Abstract: A hand-held powered shovel (10) that is comprised of a handle (12) having a rear end (14), a front end (16) and an outer surface (18). A motor enclosure (22) is attached on the handle (12), and is comprised of a first section (24) and a second section (26). Located within the motor enclosure (22) is a motor (50), which is actuated by a power switch (52) that is located on the handle (12). Extending downward from the handle (12) is a shovel head (40), which is attached to the motor (50). When the power switch (52) is actuated, power from the motor (50) causes the shovel head (40) to move in a reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A gardening tool assembly allows a person to dig holes into the dirt using a single hand. The assembly includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end. A handle is coupled to the first end of the shaft. A blade is coupled to the second end of the shaft and is configured for being inserted into an area of soil. A stop is coupled to the shaft. A perimeter edge of the stop extends outwardly beyond an outer diameter of the shaft wherein the stop is configured to prevent a user's hand from sliding down the shaft beyond the stop when the user's hand is grasping the handle.

Abstract: A garden tool particularly suited for use in removing weeds. The garden tool includes an elongated shaft having a handle at a first end thereof and a tool head at a second end thereof. The handle is arranged at an angle relative to a vertical plane and is angled in a forward direction so as to allow the user to obtain better leverage when driving the tool head into the ground. The tool head includes a ledge having a rounded upper surface and one or more tines extending from the lower surface of the ledge. The tines preferably are preferably arcuate in configuration and include a slight curvature in a forward direction. The tines comprise a pointed end adapted to facilitate penetration of the ground. In operation, the user can apply pressure on the ledge of the tool head in order to drive the tines into the ground.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a lower link of a three-point hitch of a tractor, includes a first stabilizer element and a second stabilizer element, which is supported so it can move with spring action relative to the first stabilizer element along a common longitudinal axis. A first limiting member is connected with the first stabilizer element, which in a closed position forms a first stop which interacts with the second stabilizer element to limit compression movement between the two stabilizer elements. A second limiting member between the two stabilizer elements forms a second stop to limit the compression movement relative to a corresponding end stop of the stabilizer when the first limiting member is brought into an opened position.

Abstract: An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatus for providing down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to provide and maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.

Abstract: A germination facility includes a seedling growing system configured to grow a plurality of seedlings; and a seedling sorting device configured to receive spatially variable planting data regarding a planting area for planting the seedlings; receive seedling data regarding the plurality of seedlings; and arrange the plurality of seedlings in a planting container based on the seedling data and on the planting data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a germination device for a plant seed comprising a plant seed receptacle (2) arranged to receive a plant seed. The device further comprises a hydrocel (4) comprising a water reservoir (10) and an air chamber (12). The hydrocel (4) is arranged to receive the plant seed receptacle (2). The device further comprises a seedbase (6) arranged to receive at least a portion of the hydrocel (4) and adapted to provide heat and/or water to the hydrocel (4). The device further comprises a biodome (8) arranged to engage the seedbase (6).

Abstract: Among the problems in achieving high yields of sown crops in agricultural production are the timely sowing thereof, maintaining moisture in the soil and environmental friendliness. In the disclosed method for increasing crop yields, including in naturally handicapped areas, the method optimizes sowing times, carrying out the sowing in wet soil which is in a saturated and/or muddy state, during or immediately following rain or directly following the thawing of a snow cover. A sowing assembly travels at a rate of between 1 and 60 km/hour, and the load-bearing portion for the sowing assembly is a utility vehicle operating with a pressure on the soil of 0.4 kgf/cm2 or lower, and as low as zero, e. g ., a “Bars UTES 271” having elastic tire-covers or an air cushion. The seeds are buried directly under the layer of over-wet soil and the burial depth is between 0.2 and 15 cm.

Abstract: A trimmer head for a hand-held cutting device may include a first housing portion, a line holding assembly to hold and selectively release trimmer line, and a second housing portion operably coupled to the first housing portion to house the line holding assembly. The line holding assembly may include a spool configured to hold the trimmer line and a core operably coupled to the spool. The line holding assembly may be configured such that rotational movement of the core causes corresponding movement of the spool, but movement of the core in an axial direction does not cause corresponding movement of the spool.

