Abstract: A land roller is provided with an over-center locking linkage arrangement to help lock a roller frame of the land roller into a raised transport configuration to reduce the likelihood that a failure of the actuator system could cause the roller frame to inadvertently fall and injure a person or cause damage to property. The land roller may be further provided with actuators that are controlled in temporal series from a single controller to simplify and increase the safety of both converting the land roller between the transport configuration and a working configuration and converting side frame sections of the land roller between folded and unfolded positions.

Abstract: The field cultivating sweep includes a body with wings extending from a center line in opposite directions, and a conditioning element extending downwardly from the wing body. The conditioning element may be a blade extending vertically downwardly along the center line of the body and having a leading edge sloped rearedly from front to back. In alternative embodiments, the conditioning element may have a triangular or rectangular shape or may be in the form of a fluted coulter. The conditioning element acts to till the ground vertically and break up compacted soil as the sweep is drawn along the ground.

Abstract: The field cultivating sweep includes a body with wings extending from a center line in opposite directions, and a conditioning element extending downwardly from the wing body. The conditioning element may be a blade extending vertically downwardly along the center line of the body and having a leading edge sloped rearedly from front to back. In alternative embodiments, the conditioning element may have a triangular or rectangular shape or may be in the form of a fluted coulter. The conditioning element acts to till the ground vertically and break up compacted soil as the sweep is drawn along the ground.

Abstract: A plough assembly (10) to be drawn by a plough frame that is attached to a prime mover. The assembly (10) includes a digging shank (14) attached to a clamp (11) that is to be attached to the plough frame. Attached to the lower end of the shank (14) is a digging assembly (21). The digging assembly (21) includes a mounting (22) and a digging blade (23). Behind the digging blade (23) is a twin road seeding boot (76). Following the boot (76) is a press wheel (68), with the seeding boot (76) having a transverse width greater than the transverse width of the blade (23).

Abstract: An agricultural implement system includes a tow bar configured to couple to a hitch assembly. The agricultural implement system also includes a tool bar pivot hinge assembly comprising two pivot points. The agricultural implement system additionally includes a first tool bar member mechanically coupled to a second tool bar member via the tool bar pivot hinge assembly; the first tool bar member extending transversely from the tow bar, wherein the tool bar pivot hinge assembly provides for an axis of rotation of the second tool bar member about the first tool bar member and additionally provides for an extension of the second tool bar member away from the first tool bar member.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrow merger includes a motor and a chassis. At the front of the merger are a first pickup and transfer assembly, a second pickup and transfer assembly and a third pickup and transfer assembly. A cab is above and behind the second pickup and transfer assembly. A folding mechanism for moves each of the pickup and transfer assemblies between a first position wherein the first, second and third pickup and transfer assemblies are laterally aligned and a second position wherein the first and third pickup and transfer assemblies are positioned rear of the cab.

Abstract: A closing wheel assembly is provided for a seed row planter unit behind the gauge wheel assembly and furrow disks of the planter unit. The closing wheel assembly includes a coupler with a pair of closing wheels mounted thereon. A single pin removably extends through the coupler and through the gauge wheel assembly to detachably mount the closing wheel assembly to the gauge wheel assembly. Different closing wheel assemblies can be quickly mounted on the row unit, depending upon the type of seed being planted. The closing wheels are laterally adjustable via a rotatable threaded bushing so as to be centered behind the furrow disks.

Abstract: A material distribution system includes: a chassis; a material tank carried by the chassis and configured to hold a material; and a header configured to receive and distribute material from the material tank entrained in an air flow. The header includes: a header body having a pair of sidewalls, an inlet configured to receive entrained material from the material tank and a plurality of outlets, the sidewalls defining a width therebetween that increases from the inlet toward the plurality of outlets; a valve associated with an outlet that is configured to switch between a distributing position and a purging position, the valve blocking its outlet in the purging position; and a plenum having a volume of air that is selectively in fluid communication with the plurality of outlets to provide a purging air flow to the outlet with the associated valve when the valve is in the purging position.

