Abstract: A device is provided for removing vegetation from ground surfaces. The device generally includes a base, multiple tines extending from the base, and a handle coupled to base for moving the base relative to a ground surface for removing vegetation from the ground surface. The tines are arranged on the base in an array comprising at least two rows, where at least one of the at least two rows is offset from at least another one of the at least two rows. In addition, each of the tines has a shaft and a generally rounded head. As such, the tines allow the device to remove the vegetation when operated in a plurality of directions and to improve grasping of the vegetation such that the vegetation may be removed from the ground surface with roots included.

Abstract: A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification.

Abstract: A modular autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a drive module having a frame, a ground-engaging element rotatably coupled to the frame, a power source, and a drive motor receiving power from the power source and coupled to the ground-engaging element for rotating the ground engaging element. At least one toolbar module is detachably coupled to the frame for coupling the drive module to an agricultural implement or another modular toolbar segment. The modular toolbar preferably includes multiple toolbar modules coupled to each other in series to form the modular toolbar.

Abstract: To provide an accelerated aging seed testing kit system, a single sheet of plastic or other suitable formable sheet material is pressed into the shape of a compartment base having recesses for mounting a seed holder. A seed holder that includes a seed support and a seed support holder is formed. The seed support holder is formed of a single sheet of plastic having radially extending tabs that fit into the recesses of the container to support the seed support above the bottom of the test kit. A bypass channel for addition of an aqueous solution used in the prescribed test condition is provided in the seed holder. A lid is formed out of one piece of plastic having a bendable tab to serve as a port and the openings and connecting points of the lid and seed holder are positioned so they can only fit together in one orientation having the port above the bypass channel. The saturated cold germination test kit includes a compartment base, a lid and a holder for an oxygen scavenger.

Abstract: A seed delivery mechanism for an agricultural planter that receives seeds from a seed meter of the planter and delivers the seeds to a seed trench as the planter moves in a planting direction has a first endless belt trained about a first drive pulley and a second endless belt trained about a second drive pulley. The first and second drive pulleys rotate the first and second endless belts to provide confronting belt segments that form a seed delivery path between a conveyor entry point and a release point. The first and second endless belts are configured with a downward reach oriented to move seeds predominantly downward and a rearward reach oriented to move the seed predominantly rearward. The rearward reach provides a rearward velocity component to seeds at the release point that offsets a forward velocity of the planter as the planter moves in the planting direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for selecting an agricultural input. First and second seed meters selectively meter seed from first and second sources, respectively, into a common planting trench. In some embodiments the seed meters are selectively operated by electric motors controlled with reference to a seed type prescription. In some embodiments the first and second seed meters deposit seeds along a common plane.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an agricultural implement. The system includes a monitor device, a communication module and a display device. The monitor device is in electrical communication with a plurality of sensors monitoring the operation of agricultural implement. The implement sensors generate “as-applied” data. The as-applied data is processed and transmitted to a display device via a communication module. The display device renders maps representing the as-applied data. The generated maps may be accessed and displayed as map overlays on a display device with a common view characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for selectively providing delicate nascent plants with a predetermined volume of water containing fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide to row crops in agriculture operations. The hydraulic apparatus, together with certain electronic controls, delivers aliquots of aqueous solution rapidly, yet under low pressure, thereby ensuring that delicate nascent plants are not damaged by high-pressure flows and also ensuring that bare soil is not subject to erosion. The on/off control of the hydraulic apparatus is provided by means of light emitters.

Abstract: Drive systems and methods for implementing engine stall protection in a self-propelled machine are disclosed. In one aspect, a drive system of a self-propelled machine incorporating engine stall protection includes an engine being in communication with a control unit and transmitting power and an engine load signal to the control unit. An actuation mechanism can be actuatable to assign a desired ground speed of the self-propelled machine, the actuation mechanism being in communication with the control unit and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the desired ground speed to the control unit. In some aspects, the control unit is configured to control a transmission motor to achieve an actual ground speed of the self-propelled machine based on both the engine load signal and the control signal. In other aspects, the engine load signal is an engine speed signal, wherein engine speed is dependent on a load applied to the engine.

