Abstract: A multi-function service tool capable of creating numerous size cavities in the soil with the deployment of one or more various size cavity cutters attached to the tool t-handle. This modular flexibility concept allows service technicians of various industries and others to deploy a single configured tool, that contains specific attachments, to complete their various assigned service tasks.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining soil aerating tines during soil aerating operations comprising a tine holding assembly having a plurality of holes therein, wherein each hole is adapted to hold a soil aerating tine therein, wherein the holes are arranged in a plurality of rows of holes, wherein a plurality of spaces separate adjacent rows of holes, wherein the holes of at least one row of holes are positioned between the holes of at least one other row of holes. The apparatus can have at least one space that is at least twice as wide as at least one other space. The apparatus can further comprise a plurality of tine holding members, wherein each tine holding member comprises at least one row of holes of the plurality of rows of holes. Tines can be inserted into the holes to form a zigzag pattern.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of sampling soil is provided and includes determining a soil sampling location in a land area of interest by using, at least in part, an electronic device, displaying a first visual image associated with the soil sampling location on a display of the electronic device, navigating to the soil sampling location with the electronic device, sampling soil at the soil sampling location with a soil tester, and displaying a second visual image on the display of the electronic device associated with a result obtained from the soil sample. In one aspect, the electronic device may be a mobile electronic communication device.

Abstract: An osmotic regulator coated seed having enhanced seed germination and plant development is provided. The coated seed has a coating that includes an osmotic regulator that promotes seed germination, seedling emergence, seedling vigor, percent ground coverage, and/or stand density, even when the seed is subjected to abiotic stress conditions, or to reduced availability of water because of deficit irrigation techniques or soils that do not readily absorb or retain water. A method for making and planting such a coated seed are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bamboo plantation where the bamboo is harvested in strips or in rows. In some aspects, the invention relates to methods of harvesting a bamboo plantation in strips or in rows. In some embodiments, the method and plantation described herein allows for sustainable mechanical harvesting of bamboo.

Abstract: A mower blade speed control system with an electronic control unit providing engine speed commands to an internal combustion engine having a maximum power speed and a reduced economy speed, and a continuously variable transmission with variable displacement providing rotational power from the engine to a plurality of mower blades. The electronic control unit monitors engine load and automatically adjusts engine speed and the displacement of the continuously variable transmission in response to engine load to achieve a constant rotational speed of a plurality of mower blades at different engine speeds.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200) comprising a robotic work tool (100), said robotic work tool (100) comprising a chassis (140B) and a body (140A) and at least one support pillar (310) arranged on one of the chassis (140B) and the body (140A) and a corresponding support surface (320) arranged on the other of the chassis (140B) and the body (140A), wherein the support pillar substantially bridges a distance between the chassis (140B) and the body (140A) thereby impairing any roll or tilt of the body (140A) relative the chassis (140B).

Abstract: A mowing head for a trimmer is rotated about an axis of rotation when operated and has a housing with a circumferential wall. A fastening device with a trimmer line guide with a trimmer line channel is provided for the trimmer line. The trimmer line channel has a clamping section with a longitudinal direction. The clamping section has a wide longitudinal side and a narrow longitudinal side, both extending in the longitudinal direction. The clamping section has an inner width tapering from the wide longitudinal side toward the narrow longitudinal side. The trimmer line guide has a deflection edge adjoining the clamping section. The deflection edge is slanted relative to the longitudinal direction such that the deflection edge generates a force component acting on the trimmer line directed toward the narrow longitudinal side when a pulling force is acting on the trimmer line guided through the fastening device.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200) is provided. The system comprises a robotic work tool (100), and said robotic work tool (100) comprises a stationary hub (310) and a rotatable shaft (162) being supported by the hub (310). Also, a hub cover (340) is releasably attached to the hub (310). The robotic work tool (100) further comprises a skid plate (330) extending radially outwards from the hub cover (340), and wherein the skid plate (330) is arranged between the hub (310) and the hub cover (340).

