Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an implement to a three point hitch of mobile machinery comprises two frameworks, a first framework and a second framework. The first framework is disposed in a first plane and comprises at least two parallel, vertically-spaced apart, laterally extending rails. There are three attachments supported by the first framework for attachment to the three-point hitch. The second framework is slidable generally in the plane of the first framework and is mounted on the rails to slide laterally along the rails. At least two connectors are supported by the slidable second framework for connecting the second framework to an implement that can be pulled or pushed by the mobile machinery. A driver is connected to the first framework and connected to the second framework for driving the second framework laterally back and forth along the rails of the first framework.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by means of a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: A method including: recording a first image of a first field region; automatically treating a plant within the first region in-situ based on the first image; automatically verifying the plant treatment with a second image of the first region; and automatically treating a second region concurrently with treatment verification.

Abstract: An improved guard is provided for hand-held cutting edge devices such as lawn trimmers. The guard extends beyond the cutting plane formed by the circular travel of the flexible cutting element. The extended guard protects against foreign objects being propelled by the cutting element, possibly causing damage or physical harm. A cutter may be provided inside the perimeter of the guard, extending into the plane formed by the cutting element to function as a cutter for setting the length of the cutting element being used. The guard may be formed as a single piece or as a composite which when assembled encircles the center assembly of the cutting element.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing with a baffle that defines an air path to produce a cross-flow. The baffle includes a vent to manipulate air pressures within the housing and facilitate movement of plant clippings. A hand-held device for trimming with a rotary blade assembly may also include a housing that defines an air path to produce a cross-flow. The hand-held trimming device may also a baffle with a vent to facilitate movement of plant clippings.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing harvested crops, in particular a threshing and/or separating apparatus, comprising a rotor which is mounted rotatably about its longitudinal axis, a separating device with a separating device region which at least partially surrounds a lower circumferential region of the rotor, the circumferential region being arranged below the longitudinal axis in an operationally ready state of the apparatus, and is arranged radially spaced apart from the rotor. A passage region for the harvested crop is formed between the separating device regions and the lower circumferential region of the rotor, wherein the separating device region extends along the longitudinal axis, and comprises at least one control element. The control element is movable into the passage region and/or into an axial projection of the passage, in order to control the flow of harvested crop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling positioning of an agricultural implement relative to the ground is disclosed. The method involves receiving first and second position signals representing respective first and second positions of the agricultural implement relative to the ground and providing input to a controller for controlling the positioning of the agricultural implement. The method involves receiving an intermediate position signal representing an intermediate position of the agricultural implement and being associated with an intermediate location between locations respective first and second positions.

Abstract: A harvesting attachment for a harvester comprises a frame which includes a rear wall and a base wall. The frame is formed as an extrusion profile.

Abstract: An accumulator is coupled to an agricultural baler and is configured to support a crop package exiting the baler. The accumulator includes a frame having a first end, a second end, and a support surface positioned between the first and the second ends. The support surface is configured to support the crop package that exits the baler. The accumulator also includes a carriage coupled to the first end of the frame and linearly moveable relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. The carriage is configured to support the crop package when in the extended position. The accumulator further includes a linkage coupled to at least one of the frame and the carriage. The linkage is configured to move the carriage to at least one of the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: An accumulator is coupled to an agricultural baler and is configured to support a crop package exiting the agricultural baler. The accumulator includes a frame including a first end, a second end, and a support structure positioned between the first and the second ends. The accumulator also includes a crop package moving assembly moveably coupled to the frame in a first direction and a second direction. The accumulator further includes a carriage coupled to the first end of the frame and configured to move relative to the frame between a retracted position and an extended position. The carriage is configured to move into the extended position to support the crop package. The carriage is configured to move into the retracted position in response to the crop package moving assembly moving in the second direction.

