Abstract: An asexually reproduced variety of perennial zoysiagrass with a unique combination of morphological characters including medium-fine leaf blade width and dark green color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum plant named ‘SUN 470’, characterized by its uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; single-type inflorescences with ray florets that are initially white in color and becoming red purple in color with development; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Argyranthemum plant named ‘SUN 440’, characterized by its uniformly mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; single-type inflorescences with white-colored ray florets; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new bidens plant particularly distinguished by having yellow colored flowers and a semi-upright plant habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Ornithogalum cultivar named ‘MFPRINSTAR’ is disclosed, characterized by long inflorescence of 30 cm, height of 60 cm, a high yield of 2-3 flowers per bulb, and light orange flower petals. The new variety is an Ornithogalum, normally produced as an ornamental plant or cut flower.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Ornithogalum thyrsoides Jasq. named ‘BCOR-12.001’ originated as a controlled cross between the commercial cultivar Ornithogalum thyrsoides Jasq. ‘Beth’ and a variety known as Ornithogalum thyrsoides Jasq. ‘10.1’. The cultivar ‘BCOR-12.001’ has R.H.S. 155 D (white group) tepals at maturity and is distinguished from other similar cultivars of which the inventor is aware by its short racemes, wide leaves and suitability for growth in pots.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Rudbeckia plant as illustrated and described, characterized by the combination smaller hairy foliage and shorter height, compared to the seed parent.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a vascular image are disclosed wherein a single composite display simultaneously provides a first view of a patient including an angiogram image and a second view including an intravascular image rendered from information provided by an imaging probe mounted on a distal end of a flexible elongate member. A cursor, having a position derived from image information provided by a radiopaque marker proximate the imaging probe, is displayed within the angiogram image to correlate the position of the imaging probe to a presently displayed intravascular image and thus provide an easily discernable identification of a position within a patient corresponding to a currently displayed intravascular image. The resulting composite display simultaneously provides: an intravascular image that includes information about a vessel that is not available from an angiogram and a current location within a vessel of a source of intravascular image data from which the intravascular image is rendered.

Abstract: A reusable foldable box is disclosed that has a first flat configuration and a second three dimensional configuration. The box consists of a first set and a set of panels that are assembled to form the foldable box. The first set of panels includes at least six panels that are foldably coupled in a predefined sequence. The first set includes a top panel, bottom panel, a pair of side panels, a lip panel and a securing panel. The first set of panels forms a single piece construction to which the side panels of the second set of panels are coupled with triangular inward connectors.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Abstract: An encoding device (200) includes an MDCT unit (202) that transforms an input signal in a time domain into a frequency spectrum including a lower frequency spectrum, a BWE encoding unit (204) that generates extension data which specifies a higher frequency spectrum at a higher frequency than the lower frequency spectrum, and an encoded data stream generating unit (205) that encodes to output the lower frequency spectrum obtained by the MDCT unit (202) and the extension data obtained by the BWE encoding unit (204). The BWE encoding unit (204) generates as the extension data (i) a first parameter which specifies a lower subband which is to be copied as the higher frequency spectrum from among a plurality of the lower subbands which form the lower frequency spectrum obtained by the MDCT unit (202) and (ii) a second parameter which specifies a gain of the lower subband after being copied.

Abstract: A method of processing data in an IPTV receiver and such an IPTV receiver are disclosed. The method includes transmitting a request signal for resolution of a content reference identifier (CRID) corresponding to a content, receiving location information including a session initiation protocol-uniform resource identifier (SIP-URI) and a session description protocol-uniform resource locator (SDP-URL), wherein the SIP-URI and the SDP-URL correspond to the CRID, requesting a server corresponding to the SDP-URL to transmit a session description protocol (SDP) file by using the received SDP-URL, and receiving the SDP file from the server.

Abstract: A multi-use hand tool system featuring modular interchangeable components including a digging and cutting head, a rake head; a claw hammer head, a snow shovel head; a garden fork head comprising, one or more hafts, an offset-L component providing a 90 degree orientation between components and/or and handle. The hand tool system features components and grips having a Reuleaux triangle configuration.

Abstract: An auxiliary handle accessory attaches to a shovel's handle-shaft via a folding “clamshell” type clamp, with an intermediate stem member attached to the clamp, and a grip handle screwed into this intermediate stem member, completing the assembly. The intermediate stem member has a ball-knob at the bottom that becomes entirely enclosed by half-sphere “cups” in each of the clamshell clamp halves. When these clamshell-halves close together, they form a simple yet robust socket around the ball, and comprise a ball-and-socket joint. Advantageously, the clamshell-clamp halves are bolted together, insuring a strong and robust connection. This design accommodates the “to-and-fro” motion in the vertical axis during shoveling.

