Abstract: A hand-held tilling device for powered hand-held tilling of substrate includes a support that is hollow. A drive assembly is coupled to a top end of the support. The drive assembly is configured for grasping in a hand of a user. A tillage assembly is coupled to a bottom end of the support. The tillage assembly is drivingly coupled to the drive assembly. The drive assembly is positioned on the support for grasping in the hand of the user. The drive assembly is positioned to motivate the tillage assembly to till a substrate selected by the user.

Abstract: Soil working tool for an agricultural machine, in particular a cultivator, which is fixed on a tool holder and has a tine-like region to which a preferably guide plate-like element is attached. In order to achieve an improved soil flow across the soil working tool with good wear protection and thus a sufficient service life of the soil working tool, the tine-like region has two side strips which run in the longitudinal direction of the soil working tool and have notch-like recesses extending in the transverse direction, and that an at least approximately smooth center strip region is located between the two side strips in the center in the longitudinal direction of the tine-like region of the soil working tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for receiving a plurality of data points of a contour wayline having a starting point and an ending point, the contour wayline describing a curved path; generating a description of a curve corresponding to a number of data points; providing curved extensions of the contour wayline based on the description of the curve; and using the curved extensions and the contour wayline for auto-guidance.

Abstract: A method of using an unmanned agricultural robot to generate an anticipatory geospatial data map of the positions of annual crop rows planted within a perimeter of an agricultural field, the method including the step of creating a geospatial data map of an agricultural field by plotting actual annual crop row positions in a portion of the geospatial data map that corresponds to a starting point observation window, and filling in a remainder of the geospatial data map with anticipated annual crop row positions corresponding to the annual crop rows outside of the starting point observation window, and refining the geospatial data map by replacing the anticipated annual crop row positions with measured actual annual crop row positions when an unexpected obstacle is encountered.

Abstract: An upright placeable lawn mower structure includes a casing; a wheel assembly; a rear panel; a front panel; and height adjustment stands. The rear panel is secured to the casing. The height adjustment stands include left and right height adjustment stands provided on left and right sides of the casing. The wheel assembly is provided on an outer side of the casing. The wheel assembly includes front wheels, rear wheels, a wheel axle provided between the front wheels, and a further wheel axle provided between the rear wheels. The structure is simple. It is easy to place the lawn mower, and can reduce occupied space. The push rod of the lawn mower is easy to fold.

Abstract: Commercial walk behind mower operator controls include a rigid handlebar with a pair of hand grips, each hand grip having a non-horizontal axis. A pair of operator control levers are mounted adjacent the handlebar and hand grips. Both operator control levers are pivotable about a single pivot point having a pivot axis that is non-parallel to the axis of each hand grip. Each operator control lever is pivotable toward the hand grip to reduce the rotational speed of a drive wheel.

Abstract: A self-propelled mower includes a frame and a mower deck attached to the frame. The mower deck is mounted to the frame in a manner that allows vertical movement and is further mounted to the frame by one or more flexible brackets that allow limited lateral movement of the mower deck relative to the frame of the mower but prevents rearward movement relative to the frame. This allows the mower deck to move relative to the frame when it strikes an object, but stabilizes the mower deck under normal use conditions.

Abstract: A multi-functional garden implement comprises an underframe connected with a supporting shaft. A pushing handle is fixedly connected to the underframe, and wheels are connected with the supporting shaft. The multi-functional garden implement further comprises a rotating bracket, which is connected to a power source. A working head is connected to the power source. The rotating bracket is rotatably connected to the underframe and capable of driving the working head to swing to both sides back and forth. Between the underframe and the rotating bracket, there is also a locating mechanism which can secure the rotating bracket onto the underframe. The present multi-functional garden implement is capable of adjusting the position of the working head, so as to meet various requirements for the working conditions of gardening work.