Abstract: A trimmer head having pivoting line holders comprises a single unitary molded housing having at least one recessed cavity located on the upper surface which is shaped and sized to receive a pivoting line holder, the recessed cavity includes reinforcement members for securely retaining pivoting line holder therein via insertion of a metal bearing ring which allows for free rotation of pivoting line holder about its central axis within recessed cavity; a method for installation of pivoting line holders within a trimmer head is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the speed control of a harvester, in which the density of a crop planting on the field is predictively determined and a speed specification signal for the harvester is planned, in the sense of a continued maintenance of a desired throughput of the harvester, wherein with the predictive planning of the speed specification signal, the accelerations of the harvester are limited to an extent that is comfortable for an operator of the harvester.

Abstract: A MOG sensing system for an agricultural vehicle (100) comprises a first ultrasonic sensor (204) configured to be mounted on the agricultural vehicle (100); a second ultrasonic sensor (206) configured to be mounted on the agricultural vehicle (100); an ECU (302) coupled to the first ultrasonic sensor (204) and the second ultrasonic sensor (206); wherein the ECU (302) is configured to combine signals from the first ultrasonic sensor (204) and from the second ultrasonic sensor (206) and to determine a MOG distribution of MOG ejected from the agricultural vehicle (100) based upon the combined signals.

Abstract: Gathering devices for picking up small items such as screws, nuts and bolts, bullet casings, edible and inedible nuts, golf balls, pine cones, and the like. The gathering device includes a pair of brackets interconnected by an axle and a roller assembly, a remover mechanism and cross members. Each bracket has a first side and second side which are mirror images. A removable collection basket attaches to a front portion of the gathering device adjacent to the remover mechanism via a tongue and slot assembly, the slot being on each bracket. Such gathering devices may be manually pushed or pulled by a motor vehicle. Such gathering devices are expandable and ganged to include multiple roller assemblies, multiple baskets and remover mechanisms with a center bracket between the pair of brackets and having the roller assemblies on each side thereof.

Abstract: A system is provided that automatically assesses weight rating characteristics of a truck and trailer combination. The system coordinates movement and unloading functions of the grain cart to automatically load the trailer to correspond to a target total weight value and a target weight distribution value based on axle weight ratings of the axles of the truck and trailer combination.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes at least one housing, a lamp holder mounted on an upper end of the housing, a basin mounted on a lower end of the housing and containing soil, a light emitting diode (LED) lamp mounted on the lamp holder, a water pipe connected with the housing to supply water to the soil of the basin, a constant rate timing device connected with the water pipe, an external water source connected with the water pipe, and a high oxygen water generating device connected with the water pipe. Thus, the plant cultivation apparatus can enhance the growth efficiency of the plant by provision of the high oxygen water generating device. In addition, the plant cultivation apparatus has sterilizing and odorizing functions by provision of the ozone generating device.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for growing and distributing living food crops to an intended recipient prior to harvesting that includes the utilization of a production unit to grow the food crops and a transportation cart to efficiently deliver the production units. This method prevents critical losses of nutritional content resulting from extended periods of non-consumption subsequent to harvesting. Additionally, the foods created and distributed by this method have increased aesthetic appeal to the consumer and enhanced natural taste. The novel method includes planting and growing the desired food crops in production units, transporting the production units to an intended recipient once the crop reaches a predetermined ripeness, and mounting the production units at a recipient desired location. The food crops remain in the production units until ready for use, purchase, or consumption, at which point the food crops are harvested.

Abstract: An urn and planter assembly comprises at least two separate chambers (7, 8) and at least one nutrient transmission element (5). The at least one first chamber (7) serves as a receptacle for ashes, in particular cremation ashes. The at least one second chamber (8) serves as a receptacle for a planting matrix. Nutrients can be conveyed from the first chamber (7) into the second chamber (8) through at least one nutrient transmission element (5).

Abstract: A decorative miniature garden apparatus and kit is provided. The decorative miniature garden of the present invention may at least include a plate An opening is formed through the plate and is sized to receive a plant within. The upper surface of the plate may include at least one decoration. A plant may be placed within a container and the plate may be placed within the container so that the plant is protruding through the opening.

