Abstract: A novel aid for digging and prying implements is disclosed. The innovative aid affords the user of shovels, prying tools and the like to gain leverage by substantially increasing the mechanical advantage for digging, prying and lifting resistive or heavy loads. The novel digging and prying aid comprises an attachment collar, a lever arm and extension bar and a foot base. A fulcrum point is created by an articulating joint formed between the lever arm and extension bar. When deployed, the aid provides a mechanical advantage for raising the blade of a shovel or prying tool when engaged in digging, shoveling or prying actions.

Abstract: An exhaust air filtration apparatus comprises a vacuum planter (10) having a cyclonic separator (30) and a filter unit (40). A method of removing particulate matter can utilize the apparatus.

Abstract: A run selection mechanism is provided for selectively directing the flow of particulate material from an air cart. The mechanism includes a chute for receiving metered particulate material. The chute has an output. A first primary conduit has an output communicating with a first pneumatic primary run and a second primary conduit has an output communicating with a second pneumatic primary run. A selector selectively directs the metered particulate material to one of the output of the chute, the first pneumatic primary run and the second pneumatic primary run.

Abstract: A de-grassing system having a body, a handle means, and a cutting means; the body having a longitudinal hollow chamber with an axis extending axially there through, with a top and bottom, the chamber further having a port permitting water to egress; the handle means having a longitudinal hollow cylinder having a proximal and distal end, wherein the proximal end has a substantially perpendicular longitudinal hollow cylinder affixed thereto at the midpoint of the substantially perpendicular longitudinal hollow cylinder, wherein the substantially perpendicular longitudinal cylinder has a pair of ends providing means for rotating the system about the axis; the top having a connecting means extending outwardly from the chamber for receiving the distal end of the handle; and the cutting means forming the bottom, having a plurality of teeth extending axially outwardly from the chamber to engulf the sprinkler head.

Abstract: A lawn maintenance device may include a cutting deck, rotating shaft with a blade holder attached to the rotating shaft. The blade holder may include grooves for attachment of the blade to the holder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lawn mower and more particularly to a system and method of charging a variety of batteries of the lawn mower including connecting the lawn mower to a towing vehicle, either directly or by placing the lawn mower on a trailer, towing the lawn mower, generating electricity upon towing the lawn mower utilizing a generator mechanically coupled to the lawn mower wheels or the wheels of the trailer. The generator converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generator is electrically coupled to first type of battery and a second type of battery that is connected to the lawn mower and/or a first type of battery and a second type of battery that is connected to a charging station on the trailer. The system also includes a charging circuit for each of the first type of battery and the second type of battery.

Abstract: The pick-up apparatus (2) for picking up harvested root crop, in particular sugar beets, from a root crop heap, comprises a pick-up section (8) which defines a pick-up direction PD a pick-up plane PL and a first lateral outward direction LOD1, comprises a pick-up member (24), and a pick-up frame (20), the pick-up frame (20) having a first lateral side (36), a second lateral side (38) and forming a pick-up opening (42), the pick-up opening (42) and the pick-up direction PD defining a pick-up area PA on the pick-up plane PL. The pick-up apparatus (2) comprises a heap divider (10) adapted for dividing the root crop heap and comprising a mobile heap dividing member (100), the mobile heap dividing member is adapted to convey root crop which is situated outside the pick-up area PA into the pick-up area PA.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head (100) has a frame (102) that extends laterally and is elongate; a left side conveyor (106); a right side conveyor (110); a center conveyor (108, 144); and an upper conveyor (118) of an endless belt type that is disposed to receive, engage and downwardly compress an upper surface of the cut crop material conveyed rearwardly by the center conveyor (108, 144).

