Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a center section having a first aperture, a wheel supporting the center section, a wing section connected to the center section and having a second aperture, and a hinge positioned between the center section and the wing section to permit the wing section to pivot about the center section. The hinge includes a pin having a first end and a second end. The pin extends through the first and second apertures to connect the wing section to the center section. A first fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the first end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures. A second fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the second end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an agricultural soil analyzer positioned forward of a ground engaging tool relative to a direction of travel of the agricultural system. The agricultural soil analyzer is configured to output a first signal indicative of a parameter of soil forward of the soil conditioner relative to the direction of travel. The agricultural system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the agricultural soil analyzer. The controller is configured to receive the first signal from the agricultural soil analyzer. Furthermore, the controller is configured to determine a target parameter of the agricultural system based on the first signal and to output a second signal indicative of the target parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides a cellulose binding domain-chitosan coated seed and methods of preparing the same.

Abstract: An air seeder apparatus has a frame and a plurality of furrow opener assemblies spaced across a width of the frame at a narrow row spacing, and a plurality of bulk product containers and a bulk meter mounted on each, one of which dispenses seeds through a distribution network to a seed tube on each furrow opener assembly. A plurality of singulating meter is provided, each dispensing singulated seeds to the furrow opener on one of the furrow opener assemblies. During singulating operation seeds are delivered to the singulating furrow opener assemblies only by the singulating seed meter, and during conventional operation seeds are delivered to the singulating furrow opener assemblies only by the bulk meter. A lift system, when in a singulating mode, maintains idle conventional furrow opener assemblies in the transport position while moving singulating furrow opener assemblies between the operating position and the transport position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a twin-row planter with tandem driven seed meters at a pair of row units at each row segment of a twin-row planter. A tandem drive system drives the seed meters in a tandem manner, which may include a single transmission assembly simultaneously rotating a pair of seed discs in the pair of seed meters at each row segment. An indexing system allows for quickly changing an amount of relative rotational or angular indexing of seed disks inside of the pair of seed meters at the pair of row units of each row segment to adjust longitudinal spacing between delivery locations of seeds from the seed disks at planted row segments of a planted twin-row. Adjustments can be made at disk hubs, between shaft segments linking the seed disks, or with multiple sets of mounting holds on the seed disks.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling a cut height of a header of an agricultural harvester. The method includes positioning the header to a predetermined cut height set point, measuring a ground speed of the agricultural harvester, measuring a height of the header relative to a ground surface at a plurality of positions along a length of the header. The method further includes lowering the header towards a first adjusted cut height threshold if a measured height of one of the plurality of positions is above the predetermined cut height set point and the measured ground speed is less than a first predetermined ground speed. The subject application allows the automatic header height control software on an agricultural harvester to automatically deviate from the predetermined cut height set point. This allows better control of the header at higher speeds and allows more crop to be gathered without manual intervention.

Abstract: A windrower with a frame at a front end of the windrower and a cab coupled to the frame. The cab has a plurality of controls disposed in the cab for controlling the windrower. The windrower also has a lift arm with a first end and a second end, the first end being pivotally coupled to the frame, wherein the lift arm includes a transverse bend defined at a location between the first and second ends. A first coupler is coupled to the second end of the lift arm and a second coupler coupled to the lift arm between the first and second ends. The first coupler is configured to couple the frame to a rotary-style head and the second coupler is configure to couple the frame to a draper-style head.

Abstract: A self-locking hinge for agricultural machine panels includes a receptacle configured to slidingly receive an insert along a receiving axis. A hinge with fixed and movable portions and pivot axis transverse to the receiving axis is connected to the insert. A locking retainer is connected to the movable portion and engages an opening in the receptacle as the movable portion is moved toward a first position corresponding with panel closure. Engagement of the locking retainer in the opening precludes movement of the insert portion along the receiving axis. Moving the hinge in an opposite direction disengages the locking retainer from the opening and permits sliding movement of the insert. The locking retainer further includes an arcuate surface configured to engage an edge of the opening which may further be eccentrically arranged about the hinge axis to enable the locking retainer to move the insert into a desired position as the hinge is moved toward the first position.

