes a control unit and plural rows that can respectively be activated for sowing or deactivated to produce tracks without seeds which will be used as a circulation lane for a treating apparatus in post-treatment operations. Each control unit includes a software program defining, with regard to fixed working parameters, an automatic operating program for activating or deactivating at least one of the rows of one of the seeders.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted sprayer has a plurality of spray booms equipped with downwardly facing spray nozzles. A control console includes a rounded palm rest with the most often used operational spray controls placed directly ahead of the palm rest for easy actuation by the operator as the operator rests the palm of one hand on the palm rest. A pivotal hose reel for manual spraying has pivotal motion about a vertical axis into one of a plurality of adjusted positions relative to the sprayer to ease unwinding and rewinding of the hose from the hose reel. A hill assist system holds the sprayer on a hill for a predetermined time to give the operator enough time to place the sprayer into forward motion up the hill from a standing stop. The spray through the booms can be selectively added to flow in a tank agitation system to boost agitation effectiveness.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting and moving debris, including first and second handle extensions having first and second main shafts adapted to be secured to first and second tool shafts, respectively. Further, first and second under arm supports are mounted to an upper end of the first and second main shafts whereby a user places the first under arm support against their right underarm and second under arm support against their left underarm. Further, first and second handle grips mounted to the first main shaft and second main shafts for the user to hold in their right and left hands when collecting and moving the debris. It is also within the terms of the embodiment handle extension for exercising the knee and foot of one leg.

Abstract: A leaf corralling apparatus including a deflector plate is provided for a lawnmower to prevent an amount of leaves or other debris from being diverted around a deck of the lawnmower. The deflector plate defines a tip that is positioned at a distance from a centerline of the deck approximately equal to or greater than a distance from the centerline of an outermost point of a cutting area defined by one or more blades positioned within the deck of the lawnmower. The deflector plate additionally defines a slanted portion that extends inwardly towards the centerline and rearwardly towards a rear end of the deck.

Abstract: A foldable agricultural mower for preferable forward mounting on a tractor, the mower having a central cutterbar and at least one foldable wing cutterbar disposed on a first end of the central cutterbar. The foldable wing cutterbar is movable from an operable position that is generally in line with the central cutterbar to a folded position that is generally parallel to and spaced above the central cutterbar. A second wing cutterbar may be provided on the opposite end of the central cutterbar and similarly moveable between an operable position that is generally in line with the central cutterbar and a folded position that is generally parallel to and spaced above the central cutterbar, the second cutterbar being disposed above the first cutterbar when both are in the folded position.

Abstract: This invention relates to rotary head assembly apparatuses, and more specifically, to rotary head assembly apparatus configured to easily replace cutting members necessary to cut unwanted plants.

Abstract: A control system for a header of an agricultural harvesting machine providing the capability for positioning the reel and the cutter bar, respectively, with a single input, the control system configured and co-operable with the input for recognizing multiple predetermined discrete patterns of operator input, and responsive thereto, positioning a reel and cutter bar at predetermined relative positions, respectively.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.

Abstract: A baler for forming crop bales and releasing or dropping the bales at targeted drop locations in a field includes a bale-forming chamber, a bale carrier rearward of the bale forming chamber, a geographic location sensor, and a control system. The bale-forming chamber forms the bales and the bale carrier supports at least one crop bale thereon and releases the bale therefrom when actuated. The geographic location sensor outputs signals corresponding with a geographic location of the baler. The control system has a plurality of targeted bale drop locations stored therein, and is configured to calculate a distance from the current baler position to a first targeted drop position and calculate a distance from the current baler position to a second targeted drop position and compare the distances to determine a desired drop location to generate a signal to command the bale carrier to release the crop bale therefrom.

