Patents Issued in April 18, 2017
  • Patent number: PP27918
    Abstract: A new cultivar of hybrid Coreopsis named ‘Red Elf’ that is characterized by its compact plant habit, its nearly sterile florets result in a floriferous and long bloom season that does not require deadheading with bloom commencing in late-June and lasting until frost in Connecticut, its large inflorescences with ray florets that are deep velvety red in color, its cold hardiness at least to U.S.D.A. Zone 5a, and its resistance to powdery mildew and leaf spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Darrell R. Probst
  • Patent number: PP27919
    Abstract: The new Penstemon plant was created by a controlled plant breeding program followed by selection, open pollination, and further selection. The growth habit is upright with strong basal branching and excellent vigor. Attractive large bright pink flowers with a white throat on sturdy stems are formed. There is no vernalization requirement for flowering. An upright mounding growth habit is displayed. The plant readily roots from stem cuttings and is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Dobres, Sloane M. Scheiber
  • Patent number: PP27920
    Abstract: The new Penstemon plant was created by a controlled plant breeding program followed by selection, open pollination, and further selection. The growth habit is compact and upright with strong basal branching and excellent vigor. Attractive purple flowers with a lighter purple throat on sturdy stems are formed. There is no vernalization requirement for flowering. Dark green ornamental foliage is displayed. The plant readily roots from stem cuttings and is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Michael S. Dobres, Sloane M. Scheiber
  • Patent number: PP27921
    Abstract: ‘Orania’ is a new variety of calla lily having inflorescences with an orange-red colored spathe that produces 5-18 inflorescences per tuber. The inflorescence stems are about 45 cm in height, and the leaves are green with whitish spots and have a leathery texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sande B.V.
    Inventor: Cecilius Jan-Jochem Randag
  • Patent number: PP27922
    Abstract: ‘Las Vegas’ is a new variety of calla lily having inflorescences with a purple-colored spathe that produces 5-25 inflorescences per tuber. The inflorescence stems are about 37 cm in height, and the leaves are green with whitish spots and have a leathery texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sande B.V.
    Inventor: Cecilius Jan-Jochem Randag
  • Patent number: PP27923
    Abstract: ‘Accent’ is a new variety of calla lily having inflorescences with a purple/pink-colored spathe that produces 4-14 inflorescences per tuber. The inflorescence stems are about 35 cm in height, and the leaves are green with whitish spots and have a leathery texture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sande B.V.
    Inventor: Cecilius Jan-Jochem Randag
  • Patent number: RE46367
    Abstract: A therapy mat table has an upper surface and removable mat. A portion of the mat and a separate plate is rotatably mounted within the flat top so as to be capable of being selectively raised and lowered to form a seat back for a patient reclining or sitting on the pad on an elongated side edge of the table. The table may also include transfer bars which help to move a patient on and off the table or when moving to a standing position or while simply standing. The table may further include a stowable foot stop, which prevents backward movement of the patient's feet when the patient is standing between the transfer bars. The table may also include a knee blocker, which helps to limit or prevent buckling of the patient's knees when the patient is standing between the transfer bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Therapeutic Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Estrada, Christian D. Lehuede
  • Patent number: RE46368
    Abstract: A material for electroluminescent devices which comprises a compound in which a heterocyclic group having nitrogen is bonded to carbazolyl group and an organic electroluminescent device having at least one organic thin film layer which is sandwiched between the cathode and the anode and contains the above material in at least one layer, are provided. The material can provide organic electroluminescent devices emitting bluish light with a high purity of color. The organic electroluminescence device uses the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Iwakuma, Chishio Hosokawa, Hidetsugu Ikeda, Seiji Tomita, Takashi Arakane
  • Patent number: RE46369
    Abstract: A switching mode power supply (SMPS) includes a transformer having a primary winding, a secondary winding for providing an output voltage, and an auxiliary winding. The SMPS also includes a power switch coupled to the primary winding. A first control circuit is coupled to the secondary winding, and is configured to provide a first electrical signal to the secondary winding when the output voltage of the SMPS is less than a reference voltage during a discontinuous time, whereupon a second electrical signal is induced in the auxiliary winding. A second control circuit is coupled to the auxiliary winding and the power switch. The second control circuit is configured to regulate the output of the SMPS by controlling the power switch in response to a feedback voltage signal from the auxiliary winding, and is further configured to turn on the power switch in response to the second electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BCD Semiconductor Manufacturing Limited
    Inventors: Yajiang Zhu, Jia Xie, Yongbo Zhang, Chao Chen, Shuzhuang Lv
  • Patent number: RE46370
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems and methods for processing of data related to video wherein reduced bit depth intermediate calculations are enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Louis J. Kerofsky
  • Patent number: 9622396