Abstract: A blade rotor includes a mower disk, at least one mowing blade, at least one bearing pin mounted on the mower disk for pivotable mounting of the mowing blade, and a spring plate arranged on the mower disk for retaining the mowing blade on the bearing pin. In order to facilitate maintenance work when replacing the bearing pin, the invention proposes to provide a mounting hole in or on the mower disk, into which mounting hole the bearing pin can be screwed from a side of the mower disk facing away from the spring plate, wherein a threaded region and a retaining region are formed on the bearing pin, and the retaining region can be introduced through the mounting hole and brought into engagement with the spring plate when the bearing pin is screwed in.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for use with an agricultural harvester header is provided. The hydraulic system includes a reversible hydraulic pump that drives a reversible hydraulic motor in a forward or harvesting direction and a reverse or header cleaning direction. The system can further include a second reversible pump similarly driving a second reversible hydraulic motor in forward and reverse directions. The pumps and motors can be used to operate various header implements, e.g., the first pump and motor may be used to operate at least a crop cutting knife and the second pump and motor can be used to operate at least one conveyor. The pumps and motors operate within hydraulic circuits which share their hydraulic fluid with the harvester's hydraulic fluid reservoir, thereby reducing system weight, complexity and maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A lawn waste collection system is designed to be removably coupled to a side-discharge, riding lawn mower in order to assist in the collection of leaves, The collection system includes an oversized collection bag for retaining a large quantity of lawn waste, an adapter kit for connecting the collection bag to the mower, and a shield coupled to the mower for supporting and protecting the collection bag. The adapter kit includes a multi-sectioned chute, which establishes a discharge communication path between the mower and the collection bag, and a frame for retaining the chute, collection bag, and shield.

Abstract: A swather having a horizontal bar with a device for connection to a towing vehicle and a generally horizontal bar, transverse to the first one, each end of which is associated with a generally vertical member bearing a wheel. The assembly of the transverse bar and the vertical members being associated with generally horizontal long arms directed toward a first end of the first horizontal bar and pivotally connected to the transverse bar or the vertical members, so that the arms, when extended to a working position, provide a V-shaped or Y-shaped configuration. Each arm is equipped with a pivoting wheel with tyre at its end remote from the transverse bar, or distal end, and with wheel rakes. At least the pivoting wheels with tyres are equipped with shock absorbing means capable of attenuating impulsive loads due to impact of the wheels against ground irregularities.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly of a pickup for an agricultural machine, comprising a wheel on a carrier shaft mounted rotatably within a bushing of a pickup arm. The wheel being biased by a spring to be oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the pickup arm. The spring is mounted over the pickup arm between a first arm fixed to the carrier shaft and a second arm fixed to the pickup arm.

Abstract: A system for transferring material from a storage container to a farm implement includes a transfer conveyor transportable on a farm implement including a trailer, a bin mounted on the trailer, a cart conveyor, and a dock mounted on the trailer forwardly or rearwardly of the bin to stow the transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyor includes a wheeled receptacle defining a receiving area with an open top and first and second conveyor portions. The first conveyor portion is disposed within the receiving area and the second conveyor portion pivotable between a storage position in which the second conveyor portion is positioned across the top of the receptacle and an operating position in which the second conveyor portion extends outwardly from the receptacle. The dock is mounted to pivot from a horizontal stowed position disposed across the trailer to a tilted deployed position extending from the trailer to the ground to allow the transfer conveyor to be loaded onto and unloaded from the trailer.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a cart for transporting and conveying agricultural materials is provided. The cart includes a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled with the frame. The cart further includes a bin supported on the frame and including a plurality of bin walls defining a storage space for an agricultural material. The cart further includes a conveyor assembly having an intake end configured to receive agricultural material from the bin and a discharge end configured to discharge agricultural material, the conveyor assembly including a lower conveyor section, an intermediate conveyor section, and an upper conveyor section. The lower conveyor section includes a lower conveyor housing and a lower conveyor extending within the lower conveyor housing, the intermediate conveyor section includes an intermediate conveyor housing, and the upper conveyor section includes an upper conveyor housing and an upper conveyor extending within the upper conveyor housing.

