Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for managing implement weight. In some embodiments, a position sensor is used to determine a position of the wing section and a downforce applied to the wing is modified in order to lower the wing section. In some embodiments, the position sensor indicates the position of a wing wheel assembly of the wing section. In other embodiments, the position sensor indicates the position of a center wheel assembly of a center section of the implement.

Abstract: A lift system for an implement has the lift cylinder near the implement front end. A rocker link with three vertically spaced pivot holes is located rearward of the cylinder and connected to an implement frame by a pivot pin through the center one of the holes. The lift cylinder is connected to the lower pivot hole while two further links are connected to the top hole and extend longitudinally away from one another to control raising and lowering of front and rear wheels respectively. As the cylinder extends and retracts, the rocker pivots causing the front and rear wheels to raise and lower in synchronism with each other. Fore and aft leveling adjustment may be achieved by including a turnbuckle in one of the further links to vary the length thereof relative to the other.

Abstract: A farm implement having rotatable wings rotatably connected to a main carrier and also having a folding bar linkage, which folds as the corresponding wing is rotated into a stowed position and extends as the wing rotates into a deployed position. A fixed length control bar rotatably linking a tow bar of the folding bar linkage to the main carrier controls the folding and unfolding of the bar linkage as the wing rotates between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub cover for a wheel hub on a vehicle used for agriculture and a stud extension piece used to operatively affix the hub cover to the wheel hub. In a preferred embodiment, the hub cover comprises a polyethylene convex dome that is affixed to the wheel hub of the vehicle using a stud extension piece that couples the hub cover to an exposed wheel hub. The use of the hub cover minimizes crop damage caused by the exposed hubs of the vehicle in crop fields.

Abstract: Embodiments of a technique are provided for removing dust from treated seeds. The method includes applying a treatment to a number of seeds at a seed treatment station and at least partially drying the seeds at the treatment station. The partially dried seeds may then be conveyed through a conveying station from the treatment station to an output area. Air may be directed through an inlet of the conveying station, where the directed air is configured to remove non-seed particles from the seeds. Furthermore, air may be filtered through an outlet of the conveying station to capture the removed non-seed particles using a filtering system. In some cases, an initial temperature of the air may be controlled to optimize the dust removal process, such as by heating and/or chilling the air.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected directly to an opener having a leading extremity and a trailing extremity. The seed boot and the opener form a channel and an outlet. The channel extends forwardly from an inlet of the seed boot proximate to the trailing extremity of the opener to the outlet behind the leading extremity of the opener. The opener is for being pulled for cutting a furrow in the ground by the leading extremity ahead of the outlet, and the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed forwardly therethrough from the inlet and into the furrow through the outlet directed downwardly in the furrow.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a first seed meter having a first metering member for singulating seeds and a second seed meter having a second metering member for singulating seeds. A motor is operably coupled to the first and second seed meters to selectively drive the first seed meter or the second seed meter.

Abstract: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.

Abstract: A method of configuring an agricultural metering system includes coupling one of a first meter roller cartridge frame and a second meter roller cartridge frame to a meter roller to form a meter roller cartridge. The first meter roller cartridge frame has one or more first openings having a first aggregate area, and the second meter roller cartridge frame has one or more second openings having a second aggregate area, different from the first aggregate area. The method includes engaging the meter roller cartridge with a meter box of the agricultural metering system.

Abstract: A system includes an electronic control system for an agricultural system including a controller. The controller is configured to instruct a display of a user interface to present a gauge having a first indication of a current state of operation of a controllable device of the agricultural system. Moreover, the controller is configured to receive an input indicative of a desired state of operation of the controllable device. Furthermore, the controller is configured to output a signal to the controllable device indicative of the desired state of operation, and to instruct the display to present a second indication on the gauge indicative of the desired state of operation.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit includes a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil, and a furrow closer coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a seeding adjustment system including a soil removal device, a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor corresponding to the detected moisture level, and an actuator configured to change a position of the soil removal device based on the signal received by the controller.

