Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural implement having an auxiliary chassis, which implement is supported by the three-point hydraulics of a towing vehicle and has an additional support wheel, on which a spring force acts, to improve the steerability of the vehicle. A dead center mechanism resiliently lifts the support wheel when the implement is in the working position.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprising a connecting structure designed to be laterally mounted to a tractor, the connecting structure including a coupling support, a carrier beam and a transmission unit; the transmission unit including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, a transmission element drive-mounted on the driving and driven pulleys; a work unit articulated to the carrier beam via at least one folding axis, the work unit being fitted with at least one work tool configured to be driven in rotation from the transmission unit. In this machine, the folding axis and the rotation axis of the driven pulley are separate from each other.

Abstract: An agricultural control system includes a controller comprising a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to determine a first segment of an implement path that enables an agricultural implement to perform an agricultural operation on a first region of an agricultural field. The controller is configured to determine a first segment of a vehicle path of an agricultural vehicle coupled to the agricultural implement based at least in part on the first segment of the implement path to direct the agricultural implement along the first region. The controller is configured to determine a first end-of-row turn of the vehicle path at an end of the first segment of the vehicle path independently of the implement path between the first segment of the implement path and a second segment of the implement path and to output a first signal indicative of the vehicle path.

Abstract: The agricultural control system includes a base control system configured to communicate with a vehicle control system of an agricultural vehicle. The base control system is configured to plan an implement path through an agricultural field for an agricultural implement coupled to the agricultural vehicle based at least in part on at least one characteristic of the agricultural field. The base control system is configured to plan a vehicle path of the agricultural vehicle based at least in part on the planned implement path. The base control system is configured to send a first signal to the vehicle control system indicative of the vehicle path.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes agricultural equipment and a user interface. The agricultural equipment includes a command and control system and an equipment configuration code file. The command and control system, in operation, configures and controls the agricultural equipment based at least in part on the equipment configuration code file. The agricultural equipment comprises a work vehicle or an implement to be carried or towed by a work vehicle. The user interface displays information to, and receive inputs from a user for one or more data fields in the equipment configuration code file for the agricultural equipment. The data fields comprise a user-given name and at least one of a compatible implement, an accessory, or a task for which the agricultural equipment may be configured.

Abstract: A dust restrictor is provided for eliminating dust and dirt accumulation between surfaces. The dust restrictor includes at least one dust restricting element and an attachment means. The dust restricting element is disposed in a dust accumulating area of an arrangement. The attachment means is provided for fixing each of the dust restricting elements to the dust accumulating area. The dust restrictor can minimize an accumulation of debris, reduce the down time of a machine due to debris accumulation, and also increase life of bearing and motors operating a machine.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a connecting structure designed to be hitched to a tractor, the connecting structure including a coupling support, a carrier beam and a transmission unit; the transmission unit including a driving pulley, a driven pulley, a transmission element drive-mounted on the driving and driven pulleys, the transmission unit including a transmission element tensioning system; a work unit articulated to the carrier beam via at least one folding axis, the work unit being fitted with at least one work tool, which is driven in rotation. In this machine, the tensioning system applies an unfolding force to the work unit during at least one part of the deployment from a transport position.

Abstract: A flexible cultivator implement frame includes a center section and two wing sections. The center section has a main portion and two side portions supported at opposing sides of the main portion for pivotal movement relative to the main portion about respective flexing axes. The flexing axes of the center section are sloped to extend forwardly and laterally outwardly relative to the forward working direction. Each wing section has an inner portion and an outer portion pivotally coupled to the inner portion about a respective flexing axis. The flexing axes of the wing sections are sloped to extend forwardly and laterally inwardly relative to the forward working direction so as to be oriented transversely to the flexing axes of the center section of the frame such that the flexible frame follows ground contours while minimizing undesirable stresses in and twisting of various pivots and frame members.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a hitch frame, a center frame pivotally attached rearward of the hitch frame about a hitch pivot axis. Wing frames are pivotally attached to ends of the center frame and a center actuator is pivots the center and wing frames from a rearward extending operating position to an upward extending transport position. Caster wheels are pivotally mounted on front sides of the wing frames about caster and transport axes. In the operating position, the caster axes are oriented vertically and the transport axes are oriented horizontally, and in the initial transport position, the caster axes are oriented horizontally, perpendicular to the hitch pivot, the transport axes are oriented vertically, and caster wheel actuators pivot the caster wheels 90 degrees about the transport axes to align the caster axes with the hitch pivot axis. The caster wheels support the wing frames in both operating and transport positions.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame having a longitudinal axis and laterally opposed sides and motive supports mounted to and supporting the frame. The agricultural implement further includes a first wing carried by the frame and at least one second wing, in which each second wing is pivotably connected to the first wing. The agricultural implement also includes an elevator mechanism configured to raise and lower the first wing and the second wing. Each second wing is connected to the first wing by a wing pivot assembly that includes a skewed hinge pivotably connecting one of the second wings to the first wing. The wing pivot assembly allows each second wing to pivot with respect to the first wing between an operating position and a transport position, in which the skewed hinge defines a first pivot axis oriented at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A new method of disposing of waste for the hog industry is disclosed which avoids use of lagoons. Manure is semi-continuously degritted, anaerobically digested and digested with biomass to produce bio-organic fertilizer and biogas.