Abstract: A multi-functional garden implement comprises an underframe, and a power motor is secured to the underframe. The multi-functional garden implement also comprises an adapting tube, inside which a transmitting shaft is rotatably connected. One end of the transmitting shaft connects to a working head. A locking sleeve is secured to the underframe, and the end of the adapting tube movably inserts into the locking sleeve. There is a locking piece designed on the locking sleeve, which allows the locking sleeve to clamp the adapting tube and secure the adapting tube onto the locking sleeve. The present multi-functional garden implement can replace the working head quickly, so that it has functions of cutting, micro tilling, etc.

Abstract: A forward support rotating assembly for a snapping roll of a snapping unit of a combine harvesting machine is provided. The assembly comprises:—a frontally open axial seat provided in the snapping roll and having an inner circumferential abutment edge;—a cylindrical support pin extending axially in the seat and being integral with a support bracket for fixing the assembly to a snapping unit;—a sliding element interposed between the support pin and the seat;—a labyrinth seal element comprising a cylindrical ferrule, which has a labyrinth cross-section and in which there is defined an inner annular seat, and an annular packing seal received in the annular seat and radially contacting the outer surface of the cylindrical support pin, wherein the labyrinth seal element frontally seals the seat with respect to the outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled harvesting machine comprising:—a removable harvesting unit (6) which can be mounted at the front in the direction of travel (F);—a processing unit in the interior; and—a harvested material conveyor channel (5) connecting said harvesting unit, when mounted, to the processing unit. According to the invention, the self-propelled harvesting machine is characterised in that a receiving space which at least partially receives said conveyor channel when in the harvesting mode can have its width adjusted transversely to the direction of travel.

Abstract: Agricultural machine (10, 10?) comprising an engine (11) for power delivery, at least one axle (12) provided with two wheels (13), a handlebar (14) and a power take-off (15), said agricultural machine (10, 10?) further comprising a hydromechanical clutch group (20) interposed between said engine (11) and said at least one axle (12) and a first (16) and a second lever (17) associated with said handlebar (14) controlling said hydromechanical clutch group (20), said hydromechanical clutch group (20) comprising a actuation piston (30) hydraulically controlled by said first (16) and second lever (17) movable between a first raised position, in which said actuation piston (30) imposes to said hydromechanical clutch group (20) the transmission of the motion from the engine to the wheels and to the tool, and a second lowered position in which said actuation piston (30) frees said hydromechanical clutch group (20) by kinematically disconnecting said engine from said wheels and said tool.

Abstract: A rectangular baler including a chassis; a compacting plunger supported on the chassis for advancing crop material; and a bale chamber between the compacting plunger and the back end. The chassis is provided with a first and second sidewall extending from the front end in the direction of the back end. There is further provided a pull rod connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, at a location between the plunger and the front end. The pull rod has a first part and a second end part extending freely through a first hole in the first sidewall and a second hole in the second sidewall, respectively.

Abstract: A square baler including a baling chamber having a floor formed of spaced profiles, side walls and a top wall, and a density belt surrounding the baling chamber. The density belt is formed of a U-shaped frame having three beams welded to one another to define a floor beam for supporting the floor of the baling chamber and two upright beams for supporting the side walls of the baling chamber and a tensioning rod releasably secured to the upper ends of the two upright beams to prevent the upright beams from splaying apart.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for agriculture field clustering and ecological forecasting. The present application provides a method and system for agriculture field clustering and ecological forecasting based on the clustered agriculture fields, comprises capturing an absolute ground data representing a plurality of field measurements of the agriculture fields; capturing a plurality of weather conditions of the agriculture fields; generating a feature set comprising of said absolute ground data and weather data of the agriculture fields; adaptively clustering the plurality of agriculture fields based on the feature set to generate a cluster; generating a generic forecasting model for ecological forecasting comprising of common features of the feature set in said cluster; selecting at least one feature out of the feature set for generating a plurality of adaptive forecasting model based for ecological forecasting and recommending control measures to a user.

