Abstract: A shovel having a blade fixed to a shaft. A step fixed to the blade and/or the shaft, the step having a step shoulder, the step being spaced longitudinally along the shovel at a selected distance from the blade shoulder.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a closing disk assembly for closing furrows along a section of ground. The closing disk assembly has a pair of closing disks attached to opposite sides and opposite ends of a walking beam. The closing disks are offset from a reference plane of the closing disk assembly. The walking beam is rotatably coupled to the closing disk assembly through a rocker assembly, a support arm, and a mounting assembly. The walking beam may rotate relative to the rocker assembly to account for variations in the angle of the ground relative to the disks.

Abstract: An agricultural implement and attachment are described for soil conditioning. The implement may include an implement frame, with the attachment configured to be towed by the implement frame. A pressurized fluid circuit may be configured to control one or more actuators, in order to provide lifting or lowering force to the attachment. The attachment may include a leading frame and a trailing frame, each configured to support a set of agricultural tools. The trailing frame may be mounted to the implement frame via the leading frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement arrangement includes a container of seed having an ID tag associated therewith; an implement for applying a product to a geographic area; an electrical reader configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal; and an electrical processing circuit coupled with the reader and the implement. The ID tag has data representing at least one attribute associated with the seed. The electrical processing circuit receives the output signal and controls the implement, dependent upon the output signal.

Abstract: A metering and mixing system of particulate solids for seed rotary dispenser in agricultural equipment for sowing, where the seed rotary dispenser is of a type comprised by a cylindrical compartment with circular cross-section and low height, which is mounted under a small seed feeder bin; being such seed rotary dispenser driven at the bottom by a miter gear coupled to the planter driving system, which provides rotation to a spinning disc provided with a number of calibrated orifices and with a ring which is mounted facing the disc and which has an passage opening through which the seeds housed in the disc holes fall in a given point of the device, given point of the device, being provided between the seed bin and the rotary dispenser a metering and mixing equipment for particulate solids.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metering unit for granular material with a conveyor disk driven by a drive motor and rotating approximately concentrically to an inner cover surface of a housing. The conveyor disk has a recess for the reception of at least one grain to be separated via at least one revolution of the conveyor disk. In the interaction with a groove-shaped and/or slanted profile of the inner cover surface, the recess forms a conveyor pocket for conveying one grain or a plurality of grains in the direction toward an outlet opening extending approximately tangentially from the inner cover surface. For varying an axial distance to the inner cover surface and/or a width of the conveyor pocket, the conveyor disk, which is rotationally fixedly connected with the drive motor, is adjustable in the axial direction of the drive motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotating conveyor disk of a metering or sowing unit having a plurality of recesses for transporting grains. The conveyor disk rotates within a housing of a metering unit for granular material, such as seeds, fertilizer, or the like. The conveyor disk has at least one recess at the outer periphery for the reception of at least one grain to be separated via at least one revolution of the conveyor disk. In the interaction with a groove-shaped profile of the inner cover surface, the at least one recess forms a conveyor pocket for conveying one grain or a plurality of grains in the direction toward an outlet opening extending approximately tangentially to the inner cover surface. The at least one recess is located at the outer periphery of the conveyor disk in an insert element that is detachably anchored in the disk.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a site specific agricultural product delivery method, system, and apparatus. The apparatus includes a toolbar including at least one agricultural product delivery nozzle coupled to the toolbar, the agricultural product delivery nozzle configured to deliver an agricultural product to a plant. One or more sensors are coupled to the toolbar, the one of more sensors configured to detect a plant characteristic of the plant. A controller is configured to associate the plant with an agricultural product characteristic based on the plant characteristic, the controller configured to operate the delivery nozzle to deliver the agricultural product proximate to the plant.

Abstract: For low height row crops, the system is a toolbar provided with a plurality of depending legs coupled to discs. Provided behind the discs are nitrogen dispensing systems coupled to a large fluid tank provided on a vehicle. By using medium height legs, the system is able to provide material to the soil after crops have emerged, while still allowing a large number of rows of crops to be treated with each application pass.

Abstract: A replaceable trimmer line device facilitates changing of trimmer line extending from a trimmer head. The device includes a line connector having opposite ends coupled to a trimmer head. A line socket extends through the line connector. A trimmer line has a head section and a cutting section. The cutting section extends from the head section. The head section is positionable in the socket such that the cutting section extends laterally from the line connector and outwardly from the trimmer head.