Abstract: In a control apparatus of a walk-behind electric lawn mower equipped with an electric motor, a blade cutter connected to the electric motor, a rechargeable battery connected to the electric motor, a motor driver circuit to adjust supply of operating electric power to the electric motor, ON/OFF of a first switching element disposed in a current path connecting the battery and the electric motor and a second switching element interposed in the current path in series with a braking resistor to allow charge current from the electric motor to the braking resistor, wherein operation of the first and second switching elements are controlled based on detected battery temperature and internal voltage of the motor driver circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operation of a walk-behind electric lawn mower equipped with an electric motor, a blade cutter connected to the electric motor and a rechargeable battery mounted connected to the electric motor and a motor driver circuit. In the apparatus, when an instruction to stop the electric motor is inputted, the operation of the motor driver circuit is controlled to output regenerative electric current from three-phase coils of the electric motor. At that time, it is determined whether a rotational speed of the electric motor is equal to or less than a switching rotational speed and when it is, the motor driver circuit is controlled to switch from the regenerative braking to short-circuit braking that short-circuits the three-phase coils of the electric motor.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting device (10) including an elongated member (45) graspable along a portion thereof by an operator, a trimmer head (25) disposed at one end of the elongated member, and a power unit operably coupled to the trimmer head to selectively cause rotation of the trimmer head, wherein the trimmer head comprises a line holding assembly (110) to hold and selectively release the trimmer line (70) and a housing to house the line holding assembly, wherein the line holding assembly includes a core (340) having a first portion (342) and a second portion (350), and a spool (130) configured to hold trimmer line that is operably coupled to the core, and wherein the second portion of the core is non-rotatably fixed to the first portion of the core when the trimmer head is in an at-rest state, and is rotatable with respect to the first position of the core when the trimmer head is in an in-use state and rotating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a string trimmer line feeding mechanism having a sliding lever that locks a spool relative to the spool housing, and only feeds additional cutting line when the user actuates a button. This brakes a motor, which generates a force acting on the spool to move the lever into an unlocked position, allowing the spool to rotate relative to the spool housing and feed additional cutting line.

Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.

Abstract: A bale information system includes a baling machine configured to process a material into a bale, the baling machine including a sensor configured to measure a release of the bale from the baling machine, a global positioning system receiver in operable communication with the baling machine, and a data storage system operable to receive and store data from the global positioning system receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a vehicle used for positioning sod strips includes a structure for mounting on the vehicle frame and a pushing plate slidably mounted to the structure. The pushing plate is arranged to be abuttable to an edge of a sod strip. A plurality of guide arms extend outwardly of the pushing plate to overlie a sod strip being positioned to prevent upward buckling of the sod strip. A pair of cylinders are operatively mounted between the structure and the pushing plate to slide the pushing plate away from the structure to laterally shift a sod strip to tighten up seams between adjacent sod strips. The pushing plate slides in a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the straight ahead driving direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Pruning shears include a cutting head with a spring-biased blade; a driving line connected at a first end to the blade; an elongated body; a handle; and a frusto-conical shaped wheel connected rotatably to the handle. The diameter of the wheel at a first end being smaller than the diameter at a second end. The line is wound into a spiral groove around the wheel at the first end; a second end of the line is attached to a second end of the elongated body; and the line wound around the wheel moves toward the second end of the wheel when unwinding a part of the line from around the wheel and winding another part of the line around the wheel for decreasing the distance between the first and second ends of the line, resulting in movement of the blade in relation to the jaw, when the handle is moved.

