Abstract: A shovel with measurement markings for digging a hole that includes a handle portion, a blade portion, and an elongated shaft portion interconnecting at opposite ends thereof the blade portion and the handle portion. The blade portion includes plurality of uniformly distributed notches arranged substantially along at least one side of the blade portion and configured to indicate the vertical depth of the hole.

Abstract: A foot rest for a post-hole digger and post-hole diggers using the foot rest are disclosed. The foot rest includes two portions, one attached to each shaft of the post-hole digger. The two portions have structure that allows them to engage one another when the two shafts of the post-hole digger are vertical. The foot rest does not extend beyond the bore diameter of the post-hole digger. Thus, in order to keep the user's feet on the relatively short foot rest, the contact surface of the foot rest may be angled. In some embodiments, the foot rest may be symmetrical, so that either side may be used as the upper surface. A post-hole digger including the foot rests typically includes at least two foot rests, spaced from one another and facing different directions along the shafts of the tool.

Abstract: An agricultural tool used to form furrows includes a generally cylindrical support and a plurality of tires. Each tire comprises includes a sole by way of which the tire is mounted on the support, a tread opposite the sole and two sidewalls that connect the tread to the sole. The sole, the tread and the sidewalls jointly form a deformable casing. The tread of at least one of the plurality of tires has a generally domed shape. The sidewalls of this tire are generally inclined radially. The domed shape of the tread and the inclination of the sidewalls are such that the deformation of the casing urges the sole axially outward.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for travelling over a ground surface, the apparatus including detection means for detecting an area of the ground surface (or sub-ground surface) which has had a deposition of excreta, and treatment means for treating the area with at least one substance. The apparatus may preferably be automated. In a preferred embodiment, the excreta being detected may be cattle urine and the substance(s) used to treat the area of deposition of urine may be a nitrate inhibitor and/or a urease inhibitor.

Abstract: In each case at least one double disc coulter 7, 8 and one depth control wheel 9 areas arranged on the frame 6 of a pneumatic precision seed drill. Seen from the direction of travel, this depth control wheel 9 is located between the two disc coulters 7, 8, whereby the two disc coulters 7, 8 and the depth control wheel 9 rotate in the same direction.

Abstract: A seed delivery device that includes an enclosed container inside which is encapsulated one or more plant seeds and a medium. The medium may comprise one or more particulate materials, one or more aqueous materials, or a combination of one or more particulate materials and aqueous materials. The specific gravity of the entire device is greater than the specific gravity of water. The seed delivery devices may be used to address the planting of seeds in conditions where water is or may become present.

Abstract: A chemical distribution system includes an irrigation unit that has a distribution pipe and a pump fluidly coupled to the distribution pipe. The pump urges a liquid through the distribution pipe and the irrigation unit delivers the fluid onto a plant crop. An injector is fluidly attached to the irrigation unit and the injector contains a chemical. The injector is oriented such that the chemical is gravity fed into the irrigation unit. The injector releases the chemical into the fluid urged by the pump such that the chemical and fluid mixture is delivered onto the plant crop.

Abstract: A trimmer head for a rotary trimmer, includes an upper housing and a lower housing secured to the upper housing, wherein either the upper housing or the lower housing has a passageway. The trimmer head also includes a cutter assembly maintained in the passageway, wherein the cutter assembly has a knife, and wherein trimmer line inserted into the passageway is cut by the knife. A related method of cutting a trimmer line using the cutter assembly incorporated into a trimmer head is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for marking natural and artificial grass surfaces, which comprises a mowing drum linked to a chassis, wherein the mowing drum comprises a plurality of cutting elements and can rotate around a main shaft, where a perforated sheet is arranged between the mowing drum and the grass surface, with said perforated sheet comprising a plurality of holes cut to an appropriate size so as to allow blades of grass to pass through them, in addition to an opening configured to facilitate the passage blades of grass to be cut by the cutting element.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vegetation cutter for cutting vegetation circumferent an obstacle. The vegetation cutter comprises a frame comprising a dock for receiving the obstacle; at least one cutter that is moveable in a cutting trajectory whereby vegetation circumferent a docked obstacle is cut; and a driver for moving the at least one cutter in the cutting trajectory. Also disclosed is a method for cutting vegetation circumferent an obstacle.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a threshing unit for threshing picked-up crop to obtain grain, a driver assistance system for controlling the threshing unit which has a memory for storing data and a computing unit for processing the data stored in the memory. A functional system model for at least a portion of the combine harvester is stored in the memory. The computing unit is designed to carry out an autonomous determination of at least one threshing-unit parameter on a basis of the system model and, for depicting functional interrelationships, at least one family of characteristics (A-J) is assigned to at least one harvesting-process parameter. The at least one harvesting-process parameter is defined as an output variable of the at least one family of characteristics (A-J).

