Abstract: A handheld lawn maintenance tool having a power head to which an adapter is attachable to allow both battery-powered and gasoline-powered working attachments to be attached thereto. The power head includes a power source, integrated first and second handles, a power generator, and a first attachment mechanism to which the adapter and/or working attachments are attachable.

Abstract: Cultivator share device (1) comprising a fastening portion (11) for fixing to a tine (2), a point (121) and divergent wings (13a, 13b) protruding backwards from the point (121) and a longitudinal ridge (122) extending from the point (121) and towards the fastening portion (11), the wings (13a, 13b) forming a leading wing edge (124a, 124b, 132a, 132b), wherein a front portion (12) formed by the point (121), a substantial portion of the longitudinal ridge (122) and front wing portions (123a, 123b) is deflected downwards such that, seen in the working direction of the cultivator point (1), there is an angle difference (a) between a plane congruent with the leading wing edges (132a, 132b) of rear wing portions (131a, 131b) and a plane congruent with the leading wing edges (124a, 124b) of front wing portions (123a, 123b).

Abstract: A system and method cuts and increases surface area of surface stubble material while contemporaneously mulching, tiling and aerating the soil. A discoidal coulter blade is configured with a plurality of circumferential teeth for cutting the surface stubble as well as reducing the downward pressure required for the blade to enter the type and depth of soil desired. The circular coulter blade is configured with a plurality of inserts oriented normal to the rotational movement of the blade as the blade cuts the soil. Each insert is shaped to aerate a specific type of soil anticipated by an operator. The inserts are positioned on the blade for desired impact with the soil and angled in placement on the blade to maintain the desired effect on the soil.

Abstract: A multi-piece cutting edge attachment for a circular shaft of a harrow tine features a mounting member formed of a material that is weldable to, and distinct from, a first material of the harrow tine. A cutting edge member is formed of a third material that is harder than the first and second materials and less weldable to harrow tine than the second material of the mounting member. The cutting edge member has a front face and an opposing rear face that is conformingly shaped for placement against a front face of the mounting member at a lower end thereof. The multi-piece arrangement forms a cutting edge of greater hardness than that which is achievable by a material directly attachable to the tine itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly which includes: a chassis for a mobile land vehicle, in particular an agricultural or public works vehicle; at least two half-crossmembers (21) mounted telescopically on the chassis; wheel mountings (27) pivotably mounted on each one of said half-crossmembers; steered wheels rotatably mounted on said mountings; and a device for controlling the direction of the wheels. The assembly is characterised in that it includes means (39, 41, 47) designed, for a certain position of two half-crossmembers, to increase, upon the pivoting of the wheels, the opening of the said wheels relative to the opening of the wheels resulting from the same pivoting and another position of the two half-crossmembers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to activate, modify, and sanitize the surfaces of granular, powdered, or seed material placed in a continuous flow of a low-temperature, reduced-pressure gas plasma. Said plasma may be created with radio-frequency power, using capacitive-inductive, or a combination of both types of discharge. The plasma is generated at pressures in the 0.01 to 10 Torr range. RF frequency ranges from 0.2 to 220 MHz, and correspond to a plasma density between about ne×108?ne×1012 or 0.001 to 0.4 W/cm3. Inserts and electrodes may be temperature controlled to control process conditions. RF discharge may be pulsed or modulated by different frequency in order to stimulate energy exchange between gas plasma and process material. The apparatuses may be grounded, biased and mechanically activated (e.g., vibration, rotation, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a planter with seed meters with accelerator wheel systems. Each accelerator wheel system receives singulated seeds from a respective seed meter and spaces the seeds with respect to each other to correct timing and thus spacing anomalies of seeds being released from seed disks of the seed meters at incorrect seed disk release events and to adjust the velocity of the seeds to correspond to planter travel speed for releasing the seeds to drop straight down onto the field, without a horizontal velocity. Spacing and timing is also improved by reducing delivery variation typically attributable to bounce down a seed tube by instead smoothly rotationally redirecting seeds from a generally downward delivery direction from a seed disk to a generally horizontal delivery direction out of the accelerator wheel system, opposite the tractor and implement travel direction.

