Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a main frame section having a pull hitch tube extending in a travel direction, which may be a telescoping pull hitch tube, a plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections coupled with the main frame section, and a plurality of pivoting wing front shank frames. Draft linkage assemblies connect the plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections to the telescoping pull hitch tube, while allowing both the pivoting wing front shank frames and the plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections to articulate correctly. The main shank frame, the pivotal wing front shank frames, and the wing sections articulate from an operating configuration to a transport configuration.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a frame and a quarter turn attached to the frame. The agricultural baler further includes a transport lock associated with a lateral end of the quarter turn for locking the quarter turn in a transport position. The transport lock includes a lock plate with a first hole receiving a first fastener at one pivot location, a second hole receiving a second fastener attached to and extending from a respective lateral end or the frame, and a third hole for receiving a latch pin extending from another of the respective lateral end or the frame. The transport lock further includes a biasing arrangement for biasing the third hole in the lock plate toward the latch pin when the latch pin is positioned within the third hole.

Abstract: An agricultural planter which provides an improved method for extending and retracting the wing boom and which has improved maneuverability is disclosed. A drive member is provided that drives one or more of the wing wheels on the agricultural planter. The drive member may be, for example, a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. When a wing boom is extended or retracted between the transport position and the working position, a controller generates a command signal to the drive member to drive one or more of the wing wheels forward or reverse, thereby assisting the wing boom in retracting or extending the telescoping portion of the hitch assembly and in extending or retracting the booms. During operation, the controller may similarly generate a command to the drive member to drive one or more of the wing wheels either in forward or reverse according to the operation of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A planter includes seed meters with accelerator wheel systems. Each accelerator wheel system receives singulated seeds from a respective seed meter and spaces the seeds with respect to each other to correct timing and thus spacing anomalies of seeds being released from seed disks of the seed meters at incorrect seed disk release events. Each accelerator wheel system adjusts and to adjust the velocity of the seeds to correspond to planter travel speed for releasing the seeds to drop straight down onto the field, without a horizontal velocity. Seeds are rotationally redirected from a generally downward delivery direction from a seed disk to a generally horizontal delivery direction out of the accelerator wheel system, opposite the tractor and implement travel direction.

Abstract: A furrow closing system for an agricultural seed planter provides soil closing and soil pressing that are controlled by independent adjustable down force or pressure systems that react to a common frame element or backbone. The adjustable down force systems may be manually controlled, electronically controlled and/or part of a closed loop system. A down stop, which may also be adjustable, may be used to limit the maximum force of the adjustable down pressure systems.

Abstract: A digging assembly (10) for a plough. The digging assembly (10) has a digging blade assembly (17) that is moved through the soil to form a slot, and a closing tool assembly (29) that forms a seed bed by partly closing the slot formed by the digging blade assembly (17). Following the closing tool assembly (29) is a seed boot (57) that delivers seed to the seed bed formed by the closing tool assembly (29).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a twin-row planter configured to plant different seed types in different zones of an agricultural field. The planter may be a bulk-fill planter having multiple row segments with a pair of row units and a corresponding pair of seed meters at each row segment respectively receiving seeds of a first and a second type from centrally located compartments of a bulk fill tank(s) for planting in the different zones. A control system controls the planter to plant seeds of the first and/or second seed type based on which zone of the field the planter is planting at a given time. The control system primes the seed meters, making them ready for seed release, and maintains both seed meters at each row segment in a primed condition with the different seed types to allow for rapid switching between seed type deliveries when the planter reaches different zones of the field requiring different seed types.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (2) for controlling a vehicle having an electric motor (1), the control device comprising a control system (21, 22, 23) provided with one or more levers movable between a minimum control position and a maximum control position, and a control unit (3) for controlling the motor. Said control unit (3) includes acquisition means (31) for acquiring a signal representative of the position of said control system, determination means (32) for determining a setpoint speed value corresponding to said acquired signal, as a function of a maximum setpoint speed value associated with the maximum control position, and control means (33) for controlling the motor as a function of the determined setpoint speed. Said control device has adjustment means (34) arranged with the lever(s) of the system to enable the maximum setpoint speed value to be adjusted without taking a hand away from the lever(s). The invention also provides a corresponding vehicle.

Abstract: In a swather a support arm is attached to the header to carry the heavy hydraulic hoses which are connected to the tractor for supplying the drive fluid to the hydraulic system of the header. The support arm is articulated so as to accommodate the up-and-down and twisting movement of the header relative to the tractor during harvesting action and this supported to prevent collapse when the hoses are disconnected from the tractor manifold. The support arm is attached at the rear to the tractor preferably at the wheel strut by a releasable ball joint coupling. From the coupling at the wheel strut, there is a free portion of the hydraulic hoses which extends to the manifold at the tractor where the ends of the hoses are attached to manually graspable handle portions which can be lifted away and the attached to a bracket on the support arm.