Abstract: A stack planter reservoir retains a volume of water to be pumped through a hydroponic system. The stack planter reservoir includes a reservoir base, a lateral wall, a lid-receiving lip, and a planter-supporting lid. The reservoir base and the later wall define a storage volume for water. The lid-receiving lip is perimetrically connected to the lateral wall to receive the planter-supporting lid. The planter-supporting lid supports a single planter or a plurality of stacking planters. The planter-supporting lid includes a pump outlet to allow fluid transport from the storage volume to the planter or plurality of stacking planters.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants is includes a body section having an upper orifice, a lower orifice, a back section, and at least one door. The upper orifice allows for planting of a plant while the at least one door allows for removal of the plant for transplanting. The upper orifice is smaller in cross-sectional area than the lower orifice allowing for plants to grow in their natural pattern giving the roots more room to grow in more soil from which to absorb nutrients making for a happier, healthier plant which will not need to be transplanted as often.

Abstract: A plant training system for use with a pot that is arranged to hold a plant includes a plurality of bases that are adapted to be coupled to the pot, wherein each base is adapted to carry a stake or pole, and wherein the angle of the stake or pole relative to the pot is adjustable. There is a mechanical system for holding each base on the pot.

Abstract: A light wall for cultivating at least one plant indoors may be provided. The light wall may include a first side, a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a back side. The light wall may further include a first lighting structure unit disposed within sides of the light wall, and may include a first set of mechanical devices configured to enable movement of the light wall. The first lighting structure may be configured to provide light to the at least one plant through at least the first side. The first set of mechanical devices may be configured to enable movement at least along an axis substantially perpendicular to the first side.

Abstract: A grow pod comprises a container having a sprinkler system, a water reclamation system, a climate control system, a control system, a security system and a plant drying system; and a method of water reclamation for subsequent use within the grow pod.

Abstract: The invention is a completely biodegradable, bio-based plant and seedling mulching device that inhibits the growth of noxious weeds while allowing the flow of water to the root zone of the plant or seedling.

Abstract: A method for the automatic irrigation of plants, wherein the temporal progression of soil moisture is determined from measured soil moisture values, and the 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, and automatically adjusted to changing environmental conditions and/or plant requirements.

Abstract: This is a roof drainage gutter system that is utilized as a hydroponic growth conduit, where the plant media growth extends over the roof providing shade and a form of insulation for the building. The system serves as a form of green roofing that does not require a soil medium to grow the plants and therefore does not require the additional structural components or costs. Existing roofs can easily be modified to accommodate this proposed system. The roof drainage system functions much like traditional gutter systems except for a designed volume of water is retained to provide a growth medium for the plants root systems. The gutters contain all the growth support mechanisms typically included in a traditional hydroponics system.

Abstract: A device for growing plants is provided. The device has a panel assembly on which a one or a plurality of nutrient flow channels is supported to provide nutrient flow passages from an inlet at an upper region to an outlet at a lower region of the support panel. A plurality of grow pockets is supported on an opposite side face of the support panel, the grow pockets in alignment with the nutrient flow channels. Each grow pocket has a plant access opening. A fluid aperture in the support panel is disposed at a lower region of each grow pocket for fluid communication between an interior of the grow pocket and the aligned nutrient flow passage.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for use in identifying crosses for use in plant breeding are disclosed. One exemplary method includes selecting a subgroup of potential crosses, based on thresholds associated with population prediction scores for the set of potential crosses. The exemplary method further includes selecting multiple target crosses from the subgroup of potential crosses based on a genetic relatedness of the parents in the subgroup of potential crosses, filtering the target crosses based on a rule (or rules) defining a threshold (or thresholds) for at least one characteristic and/or trait, selecting ones of the filtered target crosses based on risk associated with the selected one of the filtered target crosses, and directing the selected ones of the filtered target crosses into a breeding pipeline, thereby providing crosses to the breeding pipeline based, at least in part, on commercial success of parents included in the selected ones of the filtered crosses.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant, have improved tolerance or are susceptible to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex. The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select and/or construct tolerant plants or identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Soybean plants that display tolerance or improved tolerance to Charcoal Rot Drought Complex that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of cucumber hybrid SV7237CN and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of cucumber hybrid SV7237CN and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a cucumber plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another cucumber plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the watermelon line designated TSB-146-1170. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of watermelon line TSB-146-1170, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing a plant of watermelon line TSB-146-1170 with itself or with another watermelon 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 watermelon line TSB-146-1170, including the fruits and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV7538SK and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV7538SK and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SVSK0391 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SVSK0391 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the sweet corn line designated SHY-6RLAL196. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL196, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing a plant of sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL196 with itself or with another sweet corn 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 sweet corn line SHY-6RLAL196, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the sweet corn line designated SHY-6RLAN014. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn line SHY-6RLAN014, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing a plant of sweet corn line SHY-6RLAN014 with itself or with another sweet corn 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 sweet corn line SHY-6RLAN014, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A novel hybrid corn plant, designated A7882 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid corn A7882, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid corn A7882, and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing the hybrid corn A7882 with itself or another corn plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other hybrid corn plants derived from the hybrid corn plant A7882.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-141 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-141 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-141 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-791 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-791 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-791 RZ.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for reducing the incidence of mastitis in dairy animals, the method comprising the steps of: topically applying an antimicrobial composition onto the teats or udder of the animal, the composition comprising: a first component comprising from about 2.0% to about 20.0% by weight of the composition of an amine oxide; and a second component comprising a germicide or an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a flooring panel and a support element. The flooring panel has an outer periphery and defines an upper panel plane and a lower panel plane that is offset from the upper panel plane. The flooring panel includes a plurality of openings formed therethrough within the outer periphery. The support element extends lengthwise between opposing ends and includes an upper edge and a lower edge. The support element extends through and operatively connects with the flooring panel such that the upper edge is disposed in approximate alignment with the upper panel plane and the lower edge is disposed in offset relation to the lower panel plane in a direction opposite the upper panel plane. Methods of assembly are also included.