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a threshing unit for threshing picked-up crop to obtain grain, a driver assistance system, with a memory for storing data, for controlling the threshing unit, and a computing unit for processing at least the data stored in the memory. A sensor system ascertains at least a portion of the current harvesting-process state. A sensor configuration assigned to the sensor system is defined by the type and scope of operational sensors is stored or can be stored in the memory. A functional system model for at least a portion of the combine harvester is stored in the memory. The computing unit is designed to carry out an autonomous determination of a threshing-unit parameter based on the system model, and defines the system model forming a basis of the control of the threshing unit depending on the sensor configuration stored in the memory.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a threshing unit for threshing picked-up crop to obtain grain and a driver assistance system for controlling the threshing unit. The driver assistance system includes a memory for storing data and a computing unit for processing the data stored in the memory. The threshing unit, together with the driver assistance system, forms an automated threshing unit, in that a plurality of selectable harvesting-process strategies is stored in the memory and in that, in order to implement the particular selected harvesting-process strategy, the computing device autonomously determines at least one machine parameter, for example, a threshing-unit parameter, and specifies the parameter to the threshing unit.

Abstract: A grain tank level sensing system for a combine which harvests grain. The combine includes an upwardly open grain tank fillable with harvested grain and a cover that is displaceable for closing off the open grain tank. An actuator displaces the cover between an open and close position and either single or dual ultrasonic sensors continuously detect the level of grain in the tank and generate a signal proportional to the level of grain in the grain tank. A control system receives the signal from the ultrasonic sensors and generates an indication of the level in the tank to a monitor and/or disables the actuator to initiate the closing function when the grain tank is full.

Abstract: A harvesting machine crop unloading spout assembly includes an unloading tube elbow terminating at a first end in a first flange that is secured to the outlet of a harvesting machine crop tank. The first flange includes one or more bearings permitting it to swivel about a swivel axis and the unloading tube elbow includes a cranked portion terminating at a second end in an opening. The spout assembly further includes a fixed member adjacent the unloading tube elbow, the unloading tube elbow connected to the fixed member by way of a pivot the axis of which coincides with the swivel axis. The spout assembly includes a rotatable drive gear and a motor drivingly engaged therewith for causing rotation of the unloading tube elbow about the swivel axis, the axis of rotation of the drive gear also coinciding with the swivel axis.

Abstract: A crop processor for a forage harvester. The crop processor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The crop processor further includes a pair of crop processor rolls mounted inside the housing. The crop processor rolls are made of a metal, are arranged parallel to each other, and have a gap in between. The crop processor is configured to, during use, transport a flow of harvested crop, received from the inlet, through the gap towards the outlet. Each of the crop processor rolls comprises a plurality of teeth arranged along a circumference of the crop processor rolls. The plurality of teeth have a height in radial direction and a length extending in an axial direction of the crop processor rolls. The plurality of teeth of the crop processor rolls are manufactured to comprise a substantially flat top surface of a predetermined width (W).

Abstract: A pickup unit for an agricultural baler. The pickup unit includes a frame; a pickup roll carried by the frame; and a windrow conditioning roll carried by the frame and positioned in front of the pickup roll when in an operating position. The windrow conditioning roll includes a center core and a pair of counter-rotating flightings surrounding the center core. The counter-rotating flightings are connected together in a manner such that wrapping of crop material around the windrow conditioning roll is inhibited.

