Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-function tool, i.e. having two interchangeable tools, one providing a shovel function and the other providing a fork function, both suitable for digging the ground. For this purpose, the tool comprises a shaft (1) with one end provided with a cross-piece to form a cross-handle, and the other end provided with means for mounting a digging tool (3-3?), such as a shovel or fork, such that the corresponding shaft (1) comprises at least two sections (1?-1?) which can be removably screwed to one another, the cross-piece of the upper handle comprising a T-shaped connector (5) which can be removably coupled on the upper end of the shaft, and two side elements (7) which can be screwed onto the end of each of the side arms of the T-shaped connector, together forming an upper cross-piece having an oversized length. The interchangeable tool is mounted on the lower end of the shaft (1).

Abstract: A ground driven agricultural wheel for use as a press wheel or press harrow comprising a helical coil having a first end, a second end and windings therebetween, the coil having spring characteristics to allow sufficient flexure and relative movement between the windings, wherein the first and second ends are mounted to a hub assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement for the control of a device interface of an agricultural work vehicle includes a control unit of the work vehicle, which is connected, in a controlling manner, with an external power actuator for the adjustment of the position of the device interface, and a portable computer with input and a processor which has a wireless communication connection with the control unit and on which software was downloaded, which makes possible control of the actuator by the input, via the processor and the control unit.

Abstract: A C-spring contains an inner spring that is spaced apart from the outer primary spring. In one example usage, the upper and lower legs of the C-spring have rear regions respectively configured for being mounted to a tubular frame tool frame member of a ground working implement, such as a disk, and to a bearing housing.

Abstract: An agricultural system including a tractor and an implement powered by the tractor. The implement having a plurality of hydraulic fluid using devices, at least one transducer, and a communications means. The transducer is configured to generate a signal representative of a hydraulic load requirement of the plurality of hydraulic fluid using devices. The communications means convey the signal to the tractor. The tractor is configured to alter a hydraulic fluid characteristic supplied to the implement dependent upon the signal.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a product supply chamber, and a pair of transversely extending product delivering booms, each with a plurality of conduits of varying lengths terminating in product distributing nozzles. A fan supplies air to a mixing chamber which also receives product from the supply chamber providing an air entrained flow of product to each conduit. A controller monitors product delivery and controls implement operation. Each conduit has a pressure tap near the nozzle for providing the controller with a pressure differential indication. The controller initiates a corrective action modifying the operation of the delivery system when a predetermined pressure differential threshold is exceeded. The corrective action may include an increased air flow volume, an additional burst of higher pressure air into the conduit, a temporary increase in air flow from the air flow source, or a reduction in the rate of product flow from the supply chamber.

Abstract: A lawn mower deck cleaning system and method is provided for cleaning mower decks and other interior surfaces that become layered with debris over time. The cleaning system comprises an elongated conduit affixed to the mower deck that provides a means of communicating a solid material from a hopper directly into the mower deck interior. The upper end of the conduit comprises a hopper with upstanding sidewalls and an interior configured to support solid ice material therein. The lower end of the conduit terminates at a junction along the mower deck surface, whereby solid ice moves through the conduit, through the junction and into the mower deck interior to be jettisoned against the walls of the mower deck and ultimately pulverized by the spinning mower blade. The cleaning system is one contemplated for lawn mowers and other reciprocating machinery, as well as both push mowers and ride-on mower decks.

Abstract: A robotic mowing system that includes a station and a robotic mower. The robotic mower has a controller and a memorizer, the memorizer stores a working procedure, and after receiving a start command input by a user, the controller executes the working procedure, so as to control the robotic mower to automatically and repeatedly mow and return to the station to be charged until the controller receives a stop command. In this way, the user does not need to input working parameters, and costs are relatively low.

