Abstract: A garden implement that utilizes a hub motor assembly coupled to a frame. One or more working tools may be selectively coupled to a hub body encompassing a hub motor of the hub motor assembly. The working tools are operative to work soil in a garden or other agricultural setting. The hub motor may include a brushless DC motor driven by an electrical power source. The electrical power source may include a battery or an AC power source. Alternatively, the hub motor may be used to drive a wheel which propels the garden implement.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has front flotation wheels with a significantly increased diameter, increasing flotation and improving rolling characteristics, especially in soft soil conditions. The implement has a frame supported on front and rear wheels. Front flotation wheels are pivotally mounted to the frame about vertical axes. A hitch tongue is pivotally attached to the frame about a vertical hitch pivot axis. A wheel control mechanism connects the front flotation wheels to the hitch tongue, and is configured such that when the hitch tongue is in a neutral position the front flotation wheels roll in the operating direction, and pivoting the hitch tongue causes the front flotation wheels to pivot in the same direction.

Abstract: A continuous windrow merger has a frame that supports center, right and left pickup assemblies. The pickup assemblies each include a pickup head and a conveyor assembly. The pickup head has a cylindrical reel and a plurality of tines extending radially outwardly from the reel. The pickup head is arranged to pickup and deliver crop material rearward to the conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly has a draper belt with an upper surface arranged to receive crop material from the pickup head and transfer the crop material in a lateral direction. The draper belt is mounted with the upper surface sloping downwardly and rearwardly from the pickup head. The merger has a folded configuration for transport in which the right and left wing frame sections extend generally vertically above the center frame section. The frame can be attached to the front of a self-propelled traction unit or towed behind a tractor.

Abstract: A method including adjusting a changeable component of a seed planting machine when switching from a first variety of seed to a second variety of seed during planting, wherein the adjusting is based on a location of the planting machine.

Abstract: The monitor system for an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer injection system includes a manifold with a plurality of discharge lines connected to soil engaging knives. A temperature sensor is mounted in each discharge line. The temperature of fertilizer in each discharge line is measures and transmitted to a microprocessor in a console. The temperature in a discharge line is compared with the average temperature in the other discharge lines. This comparison is made for each discharge line connected to a manifold to determine the temperature variations. The variations are compared to a temperature variation number provided by the operator. If an excessive variation occurs a warning is provided. A console screen graph shows which discharge line needs inspection.

Abstract: A lawn care device (10) may include a mobility assembly (42,44) configured to facilitate movement of the lawn care device over ground, a cutting deck (40) housing at least one blade, an engine (50) operably coupled to the at least one blade via a rotatable shaft to enable the at least one blade to cut vegetation responsive to rotation of the at least one blade, a control unit (110) configured to be in communication with at least one functional unit of the lawn care device, at least one sensor (142) disposed to monitor the at least one functional unit, a transmitter (144) operably coupled to the sensor to wirelessly transmit a signal from the sensor to the control unit based on operation of the at least one functional unit, and an energy harvester (146) configured to convert energy from a source of origin into electrical energy, the electrical energy being employed for powering the at least one sensor and the transmitter.

Abstract: A yard maintenance device having a working assembly selectively rotatable based on operation of an engine of the device may include a belt drive system. The belt drive system may include at least one driven pulley operably coupled to the working assembly, a drive shaft operably coupled to the engine, a drive belt configured to selectively couple the drive shaft to the at least one driven pulley, a tension adjustment assembly, and a control unit. The tension adjustment assembly may be configured to operably couple to at least one component of the belt drive system to adjust a position thereof to modify tension of the drive belt. The control unit may be configured to provide electronic control of the tension adjustment assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a section is formed from a blank having the perimeter of a truncated generally isosceles triangle. Each angled side of the truncated generally isosceles triangle includes a plurality of substantially semi-circular channels. The long axis of each substantially semi-circular channel is substantially parallel to the base of the truncated generally isosceles triangle. The top of the substantially semi-circular channel intersects the front surface of the section knife. The bottom of the substantially semi-circular channel intersects the back surface of the section knife. A cutting edge is formed at the intersection of the substantially semi-circular channel and the back surface of the section knife.