Abstract: A suspension mechanism for a rotary rake implement incorporates elastomeric shock absorbing members in the corners of a tubular member situated in between the corners of a square rod formed as part of the wheel assembly and received within the tubular member such that the corners of the square rod assert a pre-load spring force on the tubular member when the implement is in an extended operating configuration. The movement of the implement into a folded transport configuration with the weight of the implement supported on the transport wheel assemblies causes a deflection of the square rod that compresses the elastomeric shock absorbing members within the corners of the tubular member to provide maximum suspension for the implement when in transport, while providing minimum suspension when the implement is in operation. An end cap on the square rod engages a stop formed on the tubular member to control rotation.

Abstract: A bale and module wrap cutting system and method can include a bed with rollers that move a wrapped bale from an entrance, passing two cutting devices, such as circular saws, and then passing the bale over a husking devices that utilizes two or more rotating conveyors having protruding cleats that peel a cut section of the wrap enclosing the bale and discard the cut section below the bed. The bale and module wrap cutting system can be mounted on a trailer to be easily transported. The bale may contain agricultural products such as cotton, hay, or grass.

Abstract: A hedgetrimmer having a blade assembly that includes a sawblade for cutting through larger branches and other vegetative foliage. The sawblade portion is fixedly secured to the reciprocating hedgetrimmer blade assembly to move in linear back and forth motion. It extends beyond a support bar for the hedgetrimmer blades so that it's able to cut through the branch. A support bracket is attached to the support bar to brace and support the branch as its being cut by the saw blade. Also included is a pivotable guard bar at the tip of the blade assembly so protect the blades and to protect any object or structure that may be accidently struck by the blade assembly.

Abstract: Container systems for manipulating growth of a plant or a portion thereof in a controlled environment are provided. The growth of the plant can be controlled for ornamental benefit, commercial benefit or both. The container system may comprise separable modular sections, thereby allowing control over the growth of different parts of the plant. The separate modular sections may be assembled together to control the growth of the entire plant.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a water recapture system comprises one or more trays having a bottom surface and one or more sidewalls extending upward from the bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface has at least one aperture extending therethrough. A platform configured to engage a top side of the one or more sidewalls, wherein the platform has a first tab and a second tab, wherein the first tab and the second tab extend outwardly from the platform. A coupler extending through the at least one aperture of the bottom surface, wherein one end of the coupler is exterior to the tray, and wherein a hose attached to the one end of the coupler, wherein the bottom surface of the tray is contoured, and wherein the contour of the bottom surface is biased towards the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A system including a controlled agriculture environment containing one or more growing rooms, each containing one or more growing units is described. Each growing room is managed by an HVAC system under the control of an environmental control unit. Each growing room may have a specific temperature and humidity optimized for the type of plant or plants being room. The growing room may have a positive air pressure when compared to areas connected to it to ensure that no insects or contaminants can enter the growing room. The growing room may provide water feed, compressed air, CO2, and electricity to each of the growing units. The growing units are also connected wirelessly to an environmental control unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a humidity and temperature control system for use in the outdoor cultivation of fruits, as typically found in an orchard setting, with the additional aid of a sunshade. Embodiments include a climate control system with an efficient and controlled introduction of water vapor into an outdoor orchard employing a plurality of fogging type nozzles, coupled with an overarching porous solar shade enclosure.

Abstract: A planting baseplate assembly comprises a base, a water storage device, and a diversion element. The base includes a base body; a drain hole penetrating the upper and lower surfaces of the base body, wherein a connection member extends downward from the lower surface of the base body; a plurality of water guiding trenches mutually intersecting on the upper surface of the base body and interconnecting with the drain holes for water drainage; and a plurality of overflow holes disposed in and penetrated the water guiding trenches for water drainage. The water storage device includes a storage body and a connection neck to fix with the connection member. The diversion element is inserted through the drain hole and extended to the water storage device. The planting baseplate assembly is easy to assemble, favorable to environmental protection, and applicable to green roofs and various planting apparatuses.

Abstract: The application provides methods and systems for cultivating plants, more particularly plants with aerial roots. The methods and systems are provided with one or more features which facilitate the cultivation of such plants. More particularly the application provides a system comprising a cultivation tray and vases fitting therein, whereby each of the vases comprise one or more ridges on the inner wall of said vase.