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: An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

Abstract: Trimmer heads for use with a rotary powered trimming device for cutting vegetation and methods of assembling such trimmer heads are provided. A trimmer head has one or more pivoting line holders and includes a single unitary molded housing having at least one recessed cavity located on the upper surface which is shaped and sized to receive a pivoting line holder. The recessed cavity includes reinforcement members for securely retaining the pivoting line holder therein via insertion of a metal bearing ring which allows for free rotation of pivoting line holder about its central axis within recessed cavity.

Abstract: Provided is a floating base-cutter assembly (16) for use on sugar-cane harvesters, the assembly being formed by two base-cutters. Each of the base-cutters (16) comprises a set of cutting knives (9). The base-cutter assembly (16) comprises an adjustable set of cutting knives (9) that may be selectively adjustable with respect to the ground. The base-cutter assembly (16) is also mounted on the harvester body via a set of articulated rods (2, 5). The base-cutter assembly (16) also includes an electric switch (7) and an inverted-shell-shaped component (8) that collectively control a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder (4) to articulate the rods (2,5) and maintain the set of cutting knives (9) at a redetermined distance relative to the ground surface, regardless of variations in the ground surface.

Abstract: A blade disk in a lawn mower is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in an up-down direction. A blade protection section for protecting a cutter blade mounted on the blade disk is provided integrally on the blade disk, and the cutter blade has a distal end portion located beneath the blade protection section.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes: a blade disk rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in an up-down direction; and a plurality of cutter blades mounted on the blade disk. The blade disk includes a plurality of blade mounting sections having corresponding ones of the cutter blades mounted thereon, and a circumferential high-rigidity section for increasing rigidity of the blade disk between the blade mounting sections. The blade mounting sections are located on, and spaced from each other along, an imaginary reference circle concentric with a rotation center of the blade disk, and the circumferential high-rigidity section is located in such a manner as to interconnect the plurality of blade mounting sections along the reference circle, the circumferential high-rigidity section being formed in a generally concave-convex configuration by being depressed and protruded in a facewise direction of the blade disk.

Abstract: An agricultural combine having an adjustable spreader assembly is provided that includes a spreader, a regulator and a rotary spreader. The spreader is operatively connected to a rear end of the agricultural combine and includes a housing and rotary blades. The housing has an inlet for receiving a flow of residue, and an outlet configured about a lateral side of the housing for discharging the flow of residue. The rotary blades are operatively connected to the housing for rotating therein. The regulator has a proximal end pivotably connected to a lateral side of the spreader about a substantially vertical axis to pivot the regulator in a fore and an aft direction, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The regulator is in fluid communication with the housing. The rotary spreader is positioned proximate the distal end of the regulator and receives and distributes the flow of residue.

Abstract: A spreader arrangement for an agricultural harvester includes a pair of spreader discs, at least one cover plate and a windrow chute. The spreader discs are generally horizontally arranged and rotatable in a counter rotating manner. Each cover plate is positioned at a location above a respective spreader disc, and is operable to inhibit a flow of crop material to the respective spreader disc when positioned above the respective spreader disc. The windrow chute has an entrance end positioned below the pair of cover plates and above the pair of spreader discs, whereby crop material is discharged from the top of the cover plates into the windrow chute.

Abstract: A riding lawn care vehicle may include a rear discharge and a bagging attachment. The rear discharge may be disposed at a rear of the riding lawn care vehicle. The bagging attachment may be configured to attach to the rear of the riding lawn care vehicle to receive debris discharged via the rear discharge. The bagging attachment may include an adjustable member that is accessible by an operator external to the bagging attachment to enable adjustment of a pivot point of the bagging attachment relative to the rear of the riding lawn care vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining the sharpness of cutting edges (16) of chopper blades (1) at a rotationally driven chopper drum (14) of a forage harvester includes scanning a blade surface of at least one of the chopper blades located behind the cutting edge by at least one electrode operating as a contact sensor and determining a duration of contact of the at least one electrode with the blade surface.