Abstract: A novel monofilament trimmer line is provided for reducing noise, reducing air drag and increasing durability by having a non-round cross-sectional shape defined as a polygon with three to six sides wherein the vertices between adjacent sides have been replaced with generous circular arcs, the arcs of a parabola, or even other arc shapes so long as the arc is convex and contains no sharp edges and wherein each arc is tangent to the two adjacent sides with a smooth and continuous transition, and the sides of the polygon are either straight or slightly convex, but not concave.

Abstract: A mower spindle brake disengagement mechanism includes belt driven pulleys on spindles supported by a rotary mower deck, brakes adjacent the pulleys, each of the brakes on a pivot arm biased to a brake engaged position, and a plurality of Bowden cables, each Bowden cable connected between one of the pivot arms and a single lever that may be pivoted to retract the Bowden cables to move the brakes on the pivot arms to a brake disengaged position.

Abstract: A stalk shredder (132) configured to be attached beneath a row unit (152) of a corn harvesting device (108) comprises a first blade (134) and a second blade (136), which are placed or affixed beneath the row unit (152) of the corn harvesting device (108) and which can be made to rotate around at least essentially vertical rotational axes. The enveloping circles of the blades (134, 136) overlap beneath a plant stalk delivery area (154) of the row unit (152) of the corn harvesting device (108). The blades (134, 136) impact, from various directions, on plant stalks that are delivered downward from the row unit (152).

Abstract: Method of calibrating a header height controller responsive to signal outputs from a plurality of height sensors mounted to a header, the signal outputs are variable in magnitude with respect to changes in height of the header relative to a surface. The methods automatically and accurately calibrate header control systems to eliminate the need for manual calibration and provides feedback to the operator to ensure the quality of the calibration and to assist the operator in identify potential problems with sensors or header setup which could affect the operation and performance.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester has a frame with a floor surface and an auger to laterally transport crop material towards a central aperture, wherein a cutter bar forms the leading edge of the header and is moveable via a slide between a retracted and an extended position, the header further includes a belt conveyor for transporting crop material from the cutter bar to the auger, the belt conveyor is provided with a belt-length-adapting mechanism so that the length of the belt is changeable between a short track and a long track respectively corresponding to the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is achieved by means of a row divider (1) applied to a sugar cane harvester (100). Said device (1) comprises at least one helicoidal lift (2) connected to an engine. Said helicoidal lift (2) has a conical shape geometry of variable cross section around an imaginary central axis (102), and comprises a first segment (3) and a second segment (4). The first segment (3) establishes a first generatrix (5) which defines an angle a to the central axis (102) and comprises a first screw thread (6) in its outer surface. The second segment (4) establishes a second generatrix (7) which defines an angle ? to the central axis (102), so that ? has a greater value than a. Said second segment (4) comprises a second screw thread (8) in its surface, which is oriented in the opposite direction of the first screw thread (6).

Abstract: A transport arrangement for an agricultural machine having a suspension system. The transport arrangement includes a header unit a tongue arrangement and a retaining system. The header unit is carried by the suspension system. The tongue arrangement is coupled to the suspension system, and is pivotal about an axis relative to the header unit and the suspension system. The retaining system is configured to releasably couple the tongue arrangement to the header unit and/or the suspension system to thereby retain the header unit in an elevated position.

Abstract: Separably-driven rotor portions for a combine harvester and a method for threshing grain using separably-driven rotor portions are provided. The combine harvester is moved through harvest material comprising grain material and material-other-than-grain (“MOG”). The grain material is separated from the MOG using multiple processing areas. The auger portion may be stopped or rotated at a slower speed with respect to rotation of the threshing portion to simulate the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved, thereby providing the benefits of large-plot harvesting to small-plot applications.

Abstract: An inlet head housing for an axial separating device formed with a pair of separating rotors. The separating rotors are arranged parallel to one another having a first end protruding, in sections, into the inlet head housing. The inlet head housing has flat inlet sections extending along a width of each of the respective separating rotors. A ramp-shaped housing section having a substantially concave profile is arranged between the fiat inlet sections. The housing section at least partially supports a separation of a crop flow into two partial flows to the separating rotors. A substantially blade-shaped separating element is arranged on the ramp-shaped housing section and extends substantially axially parallel thereto.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a residue handling system carried by the chassis. The residue handling system includes a set of rotating knives disposed in a housing, a first set of counter-knives, and a residue pivoting platform and/or a second set of counter-knives. Crop residue travels through the system in a residue flow direction. The first set of counter-knives are configured to enter the housing proximate to the set of rotating knives. The residue pivoting platform is positioned proximate to the first set of counter-knives in an upstream direction relative to the crop residue flow direction. The second set of counter-knives are configured to enter the housing proximate to the set of rotating knives. The second set of counter-knives are in a downstream direction relative to the crop residue flow from at least one of the residue pivoting platform and the first set of counter-knives.

