Abstract: A leaf shovel for shoveling leaves and other debris is provided. The shovel has a cover movable between an open position for gathering leaves on the blade of the shovel, to a closed position for retaining the leaves on the blade of the shovel. Once the cover is in the closed position, the shovel may be moved to the desired receptacle, holding the leaves in place. The cover is then moved to an open position to dump the leaves out of the shovel.

Abstract: An agricultural hitch with a system for management and guidance of maneuvers and a method employed by the hitch is provided. The hitch includes a tractor, an agricultural machine hitched by an articulated linkage, and a system for management and guidance of maneuvers, provided with a computing and control unit. The computing and control unit or of the hitched agricultural machine constitutes the master unit of the system for management and guidance of maneuvers, and is adapted to compute a set path for a maneuver to come, by employing an algorithm for prediction of paths and an algorithm for optimization of path settings, and to automatically execute the maneuver or of assisting in semiautomatic execution of the maneuver by steering the tractor and by recording, during maneuvering, the differences between the predefined set path and the real or currently estimated path.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a frame, a wheel supporting the frame, and a rockshaft coupled to the frame and operable to pivot with respect to the frame. The rockshaft has an outer surface, an inner surface and an open end. An internal end cap is positioned on the open end of the rockshaft. The internal end cap has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface of the internal end cap contacts the outer surface of the rockshaft. An external end cap is positioned on the open end of the rockshaft and contacts the outer surface of the internal end cap. A fastener connects the external end cap to the frame to retain the external end cap on the rockshaft.

Abstract: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.

Abstract: The method for planting potatoes at high speed includes the steps of providing a press wheel behind the seed release mechanism; opening a furrow in a soil; dropping potato seed pieces at spaced intervals in the furrow such that each seed piece or a portion thereof intersects a forward shadow of the press wheel, and catching and decelerating each seed piece against the soil in the furrow thereby reducing set roll in each seed piece. In an alternate embodiment a pair of spaced-apart press wheels are used. These alternate press wheels are mounted astride the furrow in a positive-camber alignment for moving the soil of the furrow against the seed piece.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine has a plurality of cutting units, and a diverter valve diverting hydraulic flow from a raise/lower sub-circuit to a mowing sub-circuit when the engine runs at a reduced or economy mode speed and the cutting units are at the lowered position.

Abstract: The invention regards an autonomous working machine comprising drive means, current position estimation means, control means including a driving control unit and a camera. With aid of the current position estimation means the current position of the autonomous working machine is estimated. Furthermore, the driving control unit generates driving commands for the driving means on the basis of an intended movement of the autonomous working machine and the estimated current position. The camera is configured to capture images of the environment of the working machine. For estimating the current position, the current position estimation means is formed by the control means, which is configured to apply visual odometry on the captured images for estimating the current position of the working machine.

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.

Abstract: A single plant harvesting machine capable of harvesting 1 to 10 single plants concurrently wherein the seeds of each single plant are separately harvested, packaged, and stored. A large scale production system for producing high yield potential seeds from individually harvested plants is also provided.

Abstract: A powered ladder is operable to move a person vertically relative to an agricultural or industrial vehicle. The ladder broadly includes an elongated ladder frame, a step, and a step drive. The ladder frame includes a pair of ladder rails that cooperatively define an upright ladder axis and a path therebetween, with the path extending along the ladder axis. The step is shiftably attached to the ladder frame and is positioned at least partly within the path. The step drive is drivingly connected relative to the step to drive the step between upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A harvesting machine includes: a crop tank; a measuring device that measures an amount of crop that has been stored in the crop tank; an unloader apparatus that discharges crop that has been stored in the crop tank; a device control part that executes precise measurement oriented device setting processing; a measurement control part including a precise measurement execution part that performs, precise measurement which involves the precise measurement oriented device setting processing, and a simplified measurement execution part that executes, simplified measurement; an operational instruction processing part that outputs a precise measurement instruction and a simplified measurement instruction in response to an operation performed by a manual operation device; and a measurement result recording part that rewrites a simplified measurement result recorded based on a preceding simplified measurement instruction, with a precise measurement result that is based on a succeeding precise measurement instruction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and device for the operation of a combine harvester with multiple work elements for harvesting a crop via a driver assistance system. In one example implementation, a method for operating such a combine harvester includes determining separately a harvest setting for the crop and a machine configuration of the combine harvester, preselecting a process control strategy among a plurality of process control strategies based on the harvest setting and machine configuration wherein each of the plurality of process control strategies is aimed at fulfillment of at least one harvesting quality criterion stored in the memory of the combine harvester, and automatically determining at least one machine parameter for the work elements of the combine harvester according to the preselected process control strategy and controlling the work elements corresponding to the at least one machine parameter.