Abstract: A bale collection system and method for receiving and storing a bale. The bale collection system including a baler having a rear aperture through which a bale may be ejected, a trough defining a storage bay sized to receive one or more bales therein, where the trough is coupled to the baler and movable with respect thereto between a first position, where no bale is positioned within the storage bay, and a second position where a bale is at least partially positioned within the storage bay, and where the first position is different than the second position. The bale collection system also includes a resistance element operatively coupled to the frame and configured to at least partially control the movement of the frame between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A bale collection system and method for receiving and storing a bale introduced at a first location and in a first direction, the bale defining an axis therethrough. The bale collection system includes a frame defining at least one storage bay sized to store a bale therein. The bale collection system also includes an arm pivotably coupled to the frame and movable with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position, the arm having a bale contact surface configured to contact a bale at least partially received within the storage bay, and a resistance member in operable engagement with the arm and configured to resist the motion of the arm between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A cart for transporting and conveying agricultural materials is provided. The cart includes a frame; a set of wheels or tracks coupled with said frame; and a hitch assembly coupled with said frame to allow the cart to be towed on the wheels or tracks behind a tow vehicle. The cart further includes a hopper defined by a plurality of walls supported by the frame and having a hopper opening to receive agricultural material and a discharge opening for discharging agricultural material. The cart further includes a conveyor assembly coupled to the hopper, the conveyor assembly including an inlet in communication with the discharge opening to receive agricultural material therefrom and an outlet to discharge agricultural material. The conveyor assembly includes a lower conveyor section and an upper conveyor section.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a control system for agricultural equipment. The agricultural equipment includes a baler configured to produce a crop package. The control system includes a crop package barrier coupled to the baler and movable between a closed position and an open position. The control system also includes a crop package transfer system configured to move the crop package. The control system further includes a barrier control system configured to restrict movement of the crop package barrier as the crop package barrier is moving toward the open position from the closed position in response to at least one signal indicating the crop package is in an unpreferred location.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber and a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber. The plunger has a duty cycle. A flywheel is associated with the movement of the plunger, and a driveline is associated with the flywheel and couplable with a power take-off of a traction unit. The baler is characterized by an auxiliary power system coupled with the driveline. The auxiliary power system includes a power indicator providing a plurality of output signals, each representing a parameter associated with power usage during the duty cycle of the plunger. A power device receives power from or transfers power to the driveline. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the power indicator and the power device. The electrical processing circuit receives each output signal and controls operation of the power device, based on at least one output signal from at least one previous duty cycle.

Abstract: A rectangular baler including a baling chamber, an intake duct, a pick-up mechanism for picking up crop material and introducing it into the intake duct, and a stuffer mechanism to selectively execute a packer stroke to advance crop material partially along the intake duct and a stuffer stroke to transfer the crop material accumulated in the intake duct into the baling chamber. The stuffer mechanism includes a tine bar extending between two stuffer assemblies at each side of the baler. Each stuffer assembly includes a first stuffer arm connected at a first pivot point to a first crank arm of a first drive mechanism, a second stuffer arm connected at a second pivot point to a second crank arm of a second drive mechanism, and a coupling plate pivotally mounted around a stationary pivot point. The coupling plate couples the first stuffer arm with the second stuffer arm.

Abstract: A method for increasing the yield of a flowering plant includes positioning a lighting device with respect to a lower minor height of the flowering plant. The method includes irradiating the lower minor height with light in a predetermined range of the electromagnetic spectrum for a duration of a flowering stage of a life cycle of the flowering plant. The lighting device may be an annular clamshell design that circumscribes a stalk of the flowering plant. Such a design may be clamped to the stalk via a spring force of a pair of spring-loaded clamps. The lighting device may include a plurality of red LEDs arranged in an arcuate manner. At least 80 percent of the light from the lighting device is in the predetermined range of 580 nm to 780 nm, and may be in the range of 600 nm to 700 nm.

Abstract: A greenwall cladding system for the growth of organisms such as plants and fungi on the side of structures, such as internal and external walls of buildings, is provided. Methods for the production of organisms on a greenwall cladding system, such as plants and fungi are also provided herein.

Abstract: Covering and method for promoting local rainfall are provided. The covering has a skin to cover a field that can get thermal energy. An edge part of the skin is installed at a surface of the field, and the inner part of the skin surrounded by the edge part can be lifted up from the surface to form a space to store air. The covered air receives thermal energy and the skin prevents air convection and reduces thermal energy loss, thereby generating a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the skin. By utilizing buoyancy resulted from the air temperature difference to lift up the inner part of the skin, a huge space is formed to contain a large amount of air. Thereafter, the covered air continues to receive thermal energy, causing huge thermal energy to be stored in the covered air, which is then used to promote rainfall.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter may be provided with a coupler for bonding to an inner surface of a conduit. The emitter may include for example a button flow restrictor. The coupler may optionally provide an outlet zone on the conduit surface that is large enough for automated perforation. Bonding the emitter to the surface of the conduit may have a minimal effect on the dimensions and/or properties of the conduit. A button drip irrigation emitter may optionally include a two part labyrinth. The labyrinth may for example be confined between a cylindrical surface and a cover and/or wind between intermeshing baffles on the cover and/or the surface. In some embodiments the device may be formed using molding elements moving along a single axis.