Abstract: In a solution cultivation method for a low potassium vegetable, an entire cultivation period from seeding to harvesting is divided into a first cultivation period and a second cultivation period depending on the vegetable to be cultivated. In the first cultivation period, the vegetable is cultivated in a first culture solution containing a first fertilizer for solution cultivation which contains potassium. In the second cultivation period, the vegetable is cultivated in a second culture solution containing a second fertilizer for solution cultivation which does not substantially contain potassium. During the second cultivation period, an air flow is applied at a controlled speed to the growing point of the vegetable.

Abstract: A method for operating a shearing tool that includes: operating a first switch to control a drive unit to drive a blade of a blade set; and operating a second switch to cause the drive unit to operate in an anti-binding mode in which a direction of an input to the drive unit is alternated at least twice. A shearing tool is also provided.

Abstract: A method of controlling speed change of a pruning machine including the steps of: pressing a power switch, setting up a power supply system, and sending an activating signal; detecting voltage of the power supply system, and judging whether operation of the power supply system is maintained, sending a maintaining output signal and maintaining the voltage of the power supply system; pressing a speed-regulating trigger button, converting a speed-regulating signal into an electrical signal for speed judgment, at the same time sending a driving signal after detection of a motor position signal, the driving signal being received by a three-phase bridge; using a sampling resistor to convert a current into a voltage signal and inputting the voltage signal into the central processor, and comparing a set current value according to the input voltage signal, thereby controlling the motor to rotate according to a certain proportion, or a maximum power.

Abstract: A fodder growing apparatus includes an insulated housing having a draining floor, a door-closable open face, and a plurality of vertically-spaced platforms being supported in a position inclined downward between 3° and about 6°. The apparatus further includes pass-through irrigation system including spray nozzles supported over each of the platforms and supplied with water. An illumination system of the apparatus includes an LED equipped lighting assembly supported over each of the platforms. A ventilation system of the apparatus includes forced ventilation means. The apparatus further includes a programmable controller selected to deliver a time-variant program of at least irrigation and lighting, and temperature control means controlling the temperature within the housing.

Abstract: A turf cup is described that is mounted to a top of an irrigation sprinkler. The turf cup includes an outer sleeve and a plurality of drainage passages.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular and open bottom shield configured to be fitted around an in-ground plant at ground level as enabled by an elongated slit and central aperture. A peripheral wall perpendicular to an opaque top panel extends downward around at least 75% of the perimeter of the top panel. The top panel is inclined toward the central aperture through which water and fertilizer can flow toward the plant root system.

Abstract: A system for maintaining and/or cooling the temperature of a body of water exposed to sunlight comprises hydrophilic balls distributed on the surface of the water. The balls have diameters within a range of about 0.015-3.0 mm, and albedos within a range of about 0.15-1.0. The surfaces of the balls provide a total wetted surface area greater than the pre-distribution surface area of the water. In one embodiment, the body of water may be a natural or unnatural lake or bay.

Abstract: This is an original design of a small diameter maple spile. It is designed to facilitate sap movement from any sap-producing tree into the tubing. Two o-rings provide additional sealing surfaces to safeguard against leaks and increase spile visibility. Design and material provide a more hygienic connection between the tree and tubing, compared to the connection of a larger spile, which is more easily contaminated. The small size diameter of the tap hole causes less damage to the tree and consequently allows swift healing. The smaller tap hole also promotes tree health by lessening risks of bacterial and fungal infection. The linear design of this spile allows for ease of cleaning by ultrasonic means and indefinite reuse.

Abstract: This multi-purpose embodiment functions primarily as a cap for tubing that is used in the collection of sap from maple or any sap-producing trees. The wider dimension of the cap end allows it to fit around the outside of tubing, rather than inside like the prior art does. The significant advantage of this embodiment is that it will not stretch tubing. This reduces the likelihood of leakage and preserves the physical integrity of the tubing. It allows for labor and time saving by eliminating the need to remove stretched tubing ends. Furthermore, the tubing line will not need to be replaced as often. Acting as a cap, it allows for small amounts of air to enter the tubing, which facilitates vacuum cleaning of the system. Its design includes a clip type fastener that attaches directly to the tubing for secure off-season placement.