Abstract: A feederhouse (20) for a combine harvester (10) has a drivable inclined conveyor shaft (80), which is supported via a bearing arrangement (48), which is designed as an axially movable floating bearing, on the housing (76) of the feederhouse (20).

Abstract: A wrapping mechanism is described that comprises at least two material support cylinders, a mechanism support cylinder, and a first and a second support plate, which are all rotatable about a support axis. The wrapping mechanism can comprise a pair of frame plates, a drive mechanism, a brake system, a lock mechanism, at least one feed roller and a feed plate. The wrapping mechanism can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: A bale forming apparatus and method are disclosed. When operated in a bale forming mode, the apparatus forms a round bale in a baling chamber arrangement with a circumferential wall between two sidewalls. A movable chamber part is pivotally mounted at a fixed chamber part. Several conveying units convey the bale along the circumferential wall. The apparatus can be transferred into a bale ejecting mode. The movable chamber part is pivoted away from the fixed chamber part. One conveying unit is mounted at one chamber part and is adjacent to the other chamber part. In a bale forming mode, the adjacent conveying unit contributes to convey the loose material in the chamber arrangement. In the bale forming position, the adjacent conveying unit engages into a receiving aperture in the other chamber part. The adjacent conveying unit can be pivoted away from the other chamber part and out of the receiving aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the exogenous application of signaling chemicals, such as minerals and/or small signaling molecules, to change the delta T in differing tissues of a plant, such as a crop plant, to increase development and/or productivity of the plant.

Abstract: A vegetation cutting device comprising a housing; a motor mounted in the housing configured to drive a drive gear or wheel, at least one rotatable eccentric cam mounted on the drive gear or wheel; a reciprocating blade assembly comprising a first blade and a second blade wherein the first blade is coupled to the at least one rotatable eccentric cam and the first blade is arranged to reciprocally move when driven by the at least one rotatable eccentric cam; and a cam adjustment mechanism for varying the eccentricity of the at least one rotatable eccentric cam with respect to the drive gear or wheel and thereby varying the distance through which the first blade moves.

Abstract: A method for raising leaf-and-stem vegetables and a light source device used in the method, which can make production cost of leaf-and-stem vegetables reduced and commercial value thereof enhanced by irradiating parts of leaf-and-stem vegetable with a light optimum therefor. The method for raising leaf-and-stem vegetables by irradiating the vegetables with light, includes a stem growth-inhibiting light source irradiating tops of the stems with light having a blue component light at high ratio, which inhibits the growth of stems, at least during an initial growth period when the stems and leaves become distinguishable from each other.

Abstract: The air emission device for growing plants includes a plurality of air emission units for respectively emitting an air flow onto the new leaves growing on a tip of a stem of each plant that has one stem. The transpiration effect on the leaves and suctioning of water and nutrition from the roots of the plants can be promoted. Thus, wilting of leaves can be prevented and the tip burn due to insufficient calcium can be avoided. Provision of the air emission units are effectively arranged to evenly or uniformly supply air onto the new leaves of the each plant.

Abstract: A plant cultivation system including a main body, a cultivating dish, an environmental condition detecting unit, a control center module, and an actuation unit. The main body has an accommodating space. The cultivating dish is located in the accommodating space for cultivating a plant. The environmental condition detecting unit is located in the accommodating space for detecting an environment parameter in the accommodating space and correspondingly generating an environment parameter signal. The control center module includes a wireless transceiver module and a system chipset module. The wireless transceiver module is electrically connected to a monitoring device.

Abstract: A system (200) for dehumidifying air, comprising: at least one local dehumidifying unit (210), comprising: o a main air channel (213) including a primary air channel section (214), a secondary air channel section (216), and a tertiary air channel section (218); ?an air pump (228) that is arranged inside the main air channel (213) and configured to effect a flow of greenhouse air therethrough; ?a main water channel (231); ?a heat exchanger (212) in which said primary and tertiary air channel sections (214, 218) are arranged in heat exchanging contact; and •a common water supply unit (240) configured to provide for a flow of cooling-water to the at least one local dehumidifier (210).