    Abstract: A multi-functional folding shovel for assisting a user to regain traction under vehicle wheels includes a bifurcated body having a centrally registered longitudinal axis extended along an entire length thereof. Such a bifurcated body includes a proximal end and a distal end opposed therefrom. A coupling is intermediately disposed between the proximal end and the distal end wherein the coupling has a fulcrum axis registered orthogonal to the centrally registered longitudinal axis. Advantageously, a refillable reservoir is extended from the proximal end and affixed to the coupling. In this manner refillable reservoir is adapted to receive and discharge an existing friction-inducing agent therefrom. An implement having an adjustable shape is affixed to the coupling and extended to the distal end wherein the implement is selectively articulated about the fulcrum axis relative to the refillable reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Grace Dunkley-Davis
  • Patent number: 9622397
    Abstract: An aerating device includes a frame, moving means arranged on the frame for moving the aerating device in a direction of movement over a ground surface for working, a drive, a rotor shaft provided with a plurality of knives, where the rotor shaft is arranged bearing-mounted between the frame and the drive and is operatively coupled to the drive for rotating the rotor shaft, and where the knives are inserted successively into the around surface, and where during uncoupling of the rotor shaft and the drive the rotor shaft is movable in a direction away from the drive such that the rotor shaft lies at a distance from the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Redexim Handel-en Exploitatie Mij. BV
    Inventor: Anton Cornelis Bos
  • Patent number: 9622398
    Abstract: A robotic gantry (10) for conducting farming operations. The robotic gantry has a bridge (12) which is moved by propulsion mechanisms (14), one or more farming implements (16), a controller (38), and one or more devices (28, 30) to provide position information for the robotic gantry as it moves back and forth along a plurality of crop rows (40). The robotic gantry is connected to a power supply system (20) and, optionally, to a liquid supply system (22), which may be implemented as festoon systems. The controller is automated, self-navigating, and activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of the propulsion mechanisms, and deploys, retracts, activates, deactivates, and/or changes the operation of one or more of the farming implements. The height of the frame may be adjusted by height adjustment frames (18) to accommodate crops of different heights and at different times during a growing season.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Agbotic, Inc.
    Inventor: John Paul Gaus
  • Patent number: 9622399
    Abstract: An arrangement for the control of a device interface of an agricultural work vehicle includes a control unit of the work vehicle, which is connected, in a controlling manner, with an external power actuator for the adjustment of the position of the device interface, and a portable computer with input and a processor which has a wireless communication connection with the control unit and on which software was downloaded, which makes possible control of the actuator by the input, via the processor and the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Martin Kremmer, Marco Reinards
  • Patent number: 9622400
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, a plurality of wheel assemblies and a control system. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the wheel assemblies include an actuator. The wheel assemblies include a first plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the main section and a second plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the plurality of wing sections. The actuators of the first plurality of wheel assemblies being independent of the actuators of the second plurality of wheel assemblies. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to effect a profile minimizing operation of the foldable wing sections when the implement is being transitioned into a transport mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9622401
    Abstract: A chemical granule metering system, for use on a row crop planter, allows for control of chemical granule drop rate. The chemical granule metering system also includes a motor permitting control of chemical granule drop rate by adjusting the rotational speed of the motor. An impeller for a chemical granule meter system having a plurality of apertures is optimized to allow a broad range of chemical granule flow rates, reduce or mitigate clogging, and reduce pulsing characteristics of the metering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Vaughan Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9622402
    Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include dynamic metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. When the invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Kinzenbaw, Merlan J. Rolffs, Matthew J. Wilhelmi, Dustan Hahn, Derrick Becker
  • Patent number: 9622403
    Abstract: A seed research plot planter includes a rotating seed plate for picking up and transporting seeds from a seed chamber to a release point, and a sensor that detects the rotational position of the seed plate. A distance measuring device measures a distance traveled by the planter. A controller uses a first signal from the sensor and a second signal from the distance measuring device to control a sequence of operations of the planter based on the rotational position of the seed plate and the location of the planter within the field. A field layout system is provided for creating a plot field layout having a desired number of ranges, a desired number of planter passes, and desired parameters for each plot within the field. The field layout system allows different plot lengths and seed populations to be input for individual plots within the same planter pass through the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Seed Research Equipment Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Stacy L Unruh