Abstract: A control system including a control device, an irrigation controller and a server is disclosed. The server is linked to the control device and the irrigation controller for receiving a regional information of the irrigation controller. The regional information includes a position information of the irrigation controller, a plant information and a sprinkler information. The server generates a watering schedule according to the regional information and an evapotranspiration information corresponding to the position information. Then, the server transmits the watering schedule to both the irrigation controller and the control device, so that the irrigation controller is set up according to the watering schedule.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of obtaining clonal seeds, methods of plant cloning, methods of screening for maternal plants that produce clonal seeds asexually and methods of increasing yield of clonal seeds. Also disclosed are constructs comprising a nucleic acid that may silence the activity of a RNA-dependent DNA methylation pathway gene. Further disclosed are maternal plants comprising a construct wherein the construct comprises an exogenous nucleic acid sequence, wherein the construct renders the maternal plant defective for RNA-dependent DNA methylation.

Abstract: The cotton variety FM 1911GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 1911GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 1911GLT and to plants of FM 1911GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 1911GLT.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety OW1210690 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety OW1210690 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using OW1210690 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV0579GG. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV0579GG, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV0579GG with itself or with another bean 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 bean line SV0579GG, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated SV1391QH. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line SV1391QH, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line SV1391QH 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 SV1391QH, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated SV7401QH. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line SV7401QH, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line SV7401QH 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 SV7401QH, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A new stevia variety is characterized by remarkably high levels of Rebaudioside C (RC), and developed by the use of non-GMO selective breeding technologies and wherein such variety is uniquely identified by RAPD gene analysis, and comprises from about 3-8% by weight RC in the leaf (leaf content) and from about 10-13% total steviol glycosides content (TSG) in in leaf (leaf content), both of which are exceptionally high.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Cannabis Sativa plant named ‘Avidekel’, characterized by a high amount of Cannabidiol (CBD) (16.3%) and a very low amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, 0.8%).

Abstract: A method of operating a robotic attacher, comprises extending a robotic attacher between the legs of a dairy livestock. The method further comprises attaching milking equipment to the dairy livestock using a gripping portion of the robotic attacher during a milking operation, wherein the gripping portion has a nozzle that is positioned away from a teat of the dairy livestock during the milking operation. The method further comprises rotating the gripping portion of the robotic attacher so that the nozzle is positioned to face a teat of the dairy livestock during a spraying operation.

Abstract: An animal container. The animal container includes a housing sized to fit an animal, such as a pet, within. The housing includes a plurality of sides. The plurality of sides includes a first side having a first opening leading into the housing and a second side having a second opening leading into the housing. A gate is secured to the housing and is spring biased in a closed position covering the first opening. The gate pivots against the spring bias in a direction towards an interior of the housing when a force is applied against the gate from outside of the housing. A first door is secured to the housing and covers the second opening.

Abstract: Mobile platforms and air table arrangements for supporting an animal under investigation include a mobile platform and an underlying air table platform that defines a perforated upper surface and a plurality of apertures in fluid communication with a source of air under pressure. The mobile platform is adapted to glide over the perforated upper surface and includes a base defining an upwardly facing surface and a downwardly facing surface, at least one sidewall circumscribing the upwardly facing surface, and at least one partition wall dimensioned and arranged to divide the downwardly facing surface into a plurality of downwardly facing open compartments. The base defines a first profile having a first maximum dimension, and the perforated upper surface defines a second profile having a second maximum dimension, such that the ratio of the second maximum dimension to the first maximum dimension is less than 2 to 1.