Abstract: A multi-conveyer silage cart (100) includes a bed (105) having a plurality of walls (107) and a plurality of beaters (113, 115) for breaking up clumped silage (111) in the bed (105). One or more conveyers (109, 119) are used for transferring silage in the bed from the rear of the bed through the plurality of beaters (113, 115) and out though the side of one of the plurality of walls for deposit or disposal. Thus, a method also includes removing silage from the front end of a multi-conveyer silage cart using a plurality of conveyers and beaters.

Abstract: A combine harvester grain cleaner. The grain cleaner includes an upper, relatively moveable framework supporting one or more grain sieves, one or more sources of drive for causing reciprocating movement of the one or more grain sieves, a lower, relatively fixed framework supporting one or more grain or tailings sheets, and a vibrator connected to the one or more grain and tailings sheets for causing a vibratory motion thereof and for, through the vibratory motion, causing movement of grain thereon in a predetermined direction. The vibratory motion has a higher frequency than a frequency of the reciprocation of the one or more grain sieves.

Abstract: A hay bale spacer, the hay bale spacer configured with a riser support to provide an air gap between a tarp and an outer surface of a bale of hay, wherein said riser support is configured to be gripped, a side integral to said riser support, said side comprises a plurality of stakes extending from said side, said stakes configured to releasable affix thereto the outer surface of the bale of hay and that functions to create an environment with proper air circulation, prevent condensation, and to prevent mold growth within the hay bale, thus extending the storage expectancy of the bale.

Abstract: A track system for supporting a landscaping material, the track system having a first track section including a first opening; a second track section positioned adjacent to the first track section, the second track section including a second opening; a connector for releasably securing the first track section to the second track section, the connector including a first end and a second end; and a fastener for securing the track system to a landscaping surface, wherein the first opening is configured to receive the first end of the connector and the second opening is configured to receive the second end of the connector.

Abstract: A debris blower that is operable to direct a first stream of air in a first direction and further direct a second stream of air in a second direction. The debris blower further includes a housing that is operable to secure a first blower motor and a second blower motor. The first blower motor has operably coupled thereto a first discharge tube wherein the first discharge tube directs a stream of air outward therefrom. The second blower motor has operably secured thereto a second discharge tube wherein the second discharge tube directs a stream of air in a direction independent of the first discharge tube. A pair of straps are secured to the housing to facilitate carrying of the debris blower.

Abstract: A plant growth control system is disclosed. The plant growth control system includes: an information collection device, a processor coupled to the information collection device, and a controllable light source. The information collection device is configured to acquire growth information of a plant, the growth information including at least one of branch and leaf distribution information of the plant or flower distribution information of the plant. The processor is configured to determine, according to the growth information, a target irradiation position of the plant for the controllable light source to irradiate, and control the controllable light source to irradiate the target irradiation position of the plant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods incorporating mobile agricultural devices. These devices can incorporate various features including growth lattices and internal drainage features and are mobile allowing for agricultural systems with continuous plant production. A user can easily remove and replace plants, for example, vining plants, within a particular growing space based upon their progression within their growth cycle. In some embodiments, the agricultural devices can be incorporated into agricultural systems which can comprise various lighting, drainage and nutrient distribution features.

Abstract: This disclosure shows a method for adjusting and stabilizing a support for a plant by using the steps of winding or wrapping straps around the stems of vine plants or other types of plants to support growth of the plants and then affixing male and female snap connectors embedded on the said straps to male and female snap connectors embedded into a stake or to male and female snap connectors embedded on the said straps or embedded onto another of said straps. The purpose of the method is to accommodate plant growth and to maintain a vertical growth pattern for the vine or other type of plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved attachment devices fort support lines in plant growth support systems (e.g., trellis systems) and methods of using the same, and offers significant improvements efficiency with regard to assembling and disassembling the support systems for plant and crop growth. The attachment devices may be advantageously used for various vine and low-lying plants (e.g., grapes, tomatoes, etc.) that can be grown in a trellis system or other vertical growth support system. The anchoring devices may include a wire loop for slipping over an end post and a wire strainer bracket attached to the wire loop.