Abstract: Robotic work tool (100) configured for improved turning in a slope (S), said robotic work tool comprising a slope detector (190), at least one magnetic field sensor (170), a controller (110), and at least two driving wheels (130?), the robotic work tool (100) being configured to detect a boundary wire (250) and in response thereto determine if the robotic work tool (100) is in a slope (S), and if so, perform a turn by rotating each wheel (130?) at a different speed thereby reducing a risk of the robotic work tool (100) getting stuck.

Abstract: A fixed-line rotary trimmer head is provided having pivoting posts (line holding mechanisms) which allow folded strips of trimmer line to pivot out of the way when impacting stones, metal posts and the like to reduce wear and tear on the line and reduce line breakage, the trimmer line is loaded from the underside of the trimmer head and follows an approximate 90 degree curvilinear channel so that the distal ends of the line extend out the side of the trimmer head for use, the trimmer head also comprises means for pushing the trimmer line partially out of the channel for ease of use and for removal of unused trimmer line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blade for cutting grasses in general, consisting of a part (1) which is mounted, via the opening (2), on the driving axle of a cutting or scrub clearing machine, said part including at least two small blades (4), each having a sharp front edge determining the leading or cutting edge (5) that extends outwards in a curved outer section (5?), while opposite the leading edge (5), there is a rear trailing edge (6) in the form of a propeller aileron, for producing an air flow during the rotation, that generates the ejection of the cut material and suction-lifts the material to be cut.

Abstract: A brush cutter includes a frame rod, a front end housing fixedly mounted to a front end of the frame rod, a cutting blade mounted on a support shaft within the front end housing, a rear end housing fixedly mounted to a rear end of the frame rod, an electric motor mounted within the rear end housing for rotation of the cutting blade, and a source of power supply for supplying electric power to the motor. In the brush cutter, a plurality of rechargeable battery packs adapted to use in electric power tools are used as the source of power supply for the motor.

Abstract: A control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a controller configured to calibrate alignment of a conveyor outlet of the agricultural vehicle with a storage compartment by receiving a first signal from a user interface indicative of alignment of the conveyor outlet with a first desired point on the storage compartment, determining a first position of the storage compartment relative to the agricultural vehicle upon receiving the first signal, receiving a second signal from the user interface indicative of alignment of the conveyor outlet with a second desired point on the storage compartment, diagonally opposite the first desired point, determining a second position of the storage compartment relative to the agricultural vehicle upon receiving the second signal, and establishing a bounding rectangle having a first corner at the first desired point and a second corner at the second desired point based on the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus having a frame and a harvesting assembly on the frame configured to accommodate severed crop as the frame is advanced. A fluid delivery system causes pressurized fluid to be discharged in discrete streams each with a component that is directed to at least one of: a) facilitate severance of crop; and b) cause severed crop to be advanced rearwardly in relationship to the frame to a location for further processing. The fluid delivery system has: i) a primary conduit length extending laterally between the sides of the frame; ii) a plurality of laterally spaced outlets from which fluid from the primary conduit length is discharged; iii) a pressurized fluid source; and iv) a distributing conduit assembly that directs pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source to first and second locations from where pressurized fluid is directed in laterally opposite directions into the primary conduit length.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus having a frame to be advanced over an area in which a crop is grown and a harvesting assembly on the frame configured to process severed crop. The harvesting assembly is configured to advance severed crop laterally to a delivery location between the laterally spaced sides of the frame and to and through a feed housing. A fluid delivery system discharges pressurized fluid to at least one of: a) facilitate severance of crop; and b) facilitate rearward advancement of severed crop. The fluid delivery system has at least a first pressurized fluid source through which pressurized fluid is delivered to laterally spaced outlets. A cleaning assembly has a first cleaning conduit assembly for directing pressurized fluid from the first pressurized fluid supply source in at least a first stream that repositions unusable crop and debris to reduce buildup thereof in the vicinity of the feed housing.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200), comprising a charging station (210), a boundary wire (250), a signal generator (240) for generating and transmitting a signal through said boundary wire (250) for demarcating a work area (205) and for generating a magnetic field (265) for guiding a robotic work tool (100) to said charging station (210), said robotic work tool (100) being configured to detect a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field (265) in the work area (205), direct itself towards an increasing magnetic field strength, determine that the robotic work tool (100) is unable to reach the charging station (210), inform the robotic work tool system (200) accordingly, whereby the robotic work tool system (200) is configured to adapt a current level of the signal generating the magnetic field (365).