Abstract: A system for growing plants, the system may include a substrate having one or more weakened areas or openings: one or more grow portions coupled to the substrate and situated at the one or more weakened areas or openings and having at least one seed or plant; and/or a fluid distribution portion coupled to the substrate and configured to provide fluid to the one or more grow portions. The system may further include a method of operation including one or more acts of: obtaining a weather forecast for a future time period; determining whether rain is expected during the future time period; and preventing, terminating, or restricting an irrigation cycle when it is determined that rain is expected during the future time period. The restricting may restrict a flow of liquid during the irrigation cycle or shorten the irrigation interval.

Abstract: An integrated actuator coil and decoder module for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods of manufacture and installation, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises a body, decoder circuitry located within the body, a coil located within the body and coupled to the decoder circuitry, the coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. Also included is an electrical connection coupled to the decoder circuitry and adapted to couple to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system. The decoder circuitry and the coil are integrated into a single device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for growing marijuana plants, particularly for regulated purposes, for example medical purposes or in some jurisdictions recreational purposes, have automated subsystems with sensors to provide feedback information about system, apparatus and plant growth parameters to one or more controllers so that the one or more controllers can alter one or more parameters to provide optimal conditions for the growing and harvesting of the marijuana plants. In particular aspects, the systems, apparatuses and methods provide for control of odors produced during the growing of marijuana, root management of the marijuana plants and control over important levels of chemicals provided to the plants, for example enzymes and flavor additives.

Abstract: An aquaponic housing unit fits over standard aftermarket aquariums. The system utilizes the natural symbiotic relationship between fish and plants to achieve adequate filtration for the aquarium below. A large planting container is elevated over the aquarium by two support legs so that the planting container is larger than the aquarium. The support legs can be used to hide wires or control boxes, along with using the legs as storage compartments or additional planting area. An aquarium pump delivers water to the planting container so that fish waste can be used as nutrients for plants in the container. The nitrogen cycle transforms the fish waste into useable nutrients for the plants, thus cleaning the water for the aquarium. The system can be used as a learning tool for students of all ages. It also creates a low maintenance, self-watering and self-fertilizing garden.

Abstract: Methods for using seeds comprising an epigenetic trait for reproducibly producing seed lots for sale with similar agronomic performance over multiple years and production cycles are provided.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to chimeric pepper plants that produce pepper fruit having a yellow and red striped color, and to seeds that produce the chimeric pepper plants. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of generating and selecting chimeric pepper plants that produce pepper fruit having a yellow and red striped color, as well as methods of limiting propagation of off-type pepper plant progeny that produce pepper fruit of a single color.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1210501 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1210501 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AR1210501 in a breeding program.

Abstract: An edible bean seed designated as <12324-1> or Radiant, a sample of the edible bean deposited under accession no. PI 678952 is disclosed. Methods of using the edible bean seed designated as <12324-1> or Radiant for breeding new varieties of bean seed are also disclosed, as well as seeds of the edible bean seed designated as <12324-1> or Radiant.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated WCC153, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line WCC153, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line WCC153, and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line WCC153 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line WCC153 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn 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 inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line WCC153.

Abstract: A support arm assembly for milking equipment is disclosed which includes a pivotable support arm and a stationary arm suspension configured to support the pivotable support arm. The pivotable support arm includes an elongated arm member configured to support a milking cluster of the milking equipment at a distal end portion thereof. The elongated arm member is pivotable in a first direction and an opposite second direction in a substantially horizontal plane. The support arm assembly also includes a holding device configured to maintain the elongated arm member in a first pivotal position when the elongated arm member is subjected to a pivotal force smaller than a threshold force. Further a milking parlour is disclosed.