Abstract: A planter unit for planting seeds as it traverses a field in a direction of travel includes a seed delivery tube and a furrow opener configured to open a furrow in the soil for receiving seeds dropped through the delivery tube. A gauge wheel assembly controls the depth of penetration of the furrow opener. The planter unit also has a furrow closing tool that closes the furrow, the furrow closing tool positioned after the delivery tube in the direction of travel. The planter unit also has a row cleaning and depth control tool positioned after the furrow closing tool. The row cleaning and depth control tool has first and second row whippers that push excess soil out away from above where seeds were dropped in the furrow, wherein vertical position of first and second row whippers is selectively adjustable relative the vertical position of the furrow opener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reseeding device (1) configured for introducing grass seeds into an existing turf, comprising a rotatable shaft (2) which is provided with a number of blades (3) along its length which are at right angles to the shaft (2) and which are configured for cutting furrows into the turf and loosening and removing parts of the turf, a seed distributor (4) configured for spreading grass seeds at least in the furrows produced, in which the device (1) is configured, in use, to discharge the material loosened by the blades (3) over the shaft (2) and the seed distributor (4), along a direction (A) opposite to the direction of travel, so that the scattered grass seeds are at least partly covered by the loosened material. A reseeding device (1) of such design has the significant advantage that the loosened material does not form an impediment during reseeding.

Abstract: A separating and cleaning device for a root crop harvester has at least one separating and cleaning stretch. In this separating and cleaning stretch, at least one roller is arranged that is assembled of one or several roller segments that in direction of a longitudinal roller axis are coaxially adjoining each other. These roller segments are provided with a jacket part made of an elastically yielding material and provided with entrainment ribs projecting outwardly. This jacket part interacts radially inwardly with a receiving area that is provided with free spaces delimited by intermediate webs as well as a through opening, wherein the receiving area can receive a polygonal shaft or drive element for torque transmission. The roller segments, beginning at their inner through opening, are provided with a multi-layer structure in radial outward direction.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an autonomously navigating utility vehicle travelling about a working area delineated by a boundary wire, there are provided with a pair of magnetic sensors, a turning angle detector, a travel distance detector, a travel controlling unit controlling the vehicle to travel along the boundary wire based on the magnetic field strength detected by one of the magnetic sensors while positioning other of the magnetic sensors inside the boundary wire, a route generating unit generating a travel route along a boundary of the working area based on the turning angle and the travel distance, a memory unit memorizing the magnetic field strengths detected by the other of the magnetic sensor in association with the travel route, and a position identifying unit identifying a position of the vehicle by comparing the detected magnetic field strengths with the memorized magnetic field strengths.

Abstract: A trimmer head and a method for assembling a trimmer head. The trimmer head may generally include a housing rotatable about an axis; a receptacle in the housing to receive a portion of a trimmer line; and a locking member movable in a radial direction relative to the housing between a first position, in which the locking member engages the trimmer line to axially retain the trimmer line relative to the housing, and a second position, in which the trimmer line is movable relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a first central implement section. At least one second implement section is positioned on each of two sides of the first implement section. Adjacent implement sections are each displaceable relative to one another about a pivot axis in order to displace the implement between a transport position and a working position. Each implement section comprises mowing mechanisms, conveying mechanisms or both. A hat-like conveying element made from an elastically deformable material is positioned on at least one of the mowing mechanisms, on at least one of the conveying mechanisms or both.

Abstract: A window strip corn husker has a pair of pinch rollers for removing a portion of a corn husk, but leaving the majority of the husk intact. The window strip corn husker includes blades for removing the at least one of the ends of an ear of corn and rollers for removing part of the husk.

Abstract: A green roof modular system includes at least four planter modules each including a planter including a bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with the bottom wall to form an interior space, and a biodegradable insert including a plurality of sidewalls that cooperate with one another to form an interior space, wherein the insert is adapted to retain a plant matter in the interior space of the insert, the plurality of sidewalls of the insert extending above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, and wherein the plurality of the sidewalls of the insert are adapted to retain a plant matter that extends above the plurality of sidewalls of the planter, such that one of the planter modules abuts each of the remaining three planter modules and substantially no gap exists between the abutting planter modules in plan view.