Abstract: To provide a plant draw-in device and a plant body transplantation system that can draw roots of plant bodies into holes reliably with a simple structure, so that there is no need of monitoring or manual operation for roots insertion and the production efficiency can be improved. The plant draw-in device 110 includes a draw-in tube 111 that can be disposed below a hole 121, a draw-in member 113 provided such as to be capable of protruding from the draw-in tube 111, and a drive unit 114 that reciprocally moves the draw-in member 113 such as to come out from, and retract into, the draw-in tube 111. The draw-in member 113 is formed such that a portion thereof protruding from the draw-in tube 111 deforms and spreads outward.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of melon, NUN 71504 MEM.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides lettuce plants exhibiting resistance to downy mildew. Such plants may comprise novel introgressed genomic regions associated with disease resistance from L. virosa. In certain aspects, compositions, including novel polymorphic markers and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with a disease resistance phenotype are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for treating livestock may include a ramp for containing dairy livestock and one or more mobile units configured to travel on the ramp, below the dairy livestock, and perform at least one action related to a treatment of the livestock. A mobile unit may be adapted to travel to a predefined location within a stall, and attach a milking equipment unit to a cow in the stall. A plurality of mobile units and a central management unit may be configured to dynamically cause at least some of the plurality of mobile units to each perform a portion of a treatment or task.

Abstract: A system and method for thermally exchanging heat between waste air being expelled from a poultry barn and fresh outside/outdoor ambient air being introduced into the poultry barn.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device made from recycled plastic material that houses the entire pooper-scooper used for the retrieval of animal feces from any surface. The container is filled with cat litter at its bottom. The device is open to place the scooper inside after the retrieval of animal feces. It keeps the area odor free, and also cleans the scooper's blade with cat litter.

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: An interface is provided for the comfortable and secure positioning of a hat on the head of an animal such as a dog. The device features a body having an interior adapted to engage the head of the animal and an exterior fastened or engageable with the interior of a hat. Recesses in the body align with openings in the hat to provide a pathway for the ears of the animal therethrough. A strap is engageable around the neck of the animal and to the body or hat on opposing sides, to hold the body engaged with the hat on the head of the animal in an as-used position.

Abstract: A training system including an apparatus and method for delivering an olfactory stimulus to an animal, comprising: one or more supply reservoirs having a sealable opening containing a reinforcing olfactant for eliciting a positive response in the animal, a release control in communication with the supply reservoir for regulating release of the reinforcing olfactant, a delivery channel connected to the supply reservoir for delivering the reinforcing olfactant released from the supply reservoir; and a housing wherein the one or more supply reservoirs and the delivery channel are mounted so as to orient the reinforcing olfactant sufficiently proximate to the animal to thereby stimulate olfaction.

Abstract: The training and control apparatus preferably includes a pendant that is coupled to a spring loaded retractable reel via a tether. The apparatus can be fitted to a canine or other animal via a collar. When the canine or other animal begins to run, the pendant is automatically deployed away from the spring loaded retractable reel, interfering with legs of the canine or other animal and discouraging running. In embodiments of the invention, the pendant includes ornamental features.

Abstract: A pet toy is configured for interaction with an animal. The pet toy includes a core, a shell, and at least one camera. The core includes at least one processing device configured to control one or more operations of the pet toy. The core also includes at least one transceiver configured to transmit to and receive information from a wireless mobile communication device, where the received information includes control information associated with movement of the pet toy. The core further includes at least one motor configured to move the pet toy around a substantially planar surface based on the control information received from the wireless mobile communication device. The shell is durable, removable, and is configured to at least partially surround and protect the core. The at least one camera configured to capture still or video images of the animal while the animal interacts with the pet toy.

Abstract: A toy slingshot for interacting with pets, comprising a slingshot fork, a rubber band installed on said slingshot fork, a shooting pocket connected to said rubber band, and a handle connected to said slingshot fork, wherein a circular ball sleeve is provided at a lower position within a fork opening a top surface of the circular ball sleeve having a gap, and a plane of said ball sleeve coincides with that of said slingshot fork. Said handle comprises a left half handle and a right half handle, and upper ends of said left half handle and right half handle are fixed to a connector at a bottom portion of said slingshot fork, forming an integrated handle having an internal a cavity. The lower-most end of said handle is connected to a handle cover, and the cavity in said handle holds a cylindrical cookie box.

Abstract: A canine handling apparatus for tethering a dog to a handler so that the handler maintains use of both hands while maintaining positive control of the dog. The handling apparatus includes in combination a collar, a handler sling and a lead, which are detachably connected together by a pair of carabiners. The collar, sling and leads are made from nylon webbing and use quick connect buckles and adjustment slides. The collar includes two opposed tag loops of braid cord or cable and a D-ring, which are oriented along the length of collar to be 180 degrees directly opposite one another. The sling has an integrated pouch for stowing small items, such as small bags for collecting dog feces.

Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing the changes in control of asymmetric locomotor behavior of an animal comprising analyzing the phase modulation in response to imposed asymmetric stepping tasks for quantitatively assessing changes in control of asymmetric locomotor behavior. A walkway gait device is provided comprising an elevated grid having at least one platform having a face and at least two or more pegs located in front or back of said platform, wherein each peg has a pressure sensor or switch in communication with a detection unit for capturing the pressure detected by one or more of the pressure sensors or switches. Preferably, the grid of the walkway gait device has at least three platforms to form a closed path loop.

Abstract: A bird feeder is provided having adjustable port access. The feeder includes a seed reservoir with a side wall that has at least one seed access opening and an adjustable feed port element. According to one embodiment, the adjustable feed port element is a feed port assembly. The feed port assembly includes a base with a rotatable insert having a perch coupled thereto in fixed relationship so that the perch and insert rotate as a unit. According to another embodiment, the adjustable feed port element rotates around the perch between a first position in which the perch is below a feed port being accessed, enabling birds to feed while standing on the perch, and a second position in which the perch is above a feed port being accessed, requiring birds to hang upside down from the perch to feed.

Abstract: A beehive suitable for the treatment of a colony of bees inside it against the infestation of mites, includes a plurality of frames for supporting honeycombs. The frames do not have pre-built honeycombs to house the eggs of the bees, so that they are built by the bees to suit their needs. The frames are able to be heated inside the beehive, up to a maximum temperature of less than 45° C.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals comprising a human or humanized interleukin-7 (IL-7) gene. Cells, embryos, and non-human animals comprising a human or humanized IL-7 gene. Rodents that express human or humanized IL-7 protein. Genetically modified mice that comprise a human or humanized IL-7-encoding gene in their germline, wherein the human or humanized IL-7-encoding gene is under control of endogenous mouse IL-7 regulatory sequences.

Abstract: A fishing line winder is disclosed. The line winder is combined with a line reel, so that a fishing line is sequentially reeled and unreeled. The line winder is a machine for preventing reverse winding and tangling, where a base of the fishing line winder is provided with a shaft, and a driving member drives the shaft to rotate, while a spindle is provided with a line spool, an abutment wheel and an unidirectional bearing; a resistance against the rotation of the abutment wheel is formed by means of a brake pad, thus preventing reverse winding and tangling when the fishing line is reeled onto and unreeled from the line reel.

Abstract: A spinning reel includes a main shaft, a crank for driving the main shaft to rotate, a spool shaft, a cam mechanism configured to translate rotation of the main shaft into linear reciprocating motion of the spool shaft, a tubular worm, a rotor coupled to the tubular worm to rotate therewith, a spool coupled to the spool shaft to move therewith, and a speed variation means which includes an output wheel for driving the tubular worm to rotate, a sun planetary gear system coupling the main shaft to the output wheel, and a coupler. The coupler is shiftable between a first position, where the output wheel and the main shaft are rotated at different speeds, and a second position, where the output wheel and the main shaft are rotated at the same speed.

Abstract: An ice cutting apparatus is structured to have at least: a two-hand gripping handle; a motor in drive communication with a circular drive gear; the circular drive gear; a reciprocating geared lever configured to be driven by the circular drive gear; and a serrated blade engaged with the reciprocating geared lever, the serrated blade configured to reciprocate as the circular drive gear rotates.

Abstract: According to an aspect, another ice fishing stand is disclosed and includes a base, a tip up arm, and a rod holder arm. The base is configured to be positioned about an ice-fishing hole, and has a receiving feature. The tip up arm is configured to hold a spool. The rod holder arm includes a rod holder that is configured to hold a fishing rod. The rod holder arm is releasably mountable to the receiving feature.

Abstract: A fishing device, for use with a reel and rod combination having fishing line with attached terminal tackle, includes a base, an indicator device, a trigger mechanism, and a line device. The base has a hole and slot configuration to allow a fishing line to feed through the base. The indicator device is coupled to the base and is configured to indicate the presence of a fish. The trigger mechanism is configured to cause the indicator device to pop up when the trigger device is activated. The line device attaches to the fishing line and is configured to activate the trigger mechanism. When a fish pulls on the terminal tackle, the line device activates the trigger mechanism that causes the indicator device to pop-up indicating to a user the presence of a fish.

