Abstract: A mechanical coupling arrangement for interconnecting a compression spring assembly and certain working tools such as the disks of an agricultural tillage implement includes a hinge having a pivot axis and first and second arms extending from the pivot axis. Linkage arrangements couple the first hinge arm to the spring assembly and the second hinge arm to the working tools. A shear pin extends between the hinge arms remote from the pivot axis for fixing the angular relationship between the arms so long as the spring compression remains less than a predetermined maximum. Shear pin failure allows one hinge arm to pivot relative to the other when the predetermined maximum tension is exceeded uncoupling the spring assembly from the tools.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a main section having a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, and a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. At least one of the sections have a gauge wheel system. The gauge wheel system includes an untilled wheel assembly, a tilled wheel assembly, and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is configured to adjust the untilled wheel assembly relative to the tilled wheel assembly thereby compensating for a characteristic difference between tilled and untilled soil.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a frame member and a seed meter mounted thereto. The seed meter has a housing and a metering member rotatably mounted therein. The metering member has a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface with a rim portion of the sidewall adjacent an outer edge of the sidewall. The inner surface of the side wall and the housing form a trough at a bottom portion of the metering member to hold a seed pool. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member and moves seed to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: An independently automated mechanical transplanter for dispensing seedlings into a furrow located in the ground or in a field. The transplanter includes at least one automated transplanter unit mounted to a transportable frame. A trundle is mounted to the transportable frame having a plurality of gripper fingers. Each automated transplanter unit has a seedling tray for presenting a plurality of seedlings to the trundle to grip and extract the seedlings from the seedling tray. The transplanter also includes a moveable conveyor belt having a plurality of pockets attached thereto; the trundle configured to transfer the plurality of seedlings into the plurality of pockets as the conveyor belt moves; and each individual pocket configured to open when positioned directly over a delivery chute for dropping the seedlings into a planting shoe for delivery into the open furrow.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically adjusting an amount of agricultural granular material delivered to a field in response to vehicle steering activities. The system includes a sensor that is associated with a steering system of a vehicle configured to apply the material to a field. The sensor is connected to a controller that is configured to determine a deviation value associated with discrete turning activities. The controller is configured to manipulate operation of a first commodity delivery system and a second commodity delivery system such that different amounts of the agricultural material can be delivered to alternate lateral sides of the vehicle in response to turning activities.

Abstract: The article of manufacture is a sulky with a unique fender. The fender has an opening with a door place over the tire. On one end of the opening is a hinge that is attached to one end of door. At the other end of the door and opening is a latching assembly. This enable the door to be closed and latched during mowing and to be easily opened when the operator wishes to clean the debris that has collected between the tire and the fender. The latching assembly is an over center draw latch consists of a hook attached to a pivotally mounted lever. The pivotally mounted lever is attached to the fender. On the door is an opening into which the hook is designed to fit. When debris builds between the fender and the tire the operator stops the sulky and opens the door for cleaning.

Abstract: A vegetation trimmer has a motor driven cutting head with cutting tools having blades and flexible filaments attached to the blades. The blades have first and second holes accommodating the flexible filaments.

Abstract: A seed sowing system for depositing seeds in a germination tray is disclosed. The seed sowing system may include a rotatable drum having a plurality of rows of apertures configured to pick up, carry, and release the seeds so that they fall into respective depressions in the germination tray. A light source may be provided to illuminate the row of seeds as each row passes through an illumination region while being carried on the rotatable drum. A detector may be positioned to capture light reflected from the rows of seeds as each row passes through the illumination region. Output signals from the detector may be analyzed to determine an improper quantity of seeds at predetermined locations on the rotatable drum. Based on this analysis, an alert and/or report may be provided to the operator so that he or she can adjust and/or repair the seed sowing system.