Abstract: An air cart has a drop chute for conveying an agricultural product such as seed, from a metering device to a venturi portion of a product conveyance tube. The drop chute has a contoured downstream sidewall resulting in changes in drop chute width which introduce vortices providing an enhanced product flow. The downstream sidewall has an inward sloping region reducing the drop chute width beginning closely adjacent the metering device and continuing down about one-third the way from the metering device to the conveyance tube, and an abrupt corner causing an increase in drop chute width near the product conveyance tube followed by a curved region creating a gradual further increase in width terminating adjacent to the product delivery tube. A large low speed vortex is created near the inward sloping region and a small strong vortex is created adjacent the curved region.

Abstract: Devices, such as mobile sensors and static sensors, monitor field health. A comparison to a baseline may facilitate detection of a field health issue. When an issue with field health is determined, a remedy may be deployed. Deploying a remedy may use an unmanned vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, or a liquid distribution manifold.

Abstract: A blade for a mower disc body is provided. The blade includes a cutting blade body of a first base material, top and bottom surfaces and an outer surface that extends around the cutting blade body vertically between the top and bottom surfaces. The blade further includes a cutting edge formed along the outer surface and a plurality of clad beads extending along one of the top and bottom surfaces transversely away from the non-serrated cutting edge.

Abstract: A turf groomer is coupled to a reel cutting unit in advance of the cutting reel and is powered by a gearbox having a rotary gear drive that is capable of selectively rotating the turf groomer in opposite directions at different speeds. The rotary gear drive is symmetrical about a plane through the axes of the input and output shafts thereof to permit the gearbox to be inverted to drive the turf groomer from either the left or right sides without requiring that two different models of the gear drive be available. The gearbox is connected to the reel cutting unit only by connecting the end of the input shaft to a shaft of the cutting reel and through a connection to a height adjuster for the turf groomer.

Abstract: A system conveying material-other-than-grain (MOG) from a harvesting machine to a packaging machine towed by the harvesting machine. The system includes an joint pivotably joining a harvesting machine hitch to a packaging machine hitch. An accelerator is mounted to the packaging machine hitch. The accelerator has a housing with a top-side inlet and a side outlet. A MOG-propelling disk is disposed in the housing and is rotatable about an axis. A conduit is disposed above the packaging machine hitch and has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end coupled to the side outlet. The conduit has first and second opposing side portions and a top side portion without an opposing bottom portion, with at least part of the top side portion is parallel with the plane of the disk. The accelerator, conduit, and packaging machine are collectively in pivotal arrangement relative to the harvesting machine.

Abstract: An assembly for rotating a chain or toothed belt includes a shaft and a sprocket rotatably mounted on the shaft. The sprocket includes a plurality of teeth configured to engage the chain or toothed belt. The assembly further includes a shield assembly covering at least a portion of the sprocket. The shield assembly has an interior groove formed therein defining an enclosed interior space. Each of the teeth of the sprocket rotate through the enclosed interior space during a full rotation of the sprocket.

Abstract: Provided is a method and a facility of plant cultivation in which leaf vegetables, fruit vegetables, and the like that are of stable quality can be cultivated at a relatively low cost and in which the period of cultivation can be stabilized. A plant cultivation method and a facility comprising a first step of raising seedlings, and a second step of planting the seedlings into a cultivation field and cultivating the seedlings, wherein, in the first step, the seedlings are cultivated with only artificial light; in the second step, the seedlings are cultivated with only sunlight; and the seedlings raised in the first step are sequentially transplanted to the cultivation field for the second step and are cultivated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device with a frame that can be driven on a ground surface and with a vibrating screen which is mounted on the frame such that it can be moved to a limited extent and which is connected to a contact element. A vibrating roller is attached to the frame such that it can be rotated about a rotary axis, and it has an outer surface, in which radial elevations are formed. A pre-tensioning element pre-tensions the vibrating screen such that the contact element lies against the vibrating roller.

Abstract: A handheld blower includes a housing having an air inlet and a duct assembly mounted in front of the air inlet, the duct assembly including a duct connected with the housing, a motor and a fan mounted in the duct, a battery, and a blowpipe connected to the housing by the duct assembly, the blowpipe defining a central axis in the length direction, and a handle arranged above the housing and the battery. The handle includes a gripping portion arranged on opposite sides of a plane in which the gravity center of the blower is located, and the plane is parallel to a central axis of the blowpipe and substantially perpendicular to a working ground. The gravity center of the handheld blower is adjacent to the gripping portion which enhances the handling comfort and reduces operator fatigue during long times of operation.