Abstract: A debris collection system to be attached to a leaf blower apparatus to assist in the collection of lawn debris like leaves, sticks, acorns, fruit, trash, etc. The debris collection system includes a bagging assembly with a flexible bag that collects the debris. The bagging assembly also includes a handle mechanism to allow for the emptying of the flexible bag into a trash bin. The system also includes attachment mechanisms that allow the debris collection system to be easily attached and detached from the leaf blower.

Abstract: Stalk rolls are used for a corn harvester or combine having a chassis, an engine, a cab mounted to the chassis with a head mounted at the front of the body. The head includes an auger, row separators, corn stalk gathering assemblies between the row separators and ear removal assemblies. Each ear removal device includes a pair of stalk rolls. Each stalk roll has a core and longitudinally extending flutes about a periphery of the corn extending along the core. Each stalk roll has a straight first section and a tapered second section. The flutes on each stalk roll have different lengths and end at different locations at the front of the stalk roll. The flutes of the stalk roll may also have notches and different shaped leading edges.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus configured to travel over the ground includes a pick-up device for picking up an agricultural bale from the ground. The pick-up device includes a sensing system configured to sense position and/or size of an object on the ground as the agricultural apparatus travels towards the object, a pick-up mechanism engageable with opposite sides of the object and operable to lift the object, and a controller configured to determine a position of the pick-up mechanism relative to the object based on signals received from the sensing system prior to picking-up the object, and to operate the pick-up mechanism when the pick-up mechanism is positioned correctly relative to the object.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a baler chassis and a stuffer mechanism. The stuffer mechanism includes a fork and a motor. The fork is shiftably supported to move along a loading duct during each of a series of stuffing strokes. The fork is operable in a sweeping position, where the fork extends at least partly into the duct, to provide a full stuffing stroke by loading a charge of crop material from the loading duct into a baling chamber. The fork is shiftable by the motor from the sweeping position to a retracted position, where the fork is moved out of the duct. The fork is shiftable into the retracted position for at least part of a respective stuffing stroke where at least some of the charge of crop material in the loading duct is not loaded into the baling chamber.

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.

Abstract: Presence of natural enemies has a considerable impact on pest severity in a given geo-location. However, manually estimating pest severity or population of natural enemies is cumbersome, inaccurate and not scalable. Systems and methods of the present disclosure enable estimating effective pest severity index by receiving a first set of inputs pertaining to weather associated with a geo-location under consideration; receiving a second set of inputs pertaining to agronomic information; generating a pest forecasting model and a natural enemies forecasting model based on the received first set and the second set of inputs for each pest; and estimating the effective pest severity index based on the generated models. The timing and quantity of pesticide application can be optimized based on the estimated pest severity index. The generated models can be further enhanced continually based on one or more of historical data, participatory sensing inputs, crowdsourcing inputs and management practices.

Abstract: A landscaping stencil including a flat body having at least one removable cut out formed in a shape for delineating an area for landscaping material. A three-dimensional landscaping stencil including a three-dimensional wall formed in a shape for delineating an area for landscaping material. Kits for landscaping. A method of landscaping by placing a landscaping stencil including a flat body having at least one removable cut out formed in a shape for delineating an area for landscaping material on top of a planting area, removing the at least one removable cut out, and filling landscaping material in the shape left by the least one removable cut out. A method of landscaping by placing a three-dimensional landscaping stencil including a three-dimensional wall formed in a shape for delineating an area for landscaping material on top of a planting area, and filling landscaping material in the shape.

Abstract: The present application provides a handheld plant trimming apparatus. The handheld plant trimming apparatus, in one aspect, includes a wand having a longitudinal axis. The wand includes a wand inlet tube defining a void and an elongate slot, an outlet port having a through bore parallel to the wand longitudinal axis and an outlet bore where the outlet bore is in fluid communication with the void, and a handle. A cutting element is contained in the wand inlet tube and coupled to a motor to provide rotative force to the cutting element. A drum is in fluid communication with the wand and a vacuum pulls plant parts that are cut by the cutting element from the wand to the drum.