Abstract: An animal interaction device with a base, a housing, and a feeding mechanism having a rotatable platform mounted on the top surface of the base to rotate about an axis of rotation. There is a low profile drive cavity between the platform and the base and a food tray disposed on a top surface of the platform. A drive mechanism is located within the drive cavity and includes a drive mechanism with a curved rack gear engaged with the rotatable platform. There is a horizontally disposed worm drive mounted in communication with the curved rack gear to enable rotation of the rotatable platform about the axis of rotation. As the platform is rotated, the food tray moves from a first position where the tray is concealed under the housing to a second position outside of the housing, thereby allowing access to the food tray by an animal.

Abstract: A brush is provided that is configured for removing debris and hairs, and includes at least one body having a pad, a plurality of bristles having a bending configuration extending from the pad, one end of each first bristle being connected to the pad.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for preventing formation of dags on cattle and other commercially produced animals. The surface of the animal, such as the skin, hide, hair, wool or other covering of the animal, is treated with a low-energy, non-sticking hydrophobic coating. The coating may be made from long-chain hydrocarbons, such as stearates, typically with a terminal metal carboxylate group comprising a variety of low-valence metals, e.g., mono or divalent metals, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc. The coating makes it difficult for polar substances, such as water, mud, dirt, waste, soil, manure and feed, collectively termed dag, to adhere to the surface of the animal.

Abstract: A restraint assembly for an animal having a front anchor member, a rear anchor member and a coupling assembly. The front anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through an interaction with at least one of a neck, a first front leg, and second front leg thereof. The rear anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through interaction with at least one of a tail, a first rear leg, and a second rear leg thereof. The coupling assembly coupling the front anchor member to the rear anchor member in releasable engagement, to limit articulation of a body of the animal, sufficient to substantially preclude a head of the animal to rotate and reach portions of behind the head with a mouth of the animal.

Abstract: A controllable scent sample dispenser has a microdosing device for outputting, during an activation state, a scent sample at a scent sample outlet to the environment, wherein the microdosing device is placeable adjacent to an animal's nose so that a distance between the outlet of the microdosing device and a nare or nostril of the animal's nose is within a predefined range, and a microdosing driver unit for adjusting a dosing rate of the scent sample output at the scent sample outlet by selectively activating the microdosing device.

Abstract: An animal training system includes a shock collar that may be worn around a neck of an animal. Thus, the shock collar is in electrical communication with the animal. The shock collar has a first transceiver. A control unit is provided and the control unit may be carried. The control unit is in communication with the shock collar. Thus, the control unit may determine a distance between the shock collar and the control unit. The control unit selectively actuates the shock collar when the shock collar moves beyond a pre-determined trigger distance from the control unit. Thus, the shock collar delivers an electric shock to the animal. The shock collar thusly informs the animal that the animal has moved beyond the pre-determined trigger distance from the control unit.

Abstract: The pet toy includes two semi-spherical ends or caps interconnected by a curved neck. The curved neck defines a central peripheral channel that enables the curved neck to hold one or more round objects. A noise making device such as a squeaker may be sealed within the pet toy. The exterior surfaces of the semi spherical ends may have a plurality of surface irregularities to include groups of irregular protrusions and grooves disposed between the protrusions. Treats may be selectively secured to the pet toy.

Abstract: Solo play dog toys including two elevated supports, a zipline releasably attached at its ends to the two elevated supports, an elastic line releasably attached at its ends to a point at or near the ends of the zipline, where the zipline and elastic line are suspended above the ground, a slider slidingly attached to the zipline and affixed to the elastic line so that the slider will slide along the zipline between, and a dog toy affixed to the center portion of the elastic line so that when the dog toy is pulled, the elastic line automatically recenters the dog toy along the zipline. In some examples, the solo play dog toy includes support rings to keep the elastic line elevated.

Abstract: Described herein are chewable articles intended to be provided to animals for purposes including dental cleaning, breath freshening, nutrition, administration to the animal of beneficial agents, satisfaction of the animal's urge to chew, and general enjoyment by the animal. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for making such chewable articles, the methods including the use of a processing aid to lubricate the article-forming apparatus, such as extruders, portioners, and molds, and to reduce the power requirements of such apparatus in the forming process.

Abstract: A turkey spur sheath removal tool includes a first pivoting member, a second pivoting member, and a hinge connecting the first and second pivoting members. Each pivoting member includes a handle, a cutting blade, and a gripping region. The turkey spur sheath removal tool is useful for severing and removing the spur sheath from a turkey leg for cleaning or trophy purposes.