Abstract: A blower including a base having a housing, a handle extending from the housing, a power source positioned within the housing, the blower including: a drive shaft extending forwardly from the power source, wherein the drive shaft is rotatable by the power source; a fan member operatively connected to the drive shaft; a flywheel extending rearwardly from the power source, the flywheel being positioned adjacent to a rear of the housing; and at least one rear vent formed into the rear of the housing adjacent to the flywheel, wherein rotation of the flywheel draws ambient air into the housing through the at least one rear vent, and rotation of the flywheel generates a cooling air flow that directs the ambient air across the power source to cool the power source during operation thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a chipper shredder are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, the chipper shredder can include a rotor disc having an obverse side and a reverse side, one or more chipper blades provided on the obverse side, one or more impeller blades provided on the reverse side, the one or more impeller blades being perpendicular to the rotor disc, one or more hammer blades on the reverse side, the one or more hammer blades being substantially parallel to the rotor disc, and one or more L-blades on the reverse side that extend outwardly and upwardly from a center of the rotor disc.

Abstract: Provided is an expandable, modular tower planter having an internal vertical composting capability, and a method of assembling and using the same. Provided in various example embodiments is a modular composting garden container system comprising a base and a plurality of stackable rings forming a tower upon the base, including an optional base ring specially sized, shaped, and positioned to connect the tower to the base. A plurality of perforated, stackable tube sections are provided that are removably assembled into a compost tube assembly of selectable height and mounted within the interior of the tower and above the base. A plurality of holding struts are sized, shaped, and positioned to removably connect the compost tube assembly with the tower and to securely locate the compost tube assembly relative to the tower. Means are provided for recovering nutrient-rich drainage and selective recovery of compost material for reintroduction into the system.

Abstract: A set for assembling a length and shape adjustable planter comprising (a) a plurality of elongate troughs being length customizable by cutting thereof; the elongate troughs having a longitudinal axis and a H-inverted cross section; the elongate troughs interconnectable therebetween; (b) interconnecting members configured for interconnecting the elongate troughs in series; and (c) end members configured for mounting onto a free end of the elongate troughs. A surface of each trough at least partially is provided with a surface profile distributed over a length of the trough. The interconnecting members are securable on the surface profile.

Abstract: A collapsible and portable trellis which supports growing plants and increases their overall yield. The trellis includes a first half assembly, a second half assembly, and a locking mechanism. The first half assembly and the second half assembly are hingedly connected to each other through the locking mechanism and each includes a first lateral beam, a second lateral beam, a first crossbar, a second crossbar, a lattice, and an at least one support leg. The first lateral beam and the second lateral beam are positioned parallel and offset to each other. The first crossbar and the second crossbar are perpendicularly connected in between the first lateral beam and the second lateral beam to yield an overall rectangular shape. The support leg is connected to the second crossbar. The lattice is mounted to the first lateral beam, the second lateral beam, the first crossbar, and the second crossbar.

Abstract: A system and method for water irrigation system are provided. The water irrigation system includes a set of pressure modulators for generating a set of modulated pressure signals that include an actuating pressure signal and a de-actuating pressure signal. The water irrigation system includes a set of irrigating elements. Each of the irrigating elements includes a water emitter connected to a pressure sensing circuit. The pressure sensing circuit is for actuating the water emitter responsive to the actuating signal and de-actuating the water emitter responsive to the de-actuating signal. The water irrigation system further includes tubing for carrying water for irrigation and the modulated pressure signals to the irrigating element.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: multiple terminals coupled with a multi-wire path; a first charge storage circuitry electrically coupled with at least one of the multiple terminals, wherein the first charge storage circuitry is configured to be charged by a voltage on the multi-wire path; a control circuitry configured to determine the voltage on the multi-wire path; and a boost circuitry controlled by the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry in response to determining that the voltage on the multi-wire path is below a threshold activates the boost circuitry to increase a voltage stored by the first charge storage circuitry.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling soil moisture, water accumulation and fertilizer distribution in land. Elevation location data for land areas are extracted from two or more pixels of a topographic image including topographic data. Each pixel represents a land area. Wetness indices for the land areas are determined from the elevation and location data, based on the slope between two or more defined areas of land and an upslope contributing area per unit contour length. At risk defined areas of land, e.g., those at risk of accumulating water are identified based on wetness indices. Water is transported from the at risk defined areas of land to another location. The transporting of water reduces the risk of accumulating water in the at risk defined areas of land and improves crop growth potential in those areas.

