Abstract: A tracking system employs at least one parameter for use in guiding an implement attached to a work machine, and includes a first global positioning system (GPS) receiver mounted on the work machine; a second GPS receiver mounted on the implement; and a controller configured to execute program instructions to determine the at least one parameter for use in guiding the implement, including: directing the work machine along a predetermined path; obtaining first position data from the first GPS receiver during the directing the work machine; obtaining second position data from the second GPS receiver during the directing the work machine; and determining the at least one parameter based on the first position data and the second position data.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a towing frame to which a planting row unit is attached. The planting row unit is movable in a forward direction on a field having soil of varying hardness conditions, including a soft soil and a hard soil. The planting row unit includes a planting bin positioned rearwardly of the towing frame for carrying at least one of a fertilizer and seeds to be deposited into the soil. The planting row unit further includes a linkage assembly for coupling the planting bin to the towing frame, and an opener device forward of the towing frame. The opener device prepares the soil and includes an opener blade and a soil-hardness sensor. The opener blade maintains the same soil-penetration depth Z in the soft soil and the hard soil based on soil-hardness changes detected by the soil-hardness sensor.

Abstract: A crop's status may be determined from analysis of information regarding the crop received from, for example, a user, an in-season data gathering source, a database, a data feed, an aerial sensor, a UAV, and/or a remote sensor via a communication network. The received data may be compared to, for example, a benchmark, a parameter, a previously determined crop status, and/or a baseline associated with the crop and the comparison may be scored. When the score exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alert may be generated and provided to a user via the communication network.

Abstract: Metering devices for an agricultural implement are provided for applying a field input, for example, pneumatically delivered granular product including seed or fertilizer or sprayed liquid product including fertilizer and the like, to an agricultural field. In the applying of the field input, the rate of application of the dispensers of one section of the implement can be collectively varied in relation to the rate of application of the dispensers of a different section of the implement frame.

Abstract: A pick-up and delivery system including a pick-up assembly and a delivery assembly. The pick-up assembly includes a robotic arm, a pick-up device rotatably mounted on the robotic arm, and a first vacuum pressure supply port operably connected to the pick-up device. The delivery assembly includes an insertion device and a second vacuum pressure supply port. The insertion device may include an insertion member and a release assistance rod arranged inside the insertion member. The release assistance rod is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When the release assistance rod is in the extended position, a proximal end extends beyond an end of the insertion member. Further aspects are directed towards methods for grasping and releasing an object with a pick-up and delivery system.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant decrease in cutting inefficiency, which is measured by calculating the area of the cutting process where crop is not immediately cut but is instead pushed forwardly by engagement with a surface of the system, can be obtained by a combination of one or more of the features where the cutting stroke is reduced from the conventional length of 3.0 inches to a value of the order of 2.0 inches; the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.0 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: A replaceable blade assembly includes an arm that may be coupled to a lawn mower. A blade is removably coupled to the arm so the blade may be moved by the arm. A clip is removably coupled to the arm so the clip may retain the blade on the arm.

Abstract: A lawn care device may include a cutting deck housing at least one blade, a rotatable shaft, and a blade mount operably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The blade mount may include at least one engagement slot configured to enclose at least a portion of the at least one blade. The blade mount may further include at least one protruding member disposed within the engagement slot to secure the at least one blade within the engagement slot responsive to insertion of the at least one blade into the engagement slot.

Abstract: A turf mower has one or more electrically powered cutting units and a traction drive system that is operatively powered by an internal combustion engine. A motor generator is also powered by the engine and is operatively connected to the engine and the traction drive system. A battery pack stores electrical energy and is charged by the motor generator during normal mowing on flat ground. When mowing on hillsides with increased mechanical power requirements above that supplied by the horsepower of the engine, a control system first removes the load imposed by the cutting units by supplying the electrical energy to the cutting units from the battery pack instead of the motor generator. If that is insufficient, the control system then uses energy from the battery pack to power the motor generator as a motor to supply additional mechanical power for use by the traction drive system.