Abstract: A hand operated cutting tool includes a first cutting member; a first handle including a second cutting member, wherein the second cutting member is coupled to the first cutting member and includes a first set of projections; and a second handle including a lever, wherein the lever is coupled to the first cutting member and includes a second set of projections. The first and second handles are movable between a full open position and a full closed position, wherein during a first region of travel proximate the full open position the first and second set of projections are disengaged, and during a second region of travel proximate the full closed position the first and second set of projections are at least partly engaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power-driven hedge trimmer with a movable power assembly. The power-driven hedge trimmer includes: a power and trimming assembly, a gripping assembly and a control unit. The power and trimming assembly includes a trimming blade and a power source. The trimming blade is connected to the power source so as to be driven to reciprocate. The gripping assembly includes a front gripping portion, a connecting portion and a rear gripping portion. The control unit is disposed on the connecting portion for controlling the power source. The front attaching portion and the rear attaching portion are two rotary shafts. A rear stop lock is disposed on the rear gripping portion for locking the front attaching portion and the rear attaching portion at fixed locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power-driven hedge trimmer with a movable front handle. The power-driven hedge trimmer includes: a power and trimming assembly, a gripping assembly and a control unit. The power and trimming assembly includes a trimming blade and a power source. The trimming blade is connected to the power source so as to be driven to reciprocate. The gripping assembly includes a front gripping portion, a connecting portion and a rear gripping portion. The control unit is disposed on the connecting portion for controlling the power source. The front gripping portion includes a suspended front arm, a front handle and a front stop lock. The front handle can be locked at two locking positions, which are located on two opposite sides of the suspended front arm, with the front stop lock.

Abstract: A Pyramidal shaped nursery pot that provides improvement in pot stability against wind blow over, improves root development through air root pruning and grooves to guide the roots downward, and reduces weeding effort, without negatively impacting space utilization and water consumption. The pot is made of a semi-rigid, preferably biodegradable material, is delivered flat, and has a self closing mechanism to keep the sides joined when it is assembled. The pot has a plurality of triangular apertures cut on the vertical sides that fold outwards as a flange, with the objective of the opening created by these to facilitate drainage of excess liquid from the pot and the passage of air to the growing media to enhance root development through air-pruning, and the flange formed and folded outwards with an angle towards the inside of the pot to serve as a water capture mechanism when aerial irrigation occurs.

Abstract: A planter designed to be inserted into common plastic mesh netting and grow plants which provide bioremediation to polluted bodies of water. The design allows for maximal root exposure, convenient sprouting, and variable installation in the netting. The design also allows for easy mass production and shipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for dispensing agents to agricultural or forestry products. This system includes an adhesive layer (11) containing at least one agent (12). The adhesive layer (11) adheres to a surface (22). The adhesive layer (11) connects a covering layer (13) to the surface (23). The covering layer (13) has a plurality of openings (14) for dispensing the agent (12). The covering layer (13) also has bulges (15) which protrude by a certain height (17) from a plane (16) of the covering layer (13).

Abstract: A resin composition which exhibits an excellent heat-retaining property without reducing transparency when it is used as an agricultural film. The resin composition comprises 100 parts by weight of a resin and 1 to 20 parts by weight of a heat-retaining agent which is represented by the following formula (1) and has a difference between the molar ratio obtained from 2? of the (110) plane by an X-ray diffraction method and the molar ratio obtained by chemical analysis of not more than 0.7 (the molar ratio is an Mg/Al2 value). MgXAl2(OH))2X+4(CO3).mH2O??(1) (In the above formula, X satisfies 4.0<X?6.5, and “m” is 0 or a positive number.

Abstract: The drip irrigation tube (100) comprises a tube (110), drippers (120), and guides (140). With respect to individual discharge openings (130), the guides (140) are disposed on both sides of the discharge opening (130) in the longitudinal direction of the tube (110). The guides (140) protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the tube (110). The guides (140) intercept the flow of liquid from the discharge openings (130) in the longitudinal direction and guide same vertically downward. The liquid is dripped on the soil from the discharge openings (130) or the vicinity of the discharge openings (130).

Abstract: An irrigation management system includes a water pump, at least one mobile irrigation system, and a pump controller. The mobile irrigation system includes a water pressure sensor for generating water pressure data indicating water pressure in the irrigation system. The pump controller is configured to receive the water pressure data generated by the water pressure sensor, to compare a target water pressure with the sensed water pressure data to determine a difference between the target water pressure and the sensed water pressure, and to adjust operation of the water pump to increase or decrease water pressure to the irrigation system in a manner that resolves the difference between the target water pressure and the sensed water pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful (i) plant root feeding device (ii) plant root feeding system, (iii) method of feeding a plant, and (iv) method of manufacturing a plant root feeding device. The plant root feeding device comprises a fluid container (emitter) formed of semi permeable material that allows fluid to pass from the inside of the container to a plant root located in ground in proximity to the fluid container. The fluid container has a fluid inlet opening, and a fluid inlet tube is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening of the fluid container. The fluid inlet tube has a fixed, fluid sealed coupling to the fluid inlet opening of the fluid container, and the fluid container has a configuration that enables it to be located in ground in proximity to an in ground root system of a plant, and a permeability that enables fluid to pass from the inside of the container to the in ground root system of a plant in proximity to the fluid container.