Abstract: A rotating trimmer head device provides durable non-wound trimmer line extending from swiveling connectors coupled to a trimmer head. The device includes a trimmer head having a top section and a bottom section. A top surface of the bottom section is structured to have a plurality of bottom sockets and a bottom surface of the top section is structured to have a plurality of top sockets. Each of the bottom sockets is linearly aligned with an associated one of the top sockets to define a respective line receiver in the trimmer head. Each of a plurality of line connectors is positioned in an associated one of the line receivers. Each of a plurality of trimmer lines is coupled to and extends from an associated one of the line connectors such that the trimmer line extends from the trimmer head.

Abstract: A boom arm cutting disk device for using a full area of a boom arm mounted cutting disk to cut materials facilitating vertical cutting and mulching of trees, brush, or the like. The device includes a disk configured for mounting on a boom arm such that the disk is rotatable relative to the boom arm. Each of a pair of cutters is coupled to and extends from the disk. Each of the cutters has a respective interior side edge aligned with a center of the disk and a respective blade edge extending outwardly from the interior side edge. Each blade edge defines a leading edge of the cutter as the disk is rotated wherein the cutters are configured to cut material by contact with the leading edges as a central area of the disk is urged towards the material while the disk is rotated.

Abstract: A blower attachment for a lawnmower. The blower attachment includes an impeller and a shroud that are attachable to the lawnmower deck or undercarriage. The shroud includes a disc-shaped bottom portion defining a reduced-diameter opening. The impeller is centrally positioned over the reduced-diameter opening. Rotation of the impeller draws air through the reduced-diameter opening before being discharged from the lawnmower for the removal of debris from a lawn surface.

Abstract: A merger apparatus including a pick-up header; a conveyor with a conveyor belt; a skid shoe disposed below the pick-up header and the conveyor; and an operative connection between the pick-up header and the skid shoe that enables the merger apparatus to articulate independently of an external frame underneath the conveyor, such that loose material transported by the conveyor belt that lags beneath the return side may fall to the ground keeping the return side of the conveyor belt free from obstructions.

Abstract: In a combine harvester comprising a threshing rotor and an internal chopper or beater behind the threshing rotor feeding into a rear straw chopper and spreader through a distribution chamber there is provided a distribution assembly mounted rearwardly of the internal chopper or beater for controlling distribution of the materials transversely of the distribution chamber. The distribution assembly includes a pair of rearwardly extending fins which are moved by a control system for operating the fins to change the distribution at the rear of the combine harvester. The fins are carried on a mounting which is translated side to side and the fins are curved in a direction longitudinally of the direction of movement of the material from the discharge. The fins are controlled in response to a plurality of sensors at spaced positions across the distribution chamber and the sensors measure crop flow at the sensor by detecting impact of crop material on the sensor.

Abstract: A straw chopper for a combine includes a rotor mounted in a housing with blades on a rotor for chopping the discharge material onto a material spreading assembly. The rotor is driven by a drive transmission from an output drive shaft of the drive system of the combine harvester including first a right angle gear box connected to the drive shaft, a second right angle gear box connected to the rotor and a single drive shaft communicating drive from the first gear box to the second gear box. One end of the rotor is supported by a shaft of the second gearbox carried on the combine housing. An adjustment is provided at the output shaft or at a gearbox to remotely from the cab adjust the speed of the rotor. The drive transmission includes a cogged timing belt for positive drive for increased power.

Abstract: To provide a technique whereby, in cultivating a crop, factors relating to differentiation into flower buds and leaf buds, sprouting, flowering, and fruiting, growth of young shoots, etc., are regulated. For example, the invention addresses the problem of regulating the growth of a crop so that the leaf buds sprout in tandem and with the sprouting of flower buds and flowering and fruiting are repeated under fresh foliage. [Solution] A plant cultivation method which comprises environmentally stimulating a plant to regulate differentiation into flower buds and/or differentiation into leaf buds. In a typical embodiment, the plant is help in an environment at a temperature of 16-40° C. at a photoperiod of 8-12 hours immediately after harvesting fruits. As another environmental stimulus, the plant is held in, for example, an environment at a temperature of 3-7° C. As still another environmental stimulus, the plant is held in, for example, an environment at a temperature of 16-23° C. at a photoperiod of 8-11 hours.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an industrial scale process of cultivating cultivating Ganoderma lucidum mycelia. As high as 15 Kg dried Ganoderma lucidum mycelia may be produced from about 300 liters liquid culture every 30 days, and the resulting dried Ganoderma lucidum mycelia are rich in triterpenoids that include at least ganoderic acid S (GAS), ganoderic acid T (GAT), ganoderic acid Me (GAMe), ganoderic acid R (GAR), and ganodermic acid S (GMAS).