Abstract: A multi-use tool includes a chevron-shaped body and a coupling mechanism configured to couple a handle to the chevron-shaped body. The chevron-shaped body comprises a first external edge, a second external edge, a first internal edge and a second internal edge. A void is formed by the first internal edge, the second internal edge and the coupling mechanism. An apex of the chevron-shaped body points away from the handle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a ground opening and closing assembly that readily allows for adjustment of a pair of closing disks into different, discreet or infinitely variable, home positions that vary in height, disk spacing and fore/aft dimension. In one form, a pair of disk mounts have a pair of mounting receptacles for each support arm. Each support arm is configured to be inserted into one of the receptacles to set the height and fore/aft position of the associated closing disk. Mounting openings can be formed in the disk mounts and the support arms, and a simple pin mechanism received in aligned mounting openings can effect manual disk adjustment without tools. The disk mounts and the support arms can have multiple mounting openings spaced apart differently from the ground opening member to vary the spacing between the closing disks.

Abstract: A facility agricultural laser measure and control motor rotary tillage flattening machine includes a front axle part, a lifting equipment, a rotary tillage component, a battery pack, a rear axle steering part, a rotary flattening component and a rack. A front axle housing connects with the rack. The rotary tillage component comprises a DC motor, a gearbox and a rotary tillage blade. The DC motor connects with the gearbox through transmission. An output shaft of the gearbox connects with the rotary tillage blade. The rear axle steering part includes a rotary seat, a rotary shaft, a steering handlebar, a rear axle stand and squirrel-cage hubs. An upper end of the rotary shaft is equipped with a steering handlebar. The rear axle stand is equipped with two squirrel-cage hubs through a supporting axle. The rotary flattening component connects with the rack through an electromotive handspike and a flexible torsion bar.

Abstract: A working vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a quick hitch, a working implement connected to the vehicle body via the quick hitch, and a linkage interposed between the quick hitch and the vehicle body. The linkage is movable to raise and lower the quick hitch so as to locate the quick hitch at an optional height. The quick hitch can be inclined to a certain degree in a pitching direction of the vehicle body at the optional height defined by the linkage.

Abstract: An operating environment of an agricultural utility vehicle having a graphical user interface includes a freely configurable display or control unit. The display or control unit can, as desired, be mounted at a first mounting interface for providing a first display or control configuration in a first driver field of vision, or at a second mounting interface for providing a second display or control configuration in a second driver field of vision.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a frame section having a pull hitch extending in a travel direction, at least one secondary frame coupled with the frame, a plurality of rolling basket assemblies, a geographical position determining device, and a pressure control system. The secondary frame is coupled to the frame. The plurality of rolling basket assemblies are coupled to the secondary frame. The geographical position determining device generates a geo-position signal. The pressure control system is coupled to the plurality of rolling basket assemblies. The pressure control system is configured to supply a selected pressure to each of the plurality of rolling basket assemblies dependent upon the geo-position signal.

Abstract: Various planting machines and planting methods are described. A planting method may include filling a seed pool with first-type seed, metering the first-type seed from the seed pool with a metering member, and then evacuating the first-type seed from the seed pool. The method may further include filling the seed pool with second-type seed, metering the second-type seed with the metering member, evacuating the second-type seed from the seed pool, and then refilling the seed pool with the first-type seed. First-type and second-type seed may be evacuated to separate temporary storage chambers, and the seed pool may be filled from the temporary storage chambers, as well as from bulk storage containers. A seed valve of a planting machine may include temporary seed storage chambers for different seed types. The seed valve may fill and evacuate a seed pool through rotation of various valve members and selective application of a vacuum.

Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system that includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the agricultural product and the conveyed air. The agricultural product distribution system also includes a removable baffle configured to control an amount of the conveyed air that flows into each port of the plurality of ports. Furthermore, the inductor box is configured to enable the removable baffle to be slidingly inserted into the inductor box, and the removable baffle comprises a tang configured to at least partially block insertion of the removable baffle into the inductor box while the removable baffle is oriented at an undesirable orientation.

Abstract: A sectional control apparatus and method prompts the operator of an implement when the implement, or portion thereof, is traversing over land that has already been seeded and/or disturbed. The apparatus includes a GPS or GNSS receiver that communicates with a GPS or GNSS system and a controller that maps movement of the implement so that real-time positional data for the implement can be compared to the movement map. When the position of the implement, or portion thereof, is detected as moving over previously seeded and/or disturbed land, the controller activates an alert mechanism in the operator cab of the implement to notify the operator that sectional control, i.e., shutting down metering of product or raising the tool bar, needs to be implemented.

