Abstract: A sod harvester with a start gate, a first switch that is configured to interact with a first sensor, a second switch that is configured to interact with a second sensor, an inclined conveyor; a rollup conveyor positioned above an end of the inclined conveyor, and a controller including controller software that is configured to cause the rollup conveyor to start upon activation of the second sensor, a timer to begin counting time upon activation of the first sensor, and the rollup conveyor to stop upon the counting of a certain amount of time by the timer. The first switch is positioned between the start gate and the second switch, and the second switch is positioned between the first switch and the rollup conveyor. The inclined conveyor is configured to eject a sod roll onto a platform upon cessation of rotation by the rollup conveyor.

Abstract: A farm implement for tilling soil including a frame having a transverse axis. The farm implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools coupled to the frame extending parallel to the transverse axis. At least one of the plurality of ground engaging tools includes a roller having a solid outer surface.

Abstract: A farm implement for tilling soil includes a frame having a transverse axis. The farm implement further includes at least one first ground engaging tool coupled to the frame and having a first tool axis oriented within a range of from parallel to the transverse axis to about 30 degrees of the transverse axis and at least one first finishing tool coupled to the frame adjacent to the first ground engaging tool, and having an axis generally aligned with or substantially parallel to the first tool axis. The at least one first finishing tool is configured to control a ground working depth of the at least one first ground engaging tool.

Abstract: The present forwardly-folding implement includes a telescoping tongue assembly, a main frame, a folding frame assembly, a rear frame assembly, left and right wing frame assemblies, and a readily replaceable toolbar assembly. The folding frame assembly is pivotally attached to the tongue assembly and to the left and right wing frame assemblies. The wing frame assemblies pivot vertically and horizontally from the rear frame assembly and optionally include powered wheel mechanisms or assist assemblies, which hydraulically pivot components of the instant implement between transport and operational configurations. When the present implement is being configured for transport, the tongue assembly is extended as the folding frame assembly and left and right wing frame assemblies are folded generally transversely to the rear frame assembly. Then, the wheel mechanisms are pivoted upwardly so that outboard portions of the wing frame assemblies are totally supported by the folding frame assembly.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed delivery system is included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The ground speed can be mechanically transferred to the seed delivery system. The seed dispensing system can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a multi-row planter comprises a wheel, a connection assembly, and a piston assembly. The connection assembly has a mounting surface adapted to engage a mounting bracket for mounting to a planter bar. The a piston assembly is adapted to permit movement of the wheel assembly between a first folded position and a second extended position. The wheel assembly is slidably coupled to the planter bar such that it may be slidably positioned at any point along the full lateral length of the planter bar.

Abstract: A powered hand-held spreader device is disclosed that has a handle that allows a user to grip and hold the device with one hand. The spreader includes an adjustable shutter, controlled by a rotary dial, to allow for distribution of a range of different granular products that require different flow rates for distribution. The granular product is contained in a hopper. The product can be distributed over various types of terrain, including, but not limited to, lawns, gardens, and paths. The spreader is driven by an electric motor actuated by a trigger. A spinning rotor plate distributes the granular product fed from the hopper. A trigger lock is optionally available to lock the trigger in the “on” position during use and to prevent actuation when the trigger is in the “off” position. An adjustable side deflector optionally can be used to control the distribution pattern of the granular product.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus for applying liquid products to row crops. The liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of drop assemblies supported by and laterally spaced along a boom structure. Each of the drop assemblies includes dribble hoses for dribbling a liquid product onto the soil in a rhizosphere of adjacent crop rows. The drop assemblies may include a spray assembly for spraying the row crops.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine has a header designed as a front attachment for cutting and picking up crop and a driver assistance system for controlling the header. The driver assistance system has a memory for storing data and a computing unit for processing the data stored in the memory. The header together with the driver assistance system forms an automated header, in that a plurality of selectable harvesting-process strategies is stored in the memory and in order to implement a selected harvesting-process strategy or the selected harvesting-process strategies, the computing device autonomously determines at least one machine parameter, a header parameter and specifies this to the header.

Abstract: A sugarcane harvester may include a chassis with various discreet and laterally separated mounting locations. Crop divider support modules may be configured to separately and fixedly attach to the chassis at various of the mounting locations, in order to support respective crop dividers in a variety of discreet and laterally separated orientations.