Abstract: Rice plants are disclosed with multiple sources of resistance to herbicides that normally inhibit a plant's acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) enzyme. Besides controlling red rice, many AHAS-inhibiting herbicides also effectively control other weeds that are common in rice fields. Several of these herbicides have residual activity, so that one treatment can control both existing weeds and weeds that sprout later. With effective residual activity against red rice and other weeds, rice producers now have a weed control system superior to those that are currently available commercially.

Abstract: A culture comprising at least one set of the chromosomes of the Agaricus bisporus line J10102-s69, the culture of the line J10102-s69 having been deposited under the NRRL Accession Number 50893, wherein said chromosomes comprise all of the alleles of the line J10102-s69 at the sequence-characterized marker loci listed in Table I. Methods are provided for introducing a desired trait into a culture of Agaricus bisporus line J10102-s69, as well as methods and processes for producing hybrid mushroom cultures. A method of mushroom strain development is further provided.

Abstract: A hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus, designated as strain J11500, includes a representative culture of the strain, which has been deposited under NRRL Accession No. 50895. A method of producing a hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus comprising: mating a homokaryotic line J10102-s69 with a homokaryotic line OWNC. Additionally, mushrooms, parts of the culture and products incorporating the culture are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planting sponge, which comprises a phenolic resin body and at least one far-infrared element intermixed within the phenolic resin body. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the aforesaid planting sponge, which comprises the steps of injecting materials, mixing and foaming-molding.

Abstract: A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment that includes providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light at a color tailored for an individual plant. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent a plant such that the light produced is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes driving circuitry that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide predetermined periods of light and dark to stimulate continuous growth of the plant.

Abstract: A device, system, and method are provided for growing, transporting, displaying, and storing produce. The grow ring device may allow produce to grow in a hydroponic growth apparatus. It may then secure the produce in a bowl. The bowl may have an attachable base that can supply water to the produce.

Abstract: A plant growth system is provided, which comprises: one or more plant growth substrates comprising an MMVF slab and a single MMVF block; one or more detectors arranged to monitor at least one of the water and nutrient levels of at least one of the plant growth substrates; at least one irrigation device arranged to supply water and nutrients to the plant growth substrates; and control means connected to said detectors and said at least one irrigation device. The supply of water and nutrients by the at least one irrigation device is controlled by the control means in dependence on the monitored water and/or nutrient levels. In this manner, the water and nutrient levels of the substrates can be accurately controlled.

Abstract: A valve box for irrigation systems is described, comprising a box-shaped body closed by a lid, and a plurality of electro-valves contained in an inner compartment of said box-shaped body and adapted to allow a fluid from a supply conduit to flow towards a plurality of outlet conduits, each being controlled by an electrovalve. The valve box comprises a single programmable drive and control module of said electrovalves which is contained in a containment box releasably secured above said compartment.

Abstract: New basil varieties designated ‘Elidia’, ‘Keira’, and ‘Eleonora’ are described. ‘Elidia’, ‘Keira’, and ‘Eleonora’ are basil varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating metribuzin herbicide tolerance in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of the metribuzin tolerance trait.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protocol for the regeneration of Elaeis plants from protoplasts and to the genetic manipulation of the protoplasts to introduce or facilitate expression of desired properties and beneficial traits in Elaeis plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pepper breeding. Provided are plants which are resistant against a Tsw-resistance breaking pathotype of TSWV. Also provided are plant parts, seeds, cells and fruits thereof and methods to produce such plants.

Abstract: A novel garden bean cultivars, designated H22117 and/or H22119 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivars H22117 and/or H22119, to the plants of garden bean line H22117 and/or H22119 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivars H22117 and/or H22119 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean 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 garden bean lines derived from the cultivars H22117 and/or H22119.