Abstract: A plant cultivation system 100 includes a plurality of plant cultivation units 20, and a management apparatus 30 that manages each plant cultivation unit 20. Each plant cultivation unit 20 includes a greenhouse 1 that serves as a space for plant cultivation, an environment control unit 12 that controls an environment in the greenhouse 1, a storage unit 9 that stores setting values that are control targets for the environment control unit 12 for every number of elapsed days since the cultivation initiating day, and an environment setting instructing unit 10 that sets the setting values stored in the storage unit 9 in the environment control unit 12 in accordance with the number of elapsed days since a cultivation initiating day.

Abstract: A short-chain hydrocarbon combustor and carbon dioxide generator installable into an existing ventilation system venting an interior grow space effects combustion of a gas supply to produce carbon dioxide on demand and maintain a desired atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide interior the grow space. Exhaust gas producible at a high-efficiency burner is drawn through a boustrophedonic flue and passed through each of a first and second heat exchanger wherein heat is conducted into a vented airflow traveling through the existing ventilation system for discard exterior to the grow space. Condensate precipitated during cooling is collectable at a water trap, and drainable for use in the grow space. Carbon dioxide enriched exhaust gas is thereby cooled by an at least 95% reduction in heat previous to emission into the grow space. Temperature and humidity are thereby controllable within desired ranges and yield maximization enabled.

Abstract: A tree removal device configured for coupling on a working vehicle is usable for slicing tree roots. The working vehicle has a front element which is pivotal relative to a frame of the vehicle about a lateral axis in front of a forward end of the frame, thereby allowing a knife element of the tree removal device to be pivoted into the ground for performing a cutting action with a sharpened cutting edge so as to slice the tree roots.

Abstract: An underground irrigation or piping system for water or fertilizing adjacent soil. The irrigation or piping system may be a horizontal system or a vertical system. A pipe contains a first, larger cavity and a second smaller cavity. Water or other fluids may flow from the first cavity to the second cavity, through a transfer port or via a vortex created by a restriction within a coupling or other element of the system. As the fluid transfers from the first cavity to the second cavity, it obtains a higher pressure. Emitters, such as holes) in the pipe that communicate with the second opening allow the pressurized fluid to spray out of the pipe a predetermined distance. Nutrients, air, or other elements may be added in the system to further fertilize or encourage vegetation growth.

Abstract: An emitter is arranged inside a tube and has: an emitter main body that is constituted by a resin molded body that has at least a recessed part and a through hole; and a flexible film that is joined to at least one surface of the emitter main body and that forms a flow path by closing off the recessed part and an opening part of at least one part the through hole. The emitter has a discharge amount adjusting part that is for making adjustments in accordance with the water pressure inside the tube. When the pressure of an irrigation liquid that is inside the tube is at or above a set value, the film slackens, and the discharge amount adjusting part narrows the flow path of the liquid and reduces flow rate.

Abstract: An emitter (120) has, in a water intake part thereof, a water intake amount regulating part for preventing low-pressure liquid from flowing in. The water intake amount regulating part has a valve body (214) and a securing part (215). When the pressure of the liquid meant to flow into the emitter (120) is less than a set value, the valve body (214) does not move with the securing part (215), preventing the liquid from flowing into the emitter (120). When the pressure of the liquid is equal to or greater than the set value, the valve body (214) bends downstream to open the flow channel for the liquid.

Abstract: An emitter that is arranged on an inner wall surface of a tube through which an irrigation liquid flows, the emitter being arranged at a position that corresponds to a discharge opening that communicates between the inside and outside of the tube. The emitter is for quantitatively discharging from the discharge opening the irrigation liquid inside the tube and has: a water intake part that is for taking in the irrigation liquid; a discharge part that is for discharging the irrigation liquid; and a flow path that connects the water intake part and the discharge part and through which the irrigation liquid flows. Further, an inner wall surface of the flow path is constituted by a composition that includes an antimicrobial agent and includes a resin or rubber.

