Abstract: A garden tool for trimming weeds and cutting through roots and mulch. The garden tool includes an elongated handle having an arcuate configuration, wherein the elongated handle includes a first end and a second end. The first end can be held in a hand of the user and also includes an opening thereon for hanging the garden tool on a hook for storage. The second end includes a tool head thereon, wherein the tool head includes a planar body that tapers from a rear end thereof towards the front end thereof so as to form a point. Further, the side edges of the tool head include a plurality of teeth thereon for use in cutting through weeds. The tapered configuration assists the user in cutting through weeds and digging into the mulch.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a toolbar that extends transverse to a tongue when in a field use configuration. The toolbar can be lifted and/or rotated relative to the tongue to transition between a field use and a transport use. A lifting assembly includes one or more actuators and linkage systems to lift the toolbar attached thereto in an arced manner in moving from a field use configuration to a transport configuration. A rotating mechanism can also include one or more actuators to rotate the toolbar about a pivot member. An anti-rotation link includes a member is connected to the toolbar and can be positioned at least partially within a groove to mitigate rotation of the toolbar, such as during the lifting of the toolbar.

Abstract: In one aspect, an agricultural system is provided and includes an information gathering component, a first component and a second component. The information gathering component is configured to gather information pertaining to at least one agricultural characteristic and generate agricultural data associated with the gathered information. The agricultural data is transmitted over a network and used to generate an agricultural prescription, which is comprised of at least one agricultural characteristic and at least one agricultural action. The first component includes a network interface for receiving the agricultural prescription over the network and the second component is in communication with the first component. The second component is configured to receive the agricultural prescription from the first component and is configured to output the at least one agricultural action.

Abstract: A system (1) and method for coating seeds with a treatment liquid, in which transfers of seeds and liquid within the system arc controlled by a control assembly (6) in accordance with selectable operational modes. Some modes involve determining an actual amount of a quantity and/or a subquantity of seeds transferred from a bin (24) based on a change in the weight of seeds remaining in the bin (24), and adjusting the system (1) to account for a difference between the actual and expected amounts. Other modes involve determining an actual amount of a quantity and/or a flowrate of liquid transferred from a tank (750) based on a change in the weight of liquid remaining in the tank (750), and adjusting the system (1) to account for a difference between the actual and expected amounts. Further, these modes can be performed together for even greater redundancy and accuracy.

Abstract: A system for planting multiple types of seed and automatically switching between the varieties during planting in a single planting pass of a planting session of row-crop planting of an agricultural field while controlling seed delivery speed to mitigate seed bounce and/or provide desired seed spacing distances. The system may include a bulk storage system, an on-row storage system, and a charging system that selectively delivers seeds of different varieties from the bulk storage system to the on-row storage system and a seed delivery speed control system that regulates seed delivery speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous lawn mower comprising a control unit in electrical connection with electrical connection means, and at least one replaceable part. The electrical connection means is located such that connection and disconnection of the electrical connection means and its counterpart of the replaceable part can be performed when replacing the replaceable part. The module for such autonomous lawn mower can replace the replaceable part of the lawn mower and comprises a signal generation unit and a counterpart for the electrical connection means of the lawn mower for transmitting electrical signals to a control unit of the autonomous lawn mower. The autonomous lawn mower forms an autonomous lawn mower system together with the module.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting device may include a working assembly, a motor and a control assembly. The working assembly may be configured to be rotatable in a first direction and a second direction to perform a first function when rotated in the first direction and a second function, different from the first function, when rotated in the second direction. The motor may be operably coupled to the working assembly to rotate the working assembly. The control assembly may be operably coupled to the motor to enable an operator of the device to select a rotation direction for the working assembly. The working assembly may be configured to perform the first and second functions using a single blade assembly.

Abstract: A zero turn mower steering system including left and right motion control levers independently pivotable between forward, neutral and reverse positions to rotate left and right rear drive wheels respectively at forward, neutral and reverse speeds. Left and right position sensors on the left and right motion control levers provide electronic signals to an electronic controller that provides a left front wheel steering angle signal and a right front wheel steering angle signal. Each steering angle signal is based on a distance the electronic controller calculates from each of the left and right rear drive wheels to an instantaneous center point of a turn.