Abstract: A gardening tool, such as a mower, includes a main body and a handle rotatably connected to the main body. The main body includes a motor. The handle includes a plurality of telescopic members slidably connected to each other. The mower further includes a operation assembly for being operated by a user to activate the motor and a control system for sending a control signal to enable or disable the operation of motor by the operation assembly when the handle is out of a secure state.

Abstract: An gardening tool, such as a mower, includes a main body and a handle rotatably connected to the main body. The main body includes a motor. The handle includes a plurality of telescopic members slidably connected to each other. The mower further includes a operation assembly for being operated by a user to activate the motor and a control system for sending a control signal to enable or disable the operation of motor by the operation assembly when the handle is out of a accommodating state.

Abstract: A gardening tool, such as a mower, includes a main body and a handle rotatably connected to the main body. The main body includes a motor. The handle includes a plurality of telescopic members slidably connected to each other. The mower further includes a operation assembly for being operated by a user to activate the motor and a control device for sending a control signal to enable or disable the operation of motor by the operation assembly.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the composition of a grain-MOG mixture comprising a kernel fraction and an MOG-fraction. The method includes steps of receiving a grain-MOG mixture, at a thermal excitation location, subjecting a sample volume of the grain-MOG mixture to a thermal excitation using a thermal excitator, generating a thermal image at an imaging location of at least a surface of the sample volume of the grain-MOG mixture that has been subjected to the thermal excitation, processing the thermal image and therewith obtaining data representing the temperature distribution over the thermal image, and relating the temperature distribution to the share of the kernel fraction in the grain-MOG mixture. A device for analyzing the composition of a grain-MOG mixture comprising a kernel fraction and an MOG-fraction is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system of operating a machine harvester that presents an improved solution for preventing clogging. There is provided simultaneous measurement of at least a parameter of a base-cutting set, of at least a parameter of a chopping assembly, and of a position of at least a floating roller of a conveyance system. Based on comparisons of the parameters measured and reference values, during a pre-defined time interval, it is possible to manage a propulsion speed of the machine harvester and to manage a rotation speed of cutting disks of the base-cutting set and of billet-cutting blades of the chopping assembly.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a chassis carrying a header for gathering a crop. The header is removably attached to a feeder housing for feeding the crop into the agricultural harvester to be processed. A threshing and separating system is connected to the feeder housing for separating grain from Material Other than Grain (MOG). A grain cleaning system is connected to the threshing and separating system for further cleaning the separated grain. The grain cleaning system has at least one sieve operable to oscillate fore and aft and a side shaker mechanism operable to produce a side to side shaking motion in the at least one sieve. A control system is connected to the side shaker mechanism and operable to automatically proportionately increase an amount of the side to side shaking motion as a function of an amount and type of crop being processed.

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: Device for harvesting vegetable plants from the land, includes: a frame; first and second conveyors arranged on the frame, the conveyors positioned a conveyance track conveying vegetable plants that have been separated from the land to one or more processing stations; the first and second conveyors each including a series of links, wherein the links within a series are connected to each other by first hinged connections; the links having clamping surfaces, which in the conveyance track the clamping surfaces of the first and second conveyors face each other for keeping the vegetable plants, clamped in between them in an intermediate space formed by the opposing clamping surfaces of the links of the first and second conveyors, the conveyance track, the links of at least one of the conveyors being resiliently movable relative to the frame in a direction transverse to the clamping surfaces.

Abstract: A tomato catcher device having an outer rectangular plastic frame and an inner ultra-violet resistant netting with a rectangular cut-out in the center to allow a tomato or cucumber plant to grow up and through. The center rectangle cut-out is surrounded by flanges that rest against the plant to help shield the plant's produce from falling through the center net hole and onto the ground, thereby preventing the produce from rotting.

Abstract: A corn header for a combine harvester capable of lifting stalks that have fallen sideways in a row is provided. The corn header includes a frame, a plurality of row units and a plurality of row dividers for guiding crop plants toward the row units. The frame is mounted to a forward end of the combine harvester. The plurality of row units extends forward from the frame. Each row divider is connected to and extends forward of at least one row unit, and includes a conveyor connected to a lateral side of the row divider for the purpose of lifting and propelling crop plants into the corn header. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor is an auger including a helical flight having a non-circular profile or a plurality of notches to increase its ability to lift and propel crop plants into the corn header.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester has a chassis carrying a header removably attached to a feeder housing for gathering a type of crop and feeding it into the agricultural harvester. The feeder housing is connected to a threshing and separating system for separating grain from MOG, which leads to a grain cleaning system for cleaning the separated grain. The grain cleaning system has at least one sieve operable to oscillate fore and aft, and at least one cleaning fan. The grain cleaning system also has a side shaker mechanism operable to produce a side to side shaking motion. A control system is connected to the side shaker mechanism and is operable to automatically adjust the amount of side to side shaking motion on the basis of the type of crop and on the basis of the amount of side slope upon which the agricultural harvester is situated.