Abstract: A metering and mixing system of solid particulates for a rotary seed dispenser in agricultural equipment for sowing, wherein the rotary seed dispenser is mounted under a seed feeder. The rotary seed dispenser is driven at the bottom by a planter drive system, which provides rotation to a spinning disc provided with a number of calibrated orifices through which the seeds housed in the disc orifices fall on a given point of the agricultural equipment. The metering and mixing system of solid particulates includes a solid particulate feeder that is positioned between the seed feeder and the rotary seed dispenser.

Abstract: A metering apparatus may be configured to control flow of material from a reservoir to control the amount of material applied, dispensed, and/or spread to a field while a vehicle traverses the field. The metering apparatus may include an auger portion located in an elevator channel to control the flow of material out of a reservoir opening of the reservoir.

Abstract: An activated-release, water-insoluble or slowly-soluble coating is utilized on fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, medicine, and other granules to precisely time the release of the active ingredient of the granules, for purposes such as fertilizer and pesticide release as well as to initiate seed germination. An external stimulus, or activating agent, including, but not limited to, microwaves, ultrasonic waves, X-rays, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, radar waves, sonar waves, magnetic induction, (or pulses of any of the foregoing), specific chemical, bacteria, or fungus organism (such as ionic or non ionic surfactants, organic solvents, specifically cultured bacteria, fungi or catalytic agents) is used to break the coating, thus allowing for the release or germination.

Abstract: A storage tank sump arrangement for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes row units configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a storage tank configured to hold the flowable agricultural product. The storage tank includes a first sump and a second sump. Further, the first sump is positioned adjacent to a front portion of the storage tank relative to a direction of travel and the second sump is positioned adjacent to a rear portion of the storage tank relative to the direction of travel. The agricultural implement includes a pump in fluid communication with the first sump and the second sump. The pump is configured to pump the flowable agricultural product from the storage tank to the row units.

Abstract: A disk for vertically cutting grass surfaces, the disk includes a center plate mountable to a shaft and a plurality of teeth extending from a circumferential edge of the center plate. Each tooth comprises a base extending from the circumferential edge of the center plate and at least one blade extending from the base at an offset angle. Each blade includes a neck extending from the base at the offset angle, and a tip extending radially outward from the neck relative to a center plane of the center plate such that the tip is offset from the center plane. The tip also extends from the neck at a yaw angle relative to the center plane such that when the disk is rotated about a rotational axis of the shaft a leading edge of the tip rotates in a different rotational plane than a trailing edge of the tip.

Abstract: A harvesting header has an outer impeller fixed to an outermost outboard cutter for rotation therewith to convey cut crop material laterally inwardly toward the center of the header. The outer impeller has a lower disc member forming the bottom of an impeller cage and an upper stationary grass ring. An intermediate impeller is located between the axes of rotation of the two outboard cutters, wherein the intermediate cage-like impeller is suspended on the harvesting header above the cutting plane and not fixed to any of the cutters and rotates in the same direction as the outboard impeller. The outboard and intermediate impellers have a plurality of crop conveying discs, wherein the crop conveying discs on the outboard impeller are offset vertically and overlap horizontally with the crop conveying discs on the intermediate impeller to form an intermeshing region between the two impellers.

Abstract: A rotary cutting deck having an inverted dish-shaped cutting chamber supported by a framework carrying a plurality of ground engaging members, a rotary cutting blade mounted to a spindle extending through the cutting chamber, an asymmetric rear discharge opening above the rotary cutting blade, and a band below the opening.

Abstract: A rotary blade lawnmower grass ejection chute device having a capability of folding up from a fully open and operating position to a partially closed or a fully closed position when the leading edge comes in contact with a fixed object. This grass ejection chute device then has the capability of re-opening up to a full operating position when the lawnmower has cleared the fixed object. This grass ejection chute device also has the capability of being fully closed and in a locked position blocking cut grass from being ejected through the lawnmower deck ejection port to allow a mulching process of cut grass clippings to take place.

Abstract: A crop mass predictive sensor, comprising an imaging device, a laser-based device such as a LIDAR, a first radar emitting a frequency of energy that is absorbed by plant mass, and a second radar emitting a frequency of energy that passes through plant mass without being absorbed, wherein the imaging device, laser-based device, first radar, and second radar are focused on the crop material in front of an agricultural vehicle, and the information gathered from the imaging device, laser-based device, first radar, and second radar is used to calculate an estimated mass for the crop material that is about to enter the agricultural vehicle.