Abstract: A stripper band for a crop pick-up includes a U-shaped plastic body having an upper leg and upper bight portion reinforced by a sheet metal strap so as to stiffen the band for being able to withstand downward forces applied by heavy windrows of crop being picked up and conveyed over a top surface of the band. The sheet metal strap has upstanding bosses located about upper rear mounting holes against which clamping forces are directed when securing the band to the pick-up frame. Front and lower regions of the band are constructed only of plastic and remain flexible enough to absorb impacts from hard objects without permanent deformation of the band.

Abstract: A combine harvester (10) has a feederhouse assembly (20) that comprises a housing (62). The housing (62) contains feederhouse rollers (64, 80), about which an endless conveying element (82) circulates. The endless conveying element (82) is made from an inherently flexible material having slats (84) fastened thereon. A first feederhouse roller (80) is mounted movably along an imaginary connecting line (95) between the feederhouse rollers (64, 80) and can be coupled to a spring (86) that pre-tensions the endless conveying element (82) and brings the first feederhouse roller (80) into a target position. The movement of the first feederhouse roller (80) toward the second feederhouse roller (64) is limited to this target position.

Abstract: A grain paddle for a clean grain elevator of a combine harvester. The paddle includes a substantially rigid body with a planar portion having ends disposed distal and proximal to an elevator chain of the combine harvester. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent the proximal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent to the distal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include sloped lateral edges.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for producing fungi for use in an ecosystem provides a production substrate and a spawn substrate that can be combined on demand to cultivate fungi and fungi byproducts. The substrates go through a systematic process by which they are prepared, positioned in separate sections of the vessel, sanitized, inoculated with a fungi culture, and finally combined at la later time and place demand by cutting the seal. In this manner, the shelf life is extended. The vessel is then placed inside a dispersion container, where the fungi and fungi byproducts disperse towards the ecosystem. The dispersion container comprises a container exhaust for allowing a vessel exhaust to at least partially pass through. The fungi by product directionally releases from the vessel exhaust through a vessel exhaust, such as a mesh or webbed aperture sized to release gases and extraneous liquids.

Abstract: Grafting tools for use in agriculture, nurseries, or horticulture, that ensure the sterile cutting of the plant during grafting operations and that prevent the spreading of diseases through the blade, are described.

Abstract: A horticultural therapy apparatus is accessible to a practitioner who occupies a wheelchair. The horticultural therapy apparatus presents a raised and stable working surface that can be easily accessed by a person in a wheelchair or by a person otherwise operating with impaired or limited mobility.

Abstract: An adjustable planter disk comprised of a circular disk constructed of a single resin composite sheet is disclosed. The sheet has a first terminating end that overlaps, or partially overlaps, a second terminating end. The sheet includes a peripheral edge and center hole. The first terminating end rotates overtop the second terminating end and latches thereto using a pair of hooks on the first terminating end and a series of corresponding holes on the second terminating end to create differing radii. The sheet is divided into a plurality of sectors, each sector including a living hinge that runs from the peripheral edge to the center that allows for the first terminating end to extend and contract. Additionally, along the peripheral edge of the circular are a plurality of water drainage holes.

Abstract: A rapid deployment plant protector having a polygonal umbrella cover having closed sleeves on a first side, open sleeves on an opposing side, and connection structure for joining an edge of a first of said polygonal umbrella cover with an edge of an adjoining polygonal umbrella cover; an umbrella hub; a plurality of cover stays corresponding in number to the number of said sleeves; and a vertical support on which said umbrella hub is disposed.