Abstract: An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the cells in the container via processing of image data such that the spout is aligned within a target fill zone of the cells in accordance with a fill sequence or fill plan instructions in which (a) first, the alignment module is adapted to direct the spout to fill the container with the material in a first mode to a first target level that is less than a peak height of the container; (b) second, the fill level estimator is adapted to estimate the number of cells that are below the first target level after directing the spout to fill in the first mode; and (c) third, the alignment module is adapted to direct the spout to fill the container in a second mode to a second target level that is greater than the first target level if less than a threshold number of cells are below the first target level, where the second mode is generally opposite in direction to the relative spout-container movement of the first mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container. Further provided is a system that identifies and tracks a target object in image data, which is then used to determine the trajectory of the target. With the trajectory known, the control arrangement can accurately direct the crop flow into the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable transfer device for unloading processed crop onto a container of a transport vehicle including a control arrangement with an electronic control unit, among other integrated components. Electronic control unit calculates position of expected point of incidence of crop flow on the container. Further provided is a system that identifies and tracks a target object in image data, which is then used to determine the trajectory of the target. With the trajectory known, the control arrangement can accurately direct the crop flow into the container.

Abstract: A cotton doffer structure for doffing cotton snagged on a surface having debris. The cotton doffer structure comprises an extrusion. The extrusion has a longitudinal axis and a periphery with a plurality of radial protrusions. A shaft is coupled to the extrusion for rotation therewith about the longitudinal axis in a forward direction. A plurality of brushes are provided. Each brush has a base end supporting upstanding bristles, an opposing distal end, a leading side generally facing the forward direction, and an opposing trailing side. A plurality of brush support members are provided that have a leading end and a trailing end with an upright flange. The plurality of brush support members securing the base ends of the plurality of brushes against the protrusion with the upright flange located adjacent the leading side.

Abstract: The berry catcher system has an elastic catcher sheet that is sandwiched between upper and lower endless hollow rims. A protector sheet is deployed below the catcher sheet. The system is structured so that as berries are dislodged from their respective vines, the catcher sheet catches the berries as the protector sheet simultaneously protects (at least) the underside of the catcher sheet.

Abstract: A baler for producing round bales includes a harvested goods feed-in device, a pressing chamber, and a feed-in channel that has an area facing the pressing chamber and through which harvested goods can go from the harvested goods feed-in device to the pressing chamber, wherein the area of the feed-in channel facing the pressing chamber has a width that is smaller than the width of the pressing chamber. The baler may include a guiding device for reducing the width of a feed-in channel of a baler.

Abstract: An apparatus for splitting bales and retaining wrap includes a frame having an interior framework oriented at an angle relative to forwardly-projecting tines, the framework and tines together defining an upwardly-opening cradle that supports and centers a bale of forage bound with a wrap above an inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus also includes an elongate hooking mechanism extending laterally across the underside of the wrapped bale and configured to capture the wrap together with a thin layer of forage, and an elongate blade rotatably supported on the frame and configured to rotate downward through the bale toward the inverted apex of the cradle. The apparatus further includes a first actuation device that activates the hooking mechanism to capture the wrap and layer of forage, and one or more second actuation devices that rotate the elongate blade downward through the forage to split the bale.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling harvesting of mushrooms from a bed during a mushroom graze harvest operation account for both mushroom separation and stagger, thereby providing for automatic and proper selection of which mushrooms in the bed are to be harvested in a given shift.

Abstract: A blower (100) may include a housing (110), a blower tube (150), a fan assembly (160) and an eyelet (190). The housing (110) may include a handle portion (144) defining a handle aperture (145). The blower tube (150) may extend forward from the housing (110) and define a tube axis (152). The fan assembly (160) may be operably coupled to the blower tube (150) to force air through the blower tube (150) responsive to operation of a motor (120). The eyelet (190) may be disposed on a side portion of the housing (110) proximate to the handle aperture (145).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises the steps of using a processor to calculate, for a current calendar date, an initial growing degree day (GDD) warmth value based at least in part upon a past GDD warmth value for a calendar date in a previous year corresponding to the current calendar date; calculate a present GDD warmth value; calculate a deviation value from at least the initial GDD warmth value and the present GDD warmth value; calculate for a future calendar date a future growing degree day (GDD) warmth value based at least in part upon a past GDD warmth value for a calendar date in a previous year corresponding to the future calendar date; and determine a predicted GDD warmth value for the future calendar date by applying the deviation value to the future GDD warmth value. An apparatus to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for characterizing a plant is disclosed. The system comprises: a plurality of sensors configured to sense a first parameter indicative of a transpiration rate from the whole plant and a second parameter indicative of a water uptake rate into the whole plant. The system also comprises a processor configured to receive signals from the sensors, to process the signals to calculate both the parameters, and to characterize the plant according to the calculated parameters. In some embodiments of the present invention the processor is configured for calculating at least one of the first parameter and the second parameters momentarily.