Abstract: A hay retrieving apparatus for use with a vehicle is disclosed herein. The hay retrieving apparatus may include a base frame, a rear wall frame coupled to the base frame, carriage assembly, and a fork assembly coupled to carriage assembly. The base frame and carriage assembly are configured to pivotally couple to a vehicle frame and move from horizontal positions to vertical positions. The carriage assembly is also configured to pivot with the base frame, pivot independent of the base frame, or both. The fork assembly is designed to move from one end of the carriage end to the opposing end of the carriage assembly during operation. The fork assembly includes two arms that are movable to increase and decrease the distance between the two arms.

Abstract: A grain cart has a wheel supported container with an inclined auger unloading conveyor having an inclined lower section positioned to receive grain from the container and an upper section supported for folding movement between a stored position adjacent the container and an inclined discharge position projecting upwardly, forwardly and laterally outwardly from the left side wall of the container. The upper section of the auger conveyor has a tubular housing with an askewed discharge spout supporting a pivotable flow control spout for tilting movement on a horizontal axis extending parallel to the left side wall of the container for discharge of grain laterally across an open top rectangular semi-trailer within a vertical plane perpendicular to the left side wall of the cart. The flow control spout is tilted by a remotely controlled actuator for filling and topping off the semi-trailer including all four corner portions of the trailer.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit mechanically link to a tailgate of an agriculture harvester. The hydraulic circuit of the present invention can be used to facilitate the transition of hydraulic states from a quick speed to a slow speed, when opening and closing the tailgate. The hydraulic circuit includes a fluid stop valve having a restrictive orifice which, when narrowed, reduces the rate of pressurized fluid flow into a hydraulic actuator during the actuator's extension. The reduced flow of pressurized fluid into the hydraulic cylinder substantially reduces the speed at which the panel opens or closes.

Abstract: An environment-friendly water-saving plant pot includes a first pot body and a second pot body. The first pot body has a receiving space having an upward opening, and a water outlet hole formed in the receiving space. A protruding unit that has several reinforced ribs extends upwards from the periphery of the water outlet hole. The second pot body is disposed in the receiving space of the first pot body, and has a second receiving space having an upward opening. A plurality of through holes are circularly formed inside the second receiving space, and the second pot body extends from the bottom to form a cover that has a cover opening, and the opening of the cover opening and the protruding unit of the first pot body are spaced to form a gap.

Abstract: A structure to grow plants including a fence, a fabric attached to the fence to form a fence-fabric combination shaped as a pillar with an enclosed area, and a growing material filled in the enclosed area, and a method for creating a structure to grow plants by providing a fencing material and a fabric, attaching the fabric to the fencing material to form a fence-fabric combination, shaping the fence-fabric combination into a pillar with an enclosed area, and filling the enclosed area with a growing material.

Abstract: The disclosed hedge trimmer is provided with a main body, a blade unit supported by the main body and a chip receiver supported by the blade unit. The chip receiver is attached to the blade unit. The chip receiver is positioned at an opposite side of the blade unit from cutting edges of the blade unit and receives branches and leaves cut by the cutting edges. The chip receiver has a concavo-convex shape including a longitudinal rib, traverse rib and projections formed of a edge of the chip receiver, to prevent the received branches and leaves from dropping.

Abstract: A solar greenhouse structure includes a plurality of supporting frames, a light-permitting roof supported by at least one supporting frame, and at least one solar panel disposed below the roof and near the bottom surface thereof. The instant disclosure uses thinner solar panels, where the supporting frames can be less rigid, in lowering the solar greenhouse cost.

Abstract: A sprayer apparatus for applying treatment liquid to a landscaping material. The sprayer apparatus includes first and second spray outlets and an agitator therebetween. In use, the landscape material to be treated is first sprayed, the material is agitated (e.g., turned), and a second spray of treatment liquid is applied to the landscape material. Also described are methods for applying a treatment, such as colorant, to an installed landscaping material (such as wood chips or mulch), reducing the need to replace worn or weathered material. The methods include applying a pre-treatment to protect elements proximate the landscape material that are not to be treated, applying a treatment liquid to the landscaping material by spraying, and then rinsing any elements proximate the landscape material that may have be inadvertently and undesirably treated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for aggregating algae so as to separate the algal cells from an aqueous algae suspension. A bioflocculent, comprising a composition comprising a bacteria, is used to aggregate the algae.

