Abstract: A metering system is proposed for an agricultural distributor for dispensing granular or granulated material with which a vertical cell wheel arrangement in combination with an adjustable cell wheel floor achieves great variability of the adjustable metering volumes with reduced drive energy requirement.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path. A blocking member located adjacent the first path immediately preceding the release position prevents movement of the seed in the second direction until the seed has passed the blocking member.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine operator platform includes a one-piece plastic composite molded structure with a top surface and an outer wall, and a plurality of slots in the top surface and outer wall. A pair of steering levers may be pivotably mounted to steering pivot bolts in the slots in the top surface, and a brake lever pivotably mounted in a slot in the outer wall. The slots where the steering levers and brake lever are mounted have integral bearing surfaces.

Abstract: A work machine includes an operation rod, a front unit disposed at a front end of the operation rod and configured to attach a tool, a rear unit disposed at a rear end of the operation rod and configured to attach a battery, a brushless motor disposed in the front unit and configured to drive the tool, a motor controller disposed in the rear unit and electrically coupled with the battery, and a plurality of motor power lines disposed along the operation rod and configured to electrically couple the motor controller with the brushless motor.

Abstract: A location estimation system for use with an autonomous lawn mowing robot, comprises a plurality of synthetic surfaces positioned with respect to a mowable space in an environment, a radiation source coupled to the lawn mowing robot, a detector coupled to the lawn mowing robot and configured to detect radiation reflected by objects in the environment, and a controller configured to controllably direct radiation from the radiation source to scan the environment, and to vary at least one of an output power of the directed radiation and a scan rate of the directed radiation, as a function of detected radiation reflected from one or more of the synthetic surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention involves a multiply adjustable, obstacle responsive mower deck mounted “edge” trimmer that is easily adjustable, easily maintained and stored, low-profile, and requires no outside power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting bast stalks includes a cutting device and a first moving belt. The cutting device is configured to receive bast stalks includes at least one cutter at a front end of the apparatus, where the cutter is configured to cut bast stalks from bast plants. The first moving belt has a first end for receiving the cut bast stalks from the cutter, a second end, and a top surface configured to move the cut bast stalks between the first end and the second end. The apparatus includes a plurality of spaced tines extending toward the top surface of the first belt to orient a substantial majority of the bast stalks generally parallel to each other and generally along the direction the first moving belt is configured to move.

Abstract: A control unit is connected to an actuator to adjust the position of the implement relative to the vehicle. A ground-profile determining device is connected to the control unit and is designed to determine a ground profile in front of the vehicle. The control unit is programmed to determine an expected vertical movement of the vehicle because of the ground profile and to prospectively transmit to the actuator a control signal that is dimensioned such that the implement is continuously guided in a predeterminable position above the ground profile. The control device considers the expected deformation of the ground profile because of the tires or tracks of the vehicle or an expected vertical movement of the vehicle relative to the ground profile.

Abstract: A two-stage harvesting system including a first stage harvesting apparatus and a second stage harvesting apparatus. The first stage harvesting apparatus takes a first crop portion from an agricultural crop leaving a second crop portion in a field. The second stage harvesting apparatus takes the second crop portion. The first stage harvesting apparatus and the second stage harvesting apparatus are connected together.

Abstract: A material collection system sensor includes a paddle pivotably mounted to a tunnel on a collection container floor. The forward end of the paddle is adjacent a front of the collection container and the rearward end is adjacent a rear of the collection container. A switch mounted to the tunnel under the paddle has an actuator extending above the tunnel that is actuatable by downward pivotal movement of the paddle. A sensitivity adjuster attached to the tunnel under the paddle has a sensitivity adjustment knob outside the collection container which compresses or relaxes a spring extending upwardly against the paddle.

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 assembly for an agricultural machine having a pick-up drum rotatably mounted in a frame; a windguard mounted at a free end of two lateral support arms, the two lateral support arms pivotably mounted at their other end to the frame; a crossbar having tines mounted at one end to the crossbar, the crossbar pivotably mounted to the support arms for allowing a range of free movement of the free extremities of the tines between an upper limit and a lower limit wherein two elongate flexible tension elements are connected at one end eccentrically to the crossbar and at their other end to the frame.