Abstract: The electrical power, carbon dioxide and heating requirements of an enclosed plant cultivation system and method, for example, a greenhouse and greenhouse plant cultivation method, are provided by a solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting sprouting seeds, seedlings and plants, hereinafter referred to as “plant material”, from damage by crawling insects, antrhopoda, and gastropoda, hereinafter referred to as “crawling pests”, and various beetles, moths and butterflies, hereinafter referred to as “flying pests”, and for enhancing the rate of growth which comprises a formed smooth plastic or metal frame the lower portion of which is inserted into the ground, the upper edge of which extends outwards and then downwards wherein this formed edge creates a barrier for crawling pests, the inside of which is a reflective colour wherein sunlight reflected from the interior surfaces enhances the early stage growth of plants contained within, the top of which can be covered with a removable frame with integrated insect cloth wherein such cloth prevents access to flying pests, the top of which can be covered with a removal frame with integrated transparent material to help create a warmer and more humid microclimate to counteract

Abstract: The invention is a method of training grapevines comprising dividing fruiting canes into three horizontal zones and two vertical zones. One aspect of the present invention is a method of training grapevines having a plurality of fruiting canes comprising: separating the fruiting canes into an upper canopy and a lower canopy, then dividing the upper canopy into a first upper cane section and a second upper cane section, restraining the first upper cane section to grow along a substantially horizontal first upper wire and restraining the second upper section to grow along a substantially horizontal second upper wire, and tying the lower canopy to grow along a substantially horizontal low wire. The method of training grapevines may also comprise defining a plurality of renewal canes. The renewal canes may be down to renewal spurs. The renewal spurs may have two buds. Each of the renewal spurs may be about 2.5 cm long.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems, devices and methods effective to implement misting devices. In various examples, the misting devices may include a nutrient solution in a basin. In some other examples, the misting devices may further include a motor. In still other examples, the misting devices may include a misting apparatus connected to the motor. The misting apparatus may have an external surface at least partially submerged in the nutrient solution. In some examples, the motor and misting apparatus may be arranged such that when the motor spins the misting apparatus the nutrient solution adheres to the external surface. The nutrient solution may be atomized into a mist and the mist may be propelled toward roots of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of altering/improving Durum wheat phenotypes. Furthermore, methods of breeding Durum wheat and/or other closely related species to produce plants having altered or improved phenotypes are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV4844PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV4844PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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 hybrid pepper designated ‘E20S1012777’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid pepper ‘E20S1012777’ to the plants of hybrid pepper ‘E20S1012777’ and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid pepper ‘E20S1012777’.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety WN1116094-1 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety WN1116094-1 and its progeny, and methods of making WN1116094-1.

Abstract: Non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (IND) designated Sesaco 37 (S37) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S37 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in most geographical locations.

Abstract: Non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (IND) designated Sesaco 38 (S38) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S38 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in most geographical locations.

Abstract: Non-dehiscent sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (IND) designated Sesaco 39 (S39) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S39 suitable for mechanized harvesting and for selection for sesame crop growth in many geographical locations. S39 is very well suited for South Texas.

Abstract: Inbred corn lines, designated BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent.

Abstract: Inbred corn lines, designated BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn lines BB208, BB209, BB210, BB211, BC146, BC147, CB21, CB34, CB39, II15, II17, IM5, LK1, and MM65 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent.

Abstract: Genetically modified plants are described which stably express the Salt Tolerance Protein that improves the salt tolerance of the plant when compared with to a corresponding genetically unmodified wild-type plant cells or wild-type plants are described. Also described are methods of increasing the salt tolerance of a plant by stably introducing into the plant a nucleic acid encoding the Salt Tolerance Protein.

Abstract: A milking robot comprises a frame that is movable along a guide track that is positioned adjacent to a rotary platform such that the frame can move in conjunction with the movement of the rotary platform. The milking robot further comprises a moveable arm having a first end that couples to the frame and a second end that extends in a longitudinal direction, and at least one gripper coupled to the movable arm at the second end. The gripper is extendable in the longitudinal direction of the movable arm.

