Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement has a disk frame assembly connected to a pull hitch extending in a travel direction with frame members extending generally laterally with respect to the travel direction. At least one disk blade is connected to and supported by the frame members to till soil over which the agricultural tillage implement traverses. A disk scraper mounting member is connected to at least one frame member. A channel shaped disk scraper is connected to the disk scraper mounting member using a bolted joint connection. The channel shaped disk scraper has a square mounting end adjoining an inner perpendicular surface of the disk scraper mounting member. The channel shaped disk scraper is operable to scrape residue from the at least one disk blade and deflect it away from the travel direction.

Abstract: Various seed planter embodiments may comprise a frame including a main frame section and a furrowing disk frame section. A plurality of planter assemblies may be connected to the main frame section, and a plurality of furrowing disks may be connected to the furrowing disk frame section. At least one linkage may connect the main frame section and the furrowing disk frame section, and at least one motor may be configured to move the furrowing disk frame section with respect to the main frame section, wherein the at least one linkage permits the furrowing disk frame section to move to a low position for no-till planting and move to a high position for prepared seed beds or conventional planting.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivering seed from a metering device to a furrow. In one embodiment, a seed meter entrains and releases seed from a seed disc at a seed release location. The released seed is directed into a seed conveyor by a loading wheel. The seed conveyor conveys the seed toward the soil and releases the seed with a rearward relative velocity.

Abstract: A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting.

Abstract: A pneumatic delivery system for particulate agricultural products includes one or more compartment for containing and supplying one or more particulate product. An inductor assembly separately receives and fluidizes the particulate products and conveys the fluidized products to a metering assembly. The metering assembly separately meters each of the product flows and transfers the metered flows to one or more delivery units for applying the products. The pneumatic delivery system can be used on various implements, including planters and applicators for applying seeds, fertilizer, pesticides and other products.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reduction in average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop is pushed forwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of the features where the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade from a transverse rearmost cutting line at which a cutting action occurs is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.2 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coil (2) of cutting wire for a vegetation cutting machine, wherein the wire (20) is coiled on itself about an axis so as to form at least two temporarily bonded turns (21) and a central void (22), characterized in that the surface of the wire portion forming the innermost turn of the coil facing the central void (22) comprises a plurality of grooves (230) creating a succession of protrusions and recesses extending parallel to said axis.

Abstract: A material collection system tube fastener includes a mounting rod attached to a material collection system tube. The mounting rod has a first end inserted into a bushing at a first end of a side discharge outlet on a multi-blade mower deck, and a second end engaging a hook at a second end of the side discharge outlet. The mounting rod may pivot in the bushing to move the material collection system tube toward and away from the side discharge outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a complete engine cooling system for an engine carried by a grain harvesting combine having an internal combustion engine and hot exhaust components, and having a front operator cab. The system includes a generally horizontal fan assembly located atop the harvesting combine for drawing in air, a radiator associated with the engine and over which air flows for engine cooling, and charge air coolers for combustion air cooling, and air conditioning and hydraulic coolers, a centrifugal scroll that takes the drawn in air and removes entrained particles to produce a clean exhaust air and dirty exhaust air; and a filter assembly through which the pre-cleaned exhaust air flows for producing filtered air for admittance into the engine for combustion.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester with crop residue spreaders distributing crop residue laterally. Each crop residue spreader has a plurality of radially extending bats rotatable within a housing for directing residue from an axially directed inlet radially outward through an outer outlet. The housing has an outer wall with a height that increases axially in a uniform fashion around the periphery to minimize if not eliminate recirculation of residue to the inlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting assembly for a crop severing assembly forwardly carried by a tractor having a frame and front a frame and an axle assembly carrying front wheel assemblies. The crop severing assembly has a forward end and a rear end, and includes a pair of bracket assemblies located at the forward end and atop the crop severing assembly. A pair of lift cylinder assemblies each have a lower end and a top end. The lift cylinder lower ends are located at either side of the rear end of the crop severing assembly to bottom brackets extending from the tractor frame forward of the tractor axle assembly and are attached between each cylinder lower end and each cylinder top end to trunnions carried by the crop severing bracket assemblies for pivotally raising and lowering of the forward end of the crop severing assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for removal and collection of duckweed from a body of water comprising an engine, a turbine duckweed collection assembly having a housing with a duckweed collection inlet, a duckweed discharge outlet, and a well located between collection inlet and discharge outlet, a series of spaced elements supported on a rotatable shaft and located within well with the shaft connected to the combustible engine to rotationally drive spaced elements within well to create a vortex pumping action in the body of water drawing free floating duckweed into collection inlet, through well and out from discharge outlet, a platform supporting combustible engine and turbine duckweed collection assembly in an upright condition, and a collection manifold assembly connected to discharge outlet and includes a water permeable collection bag receiving and collecting duckweed while allowing water to escape therethrough and return back to the body of water.

Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and at least one mower module supported by the frame, the at least one mower module positionable to cut plant matter between adjacent crop rows in the field. The plant matter has penetrated a previously formed mat of at least partially crushed residual plant matter.

Abstract: Chopping drum (10) for a field chopper, having a drum body (11), having a blade carrier (12) and having a plurality of blades (13) which are fastened to the blade carrier (12), each blade (13) being fastened to the blade carrier (12) via at least two fastening means (14) which extend through a fastening section (15) of the respective blade (13) into the blade carrier (12), and the fastening means (14) penetrating the fastening section (15) of the respective blade (13) at an angle of between 40° and 70°.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the active substances for preventing hearing deterioration, its preparation method, the pharmaceutical composition containing the active substances, and the preparation method of the pharmaceutical composition. The preparation method of the active substances is performed by plate cultivation, flask cultivation and fermentation tank cultivation, to obtain the active substances of Hericium erinaceus mycelia in powder form. The powder of H. erinaceus mycelia is proved to have the effect of preventing hearing deterioration.

Abstract: An improved advertising system can include a location having a substantially large expanse of living greenery, a predetermined design for an advertisement, and a chlorophyll-based agent. The location can be observable by viewers at a predefined minimum viewing distance. The chlorophyll-based agent can be used to paint the predetermined design on the living greenery. The chlorophyll-based agent can be non-detrimental to the health of the living greenery. The predetermined design painted on the living greenery with the chlorophyll-based agent can be only viewable by viewers at the predefined minimum viewing distance. Living greenery treated with the chlorophyll-based agent can be visibly distinguishable from and shinier than neighboring untreated living greenery. When a viewer is nearer than the minimum predefined viewing distance, a difference in shine and color between the treated living greenery and the untreated living greenery can be substantially unnoticeable.

Abstract: Plants are optimally grown under artificial narrowband Photosynthetically Active Radiation (“PAR”) of multiple colors, and color palettes, applied in but partially time-overlapping cycles. As well as a long, growing season, cycle, the colored lights are cyclically applied on a short, diurnal, cycle that often roughly simulates a peak-season sunny day at the earth latitude native to the plant. Bluer lights are applied commencing before redder lights, and are likewise terminated before the redder lights. Infrared light in particular, is preferably first applied at a time corresponding to early afternoon, and is temporally extended past a time corresponding to sunset. The colored lights and light palettes preferably rise to, and fall from, different peak intensities over periods from 10 minutes to 2 hours, and relative peak intensities of even such different colors as are used at all vary up to times two (×2) in response to differing PAR requirements of different plants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an informational tag for a container such as a garden or plant pot. The informational tag may include a body having an upper end, a lower end, and a display area for receiving printed information. The informational tag may also include a pair of downwardly extending tabs arranged on opposite sides of the upper end of the body and each being configured for insertion into the container. Additionally, the informational tag may include an upwardly extending tab arranged between the pair of downwardly extending tabs and configured to engage a rim of the container to inhibit upward movement of the informational tag relative to the container. Further disclosed is an assembly including a container with an informational tag attached thereto, and a method of assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a horticultural container including a body, a base extending from a bottom of the body, and an upper rim extending from a top of the body. The upper rim has a tag slot extending therethrough for receiving a tag and a chamfer radially outwardly spaced from and adjacent to the tag slot for receiving ears of the tag when the tag is in the tag slot. In this way, the tag is received in the tag slot and chamfer to secure the tag to hinder or prevent unauthorized removal of the tag.