Abstract: An aeroponic system that includes a number of grow chambers that support plants in a contaminant free environment above a reservoir that collects excess fluid. A pumping and piping system is provided to deliver nutrient fortified water to the plants in the grow chamber and to recycle or drain the excess liquid from the reservoir. A number of access ports provide a grower with access to the chambers and reservoir.

Abstract: The technical description relates to buoyant devices, buoyant systems, and methods of placing buoyant devices containing a plant in a liquid. An example buoyant device includes an outer member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a side extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, and a passageway extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and an inner member having an upper surface, a lower surface, a side extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, and a passageway extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The inner member is releasably attached to the outer member.

Abstract: A modular hydroponics system for growing plants includes a frame or framework of one or more cages, wherein each cage preferably includes, a source of electrical power and water, at least one moveable light source and at least one moveable circulating fan. Plants are arranged on benches in ebb & flow containers in a stadium arrangement. A mechanism moves the light source along the benches and a reflective hood directs light to the plants. The fan circulates air to control the air temperature within the framework. A watering system supplies and collects water to and from the plants. The pH and nutrient levels in the water is monitored and controlled.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.

Abstract: A new and distinct Buglossoides arvensis plant named ‘MALIN’ characterized by vigorous plant growth and abundant side shoot development. Plants flower early in May and June and do not require vernalization. Seed germination rate is typically 80%. Seeds of the plant are used in the production of the oil commercially known Ahiflower oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-190 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-190 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-190 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-245 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-245 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-245 RZ.

Abstract: Kinetic energy devices, such as fans or blowers, are selected or controlled to attain a determined optimal overall average airflow for a volume within a livestock building to satisfy one or more predetermined livestock production objectives.

Abstract: A scooping device that can be used to grab pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. from a litter box, the ground, etc. or any other application where a scooping device is desirable. The scooping device can include a claw portion and a handle portion separated by a pole portion. The claw portion is moveable between an open position and a closed position and allows efficient sifting of grasped material contained within said claw portion.

Abstract: A scooping pan having a rear dumping feature that can be configured to scoop up general refuse, pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. from the ground, a litter box, etc. The scooping pan can optionally include one or more openings or slots that enable litter to pass through the openings or slots when the pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. are removed from the litter box. The rear of the scooping pan includes an openable flap that enables the general refuse, pet refuse, urine clumps, etc. in the scooping pan to be dumped out of the rear of the scooping pan.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an animal excrement treatment material includes: a granulating step; a sorting step at which granules are sorted by a sieve to form an animal excrement treatment material; and a quality control step that includes an extracting step at which a sample is extracted, a comparison data calculating step at which the surface area per unit weight of the sample is obtained, and a sieve replacement step at which the sieve is replaced on the basis of the comparison data.

Abstract: A pet carrier for facilitating interactive experiences between a pet and pet owner includes including a pocket with an opening, two sides and a bottom adapted to partially surround a pet. The pocket has a resilient panel lining the bottom or sewn into the bottom that tensions the sides when the carrier is worn and a pet is placed in the pocket, and which provides a firm footing for the pet when transported by the pet owner.

Abstract: A pet cage is comprised of a door frame, a lock unit, a top hoard, a bottom board, a left board, a right board, a back board and multiple fasteners. The door frame and the boards are assembled together by multiple fasteners and bolts. The lock unit is included a base on a door which is pivotally connected to the door frame, a receiving base fixed on the door frame, a bar able to resiliently lock the base and the receiving base together, two springs, two pins, and a cover. All of the parts of the pet cage are easy to be dis-assembled piece by piece so that the transportation or storage is saved. The lock unit is operated by one hand to lock or unlock the door.

Abstract: A device for conveniently and safely harnessing a pet to a standard seat belt receiver of a vehicle. The device includes a latching member that configured to be received and latched into a standard seatbelt receiver of a vehicle. The latching member can be pivotally connected with a housing so that it can be pivoted outward for attachment to the seatbelt receiver and pivoted back in when not in use. The device also includes a leash re-wind mechanism that maintains a constant tension on the leash during normal use and that locks extension of the leash when a sudden, abrupt extension of the leash occurs.

Abstract: An encoder arrangement (2) adapted to be used with a rotary milking platform includes an encoder axle rotatable about an encoder axis (12), an encoder wheel (6) connected to the encoder axle, and a suspension arrangement (8) supporting the encoder and the encoder wheel (6). The encoder and the encoder wheel (6) are arranged on a movable portion (14) of the suspension arrangement (8). The movable portion (14) is biased towards the rotary milking platform. The movable portion (14) is pivotable about a pivot axis (16), and the pivot axis (16) extends perpendicularly to the encoder axis (12).