Abstract: The swather rake attachment assembly hay handling system provides an easily operated front-mounted hay raking function. In the swather hay handling system, a self-propelled swather driving mechanism has a rake assembly attachment that quick-connects to front of a swather. The hay rake assembly may have a parabolic curve for the displacement of pressure. The front-mounted rake assembly offers the ability of raking hay without driving over hay, better visibility to operator without twisting strain from looking rearward, and can be raised completely off the ground for better maneuverability and transport. The configuration of these attachments connected to modern swathers provides a wide range of hay handling options and benefits.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a frame and a twin rotor crop processor mounted to the frame. The processor comprises a pair of axial-flow crop processing rotors arranged side-by-side and each being mounted for rotation inside a generally cylindrical rotor housing. Each rotor housing includes a curved cover plate. Each cover plate has a structure that includes a flange along a longitudinal edge for securing the plate to a central frame member between the rotor housings. Both flanges intersect a hypothetical vertical plane aligned with the frame member.

Abstract: A material handling device for the loosening of forage, in particular silage from a silo. The material handling device is provided with a grab device provided with grab device members of which the edges facing towards each other are provided with cutting elements. The grab device members are movable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the cutting elements are positioned at an angle with the vertical. This angle is in the range of ?25 to 25 degrees, preferably ?15 to 15 degrees with the vertical.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing nitrate content in a plant by supplementing Rhodopseudomonas palustris DSM 29314 with a hydroponic nutrient solution, wherein the plant can grow in the hydroponic nutrient solution. The bacteria can effectively reduce 50% to 88% of the nitrate content in the plant, and only requires half concentration of the hydroponic nutrient solution than usual to enhance the fresh and dry weight of the plant up to 17% to 44%. It can effectively reduce cost, increase income and provide safe crops.

Abstract: Described herein is a module for covering a surface with vegetation. The module comprises a drainage board having an upper surface for supporting a growth medium. The drainage board has a plurality of moisture receptacles extending downwardly from the upper surface for collecting moisture. The module also comprises a plurality of sidewalls having a multiplicity of apertures therethrough. Each sidewall is coupled to the drainage board and extends upwardly therefrom. The sidewalls cooperate with each other so as to provide a perimeter for surrounding the growth medium. The module may also include other features. For example, the sidewalls may be pivotally coupled to the drainage board (e.g. along a living hinge), the module may include couplers for securing adjacent modules together, the sidewalls may include a reinforcing rib, the drainage board may include an opening for receiving an irrigation nozzle therein, and there may be edging for covering the sidewalls.

Abstract: An edging unit comprises a structure having opposed top and bottom surfaces, opposed first and second side surfaces extending between the opposed top and bottom surfaces, and opposed first and second end surfaces extending between the opposed top and bottom surfaces and between the first and second side surfaces. The top surface comprises at least one pair of opposed segments. Each pair of segments includes first and second segments respectively opposing one another with respect to a center of the edging unit. The first segment defines a first upward or downward slope between the first side surface and the second side surface and the second segment defines a second upward or downward slope between the first side surface and the second side surface generally opposite in direction to the first slope.

Abstract: A gardening tool includes a motor, a working assembly for performing a function of the gardening tool, and a transmission system for causing the motor to drive the working assembly. The transmission system includes a first clutch member, a movable member that is moveable from a first position to a second position, a bias member for biasing the movable member to the first position, and a second clutch member configured to rotate with the first clutch member when the movable member is biased to the first position and to rotate relative to the first clutch member when the movable member is located at the second position.

Abstract: A coco fiber planter is described. The planter includes a coco fiber liner having a barrier liner integrated at the base of the coco fiber liner and a rigid outer shell having a plurality of openings. The planter minimizes or prevents water leakage from the planter while also minimizing or preventing the degradation or deformation of the coco fiber liner that often occurs after coco fiber liners are exposed to water. In addition, the planter can prevent or hide the discoloration of the coco fiber liner that can also occur when coco fiber material is exposed to water.

Abstract: A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece moulding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the moulding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one separate linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight as well as interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design also requires less material hence is cheaper to produce. The void space is also easily accessed hence allowing for easy access, filling and laying of utility lines where needed.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for planting vegetables in raised beds are disclosed, The system includes a landscape fabric having clearly visible planting sites on the surface where a gardener can easily tear pre-formed perforated sites to create access holes to the soil. The access holes provide the proper spacing for the selected plant or seed type. In particular embodiments, multiple vegetable types can be planted with the proper spacing by simply selecting the proper hole. The landscape fabric is a porous material allowing passage of fluids and preventing germination of weeds.