Abstract: A culture medium for the cultivation of plants, wherein the culture medium includes a container which is open at the top and which is filled or is arranged to be filled with a growth substrate. The container is made of fibers and/or granules which are interconnected by means of an adhesive, and the growth substrate is a loose material, such as soil or peat.

Abstract: A truck for tree limb removal is disclosed in residential, commercial, municipal, utility, and line clearance applications. The truck includes a vehicle chassis supporting a plurality of wheels. A boom is supported by the vehicle chassis. This boom has an attachment end attached to the vehicle chassis at an attachment joint and a tool-supporting end rotatable and extendable relative to the attachment joint. A feller buncher tool is attached to the tool-supporting end of the boom.

Abstract: An automatic houseplant watering device allowing the rate of water flow or nutrient solution flow, the duration of irrigation, the time of irrigation and the number of irrigations per day to be adjusted by the user. A programmable timer controls a solenoid valve which connects a reservoir to a water distributor. The gravity outflow of water or nutrient solution is transferred from the water distributor to the planters by small size hoses. The rate of water flow or nutrient solution flow to the planters can be adjusted using small valves attached to the end of hoses. A float control valve is used on the upper part of the reservoir to supply water to the reservoir.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vision-based pollination system. The vision-based pollination system includes a mobile support apparatus configured to traverse a crop field. The mobile support apparatus supports a pollination liquid storage tank fluidly coupled to a plurality of pollen applicators. The apparatus includes pollination nodes including a vision system and a camera. Each pollination node is coupled to and controls a portion of the pollen applicators. In operation, the mobile support apparatus traverses the crop field, each pollination node repeatedly taking photographs of a portion of the crop field, identifying locations for delivering the pollination liquid, and determining when to operate the pollen applicators to deliver the pollination liquid to the identified locations as the vision-based pollination system traverses the crop field.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods for creating a desired genetic variant at a high efficiency from a seed. In one aspect, a method for creating a desired genetic variant at a high efficiency from a seed is presented. The method involves subjecting isolated pollen to a chemical mutagen to produce a first generation seed, planting the first generation seed in (n) plots to produce first generation plants, recovering mutagenized pollen from the first generation plants, pollinating a female parent with the recovered mutagenized pollen to produce a next generation seed, subjecting pollen from the next generation seed to mutagenesis to pollinate the first generation plant, resulting in a new next generation seed, planting the new next generation seed to produce a new next generation plant, and subjecting pollen from the new next generation plant to mutagenesis to pollinate the new next generation plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for propagating a crop using meristem excision, micropropagation, plantlet formation, plantlet singulation, plantlet transfer to artificial seeds, and planting artificial seeds. Methods are provided for producing and handling the plantlets and materials used to form artificial seeds. The artificial seeds may be used to store plantlets or may be planted to form a crop.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bamboo plantation where the bamboo is integrated with pre-existing non-bamboo vegetation. In some aspects, the invention relates to a high-yielding bamboo plantation. In some aspects, the invention relates to a bamboo plantation grown on degraded or marginal land. In some aspects, the invention relates to the conversion of degraded or marginal land to a high-yielding bamboo plantation.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV3936PS and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV3936PS 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: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of melon, NUN 31017 MEM.

Abstract: A milking system including: at least one milking device; a milk storage vessel storing milk obtained with the milking device; a milk line system with a milk line with a first end connected to the milking device and with a second end connected to the milk storage vessel; and a monitoring system including: a sensor configured to measure a fluid parameter value of a fluid in the milk line, and a control system actively connected to the sensor and configured to process the measured fluid parameter value and generate a transition signal on fulfilment of a predefined transition criterion. The milk line includes a substantially vertical line portion, and a proposed discharge direction of milk runs through the milk line from the milking device to the milk storage vessel and is raised through the line portion, wherein the sensor is placed in or on the substantially vertical line portion.

Abstract: A robotic attacher comprises a gripping portion, a vision system positioned on a first surface of the gripping portion, and at least one nozzle positioned on a second surface of the gripping portion. The gripping portion is rotates about a longitudinal axis such that during a first time, the vision system is positioned generally on the top of the gripping portion, and during a second time, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the gripping portion.

Abstract: A milking cluster for a milking parlour for milking milk-giving animals, having at least one teat cup unit having a housing, a teat cup, a drive appliance, a pulling element arrangement connected to the teat cup, and the pulling element arrangement has a segment unit having at least two pulling elements.