Abstract: A method for conditioning at least one control signal transmitted by a controller is disclosed. The method involves intercepting the control signal and producing at least one output signal for receipt by the positioning system instead of the control signal in response to the control signal. The output signal represents a plurality of active times during which the positioning system is instructed to move the agricultural implement towards the at least one desired position and a plurality of inactive times during which the positioning system is instructed not to move, each active time being followed by a respective one of the plurality of inactive times. Each of the plurality of inactive times is sufficiently long to permit the agricultural implement to settle into a fixed position due to a positioning response time of the positioning system. Other methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A harvester having a harvesting structure for harvesting crop and a crop receptacle for receiving harvested crop. The harvester comprises a crop conveying fan configured to operate at a fan speed to facilitate transfer of harvested crop from the harvesting structure to the crop receptacle. A control system for controlling the fan speed based on crop mass flow comprises a crop mass flow feedback device that provides a crop mass flow feedback signal indicative of crop mass flow. A controller is in communication with the crop mass flow feedback device and is configured to automatically lower the fan speed when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a lower crop mass flow and automatically raise the fan speed when the crop mass flow feedback signal indicates a higher crop mass flow.

Abstract: A grass collector is provided with a grass collector body which includes a storage space for storing grass clippings formed inside the grass collector body and a communication air passage having a first end connected to a rear part of the storage space to allow the storage space and the outside to communicate with each other; a duct which has a first end connected to a front part of the grass collector body and guides grass clippings to the grass collector body; and a dustproof net provided in the communication air passage.

Abstract: A method of harvesting an agricultural product includes guiding the agricultural product through a plurality of inlets in a first direction with a plurality of airflows, separating the agricultural product from the first plurality of airflows, directing the agricultural product to a cross-conveyor, conveying the agricultural product through the cross-conveyor from the plurality of inlets to an outlet in a second direction, and guiding the agricultural product through the outlet in a third direction with a second airflow. The first direction is substantially parallel to a travel direction, the second direction is crosswise to the first direction, and the third direction is substantially parallel to the travel direction. The agricultural product is conveyed through the cross-conveyor substantially without the first plurality of airflows, and the second airflow includes the first plurality of airflows.

Abstract: A forage harvester includes a post-accelerator disposed in an interior of the forage harvester, which post-accelerator includes a conveying fan that rotates about a rotary axle. The post-accelerator is partially enclosed by a housing that is open in sections and that extends in sections into a crop-conveyance path. An extent of the extension into the crop-conveying path is adjusted by displacing the post-accelerator relative to the housing. The forage harvester also includes a wall disposed opposite an open section. The rotary axle includes ends that are mounted in bearing supports disposed on the housing via one end to be pivotable about a pivot axle. Each of the bearing supports are connected to an actuator at a free end opposing the one end disposed on the housing.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a cart for transporting and conveying agricultural materials is provided. The cart includes a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled with the frame. The cart further includes a bin supported on the frame and including a plurality of bin walls defining a storage space for an agricultural material. The cart further includes a conveyor assembly having an intake end configured to receive agricultural material from the bin and a discharge end configured to discharge agricultural material, the conveyor assembly including a lower conveyor section, an intermediate conveyor section, and an upper conveyor section. The lower conveyor section includes a lower conveyor housing and a lower conveyor extending within the lower conveyor housing, the intermediate conveyor section includes an intermediate conveyor housing, and the upper conveyor section includes an upper conveyor housing and an upper conveyor extending within the upper conveyor housing.

Abstract: An inlet head housing for an axial separating device includes a pair of separating rotors arranged parallel to one another having a first end protruding, in sections, into the inlet head housing. The inlet head housing also includes flat inlet sections extending along a width of each of the respective separating rotors and a ramp-shaped housing section having a substantially concave profile is arranged between the flat inlet sections. The housing section at least partially supports a separation of a crop flow into two partial flows to the separating rotors and a substantially blade-shaped separating element is arranged on the ramp-shaped housing section and extends substantially axially parallel thereto.

Abstract: A feederhouse (20) for a combine harvester (10) has a drivable inclined conveyor shaft (80), which is supported via a bearing arrangement (48), which is designed as an axially movable floating bearing, on the housing (76) of the feederhouse (20).