Abstract: An irrigation system designed to provide water to indoor plants comprising a water reservoir containing water, a water pump submerged in the water within the reservoir and connected to a power source, a timer operatively associated with the water pump and power source, wherein the timer operates to activate and deactivate the water pump at intervals determined by the system user, one or more sections of tubing secured at one end to the water pump to direct water pumped from the water reservoir through the tubing to the indoor plants and one or more emitters secured to the opposite end of the tubing wherein the emitters are located within a pot or near the indoor plants that the system user wants to water and wherein the emitters are selected from the group consisting of: pressure adjustable drippers, pressure adjustable sprayers, pressure adjustable soaker hoses, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An automated plant irrigation system provides a habitable plant environment that automatically generates moisture, sunlight, and proper soil conditions for a plant, and allows the plant to be displayed and transferred between indoor and outdoor environments. The system provides generally artificial means to grow the plant, so that the plant can grow indoors. A plant container is used to contain and display the plant and soil. Once the plant has grown to a desired size and configuration, the plant container can transfer the plant outdoors for natural growth conditions and presentation. The container may include an ornamental design and be encapsulated by a transparent housing to enhance the display of the plant. A light source directionally emits artificial sunlight on the plant. A liquid dispensing device dispensed water and liquid nutrients onto the plant and soil. A control system automatically controls dispensing moisture and artificial sunlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible polyurethane foam comprising viable and/or germinated plant seeds. The flexible polyurethane foam may comprise a reinforcing fabric composed of fibers, for example synthetic-polymer fibers or rottable natural fibers. The flexible polyurethane foam may further comprise a substance having high water-holding capacity, for example a polyacrylate-based superabsorbent. By way of plant seeds the flexible polyurethane foam may comprise seeds of grasses, mosses, lichens, ferns, fungi, aquatic plants, flowering plants and perennial woody plants. The flexible polyurethane foam is obtained by mixing (a) polyisocyanates with (b) at least one comparatively high molecular weight compound having at least two reactive hydrogen atoms, (c) optionally low molecular weight chain-extending agents and/or crosslinking agents, (d) catalysts, (e) blowing agents, (f) optionally other added-substance materials and (g) plant seeds and reacting the mixture to form the flexible polyurethane foam.

Abstract: A hydroponic system provides photosynthetic light intensities from below a plant, e.g., underneath the leaves of the plant, to accelerate the photosynthesis process in plants. The hydroponic system may further include gas supply tubes underneath the leaves and the gas supply tubes may be integrated with an under-lighting system. The under-leaf lighting system can be used with lighting from above the plant, e.g., direct sunlight or through artificial lighting, to increase the total plant area exposed to light suitable for photosynthesis.

Abstract: A broccoli plant characterized in having an exerted head having a crown higher than the leaf canopy and a harvestable head of at least about 200 grams when planted at a density of 40,000 plants per hectare, where the harvestable head comprises the top 25 centimeters of said stalk.

Abstract: A new and distinct inbred plant of Tagentes erecta named KI4662 and characterized by elevated levels of zeaxanthin and little or no lutein.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HMX4885 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HMX4885, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HMX4885, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HMX4885 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HMX4885.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HMX4909 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HMX4909, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HMX4909, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HMX4909 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HMX4909.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HMX5900 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HMX5900, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HMX5900, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HMX5900 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HMX5900.

Abstract: The cotton variety ST 6182GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 6182GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 6182GLT and to plants of ST 6182GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 6182GLT.

Abstract: The cotton variety ST 5115GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 5115GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 5115GLT and to plants of ST 5115GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 5115GLT.

Abstract: The cotton variety FM 1900GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 1900GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 1900GLT and to plants of FM 1900GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 1900GLT.

Abstract: The cotton variety FM 2007GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 2007GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 2007GLT and to plants of FM 2007GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 2007GLT.

Abstract: The present invention includes broccoli plants with curds having detached florets and methods for obtaining such broccoli plants. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such broccoli plants.