Abstract: A row crop header for a harvester having a subframe removably coupleable to a feeder housing of the harvester. A pivot assembly is supported by the subframe permitting first and second header sections to pivotably move between raised and lowered positions together or independently of the other. A cross-auger center suspension assembly rotateably supports one end of the first cross-auger section and one end of the second cross-auger section as the first and second header sections pivotally move between the raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A white cap removal unit for a grain cleaner for eliminating multiple steps otherwise necessary to properly clean grains. The white cap removal unit for a grain cleaner includes a separator assembly including a grain receiver having a side wall, an open top, an open bottom, an open side and a passageway extending therethrough, and also including a planar mesh screen removably disposed in the passageway for removing white cap from grain.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The composite material forms a core to which one or more boards of veneer material are bonded to form a panel.

Abstract: In the soil cultivation system (80) equipped with a solar panel, a light transmitting region (A) is provided in a solar panel (50), and thus a larger amount of light is captured into a frame unit and can thereby be utilized for the cultivation of agricultural plants (P1, P2). Double-sided light receiving solar cells (52) are adopted in the solar panel (50), and thus light reflected off an agricultural ground surface, the agricultural plants (P1, P2), a sheet-shaped member and the like can be effectively utilized for power generation. In this way, it is possible to compensate for a reduction in the area of the solar cells caused by the formation of the transmitting regions A, and it is possible to obtain a large amount of power generated while acquiring the amount of light on the agricultural plants.

Abstract: A bracing member for a plant support frame. In embodiments the bracing member comprises a body portion defining a perimeter; an opening provided within the body portion which is sized and dimensioned to receive a plant there through; and a plurality of radically oriented circumferential holes extending through the body portion. The holes being sized to accept a cooperating fastener for securing a support rod to the bracing member for forming the plant support frame. The different bracing members of a plant support frame are dimensioned for storage in a flat concentric arrangement whereby the circumferential holes of an inner bracing member align with the circumferential holes of an outer bracing member for receiving a locking pin there through for securing different bracing members together.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95H693 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95H693 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95H693 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95H693, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95H693. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95H693.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2RNJ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RNJ with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RNJ through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RNJ or a locus conversion of PH2RNJ with another maize variety.

Abstract: A method for performing teat related operations in a rotary milking system during an operation condition when a capacity required for performing the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals is higher than a robot's capacity, includes estimating a required capacity for performing the operations; planning a semi-automated teat related operation procedure based on the robot's capacity and the estimated required capacity, according to which procedure a first fraction of the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals should be performed automatically by the robot in a first zone, and a second fraction of the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals should be performed manually in a second zone adjacent to the first zone; and performing the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals according to the planned semi-automated teat related operation procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking unit comprising a milk collection part and at least two milk tubes that are connected to the milk collection part. At least one end of the milk tube has an essentially spherical clamping body, the central point of the clamping body being offset in relation to the longitudinal axis (S) of the milk tube and/or the clamping body having a channel with a mouth. The longitudinal axis (S) penetrates a plane, on which the cross-sectional surface of the mouth lies at an angle that is not equal to 90°.

Abstract: A cleaning system for milking cups containing a dispensing device into which at least two different cleaning fluids can be introduced inside the milking cup in such a way as to enable an efficient intermediate disinfection between individual milking processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing cattle with a horizontally oriented inside ladder and a horizontally oriented outside ladder that is parallel to the inside ladder. The inside ladder is configured to slide laterally relative to the outside ladder. The top rail of the inside ladder is parallel to and spaced apart from the top rail of the outside ladder, and the bottom rail of the inside ladder is parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom rail of the outside ladder. The inside and outside ladders each comprises a plurality of vertically oriented, equally spaced rods that extend from the top rail to the bottom rail. The proximal end of the inside ladder is attached to a hydraulic cylinder that slides the inside ladder laterally relative to the outside ladder.

Abstract: An apparatus for the portion wise dispensing of animal feed as reward or training aid and methods of use. An exemplary apparatus including an oblong handle, with a rear opening for inserting rod shaped animal feed, a front opening for leaving out, dispensing, or exposing the animal feed, a transport mechanism which comprises a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel which serves as a counter wheel, wherein the animal feed can be transported by rotating the first drive wheel forward as well as backward, and laterally arranged spring elements that prevent animal feed from falling from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticidal control device that includes at least one pesticidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers, and a polymer or polymer matrix. The combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer allows for a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients within the pesticidal control device, maintains the active ingredient within the control device during transportation, storage and handling, and provides higher efficacy or control of pests during treatment. The pesticidal control device may be an ear tag, collar, or bee strip.