Abstract: A growing unit includes a tub that receives plants and a nutrient solution. The base of the tub includes a plurality of channels that drain toward a peripheral channel that extends around the periphery of the tub base. The peripheral channel drains to an aperture that forms a drain. Nutrient solution for irrigating the plants can be provided into the tub through the aperture and, after an appropriate time, can be drained from the tub through the aperture.

Abstract: Methods of treating contamination, particularly fungal contamination, in cultures of Haematococcus pluvialis with hydrogen peroxide are described herein. The method comprises dosing the culture with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide based on the stage of the cells in the culturing process and at a frequency to increase the likelihood of the cells surviving until the process of accumulating carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, is complete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding soybean plants containing quantitative trail loci (QTL) for resistance the Phytophthora root rot (PRR) caused by Phytophthora sojae. The invention further includes the use of molecular markers in the introgression of PRR resistance QTL into soybean plants.

Abstract: A new lettuce variety designated ‘E01L.1937’ is described. ‘E01L.1937’ is a cutting lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: An aerator assembly for an animal watering device having a rotor mount removably inserted in a discharge opening of a cover of the device and a rotor carried by the mount that is rotated by discharged water. The mount includes a conduit having one end inserted in the cover and an outlet at its opposite end conveying a discharged stream of water against rotor baffles causing rotation. The mount includes an arm that offsets an axis of rotation of the rotor relative to the stream so water impinges against a baffle. A pin can be included that engages the arm that is received through a rotor hub rotatively attaching the rotor to the arm. Such an aerator not only aerates water discharged during fountain operation, it also reduces noise by reducing splashing. The present invention is also directed to a pet fountain equipped with such an aerator assembly.

Abstract: A portable insert fits within an existing animal release chute to reduce the volume of the pen and thereby provide more confinement for a smaller animal, thereby providing greater safety for the animal. The position of the portable insert may be adjusted with respect to the animal release chute, and mechanisms. Adjustable spacing members maintain the entire insert in fixed position within the chute.

Abstract: An absorbent article for pets includes a top surface layer, a back surface layer, and an absorbent body, and is formed in a rectangular shape having opposing first and second end portions, and a pair of opposing side portions that are perpendicular to the first and second end portions, The top surface layer side of the first end portion is arranged on the body of the pet, and the top surface layer side of the second end portion is detachably attached to the back surface layer side of the first end portion when worn. The absorbent article includes a rectangular engaging member arranged on the back surface layer side of the first end portion; and a pair of folding line portions formed on the first end portion and constituting a point where the pair of opposing side portions begin to curve towards the front surface layer side.

Abstract: An excrement depository assembly includes a tubular garment that may be positioned on a rear of an animal. A collection bag is removably coupled to the tubular garment so the collection bag may receive animal excrement.

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 feeder for larval and juvenile fishes is capable of delivering a small (ca. 15 mg) precise dose of microparticulate (ca. 100 ?m diameter) feed to selected locations, via pneumatic conveyance and control. A source of low-pressure dry gas is used to blow microparticulate feed through a manifold and into a selected one of a number of tubes. A terminal valve at the end of the tube is selectively activated to send the feed to a selected tank or pond. When not in use, the feeder is sealed, and the feed protected from moisture and ambient oxygen.

Abstract: The invention provides a genetically modified non-human animal that comprises in its genome unrearranged T cell receptor variable gene loci, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified non-human animal and methods of making the same. Various methods of using the genetically modified non-human animal are also provided.

Abstract: A process where materials are applied to a plastic fishing lure surface, producing a lure that possesses chromatic vicissitude as a result of water temperature fluctuations. A non-thermochromatic base layer of one or more colors is applied to the plastic fishing lure. This layer acts as the visual appearance of the fishing lure in the absence of temperature fluctuations. Clear extender is then used as an additive to the thermochromatic ink. This addition to the ink then allows the ink to be sprayed onto the surface of the lure. This ink-extender amalgam can be applied in multiple layers however the bottom layer must have the least amount of hue saturation. Each layer thereafter would increase in hue saturation. Multiple hue combinations can be utilized. Once the desired number of thermochromatic layers has been applied, an ultra-clear super high gloss lacquer finish is sprayed on to the exterior of all layers.