Abstract: A method of making animal litter from a tree nuts, such as from a walnut composition of shells, pelica and membrane, by grinding or crushing the walnut composition, removing all or almost all of the shells from the walnut composition by vibration and aspiration to form muller, adding any desired additives to the muller (e.g. fragrances, fillers and extenders, clumping agent such as guar bean, mold inhibitor agent such as calcium propionate, etc.), and pelletizing the muller by heating and compressing the muller through small apertures and cutting the muller exiting the apertures at desired lengths. The heating and compression of the muller results in pellets that have odor absorbing characteristics that outperform commercial animal litters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel combination pet restraint and vehicle travel system wherein a unique travel system has been created around utilizing the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) mechanism and includes proprietary pet restraints, adapters, vehicle seat covers, and multiple accessories which affix thereto.

Abstract: An animal crate assembly including an animal crate with a vertically operable access door and a securing assembly for mounting the animal crate to an architectural structure. The architectural table may be a table having a flexible cover. The animal crate is supported by a platform that is moveable between a retracted, concealed position and an extended, exposed position. The animal crate may be selectively concealed within an environment and appear as an article of furniture. The crate includes a door assembly which may be opened and positioned within the article of furniture in the concealed position to enable the crate to be used by the animal even in the concealed position.

Abstract: An animal restraining chute having a four sided cage with a closeable front and rear opening and two sides constructed from a series of ribs made from a single bent component to provide structural support. A partially closable front gate closes the front opening and restrains the head of the animal, and a curved rear pusher gate secures the hindquarters of an animal. A rotatable belly restraint pins the animal to one of the sides. The chute is rotatably mounted on a vehicle or platform to lay the animal on its side. The chute includes four hydraulic activated leg latches for securing the legs of the animal. There is a movably attached staging area located at the rear of the chute to allow for the positioning of animals waiting to enter the chute. Each of the movable components of the chute are hydraulically and remotely controlled.

Abstract: An animal containment fence includes posts that may be anchored to a surface, connection members that may be transversely coupled to the posts, and flexible cross-members disposed between the posts by telescopically and reciprocally engaging the connection members transversely coupled to the posts. The engagement between the connection members and the cross-member moves reciprocally upon a flexion of the cross-member due to application of a force less than a release force to the cross-member. The engagement between the connection members and the cross-member releases upon a flexion a flexible cross-member due to application of a force equal to or greater than a release force. A method of assembling the animal containment fence includes anchoring posts to a surface, transversely coupling connection members to the posts, and telescopically and reciprocally engaging cross members with the connection members.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating an embedded passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag is provided. An embodiment of the locating apparatus includes a resonator capable of electromagnetically coupling to the PIT tag, and a feedback circuit connected to the resonator and configured to monitor a load conductance of the resonator. A distance between the resonator and the PIT tag is indicated by a change in the monitored load conductance when the resonator and the PIT tag are electromagnetically coupled. Another embodiment includes a resonator capable of stimulating a response signal from a PIT tag, and a processing circuit capable of calculating the distance between the resonator and the PIT tag based on the amplitude of the response signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for training a subject dog to perform target odor detecting operations within a completely confined compartment, which comprises a partial compartment having at least three angularly different surfaces to define an interior. The surfaces are sufficiently long to provide a subject dog located within the interior with a sensation of being at least partially confined. An air inlet is defined by a configuration of the partial compartment, by which odor laden air is introducible into the interior and is detectable by the nose of the subject dog. A dog interfaceable member is operatively connected to the partial compartment and activatable upon detection of a predetermined target odor.

Abstract: A system for treating wild birds includes an enclosure formed of a mesh material large enough to accommodate a plurality of wild coveying birds targeted for treatment. A call bird box is positioned within the enclosure. A call bird of the same species as the targeted birds is housed in the call box and makes calls for attracting the targeted birds. At least one ground level entrance is provided, sized and located to permit the entry of targeted birds into the enclosure while excluding non-targeted animals. A feeder containing medicated feed is provided within the enclosure for feeding the targeted birds entering the enclosure in order to treat the targeted wild coveying birds for parasites or disease. A cover is provided for protecting the medicated feed in the feeder from the environment. Methods for installing such a treatment system and treating wild birds using a treatment system are disclosed.