Abstract: Applications of a suspension device in human bodies, animals, and plants, include: applications of a magnetic suspension device in human bodies and animals; applications of a drift and suspension device in plantation of plants; and applications of a drift and suspension device in seawater/sewage treatment. Through the applications of the device, a “hypomagnetic” environment can be provided for human bodies, animals, and plants, and the human bodies, animals, and plants can grow healthily in the “hypomagnetic” environment.

Abstract: Thermoformed double tray system for cultivation of plants including a top tray which is stacked with a bottom tray. The top tray has cells for receiving a substrate. The bottom tray provides rigidity to the double tray system. The bottom tray has a baseplate which is provided with support elements to support the top tray. The baseplate has an outer edge which defines the outer contour of the bottom tray. A groove shaped deepening in the baseplate is extending in parallel with the outer edge. The deepening increases a bending stiffness of the bottom tray and provides rigidity to the double tray system. The deepening is provided with a reinforcing ribs which cross the deepening.

Abstract: A protective environmentally controlled enclosure for sub-tropical & tropical plants in grown non-tropical zones. The enclosure provides a thermal and humidity controlled environment for outdoor plants during cold or arid conditions. The environment includes a solar panel that provides warming in the winter, married with a PWM charge controller, battery for power storage and heating element for steam or heat generation. A hydration reservoir is provided at the bottom of the enclosure to store water.

Abstract: The present invention is an extractable fastener and a method of use thereof used with a pocket or mounting block of a tool holder used to secure a cutting tooth to a cutting wheel of a stump cutting apparatus. The extractable fastener has a head portion, a shank portion having a threaded portion and an end face. The end face includes an engagement portion that receives a suitable tool whereby force applied to the tool rotates the broken portion of the fastener to remove it from the threaded bore on the pocket or mounting block.

Abstract: An irrigation controller, includes a housing, a microcontroller within the housing and configured to store and execute an irrigation schedule, a valve driver coupled to the microcontroller and configured to output a zone activation signal to an actuatable zone valve in response to signaling from the microcontroller, and a user interface. The user interface includes a plurality of user input devices coupled to the microcontroller and configured to provide signaling to the microcontroller based upon a user's engagement therewith, the plurality of user input devices configured to allow the user to create an irrigation schedule; and a user display coupled to the microcontroller and configured to display irrigation parameters associated with the irrigation schedule. The microcontroller is configured to cause the user display to display at least one of a next irrigation start day, a next irrigation start time, and a next zone to irrigate associated with the irrigation schedule.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow from an inlet of a pipe fitting to at least one outlet of the pipe fitting at an angle to the inlet. The pipe fitting includes an inner collapsible bellows fixed at a position opposite the inlet. The bellows has a support annulus at the other end adjacent the inlet, whereby, in a closed position, the bellows prevents fluid flow from the inlet to the at least one outlet as the fluid is trapped within the bellows. In an open position, the fluid can flow from the inlet to the at least one outlet when the bellows is collapsed.

Abstract: Apparatus system and method of maintaining differential atmospheric control with respect to CO2 and O2 gases in a first, stem/leaf zone, Z-1, of a plant from a second, root zone, Z-2, of the plant. The atmosphere in a stem/leaf zone is controlled to be high in CO2 while the root zone Z-2 is isolated and provided with ambient or higher O2, at a pressure to prevent infiltration of CO2 from zone Z-1. The differential atmosphere in each zone can be selectively monitored and adjusted to provide improved growing conditions. The inventive plant environment control system and method is particularly useful in the field of hydroponic and aeroponic growing enclosures, wherein nutrients are periodically provided to the roots, and a high CO2 atmosphere, plus heat and light of appropriate growth-enhancing wavelengths, are provided to the leaves for forced, high-yield growth of selected plants indoors, regardless of the season.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a plant cultivation system to efficiently supply the elements necessary for plant growth to the plant cultivation materials, which provides a cultivation environment for accelerating plant growth by supplying the elements necessary for plant growth, a cultivation method using the system and a production method for the system. This invention provides a plant cultivation system comprising a plant cultivation material, which provides a cultivation environment for accelerating plant growth by supplying the elements necessary for plant growth, and a container storing a liquid such as water, a nutrition solution and agrochemical products or a liquid supply tank storing a liquid such as water, a nutrition solution and agrochemical products in combination with tubing.