Abstract: A strike indicator has a hollow plastic spherical body with an opening through which water can flow into the body to weight the body for spin cast fishing and out of which water can be removed from the body for fly cast fishing. An easily manipulable thumbscrew can engage the opening to selectively block the opening while trapping a fishing line between a grommet on the thumbscrew and the spherical body to hold the strike indicator onto the fishing line.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder having a spring base, rod receiver, at least one rod receiver arm and a first spring. The spring base being mountable to a secure mount. The rod receiver including a top and bottom, and an open area within the rod receiver at the top to receive a fishing rod. The at least one rod receiver arm connecting the rod receiver to the spring base, wherein the rod receiver is connected by the at least one rod receiver to the spring base such that the rod receiver can pivot to provide motion during fishing. The first spring mounted between the spring base and the rod receiver to provide resistance to movement of the rod receiver.

Abstract: A fish bite detector attachable to a fishing line proximal a reel of an extant fishing rod, said fish bite detector including a weight member having an elongate first portion disposed thereatop, said elongate first portion having a radial maximum at a midpoint and narrowing towards an elongate second portion, said elongate second portion substantially narrower than the elongate first portion and attachable to an extant fishing line by insertion of said fishing line into an aperture disposed proximal a proximal end of the elongate second portion, whereby acceleration of the fishing line is visually signaled to a fisherman by displacement of the fish bite detector when disposed weighing on the line.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly apparatus to attract and kill insect pests is described. The apparatus includes two panels, which could be made from one folded sheet, coupled together to form a housing for a pad containing an insect attractant, e.g. a pheromone. The outer surface of the housing has a plurality of louvered vents for dispersion of the scent from the attractant to the environment thus attracting the insect pest. The apparatus is configured to be capable of being on a fruit tree.

Abstract: A composition and method for generating reagents and the composition of these reagents for the stabilization and preservation of viability of cancer tissue which has been surgically excised and the suspension and/or termination of apoptosis (cell death) by significant modulation of cell metabolism by low molar concentrations of synergistic chemistries and hormonal growth enhancers while maintaining normal gene expression patterns of the surgically excised tissue.

Abstract: A system for perfusing a biological organ for use as an experimental model includes a housing having sides that define a cavity for containing a biological organ model within a solution. The housing includes a plurality of apertures defined therethrough configured to mechanically interface with a filter, one or more heating elements and one or more sensors. A peristaltic pump is configured to withdraw and pressurize the solution from the housing and reintroduce the solution under pressure into the biological organ. A heat control module operatively connects to the heating elements and is configured to regulate the temperature of the solution within the housing. A data acquisition system operatively connects to the heat control module, the peristaltic pump and the sensor(s) and regulates and monitors the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the solution during electrical treatment of the biological organ.

Abstract: The present invention provides adjuvant chemical compositions that increase the effectiveness of a wide array of agricultural chemicals. Specifically, the present adjuvant compositions may increase the effectiveness of the normal, accepted amounts of an agricultural chemical per acre. Alternatively, the present adjuvant compositions may obtain similar results upon application of a decreased amount an agricultural chemical per acre. Compositions are also provided that comprise, in addition to the adjuvant compositions, at least one agricultural chemical. The present invention further provides methods of preparation and use thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides an emulsifiable concentrate composition, containing a component (A) which is at least one selected from the group consisting of alkanol having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, alkenol having 6 to 20 carbons, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester, polyoxyethylene alkyl diester, polyoxyethylene alkenyl ester, polyoxyethylene dialkenyl ester, polyoxyethylene•polyoxypropylene•block copolymer and a silicon-based surfactant, a component (B) which is at least one polyoxyalkylene aryl phenyl ether, and a component (C) which is an aromatic hydrocarbon-based nonpolar solvent, wherein the emulsifiable concentrate composition contains neither anionic surfactant nor cationic surfactant, and an agrochemical emulsifiable concentrate composition using the emulsifiable concentrate composition.