Abstract: A teat preparation liner comprising an inlet for fluid flow into the liner, an opening, a liner cavity and a spray ring. The liner cavity is positioned adjacent to the opening inside the liner and surrounds a portion of the liner. The spray ring has a hollow interior and a plurality of apertures. The spray ring is coupled to the inlet so that fluid flows from the inlet into the hollow interior of the spray ring and out of the spray ring through the plurality of apertures. The spray ring is positioned inside the liner cavity so that the plurality of apertures face the inside of the liner opening. The spray ring is operable to encircle a dairy animal teat that is positioned inside the liner via the liner opening to simultaneously direct fluid flow from the inlet onto multiple portions of the teat via the apertures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for providing teat dip mixtures. A dispensing system mixes chemical components with a diluent such as water at a variety of concentrations on demand, and is configured to provide multiple teat dip mixtures each having a different composition to different holding tanks. A batch of a respective mixture may be dispensed in response to detecting a low level of the mixture in a respective holding tank. Users may also select a mixture having a particular concentration of one or more components to be dispensed into a particular holding tank by selecting the mixture from a list of pre-determined mixtures.

Abstract: An ice chest air conditioner for cooling a pet in a stationary motor vehicle is provided. The air conditioner has an insulated ice chest reservoir. The reservoir contains a volume of ice. An insulated lid is a hollow double walled construction defining an interior cooling plenum and a separate exhaust duct. The cooling plenum has an air intake vent, and a cooled air exhaust vent, and a heat exchanger and fan assembly. A fan is operable to drawn in through the air intake vent, past the heat exchanger, and outwardly into an interior of the reservoir through the cooled air exhaust vent. Conditioned air from the reservoir is delivered into an interior of the motor vehicle through the air exhaust duct A fluid pump recirculates a volume of melting ice water through the heat exchanger. A snorkel is connected to the air exhaust duct for directing the conditioned air into an interior portion of the motor vehicle. A monitor and control is in operable power and control communication with the pump and fan assembly.

Abstract: Provided are: a sheet for pets which contains carbon and has a superior appearance, and a method of manufacturing the sheet for pets. A sheet for pets is provided with a liquid-permeable front surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back surface sheet, an absorbent layer that contains carbon and organic acid and is positioned between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet, and a front surface-side liquid-permeable sheet that is black and is positioned on the front surface sheet-side of the absorbent layer. The front surface-side liquid-permeable sheet is preferably formed from pulp fibers that have been dyed black.

Abstract: A pet carrier assembly, including: an upper cage housing; and a lower litter pan coupled to the upper cage housing; wherein the lower litter pan is detachable from the upper cage housing and includes a removable waste grate disposed in a bottom portion thereof. The upper cage housing includes a hinged door structure operable for providing access to an interior portion of the upper cage housing. The upper cage housing includes one or more window grates or arrays of holes operable for providing ventilation to an interior portion of the upper cage housing. The pet carrier assembly also includes one or more coupling mechanisms for coupling the lower litter pan to the upper cage housing. Optionally, the pet carrier assembly further includes a moisture absorbent material disposed between the removable waste grate and a bottom of the lower litter pan.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feed system for delivering liquid feed to animals. The system includes a feed apparatus having at least one liquid feed source, and at least one at least common supply line connected to the liquid feed source. A plurality of animal feeding stalls are connected to the at least one common supply line along its length.