  • Patent number: 9622404
    Abstract: A wheel-supported frame for an agricultural mower having a tongue, a pivotally connected frame having a pair of main wheel, and a pair of a retractable transport wheels connected to the frame. A mechanism is provided for each transport wheel to deploy the transport wheels and support the mower, the transport wheels being oriented for travel 90 degrees to the direction of travel of the main wheels. The pivoting tongue connection with the main frame provides for at least a 90 degree rotation of the frame relative to the tongue between operating and transport positions so that the mower may be pulled for transport with the mower moving in the direction of its normal lateral width. The transport wheel mechanisms also position the transport wheels where they will not interfere with mower operation, especially pivoting of the tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Melanie W. Harkcom, Cecil R. Sudbrack, Derek S. Rude, Murray Kosokowsky, John H. Posselius, Roger Huggard, Michael J. Digman
  • Patent number: 9622405
    Abstract: A sickle cutting apparatus includes a plurality of triple finger knife guards which are arranged side by side along the cutter bar to cooperate with a reciprocating sickle bar carrying a row of double blade knife sections and a set of hold-down members carrying hold-down fingers. The hold-down members are arranged alternately as a single finger and double finger with each hold-down member being connected to the cutter bar in association with a respective triple guard. In this way the hold-down fingers are arranged at alternate guard fingers leaving the intervening guard fingers open. The system includes both pointed guards with no tang and stub guard so that the user can select either to be used with the hold-downs. The hold down fingers are all individually adjustable so that the double hold-down have two adjustment screws which can be individually operated causing flexing of the bridge between the double fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Macdon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Francois R. Talbot, Dory Parsonage
  • Patent number: 9622406
    Abstract: A mid-mount mower has a mower unit mounted under a vehicle body between front wheels and rear wheels. The mower includes a lift link mechanism having a front link and a rear link, an intermediate structure interconnecting one end of the front link and one end of the rear link via a pivot axis, a blade housing having an engaged portion engageable with an engaging potion of the intermediate structure and a guide face configured to guide the engaging portion ad the engaged portion to an engaging position so as to establish connection between the blade housing placed on a ground surface and the intermediate structure in association with a movement of the vehicle body in a front/rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tada, Akira Minoura, Takeshi Komorida, Azusa Furihata, Hiroshi Kawabata, Ryo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 9622407
    Abstract: A drive system includes a first transmission, a second transmission and at least one flexible driving member. The first transmission is operably coupled to a first set of wheels to provide drive power to the first set of wheels responsive to engagement of the first transmission. The second transmission is operably coupled to a second set of wheels to provide drive power to the second set of wheels responsive to engagement of the second transmission. The at least one flexible driving member is operably coupled to a remote actuator and a drive shaft of the walk-behind outdoor power equipment device. The at least one flexible member selectively engages one of the first transmission or the second transmission to switch a walk-behind outdoor power equipment device between all wheel drive operation and another drive mode via the remote actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: John Helgesen, Eric Lennings, Robert Fancher, Matthew M. Lambert
  • Patent number: 9622408
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a pitch of a plurality of fan blades of a variable pitch fan driven by an engine of a harvester. The control system comprises first, second, and third feedback devices that provide first, second, and third feedback signals indicative of at least one harvester temperature, an ambient temperature, and an engine load. A controller is operable to receive the first, second, and third feedback signals, lookup an initial pitch setting, generate an initial pitch setting signal, and compare the harvester temperature to a harvester temperature limit and generate a fan reversal signal if certain conditions are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Shaun J. Miller, Robert C. Blad, Mark A. Cracraft, James T. Noonan, Cole D. Miller, Darren J. Cruchelow, Steven D. Wallestad
  • Patent number: 9622409
    Abstract: A reciprocating knife assembly of an agricultural implement includes first and second elongate reciprocating knives disposed along a leading edge of an agricultural implement, the reciprocating knives being disposed end to end and extending colinearly for simultaneous reciprocation in opposite directions, the first and second reciprocating knives being supported for sliding movement on the agricultural implement in a lateral direction generally perpendicular to the direction of travel of the agricultural implement as it travels through an agricultural field harvesting crop, a first bell crank coupled to the first reciprocating knife to reciprocate said knife, a second bell crank coupled to the second reciprocating knife to reciprocate the second reciprocating knife, and a common drive coupled to the first and second bell cranks to drive both the first and second bell cranks in opposite directions simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bruce Alan Coers, Daniel James Burke, Ryan Patrick Mackin, James Kelley Adamson, Mark L. Pearson