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: A hummingbird feeder includes a base tray having a receptacle defining an upwardly-opening interior for holding food which is attractive to fruit flies and further includes a top cover which is positionable atop the base tray. The receptacle has a substantially circular opening through which the food is placed into the interior of the receptacle, and the receptacle interior is bordered by upwardly-directed cylindrical walls which encircle the interior. The top cover has a top portion for covering the receptacle interior and a cylindrical portion which extends downwardly from the top portion. The cylindrical portion is accepted by the cylindrical walls of the receptacle when the top cover is placed atop the base tray, and each of the top portion and the cylindrical portions include through-slots which provide a hummingbird with access to the interior of the receptacle.

Abstract: A hivetop incubator stimulates dormant solitary bees to emerge at the appropriate time to pollinate orchard and field crops. The hivetop incubator utilizes the heat produced by a colony of honeybees. It comprises an insulated incubation chamber with a lid and a screened base. The hivetop incubator is placed over the open top of a beehive containing a honeybee colony. Heat generated by nurse honeybees to maintain temperatures within the brood nest rises into the incubation chamber. Dormant solitary bees in cocoons are placed within the incubation chamber and are stimulated by the warmth to emerge rapidly. The active bees leave the incubation chamber thru exits and are thus available in the orchard or field for pollination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a protector for a clip and line used to suspend aquaculture baskets or like equipment in water. In particular, the protector provides a sacrificial element between the clip and the line that is cheap to manufacture and easy to replace. While an application of the present invention is in oyster cultivation, it could equally well be applied to any process involving the line suspension of an article in water.

Abstract: Magnetic rotating cleaning apparatuses for cleaning of aquarium walls are shown and described. Each of the cleaning apparatuses includes a first magnetic assembly disposed on an outer surface of the aquarium wall, the first magnetic assembly having an anti-friction pad fixedly attached to a first end of the first magnetic assembly, and a second magnetic assembly disposed on an inner surface of the aquarium wall, the second magnetic assembly magnetically paired to the first magnetic assembly, the second magnetic assembly having a scouring pad fixedly attached to a surface of the second magnetic assembly, the scouring pad making surface-to-surface contact with the inner surface of the aquarium wall. Rotation of a rotation mechanism drives rotation of the first magnetic assembly, rotation of the first magnetic assembly causing synchronistic rotation of the second magnetic assembly.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the health of captive fish in a mobile environment, comprising a live well for containing fish in a fluid medium, a plurality of thermoelectric coolers affixed to the live well, and a thermometric rheostat for controlling a direct current applied to the thermoelectric coolers, and a method for maintaining a consistent temperature comprising the steps of setting an initial temperature, applying a current to thermoelectric coolers, reading a new temperature, and adjusting the current based at least in part on the new temperature reading.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that express an immunoglobulin variable domain that comprises at least one histidine, wherein the at least one histidine is encoded by a substitution of a non-histidine codon in the germline of the animal with a hisidine codon, or the insertion of a histidine codon in a germline immunoglobulin nucleic acid sequence. Immunoglobulin genes comprising histidines in one or more CDRs, in an N-terminal region, and or in a loop 4 region are also provided. Immunoglobulin variable domains comprising one or more histidines (e.g., histidine clusters) substituted for non-antigen-binding non-histidine residues. Non-human animals that are progeny of animals comprising modified heavy chain variable loci (V, D, J segments), modified light chain variable loci (V, J segments), and rearranged germline light chain genes (VJ sequences) are also provided. Non-human animals that make immunoglobulin domains that bind antigens in a pH-sensitive manner are provided.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a frame, a drag assembly and a spool. The drag assembly connects the spool to the frame and includes a base, a brake housing and a nose connected together and sealed as a single unit that can be removed and replaced from the reel.