Abstract: An animal stirring device is used to stir animals, thus preventing them from remaining stagnant in their CAFO (Confined Animal Feed Operation) environments. The stirring device is comprised of a large number of durable lightweight material strips stitched together in a very unique way, with a small mounting hoop at the top. The stirring device can be delivered in several ways which have proven to be very efficient, one method is to use a pulley or track system which goes all around the CAFO. The stirring device is suspended by the mounting hoop, with it freely hanging vertically down. The motion of the conveyance system's movements and air cause the material to flutter giving the appearance of a larger animal coming through the CAFO, making it a must for the animals to get up and move. In another delivery method, the material strips, are attached to a pole at the top.

Abstract: A pet waste collector is disclosed. The collector has a base collector, a wall collector, and a hinge. The base collector has a first frame and a first pet waste collecting surface. The first pet waste collecting surface is connected to the first frame. The wall collector has a second frame and a second pet waste collecting surface. The second pet waste collecting surface is connected to the second frame. The hinge pivotally connects the wall collector to the base collector. The wall collector is pivotal relative to the base collector about the hinge between a closed position and a raised position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet feeder that has a removable portion control insert to slow a pet's consumption of food kibble. Telescopic hinged legs fold inward upon themselves and lock to create multiple heights so that the feeder can accommodate pets of varying sizes. The legs may be hinged and folded completely inward and under the base piece so that the feeder can also be flush to a surface.

Abstract: A restraint system for an animal includes a bottom frame with a perforated support surface affixed atop the bottom frame. A first riser arm is affixed to a first side of the bottom frame, and a second riser arm is affixed to a second side of the bottom frame, with the first side being opposite the second side. A cross arm is coupled between the first riser arm and the second riser arm, the first and second riser arms supporting the cross arm above the perforated support surface. A first upper coupler is affixed to the cross arm, and a first side coupler is affixed to one of the first riser arm and the second riser arm. A first restraining loop is configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first upper coupler and the first side coupler.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling animal behavior, such as a dog. In an embodiment, a system can a delivery unit that can include an outer housing, first and second electrodes protruding from a back surface of the outer housing, and a position detection system electrically coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode. The position detection system can include an accelerometer configured to detect one of a predetermined distance of the dog's neck with respect to a ground surface, a predetermined motion of the dog's neck with respect to the ground surface, and a predetermined angle of the dog's neck with respect to a level surface.

Abstract: An animal amusement system for entertaining an animal such as a cat while also providing an area for the animal to lounge. The animal amusement system generally includes a track with an upper portion removably connected to a lower portion to define a channel. A ball may be positioned in the channel so that it may be swatted around. One or more openings formed in the upper portion of the track provide viewing of the underlying channel. Enclosed portions separate the openings, and provide the illusion of a ball disappearing as it passes thereunder. Ball stops may also be provided which impeded or slow the movement of the balls to the further amusement of an animal. An optional insert may be provided and inserted within a central opening of the track defined by its inner edge. An animal may rest or scratch upon the insert between playing with the balls.

Abstract: A pet amusement device formed in two halves, with a scratching pad removably attached to one half and an interior space accessible through openings in the second half. A ball with a bell may be contained in the interior space, allowing a pet to reach through the openings to play with the ball. A continuous track may surround the device, and a ball may be contained within the track, allowing the pet to bat the ball around the track.

Abstract: A ball, sphere or article holding system includes a first hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and having therein a plurality of apertures, the semi-hemisphere or shell including a first hinge element and, diametrically opposed, a first selectable closure element. The system also includes a second hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and also having a plurality of apertures, the second semi-hemisphere or shell including a second hinge element which is complementally proportioned, disposed and engagable relative to the first hinge element. Diametrically opposed therefrom is a second closure element which is complementally and press or snap-fittably engagable by the opposing closure element of the first semi-hemisphere or shell. Closure between the responsive closure elements may be enhanced by the use of a ring slip-fittably passing between complementally disposed apertures within and between the closure elements.