Abstract: A threshing and separating device comprises a first threshing and separating mechanism, a second threshing and separating mechanism, and an intermediate feeding mechanism therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology are directed to a method for combining seed priming and vacuum infiltration to facilitate deep penetration of chemicals or other substances into seeds. By combining the two processes, the germination process of seeds can be started allowing a relatively lengthy period of disinfection. The lengthy period of disinfection under vacuum provides maximum penetration into the seed in order to eradicate diseases occurring deep inside the seed. Any type of seed priming may be used in the disclosed method, including, but not limited to, osmopriming, matrix priming, or hydropriming. Further, any type of seed may be treated, including most vegetable crops, ornamentals, and agronomic crops.

Abstract: A method of plant cultivation which comprises inoculating plants in a plant growing system comprising a container and an insert therefore, the microbial inoculant containing at least one species from the following group of microorganisms comprising arbuscular mycorrhizae associated bacteria, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, yeast microorganisms and substrate conditioning bacteria.

Abstract: A blower apparatus has a drive motor and a blower device operatively connected to the drive motor. A blower tube is connected to the blower device and has an outlet opening remote from the blower device. A blower air stream conveyed by the blower device passes through the blower tube in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the blower tube and exits through the outlet opening in an outflow direction. A pivoting device that pivots the blower tube is provided. A nozzle is supported to be freely pivotable on the blower tube about at least one pivot axis, wherein the outlet opening is formed on the nozzle. The nozzle forms the pivot device for pivoting the blower tube and utilizes a transverse force that is generated by the blower air stream in the nozzle for pivoting the blower tube.

Abstract: A gardening shears includes a first blade, a driving arm pivoted to the first blade, a second blade pivoted to the first blade, and a link arm pivotally connected between the driving arm and the second blade. The bottom portion of the second blade has a sliding groove and positioning recesses. A switching device installed inside the driving arm is locatable at a first usage position where an end of the link arm is stationarily engaged with a positioning recess next to the top end of the sliding groove for enabling a direct cutting mode for cutting a small-sized branch, and a second usage position where the end of the link arm is slidable in the sliding groove and selectively engageable with one of the positioning recesses for enabling a stepwise cutting mode for stepwise cutting off a large-sized branch by changing the force-applying fulcrum.

Abstract: A system for growing a plant (1) in an at least partly conditioned environment includes a cultivation base (11) for receiving a culture substrate (3) with a root system (4) of the plant therein. Root temperature control elements (12) are provided which are able and adapted to impose a predetermined root temperature on the root system, and lighting elements (20,21,22) which are able and adapted to expose leaves of the plant to actinic artificial light. Leaf heating elements are also provided, which are able and adapted to impose on the leaf of the plant a leaf temperature varying from an ambient temperature. In a method for growing the plant a carbon dioxide assimilation management of a leaf system of the plant is thus influenced, and a supply of actinic light, the root temperature and the carbon dioxide assimilation management are adapted to each other.