Abstract: A gauging system is adapted for use with a crop harvesting header of the type having a pair of wing frame portions connected to a center frame portion by a balancing linkage and which is operable in a first mode of operation by engagement of a skid plate of each wing frame portion along the ground. In one embodiment of the invention, the gauging system includes i) outer gauge wheels supporting the outer ends of the wing frame portions such that the skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground and ii) inner gauge wheels proximate the center frame portion for supporting the inner ends of the wing frame portions such that the skid plate is at a controlled distance from the ground according to a second mode of operation of the header.

Abstract: A non-row sensitive forage harvester header utilizes a single rotary transfer member to convey severed crop material from the forwardly positioned rotary cutting members to the feed rolls of the forage harvester. A fixed guide plate dislodges severed crop from the right cutting member to transfer the crop material to the left cutting member to convey the crop further rearwardly to the rotary transfer member. Additional fixed guide plates establish a flow path for the severed crop material and facilitate the movement of the severed crop from the left cutting member to the rotary transfer member and then to the feed rolls. A drive mechanism is provided to power the rotation of the cutting members and the rotary transfer member with a cutting disk on each cutting member being driven faster than the multiple crop engaging members also carried on the cutting members above the cutting disk.

Abstract: A harvest sweeper attachment system (10) is provided for attaching to a harvester machine (12) having a collection aperture (14), for use in propelling desired objects (11), such as nuts, toward the collection aperture (14). The system (10) preferably has two sweep units (20) mounted on each side of the harvester machine (12) at a forward angle, each including a rotating rake subassembly assembly (34). The rake subassembly (34) is characterized by having three axially spaced freely rotating tine bars (88), each having a depending array of tines (90), mounted between a proximal rake plate (74) and a distal rake plate (76). The proximal and distal rake plates (74, 76) are mounted at about a forty-five degree angle such that the rake subassembly (34) has an offset parallelogram aspect.

Abstract: A modular gathering platform for grain harvesters is provided for coupling to the front of a grain harvester or processor which can gather plants previously prepared in one or more rows by at least one central belt conveyor with functional side by side coupling to other equal harvesting conveyor belts. The platform includes a transversal mounting structure having an internal opening, at least one central harvesting conveyor belt having front and rear extremities and two side couplings, additional harvesting conveyor belts coupled to the sides of the central belt, an anti-jamming roll and a rotating guiding roll. The central harvesting conveyor belt and additional side harvesting conveyor belts, the anti-jamming rolls, and the guiding roll are synchronized by an actuation assembly, and the guiding roll moves the harvested plants towards the exit. The platform advantageously allows for the gathering of a crop that has been prepared in rows.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge of a header frame structure, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop for further processing, and a reel with a reel drive mechanism for driving rotation of the reel including a variable speed drive motor and a drive transmission having two different drive ratios for high and low speed reel operation. The transmission is mounted in a housing with a readily removable cover part allowing access to a chain and sprocket drive system where the chain can be loosened to allow it to be transferred from one set of cooperating sprockets to another. The reel shaft is movable to release the chain tension and adjusted by a cam and ratchet arrangement.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a threshing and separating section carried by the chassis that is configured for threshing and separating grain from gathered crop material. The threshing and separating section includes at least one concave with at least one crop engaging surface having a high hardness coating formed thereon.

Abstract: A bubble up auger includes a tubular housing, a screw auger and a baffle. The tubular housing includes an inlet opening having a first width end adjacent a first end of the tubular housing and a second width end opposite the first width end. The baffle extends from the inlet opening, outwardly from the central longitudinal axis of the tubular housing and towards the first end of the tubular housing.

Abstract: A rotor feeder unit for an agricultural machine, such as an agricultural baler. The rotor feeder unit includes a rotor feeder, and a drive for driving the rotor feeder. The drive of the rotor feeder unit include an input that is configured to be coupled to a power source, an output coupled to the rotor feeder for rotating the rotor feeder about its axis of rotation, and a variable ratio transmission coupling the input and the output. The variable ratio transmission includes a variable-diameter input pulley, a variable-diameter output pulley, and a belt arranged between the input pulley and the output pulley.