Abstract: A system including a detachable header a target area; and a combine harvester with a feeder house configured to couple to the detachable header in an area corresponding to the target area; and a control system that can detect the target area; automatically cause the feeder house to align with the target area; and responsive to the alignment, cause automated coupling of the feeder house with the detachable header in the area corresponding to the target area.

Abstract: A harvesting header bat having a channel for removably receiving alternating quick-release fingers and spacers is provided. The spacers are capable of production in different lengths to support different applications of the harvesting header. The quick-release finger is provided with projections configured for mating with flanges at the channel opening, enabling the finger to be inserted into the channel in a first orientation and then rotated into a second orientation to engage the flanges and releasably lock the finger in place. The spacers are also configured to engage the flanges of the channel and may be provided in different lengths where a particular harvesting header application requires a certain distance between fingers on the bat.

Abstract: A round module builder for forming a round module. The round module comprises a feeder and a module-forming portion. The module-forming portion comprises at least one baler belt configured to receive a crop from the feeder, at least one baler roller sheave configured to drive the baler belt, and a module-forming chamber. The module-forming portion is configured to receive the crop and rotate the crop in the module-forming chamber into the round module. A powered brush is coupleable to the module-forming portion above the feeder and at least one of positioned in contact with the baler belt and positioned adjacent the baler belt. The powered brush is configured to remove the crop from the baler belt outside the module-forming chamber and return the crop to the feeder which returns the crop to the module-forming chamber where the crop is formed into the round module.

Abstract: A pick-up, an agricultural implement, and a method for ejecting a foreign object by the crop pick-up and the agricultural implement are provided. The agricultural implement comprises a crop inlet to collect picked-up crop. The crop pick-up comprises a reel with pick-up fingers to pick up the crop from the field, an auger to transport the picked-up crop to the crop inlet of the agricultural implement, and drive means. The drive means rotate the reel and the auger in a pick-up direction and a collection direction for picking up and transporting the crop, and a retrieval direction for retrieving already collected crop when a foreign object is detected in the collected crop. The crop pick-up further comprises ejection means to actively rotate the reel in an ejection direction for ejecting the retrieved crop.

Abstract: A combine harvester with an axial flow crop processor with a rotor mounted for rotation inside a rotor housing arranged longitudinally with respect to the harvester. A feed beater is mounted for rotation on a substantially transverse axis and serves to tangentially impel crop material into the crop processor. A drive system drives the rotor and feed beater, wherein the drive system includes a rotor drive device for transmitting torque from a drive stage to the rotor, and a drive connection between the rotor drive device and the beater.

Abstract: A lockout closure includes an interlock device and a closure panel. The interlock device may be operatively coupled to a moving device and have a movable switch mechanism for interrupting operation of the device. The closure panel may have an engagement surface movable with respect to the interlock device in order to interact with the switch mechanism. The closure panel may be movable between an open position, in which the closure panel is positioned to uncover an access opening, and a closed position, in which the closure panel is positioned to cover the access opening. When the closure panel is in the open position, the engagement surface engages or disengages the switch mechanism so that the interlock device interrupts operation of the moving device.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring agricultural products, for agricultural machines designed for the formation of a bale is provided. The transfer apparatus includes at least one impeller rotor, which can be arranged between a pick-up drum of agricultural products and a chamber for the compression of the agricultural products. The rotor is facing a deck, for delimiting at least partially a channel. The deck is coupled to a fixed frame by way of at least two supports which can move on command. At least one first support includes at least one support pin, which is coupled to a first portion of the deck and moved, in a corresponding guiding slot, by a corresponding actuator. At least one second support includes at least one crank, which is coupled to a second portion of the deck and rotatable about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the advancement direction.

Abstract: The process aseptically inoculates a liquid media with a vegetative Xylaria fungal species to form a culture; statically incubates the culture in a vessel for a time sufficient to begin initiation of fruit body development and asexual sporulation and halts incubation at maximum conidia production prior to the beginning of sexual sporulation. Thereafter, the entire culture contents of the incubation vessel are macerated to homogenize the fungal biomass and conidia therein and form an inoculum.

Abstract: A method of producing a mycological composite material comprises inoculating a substrate of fibrous material with an inoculum of mycelial tissue; rolling the inoculated substrate into a roll; and thereafter incubating the rolled inoculated substrate for a time sufficient for the mycelial tissue to grow hyphae that enmesh with the substrate to form a cohesive unified filamentous network with the rolled inoculated substrate being characterized in being flexible. The rolled inoculated substrate may be subsequently processed by subjecting lengths of the roll to heat and pressure in molds to form rigid products.

Abstract: A plant support system is provided. The plant support system comprises a longitudinally-extending main support beam and at least one hub received on the main support beam. The plant support system additionally comprises at least one support arm that includes first and second ends, with the first end engaged with the hub, such that the support arm extends laterally from the hub. The plant support system further comprises a paddle engaged with the second end of the hub, with the paddle comprising a frame enclosing an interior space, and with the paddle being configured to receive a portion of a plant through the interior space.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for growing crops/plants under canopy of trees or shades. Embodiments of the disclosure provide a sun light Capturing Unit, sun light tubes to channel the captured sun light and a rotating bent part in sun tube that can be rotated to direct captured sun light to the desired direction. An embodiment also provides mechanism to rotate the bent part.

Abstract: A tree harvesting system includes a loader and a delimber. A camera system mounted on the delimber permits an operator to view an interaction area between a delimbing saw or toping saw and the tree being cut while the operator remains safely in a cab of the loader. The camera system provides image data to a display system located in the cab of the loader, and the image data may be viewed and/or processed to provide information about the interaction area, physical data about the tree, or some combination thereof. Advantageously, the tree harvesting system may allow for more accurate saw cuts at a preferred location of the tree, which in turn may result in a higher dollar amount and more efficient distribution of sticks to the mills.

Abstract: An automated hydroponic growing and harvesting system for sprouts includes a continuous serpentine chain conveyor transporting suspended trays through a tray preparation zone where trays are cleaned, a seeding zone where a layer of seeds is deposited across each tray, a germination zone where environmental conditions and nutrients and water are provided for germination, a growing zone where lighting, nutrients and water are provided for growth, and a harvesting zone where sprouts are dumped from each tray.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR5048PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR5048PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Hybrid pepper designated ‘E20B30106’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid pepper ‘E20B30106’, to the plants of hybrid pepper ‘E20B30106’, to methods for producing hybrid plants, and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid pepper ‘E20B30106’.

Abstract: A novel garden bean variety, designated PV-832, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean variety PV-832, to the plants of garden bean line PV-832 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the variety PV-832 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean 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 garden bean lines derived from the variety PV-832.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G1992650A. Also included are seeds of canola G1992650A, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G1992650A and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G1992650A with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G1992650A.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G175274R. Also included are seeds of canola G175274R, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G175274R and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G175274R with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G175274R.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G2537376H. Also included are seeds of canola G2537376H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G2537376H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G2537376H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G2537376H.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated CL134904R. Also included are seeds of canola CL134904R, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL134904R and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL134904R with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL134904R.

Abstract: A milking machine system comprising: a milking machine system for regulating a flow of a milk from a teat into a reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for homogenizing a fibrous, viscous food mass 1, in particular pasta filata, such as mozzarella, for example, wherein a feed quantity of the food mass 1 is initially fed continuously to a homogenizing device comprising a container, wherein in a subsequent step the food mass 1 exiting an outlet gap of the container is fed to a shaping and/or cooling device disposed underneath the container, wherein the shaping and/or cooling device forms a filling gap between two rollers, each of which, in particular, is equipped with a belt, and shapes the food mass 1 into a food strip, wherein the outlet gap of the container is oriented at least substantially parallel to the filling gap, wherein the opening width of the outlet gap 5 and/or the feed quantity are set such that the food mass located in the container can settle for the purpose of homogenization, wherein the fibers of the food mass entering the filling gap are aligned substantially in the processing direction.

Abstract: An animal littler container enclosure system includes an access chute, a housing, and a drawer. The access chute has a first access, a second access, and an exterior surface, and is configured to be inserted through a wall between a first space and a second space such that the first access is located in the first space and the second access is located in the second space. The housing has a back access aperture; an interior top surface adjacent the back access aperture, a mounting flange adjacent the back access aperture, a front wall with a front wall exterior surface, and a front drawer aperture. The housing is configured to be mounted to the wall in the second space through attaching the mounting flange to the wall and resting the interior top surface on the exterior surface of the access chute.

Abstract: A cover member is placeable along an outer peripheral edge of an absorbent member to partly cover the absorbent member. The absorbent member is a pet discharge absorbable sheet-shaped member. The cover member has a predetermined width in a direction crossing the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent member, and an upper surface with a slanted portion having a downward inclination extending widthwise from an outer peripheral side of the cover member toward an inner peripheral side of the cover member.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for providing an animal access to and from an elevated surface, which includes a landing area, an adjustable ramp connected to said landing area, and an anchor platform connected perpendicular to the landing area for supporting the landing area and adjustable ramp to the elevated surface. The apparatus particularly solves the unmet need in that it is portable, trip-free to humans, is of sufficient length to allow for gradual access for smaller, older, sick or injured pets, can be anchored by any mattress and box spring set and is free floating. The present invention optionally includes one or side walls which are removably connected to the landing platform or ramp plank.

Abstract: The invention features pet feeder apparatus configured to reduce the stress on feline whiskers when the pet feeds on its food. The invention contemplates a first potion that may be spherically or concave indented and configured to supply and/or provide pet food access for a pet. In some aspects, the invention may also include a lower portion which is releasably engaged with the base of the first portion.

Abstract: An animal feeder system for dispensing feed onto a ground surface, including a tank configured for holding feed and having a bottom end for receiving a gravity flow of feed in the tank. A spreader mechanism is operably coupled with the bottom end of the tank, and is operable to receive a flow of feed from the bottom end of the tank and periodically dispense the feed onto a ground surface proximate the tank. A bulk dump system includes a discharge port positioned in the tank and configured for capturing feed in the gravity flow, and a feed valve coupled with the discharge port and selectively operable for dispensing the captured feed from the discharge port into a pile on the ground surface.

Abstract: We describe an animal entry control system, for example for a cat flap, using RFID (radio frequency identification). The system comprises an RFID reader to register the presence and identification number of a transponder (15) injected under the skin of an animal; and a door (8) mounted on a hinge (10) and controlled by the RFID tag reader. The RFID reader comprises a resonant circuit including a tuning circuit to control the RFID reader such that a drive frequency of the RFID reader matches both a resonant frequency of the RFID reader and a resonant frequency of the transponder. Embodiments of the system are thus tolerant to a degree of detuning, for example from a metallic or magnetic material in the vicinity of the antenna.

Abstract: A compact self-service pet wash is provided. The compact self-service pet wash includes an equipment room, and a foldable wash tub. The equipment room has a depth that defines the storage depth of the pet wash. The equipment room provides the means to control and supply the wash tub with rinse water, wash solution mix and dry air to wash a pet in the wash tub.

Abstract: An apparatus for gesture control and directional force on remote object based on smart wearable is provided. The apparatus includes a sensor configured to detect a user's gesture, a communication unit, and a controller configured to generate a command for a virtual leash based on the detected gesture, and to control the communication unit to transmit the command to a collar of a pet.

Abstract: A cat scratcher attractant device having a substantially vertically extending cylindrical housing having a centrally located axis. The housing has an exterior surface supporting a cat scratcher and a cap positioned atop the housing having a geometric center coextensive with the centrally located axis. A rotatable spindle is positioned atop the cap at the centrally located axis. First and second wands each having first and second ends are fixed to the spindle at their first ends and support attractants at their second ends, the wands being positioned diametrically on opposite sides of the spindle such that lateral force being applied either wand or attractant will cause both wands to rotate, together with the spindle, about the centrally located axis.

Abstract: A cat scratcher attractant device having a vertically extending axis, a housing having a hollow interior and exterior and a cap terminating an end of the housing, the cat scratcher attractant device further including, a motor and microprocessor supported by and enclosed within the housing. The motor has a rotatable shaft positioned along the vertically extending axis. A wand and an attractant are provided, the wand having first and second ends, the first end being fixed to the rotatable shaft and the second end being fixed to the attractant. The microprocessor is program to control operation of the motor to cause the want to rotate intermittently, the exterior surface of the housing being a cat scratching surface.

Abstract: A chewable pet-entertainment device that includes a treat cage and a first body portion removably coupled to the treat cage. A second body portion is operatively coupled to the treat cage. The first body portion and the second body portion together conceal the treat cage. A timer is disposed in at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Responsive to the timer measuring a set period of time, the first body portion opens relative to the second body portion allowing access to the treat cage.

Abstract: This device is a Special Search Dog Pack and Process for Faster Dog-Only Search. Particularly this search pack device with specific rescue contents and is related to a faster search means wherein the search dog has an attached pack with the rescue contents that can be carried directly to a victim without the need of an attending person. Once found the victim can communicate back to a search party and/or the search party may quickly and accurately locate the victim for a more precise and faster rescue.

Abstract: A multifunction animal collar. The collar including a plurality of electronic components for collecting and transmitting audio and visual information to and from a remote user in real time. The plurality of electronic components including a satellite communication chip, a GPS chip, a camera, a thermographic camera, infrared camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a light. The satellite communication chip capable of transmitting and receiving viewed images and sounds to a remote user for viewing on an external electronic device and back to the animal in real time.

Abstract: A multifunction animal collar. The collar including a plurality of electronic components for collecting and transmitting audio and visual information to and from a remote user in real time. The plurality of electronic components including a satellite communication chip, a GPS chip, a camera, a thermographic camera, infrared camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a light. The satellite communication chip capable of transmitting and receiving viewed images and sounds to a remote user for viewing on an external electronic device and back to the animal in real time.

Abstract: Provided are mechanisms and processes for more effectively monitoring pets to enhance caregiving and pet development. In one example, a system includes a pet monitoring device having a plurality of sensors that gather measurement data, such as motion and arousal, from a pet. The system also includes a monitoring hub that receives the measurement data from the pet monitoring device and analyzes the measurement data in relation to a learning receptivity model obtained from a remote platform. The measurement data is analyzed to predict a time and duration when a pet associated with the pet monitoring device will be receptive to learning.

Abstract: A system and method for feeding poultry are disclosed. The system may include a bucket, a cover configured to removably seal the top of the bucket, a plurality of openings on the bottom of the bucket; and a plurality of arced pipes extending from the openings at the bottom past the sides of the bucket. The method may include the steps of drilling an opening in a housing; placing first elbows in the housing; securing second elbows to the housing; placing spacers on the second elbows; forming a dispersion floor; placing the dispersion floor in the housing; filling the housing with feed; and placing the housing amongst poultry.

Abstract: A device for reorientation of eggs deposited in the hollow open cells of a tray. The device is intended to reorientate at least one egg from said tray along a substantially vertical axis. The device includes at least one reorientation element capable of moving between a low position and a high position with respect to the cell containing the egg to be reorientated. The reorientation element includes a lower seat on which the upright rods are fixed, the upper ends of said rods being able to spread out with respect to each other on contact with the egg to be re-orientated, the upright rods being intended to interpose themselves between the cell and the egg, in the high position, so as to damp and guide a movement of the egg under the effect of its weight to a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A concrete marine habitat substrate tile that is portable for a human and which provides an increased calcium carbonate content and interstitial spaces for feeding and providing a habitat for developing oysters is described. Specifically provided is a reef restoration and oyster growing tile comprising: a concrete tile comprising at least 25% by weight calcium carbonate; wherein the concrete tile comprises a base and a surface disposed on the base and comprising a plurality of spaced projections and interstitial spaces; and wherein the plurality of spaced projections and interstitial spaces provide a 3-dimensional surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to the engineering of animal cells, preferably mammalian, more preferably rat, that are deficient due to the disruption of tumor suppressor gene(s) or gene product(s). In another aspect, the invention relates to genetically modified rats, as well as the descendants and ancestors of such animals, which are animal models of human cancer and methods of their use.

Abstract: The invention concerns a non-human animal model useful for sensitively studying gene-gene interactions over a wide genetic background; methods for producing the animal model; and methods for studying gene-gene interactions using an animal model of the invention.