Abstract: An after-threshing arrangement for a combine harvester (10) comprises a returns conveyor (72), which is located downstream from a returns auger (52), and an after-threshing device (74), which is located within a housing (98), with a vertical rotation axis, which can be acted on in an axial direction from above with the returns from the outlet (86) of the returns conveyor (72), and a radially situated discharge opening (118) by means of which the after-threshed returns can be supplied to a conveyor (42) for the transport of the after-threshed returns to a cleaning device (46). For the active conveyance of the returns, an impeller (90) with a horizontal rotation axis is located between the outlet (86) of the returns conveyor (72) and the after-threshing device (74).

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: The invention provides improved compositions and methods for growing and cultivating plants, wherein the compositions and methods comprise placing phase change materials (PCMs) close to, in contact with, or substantially in contact with, a plant root system, a plant pot or a plant soil (containing plant roots) to absorb the heat from the day and release it at night.

Abstract: A landscaping blower nozzle assembly includes an inlet section for allowing air into the assembly, an elbow section and a motor. A nozzle is insertable into the elbow section such that the motor moves the elbow section in an moveable motion back and forth though at least 180 degree of motion for aiding the operator in the movement and removal of leaves and other debris.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve assembly with a trigger for switching the pneumatic valve assembly between two or more valve operation modes is disclosed herein. The valve operational modes are determined by selection of fluid conduits by a trigger valve assembly of the pneumatic valve assembly which interconnects fluid conduits to a main valve, pilot valves and a pneumatic cylinder of a fluid powered pole saw and wherein a piston located in the pneumatic cylinder is mechanically coupled to a cutting blade of the pole saw and the trigger is operatively coupled to the trigger valve assembly.

Abstract: A sheet metal planter comprises three panel types, can be assembled with readily available tools, can be disassembled to fit in a compact space, can be made in more than one shape, does not require fasteners in one embodiment or places a modest load on fasteners in another embodiment, and is aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: A plant support effective in pots with a base diameter of from about 4 to 24 inches, constructed of a telescoping pole; a central perimeter size-adjustable base effectively supporting the pole; at least a first detachable ring disc detachably attachable about the base, and at least a second ring disc detachably attachable about the first ring disc, providing for effective support for growing plants. The telescoping pole is length adjustable to at least eight feet to eliminate the need to replace a support as the plant grows. The plant support is constructed so as to be removed from a pot together as one with the plant it is supporting avoiding separating the plant from the plant support device as the base of the plant support device supports the root mass allowing much of the soil to remain around the root mass as the plant is lifted from its pot.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a greenhouse (10) for underwater cultivation of terrestrial plant species as well as to an underwater cultivation assembly using it, in which the greenhouse (10) for underwater cultivation of terrestrial plant species is characterised in that it comprises a balloon (11) adapted to being filled with air in an underwater environment (50), the balloon (11) comprising an aperture (12) for lower access, the balloon (11) being made from material that is impermeable to water and permeable to light, the balloon (11) comprising at least one inner support shelf (17) for housing at least one seedbed (53) and means for restraining (14) to the floor (51) of the aquatic basin.

Abstract: This invention describes the use of S-abscisic acid (S-ABA) to modify sensory characteristics such as aroma, bouquet, flavor, mouthfeel, astringency, balance, complexity or finish of red grapes and red wine.

Abstract: A boom structure (2) on a work machine (1) including at least two boom branches (2a, 2b) and a main boom structure (2c) extending from their convergence area (4) substantially in a working direction. Thus the boom structure (2) provides a fork-like structure.