Abstract: There is provided a system suitable for providing beneficial insects or mites in a protected cropping environment. A carrier ribbon (8) is provided with a plurality of sachets (10) carried on the ribbon. Each sachet comprises a dispensing compartment for beneficial insects or mites and at least one emergence hole (6) on one side of the compartment so that insects or mites can emerge and be dispensed in the protected cropping environment. A system provided in a casing is also part of the invention as well as a method of providing the beneficial insects and the use of the system to do so.

Abstract: An aquatic cultivation method for woody and drought-tolerant plants creates a symbiotic system of stable structure by steps of: (1) placing a seed in a pan for three to four weeks to grow an aquatic plant; (2) taking the aquatic plant out of the pan and removing dirt; (3) dipping the dirt-free aquatic plant into a beaker filled with a cultural liquid of somatotropic hormone for two to three hours; (4) taking out the aquatic plant and placing it into a container; (5) filling a substance into the container for securing the aquatic plant placed inside; (6) positioning the container on a water tank filled with water that the root of the aquatic plant can contact the water surface; and (7) completing cultivation when the root of the aquatic plant naturally extending into the water as adopted to an aquatic environment inside the water tank through time.

Abstract: A plant support comprises two or more vertically elongated closed looped members which are rotationally spaced around a common vertical axis and connected to each other at the upper end and the lower end of the plant support. The plant support comprises an above-ground section and a relatively shorter in-ground section which is inserted into a planting hole or plant pot before soil is added and a plant is placed inside the plant support. The vertically elongated closed looped members are made of a rigid band material, such as e.g. stainless steel band having a width which is significantly wider than the band is thick.

Abstract: An irrigation control system is described for optimizing water used for growing crops. The irrigation control system uses a moisture sensor to measure soil moisture by measuring directly the relative phase velocities of different modes of propagation along a metallic structure mounted to a dielectric substrate. The average phase velocity is a function of the water content of the soil. The water content measurement is then transmitted to a central controller which then, through a set of heuristic algorithms, regulates the water distributed to the soil in a spatial and temporal manner.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a hydroponic system having a self-contained reservoir. The system comprises, a plurality of plastic pipes, a plurality of plant receivers, a plurality of angled joints, a plurality of T-fitting/connectors, a plurality of pipe caps, a customizable water pipe, an adjustable pipe brace, and an electrical pump. A method is provided for delivering the nutrient solutions to the plants through a hydroponic system. The method comprises, assembling the hydroponic system, selecting a plurality of plants to be grown in the hydroponic solution, delivering nutrient solution to the roots of the selected plant from the reservoir, and customizing the hydroponic system.

Abstract: Zantedeschia variety designated GSCCCAFI is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of Zantedeschia GSCCCAFI, to the plants of Zantedeschia GSCCCAFI, to plant parts of Zantedeschia GSCCCAFI, and to methods for producing a Zantedeschia plant produced by crossing Zantedeschia GSCCCAFI with itself or with another Zantedeschia. The invention also relates to methods for producing a Zantedeschia plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and to the transgenic Zantedeschia plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to Zantedeschia varieties, or breeding varieties, and plant parts derived from Zantedeschia GSCCCAFI, to methods for producing other Zantedeschia varieties, hybrids, or plant parts derived from Zantedeschia GSCCCAFI, and to the Zantedeschia plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated plant of the species Solanum lycopersicum comprising a myb12 allele having one or more mutations, said mutations resulting in production of a mutant myb12 protein, fruits of such plants exhibiting a pink appearance.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 09068 TOF.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the breeding, production, processing and use of specialty cannabis.