Abstract: The knot-tying tool is a device that is used to assist in tying knots. The knot-tying tool is adapted for use with monofilament line. The knot-tying tool is further adapted for use with fishing hooks. The knot-tying tool includes a hook holder and a knotting post. The hook holder holds a fishing hook or a swivel such that a fishing line can be threaded through the fishing hook or swivel. The knotting post is a shaft around which the fishing line can be looped so as to assist in tying the knot attaching the fishing line to the fishing hook or swivel. The knot-tying tool includes a handle, a hook holder, a sleeve, and a knotting post.

Abstract: A jaw spreader device is adapted to spread apart the jaws of a fish to facilitate removal of a hook or lure from the fish. The device has a spring biased tong-like configuration wherein in the normal configuration; the distal ends are spread apart. A lock mechanism locks the device in a compact locked position to facilitate insertion between the fish jaws into the mouth of the fish. The working ends of the each tong includes a flattened blade, an arcuate bend and a transverse spreader bar. Upon insertion of the device into the jaws/mouth of the fish release of the lock mechanism, the jaws are forced apart and biased to provide a stable enlarged opening. The spreading device may then be manually compressed to facilitate withdrawal from the fish.

Abstract: A fold out fishing chair for providing an easily portable seating and rod holding apparatus that provides shade for daytime fishing and illumination for nighttime fishing. The fold out fishing chair includes a base seat with an integral holder assembly and an integral shade assembly, each of which can be selectively moved into a deployed position. The holder assembly defines a fold out fishing rod holding structure that can hold fishing rods at a desirable angle without requiring ongoing user attention. The shade assembly includes a roll out shade having integrated lighting elements so as to improve comfort in direct sunlight and low lighting conditions. The holder assembly and shade assembly can both be moved to a retracted position in which the base seat can be folded into a closed configuration sized substantially the same as a folded conventional fold out chair.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly device for trapping animals comprising a collection container (3) comprising an upper opening (3a), an intermediate supporting frame (4), forming a drop duct (8) and such that it at least partly closes the opening (3a) of said collection container (3), a closing guard (5), which can be superposed on the intermediate supporting frame (4), comprising an inlet (6) and a compartment forming a trapping corridor (7), a trapping mechanism (9) supported by the frame (4) and positioned over the drop duct (8), comprising a rotary surface (10) having a main direction of extension (X) extending along a longitudinal axis (10a) coinciding with the direction of entry into the trapping corridor (7), being designed to close the top of the drop duct (8) and to form the treadable surface of the trapping corridor (7). The trapping mechanism (9) comprises two plates (14a, 14b) connected to each other by the rotary surface (10), which is positioned orthogonally to each of them.

Abstract: A decoy device is constructed of a lightweight foam material formed as a planar decoy blank. The decoy body is easily foldable from a flat configuration to a buoyant three-dimensional decoy. The decoy body is releasably secured in the three-dimensional condition via an attachment means. A double-headed element is included having a male gender at one end and a female gender at an opposing end thereof. The body and double-headed element include opposing sides, each adorned with markings such that they resemble a particular wild game species, including gender, desired for exposed representation.

Abstract: An herbicide composition available as a concentrate for dilution with water or a ready-to-use oil-in-water emulsion which has a significantly reduced amount of active ingredient of a broadleaf herbicide. The composition combines the reduced amount of herbicide in a mixture of oil and emulsifier.

Abstract: Use of particles in controlling a population of arthropod pests, wherein the particles comprise i) a hydrophobic exterior that adheres to the cuticle of at least one species of an arthropod pest; and ii) at least one pesticide associated with the said particles, wherein the pesticide is present at a weight of no more than 2% of the weight of the particles, populations of particles, methods of producing populations of particles and methods of application of such populations.

Abstract: Self-assembly is defined as the ability of an active ingredient (AI), when mixed with a polymer or polymers (solid or liquid state), to form either a complex or a strong attraction with the polymer/polymers, which influences the controlled release of the total system. This AI-polymer interaction or strong attraction can form in the solid state or in solution. The AI-polymer interaction also can form when applied to a filter paper, soil, seeds, or plant vegetation substrates, where the AI and polymer self-assembles into an AI-polymer-substrate matrix or complex that influences how the AI releases from the complex or matrix in a controlled manner.