Abstract: A device of the invention includes a plurality of modules interconnected by ribs or connectors. A module includes an inner layer or shell; an outer layer or shell; and a noise making element. One of the noise making elements may be an interior sleeve or center layer secured between the inner and outer shells of a selected module. When the outer shell is deflected or compressed by contact, the interior sleeve is also deflected thereby producing sound. Another noise making element may include a squeaker supported within an interior chamber of a selected module. Different combinations of modules can be provided in which the modules may be of different shapes and sizes, as well as how the modules are geometrically spaced from one another by the ribs. The module combinations may also differ in the type and number of noise making elements adopted.

Abstract: Pet transporters include an elongated primary member having a proximal end and a distal end, a handle disposed at the proximal end, at least one wheel rotatably attached to the distal end, and a support harness suspended from the primary member intermediate the proximal end and the distal end, the support harness configured to orient an animal beneath the primary member and in a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the primary member, such that the animal's feet contact ground during use. Additional pet transporters include a primary member including an arcuate portion extending upward and forward from a carriage to an uppermost location, a generally vertical portion extending downward from the uppermost location, and a generally horizontal portion extending from the vertical portion to a handle.

Abstract: Disclosed modular animal collar systems include a D ring exoskeleton system, a breakaway latch tongue system and other systems. Disclosed collars include auto release systems to ensure that collars do not choke or otherwise injure a pet. Collars include sophisticated electronics to commutate with a pet owner's smart phone but also include means of communication not requiring the use of a smart phone. Collars may include a base collar containing a micro controller and other computer related components. Surrounding modular components may contain additional equipment and may be added as needed by a pet owner. Disclosed collar functions are executed by the disclosed collars and facilitate the retrieval, care and training of a pet.

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

Abstract: A selective breeding method of a new strain of Crassostrea gigas with orange left and right shells, comprising the following steps: selecting individuals of C. gigas with purple left shell and black mantle as the male broodstocks and individuals of C. gigas with black left shell and black mantle as the female broodstocks from cultured populations to generate a F1 family by applying single-pair mating strategy; selecting individuals with black purple left and right shells and black mantle from the F1 family as broodstocks to generate F2 families through family selection; selecting individuals with black purple left and right shells and black mantle from the F2 families as broodstocks to generate F3 families through family selection; selecting individuals with orange left and right shells from the F3 families as broodstocks to propagate to generate a new strain of C. gigas with the stably inherited trait of orange left and right shells. The new color trait of C.

Abstract: An aquascaping system is provided, comprising a mat positioned along a bottom surface of an enclosure, and a plurality of openings in the mat dimensioned to receive a seascaping component. These opening can include an opening for releasably receiving a rock, an opening for releasably receiving a plant, and an opening for releasably receiving landscape lighting.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.

Abstract: A system for attracting fish by means of incorporating the metals of a lure, hook or fishing accessory along with anode metals to create a corrosion cell. The corrosion cell, also known as an electrochemical cell, when immersed in an electrolyte of fresh or salt water, will generate a fish attracting, positive (+) voltage field which radiates from the lure, hook or fishing accessory.

Abstract: A new form of hybrid fishing lure configured to exhibit the advantages of both a spinner blade lure and a traditional plug lure or crank bait is described. The lure device is equipped with a reflective spinner blade or blade configured to rotate about a swivel mechanism when pulled through the water. A plug lure is positioned below the reflective spinner blade, and is in communication with the spinner blade via a spinner blade frame and an extension. The plug lure is equipped with treble hooks to snare fish, as well as a squared lip, disposed at the front of the plug lure, configured to draw the lure device deeper into the water as the lure device is pulled through the water via a conventional fishing line. The spinner blade frame and extension are configured to eliminate the possibility of the spinner blade coming into contact with the plug lure during transit through the water, when cast into the water, or when removed from the water.

Abstract: A fishing tool may be used for securing a trailer hook or other lure item onto a bait hook. The tool includes a handle with a mounting end positioned therein, wherein the mounting end includes an installation hole that extends through the handle. There is additionally a recessed seat in the hole and around the perimeter of the hole. A plastic disc has an outside diameter that corresponds to the diameter of the installation hole.