Abstract: A hydroponic device includes a water tank, a drain pan, a hydroponic module and a light emitting diode module. The water tank delivers water to the drain pan via a drain pump. The water is then dispensed to each pot body of the hydroponic module. Each pot body includes an inner pot and an outer pot. Water inside the inner pot will flow to the outer pot through the draining hole. Water will flow out of an overflow outlet and re-enter the water tank if the water level is higher than the overflow outlet. The light emitting diode module is disposed above the hydroponic module.

Abstract: A hydroponic device using the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), which device is arranged as a vertical growing system with gravity flow of nutrient water to the grown plants. The hydroponic device comprises growing vessels, an inflow of nutrient water into the growing vessel and an outlet of the nutrient water from the growing vessel. At least two growing vessels (1) are comprised, which are placed one above the other in a longitudinal but mutually opposite inclination, wherein the lower end of each inclined growing vessel (1) is provided with an outlet socket (3) for output of the nutrient water, which outlet socket (3) serves as the inflow of the nutrient water into the attached upper end of the lower positioned and inclined growing vessel (1).

Abstract: Provided relates to a crop Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) plants that do not require cold treatment (vernalization) for the inductions of bolting and flowering, and to means and methods for producing same.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for making plants (e.g., Solanum varieties) with decreased accumulation of reducing sugars and acrylamide in cold-stored potatoes, specifically, by making TALE-nuclease-induced mutations in genes encoding vacuolar invertase.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety SJ1312299 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety SJ1312299 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using SJ1312299 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety SJ1312462 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety SJ1312462 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using SJ1312462 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated SV0371QF. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line SV0371QF, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line SV0371QF with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line SV0371QF, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Novel Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.), such as Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) designated KX-1 is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1, to the plants and plant parts of Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1, and to methods for producing a Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) plant by crossing the Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1 with itself or another Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing other Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) plants derived from the Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Cristabel’, ‘Crispinet’, and ‘Fairly’ are described. ‘Cristabel’, ‘Crispinet’, and ‘Fairly’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘PRO 1277’ and ‘PRO 1632’ are described. ‘PRO 1277’ and ‘PRO 1632’ exhibit stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A kneading channel is provided with an inlet end which is open to receive curd to be kneaded and an outlet end which is open to dispense the curd; a pair of counter-rotating mutually opposite motorized augers, arranged side by side in the kneading channel, move the curd toward outlet end; steam injector elements are opened in the kneading channel; a kneading chamber, which receives the curd from the outlet of the kneading channel, accommodates a motorized spindle with a vertical axis which has rotating arms that cooperate with the fixed arms.

Abstract: A litter container comprises a bottom pan and a top pan. The bottom pan has a first inner space. The top pan has a second inner space and is configured to be disposed on the bottom pan so that the first and second inner spaces form an interior space of the litter container. The top pan has a door assembly. The door assembly comprises a portion of a top surface of the litter container and a portion of a front surface of the litter container.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatus comprising a flexible sheet of material comprising a plurality of strips; and an adhesive system configured to releasably couple said flexible sheet of material to a surface of a pet waste receptacle.

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

Abstract: A pet bed has a collapsible frame with front and rear side walls and left, and right side walls, and a bottom. The collapsible frame also comprises a base which may be disposed in an interior of the frame to maintain the front and rear side walls and left and right side walls in a spaced-apart relationship when the frame is in an expanded configuration. A cover is formed from a pliant material and may be configured to be releasably attached to the pet bed. The cover attaches in such a way to cover the inward and outward faces of at least one of the front, rear, left and right side walls.