Abstract: A system and a method for moving wrap material in a baler are described. A motor can be secured to the baler and can be configured to rotate a wrap roller of the baler. The motor can be caused to rotate the wrap roller in a first direction, such that the wrap roller moves the wrap material towards a crop package contained by the baler. The motor can also be caused, during application of the wrap material to the crop package, to brake the wrap roller relative to the first roller direction or to rotate the wrap roller in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, in order to stretch the wrap material.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The composite material is a made by inoculating a substrate of discrete particles and a nutrient material with a preselected fungus. The fungus digests the nutrient material over a period of time sufficient to grow hyphae and to allow the hyphae to form a network of interconnected mycelia cells through and around the discrete particles thereby bonding the discrete particles together to form a self-supporting composite material. In another embodiment, the fungus is allowed to grow as a fruiting body out of the substrate and within an enclosure to completely fill the enclosure to form a self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A pruning shear device includes a pair of pruning shears with a lug located at a rear end of a cutter blade thereof, and a switch unit including a position-limiting member movable between a first position where the position-limiting member is abutted against the lug for enabling the pruning shears to perform in a normal operating mode for cutting off small tree branches through a single-stage force-applying operation and a second position where the position-limiting member is kept away from the lug for enabling the pruning shears to perform in an effort-saving operating mode for cutting off large tree branches through a multi-stage force-applying operation.

Abstract: A latching solenoid slave valve for wirelessly receiving watering instructions from an irrigation controller via acoustical waves or pulses. The latching solenoid slave valve comprises a diaphragm in direct communication with a main water distribution conduit of the irrigation system for detecting acoustical waves or pulses transmitted by pressurized water of the main water distribution conduit. An accelerometer is supported by the diaphragm for generating an output signal as the diaphragm vibrates due to detection of the acoustical waves or pulses. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the accelerometer for processing the output signals of the accelerometer, and the microcontroller determining, from the processed output signals of the accelerometer, whether or not the latching solenoid slave valve is to commence a watering cycle for a desired duration of time. An irrigation controller is wirelessly coupled to the latching solenoid slave valve for controlling operation thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for root development are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for developing a root system on a vascular plant and influencing a direction and concentration of root growth is provided, the apparatus comprising: a dome operable to support and encourage a direction and concentration of root growth, the dome comprising: an outer surface, an inner surface, and an internal volume, wherein the outer surface is configured to contact and support the root system to train the direction and the concentration of the root growth on the root system, and wherein the inner surface limits the internal volume of the dome; and a liquid distribution device, the liquid distribution device operable to distribute a liquid within the internal volume of the dome.

Abstract: Hydroculture media can be a synthetic soil including a three dimensional solid made of a plurality of fibers. The three dimensional solids can be a variety of shapes, such as spheres, cylinders, cones, cubes, cuboids, parallelepipeds, polyhedrons (e.g., pyramid, tetrahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, icosahedron), prisms, spheroids, ellipsoids, paraboloids, hyperboloids, rings, and combinations thereof. The solids can have a length/diameter ratio in the range of 0.1-5:1. Some or all of the fibers can include an antimicrobial substance and/or plant nutrients.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to providing a readily scalable hydroponic and vertical farming apparatus, system and method that remedies the foregoing issues, that is available in limited space and at high density, such as in urban areas, that presents low farming costs, and that improves crop yield and health.

Abstract: A celery cultivar, designated TBG 30, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar TBG 30, to the plants of celery cultivar TBG 30 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar TBG 30 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 30, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 30 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar TBG 30 with another celery cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PX 02461513 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PX 02461513 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for identifying, selecting, and/or producing drought tolerant maize plants or germplasm. Maize plants or germplasm that have been identified, selected, and/or produced by any of the methods of the presently disclosed subject matter are also provided.