Abstract: A system comprises a robotic arm operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform, a camera operable to generate an image signal corresponding to a rear of the dairy livestock, and a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm and the camera. The controller determines whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock by receiving the image signal generated by the camera and processing the image signal. If it is determined based on the image signal that the milking claw is not attached, the controller controls the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock. If it is determined based on the image signal that the milking claw is attached, the controller controls the robotic arm not to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: An automatic teat treatment method and apparatus uses a control system and an associated robot apparatus with an arm that carries a treatment apparatus, to establish a treatment operation start time and establish the presence of an animal at a treatment location, and then (i) initiate detection of a spatial teat position of a first teat, (ii) register the spatial position, (iii) derive a dedicated teat-treating action, (iv) carry out the teat-treating action, and (v) successively repeat the initiating, registering, deriving, and treating steps once in respect of each teat until all teats are treated, where, when after the start time, a predefined point in time is passed before any of the preceding steps is completed, the method is interrupted and a default treating action for treating all remaining untreated teats is derived and carried out by the treatment apparatus and thereafter the robot arm is retracted.

Abstract: Automatic teat treatment method and apparatus for treatment operations on teats of an animal using a robot apparatus. The method includes initiating automatic detection of spatial teat positions and registering the spatial positions of the detected teats; and deriving a dedicated treating action effective to move the treating device through a dedicated path defined by the registered spatial teat positions and carrying out treatment by moving the treating device through the dedicated path. When not all of the spatial positions are detected, then the method registers the spatial position of each detected teat and derives an adapted treating action effective to move the treating device through an adapted path defined by the registered spatial teat positions and by approximated spatial locations. When no teat spatial positions have been detected, the method derives a default treating action effective to move the treating device through a default treating path.

Abstract: A system, method and device for producing strips of spun cheese from a paste of hot cheese that can form a fibrous texture when drawn. The hot cheese paste is drawn in the form of a strip of spun cheese by means of an arrangement of consecutive driving pulleys, in which tangential velocity of each driving pulley is greater than that of the immediately preceding pulley so as to generate a greater tensile force on the strip of cheese as it passes through the consecutive driving pulleys.

Abstract: A transportable animal care station includes an enclosure and a pair of opposite transport couplers. The enclosure includes a frame and defines a treatment space. The enclosure presents an opening that permits ingress and egress relative to the treatment space. The transport couplers are fixed relative to the frame, with each of the couplers being removably connectable to a corresponding one of the lifting components.

Abstract: A pet crate having a top, a bottom, and a cage between the top and bottom. The cage can be engaged to and disengaged from each of the top and bottom. When engaged to the top and bottom, or when disengaged from either one or both of the top and bottom, the cage is endless and can safely hold a pet therein. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable into a closed, endless and flat configuration such that the cage can be stored between the top and bottom such that the crate as a whole in such stored configuration is generally flat. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable out into a fence configuration by disconnecting two ends of the cage.

Abstract: A milking system comprises a rotary milking platform having a plurality of milking stalls, a milking device configured for attachment to the teats of a dairy livestock located in a corresponding milking stall of the rotary milking platform, a robotic device operable to attach the milking device to the teats of the dairy livestock, and a controller. The controller controls the operation of the robotic device based at least in part upon a milking log that stores information regarding the amount of time that has elapsed since the last time the dairy livestock was milked and whether an amount of milk collected from the dairy livestock during a previous time period is less than a predefined threshold associated with the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A game feeder includes a housing having a cavity, an input aperture, and an output aperture; a base attached to the housing; a spreader below the output aperture; and a motor attached to the feeder and the spreader and configured to rotate the spreader. The feeder can include a varmint guard disposed below the output aperture to restrict varmint access to the spreader and feeder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pet or animal drying and washing apparatus a two part housing structure with a slidable and removable inner housing shell with guides and an outer housing shell with recesses on their respective side walls so that they can be easily connected together as a single unit and form a heating flow passage there between. The outer shell having inner and outer walls conforming to a contour shape and having support and air channel blocks on a bottom floor to support an inner shell housing having a plurality of slotted vents disposed on side walls and back walls and between bottom floors of the inner and outer shell housings. A blower and heating unit is disposed within a back wall cavity of the outer shell housing and closed by a thermostatic control device to direct heated air in the heating flow passage.