  • Patent number: 9622410
    Abstract: A material collection parking system having a hopper connected to a rear discharge chute from a mower deck on a lawn tractor. The system includes a pair of front and a pair of rear parking support legs, at least one of the pairs of legs being independently moveable between a stowed position along a side wall of the hopper and a deployed position supporting the hopper on a ground surface. The material collection system has a low dump configuration and a high dump configuration providing unobstructed sight lines and rear visibility for the operator during rear collection in the stowed position on the lawn tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: William J Holz, Christopher Krajnik, Patrick Shaver
  • Patent number: 9622411
    Abstract: A row unit of a header for an agricultural harvester having a gathering chain lockout assembly is provided. The row unit includes a frame, a gathering chain assembly and a lockout assembly that allows adjustment or removal of the gathering chain. The gathering chain assembly is mounted to the frame extending forwardly of the header and includes first and second sprockets, an endless chain extending between the first and second sprockets, and a carriage assembly extending from and supporting the first sprocket. The carriage assembly has a stationary member and a moveable member moveable relative to the stationary member between an extended position and a retracted position. The lockout assembly is attached to the carriage assembly and includes a lockout fastener pivotably attached to one of the stationary member and moveable member and an engaging member attached to the other of the stationary member and moveable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian Patrick Crow, Felipe Baldissera Ramina
  • Patent number: 9622412
    Abstract: An endless belt for a side conveyor (104, 106) of a draper header (100) has a web width an upper, crop conveying surface that is generally planar over substantially its entire extent. The web comprises a forward edge portion that is configured to be covered by a crop ramp. A plurality of protrusions (300, 400, 500, 502, 504, 602, 606) is fixed to and extends upward from the forward edge portion. The side conveyor (104, 106) comprises the endless belt and the crop ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Anthony M Hasenour, Corwin M Puryk
  • Patent number: 9622413
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head comprises a frame, crop dividers located at each end of the frame, and a reel supported on the frame between the crop dividers wherein a disk at at least one end of the reel has a wiper mounted upon it that wipes against the surface of a crop divider as the reel and disc rotate during harvesting, and in this manner helps clear the crop divider of crop plants that might otherwise become hair pinned on the crop divider. Wipers can be provided on discs at both ends of the reel to thereby keep both crop dividers clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jesse R. Neely, Benjamin J. Schlesser, Corwin M. Puryk
  • Patent number: 9622414
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a ground-engaging wheel of a device configured to move in a travel direction. The apparatus includes a guard and bracket assembly, wherein the guard is configured to be movable over the wheel. The guard has forward portion, a back portion, and a width substantially covering a width of the wheel. The guard is configured to be movable over the wheel from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the forward portion of the guard is disposed proximate an upper portion of the wheel and the back portion of the guard is disposed proximate a rear portion of the wheel relative to the travel direction. In the second position, the forward portion of the guard is disposed proximate a front portion of the wheel and the back portion of the guard is disposed proximate an upper portion of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Todd B. Snyder, Jeremiah T. Rau
  • Patent number: 9622415
    Abstract: A cleaning system for a harvester has a sieve that is moveable by a drive assembly that includes a rotary drive, —an eccentric device, a transmission connected to the eccentric device and to the sieve, which transmission cyclically varies the distance between the driving point of the eccentric device and the sieve coupling during each full rotation of the rotatable output shaft of the rotary drive, wherein, due to the cyclic variation of the distance between the driving point of the eccentric device and the sieve coupling, during each reciprocating sieve movement at least one of the accelerating portion of the throw stroke, the decelerating portion of the throw stroke, the accelerating portion of the return stroke and the decelerating portion of the return stroke has a duration that is different from the duration of at least one other of the portions of the reciprocating sieve movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Frank R. G. Duquesne, Bart G. L. Van Hullebusch
  • Patent number: 9622416
    Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a main bale chamber having a pair of opposed side walls. Each side wall includes a plunger slot arrangement defining a plunger slot. Each plunger slot has opposite ends and is open at both an inside adjacent to a plunger and an opposite outside. The plunger is reciprocally disposed within the main bale chamber, and includes a pair of opposed sides and at least one roller extending laterally outward from each side. Each roller is positioned within a respective plunger slot. The baler is characterized by a pair of plunger slot covers, with each cover only partially covering a respective outside of a corresponding plunger slot such that each end of the plunger slot is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Wouter Boone