Abstract: A horseshoe for attaching to a horse's hoof using an adhesive, such as glue. In one example, the horseshoe includes an elastomeric body containing a wear material, which improves wear and traction performance of elastomeric shoes. In another example, the elastomeric material may include radiopaque materials to improve visibility of the shoe when x-rays are taken of a horse's hoof or leg. In some aspects, the radiopaque material may be blended with the wear material. Or if the radiopaque material exhibits abrasive/gritty qualities, the radiopaque material may also serve as the wear material.

Abstract: A method and system for fumigating a material is disclosed. The method includes the steps of containing the material to be fumigated in a containment volume and forming a gas mixture in the containment volume, the gas mixture including at least a fumigation agent and an ambient gas originally present within the containment volume, wherein the partial pressure of the fumigation agent is elevated with respect to the ambient gas in the containment volume. The method further includes then maintaining a concentration of a fumigation agent within the containment volume for a required time to fumigate the material and then removing the fumigation agent from the containment volume.

Abstract: A mole trap includes a molded housing with first and second portions. One of the portions includes two molded posts. A trigger and release plate are each pivotally mounted on one of the two posts, and are substantially encased within the housing. The trap may include a first shaft connected to a trigger pad, and a spring loaded second shaft. The first shaft is slideable with respect to the second shaft, which is connected to a plurality of tines. A release is operative to hold a trigger in a set position, and thereby hold the spring loaded second shaft in the set position. The first shaft is operable to displace the release in response to an upward force applied to the trigger pad, wherein the release is operable to release the trigger in response to the displacement, wherein the trigger is operable to release the spring loaded outer shaft.

Abstract: A mole trap includes a molded housing with first and second portions. One of the portions includes two molded posts. A trigger and release plate are each pivotally mounted on one of the two posts, and are substantially encased within the housing. The trap may include a first shaft connected to a trigger pad, and a spring loaded second shaft. The first shaft is slideable with respect to the second shaft, which is connected to a plurality of tines. A release is operative to hold a trigger in a set position, and thereby hold the spring loaded second shaft in the set position. The first shaft is operable to displace the release in response to an upward force applied to the trigger pad, wherein the release is operable to release the trigger in response to the displacement, wherein the trigger is operable to release the spring loaded outer shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for detecting the presence of insects and bioaerosols comprising, a base and a shell, where the shell is affixed to the base forming a chamber, wherein an agent is contained with said chamber, and at least one channel, the channel(s) provides access to the chamber, the shell can be actuated by a person causing the device to expel air and optionally one or more agents from the chamber to the exterior and to draw in air and bioaerosols from the exterior into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to aortic cannulas for use in perfusion systems to return perfusate to the heart or delivering perfusate from the heart while the organ is sustained ex vivo at physiologic or near-physiologic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsifiable or self-emulsifying liquid composition for plant growth control which contains cyanamide.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry composition containing microcapsules dispersed in an aqueous medium. The microcapsules contain an ionic acrylate copolymer shell encapsulating an oily medium. Upon drying, the microcapsules release the oily medium. The slurry is useful in delivering a variety of water-insoluble substances via an aqueous medium including cosmetic or agricultural agents.

Abstract: A self-generated antimicrobial alcoholic foam prepared by combining an alcoholic pre-mix comprising at least 50 wt. % of a lower alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic pre-mix, at least one acidic component, and at least one waxy component; and an aqueous pre-mix comprising a carbonate. A dispenser and a two-part refill for a dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising a pesticide and an alkoxylate of the formula (I) R1—[AO]n—O—C(R3)(R4)—O—[CH2—CH2—O]m—R2??(I) where R1 is a C6-C32 aliphatic hydrocarbon group, R2 is a C1-C18 aliphatic hydrocarbon group, R3 and R4 are independently form another H or C1-C12 aliphatic hydrocarbon groups, AO is C2-C6 alkyleneoxy group, n is from 1 to 100, and m is from 0 to 10. The invention further relates to said alkoxylate. The invention further relates to a method of preparing said composition by bringing the alkoxylate and the pesticide into contact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of using 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), or a salt thereof, alone or in combination with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), or a salt thereof, on oil palm before harvest to increase oil production.