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided and includes a main irrigation line, one or more lateral driplines, each lateral dripline being divided into zones and including a plurality of emitters at each zone and a plurality of controllable valves disposed along each of the one or more lateral driplines at zone borders. Each one of the plurality of controllable valves is actuatable to activate corresponding emitters in the associated zone in a zone by zone cycle and each one of the plurality of emitters is replaceable to vary an amount of deliverable fluid by the zone by zone cycle.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the fluid level in an ebb and flow watering system control bucket that is in fluid communication with at least one fluid holding apparatus such as a plant container with connecting water lines, causing hydraulic delays in changes in the fluid level in the control bucket when fluid is pumped to or from the control bucket, typically from a fluid reservoir. The method involves pumping fluid to or from the control bucket to achieve a target fluid level in the control bucket; upon the fluid reaching the target fluid level, starting a timer for a short period of time to allow for the hydraulic delays, and continuing to pump fluid while the timer runs; restarting the timer and continuing to pump fluid if the fluid level in the control bucket recedes from the target fluid level; and discontinuing pumping if the timer runs for the full period of time.

Abstract: A method for cultivating algae can include providing a body of water in a substantially enclosed system. The enclosed system can have a length of channel and a cover. The method can optionally include circulating the body of water through the enclosed system under positive pressure conditions. The positive pressure should prevent ingress of any external atmosphere or material. Further, the method can include cultivating the algae in the body of water at conditions which promote growth. Likewise, a system for cultivating algae can include a channel with a cover, water in the channel, and a pump to introduce positive pressure into the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Cucumis sativus, in particular to a new variety of Cucumis sativus designated NUN 43003 CUL plants, seeds and cucumber fruits thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel snap pea cultivar Sugar 136 and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a pea plant by crossing the pea plants of the invention with themselves or another pea plant. The invention also provides pea plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a Lactuca sativa plant resistant to Bremia lactucae, characterized in that the Bremia resistance locus is linked to a genetic determinant and obtainable from the genome of a wild Lactuca plant, preferably from the genome of Lactuca serriola. The current invention also relates to seed and other plant material obtainable from this plant as well as to a method for obtaining said plant.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV8545VC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV8545VC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach 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 leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV1514VC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV1514VC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach 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 leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV1778VC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV1778VC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach 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 leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV3319VC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV3319VC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach 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 leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Novel lettuce cultivars, designated SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivars SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO, to the plants of lettuce lines SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivars SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO with itself or another lettuce line, respectively. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce lines derived from the cultivars SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO.

Abstract: Novel lettuce cultivars, designated SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivars SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO, to the plants of lettuce lines SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivars SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO with itself or another lettuce line, respectively. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce lines derived from the cultivars SCARAMANGA, GIMLET, SPRITZER and/or MOJITO.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a milk conduit, a milk conduit device, a milk-receiving member and a milking member, wherein a milk conduit includes a first end portion for connection to a milk-receiving member, the first end portion including an inner sleeve section made of a first material and an outer sleeve section joined to the inner sleeve section and made of a second material, which is more rigid than the first material, and the outer sleeve section includes an outer peripheral surface and at least one projection extending outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the projection having a peripheral extension of less than 180°, and engaged by a coupling member on the milk-receiving member.

Abstract: An animal waste pad system with a housing where on one side is a roll of sheet material capable of supporting animal waste and on the other side contains a sheet end pulling assembly and a sheet folding assembly. A flat sheet supporting member is located between the two. A motion sensor is positioned to sense the presence of an animal standing on the flat sheet supporting member. A microprocessor controls the sheet end pulling assembly and the sheet folding assembly so that when the animal leaves the sheet material the sheet pulling and folding assemblies pull the sheet into the housing storage area until a person cuts off the used sheet and disposes of it.

Abstract: Litter formed of extruded pellets containing water soluble binder sufficient to self-clump when wetted producing pellet clumps having a clump retention rate of at least 90% and which shrink after clump formation during drying producing a clump pulls away from any contacting solid surface minimizing adhesion therebetween. Such clumps preferably also have a crush strength of at least 15 PSI when dry. Pellets preferably contain water-soluble binder formed of starch physically modified during extrusion that solubilizes when wetted to facilitate clumping while opening the interior of the pellet improving absorption capacity. A preferred litter is formed of a mixture of extruded pellets of different sizes producing litter composed of extruded pellets falling within a plurality of different size ranges with the smaller sized pellets being fines that cause horizontally extending clumps to form on top of the litter.

Abstract: A livestock feeding device is provided. The feeding device has a body member including a base portion, side walls and a top portion. The device also includes an inner volume defined between the side walls, the base portion and the top portion, wherein the inner volume receives hay for feeding livestock. The feeding device includes an aperture extending through the top portion to provide feeding access to the inner volume. The feeding device also comprises an consumption restriction plate for metering the amount of hay eaten by livestock, wherein the consumption restriction plate is adjustable up and down within the inner volume in response to the amount of hay within the inner volume.

Abstract: A combination system for feeding and watering livestock has an elongated water trough which is sloped to provide for the slow flow of drinking water is position adjacent to an elongated feed bunk of comparable length. A series of vertically oriented stanchions completes the structure. A water supply means is provided along with discharge water collection and recycling and filtering means are also provided to insure a continuous supply of suitable drinking water to livestock who are feeding from the feed bunk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pet supplies and to an automatic pet feeder. Food is prone to get stuck in a current automatic pet feeder to cause ineffective feeding, an automatic pet feeder is provided, the feeder includes a food leaking component and a feeding tray; the food leaking component includes a cylindrical rotating shaft located in the center, and a big-end-down food leaking outer wall, where a grid is fixed between an outer side surface of the rotating shaft and the food leaking outer wall, and the grid is radial with the axis of the rotating shaft as the center of a circle, to partition a space between the outer side surface of the rotating shaft and the food leaking outer wall into feeding spaces with the same size.

Abstract: An animal interaction device is provided that includes a food access component which allows and disallows access to at least a portion of the food. In various embodiments, the allowing and disallowing of access to at least a portion of the food is dependent upon the animal's condition. A method is also provided such that the device above is provided to an animal, one or more indicators are optionally activated, the animal's first condition is sensed via one or more sensors, and based upon the animal's condition, the previously protected food is made accessible, and subsequently the protected food is made available again based upon the animal's second condition. A system is also provided for automatically interacting with an animal including at least one animal interaction device each of which comprises an initial interaction algorithm to automatically interact with the animal. Other aspects of the invention are provided.

Abstract: A method provides a continuous flow within an animal watering device. The method includes receiving water in a lower bowl of the watering device, the lower bowl including a front container and a rear container. Lifting the water from the lower bowl to an upper bowl through operation of a motorized water screw. Filling the upper bowl to a predetermined height. Returning the water in the upper bowl on a ramp disposed between the upper bowl and the front container of the lower bowl.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a system for identifying an animal comprising a male part (30), cooperating with at least one cutting element intended to cut out a sample of animal tissue, a female part (40) with open head having a through-channel, and a detachable device (50) for storing said sample, intended to be fixed to one end of said through-channel. According to the invention, the system also comprises means for closing said head that can take at least two positions, comprising an open position enabling the passage of said sample through the through-channel during a collecting operation, and an irreversible closed position by which the channel is closed in the vicinity of said one end (422) subsequently to the collecting operation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a living body stimulation device including: an envelope body having a living body contact surface which is to be brought into contact with a stimulation-target site of a living body; a propagation medium sealed in the envelope body and made of a liquid or gel material capable of transmitting a vibration and/or pressure; and an actuator configured to apply the vibration and/or pressure to the propagation medium. The vibration and/or pressure applied to the propagation medium by the actuator propagates through the propagation medium to the living body contact surface of the envelope body, to thereby stimulate the living body.

Abstract: A self-supporting rigid cylindrical treadwheel includes a plurality of identically-shaped platforms each having a curved surface. A first end of one platform is configured to be connectable to a second end of an adjacent platform in a repeatable manner where the plurality of platforms are configured to form a singular and continuous cylindrical structure. The treadwheel includes a plurality of identically-shaped elongated curved connectors. A connector extension of one connector is configured to be connectable to a connector recess of an adjacent connector in a repeatable manner where the plurality of connectors are configured to form a first and second singular and continuous ring. The first ring is configured to be attached to a right side of the cylindrical structure and the second ring is configured to be attached to a left side of the cylindrical structure.