Abstract: A discrete flat dripper of the non-pressure regulated type of drippers or of the pressure compensated—flow rate regulated type of drippers, suited for being integrally installed within a hose, that comprises a body component whose configuration is essentially rectangular, wherein on its one side that is suited to being affixed to an internal wall of the hose, formed with an exit pool that it is elongated in its dimensions and substantially extends along the entire length of the body component, and with a flow passage circumferentially surrounding a substantial part of the elongated exit pool, and an integral dripper line wherein there are integrated at least one of such discrete flat dripper.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes an inlet and an outlet, and has a first state where liquid is stopped from flowing from the inlet towards the outlet, a second state where liquid is released to flow from the inlet towards and out of the outlet, and a terminal state where after flowing out of the outlet, the liquid is stopped form flowing out of the outlet. An incoming command triggers the valve assembly from the first state towards the second state and, at or after reaching the terminal state, the valve assembly transmits an outgoing command.

Abstract: A root watering and feeding device may include an interchangeable liquid collection basin that may be operably connected to an elongated hollow tube that includes perforations. The liquid collection basin may include a tapered or non-tapered hole that allows water to pass from the liquid collection basin, through the elongated hollow tube, and out of the perforations into the soil. A kit of liquid collection basins and/or elongated hollow tubes may be provided such that a desirable root watering device for a plant or a type of plant may be assembled.

Abstract: A plant watering system is adapted to provide water to a plant both at and below a ground surface. The plant watering system includes a passive water manifold, connected to a fill tube. A first reservoir is connected to the fill tube. A first reservoir first plurality of water seepage panels and a first reservoir second plurality of water seepage panels are formed within the first reservoir and configured to disperse water from the passive water manifold below the ground surface. A spraying manifold is attached to a sprayer tube. A coupler sprayer is mechanically coupled to the sprayer tube; wherein the coupler sprayer is configured to disperse water from the spraying manifold above the ground surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a plant growth lighting apparatus capable of forming a lighting region having a high degree of illuminance uniformity in the array direction of a light-emitting element array as well as a plant hydroponic cultivation apparatus and a plant hydroponic cultivation method capable of growing a plant with high growth efficiency even in a large cultivation region. A plurality of light-emitting element units, each including a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element having an emission peak wavelength different from that of the first light-emitting element, are arranged side by side along one direction to form a light-emitting element array. The light-emitting element unit is constituted by two second light-emitting elements disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other in the one direction and one first light-emitting element disposed between the two second light-emitting elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to plant biotechnology. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and media compositions for the efficient direct organogenesis and indirect organogenesis of Jathropha plants, such as Jatropha curcas.

Abstract: A process for propagating Theobroma cacao L. is described. The process uses direct or indirect somatic embryogenesis to produce primary embryos from explant material, and then applies direct somatic embryogenesis to the resulting primary embryos to produce secondary embryos. These may be matured, pre-germinated, and germinated to form plantlets. Plants, plants bearing fruit, and plant materials are also provided, as well as methods for processing the fruit of the plants to generate cocoa products.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 00244 TOP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G3697124H. Also included are seeds of canola G3697124H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G3697124H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G3697124H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G3697124H.

Abstract: Pet litter box cleaning system including a base structure, sieve member, and, optionally, trash receptacle is provided. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) extending upward from the bottom wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. In a first embodiment, the sieve member includes a back wall for extending across the open side, a sifter and handle. In a second embodiment, a door serves to close the open side and the sieve member does not include a back wall. The trash receptacle may extend from an upraised wall of the base structure. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure to clean litter of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter passes through the sifter and waste collects on the sifter which then is disposed of into a trash receptacle.