Abstract: A harness (10) for pets, typically for dogs (30), comprises a first elongate and shaped front strap (11) designed to be fitted on the chest area, a second elongate and shaped rear strap (12) designed to be fitted on the abdominal area, and an element (13) connecting the above-mentioned first (11) and second (12) straps, designed to be fitted on the animal's back. Each end of the front strap (11) is connected to a corresponding end of the rear strap and to an end of the connecting element (13) at a pin (16, 17) which allows the straps (11, 12) to move relative to each other adapting anatomically to the body of the animal and thus forming a harness suitable for animals of different sizes.

Abstract: A retractable leash system includes a housing, a leash, a spool, and a brake. The spool is attached to the leash and disposed within the housing. The leash is configured to be rotationally biased so as to urge the leash into a spooled configuration. The brake includes an operating button, a compression spring, and a brake member coupled to the operating button. The brake member is associated with the compression spring and is configured to engage the spool by operation of the operating button, such that, when the brake is engaged, the spool is prevented from rotating in an unspooling direction and capable of rotating in a spooling direction.

Abstract: A clasp having a body defining at least one passageway extending at least partially therethrough, at least a pair of engagement portions pivotally mounted across the body and adapted to engage an object located in said at least one passageway, and an actuation portion in communication with the at least a pair of engagement portions and biased in the engaged condition, wherein actuation of the actuation portion causes the at least a pair of engagement portions to disengage from the object against the biasing force.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a system and method for providing litter to birds and for circulating the litter throughout the aviary. A litter distribution chain extends through at least some of the scratching platforms. The litter distribution chain receives litter from a storage container and then transfers the litter through the aviary for use by the birds on the scratching platforms. At least a portion of the litter from one scratching platform is directed to move to a scratching platform on a lower level where the litter may be used by birds occupying this lower level. This circulation pattern repeats on the current level, with the recycled litter being deposited on at least one scratching platform near the next lower aviary tower level. Once the litter reaches the lowest aviary tower level, it remains there until it is removed from the aviary by a belt or other means.

Abstract: An integrated system of technology applications and methods to provide comprehensive management of poultry waste improves the productivity of poultry housing facilities while reducing the environmental and public health impacts of poultry production. The method utilizes a plurality of housing units, each including plenum flooring and ventilation to improve the health of birds as they grow from hatchlings to market size adults. After the birds are removed from the housing units, manure is immediately removed from the flooring system and preferably transported to a processing facility. The units are cleaned and fumigated with ozone so that they are ready to receive a new flock within approximately 48 hours from removal of the preceding flock.

Abstract: An animal drinker with a drip cup where the cup bodies are provided on the inside at least in part with a structuring. The structuring is created as a result of a coating of the inside surface of the cup body, as a result of which said inside surface is protected from damage caused by the sharp beaks of the animals. In addition, it is designed to provide the structuring with a roughened surface which serves as an abrasive material on which the animals are able to grind down their beaks. Animal drinkers have drip cups produced from plastics material. In the case of animal drinkers for poultry, the plastics material of the cup body is exposed to damage caused by the beaks of the poultry. Over and above this, poultry have to take care of their beaks regularly by grinding down their beaks.

Abstract: To provide a easily fish counting device, a fish counting method, a fish count prediction device, a fish count prediction method, a fish counting system, and a fish count prediction system. The fish counting device of the present invention includes: a measurement image acquisition unit 11 configured to acquire, over time, a plurality of measurement images of a region to be measured in a passage region where a fluid containing fish passes through; a fish position acquisition unit 21 configured to acquire positions of the fish in the measurement images; a fish movement line calculation unit 22 configured to calculate movement line(s) of the fish as tracks of movements of the fish on the basis of the acquired positions; and a fish counting unit 23 configured to count the fish on the basis of the movement line(s) of the fish in the measurement images to obtain a fish count.

Abstract: An actuated aquarium decoration system is placed within an aquarium in order to provide an aesthetic appeal to onlookers of the aquarium. The actuated aquarium decoration system includes an aquarium decoration, an actuation mechanism, and a control system. The aquarium decoration is an object placed into the aquarium to provides a theme or habitat within the aquarium. The actuation mechanism engages an accenting feature of the aquarium decoration in order to provide motion or character to the aquarium decoration. The control system the duration, intensity, and frequency of the accenting feature through managing the output of the actuation mechanism.