Abstract: A modular system for plants and air purification having a plant module with a containment portion for holding a plant growth medium and a conduit for passage of air therethrough. The modular system also contains an exhaust module having an inlet aperture for receiving air flow from the plant module, an outlet aperture and an air pumping unit arranged to pump air from the inlet aperture to the outlet aperture. The plant module and exhaust module are connectable one with the other, and wherein when connected air flow is permitted between the two units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the environment controlled multibay structured greenhouses provisioning modules Z1 to Z7 and plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of albedo-increasing materials distributed on a surface of a man-made structure and having an albedo that is greater than an albedo of the surface of the man-made structure, wherein the albedo of the albedo-increasing materials is at least 0.15. The plurality of albedo-increasing materials are positioned and sized to increase an evaporation rate at the surface for a given temperature and decrease a temperature characterizing the man-made structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing fluid to a container bearing a plant, tree, shrub, fern or other vegetation wherein the apparatus comprises a vessel having at least one exterior surface sufficiently strong enough to withstand the weight of the container, a fluid reservoir and pump concealed within the vessel, a pump concealed within the vessel making fluid contact with the fluid reservoir via a pump intake and a pressure switch or moisture switch operatively connected to the pump also concealed within the vessel and methods for providing fluid from the fluid reservoir to the container thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated plant of the species Solanum lycopersicum comprising a acs 4 allele having one or more mutations, said mutations resulting in production of a mutant acs 4 protein having loss of-function acs4 protein or reduced function compared to wild type Acs 4 protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tomato fruit with significantly increased firmness due to the presence of at least one genetic element (or quantitative trait loci; QTLs) in the cultivated plant producing said tomato fruit, compared to fruit from a control tomato plant which does not have said genetic element(s). A cultivated tomato plant producing tomato fruit with significantly increased fruit firmness and a method for detecting QTLs linked to significantly increased fruit firmness are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ID5754, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ID5754 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ID5754, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ID5754, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ID3823, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ID3823 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ID3823, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ID3823, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: Crossing a winter B. napus line with a rapid-cycle B. rapa line has been discovered to provide an unexpectedly simple and efficient way to create a modified B. napus with a spring flowering habit. In one implementation, such a modified B. napus or its progeny is crossed with a second winter B. napus line to produce at plant having a winter flowering habit. This allows one to significantly shorten the development cycle for winter-flowering B. napus lines by conducting part of the breeding program with spring-flowering time cycles, then migrating the resultant germplasm back into a winter-flowering line.

Abstract: A culture comprising at least one set of the chromosomes of the Agaricus bisporus line B12998-s39, the culture of the line B12998-s39 having been deposited under the NRRL Accession Number 50899, wherein said chromosomes comprise all of the alleles of the line B12998-s39 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 B12998-s39, as well as methods and processes for producing hybrid mushroom cultures. A method of mushroom strain development is further provided.

Abstract: A pet habitat comprising a cage structure supported on a base structure, the base structure comprising a reusable tray and a disposable liner, the disposable liner comprising a disposable tray locatable within the reusable tray and the disposable tray having two opposing sides, wherein each of the opposing sides includes a deformable pull tab to separate the disposable tray from the reusable tray.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stall floorcovering comprising a foam mat comprising expanded thermoplastic polyurethane-bead foam, to processes for producing same, and also to the use of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane-bead foam for producing the stall floorcovering.

Abstract: An animal bed for supporting an animal includes a body having a bottom member and a bolster forming an outer wall of the body. The outer wall is positioned about a perimeter of the bottom member and extends outwardly therefrom to define a recessed area for accommodating the animal. A plurality of straps is coupled to and extending at least partially across the bottom member opposite the recessed area. Each of the plurality of straps includes a degree of elasticity configured to hold a rigid member in contact with the bottom member.

Abstract: A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: An animal watering device includes a trough for holding water, a water conduit system in fluid communication with the trough and arranged to be connected to a water supply, an electric power consuming water level control system including a controller and at least one water level sensor arranged to sense a water level in the trough, and an electric power unit is provided. The electric power unit includes an electric generator and an electrically chargeable unit. The water level control system is connected to the electrically chargeable unit. The electric generator is connected to the water conduit system. The electric generator is arranged to be driven by water from the water supply and to charge the electrically chargeable unit.

Abstract: A portable petting device for petting or scratching of pets, such as dogs or cats. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: An interactive fun pet toy that contains both remote and sound activated capabilities comprising a hollow, transparent, spherical ball having a wheeled toy inside which is capable of emitting light and sound in response to external sound or remotely controlled signals.