Abstract: A foamed glass plant growth support structure, including a foamed glass substrate and a plurality of interconnected pores distributed throughout the substrate. The substrate is characterized by a porosity of at least about 65 percent. The pore size is substantially between about 0.2 and about 2 millimeters and the substrate is sufficiently chemically stable such that water filling the plurality of interconnected pores experiences a pH shift of less than 0.5.

Abstract: In one aspect, hydroponic compositions are described herein comprising an aqueous medium in contact with a plant, the aqueous medium comprising a functional additive for imparting desired architecture and/or properties to the plant structure. In some embodiments, the functional additive comprises one or more of nanoparticles, spectral additives, and pH indicators.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR0713PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR0713PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR0719PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR0719PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SV0822LD. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SV0822LD, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SV0822LD with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SV0822LD, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A new lettuce variety designated ‘PRO 1272’ is described. ‘PRO 1272’ is a green leaf lettuce variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the right front teat, a second cup to the left front teat, a third cup to the right rear teat, and a fourth cup to the left rear teat.

Abstract: A pet sanitation device provides a litter-containing basket in a housing. After a pet uses the device, the housing and basket are filled with water to dissolve waste in the litter, thus producing wastewater. The basket is then caused to spin about a central axis in the housing, and the spinning motion produces centrifugal forces that force the wastewater outward from the basket and into the space between the basket and the housing. The wastewater is drained from the housing, leaving the device ready for a subsequent use.

Abstract: A production method for animal excrement treatment material and a production device therefor, having: a step in which raw material is granulized and a granular material is obtained; and a step in which a coloring agent is applied to the granular material. The step in which the coloring agent is applied to the granular material has: a step in which the granular material is suspended; and a step in which the coloring agent is sprayed on the suspended granular material.

Abstract: A production method for animal excretion treatment material and a production device therefor, having a step in which a raw material is pulverized and a pulverized material is obtained and a step in which the pulverized material is granulized. In the step in which the pulverized material is obtained, the raw material is pulverized by a pulverizer and the pulverized material is obtained. The pulverizer has: an insertion port for the raw material; a pulverization chamber for the raw material; a pulverization mechanism provided inside the pulverization chamber; a mesh screen through which passes the raw material pulverized by the pulverization mechanism and having a plurality of openings; and a discharge port connected to the openings in the mesh screen.

Abstract: This invention relates to a formulation and process for making a lightweight, clumping absorbent material with virtually no dust, low tracking, superior clumping and odor control. The formulations described herein may utilize a tackifying agent to attach the clumping additive to the surface of the absorbent material.

Abstract: Implementations of a rack for animal cages are provided. A rack may be comprised of multiple levels stacked together in a vertical orientation. In some implementations, each level of the rack acts as a frame configured to support thereon one or more tubs (i.e., cages). In some implementations, each level of the rack may be comprised of top panels, glides, joint connectors, vertically oriented legs, and cross beams. In some implementations, two glides may be positioned on a level of the rack to support a top panel and tub therebetween. In this way, the glides hold the top panel in position over the tub and thereby prevent an animal from escaping the interior compartment(s) of the tub. In some implementations, a level may be further comprised of a bracket having a lip thereon. In some implementations, the bracket may be used to reinforce the unsupported edges of the top panel.

Abstract: A feeder for animals has an enclosure that receives feed material. The enclosure has at least one vertical feed surface that retains the feed material and provides access to animals to the feed material. The vertical feed surface is movable in a horizontal direction. A biasing device is attached to the vertical feed surface. The biasing device moves the vertical feed surface horizontally as the feed material is depleted within the enclosure.