Abstract: The device may be coupled to a tractor and comprises a housing comprising vertical walls and a sliding arrangement, and a shaft, base plate, stabilizing portion, motor, and bit assembly. A coupling plate may be coupled to a cooperative coupling plate of the tractor. The shaft extends vertically from the motor to the base plate. The bit assembly is coupled to the lower end of the shaft. The stabilizing portion comprises a tubular member extending from the baseplate. The method of removing a tree comprising a trunk and roots, the roots being below ground, comprises the steps of engaging the trunk with a stabilizer; bending said trunk with the stabilizer; securing the trunk with said stabilizer; inserting a rotating bit into the ground; driving the rotating bit into an area occupied by said roots; and engaging said roots with the rotating bit assembly.

Abstract: A fluid supply line is provided to reduce the labor and cost required for dripline system installations by providing predetermined fitting locations where driplines can be attached. The supply line consists of a conduit having a side wall, a connector extending through the side wall of the conduit, the connector having a conduit connecting segment extending outside the conduit and an inlet segment extending into the conduit, and the inlet segment being connected to the side wall of the conduit.

Abstract: An irrigation system that includes multiple interconnected spans that are supported by multiple tower structures. Each intermediate tower structure and end tower structure may include a dual-controller drive assembly that may include both a fixed-speed drive controller controlling the speed of movement of the dual-controller drive assembly when the fixed-speed drive controller is selected and a variable-speed drive controller controlling the speed of movement of the dual-controller drive assembly when the variable-speed drive controller is selected, and one or more selector switches configured to either manually, based on manual operator input, or automatically, based on automatic sensor input, select between the fixed-speed drive controller and the variable-speed drive controller.

Abstract: In embodiments, an application vehicle includes an application system for applying a product during an agricultural application. The application system (used in conjunction with the application vehicle) includes a priming module that determines a priming location. When the application vehicle is in proximity to the priming location, the priming module primes aspects of the application system so that it is ready to apply the product when the application vehicle reaches a region in which the product is to be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus that fits in a container, that enables the container to function as a self-watering planter. The apparatus has a partitioning element that includes an extruded element having a hollow tubular section that terminates in a center opening and a wide flange. The extruded element separates the container into an upper portion (potting soil and plant), a lower portion (liquid reservoir), and a common portion (potting soil, water, and ultimately some plant roots). The flange is a solid plate with a lateral opening that enables liquid to be conveyed past the plate. Roots cannot grow through it. Below the solid plate is a container overflow outlet. A liquid inlet line extends from about above the rim down to the reservoir, so substantially no liquid is added directly to the upper portion.

Abstract: A novel hybrid tomato plant, designated HMX3887 and/or HMX3888 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of tomato hybrid HMX3887 and/or HMX3888, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid tomato HMX3887 and/or HMX3888, and to methods for producing a tomato plant by crossing the hybrid tomato HMX3887 and/or HMX3888 with itself or another tomato plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a tomato plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other tomato plants derived from the hybrid tomato plant HMX3887 and/or HMX3888.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X18F970 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X18F970 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18F970 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18F970, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18F970. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18F970.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 237667. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 237667, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 237667 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 237667.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 373014. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 373014, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 373014 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 373014.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 373019. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 373019, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 373019 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 373019.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated DA909-325. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar DA909-325. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar DA909-325 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar DA909-325 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9W09-2212. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2212. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2212 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2212 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S150105 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S150105, to the plants of soybean cultivar S150105, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S150105, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S150105. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S150105. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S150105, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S150105 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2F4W and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2F4W with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2F4W through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2F4W or a locus conversion of PH2F4W with another maize variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV181138. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV181138, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV181138 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 CV181138 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 CV181138.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV448797. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV448797, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV448797 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 CV448797 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 CV448797.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV202746. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV202746, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV202746 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 CV202746 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 CV202746.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057424. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057424. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057424 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057424 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A biodegradable litter kit to be used for the collection and disposal of animal waste. The kit includes a litter box having a tray portion and a retractable lid. The tray has a bottom and at least one protruding side to which the lid is connected. The box includes a perforated false bottom positioned within the tray for holding a layer of fresh litter above the bottom of the tray. The perforated false bottom permits for the passage of soiled litter but prevents the passage of fresh litter to the bottom of the tray thus keeping a layer of fresh litter accessible for use by an animal.