Abstract: Monitoring current draw of an actuator associated with a rotating arm on a round baler during a net wrapping cycle is used to determine the position of the rotating arm and actuator, as well as to determine the net tension. The current draw of the actuator may be correlated with the home and insert positions of the rotating arm during the net wrapping cycle; thus by monitoring the current draw, the rotating arm and actuator position is determined and may be provided to aid an operator. The net tension during the net wrapping cycle is a function of the rotating arm and actuator current. A calculation of net tension is determined and provided to an operator, allowing the operator to verify performance issues related to the net tension.

Abstract: A round baler is provided with a bale-forming chamber and boundary apparatus of the bale-forming chamber that can be moved into an open position for ejecting a completed bale. The boundary apparatus includes a pivoting part rotatable between a first position, a second position and a third position. The axial dimensions of the bale-forming chamber can be changed by at least one side wall that can be moved by an adjustment drive. The adjustment drive is configured such that the axial dimensions of the bale-forming chamber increases when the pivoting part rotates to the second position and then reduces when the pivoting part rotates to the third position.

Abstract: A root socking process for efficient transplanting of vines and similar plants. Each plant is grown in its own plant-growing container followed by an automated process of covering the root mass or rootball of each plant with a sock, preferably biodegradable; filling a cardboard box with multiple root-socked plants; and stacking multiple cardboard boxes in pallets for transportation to the field. The plants are then transplanted in the field by picking up and dropping each root-socked plant from the cardboard box into a hole in the soil.

Abstract: The water containment system(s) disclosed herein may include one or more trays operably connected by piping. In some implementations, the trays may be configured to support plants thereon and to catch water used to irrigate these plants. In this way, the collected water may be reclaimed and reused. In some implementations, the water containment system may help prevent water from leaking onto adjacent surfaces. In this way, a potential water hazard may be eliminated. In some implementations, each tray may include a housing with at least one grate covering an interior opening. In some implementations, the housing of each tray may have one or more sloped surface located within its interior. In some implementations, a drain may be located at or near the lowest point within the interior of the housing. In this way, water flowing through the interior of a tray's housing may drain out.

Abstract: An indoor-outdoor garden unit including a basin having an overhead canopy, connected to a water source via a main water tube and holding a plurality of opaque growing trays with removable opaque lids for optimal sprout growth in the dark. The main water supply tube operationally communicates with an on-off timer controlling water cycles. Bottom holes in each growing tray allow water, infused into the basin by any of three selectable mechanisms, to flow upwardly to water the sprouts from underneath, and serve to drain water from the growing trays and to aerate the plants between watering cycles. Sprayers on the underside of each growing tray lid allow watering from the top side. Water can be infused into the basin by the direct basin fill inlet or by a water fountain from which water impacts a water catcher member undermounted on the canopy to shed droplets into the basin.

Abstract: In one example, a continuous track transport system for an irrigation system is provided that includes a continuous track and a gear train connected with the continuous track and operable to transmit an input torque to the continuous track so as to effect movement of the continuous track. The gear train includes a drive gear having an interface that is connectible to a motor of an irrigation system chassis, first and second drive wheels connected to the continuous track, each including an interface that is connectible to a corresponding interface of an irrigation system chassis, and first and second driven gears engaged with the drive gear, the first and second driven gears being mounted to respective drive wheels such that each driven gear rotates in unison with the associated drive wheel, and one or more gears of the gear train are plastic.

Abstract: A plant growing device includes: a container configured to reserve a nutrient solution in a lower portion of the container; a holding unit configured to hold plants inside the container; spray units configured to spray the nutrient solution toward the inside of the container; and support units configured to support the holding unit, and to move the holding unit to a position depending on how the spray units are driving, in a range from a spray region where the nutrient solution sprayed by the spray units is supplied to roots of the plants to an immersion region where the nutrient solution reserved in the container is supplied to the roots of the plants.

Abstract: Methods for preserving viability of plant tissues such as plant embryos are provided herein. Also included are methods for storing genomic DNA and/or molecular marker assay materials in an oil bilayer as part of a high-throughput molecular characterization system. Moreover, plant embryos may be treated while in an oil matrix. The treatment may include chromosome doubling, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, or herbicide selection as part of an embryo rescue process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to unique strategies and constructs for producing a nucleic acid product that downregulates or prevents expression of a desired target polynucleotide. The present invention contemplates the suppression of gene expression in plants by constructs that trigger transcriptional or post-transcriptional gene silencing. The methods of gene silencing may suppress gene expression through a variety of mechanisms.