Abstract: A noninvasive method of source-sink regulation in rice belongs to the technical field of rice production. In this method, the source-sink relationship is regulated by a rice sterile line and its identical type of maintaining line being subjected to mixed-planting and insulated pollination, or sowing and transplanting at different times and insulated pollination, so as to construct rice plant samples with gradient difference of source-sink levels. The present invention is a kind of native, natural noninvasive method of source-sink regulation, which could broaden the traditional thinking of source-sink theoretical research, especially overcome the deficiency in conventional methods such as leaf-cutting, spikelet-thinning that lead to physical injury or physiological interference.

Abstract: The weight measurement instrument includes a support frame, a plant holder, and a load cell. The plant holder is assembled with the support frame and has an upper opening and a lower opening, a hydroponic plant can be planted in the plant holder and grow towards the upper opening and the lower opening; the load cell is fixed with the support frame and is used for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically. A method for measuring the total weight of the hydroponic plant automatically is also provided.

Abstract: A cultivation system moves containers between a growing area and a monitoring area. The containers hold cultivation beds for cultivating plants, and the cultivation system includes: a grow light emitting unit emitting grow light for growing the cultivated plants in the containers located in the growing area; an imaging unit capturing the cultivated plants in the containers located in the monitoring area; and a control unit causing the grow light emitting unit to stop emitting the grow light when the imaging unit captures the plants.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus, mixed ambient gas obtained by mixing carbon dioxide with ambient gas in a mixing unit communicating with outlets is supplied to a plant substantially uniformly through the outlets installed in the vicinity of the plant, which makes transpiration of leaves of the plant uniform, and further allows air conditioning control to be performed only over the vicinity of the plant and carbon gas concentration to be managed on the vicinity of the plant.

Abstract: A structural cell system for supporting hardscape, allowing tree root growth, and managing stormwater underneath the hardscape. The system may include: a base having a plurality of receptacles and a plurality of support members interconnecting the receptacles; a plurality of legs each sized and shaped to be attachable to the base within one of the receptacles so as to extend from the base, and to be attachable to another of the legs so that pairs of legs attached to each other collectively extend from the base; and a top attachable to the legs. Outer edges of the base, the top, and the legs attached thereto define a volume, and are configured to support at least that portion of the hardscape overlying the top as well as a commercial vehicle traffic load thereon, while maintaining soil in a substantially uncompacted state throughout at least approximately ninety percent of the volume.

Abstract: A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one separate linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight as well as interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design also requires less material hence is cheaper to produce. The void space is also easily accessed hence allowing for easy access, filling and laying of utility lines where needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector. In the method for controlling land surface temperature using stratospheric airships and a reflector, four corners are connected to a lower end of support lines coupled to be disposed vertically downward from a plurality of airships, and sunlight is reflected by a reflector unfolded into a tetragonal shape in the air, wherein the reflecting surface of the reflector plate is maintained at an angle to remain perpendicular to an incident angle of sunlight to shield, or redirect, the land surface from incident sunlight.

Abstract: An above ground sprinkler is revealed. The ground sprinkler includes a channel controller, a housing with a driving member mounted therein, an adjustment part, a locking plate, a first cover, and a second cover. A tube is extended to form two plates with a retaining groove therebetween. A rib is disposed on an outer side of the plate. The first cover includes a column part with an insertion part while the second cover includes a tongue part. Locking parts are disposed on the insertion part. The insertion part is fitted over the plates while the ribs of the plates are locked with the locking parts. When the second cover is covered over the first cover, the tongue part is mounted into the retaining groove so that the two plates are leaning against and locked by the locking parts tightly, unable to be released.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of the invention include methods and systems for upgrading an existing irrigation system to increase its sensing and control capability without requiring extensive rewiring. A controller module is installed between an irrigation controller and a zone valve and physically proximate to the irrigation controller without disturbing most of the existing wiring between the irrigation controller and the zone valve. A field module is installed between the controller module and the zone valve without disturbing most of the existing wiring between the irrigation controller and the zone valve. The controller module and field module are the communicatively coupled primarily using the existing wiring. The controller module may encode commands transmitted to the field module and/or decode encoded data transmitted from the field module. The field module may encode data transmitted to the controller module and/or decode encoded commands transmitted from the controller module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the automatic irrigation of plants, wherein the temporal progression of soil moisture is determined from measured soil moisture values, and said progression is used for the calculation of an optimized irrigation time duration, such that both water excess in the soil and soil drying are avoided as much as possible. Preferably, the time duration of irrigation is constantly evaluated and optimized using comparisons of measured values with prespecified moisture- and dryness threshold values (GWmoist, GWdry), and automatically adjusted to changing environmental conditions and/or plant requirements.