Abstract: A pet toy is provided having a linearly elongated main body terminated at each end by plug forming an anchor plug. A replaceable wing assembly is affixed to each anchor plug. A sound generation mechanism is further incorporated in one said anchor plug. As the toy is flying through the air, the wings provides a visual ‘flapping’ like stimuli, similar to that of the wings of a bird. An audible stimuli is added during the tossing or retrieval of the toy. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an animal ball. The animal ball includes a hollow sphere having a first half and a second half mate-able with said first half. The first half includes a first wall and a first rim and the second half also a second wall and a second rim. In addition, the animal ball includes a mating fastener including a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion. The first fastening portion is connected to the first wall and the second fastening portion is connected to the second wall and the first fastening portion is spaced from the first and second walls.

Abstract: Described is a pet leash that helps a pet owner to train a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. The pet leash includes an elongated strap having a fixed loop at a first end for a user to hold, and having an adjustable loop at a second end. The adjustable loop can be disposed about a dog's head and around the dog's muzzle so as to assist the user in restraining or controlling the dog while out on a walk. The adjustable loop is adapted to tighten if the dog pulls too strongly on the leash. Once the dog becomes accustomed to being walked in this manner, the user may instead dispose the adjustable loop on an upper portion the dog's neck. The leash additionally includes an attachment strap extending from the adjustable loop that can be secured to a dog's collar by means of a fastener thereon.

Abstract: A two or more subject retractable leash, and methods of use thereof, is disclosed, which includes a roll-back feature on each retractable leash. The leashes may be locked in place by engaging a single lever. The leashes retract regardless of whether the spools are locked or unlocked. Each leash retracts independently of the other leashes, such that a dual leash may be used to walk one subject. In some embodiments, a single subject retractable leash includes a roll-back feature that provides and allows for leash retraction, whether or not a brake associated with a spool thereof is engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for real time detection of the position and behaviour of a plurality of animals which system comprises radio transmitter tags carried by the animals, where sensors receives signal from the tags, which system based of time delay of received signals at the sensors from the tags, perform calculation the position of the animals. It is the first object of the invention to achieve real time position of animal in a limited area. The object can be fulfilled by letting the system comprise a computer bases real time position calculation of the position of the animals, which system comprises a plurality of fixed reference radio transmitter tags, which system continuously based of received signal from the reference tags performs a calibration of the measured position of the animals.

Abstract: A method for remote animal surveillance and distress monitoring includes detecting biometric and behavioral parameters of the animal, identifying novel events based on comparison of detected parameters to predefined parameter values and qualifications; determining whether a composite parameter value exceeds a predefined composite threshold value indicative of possible distress in the animal; and notifying remote caretakers of possible distress in the animal based on the composite value exceeding the predefined composite threshold value.

Abstract: An advancement system for an in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such an advancement system is configured to advance an egg carrier carrying a plurality of avian eggs to an injection assembly. The advancement system includes a guide assembly configured to receive the egg carrier and provide support thereto during advancement of the egg carrier. A manual advancement device slidingly engages the guide assembly such that the manual advancement device is movable along the guide assembly. The manual advancement device is capable of interacting with a trailing end of the egg carrier to advance the egg carrier to an injection position. At least one stop is positioned to interact with the manual advancement device during advancement of the egg carrier so as to prevent progression of the manual advancement device beneath the injection assembly, thereby locating the egg carrier at the injection position. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning the back side of a panel with a control member and a cleaning member, which is separate from the control member and which has a base member and two blades disposed thereon. The control member and the cleaning member interact magnetically through the panel, so that the cleaning member disposed on the back side of the panel can be guided along the panel while pressing the cleaning edges of both blades on the back side of the panel by means of the control member disposed in a manner corresponding to it on the front side of the panel. The two blades may be of different lengths and, by suitable geometry and arrangement of the blades or of magnetic elements, the shorter of the two blades exerts a greater pressing force on the panel with its cleaning edge than does the longer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a rodent scar contracture model to study scar contractures and methods of using such a model. Such uses may include, but are not limited to, testing mechanisms or action or developing new anti-scar contracture compounds.

Abstract: The present technology generally relates to compositions, methods, and populations that allow for the regulation of insect population.