Abstract: A pet bed includes a base and a reversible cover. The base includes a case. The reversible cover is attached to the base, and includes a first side defining a first external surface of the reversible cover, and a second side opposite the first side and defining a second external surface of the reversible cover. The reversible cover is configured to switchably cover the case, such that the first side of the reversible cover contacts the case in a first configuration of the reversible cover to externally expose the second surface from the pet bed, and the second side of the reversible cover contacts the first and second sides of the case in a second configuration of the reversible cover to externally expose the first surface from the pet bed.

Abstract: A pet bed has a tubular member of pliant material. The tubular member has first and second surfaces, one of which defines an outer surface and the other of which defines an inner surface. The tubular member has axially opposite first and second ends spaced apart by a length. The first end forms an opening in the interior. One of the tubular member first and second surfaces has a plurality of stay attachment members with stays disposed within the stay attachments. The tubular member is folded over itself to form an upstanding wall with the first end adjacent to the second end, an intermediate portion of the tubular member spaced from the first and second ends, a portion first surface facing outward and another portion of the first surface facing inward to define an interior of the pet bed, and portions of the second surface facing another each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the location in which herbivore fowl populations congregate by altering the behaviour of the fowl through the combination of providing a strong disincentive to populate areas where the presence of the fowl is not desired and a strong incentive to populate a proximate area where the presence of fowl can be tolerated. For herbivore waterfowl, and in particular Canada geese, the adjacent area also provides the waterfowl with a means of egress to water as an escape from predators and other perceived threats. The method uses a deterrent in the form of adulterated feed to dissuade the herbivore fowl from congregating in areas in which their presence is not desired and the use of an attractant in the form of non-adulterated feed to encourage the herbivore fowl to congregate in a proximate area in which their presence can be tolerated.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a watering station dispensing clean drinking water for dogs and other animals. The water is dispensed once the apparatus detects the presence of the animal. A solenoid valve regulates water flow in accordance with signals from the sensor. The water is fed to one or more water outlets either along a surface of the bowl or elsewhere along the housing of the watering station. The water is received from an incoming water supply line, which may be connected to a fresh water line within the dog owner's house or other building. The watering station may be installed in the owner's bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, outside, etc. Any water not consumed flows by gravity down a drain and can be disposed of through a wastewater line. This effectively eliminates standing water in the bowl. Various sizes of the watering station can accommodate different sized pets or other animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides clothing for treating the fracture of a pet dog's leg, comprising: an outer cover surrounding the body of the pet dog; a traction belt which can extend along the circumference of the outer cover; and two leg insertion parts which are fixed to both ends of the traction belt, respectively, and into which forelegs or hind legs of the pet dog can be inserted, at least one of the two leg insertion parts being made of a plaster cast.

Abstract: Pet reward devices with modular accessory storage may generally include handheld devices which dispense rewards and also store any of a variety of modular accessories. Example rewards may include licks of a reward formulation, e.g. a reward formulation that may be manually advanced through the pet reward device by the pet owner in order to expose more surface area thereof. Example modular accessories include noisemakers which may be useful for pet training, as well as other useful accessories such as whistles, flashlights, etc.

Abstract: Described is system to modify and prevent the destructive behavior of household animals. The system includes two units. One unit is attached to the animal and the second unit is used as a control unit. The animal behavior modification is applied according to the distance between the units and the animal behavior.

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

Abstract: An articulated animal toy that includes at least a first body portion, a mid-body portion and a second body portion each having an outer surface an animal head, an animal body and an animal tail. Adjacent pairs of the first body portion, the mid-body portion and the second body portion define a socket connection end and a swivel connection end. The swivel connection ends are snap-fitted into the adjacent socket connection end defining swivel joints. The swivel joints are freely pivotal about respective axes such that the first body portion is pivotally connected to the mid-body portion and the mid-body portion is pivotally connected to the second body portion. In response to the first body portion, the mid-body portion and the second body portion being pulled along a floor surface, the first body portion, the mid-body portion and the second body portion freely pivot relative to one another.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a material stored in a container, including a first hemisphere, and a second hemisphere having a puncture arm and at least one aperture, wherein the first and second hemispheres are capable of being mechanically coupled together and when mechanically coupled accommodate the container, and when mechanically coupled the puncture arm punctures the container allowing at least a portion of the material in the container to exit the container and the dispenser via the aperture.