Abstract: An aviary is provided including an aviary cage having a first side, a second side, and a nesting area. The nesting area is positioned between the first side and the second side. A belt extends beneath the nesting area. A grate having a first end and a second end is positioned over the belt. The first end of the grate extends to the first side of the aviary cage, and the second end of the grate extends to the second side of the aviary cage. A first egg conveyor is positioned adjacent the first end of the grate. A second egg conveyor is positioned adjacent the second end of the grate.

Abstract: A gravity feed dispensing system for small animals in multi-level cages includes a rectangular hopper for containing a supply of animal feed and a number of multi-level cages. The system also includes a number of pipes with one pipe for each cage. The pipes are gathered together to form a pipe rack of upwardly facing open ends forming a planar array below the hopper. A first chute connects the hopper to the pipe rack for delivering food to the cages. A control plate having a small central opening is disposed in the chute between the hopper and the pipe racks. In addition, a pair of sliding gates is disposed between the control plate and the pipe rack together with a mechanism for opening and closing the pair of gates. The system also includes a mechanism for adjusting the vertical distance between the control plate and the pair of gates.

Abstract: A beehive cover is provided. The beehive cover includes at least one heating pad. The heating pad includes an outer insulating layer and an inner insulating layer. At least one heating cable is disposed in between the outer insulating layer and an inner insulating layer and the layers are sealed together. Electrical wiring connects the heating cables to a power source. A waterproof cover covers the heat pad. The beehive cover is then secured to the outer sides of a beehive in order to keep the beehive warm.

Abstract: A recirculating aquaculture system is configured for growing aquatic animals. The system includes an inlet conduit, a tank, a water treatment unit, a clarifier, and an outlet conduit. The tank is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit to receive water displaced from the inlet conduit. The tank also contains water and aquatic animals. The water treatment unit is arranged within the tank and includes algae capable of removing aquatic animal waste from the water within the tank. The clarifier is in fluid communication with the tank to receive displaced water from the tank. The clarifier is also configured to remove solid waste from the displaced water. The outlet conduit is in fluid communication between the clarifier and the inlet conduit.

Abstract: Methods of reef construction are disclosed that include exposing a man-made scaffold to environmental conditions such that bivalve organisms grow on the man-made scaffold for a duration sufficient to create a scaffold having two generations of bivalve attachment. Certain methods involve moving the biologically accreted scaffold to a second location to serve as a reef or breakwater after substantial growth of bivalve organisms has occurred.

Abstract: An aquaponics system comprises an aquarium module configured to hold a water, a garden module that sits above the aquarium, a contiguous growth media bed within the garden module configured to physically support the growth of plants, a pump and piping for drawing water from the aquarium module to the garden module, a siphon tube for reoxygenating and delivering water from the garden module back to the aquarium module, and a light source Molded bodies form the base (bottom) and dome (top) of each module, and are connected at the corners by connectors that slidably fit into hollow stabilizing pillars, which permit internal passage of wires, cables and piping on the interior of the system, creating an easily assembled, modular, aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient way to house fish and grow plants.

Abstract: The invention provides double knockout transgenic pigs (GT/CMAH-KO pigs) lacking expression of any functional aGAL and CMAH. Double knockout GT/CMAH-KO transgenic organs, tissues and cells are also provided. Methods of making and using the GT/CMAH-KO pigs and tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A lentiviral vector was used to produce non-human animals that express human sFLT1 specifically in the murine placenta, to provide model animals of diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome that are close to the clinical conditions, methods for producing the model animals, methods of screening for candidate compounds as therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome by using the model animals, and therapeutic agents for diseases such as pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. As a result, the model animals were found to exhibit symptoms that are very close to the clinical conditions in human, which are presentation of hypertension as well as placental insufficiency, intrauterine growth retardation, glomerulosclerosis, and proteinuria during pregnancy, and improvement of those symptoms postpartum.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure having a hollow body wherein inside the hollow body is a sound plate, a clapper, and a clapper spring that provides sound and vibrations to the artificial fishing lure.