Abstract: An animal feeder configured to provide feed to animals via gravity actuation is disclosed. The animal feeder may be configured such that feed is contained within a feed container and provided to animals via gravity and through an outlet opening configured to eliminate stagnant pockets and feed spoilage. The animal feeder is also configured to feed only specific animals. In particular, the animal feeder may include a support system with a pivot for supporting the feed container above ground level and enabling the feed container to rotate relative to the pivot, thereby preventing smaller species animals from feeding in the feed trough in favor of larger species animals. If a smaller species animal attempts to jump and place its front legs on the feeder to feed from the feed trough, the feeder spins causing the smaller species animal to fall back to the ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a dog garment comprising: a) a torso portion that substantially covers a back and lateral sides of a torso of a dog, wherein the torso portion has an underbelly torso opening and a hind opening; b) a neck portion extending from said torso portion and arranged to encase the neck of the dog, wherein the neck portion comprises a neck portion fastener for securing the neck portion; c) front leg portions extending from the torso portion, wherein the front leg portions encase front legs of the dog; d) hind leg portions extending from said torso portion, wherein the hind leg portions encase hind legs of the dog; e) a foot portion at each of a terminal end of the front leg portions and the hind leg portions; and f) size adjustment portions comprising a front leg elastic drawstring cord and a hind leg elastic drawstring cord.

Abstract: A claw trimming assembly includes a pair of pliers structured to have a pair of cutting members urged toward each other when the pair of pliers are squeezed. The pair of pliers may trim a claw of an animal. A light emitter is movably coupled to the pair of pliers. The light emitter emits light onto the claw of the animal so the claw may be trimmed without injuring the animal. A sharpener removably coupled to the pair of pliers. The sharpener is structured to engage each of the pair of cutting members of the pliers. The sharpener may sharpen the pair of cutting members.

Abstract: An interactive tracking, monitoring, and reporting platform of domesticated animal activity may be provided. The platform may enable the tracking of domesticated animals within an interactive tracking zone. The tracking activity may be controlled by a rule set defined by the owner and enabled by a tracking device embodied as, for example, a collar worn by the animal. Upon the tracking device's proximal location to detection devices within the interactive tracking zone, an action may be triggered. The trigger may cause an action to be taken by, for example, a device located within the interactive tracking zone. The trigger may cause information to be collected on the domesticated animal's activity by the platform. The platform may then provide a report on the domesticated animal's activity to the domesticated animal's owner. The report may be communicated via a mobile phone application and may comprise real-time data collected on the domesticated animal.

Abstract: An improved beehive for shedding moisture and protecting bees includes a condensation promoting surface that provides for controlled condensation of water vapor to form liquid water and transport of the condensed liquid water out of the beehive.

Abstract: An artificial reef provides a system that can inhibit coastal erosion, promote marine growth and offer shelter to marine life while being economically feasible and long-lasting. Various embodiments of the artificial reef unit devices and methods described herein can include three polygonal side walls, an enclosed top and an opened bottom, a base unit and corrugated walls.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human-non-human antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanised antibodies; compositions comprising said antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in said methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for creating customizable traits in animals. In the demonstration of the principle of the subject invention, a keratin-14 specific promoter is used with red fluorescent protein in the loxp cassette, dominant black (?G23) beta defensin 103 in the pigment cassette, and an SV40 (with intron) polyadenylation sequence. When Cre recombinase (or HTNCre) is applied to the animal's skin in a carrier base (e.g., lipid bilayers), fur is permanently genetically modified to turn back in the shape in which the HTNCre was applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-human multicellular organism carrying a dominant lethal genetic system, the lethal effect of which is conditional, wherein the lethal effect of the lethal system occurs in the natural environment of the organism.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly is provided that includes a rod blank and a handle affixed to a proximal end of the rod blank. The handle has a base part and a reel seat part adjacent and distal to the base part for accommodating a reel. The rod blank is supported only at its rearmost end by the base part of the handle so that the rod blank is free to move in response to even small forces applied to a tip of the rod. In addition, the rod blank is exposed up to a forward face of the handle base part, enabling the fisherperson to hold the handle while easily maintaining direct tactile contact with the rod for better detection of rod blank movement and improved fishing rod sensitivity.

Abstract: A hand reel (10) for a fishing line. The reel (10) including a body (11) and a retaining member (12). The body (11) defines a channel (15) for receiving the fishing line. The retaining member (12) is attached to, or forms part of the body (11). The retaining member (11) includes a lip portion (17) operable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the lip portion (17) cooperates with the body (11) to substantially enclose the channel (15). In the open position, the lip (17) portion allows access to the channel (15).