Abstract: A milk sampling device includes a housing forming an inner space, an inlet opening to the inner space, a deflector member with an upper surface mounted in the inner space of the housing in a position vertically below the inlet opening, a flow passage formed between a periphery edge portion of the deflector member and an inner surface of the housing, and a milk sampling passage provided with an opening which constitutes a part of the flow passage. The upper surface of the deflector member comprises a plurality of a upwardly extending members arranged at a distance from each other in the vicinity of the periphery edge portion of the deflector member such that flow channels are formed between adjacent upwardly extending members.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an automatic milking system includes a water supply arrangement alternatively serving first and second cleaning arrangements. The first cleaning arrangement is configured, in milking mode, to clean the teat cups of the automatic milking system and/or the teats of milking animals prior to being milked. The first cleaning arrangement includes at least one cleaning module, at least one feed line interconnecting the cleaning module with a tank, and a feed pump for feeding water from the tank to the cleaning module. The second cleaning arrangement is configured, in system cleaning mode, to clean the automatic milking system and includes a detergent supply system connected to the tank for supplying detergent to the tank, and a supply line interconnecting the tank with the automatic milking system allowing the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the automatic milking system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a urine receiving device from a male dog and an electronic edible awards dispenser system for dogs, the urination device is practical and simple on which the male dogs urinate. The device serves as a receptor of the urine until it is emptied. The electronic system releases awards automatically to a dog that has used the urination device. This device covers the care, hygiene and practicality needs, which are important for the owner and natural needs of the dogs in order to create a harmony in living spaces between the owners and the pets.

Abstract: There is provided a disposable animal litter container comprising a single foldable blank of material. The foldable blank of material comprises a base portion, a pair of end portions, a pair of side portions, a lid portion on each side portion, and may also include a handle portion on each lid portion. The litter container is easily constructed by a completing a series of folds and retaining tabs or adhesive strips. After use, the litter container is easily closed and transported for disposal.

Abstract: A self-propelled manure removal vehicle, including: at least two wheels, at least one motor device and a control device, for displacing the vehicle by driving at least one of the wheels; a floor-scraping device configured to clean a floor surface while being in contact with the floor surface, wherein at least a lower rim of the floor-scraping device is flexible to adapt its shape to the floor surface; and at least one skid element including a lower rim with a slide surface to slide over a floor surface to support the vehicle, and the lower rim of the floor scraping device projects further downwardly than the slide surface of the at least one skid element.

Abstract: A method of exercising and/or training an animal by providing a plurality of food dispensers charged with one or more food items, including a first food dispenser and at least one second food dispenser, with each food dispenser including a feeding bowl having certain features and wherein the plurality of food dispensers has respective control units programmed to link the plurality of food dispensers to each other in a predetermined execution pattern mode. The method includes providing a signal from the signaling means to the animal to indicate that food may be dispensed from the food dispenser and to guide the animal to the first food dispenser, wherein the signal causes the animal to actuate the manipulation end of the actuator to cause the rotary mechanism to dispense at least one food item via the outlet opening.

Abstract: An anti-slip bowl is described herein. A bowl can include a rigid first shell including a base and an outer wall continuously attached to the base, a rigid second shell including a base and an outer wall continuously attached to the base, and an anti-slip material positioned between the rigid first shell and the rigid second shell and protruding through a number of openings on the rigid second shell.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus of measuring the amount of feed. The apparatus includes a feed tank, a plurality of sliders, a case, a plurality of guides, and a weight sensor. The feed tank includes a discharge tube disposed at a lower part thereof and includes a body filled with feed. The plurality of sliders is radially and vertically disposed on an outer surface of the feed tank. The case has a discharge tube insertion hole at a lower part thereof to receive a discharge tube of the feed tank and receives the feed tank. The plurality of guides is radially and vertically disposed on an inner surface of the case. The weight sensor is disposed under the guide and makes contact with a lower end of the slider of the feed tank to measure the weight of the feed tank and feed.

Abstract: Tracking tags for attachment to an object or animal. The tracking tags may include low-power long-range transmitters drawing power from a battery or a renewable energy source. The tracking tags may also each include a microcontroller having a sleep-mode module enabling nearly no quiescent current to be drawn when the microcontroller is in a sleep-mode. The microcontroller may enter into a sleep-mode for long periods of time following a short period of sending data to the low-power long-range transmitter. The short period of sending data may be approximately one-twentieth of the long sleep-mode period. The tracking tags may also include sensors for determining an ambient temperature or biometric data about an animal to which the tracking tag is attached. Locations of the tracking tags may be determined using signal trilateration and/or signal triangulation.