Abstract: A portable directional tree feller is an apparatus used to brace a tree that is being felled and to control it is lowered to the ground. The apparatus comprises a trunk cradle, a notch hinge, a stump cradle, an actuator, a counterfort, and a ground support. The trunk cradle braces the cut portion of a felled tree, and the stump cradle braces the rooted portion of the felled tree. The trunk cradle is pivotally connected to the stump cradle by the notch hinge. The ground support is used to brace the apparatus against the ground and is perpendicularly connected the stump cradle. The counterfort is used to buttress the right angle created between the ground support and the stump cradle. The actuator is pivotally connected to both the ground support and the trunk brace and provides the mechanical power to raise and lower the cut portion with trunk brace.

Abstract: An irrigation system that includes a carriage may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage supports one or more exit ports that are fed plant growth material by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands are configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports are able to discharge their plant growth material. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants, and to enhance the plant root-plant growth material interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by a modular framework.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer (1) with a pump (20), a plurality of nozzles, a valve arrangement (28) associated with the nozzles and a feed conduit (25). The valve arrangement (28) selectively connects the feed conduit (25) to a bypass conduit (26) or to the nozzles. A return conduit (32) branches off from the feed conduit (25). A regulation valve (30) applies a variable degree of throttling to the fluid flowing through the return conduit. A pressure sensor (41) provides a signal for fluid delivered to the valve arrangement. A flow sensor (42) provides a signal representing the flow in the feed conduit (25). A controller (50) is in receipt of the sensor signals, receives instructions from an operator and controls the regulation valve (30) using the instructions from the operator and available measured signals using feedback control loops combined with a feed forward signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01045783. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01045783. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01045783 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01045783 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nuclear encoded dominant male sterile leek plants. A segregation for male sterility of about 50% is observed in the F1. Furthermore genetic markers linked to the nuclear encoded dominant male sterility are identified. The present invention is also directed to methods producing the nuclear encoded dominant male sterile leek plant, to methods producing hybrids from the nuclear encoded dominant male sterile leek plants, to hybrid leek plants, to seeds and parts of plants of the nuclear encoded dominant male sterile leek plants and the hybrids there from. In addition, method to use the genetic markers linked to the nuclear encoded dominant male sterile leek plants are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of squash hybrid SV8655YL and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid SV8655YL and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a squash plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another squash 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: A squash cultivar, designated squash line PN301, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of squash line PN301, to the plants of squash line PN301 and to methods for producing a squash plant by crossing the squash line PN301 with itself or another squash cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a squash plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic squash plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to squash cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from squash line PN301, to methods for producing other squash cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from squash line PN301 and to the squash plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid squash seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing squash line PN301 with another squash cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV2040PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV2040PB 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: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH517525. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH517525, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH517525 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH517525.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated XHK16, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line XHK16, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line XHK16 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line XHK16 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XHK16, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line XHK16 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV1446SD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV1446SD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn 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 parts of such plants.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated 10CR149116, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123072. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 10CR149116 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV1286GW. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV1286GW, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV1286GW with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line SV1286GW, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X03F668 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03F668 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03F668 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03F668, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03F668. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03F668.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13F218W and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13F218W with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13F218W through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13F218W, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13F218W. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13F218W.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH23YW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH23YW with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH23YW through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH23YW or a locus conversion of PH23YW with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated XB31AB14 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB31AB14, cells from soybean variety XB31AB14, plants of soybean XB31AB14, and plant parts of soybean variety XB31AB14. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB31AB14 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB31AB14, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB31AB14, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB31AB14. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB31AB14 are further provided.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated D3155C and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety D3155C with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into D3155C through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety D3155C, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety D3155C are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated 45S56 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety 45S56 with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 45S56 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety 45S56, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety 45S56 are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated 45H76 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety 45H76 with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 45H76 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety 45H76, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety 45H76 are disclosed.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV028509. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV028509, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV028509 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV028509 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV028509.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050893. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050893. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050893 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050893 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050923. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050923. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050923 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050923 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050728. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050728. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050728 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050728 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01051813. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01051813. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01051813 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01051813 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01052178. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01052178. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01052178 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01052178 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050689. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050689. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050689 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050689 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050509. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050509. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050509 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050509 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.