Abstract: A pet scoop assembly and method of use is provided. The assembly includes a scoop member; a receptacle detachably engageable with the scoop member; and a door disposed intermediate the two. A disposable bag may line the receptacle and be clamped in place between the receptacle and scoop member. The door opens inwardly into the receptacle. When the scoop assembly is turned into a vertical orientation, the door opens by a weighted member attached to the door. A region of the scoop member adjacent the door is angled to allow pet waste to slide readily from the scoop member into the receptacle.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet for pets, having a fluid-permeable surface sheet that receives pet excrement, a fluid-impermeable rear sheet, and an absorbent body that absorbs fluid that has penetrated the surface sheet. The surface sheet is configured so as to receive pet excrement, in a state in which the rear sheet is placed in a placement location; the absorbent body is configured as a non-embossed area having a surface-side covered sheet, a rear-side covered sheet, and an absorbent layer; a main absorbent section for excrement is provided in the center area of the absorbent body; and the basis weight in at least the main absorbent area in the absorbent body is set so as to be substantially uniform at a prescribed value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for guiding a target object with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an environment. The UAV may be able to recognize and locate the target object. The UAV can be configured to communicate the actions and behavior of the target object to a user through a user device in communication with the UAV. The UAV can provide positive and negative stimuli to the target object to encourage an action or behavior. The UAV can be configured to recognize and manage waste generated by the target object.

Abstract: A mobile telephone adapts to use as a gundog training tool by interfacing with a dog collar using a wireless communication device, such as a WWAN text or IP interface, a WLAN interface or a radio transceiver that couples to the mobile telephone and is accessible to a training application running on the mobile telephone. The dog collar includes a GPS receiver to provide position information to the mobile telephone and a shock device to provide training stimulus to the dog. A wireless headset interfaces with the mobile telephone to provide audible indications of position to an end user, such as a dog point and tone indicators of directions to the dog. A wireless handset interfaces with the mobile telephone to accept inputs for application to the collar, such as training stimulus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an animal ball. The animal ball includes a hollow sphere having a first half and a second half mate-able with said first half. The first half includes a first wall and a first rim and the second half also a second wall and a second rim. In addition, the animal ball includes a mating fastener including a first fastening portion and a second fastening portion. The first fastening portion is connected to the first wall and the second fastening portion is connected to the second wall and the first fastening portion is spaced from the first and second walls.

Abstract: Described herein are chewable articles intended to be provided to animals for purposes including dental cleaning, breath freshening, nutrition, administration to the animal of beneficial agents, satisfaction of the animal's urge to chew, and general enjoyment by the animal. The chews are made to be appetizing to the animal, to satisfy an urge to chew, to effect abrasive cleaning of the animal's teeth, to deliver one or more active agents to the oral cavity of the animal, or a combination of these. The chews have a resilient, chewable texture and are shaped to facilitate dental cleaning, to facilitate oral grasping by the animal, to appeal to human owners of the animal, to enhance the human-animal bond, or a combination of these. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for making such chewable articles and for formulating and using them to effect dental health in animals.

Abstract: This invention relates to transgenic pig models of cystic fibrosis, cells that can be used to make such animals, and methods of making and using these pigs and cells.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure having a hollow body wherein inside the hollow body is a sound plate, a clapper, and a clapper spring that provides sound and vibrations to the artificial fishing lure.