Abstract: A pet cooling assembly includes a cover that may be worn by an animal. A gel pack is removably positioned within the cover. The gel pack may be selectively refrigerated prior to the cover being worn by the animal. The gel pack is comprised of a thermally insulating material such that the gel pack may cool the animal while the animal wears the cover. A plurality of sets straps is provided and each of the sets of straps is coupled to the cover. Each of the sets of straps may engage the animal thereby retaining the cover on the animal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling an animal managing device to an animal, coupling an electronic receiver to an electronic device, wherein the animal managing device adapted to be in electronic communication with the electronic receiver, receiving an electronic signal by the electronic receiver from the animal managing device are disclosed. Electronically coupling a sound emitting device to the electronic receiver, and activating the sound emitting device by means of the electronic receiver to emit at least one of an audible sound and a first ultrasonic frequency signal when the animal managing device reaches a first displacement from the electronic device are also disclosed. Other embodiments of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a flexible pocket having a proximal end opposite a distal end. A single opening is formed at the proximal end, where the single opening leads to an inner chamber closed at the distal end. A rope pet toy body includes a prolongated end which is partially disposed within the single opening of the pocket allowing a first portion of the pocket along the proximal end to overlay a second portion of the prolongated end. A cylindrically-shaped, heat shrinkable film is disposed over both the first portion of the proximal end of the single opening and the second portion of the prolongated end. The heat shrinkable film has been heated and shrunk fit onto both the proximal end of the pocket and the prolongated end of the rope pet toy body thereby joining the pocket to the rope pet toy body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pet chew products and methods for making them. The methods include sewing together strips of material obtained from a bovine or from other animals to form an outline of a desired shape; interweaving additional strips of rawhide, animal penis or both under and on top of the strips forming an outline to form a pet chew product of desired shape and size; and drying the pet chew product to the desired moisture content.

Abstract: A dog leash with low-tangling and shock-absorbent properties comprises a handle, a wrist guard, a body, and a chew guard with an attachment. The segments are connected with interchangeable swivel connectors.

Abstract: A display device for pets joined to a collar or the like of a pet to provide various information without being interrupted by movement of the pet include a housing member in which a space for installing a plurality of electronic components is formed, the housing member having a certain length in one direction, a display unit installed in the housing member to display various information, a switch module configured to turn on/off power of the display unit and change the information displayed on the display unit, a power module configured to perform charging using power from the outside, and supply power to the plurality of electronic components installed in the housing member, a sensor module including at least one sensor for measuring a condition of a pet, an animal information management module configured to store and manage information on the pet wearing the display device for pets, a satellite navigation receiver module configured to communicate with a navigation satellite at regular intervals to receive c

Abstract: A pompom wearable on the leg of a dog having an encircling elastic sleeve formed from a flat rectangular elastic member fastened together at its ends. Streamers attached to the elastic member extend downwardly therefrom. Fasteners at each end connect to form a cylindrical structure that encircles one of a dog's legs. Streamers length is chosen so that the pompoms do not impede the dog's ability to walk or run freely. Special attention is paid to make the pompom comfortable for the dog by not interfering with sweat glands in or near the paws. The pompoms are wearable on each leg of the dog movement of the legs causes shake or so called drapery motion of the pompom strands. The elastic member may carry a logo, more theme colors and/or other indicia, for example, an advertisement. Streamers may be attached either permanently or removably.

Abstract: A drinker system, comprising: a central pressure regulator configured regulate a fluid pressure to a regulated input pressure; and a plurality of pressure reducers each comprising: a high-pressure zone configured to receive the fluid from the regulator at the regulated input pressure, a low-pressure zone configured to provide the fluid to one of multiple drinker lines at a low output pressure maintained at a constant proportion to the regulated input pressure, and a moveable integral piece comprising a small diaphragm rigidly connected to a large diaphragm, wherein the small diaphragm is disposed in the high pressure zone and the large diaphragm is disposed in the low pressure zone, and wherein the constant proportion between the low output pressure and the regulated input pressure corresponds to the ratio between the surface area of the small diaphragm and the surface area of the large diaphragm.

Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.