  • Patent number: 9622417
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for maintaining proper tension in the one or more fluidly movable belts during the tailgate closing process of a baling cycle. Sensors are used to obtain position data of the bale density system and tailgate system. This information is used by a controller, which then calculates if an adjustment to the speed of the tailgate is necessary to maintain proper tension in the movable belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, James D. Walker
  • Patent number: 9622418
    Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a tag into a bale of agricultural material during bale production is configured such that the tag is inserted within the bale material within reading distance of an outer surface of the final bale. In square bales, the tag is placed in either the first or last slice of the bale. In round bales, the tag is place in the outer circumferential layer of the bale as it is formed. The tag may be gravity fed or forcibly fed into the stream of crop material as it passes from the baling apparatus pick-up to the baling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Christopher A. Foster
  • Patent number: 9622419
    Abstract: An improved belt tensioning system for an agricultural round baler that increases belt tension to reduce slippage between the belts and the driving rolls during the initial stage of a bale forming cycle when the bale chamber is empty and as the belts are beginning to be rolled. The system includes an accumulator that is pressurized by the tensioning system as a bale is being formed. The accumulator pressure may then be directed to a hydraulic cylinder included in a bale density system to increase tension in the belts after a completed bale is ejected and the bale chamber is being reset for the next bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Simmons, Michael J. Cooper, Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9622420
    Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a baler mechanism and a carriage assembly coupled to the baler mechanism. A platform is coupled to at least one of the baler mechanism and the carriage assembly. The platform is configured to move a bale from the baler mechanism to the carriage assembly and remain tilted until the bale is moved onto the carriage assembly at least substantially out of contact with the platform. A sliding mechanism is coupled to the carriage assembly. The sliding mechanism is configured to move the bale onto the carriage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J Kraus, Henry D Anstey
  • Patent number: 9622421
    Abstract: A consumer product for supplementing carbon dioxide is provided with delayed activation control in the form of a clamp. A bag, having a top and a bottom seal and a filter, contains a mycelial mass prepared under sterile laboratory conditions using aseptic techniques. The bag may be selectively clamped at various locations on its exterior. During manufacturing, the mycelial mass is sealed away from the air exchange portal by the clamp. The manipulation delays the optimized carbon dioxide generation and extends the product shelf-life significantly. The fungi are utilized on-demand by removal of the clamp and carbon dioxide flows from the product. Consumers will place the product near indoor plants. The precise clamping method delays the expiration of the product for storage and shipping optimization. The clamp is relocated to the top of the bag in order to provide a hanger for the carbon dioxide generator above plant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Glen Babcock, Wendy Babcock Garrett
  • Patent number: 9622422
    Abstract: A pair of pruning shears with multi-stage actions for cutting branches with larger diameters is revealed. The pruning shears include a fixing member, a blunt member, a cutting tool, a crank member, a moveable handle, a first locking member, and a second locking member. The fixing member, the crank member and the cutting tool are pivotally connected. The cutting tool consists of a blade part and a curved teeth part. The first locking member and the second locking member are pivotally connected to the fixing member and the crank member respectively. Each locking member is disposed with a hook part, a first projecting rod, and a second projecting rod. The first projecting rod and the second projecting rod are arranged symmetrically. The first locking member and the second locking member are engaged with different teeth respectively at different stages. Thereby the pruning shears performs cutting at different stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Formosa Tools CO., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Chun Hsu
  • Patent number: 9622423
    Abstract: A balloon and floral centerpiece kit includes a plurality of interlocking extension members that secure together to form any number of different shapes. A base unit is removably secured to the bottommost extension member. The base unit including a main body, a lid and a shaft connection member. A topper is removably secured to the top end of the uppermost extension member. A plurality of balloons are removably secured along one or more of the plurality of interlocking extension members, the base unit and the topper. The kit also includes a plurality of generally T-shaped spikes, various decorative elements, a balloon pump, and assembly instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Guy Rexford, Randall Jones
  • Patent number: 9622424
    Abstract: A wavelength emitting electronic device for enhancing growth of a plurality of plants includes a supporting frame member, at least one printed circuit board (PCB), and an optically transmittive material. The supporting frame member includes a first surface and a second surface. The PCB includes an array of light sources. The PCB is detachably attached to the second surface of the supporting frame. The array of light sources receives electrical signals from a circuit rectification module power source. Each light source of the array of light sources emits light of predetermined wavelengths. The optically transmittive material is fixedly attached to the supporting frame member for transmitting the light emitted by the array of light sources to the plants for enhancing growth of plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Elizabeth A Martin