Abstract: A trough includes an elongate trough body and at least one elongate support element. The trough body includes at least one longitudinal side wall portion and a bottom portion which are integral with one another, or attached to one another along respective longitudinal edges. The support element extends along the outer face of the side wall portion. The support element may be restrained from moving outward, away from a longitudinal trough centerline, by connecting a restraint located inside the trough to the support element. The side wall portion is maintained upright partly by tension in the support element or in the restraint. In one embodiment, a plastics sheet material is bent into a U-shaped animal feed trough with opposite side walls supported upright by tension in longitudinal supporting wires and transverse restraint wires, the ends of which connect to the support wires through respective perforations in the side walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bowl comprising a) a bowl main body (1) with a rocking member (3) joined to the bottom thereof, and b) a releasable transparent lid (2) joined to the upper side of the bowl main body (1) and having at least one opening.

Abstract: Animal feeders are disclosed that include housings resilient to specific species, feed compartments resilient to selected species, a protected region in the housing, a barrier between the protected region and the feed compartment, an access door, a species recognition device, an access door actuator, a controller, and an arm projecting through the housing or the barrier.

Abstract: A device for remotely dispensing a pet treat is described. In one aspect, the device includes: a main housing having an outlet opening and a treat dispensing portion disposed in the interior of the main housing. The treat dispensing portion includes: a base; a dispensing chamber having a first opening; and a dispensing turbine configured to rotate horizontally within the dispensing chamber, the dispensing turbine including a turbine hub and at least one blade attached to a lateral surface of the turbine hub, wherein the first opening of the dispensing chamber is generally aligned with the outlet opening.

Abstract: A feeding station for at least one animal, said feeding station comprising: at least one supply hopper having a food product; a food dispensing unit having means for dispensing controlled portions of said food product; a weigh hopper for receiving said food product from said food dispensing unit; a hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform for receiving said food product from said weigh hopper; a hemi-frustoconical sweeping member rotatable on a top surface of said hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform to remove unconsumed food product off said feeding platform after a feeding event.

Abstract: A dog shoe includes a fastening strap, wherein the fastening strap is configured so that in a fastened state, the fastening strap exerts pulling forces towards the middle of the dog shoe at two side portions of the dog shoe, and the fastening strap is located between a position for placing a dog's dewclaw of the dog shoe and a position for placing the dog's phalangeal joints of the dog shoe. The fastening strap in the dog shoe does not limit movable joints of a dog's foot, has few restrictions on the dog's foot, and makes it comfortable for the dog's foot; meanwhile, the fastening strap may also fasten the dog shoe on the dog's foot securely, providing the dog shoe with a desirable enveloping effect for the dog's foot, so that after the shoe is put on the dog's foot, the shoe does not fall or loosen easily.

Abstract: A pet or animal toy is constructed of multiple different layers, each layer made of a different type of material to provide the toy with multiple attributes or characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, a pet toy includes a fabric outer layer, an inner noisemaking layer, and one or more inner elastomeric layers. Sufficient thickness or bulk for the toy is achieved by providing relatively thick inner elastomeric layer(s). A noisemaking element or “squeaker” may also be incorporated within the toy. One or more additional layers may be added such as one or more interior fabric layers to add strength to the toy. A method of the invention includes steps for making the toy.

Abstract: An interactive device for animals is provided, including a main body, a circuit module, a video/audio transceiver, a driving module, a first pusher, and a first communicating member, wherein the circuit module, the video/audio transceiver, and the driving module are disposed on the main body, and the video/audio transceiver and the driving module are electrically connected to the circuit module. The main body has a recess and an opening. The first pusher is movably disposed in the recess and connected to the driving module. The first communicating member communicates the recess with the opening. When the driving module drives the first pusher to protrude from an inner wall of the recess, the first pusher pushes an object in the recess into the first communicating member, and the object leaves the main body through the opening.

Abstract: An animal monitor comprising a microcontroller; at least one three-axis accelerometer; an energy source; a charger; and a communications system, including a wireless transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for monitoring and managing food product processing operations and animal growing, housing, and farming operations and facilities. The food products or animals and related housing and feed are examined and/or analyzed with respect to the quality and integrity of the processing thereof, any markings applied thereto, and compliance with commercial, regulatory, or customer requirements. The environmental conditions, processing conditions, the processing performance parameters, and the like, or any combination thereof, are thereafter subjected to documentation and also may be adjusted in response to such examination, including and up to automated cessation of production.