Abstract: This invention is related to a double grab, its rinsing cup and milking machine provided therewith, and the method for automatically applying teat cups to the teats of an udder of an animal to be milked. The double grab according to the invention includes: —a first housing part provided with a first magnet designed to hold a first teat cup; —a second housing part, installed substantially in a horizontal plane next to the first housing part, provided with a second magnet designed to hold a second teat cup; —whereby each housing part is provided with separate pivoting means that can be activated and is designed to make the related housing part pivot around a pivoting axis which in use, extends substantially in a horizontal direction, substantially in a widthwise direction of the arm.

Abstract: A control arrangement for controlling movement of animals, with at least two smart gate arrangements and a same number of enclosed transit areas, wherein smart gate arrangement includes an entrance through which animals can enter, an animal identifier identifies each animal entering the smart gate arrangement, and three separate exits, through which each animal can be selectively guided to exit the smart gate arrangement after having been identified, and wherein each transit area is provided with a first one of the exits of a first one of the smart gate arrangements and an entrance of a neighboring second one of the smart gate arrangements with an unobstructed pathway therebetween contained within the transit area, the plurality of enclosed transit areas being interconnected via the smart gate arrangements such that an animal can be guided through the at least two smart gate arrangements via the transit areas in a circulating manner.

Abstract: A ventilation valve (1; 101) for ventilation of a space for keeping animals or plants includes an opening-defining circumferential framework (3; 103) for mounting in a wall of that space, and a movable panel (5; 105). The panel (5; 105) is movably attached to the circumferential framework (3; 103) to allow it to be moved relative thereto between a fully closed position, in which substantially no ventilating air can pass between the circumferential framework and the panel, and a fully open position in which substantially the complete opening is available for passage of ventilating air. Provided on the circumferential framework (3; 103) is a profiled edge which in a range between the fully closed position and a predetermined partly opened position provides a non-linear relation between a passage opening for the ventilating air and an associated relative movement position, or opening position, of the panel (5; 105) relative to the circumferential framework (3; 103).

Abstract: A flushable cat litter present in a litter box designed to allow a majority of the cat urine to drain into a compartment or container separate from the portion of the litter box holding cat feces and the cat litter. The cat litter preferably includes a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate.

Abstract: There is provided a composition suitable for use as poultry bedding based on wood shavings and sphagnum. The flow-flowing characteristic of the composition renders it very easy to apply and distribute on the floor of the stall. Moreover, the composition is easy to turn around and mix for the farmer. The composition exhibits effective absorption of ammonia for a complete production cycle for commercial poultry operations. A major effect of using the present composition is that foot burns and feet blisters of poultry observed with conventional bedding can essentially be avoided.

Abstract: An animal shelter and food trough system houses animals in a shelter which can be opened for ventilation while also preventing buildup of feed and debris within the shelter. The system includes a structure having a roof and an open lateral side extending down from an edge of the roof. A trough is positioned to extend along the open lateral side laterally offset outside of the edge of the roof. A panel has an upper edge coupled to the structure. The panel is pivotable between an open position and a closed position. A lower edge of the panel extends to a position adjacent to or beyond a distal side of the trough relative to the structure when the panel is in the closed position.

Abstract: An animal identification system, including: a race including a pair of opposed walls between which, in use, animals pass, and a floor including one or more steps or sloping sections defining a height change; one or more readers configured to read electronic animal identification devices borne by animals passing along the race; wherein, at least one of the one or more readers is positioned beneath, on top of or within the floor at or near the height change such that, in use, movement of the animals caused by the height change tends to bring the animals' identification devices into closer proximity to that reader.

Abstract: A pet monitoring device 12 to be fitted to a pet 14 that is to be monitored includes a transmitter configured to transmit signals via a mobile telecommunications network 20. The location of the pet monitoring device 12 can be determined by reference to parameters associated with receipt of a signal 18 transmitted by the transmitter by at least one base station of the mobile telecommunications network 20 so that an authorised user can identify the location of the pet monitoring device.

Abstract: An animal cleaning tool for cleaning and maintaining a hygiene of an animal is provided. An animal cleaning tool includes a top housing portion and a bottom plate surface, the bottom plate surface having a set of brushing elements that are spaced apart and protrude outwardly from the bottom plate. The top housing portion includes an air supply conduit and a cleaning agent supply conduit adapted to be disposed within an interior of the top housing portion of the animal cleaning tool, whereby the air supply conduit is configured to distribute air and the cleaning agent supply conduit is configured to distribute cleaning agent. A method for using an animal cleaning tool is provided that includes dispensing the cleaning agent as an atomized spray of particles onto a surface of the animal using the animal cleaning tool.