  • Patent number: 9622425
    Abstract: A plant growing device includes an envelope made of a vacuum formed film and having substantially planar first and second walls interconnected by a surrounding wall. A plant growing medium is enclosed by the envelope. The first and second walls each has a plurality of micro-holes, and a network of interconnected ribs that are indented from an outer surface of the first or second wall to define a plurality of flow guide channels. The second wall further has openings to receive plants. The first wall further has drain holes. The envelope has high air permeability due to the micro-holes while still possessing a relative high strength due to the network of ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Chen-Cheng Huang, Pao-Hao Huang, Pao-Han Huang
  • Patent number: 9622426
    Abstract: A method of improving the growth of plants belonging to the family Cannabaceae sensu stricto by providing a plant nutrient solution about the plant roots and a gas mixture circulating about the plant shoot; by selecting the gas mixture and plant nutrient solution temperature independently of the other; and providing a plant nutrient solution to gas mixture temperature differential of approximately 0° F. or of at least approximately 15° F. during different phases of plant development, in order to change the plant development to improve a desired plant organ for industrial, scientific, and medical purposes. Infection of plants by Pythium, Fusarium, Verticillium, and Rizoctonia are treated or prevented by selecting a gas mixture temperature that is approximately 65 to 85° F. and a plant nutrient solution temperature that is approximately 35 to 65° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Charles E. Ankner
  • Patent number: 9622427
    Abstract: A hydroponics plant growing system comprises a bamboo tower having a grow chamber and a water chamber formed therein. A plurality of grow cups are attached to side of the tower adjacent the grow chamber. Cutouts in a sidewall of the tower form passageways between the grow cups and grow chamber. A low voltage electric pump is disposed in the water chamber to pump water to the top of the grow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Davidson Wagner
  • Patent number: 9622428
    Abstract: A hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus, designated as strain J11500, includes a representative culture of the strain, which has been deposited under NRRL Accession No. 50895. A method of producing a hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus comprising: mating a homokaryotic line J10102-s69 with a homokaryotic line OWNC. Additionally, mushrooms, parts of the culture and products incorporating the culture are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Sylvan America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Kerrigan, Mark P. Wach, Michelle E. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9622429
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a peptide comprising a six-member ring created by the disulfide bond between two cysteines in the increase of biomass of a photosynthetic organism, for its application in the wood industry, in obtaining energy coming from renewable sources and in agriculture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BioMass Booster, S.L.
    Inventors: Alfredo Martinez Ramirez, Jorge Conrado Arenas Vidal
  • Patent number: 9622430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated plant of the species Solanum lycopersicum comprising an ACS4 allele having one or more mutations, said mutations resulting in production of a mutant acs4 protein having loss of-function acs4 protein or reduced function compared to wild type Acs4 protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: NUNHEMS B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Hendrik Vriezen
  • Patent number: 9622431
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV8232TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV8232TM 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Teresa Beck Bunn
  • Patent number: 9622432
    Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of melon hybrid SV3394MF and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of melon hybrid SV3394MF and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a melon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another melon 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Seminis Vegetable Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Mills
  • Patent number: 9622433
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CC1217019 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CC1217019 and its progeny, and methods of making CC1217019.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Clay Brady Cole, David Pazdernik
  • Patent number: 9622434
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV045887. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV045887, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV045887 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV045887 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV045887.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Shane Meis
  • Patent number: 9622435
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV048365. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV048365, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV048365 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV048365 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV048365.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Martin Medina, Magen Starr Eller