Abstract: A feeding station for at least one animal, said feeding station comprising at least one supply hopper having a food product; a food dispensing unit having means for dispensing controlled portions of said food product; a weigh hopper for receiving said food product from said food dispensing unit; a hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform for receiving said food product from said weigh hopper; and a hemi-frustoconical sweeping member comprises at least one compartment to contain said food product on hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform; said hemi-frustoconical sweeping member rotatable on a top surface of said hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform to remove unconsumed food product off said feeding platform after a feeding event.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved shoeing device basically comprising a tubular frame (1) secured to a bearing support (2) by means of an articulation element (3). The tubular frame (1) has a housing for a seat (5) post (4) in the upper part thereof, and also comprises a tools container (6). In the lower region of said tubular frame (1), there is a series of wheels (7). Said tubular frame (1) is provided with a ball bearing (12). The bearing support (2) has a bearing point (8) in the upper part thereof, which fits over the upper end of the primary tube (9), said primary tube (9) being secured to the secondary tube (10) which, in turn, is secured to the supporting base (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for comforting and interacting with an animal. The apparatus include a communication module, an input module, an output module, and a processing unit. The communication module receives a user input from an external device and the input module receives an animal input from the animal. The output module consists of at least one selected from the group of a heat generator and a vibration generator. The processing unit receivers the user input from the communication module and receives the animal input from the input module. The processing unit further operates the output module based on at least one of the user input and the animal input and transmits a signal based on the animal input to the external device using the communication module.

Abstract: Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass an expandable pet tunnel system. It is envisioned that embodiments of the solution for an expandable pet tunnel system may have components constructed from any material suitable for a given application, although preferred embodiments may be constructed from kraft paper. Components of an exemplary embodiment may be constructed of a relatively thick paper and reside in either a collapsed state or an expanded state. Pet tunnel components and connector box components may expand “accordion-like” according to a series of gussets or folds in the sidewalls of each component and then connected, one to the next, by aligning entry/exit ports to modularly build a tunnel system.

Abstract: A chew toy for dogs is an assembled kit including a noisemaker and a plush section with a spine that attaches to another more rigid component. The plush section can be removed from the spine to reveal an eyelet. Strands of edible material are laced through the perforations along the perimeter of the rigid component. The varied shape of the toy allows a dog having a mouth of any size or shape to find a site of a complementary shape for enhanced comfort and chewing pleasure.

Abstract: A method for remote animal surveillance and distress monitoring includes detecting biometric and behavioral parameters of the animal, identifying novel events based on comparison of detected parameters to predefined parameter values and qualifications; determining whether a composite parameter value exceeds a predefined composite threshold value indicative of possible distress in the animal; and notifying remote caretakers of possible distress in the animal based on the composite value exceeding the predefined composite threshold value.

Abstract: A drinker system, comprising: a central pressure regulator configured regulate a fluid pressure to a regulated input pressure; and a plurality of pressure reducers each comprising: a high-pressure zone configured to receive the fluid from the regulator at the regulated input pressure, a low-pressure zone configured to provide the fluid to one of multiple drinker lines at a low output pressure maintained at a constant proportion to the regulated input pressure, and a moveable integral piece comprising a small diaphragm rigidly connected to a large diaphragm, wherein the small diaphragm is disposed in the high pressure zone and the large diaphragm is disposed in the low pressure zone, and wherein the constant proportion between the low output pressure and the regulated input pressure corresponds to the ratio between the surface area of the small diaphragm and the surface area of the large diaphragm.

Abstract: A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws.

Abstract: An enclosed incubation system for production of trout fish is disclosed. The incubation system includes: an ultraviolet unit to disinfect water prior to entering the system, a disinfecting tank to disinfect water, a plurality of water tanks to supply water, a water heater, a plurality of fish tanks, a plurality of inlet and outlet valves, a plurality of canals, a first and a second aeration pump to aerate the plurality of the fish tanks.

Abstract: Container for aquatic plants, which can be filled with water, the side walls and bottom of which comprise an outer wall and a bottom wall, respectively, in each instance, followed, toward the interior of the container, by an intermediate layer that consists of an insulating material. On the inside of the container, the insulating material is completely covered with a water-tight plastic film, in the manner of a tub, or by a water-tight basin composed of transparent glass. On the bottom of the tub or of the basin and/or in a plant pot situated in the container, there is a plant culture medium that makes growth of aquatic plants possible, and preferably winter-hardy and/or non-winter-hardy aquatic plants are disposed in the container, which is filled with water.