Abstract: A garment and harness assembly comprising a garment component and a harness assembly component, the garment component having a side panel pair and a breast panel, the breast panel being disposed between the side panel pair, each of the side panels further comprising a garment securing means for securing the garment component about an animal, the harness assembly component comprising a pair of free-floating harness rings disposed proximate to each of the side panel pair, each of the harness rings supporting an adjustable body portion, a shoulder portion and a harness attachment means wherein the garment component and the harness assembly component are independently adjustable about the animal.

Abstract: An animal restraint device includes an elongated member with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a posterior length, and a remaining length. A first connector is at a first end and a third connector is positioned at the second end of the elongated member. A second connector is positioned at a first distance from the first end. A fourth connector is positioned at a second distance from the second end. The fourth connector can be releasably attached to the third connector. A collar loop is formed from the posterior length through attachment of the first connector to the second connector. The elongated member is configurable in a storage configuration in which concentric loops are wrapped around the collar loop in a single rotational direction and affixed to the collar loop or a concentric loop and the second end is connected to the exterior surface of an outer-most concentric loop.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to for analyzing behavior of small live test subjects. More specifically, methods and devices of the present invention can allow a researcher to use a single device for analyzing effects of genetic modifications made to the test subjects on the test subject's behavior and movements. Additionally, the methods and devices may allow for analysis of effects that various medications may have on the test subject's behavior and movement.

Abstract: A poultry feeder that prevents sparrows or light-weighted birds from entering the feeding area is designed. The kernel of the poultry feeder is a feeding module or device that can be inserted into a wide variety of empty containers such as empty 5-gallon paint buckets, plastic containers, or card board boxes. The design may include a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) step for allowing a user to fit a plurality of feeding modules into a user-provided container.

Abstract: An overflow drain apparatus for a fluid tank is provided and includes an outer housing, a drain and a plurality of fluid inlets, a lower inner housing, and an upper inner housing, wherein both housings are positioned inside the outer housing, and wherein the housings result in the formation of a plurality of fluid flow paths through the outer housing to allow fluid to be evacuated from the tank from the plurality of fluid flow paths while maintaining a predefined surface level.

Abstract: A closed recirculating aquaponics system combined with a biofloc tank for symbiotic breeding of aquatic species and plant species, wherein the culture water for growing aquatic species is transferred to a plant growing apparatus, organic material in the culture water is used as nutrients for plant species and the water is purified in the plant growing apparatus, and purified water is reused as culture water for aquatic species to facilitate symbiotic breeding of aquatic species and plant species without any need of culture water exchange, reducing cost for production and enhancing production efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides in a first aspect a mouse in which the ? (lambda) light chain locus has been functionally silenced. In one embodiment, the mouse ? light chain locus was functional silenced by deletion of gene segments coding for the ? light chain locus. In a further aspect, a mouse containing functionally silenced ? and ? (kappa) L chain loci was produced. The invention is useful for the production of antibodies, for example heterologous antibodies, including heavy chain only antibodies.

Abstract: Provided are transgenic non-human animals, in whose genome the coding sequence of one of the endogenous immunoglobulin C? constant regions is replaced by a human immunoglobulin C? constant regions coding sequence. One preferred transgenic animal is a mouse, in whose genome the C?1 constant regions are replaced by human immunoglobulin C? constant regions and the C? constant region is replaced by human immunoglobulin C? constant region. The transgenic mouse yields humanized IgE-secreting B cells and antigen-specific humanized IgE after immunization. Also provided are the applications of the transgenic animals for preparing serum which containing humanized IgE, antiserum which containing humanized IgE, and monoclonal antigen-specific humanized IgE antibodies by hybridoma or other technologies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighted fish landing net that includes a net including an upper perimeter, a net support that supports the net at the upper perimeter and includes an elongated support body and a channel extending along the elongated body, an optical fiber extending at least partially through the channel with a first end and an elongated surface extending at least partially along the channel, and at least one light source positioned proximate the first end. The light source may emit light that is incident on the first end of the optical fiber such that light is emitted from the elongated surface of the optical fiber along the channel.