Abstract: Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with fishing poles and golf clubs. Grips preferably include a multi-layered gripping member and an inner sleeve or mounting body. The gripping member can include an outer layer with a fabric layer coated and preferably saturated by polyurethane. The outer layer can be bonded to an inner layer to form the gripping member which is then attached to the sleeve. The sleeve can be ground from a starting block of material or may be injection molded. Also disclosed are handles including a connector configured to couple to a portion of a fishing pole. Such handles may include a multiple layers and can be selectively removed from the article. Methods are also provided for selectively coupling exchangeable handles to articles including fishing poles.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a reel body and a spool. The reel body includes a spool housing portion having an inward opening. The spool includes a first flange that has a larger diameter than a bobbin trunk. The outer peripheral part of the first flange includes a first and second outer peripheral parts, and a connecting portion. The first outer peripheral part is disposed at a first prescribed distance away from an inner peripheral part of the first spool housing portion. The second outer peripheral part is disposed at a second prescribed distance away from the inner peripheral part and has a smaller diameter than the first outer peripheral part. The diameter of the connecting portion gradually increases from the second outer peripheral part toward the first outer peripheral part and couples the first outer peripheral part and the second outer peripheral part.

Abstract: A variable speed motor driven fishing reel is powered by a brushless DC motor and adapted for remote control operation by adapting a salt water bait-casting reel with a motorized drive assembly including an end plate having an environmentally sealed cover removably connected thereto, and mounted on the opposite side of the reel from the manual crank, the drive assembly including a brushless DC out-runner motor having an output shaft connected to a planetary gear system configured to power rotation of the fishing reel spool axle for driving the spool. A power cable provides 12.0 volt DC power from a suitable on-board vessel power source. An electronic motor control system allows for variation of DC motor speed via a manually actuated speed control knob. A remote control device is adapted for wireless communication with the electronic motor control system to allow for remote activation of the DC motor in low and high speed modes.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a fishing rod proximate to the arm of a user comprises a strap sized to extend around an arm of a user, a block extending from the strap and a finger extending substantially tangentially from the strap proximate to the block, the finger having a free distal end overlying the block wherein the protrusion and the block form a void sized to retain a fishing rod therein substantially parallel to the arm of the user.

Abstract: A method and assembly for broadcast distributing a granular agricultural material. The assembly includes a container that is configured to be supported by a chassis of a self-powered vehicle and contain a volume of a solid granular material. The assembly includes a spinner assembly that includes a first disk and a second disk that are disposed toward opposite lateral outboard sides of the vehicle. A mount arrangement is disposed between the spinner assembly and the chassis and is adjustable to manipulate a position of the first spinner and the second spinner relative to the chassis. Preferably, the mounting arrangement is configured to simultaneously adjust the position of the first spinner and the second spinner relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An electric device for killing insects and animals having a mesh surface holding assembly having at least one a conductive mesh surface, an electrical power source for providing electricity to the mesh surface, at least one light source constructed and positioned to provide backlighting on the mesh surface, an actuator for selectively initiating and ceasing supply of electrical power from the electrical source to the mesh by incorporated circuitry, and a handle assembly supporting the mesh surface assembly.