Abstract: A fly catching animal mask device prevents flies and other insects from bothering an animal's eyes. The device includes a mask having at least one eye hole configured to fit on a head of an animal such that the eye hole is positioned around an eye of the animal. A strip of material is coupled to the mask. The strip of material has an exposed outer face extending around the eye hole. An adhesive is coupled to and extends over the exposed outer face of the strip of material wherein the outer face is configured for catching and holding flies contacting the adhesive.

Abstract: A system and method for treating pets, the system comprising: a content provider to provide video and audio content adapted for treating a pet; a video and audio output device for playing the video and audio content; and a feedback interface for providing indications to the content provider about behavior of the pet, wherein the content provider is to adapt the provided content according to the received indications. The method comprising playing video and audio content by a video and audio out-put device, the content comprising: an image adapted for treating a pet; and a sound adapted for treating a pet; receiving indications about behavior of the pet; and adapting the played content according to the received indications.

Abstract: A pet monitoring device 12 to be fitted to a pet 14 that is to be monitored includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals via a mobile telecommunications network 20. The location of the pet monitoring device 12 can be determined by reference to parameters associated with receipt of a signal 18 transmitted by the transmitter by at least one base station of the mobile telecommunications network 20 so that an authorised user can identify the location of the pet monitoring device.

Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having a seed reservoir with a side wall that has at least one seed access opening and an adjustable feed port assembly. The feed port assembly includes a base mounted to the side wall in a fixed relationship thereto and having a central opening in communication with the seed in the reservoir. Fitted to the base is a rotatable insert having a perch coupled thereto in fixed relationship so that the perch and insert rotate as a unit. The insert is rotatable between two positions, an upright position in which the perch is below the base central opening enabling birds to feed while standing on the perch, and an upside down position in which the perch is above the base central opening, requiring birds to hang upside down from the perch to feed.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a seed container, a center tube formed within the seed container, a seed tray, an independently calibrated cartridge spring assembly having a center rod, a spring extending about the center rod with the center rod extending downwardly of said center tube, a cover, and a hanger engaged with an upper portion of the center tube to thereby retain the cover in position, a shroud having a perch member and a central opening therein to permit the lower end of the center rod to pass therethrough, and a retainer secured to the lower end of the spring assembly.

Abstract: A honeybee behavior monitoring system, including a honeybee behavior monitoring device positioned in a beehive for counting and recording the in-and-out activity of honeybees near a beehive, wherein the honeybee behavior monitoring device includes a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit for generating sensing signals; a counting unit for recording and determining whether honeybees are entering or departing from the beehive; a transmission unit for transmitting the in-and-out activity count to an external device, wherein each honeybee behavior monitoring device transfers data therebetween via a wireless sensing network, and finally data is transmitted to a rear-end server for storage and subsequent analysis of honeybee behaviors according to the status of counting and recording in each honeybee behavior monitoring device and ambient beehive environmental data or meteorological data, thereby providing accurate in-and-out activity counts to facilitate honeybee behavior studies.

Abstract: The invention provides a marine infrastructure comprising a concrete matrix having a pH of less than 12 for use in promoting the growth of fauna and flora in aquatic environment, and methods for promoting the growth of fauna and flora in aquatic environment, including endolitic and epilitic flora and endolitic and epilitic anaerobic and aerobic flora and fauna.

Abstract: A multi-stage rationed feeder for ornamental fish, comprising a container (1), a container cover assembly (2) and a measuring cup assembly (3). A falling-material receiving cover (23) of the container cover assembly (2) is adapted to a container cover (21), and a buckle position (233) is buckled into a container cover snapping slot (211), such that the falling-material receiving cover (23) is rotatably mounted and connected to the container cover (21). The measuring cup assembly (3) comprises a measuring cup (32) and a blocking slice (31). One end of the blocking slice (31) is provided with a sleeve hole (311) for sheathing a blocking slice pin (323). A pin groove (324) is adapted to a falling-material receiving cover pin (232) snapped into the pin groove (324) such that the measuring cup assembly (3) is removably mounted and connected to the container cover assembly (2) from below.