Abstract: A standardized nesting material for use in laboratory environments for rodents includes a latrining substrate, and at least one bale unit formed to include a fibrous scaffolding material, and an insulating material. The bale units are of standardized size and can be packaged and sterilized to provide improved wellbeing of the animals; reduced feed and labor costs; and improved scientific quality of the studies conducted on the animals.

Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a housing, at least one food receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store food and comprising an inlet opening for receiving food and an outlet opening for releasing food, at least one supplement receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store at least one supplement, a food dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one food receptacle, configured to dispense food, a supplement dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one supplement receptacle and configured to dispense supplement from the at least one supplement receptacle, a control system coupled to the housing and connected to the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms, the control system configured to control the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms so that a desired amount of food and supplement are dispensed, and a power source coupled to the control system and the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an outdoor pet drinking apparatus. The outdoor pet drinking apparatus comprises a bottle cap and a drinking bowl. A water outlet is provided at a top end of the bottle cap. The drinking bowl is fixed to the bottle cap. The drinking bowl is made of an elastic material. The drinking bowl is further provided with a cover or a bottle plug, which is connected to the drinking bowl and configured to cover the water outlet of the bottle cap. The drinking apparatus in the disclosure is convenient to carry outdoors so as to water or feed a pet, and the apparatus is simple to use, sanitary, and high in practicality.

Abstract: A magnetic tracking tag for animals may detect the occurrence of a predation event. The tag may include a pH sensitive material that degrades in the environment of a predator's gut. The degradation of the pH sensitive material causes a change in a detectable magnetic field of the tag, which allows the tag to detect the predation event and adjust its operation accordingly.

Abstract: A pet tug toy including a noise maker bladder sewn along a squeaker rope that may have pet handles or other shapes at its distal ends, and which rope extends through a tubular channel of a center section and that causes a burst of sound when the squeaker rope is pulled though the tubular channel, with the squeak sound emitted either when a squeaker in the squeaker rope is compressed by direct pressure applied by the pet to that part of the squeaker rope encompassing a squeaker bladder, or alternatively by compression of one or more of the squeak bladders positioned inside of the rope when the rope is pulled through the channel, and with the toy formed into various shapes including animal shapes such as the shape of a monkey, alligator, crocodile, cow and rabbit, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning a pig (or other food animal) to determine body composition and quality data in real time while the pig (or food animal) is suspended in mid-air by a lift apron in electronic communication with an ultrasound console and computer processor and configured to collect and process “target images” from the pig (or food animal) when a thumb switch activates the processor. The ultrasound probe is vertically displaced from and vertically adjustable relative to the framework so that the ultrasound probe is selectively positioned in relative space. With reference to target images, a processor calculates in real time a quantitative measurement indicative of backfat depth, muscle depth, and intramuscular fat for the pig (or food animal) being scanned.

Abstract: A bird screen is provided having a post assembly and a feeder assembly. The post assembly has a ground spike and a first support pipe is disposed internal to the ground spike. A second support pipe is disposed in the first support pipe and the second support pipe has a locking collar that supports the bird feeder assembly. The bird feeder assembly has a frame that is supported by the locking collar. The second support pipe extends through the frame and a screen and a bird feeder cover and into a birdfeeder to secure the birdfeeder in place. The feeder assembly has first, second, third and fourth support posts, and has first, second, third and fourth feeder sidewalls at least one of which is connected to the frame with hinges and is movable between up and down positions. In another embodiment the bird screen includes a barrier assembly.

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