Abstract: Coating composition for an oilseed plant seed from which roots and shoots are capable of growing, wherein the coating composition comprises an organic carrier material and one or more biological agents that possess an activity against at least one or more pathogens of the oilseed plant.

Abstract: A flowering stimulant composition with Nitrobenzene for Agricultural and Horticultural flowering crops including Nitrobenzene as an Active ingredient, with Natural/Synthetic/Ionic (or) Non Ionic chemical surfactant and base with petro (or) Non petro solvent base. A typical example of 100 kg of the composition has 5 to 10 kgs. of Linear alkyl Benzene (Acid slurry), 1 to 2 kgs. of Sodium Hydroxide, 2 to 4 kgs. of Urea, 20 kg of Nitro Benzene, and Quantum sufficientum Filler & stabilizer. In the case of 100 kgs. of granular formulation, the composition has 75 kg or 80 kg of Roasted or unroasted Bentonite clay or silica quartz sand granules, 10 kg or 15 kg Nitrobenzene and Quantum sufficientum Coating agent and De-activating Chemicals.

Abstract: Provided herein are 4-amino-6-(4-substituted-phenyl)-picolinic acids and their derivatives, and 6-amino-2-(4-substituted-phenyl)-pyrimidine-4-carboxylic acids and their derivatives, compositions comprising the acids and their derivatives, and methods of use thereof as herbicides.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for controlling lepidopteran, homopteran, hemipteran, thysanopteran and coleopteran insect pests comprising contacting the insects or their environment with an arthropodicidally effective amount of a compound of Formula I, its N-oxide or an agriculturally suitable salt thereof wherein A and B and R1 through R8 are as defined in the disclosure. This invention further relates to a benzoxazinone compound of Formula 10 wherein R4 through R8 are as defined in the disclosure, useful for preparation of a compound of Formula I.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Q is and Z1, Z2, J1, J2, M, R1a, R1b, R2a, R2b, R2c, R2d and R14 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising: a fungicide that inhibits mitochondrial respiration at the QoI site (QoI inhibitor), a contact fungicide, a demethylation inhibitor, and pigments, which are highly suitable for controlling unwanted phytopathogenic fungi. Moreover, the fungicidal compositions are able to control mold and fungus infection in grasses and in particular turf grasses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition containing an aluminate and calcium hypochlorite, wherein the content of the aluminate is 1.0 part by weight to less than 2 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a panel assembly comprising a plurality of panels arranged in edge-to-edge format having joints between each pair of adjacent panels in the assembly. A copper-containing material, such as copper tape with adhesive backing, is provided in or near the joints in the assembly to render the joints less susceptible to bacterial contamination.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the feeding and/or breeding behavior of a target insect are disclosed in which a host plant is provided a substantial distance from a plant of interest, chemical attractant that induces the target insect to lay eggs on the host plant is applied to the host plant, application of the chemical attractant to the host plant is repeated as required to induce residual target-insect populations to lay eggs on the host plant, and wherein the behavior is controlled when a substantial number of off-spring belonging to subsequent generations themselves mature and display a preference for laying eggs on the same type of host plant on which they were reared without further application of the chemical attractant is provided. Also disclosed are methods of deterring target insect feeding and breeding on plants of interest by applying toxic plant extract to the plants of interest.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically processing a carcass of a slaughtered animal suspended from the hind legs. The automatically processing is driven by automatically controlled drive means for handling a slaughtering processing tool. Such slaughtering tools are a rotatable cutting blade (20) which is partially shielded and which shielding (21) is provided with a protruding guide pin (22). A further slaughtering tool is a cleaving blade (23) to split the pubic bone of the carcass. The cleaving blade is attached to the shield that partially covers the rotatable cutting blade.

Abstract: The food product machine with a food supply, a rotary food pump connected to the food supply, a molding mechanism having a mold plate and a knockout drive, and a the mold plate configured to be driven to reciprocated between a fill and a discharge position. The knockout drive is reciprocating a knockout plunger to discharge molded food products from a cavity in the mold plate, the mold plate being reciprocated by a mold plate drive between a cavity fill position and a cavity discharge position. The machine further includes a manifold connected an outlet of the food pump and having an outlet passageway connected to an inlet of the molding mechanism for filling the cavity of the mold plate.