Abstract: A cage having an automatic door is described. A front side of the cage is provided with a door panel. A top edge of the door panel is hingely attached to the cage. A bottom edge of the door panel is attached to the cage through a spring. A pedal is provided on a bottom surface of the cage. A front side of the pedal is hingely attached to the cage. The pedal is connected with a connecting rod. An upper end of the connecting rod extends upward and forward along a sidewall of the cage and is bent towards an exterior of the door panel. A spring supporting seat is fixed on the sidewall of the cage. Said spring supporting seat is connected with a spring. The connecting rod is fixedly provided with a spring contact point. Spring can move the connecting rod up toward the top of the cage and forward toward the front of the cage to lift up the pedal. A hook is fixedly provided on an outer surface of the door panel. An opening of the hook faces the top of the cage.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting animals includes a rotating carousel on a base. A bearing attached to the base supports a rotating shaft. A rotating upper plate is attached to an upper end of the shaft. One or more curved members extend outward from the upper plate and each supports at least one decoy. Placement of the decoys at varying elevations and at varying distances away from a center provides a more realistic presentation and also helps provide unequal force in the wind, which along with use of the bearing, promotes rotation of the carousel in even a light breeze, thereby eliminating the need for a motor. A rotating battery is preferably included. The battery allows for integral wiring and the use of solar panels, which provide the additional benefit of acting as turbine blades to increase a rotational force, thereby allowing the carousel to rotate in lighter wind/breeze conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of mechanical assemblies or systems that may be used to create or provide various motions in animal decoys, such as in a decoy of a duck, goose, turkey, deer, dove, crow, coyote, among other types of birds, mammals, etc. For example, a mechanical assembly or system disclosed herein may be used to create or provide sweeping (e.g., rotation left-to-right and right-to-left, etc.) motions and/or peck (e.g., pivoting up-and-down, etc.) feeding motions for wild bird decoys (e.g., ducks, geese, dove, crow, drake, etc.).

Abstract: Rather than trying to call a gobbler and waiting for the gobbler to approach, the hunter instead attempts to seek a gobbler while holding a decoy. As the hunter comes within sight of the gobbler, he can slowly move (e.g., tilt and/or rotate) the decoy so that its fan moves in a manner that mimics movement of a real turkey. It has been found that the gobbler will often fixate on the decoy failing to notice the hunter even when he is not well camouflaged. In fact, the gobbler will often approach the decoy in an aggressive manner making it much less wary than in a typical hunt where a hunter is attempting to make calls that imitate a hen. When the hunter feels that the gobbler is fixated on the decoy, he can couple the decoy to his weapon thereby freeing both of his hands for operating his weapon.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one pump in a perfusion apparatus for delivering a fluid to at least one organ through a plurality of vessels for maintaining the viability of the at least one organ, the method including supplying a fluid to a first vessel of an organ and to a second vessel of an organ; measuring a first parameter of the fluid flowing in the first vessel and a second parameter of the fluid flowing in the second vessel; and executing direct control of the second parameter of the fluid flowing in the second vessel to influence the first parameter of the fluid flowing in the first vessel.

Abstract: Vehicles for delivery and release of pesticide compositions are provided. In one aspect, the delivery vehicle is a capsule configured to resist release of a pesticide composition before application of the capsule at a locus where pest control is desired. The capsule is further configured to degrade following application at the locus where pest control is desired to facilitate release of the pesticide composition. In one particular but non-limiting form, the capsule includes a shell wall including a relatively high Bloom strength gelatin material and a plasticizer material, and the pesticide composition includes a fumigant such as 1,3-dichloropropene. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the description and drawings.

Abstract: Gel prevention agents and methods for use with agricultural products include certain alkylamidoamines and their quaternary ammonium counterparts that, when blended with products containing alkoxylated surfactants, the alkylamidoamines and their quaternary counterparts reduce the gel formation tendency of such products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel agrochemical compositions with enhanced bio-efficacy comprising at least one agrochemical active ingredient and an adjuvant composition.

Abstract: A personal product antimicrobial preservative composition for preservation of topical personal care formulations is provided and includes [A] one or more undecylenic acid derivatives depicted by Formula (I), [B] one or more octanoic acid derivatives depicted by Formula (II), and [C] 2-phenoxy ethanol or 2-ethyl hexyl glyceryl ether or mixture of these two ‘liquid alcohol ethers’; wherein, each of the two components [A] and [B] is present in the range of 5 to 20% by weight and together [A] and [B] constitute 10 to 30% by weight and the ‘liquid alcohol ether’, component [C], is present 70 to 90% by weight of the total preservative composition. A method for preserving personal care product from microbial attack is provided containing an aqueous phase comprising three component composition from about 0.5 to 2.5% by weight of the total personal care formulation.