Abstract: This invention is a plant support and growth directing apparatus to enhance growth of a plant and increase product production from the plant by increasing air and light to a plant's canopy. The apparatus has at least one post and at least one crown attached thereto. At least one of the crowns has a plurality of spaces or openings sized and configured to receive and support branches of a plant to define a user desired growing pattern of the plant. In one configuration, the spaces are interstitial between coils of a coiled member, such as a spring, that is attached to or part of the crown. The crown may also be surfaced with an abrasive material such as a sand or polymer grit thereby more effectively holding the plant in place and providing a means to abrade or stress the plant to stimulate a growth response.

Abstract: A tree/shrub protector includes a circular underground drip reservoir that may hold about seven gallons of water and extended about eighteen inches underground. It focuses water and nutrients onto a root ball to encourage downward root growth. Above ground modules include a hard shell reservoir that provides pest protection as well. Another above ground module is a wire type protective fence and/or trellis that has reservoirs as well. A second embodiment has a grill or fence having spikes driven into the ground for support. One or more water reservoirs are integrated into the fence. Variable flow drip tubes feed underground drip pipes from the reservoirs. Vertical poles have uses including tree support, holding a winter shroud, and supporting a fence and/or trellis. The fence is modular to fit inside a thin box. An optional anti-rodent spiked ring is included. All embodiments can reduce returns to a tree vendor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a greenhouse or single container for plant growth coupled to the Internet of Things and including a microfluidic die for water or nutrient distribution. The microfluidic die is controllable automatically or with instructions from a remote user, based on sensors included within a growth environment.

Abstract: A self-watering planter device having an integral internal irrigation system, and method of watering allowing water to be supplied by means of standard garden water hose and existing water faucet. A plurality of said self-watering planters capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a standard water faucet and standard garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self-watering planters.

Abstract: A self-watering planter device having an integral internal irrigation system, and method of watering allowing water to be supplied by means of standard garden water hose and existing water faucet. A plurality of said self-watering planters capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a standard water faucet and standard garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self-watering planters.

Abstract: A sustained release irrigation apparatus for effective water management. The sustained release irrigation apparatus includes a reservoir, a support structure, an absorbent surface, a water permeable top layer and a top opening on the water permeable top layer for filling water in the reservoir. The support structure is positioned on the reservoir and designed to support a potted plant thereon. The absorbent surface is positioned on the support structure and includes an absorbent opening. The top opening positioned on the water permeable top layer receives water from a water source and fills water into the reservoir. The water collected in the reservoir flows upwards to the water permeable top layer and then reaches the soil inside a pot thereby making water available to the roots of the potted plant without any wastage.

Abstract: The hydroponic device contains support members, at least a frame member placed on the support members; a cover member placed on the support members covering the frame member. The frame member contains a base element and a number of extension elements. The base element is for the installation of an absorbing piece where seeds are placed. Each extension element has at least a through slot where a positioning pin of the base element or a previous extension element is slidably embedded. The base element and the extension elements are as such collapsible and expandable along a lateral direction on the support members so as to provide room of growth for the seeds.

Abstract: Accelerated Plant Growth system includes a grow area provided for growing a plurality of plants. A lighting system generates at least one light spectrum received by the at least one plant. A beneficial microbe system provides beneficial microbes to the at least one plant. An input injecting system injects inputs for adjusting or modifying growing conditions of the plants. A solution reservoir and transport system holds and transports a growth solution to the plants in the grow area. A microclimate detecting system detects at least one parameter of a microclimate surrounding the at least one plant. A microprocessor receives the output of the microclimate detecting system and controls at least one of the lighting system, the beneficial microbe system and the solution reservoir and transport system in response to the received output from the microclimate detecting system to adjust or modify the growing conditions of the at least one plant.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods relating to the production of Cucumis melo plants with elevated Brix and/or enhanced fruit color. The invention further provides plants, plant parts, and seeds comprising such elevated Brix. The invention allows introgression of the identified high Brix QTL in an desired genetic background of a sexually compatible plant species.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV5276HY and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV5276HY and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV7073HT and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV7073HT and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and composition for preparing seeds that when cultivated produce pepper plants with seedless fruits. These plants may further be male sterile and contain a stable non-Peterson Cytoplasmic Male Sterility (“CMS”). The invention also provides essentially pure populations of seed that, when grown, produce pepper plants with seedless fruit. Methods are provided comprising crossing a stable non-Peterson CMS plant as a female parent with pepper lines displaying a parthenocarpy trait. The invention also includes the seeds produced by such a method. Methods for breeding and using seedless pepper plants for enhancing the production of fruit under suboptimal temperature conditions are also provided.

Abstract: A rice cultivar designated M-209 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice cultivar M-209, to the plants of rice M-209 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar M-209 with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar M-209 with another rice cultivar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning unit for cleaning at least one head section of a teat cup. Said cleaning unit comprises a chamber that has a substantially circular cross-section, is delimited by a wall and has an opening delimited by a sealing element. The chamber has at least one inlet. The cleaning unit is characterized in that at least one section of the sealing element or at least one section of the wall adjoining the opening and a section of the sealing element is or are flexible around the circumference of the chamber.

Abstract: A pet kennel is disclosed as it may be manufactured to appear as furniture. An example of the pet kennel may include a housing having a floor, a top, and four sides, wherein the floor and the top are wooden, and at least one of the sides has metal rods in a wooden frame. The example pet kennel may also include a containment area formed within the housing, the containment area sufficiently large to fit multiple animals. At least one divider may be installed to separate the containment area into distinct living space. The at least one divider may be removed to provide a common living space. The at least one pet kennel may also include at least one door to the containment area, and a lock on the at least one door.

Abstract: is an automatic interactive kitty litter box comprising base (2) removable base pan (4) sensor (5) that activates a retractable cover to protect the contents of the automatic interactive kitty litter box leds (6) rotational energy connecting element (7) motor (8) cover (9) key pad (11) solar paneling material (15) small led screen (18) video screen (19) bluetooth Wi-fi (20) camera (21) thermometer (34) weight scale (35) outer housing, hereby referred to as “unit”.

Abstract: A method, system and machine for cold processing extruded starch-containing pellets by cold particle size reducing pellets of a size greater than a particle size reduction setting size enabling particle size reduction to be performed without compacting or compression any size reduced particle while doing so without heating them during particle size reduction thereby preserving their pores, internal liquid absorbing voids and starch matrix optimizing granular sorbent performance. Such a method, system and machine is selectively controllable enabling not only control of how many and a ratio of fines produced relative to the final product providing real time control of fines production but also is able to provide particle size distribution control as well.

Abstract: Animal transport embodiments are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an animal transport comprises: a fabric configured to support an animal, the fabric having a first end and a second end, the first end being opposite the second end. The animal transport further comprises a first harness and second harness. The first harness being coupled to the first end of the fabric and comprising straps for securing the first harness to a first user. The second harness being coupled to the second end of the fabric and comprising straps for securing the second harness to a second user.

Abstract: A pet vestibule configured for being attached to a door and to swing open with the door. Vestibule provides a protected shelter area for pets and animals to come and go into a structure without the need for human assistance, while also inhibiting rain, snow, and other inclement weather from entering the structure through the pet door.

Abstract: A pet feeding and watering bowl for protecting pet food from insects with water is provided. The pet feeding and watering bowl comprises an inner food bowl having a bottom wall surrounded by an outer wall with the inner food bowl capable of holding a predetermined amount of food. An outer water bowl is provided having a bottom wall surrounded by an outer wall with the outer water bowl completely surrounding the inner food bowl and the outer water bowl capable of holding a predetermined amount of water. The outer water bowl creates a moat around the inner food bowl using the water as a protective barrier to protect the pet food from insects.

Abstract: is an automatic interactive pet food bowl comprising base (2) bowl (4) sensor that activates a retractable cover to protect the contents of the automatic interactive pet food bowl (5) leds (6) rotational energy connecting element (7) motor (8) cover (9) key pad (11) solar paneling material (15) small led screen (18) video screen (19) bluetooth Wi-fi (20) camera (21) outter housing (33) water level indicator sensor (35), hereby referred to as “unit”.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for interacting with a pet. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring device to provide a behavioral assessment of the pet, an activity recommender to select an activity program dependent on the behavioral assessment, a motor mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to provide aerial movement based on the activity program, and an activity coordinator to perform a function based on the activity program. The function includes activating feedback outputs upon completion of the activity program.

Abstract: A light-up object includes a rubberized outer body; a plug in a cavity of the outer body; and a lighting device located in the plug. The light-up object further includes a first inner capsule piece, the first inner capsule piece located in the plug, and a second inner capsule piece located in the cavity of the outer body, the second inner capsule piece shaped to engage with the first inner capsule piece. The first and second inner capsules are threaded to fit together. The outer body includes grooves, running around multiple circumferences of the outer body. The outer body has a size of approximately a baseball; the outer body is shaped approximately like a sphere; and the grooves are at least 5 mm deep in the outer body.

Abstract: A magnetic clasp animal leash assembly for connecting to an animal collar having at least one metallic leash attachment ring defining an aperture. The assembly having a first member and a second member moveable with respect to one another between a closed position and an open position. The two members have an internal surface creating an aperture in a closed state. Outer ends of the two members are spaced from one another creating a clear passage with respect to the internal surface defining the aperture in an opened state. A magnet is located opposite from the clear passage proximate to the internal surface of the aperture. An actuator assembly is engageable with the two members to drive the two members toward the open position.

Abstract: The present Invention provides methods for selecting a petfood providing a satisfying feeding experience upon consumption by pets through the determination of a Happiness Index (HI) for said petfood. Said HI is calculated via a specific analysis of data collected in a pet feeding trial. The present Invention further concerns a method for providing a satisfying feeding experience to a pet, by feeding said pet with a thus selected petfood.

Abstract: A multipurpose beehive access structure includes a housing designed to be placed on top of a standard beehive box. The housing includes a bottom plate with a central aperture through which frames in the beehive box below may be accessed. A removable cover assembly includes a cover plate for covering the central aperture. A queen cage aperture is provided in the cover plate. A queen cage placed in the queen cage aperture rests on top of the frames below. The queen cage aperture provides a passageway between the queen cage and the interior of the beehive to allow bees to access the queen cage. A multi-position vent block has a passageway that provides ventilation and a second entrance to the beehive when positioned between a side aperture and a bottom aperture in the housing. The vent block may also be positioned to close off the second entrance.

Abstract: An oxalic acid vaporizer for vaporizing oxalic acid crystals in a bee hive with a bee entrance for treatment to kill mites on bees and in the bee hive has a cup to hold oxalic acid crystals with a resistive heating element mounted on one end of an extension. A handle is mounted on the other end of an extension with internal resistive heating element wires passing from the heating element to an internal circuit board with a microcontroller. A rocker switch is mounted on the handle connected to the circuit board. An LED is mounted to the handle connected to the circuit board. An external electrical cord connected to the circuit board and extending out of the handle with a positive battery post clamp and a negative battery post clamp is adaptable to be connected to a 12 volt battery.

Abstract: Our invention is called WindowQuarium™, which is a weather-resistant enclosure that gets inserted and secured into a window frame, allowing an aquarium or terrarium tank to be installed and operated, eliminating the need for any stand or cabinet to hold the tank, and without occupying any square footage within the room. The design of the enclosure prevents additional sunlight from creating algae, and the combination of materials plus the air plenum and grill vents in the base allow internal air to flow into and around the enclosure and the accompanying aquarium tank, allowing the temperature of the tank to remain stable.

Abstract: An aquarium scenic backlighting device for aquariums includes a housing that has a front, a back, a bottom, a top, and opposing sides defining an internal space. The front is substantially transparent. A partition, which is complementary to the front and light defusing, is positioned in the internal space and coupled to the housing. The partition is positioned in parallel proximate to the front defining a slot. An opening to access the slot is positioned in the top. A power module and a bulb are positioned in the internal space and coupled to the housing. The bulb, which is operationally coupled to the power module, is positioned to illuminate a panel positioned in the slot. Each of a pair of brackets is coupled to the top proximate to a respective opposing side. The brackets are configured to reversibly couple the housing to a rear of an aquarium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern compositions and methods for genetic engineering related to hypermethylation of sequences. In particular embodiments, there are methods and compositions to induce DNA methylation in a manner that leads to transcriptional suppression of a target gene that allows characterization of the gene and/or its expression.