Abstract: A method of providing a fragrant odour to an application, comprising the addition thereto of at least one compound of the formula I wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of —CR1R2R3, —NR4R5 and —OR6, wherein R1 to R5 are selected from H and essentially hydrocarbon moieties that optionally comprise at least one oxygen, nitrogen or silicon atom, and R6 is selected from essentially hydrocarbon moieties that optionally comprise at least one oxygen, nitrogen or silicon atom; and, A is an essentially hydrocarbon moiety that optionally comprises at least one oxygen, sulphur, nitrogen or silicon atom, with the proviso that the compound A-CHO is a fragrant aldehyde. The use of these compounds in laundry, household and personal care products confers a long-lasting freshness.

Abstract: A pet waste collection apparatus having an absorbent pad having opposing outermost layers, comprising a permeable layer and an opposing substantially leak proof layer; the absorbent pad comprising at least one innermost layer of waste absorbing material sandwiched and completely enclosed between the opposing outermost layers and completely filling a volume therebetween extending to the outer peripheral border, which has an interior passageway, a draw tape therein, and a plurality of outside cut off corners having adjacent interior passageway openings; the draw tape having a length greater than that of the outer peripheral border; the draw tape routed through the adjacent interior passageway openings exposing the draw tape at the outside cut off corners; the waste collection apparatus forming a bag, when the draw tape is pulled taut.

Abstract: The invention provides a pet health and life management system and method having a self-learning capability, wherein the said system comprises a cloud data sever, an intelligent feeder, a mobile intelligent client, an intelligent portable device; wherein the intelligent portable device is arranged on or in the pet for acquiring activity information of the pet, and sending the acquired information to the cloud data sever or/and the corresponding intelligent feeder; wherein the cloud data server or/and the intelligent feeder is/are used for customizing a feeding scheme for the pet according to respective pieces of activity information of the pet, and the intelligent feeder acquires the feeding scheme; the intelligent feeder controls output feeding amount according to a corresponding feeding scheme. The invention can allocate type and amount of pet food according to different pets and activity conditions thereof.

Abstract: An improved animal trough includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a receptacle configured to receive a first fluid, and a housing separated from the receptacle. The receptacle is substantially smooth in order to prevent or discourage the growth of algae or the buildup or dirt and grime. The housing may include a ballast compartment configured to receive a second fluid and the trough may include a heating element configured to heat both the first and second fluid. The trough may also include a sieve configured to remove debris from the receptacle.

Abstract: A drinking apparatus includes a drinking receptacle, a liquid reservoir, a pump, a controller, and a liquid detector. The liquid reservoir has a liquid outlet for dispensing liquid into the drinking receptacle. The pump has an inlet in liquid communication with the drinking receptacle, and an outlet in liquid communication with the reservoir. The controller is configured to control the operation of the pump. The liquid level detector is configured to detect when the level of liquid in the reservoir is below a first threshold level. The controller is responsive to the liquid level detector to operate the pump to pump liquid from the drinking receptacle into the reservoir when the liquid level detector indicates that the level of liquid in the reservoir is below the threshold level, and the controller is configured to deactivate the pump at the end of a pumping period.

Abstract: A thermal regulating dog jacket is described that can be of particular benefit when utilized in warmer temperatures (indoors or outdoors). The dog jackets incorporate a temperature regulating material that can absorb thermal energy in warm weather as well as release thermal energy in cold weather. The dog jacket can provide thermal regulation without requiring an external triggering mechanism, such as additional moisture or sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a sock for use on the leg of a horse or ungulate, such as a cow, donkey or other hoofed animal. In the preferred embodiment the sock is tubular in shape having an upper opening and a lower opening. The sock is generally comprised of an upper cuff, main body and lower cuff. The upper cuff and main body are configured to frictionally engage creating a circumferential force on the leg of the horse such that the sock will not easily slip down on the leg of the horse. Expanded knit around the knee joint and fetlock joints allow for the free motion of those joints thus alleviating contrary forces that would normally and otherwise cause the sock to be pulled down by that motion. The lower cuff is configured to expand over said hoof of said ungulate and when over the hoof conform to or hug the small pastern.