Abstract: A celery cultivar, designated TBG 27, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar TBG 27, to the plants of celery cultivar TBG 27 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar TBG 27 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 27, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 27 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar TBG 27 with another celery cultivar.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for introgressing a form of seedlessness, viz. stenospermocarpy (SSC) from subgenus Euvitis Planch. across a partial sterility barrier and partial pollen incompatibility barrier into subgenus Muscadinia Planch. and the plants produced by the method.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention relates to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of canola variety SCV627950 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing canola variety SCV627950 with itself or with another canola variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic canola plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to canola varieties or breeding lines and plant parts derived from canola variety SCV627950, to methods for producing other canola varieties, lines or plant parts derived from canola variety SCV627950 and to the canola plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid canola seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the variety SCV627950 with another canola variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2DMC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DMC with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DMC 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 PH2DMC or a locus conversion of PH2DMC with another maize variety.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 51240902 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 51240902, to the plants of soybean cultivar 51240902, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 51240902, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 51240902. 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 51240902. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 51240902, 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 51240902 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH25VF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25VF with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25VF 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 PH25VF or a locus conversion of PH25VF with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2TCG and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2TCG with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2TCG 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 PH2TCG or a locus conversion of PH2TCG with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2DYM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2DYM with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2DYM 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 PH2DYM or a locus conversion of PH2DYM with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2F0J and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2F0J with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2F0J 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 PH2F0J or a locus conversion of PH2F0J with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2G46 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2G46 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2G46 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 PH2G46 or a locus conversion of PH2G46 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH25F7 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25F7 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25F7 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 PH25F7 or a locus conversion of PH25F7 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH25G3 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25G3 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25G3 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 PH25G3 or a locus conversion of PH25G3 with another maize variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH563412. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH563412, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH563412 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 CH563412.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057282. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057282. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057282 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057282 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057290. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057290. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057290 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057290 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV3590VA and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV3590VA and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach 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 leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Novel lettuce cultivar, designated SCARAMANGA, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar SCARAMANGA, to the plants of lettuce line SCARAMANGA, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar SCARAMANGA, with itself or another lettuce line, respectively. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce 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 lettuce lines derived from the cultivar SCARAMANGA.

Abstract: A clover cultivar, designated clover variety GO-BER-10, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of clover variety GO-BER-10, to the plants of clover variety GO-BER-10 and to methods for producing a clover plant by crossing the clover variety GO-BER-10 with itself or another clover cultivar. This invention also relates to clover cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from clover variety GO-BER-10, to methods for producing other clover cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from clover variety GO-BER-10 and to the clover plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid clover seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing clover variety GO-BER-10 with another clover cultivar.

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

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a displacement signal generated by a sensor, the displacement signal generated by the sensor in response to detecting movement of a piston from a retracted position in a cylinder toward an extended position in the cylinder. The method further comprises generating, in response to receiving the displacement signal, a valve control signal to be communicated to a valve located on a vacuum line connecting a vacuum source to a vacuum port of the cylinder. The valve control signal causes the valve to move from a first position in which a vacuum pressure is applied to the cylinder via the vacuum port to a second position in which atmospheric pressure is applied to the cylinder via the vacuum port.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm on which at least one camera is attached. It further includes a memory and a controller communicatively coupled to the memory. The memory stores historical information associated with a dairy livestock. The historical information include a previously-determined location of a teat of the dairy livestock. The controller moves the camera on the robotic arm toward the previously-determined location of the teat. The camera generates an image of the teat of the dairy livestock from a position to which it is moved, and the controller determines a current location of the teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the image.

Abstract: A system for operating a robotic arm, comprises a controller and a robotic arm. The controller receives an indication that a stall of a rotary milking platform in which a dairy livestock is located has moved into an area adjacent a robotic arm that is detached from the rotary milking platform. The controller also determines whether a milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm is communicatively coupled to the controller and extends between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is not attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm does not extend between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A heat-exchanging mat to cool livestock provides for elastic water conduction channels displaced toward an upper surface of the mat and provides for cushioning placed below those elastic channels. In this way, a high degree of cushioning may be obtained without sacrificing an efficient transfer of heat into the upper surface of the mat.

Abstract: An animal enclosure and method of collapsing the enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure is fabricated from a plurality of panels. One or more first panels have elongate rods whose end portions are formed into a hook. An edge rod of an adjacent second panel is disposed within the hooked end portion of the first panel. By offsetting the hooked end portion of the first panel from the plane within which the first panel resides, the first and second panels to be stacked upon each other by pivoting the second panel onto the first panel.