Abstract: Described is an outdoor enclosure for a pet that can be secured to the exterior of a home and is accessible via a pet door disposed on the home. The enclosure is defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls, a front wall, an open rear wall to be positioned against an exterior of a home, and a top wall having a hinged lid. The walls and lid are preferably composed of a wire mesh screen. An adjustable horizontal support serves as the floor of the enclosure and can be disposed at a desired height therein. The perimeter of the open rear of the enclosure has a plurality of brackets adapted to receive fasteners therethrough. Additionally, the enclosure includes a pair of extendable legs. Thus, the present invention provides an outdoor pet enclosure in which a litterbox can be positioned in order to keep odors and litter outside of the home.

Abstract: A feline window seating apparatus for placement in a window frame encasing a window includes primary housing having a lower portion having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, the lower portion having an outer free edge extending between the opposed first and second ends that is selectively coupled to the window frame and an inner edge opposite the outer edge. The seating apparatus includes an upper portion having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, the upper portion having a lower edge extending between the first and the second ends and connected to the inner edge of the lower portion and an opposed upper edge such that the upper portion extends upwardly from the lower portion. The upper portion and lower portion collectively define an interior area and an open side extending between the inner free edge of the lower portion and the upper edge of the upper portion.

Abstract: A pig feeder of the type comprising an inverted trapezoid-shaped hopper in which the supply of feed-to-be-dosed is loaded, which is easy to adjust by means of a single control unit that acts at the same time on both edges of the lower tray, which serves as an adjusting feed dosing gate, for which purpose a synchronism bar is provided in the upper part, which further enables an accurate readout of the dosing aperture position of the feeder by means of a rotating pointer.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A central extensible portion comprised of two tubes has a handle portion at one end. This handle portion has a battery loading zone with a velcro attachment strip. The other end of the far tube has a wishbone attachment having a wishbone holder. The wishbone is rotationally attached thereto upon an integral axle wheel. The wheel has two associated locking protrusions: one for ordinary use and one for storage.

Abstract: The invention concerns the detection of pathogenic mycobacterium comprising Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) and genomic variants in a bulk milk sample, and more particularly a method for herd management that stratifies the risk of bulk tank milk lots derived from diagnostic-tested subgroups potentially containing DNA from pathogenic mycobacterium including Map. The method involves creating defined risk groups (categories) of milk-producing animals, such as dairy cows, for the presence of Map or related genomic variants in their milk. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method to strengthen the ability of milk-producing animals to resist environmental challenges by Map based on identifying those animals that have and maintain a low antibody level to Map using their female progeny as replacement animals.

Abstract: A selective bird feeding apparatus includes a housing having an access opening and door mounted positionable in a closed condition or in an open condition relative to the access opening. A drive mechanism is actuated to move the door to the closed condition or to the open condition. An actuator coupled to the drive mechanism includes a sensor which radiates energy to a position adjacent to the opening. The sensor receives reflected radiation reflected off of an object adjacent to the opening. A control circuit assigns an input value to the reflected radiation which is compared with a stored standard value. The actuator actuates the drive mechanism to move the door to the closed condition when the input value is outside a threshold limit of the standard value and actuates the drive mechanism to move the door to the open condition when the input value is within the threshold limit.

Abstract: A sterilization system for aquaculture comprises an inducing light source, a water pump, and at least one sterilization device. The inducing light source is disposed around a water inlet of the water pump. A water outlet of the water pump is in communication with an inlet of the sterilization device. An outlet of the sterilization device is in communication with a water body. By means of the biological phototaxis, microorganism enrichment in a culture system is implemented. Sterilization, is performed by using an ionization method, an ultraviolet method, or a high voltage electric field pulse method, so as to ensure the high efficiency of sterilization, and simultaneously reduce an impact on an aquaculture environment as much as possible, thereby ensuring the production and quality of aquatic products.

Abstract: The genetic basis for severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in pigs is described. In addition, tests for detecting pigs that are carriers for SCID or pigs with SCID are also described. Further, methods for producing pigs or herds of pigs with SCID are also described. Further, methods and compositions for treating, ameilioraing, inhibiting or correcting SCID are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic orange ornamental fish, as well as methods of making such fish by in vitro fertilization techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing.