Abstract: This invention includes embodiments which disclose a wheel system for use in supporting irrigation equipment such as irrigation circles and pivots, among others. Embodiments of the disclosed wheel system may include a plurality of feet with gaps there-between, configured generally radially around a hub and to minimize the lateral displacement of mud, soil water.

Abstract: A row unit for an agricultural implement includes a closing disc configured to move soil into a trench. The closing disc is rotatably coupled to a first portion of a support structure via a first arm to facilitate vertical movement of the closing disc relative to the support structure. The row unit also includes a packer wheel positioned aft of the closing disc and configured to pack soil over the trench. The packer wheel is rotatably coupled to a second portion of the support structure via a second arm. The closing disc and the packer wheel are independently movable relative to one another.

Abstract: Each wing of a rear folding implement has a wing frame supported on rear wheels for movement along the ground, and a forewing frame and wheel pivotally attached to the wing frame. A center ball joint pivotally connects right and left inner wings and a center wheel assembly supports the center ball joint. The wings extend laterally and the forewing frames are in a lowered position supported on their wheels when in the operating position. To move the wings into a transport position, the implement is towed forward and the wings pivot about the center ball joint to trail rearward and the forewing frames are moved upward to narrow the implement for transport. An air seeder cart hitch is rearward of and near the center ball joint in the operating position, and when the wings trail rearward the cart hitch is near rear ends of the trailing wings.

Abstract: A steering system and method are described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels. A rear hydraulic steering device may be coupled to one or more of the rear wheels. A rear valve assembly may hydraulically control the rear hydraulic steering device to steer the rear wheels based upon a rear steering command. In a rear steering assist mode, the rear steering command may be determined based upon a manual steering input received at a steering input device. In an automated steering mode, the rear steering command may be determined based upon a target path of the agricultural vehicle that is determined independently of the manual steering input.

Abstract: A steering system and method is described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels, and a steering input device for receiving manual steering input. Front and rear hydraulic steering devices may be coupled, respectively, to the front and rear wheels. Front and rear valve assemblies may be configured, respectively, to steer the front and rear wheels. In a manual steering mode, the front valve assembly may be disabled with respect to the front steering device, and the front hydraulic steering device may steer the front wheels based upon the manual steering input. In a rear steering assist mode, a rear steering command may be determined based upon the manual steering input, and the rear wheels steered based upon the rear steering command. In an automated steering mode, the front and rear wheels may be automatically steered based upon a target path of travel for the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile machine includes one or more sensors for generating machine state data and one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices are configured to determine a first segment and a second segment of an operating path of the machine and to use the machine state data to determine an optimal speed for a turn maneuver between the first segment and the second segment of the operating path. The one or more computing devices may further be configured to determine a first optimal speed for a first portion of the turn maneuver and a second optimal speed for a second portion of the turn maneuver.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.

Abstract: One row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame assembly having a front gauge wheel mounting location and a rear gauge wheel mounting location, wherein the front gauge wheel mounting location is forward of the rear gauge wheel mounting location, relative to a direction of travel of the row unit. A first gauge wheel assembly is configured to be mounted to a selected one of the front gauge wheel mounting location and the rear gauge wheel mounting location.

Abstract: A device and method for hand planting cereal grain seed, and other crops where singulation (single seeds planted per strike) is taught. The device and method are capable of serving as a small scale fertilizer and alternative product applicator. The inventive method includes the capability of applying fertilizer and/or other products that are collected and dispensed via a reciprocating drum device. The device preferably includes a tapered (or pointed) soil engagement component capable of striking or penetrating the soil surface. With each planter strike to the soil surface, the device is actuated to meter a granular material product and the reciprocating drum rotates to expose the cavity to a material hopper. As the actuation force is released, the reciprocating drum rotates in the opposite direction to its original location and drops the material that has been metered.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box comprising at least one inductor segment configured to guide the particulate material and an airflow through the inductor box, wherein the at least one inductor segment comprises a particulate material fluidization chamber configured to establish a vortex that mixes the particulate material with the airflow.

Abstract: A seed meter is provided for planting multiple types of seed and rapidly switching between the types being planted in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting. The seed meter has a segmented seed meter reservoir with multiple seed meter chambers arranged between two pairs of seed disks that may be better parallel to each other or angled with respect to each other to define an X-shaped arrangement of the seed disks in the seed meter. Activation and deactivation of the seed disks within the seed meter are synchronized to selectively deliver a single one of the multiple types of seed from the respective seed meter chamber for delivery out of a single seed tube of the seed meter, which may provide absolute and instantaneous on-the-go seed switching within a single row from each seed meter.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system that includes a carrier having a storage tank disposed thereon for storing a liquid product. A boom is coupled to the carrier and includes a distribution hose through which the liquid product flows from the storage tank and into a number of liquid placement apparatuses. Each liquid placement apparatus includes a drop assembly coupled to the boom and extending downward. A base assembly is coupled to the lower end of the drop assembly and a hose assembly extends from the distribution hose to the base assembly. A lower hose assembly is protected within the base assembly and includes a pair of dribble hoses extruding from the base assembly. The liquid product is delivered proximate to the ground surface through the dribble hoses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beet puller share having a base part which comprises a cutting edge, wherein one or several hard material elements which form deflecting faces on their top surfaces are arranged in the region of the cutting edge, wherein the deflecting faces transition into a surface region of the base part, and wherein the surface region forms a beet guiding zone, in particular, a beet ejecting zone. To improve the service life of the beet puller share and to improve the harvest yield connected therewith, it is provided according to the invention that the hard material elements are realized as cutting elements which form the cutting edge at least in regions and that the deflecting face of at least one cutting element is convexly curved and merges into the convexly curved beet guiding zone, in particular, beet ejecting zone.

Abstract: A lawn care device may include a cutting deck housing at least one blade, a rotatable shaft, and a blade coupler operably coupled to the rotatable shaft. The blade coupler may define a blade channel configured to at least partially enclose four sides of a blade inserted therein. The blade coupler may include a support base and a sleeve that is movable relative to the support base based on a compression state of a biasing element. The blade may be insertable into the blade channel by orienting the blade to apply a force to sidewalls of the sleeve to shift the biasing element to a compressed state and rotating the blade proximate to the support base to enable the biasing element to shift to an extended state in which sidewalls of the sleeve define sidewalls of the blade channel.

Abstract: A reduced weight underbelly mower has a cutting deck suspended beneath a frame by a deck height adjustment mechanism with a pivotable scissor configuration. The deck height adjustment mechanism cooperates with the mower frame so as manually or through a motorized jack to adjust the cutting height. Due to the mower's reduced weight and the scissor-like configuration of the deck height adjustment mechanism, an operator can manually lift the mower front end and swing the deck rear swinging forward, such that the mower rests stabilly on the deck rear and the deck underside is exposed for maintenance procedures.

Abstract: A debris deflector and an associated method are provided for preventing debris from entering the drive belt and pulley compartment of a riding mower. The debris deflector includes a generally planar top portion, a front portion that depends downwardly from the front portion, and a rear portion that extends upwardly from the top portion. The front portion has a plurality of through holes and a vertical flange on the riding mower has a plurality of tapped holes configured for receiving a corresponding plurality of fasteners to secure the front portion of the deflector to the vertical flange. The method includes providing the deflector, forming the plurality of holes through the front portion of the deflector, tapping the plurality of holes in the vertical flange, and securing the deflector to the vertical flange using the plurality of fasteners such that the top portion of the deflector prevents debris from entering at least a center section of the drive belt and pulley compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operating control mechanism for a garden tool, the mechanism comprising a control button and a pair of handles located at both sides of the control button. Triggers are arranged on the handles. The operating control mechanism further comprises stop components which are movable relative to the handles. The handles can rotate around axes by moving the stop components. The operating control mechanism can meet the operation demands of different users.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.

Abstract: A pressure control system is described for a vehicle having a hydraulically actuated header. The system may include a hydraulic lifting circuit for raising and lowering the header, a hydraulic float circuit for floating the header, and a drain tank. A lifting circuit control valve may be configured to control drainage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic lifting circuit to the drain tank. A float circuit control valve may be configured to control drainage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic float circuit to the drain tank. A user interface may be configured to receive one or more inputs to control drainage of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic circuits. Based upon the one or more inputs, at least one of the control valves may be opened, in order to depressurize, respectively, one of the hydraulic circuits.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system for an auxiliary load includes a hydraulic auxiliary power storage. This hydraulic auxiliary power storage has a plurality of hydraulic power storage units. The hybrid drive system further comprises an power exchange control system that selectively connects a predetermined selection of one or more of the hydraulic power storage units to the hydraulic auxiliary power unit; and controls the power exchange of the auxiliary power unit as a function of the operating period by the predetermined selection.

Abstract: A crop threshing method involves threshing a grain crop, thereby causing the grain to separate into an edible grain portion and a non-grain portion of the crop. The threshing process uses a beater-type threshing drum, and continuously exposing the edible portion traveling through the threshing drum to a magnetic fields. Magnetic exposure of the edible portion during the threshing process is conducted by increasing the initial speed of crop mass fed into the threshing drum from 1.8 to 8.0 meters per second, a distance between threshing hammers during the threshing process is increased from 180 mm to 280 mm, and the number of threshing hammers is increased from six to twelve. Magnetic exposure of the edible portion during the threshing process is conducted by increasing the drum diameter from 380 mm to 800 mm with a constant developed concave length.

Abstract: A feederhouse (20) for a combine harvester (10) comprises an endless conveyor having at least two traction means (82) made of inherently flexible material circulating about the deflection rollers (78, 80) and offset from one another in the axial direction of the deflection rollers (78, 80), between which traction means conveying strips (84) extend. The inner sides of the traction means (82) are furnished with cams (34, 36) made of inherently flexible material.

Abstract: A bale wrapping device is described for a round baler. The bale wrapping device may include a supply reel for the wrapping material and a pressing device wherein the pressing device in an engagement position stands in engagement with the supply reel and for a standby position can be pivoted away from the supply reel, wherein the pressing device is connected at a contact point positioned on the pressing device to power means which generate via the contact point a controlling torque which acts on the pressing device. In order to facilitate the replacement of the supply reel and more particularly the pivoting of the pressing device out from an engagement position into a standby position, an adjusting means may be provided through which the contact point can be shifted and thus the controlling torque can be altered.

Abstract: An assembly is described for braking and indexing rotating components, including guide rollers of balers. A wheel is attached to a rotating component and is surrounded, at least in part, by a traction device. A tensioning assembly with a lost motion linkage is attached to the traction device and to a frame. A counterforce assembly is also attached to the traction device and to the frame. When a portion of the tensioning assembly is moved in a braking direction, the stop prevents further movement of the lost motion linkage to apply a tensioning force to the traction device. The tensioning force is resisted by the counterforce assembly to impose a braking force on the wheel and thereby brake the rotating component. Moving the portion of the tensioning assembly in a release direction moves the lost motion linkage away from the stop, thereby reducing the braking force on the wheel.

Abstract: A grain bag unloading device which is compact and reduces farm operating expenses by unloading grain from an elongated grain bag to a position adjacent to the grain bag such that the grain may be further moved using an existing grain elevator or the like. The device includes a spool coupled to a frame. An actuator rotates the spool to pull a grain bag onto the spool. Wheels facilitate movement of the frame as the grain bag is pulled onto the spool. A gathering mechanism urges grain in the grain bag towards a collection area. A first end of a collector is operationally coupled to the gathering mechanism such that the collector is dispenses the grain from the collection area.

Abstract: A unit for delivery of agrochemicals to the roots of a plant comprising one or more root development zones, and one or more agrochemical zones containing at least one agrochemical, wherein the agrochemical zones are formulated to release the at least one agrochemical into the root development zones in a controlled release manner when the root development zones are hydrated, and wherein the weight ratio of the root development zones to the agrochemical zones in a dry unit is 0.05:1 to 0.32:1.

Abstract: A floral preservation apparatus operable to prolong the freshness of cut flowers utilizing a pressurized container to facilitate the introduction of fluid into cut flower stalks. The floral preservation apparatus includes a container having an interior volume with an opening providing access thereto. An insert is releasably secured into the container through the opening. Disposed across the insert is a sealing membrane having a plurality of downwardly extending nipples. The sealing membrane and insert provide a hermetic seal of the interior volume. Cut flower stalks are journaled through the nipples and collapsible walls of the nipples bias against the cut flower stalks providing a hermetic seal therearound. A pressure bulb is operably attached to the container so as to provide pressurization to the interior volume of the container.

Abstract: Grow light systems and methods for controlling the systems are described herein. The grow light system can include an integrated lamp and light emitting diodes (LEDs) structure that produces an energy signature highly conducive to plant growth, and that uses minimal energy.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus includes at least one container body, an elongated bottom plate installed at the container body, plural grids formed and separated by a partition, a rear plate installed on a side of the bottom plate and coupled between the partitions, a window formed on the rear plate and interconnected to each grid, and a first through hole formed on the bottom plate and interconnected to each respective grid. Each grid serves as a growth space for accommodating a plant, and the first through hole serves as a channel of a cultivation liquid in contact with the root of the plant and the bottom of the container body, such that the growing space of each plant obtains good air convection to improve the growing quality of the plant.

Abstract: A submersible foliage planter includes a growing medium; and a container including an inner pouch of fine porous material which encloses the growing medium therein and an outer pouch of course porous material which encloses the inner pouch therein, wherein the coarse porous material has an average pore size larger than that of the fine porous material, the fine porous material and course porous material are permeable by water and by a root system of an aquatic plant, and the course porous material is water insoluble.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular wall system [10] which is adapted for supporting a vertical garden. The modular wall system [10] comprises a supporting wall [12] comprising first liquid guiding means [16] for guiding water, liquid nutrient feedstock and the like in the wall [12], and first engaging means [18] for engaging a plant container [14] in various different positions on the supporting wall [12]. The modular wall system [10] also comprises at least one plant container [14] for housing plant material, wherein the plant container [14] comprises second engaging means [32] for releasably engaging the supporting wall [12], and second liquid guiding means [34, 36] extending from the plant container [14] into the first liquid guiding means [16] and dimensioned for guiding liquid from the first liquid guiding means [16] in the supporting wall [12] into the plant container [14].

Abstract: A flowerpot (100) comprising adjustable arms (104) and independent removable snap pins (105) for safe coupling to railings, walls or other supports comprising a container (101) having a lateral edge (102), the adjustable arms (104) comprising a vertical branch (104a) for engaging the container (101) to the support and a horizontal branch (104b) able to be coupled with a lower portion of the lateral edge (102), characterized in that the lateral edge (102) comprises at least two successive trough trenched seats (106) able to be aligned and coupled with at least two successive trough trenched seats (107) comprised in the horizontal branch (104b) via at least one independent removable snap pin (105).

Abstract: The present teachings provide for a horticulture tray including a growing cell. The growing cell can include a first end, a second end, and a sidewall. The first end can define a first aperture. The second end can be opposite to the first end. The sidewall can define a plurality of arcuate shaped chambers that can extend longitudinally between the first and second ends. Each arcuate shaped chamber can define a plant supporting portion proximate to and spaced apart from the second end. Each arcuate shaped chamber can continuously taper from the first end to the plant supporting portion at a first rate and can continuously taper from the plant supporting portion to the second end at a second rate. The second rate can be greater than the first rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for controlling water flow in a water distribution system (e.g., irrigation system). In an irrigation system, an interrupt controller may receive control signals from an irrigation controller and data from sensors disposed in the irrigation system, and modify operations of components in the irrigation system based on the sensor data. The sensor data may be analyzed to determine conditions in the irrigation system. Based on the analysis, the operation of the irrigation system may be interrupted or modified to optimize the supply of water. The interruption or modification of the operation of the irrigation system may allow detected abnormal conditions to be investigated and corrected.

Abstract: A closed loop compost tea brewing system with a hydroponic reservoir and a compost tea brewing assembly configured to brew compost tea. The compost tea brewer assembly includes a tea brewing reservoir. The system includes has a closed loop arrangement fluidly connecting the tea brewing reservoir and the hydroponic reservoir. The closed loop arrangement is configured to provide continuous fluid flow from the tea brewing reservoir to the hydroponic reservoir, which is recirculated back from the hydroponic reservoir to the tea brewing reservoir.

Abstract: A hydroponic apparatus configured to grow a plant having a taproot and a branch root includes: a plant support body configured to support the plant; a taproot irrigation part configured to spray a liquid in a form of mist onto the taproot; a deep-flow nutrient solution in which the branch root is soaked; and a liquid fertilizer concentration management sensor configure to detect a concentration of the deep-flow nutrient solution. Referring to the detected concentration, the hydroponic apparatus controls at least one a concentration of the liquid sprayed from the taproot irrigation part and the concentration of the deep-flow nutrient solution.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus that can be used for the vertically oriented culture of plants using soilless means such as aquaponics or hydroponics. The apparatus can include a plurality of pockets and a backing. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets can be used to house an individual plant. Each pocket of the plurality can have a water reservoir, an outlet hole at a top of the water reservoir and a channel along a front of the pocket configured to direct water from the outlet hole to another pocket or collection container below the pocket. The plurality of pockets can be connected to the backing in a column or other configuration.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivering pollen for the directed pollination of plants are provided herein. One example embodiment comprises a rigid tube having a first end, a second end, and a channel defined therebetween, wherein the rigid tube is configured to receive the tassel of the maize plant proximate the first end and to interact with the ear shoot of the maize plant proximate the second end, and wherein the channel defines a path between the tassel and the ear shoot so as to enable transfer of pollen from the tassel to the ear shoot. In another example embodiment, the rigid tube may be telescoping such that the overall length of the rigid tube may be adjustable. In another example embodiment, the apparatus may include a fan configured to propel air onto the tassel to aid in the transfer of pollen through the channel to the ear shoot. The apparatuses and methods are applicable for directed cross-pollination between different plants of the same species and plants of different species.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for making Solanum varieties with decreased accumulation of reducing sugars and acrylamide in cold-stored potatoes, specifically, by making TALE-nuclease-induced mutations in genes encoding vacuolar invertase.

Abstract: A livestock production building includes an automatically controllable ventilation system which provides ventilation to livestock containment rooms. Incoming air may be heated, cooled and/or filtered, and is mixed and tempered before being delivered to livestock rooms. Substantially all exhaust air is filtered to mitigate environmental impact.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for pets, comprising a base, having a resting area, and the resting area comprising a container-receiving area having a recess. A container, such as a bowl or tray, is removably received in the recess. In use the container is supported by the base within the recess and is less prone to being moved in relation to the base or tipped over.

Abstract: An implement for keeping dairy animals, provided with a first and a second production unit and with a care unit having a plurality of subunits, wherein each production unit is provided with at least one accommodation area for a production group, which comprises a group of lactating dairy animals, and with a milking implement for milking the production group, wherein the subunits of the care unit at least include a calving unit for separately accommodating dairy animals in a calving period, and a milking implement for milking newly calved dairy animals, and an infirmary unit for separately accommodating sick animals, and wherein the care unit forms a connection between the production units. There is thus provided a compact disposition, comprising efficient and short distances, for dairy animals requiring care.

Abstract: A milking box comprises a stall portion and a backplane positioned in the stall portion. The backplane moves toward the rear of the stall portion in response to pressure applied to a contact surface of the backplane. The backplane moves toward the front of stall portion in response to pressure removed from the contact surface. A robotic attacher extends from the rear of the stall portion and between the hind legs of a dairy livestock located in the stall portion. A controller determines the position of the backplane relative to the rear of the stall portion. The controller determines an x-offset based at least in part upon the position of the backplane relative to the rear of the stall portion, wherein the x-offset increases as the dairy livestock moves toward the front of the stall and the x-offset decreases as the dairy livestock moves toward the rear of the stall.

Abstract: A system includes a carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage positioned on the carriage track such that the robot carriage may move along the carriage track, and a controller. The controller determines a movement of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. The controller further determines a position of the robot carriage on the carriage track corresponding to the movement of the milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The controller also communicates a position signal to a carriage actuator coupled to the robot carriage and the carriage track. The position signal causes the carriage actuator to move the robot carriage along the carriage track to the determined position in conjunction with the movement of the rotary milking platform.

Abstract: An automatic pet wet canned food dispenser robot has a robotic arm comprised of mechanical elements and motors, and a programmed microprocessor. The programmed microprocessor guides the robotic arm to grasp a food can and utilize levers and/or motors to open the pop top can, then the microprocessor guides the robotic arm to invert the opened food can over an empty bowl and shake out the food contents into a bowl for a pet at predetermined times setup by the pet owner whose presence is not required at time of feeding. All prior pet wet food dispensers required a pet owner to open a hermetically sealed can many hours or days in advance of when the food is actually served to their pets, thus creating health hazards for pets and pet owners' environment. There are two exceptions to noted prior arts which open and serve wet canned food on demand without requiring human presence.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for microelectronic animal identification are disclosed. The microelectronic animal identification device includes an inserter configured to releasably holding the microelectronic chip at a distal end of the inserter, and an actuator configured to release the microelectronic chip from the inserter when the distal end of the inserter is inserted into a substrate of an animal body part. The microelectronic animal identification system includes a microelectronic chip and delivery system, a pigment marking device, a media transfer assembly for producing a pigment mark, a tissue sample device, and a data management system providing traceability of the animal and the materials used.

Abstract: A grooming device for animals includes a glove and one or more grooming pads affixed (possibly molded) thereto. The glove is made from anti-static material, and may additionally be treated with a spray or solution, that is resistant to electrostatic accumulation and discharge caused by friction during the grooming process. The grooming pads include multiple protrusions that are used to cling to and collect extraneous debris and hair from the animal's body and coat. Due to the materials and the placement of the molded pad, the glove facilitates hand movement dexterity and reach. The device also allows the user increased tactility between the thumb and index finger by keeping them free of coverage by the grooming surface. The device may include a soft material on the back of the glove for grooming and brushing sensitive areas of the animal's coat.

Abstract: A pet chew toy includes a composite structure having a first end opposite a second end. The composite structure includes a first plurality of pliable threads encasing and retaining at least a center portion of a first elongated elastomer. The composite structure including the first plurality of pliable threads and the first elongated elastomer are tied into a first knot near the first end. Also, the composite structure including the first plurality of pliable threads and the first elongated elastomer are tied into a second knot near the second end. The first elongated elastomer is elastic and deforms under pressure and thereafter returns to its original shape.

Abstract: A method to stop persistent fence-breaking behavior of crop-raiding ‘Habitual Raider’ (HRs) elephants constructs fences that are fitted with bells every 10 ft-20 ft around crop fields needing protection, and affixes bells to pre-existing fences. The HRs are conditioned by punishment that causes pain but not injury immediately after they sound the bells in an attempt to break through the fences. Afterwards the bells become a signal for the HRs that punishment is coming, eventually causing the HRs to be deterred by the sound of the bells alone, without having to use bear-scare darts or rubber bullets again.