Abstract: The present invention, in different embodiments, discloses a horticultural tray and a method of use thereof. The horticultural tray includes first and second elongate portions having one or more receptacles for growing medium, and a foldable elongate portion between the first and second elongate portions. The foldable elongate portion has a central hinge and sloped side portions that slope downward and away from the central hinge toward the first and second elongate portions. The foldable elongate portion also has side hinges disposed between the foldable elongate portion and the first and second elongate portions. The horticultural tray may also have a first locking tab and a second locking tab configured so that the first locking tab fits securely inside the second locking tab when the horticultural tray is in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: There is provided a pick-and-plant head for planting plant cuttings in a cultivation medium. The pick-and-plant head is provided with a grasper comprising opposed grasping surfaces for grasping a portion of a cutting between them and with an abutment that abuts a cutting. The grasper and abutment are moveable relative to one another and are arranged so that during release of a cutting from the grasper the abutment passes between the opposed grasping surfaces and the cutting is abutted by the abutment.

Abstract: A plant cage for supporting growing plants includes horizontal and vertical support rods connected by locking clips to form a cage of a desired size and shape. The locking clip includes a clamp at each end of an elongated body, with each clamp formed of two tabs extending outwardly at oblique angles, with an aperture formed in each tab for receiving a horizontal or vertical support rod. The outwardly extending tabs are resilient and flexible such that the tabs can be moved towards each other to a deflected position so that the apertures align and a support rod can be inserted, the resiliency of the material then biases the tabs away from each other when released so that the apertures become unaligned so that the inserted rod is frictionally captured by the clamp.

Abstract: Provided is a hanger assembly for a horticultural container. The hanger assembly includes a hook, a plurality of strands extending from the hook, and a clip extending from each strand. Each clip has a retaining leg and a spring leg opposite the retaining leg, where the spring leg and retaining leg are non-mirror images of one another and the spring leg is free of a catch. One of clips is a guide clip and the others of the plurality of clips are secondary clips that are mirror images of the guide clip.

Abstract: An aeroponic system for supporting efficient low-resource-usage plant growth comprises a housing comprising one or more openings and one or more root chambers; one or more sealing members configured to substantially conform to a stalk of a plant and to substantially isolate a canopy of the plant from the one or more root chambers; one or more root chamber sensors; one or more nutrient storage reservoirs for storage of plant nutrients; one or more air-assisted nozzles configured to introduce atomized nutrient solution into the one or more root chambers; a temperature control system configured to control a temperature of the one or more root chambers; and a control system configured to control the temperature control apparatus and the one or more air-assisted nozzles to maintain environmental parameters associated with the one or more root chambers within desired parameter ranges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate-shaped structure for cultivating one or more plants. The plate-shaped structure (1) may optionally collect moisture from the atmosphere and comprises a generally flat upper surface (30) provided with a cavity (31, 32, 33) for holding plant material. The cavity has a sidewall (41, 42, 43) and a bottom portion (51, 52, 53). Further, the bottom portion includes an aperture (61, 62, 63) traversing the plate-shaped structure. In use, the plate shaped structure can cover a reservoir (10) or can be placed on the soil. Optionally, the plate-shaped structure comprises a drain opening (35) with a floating cap and a covering cap so as to allow moisture to flow through the drain opening while minimizing evaporation. Further, the plate-shaped structure may have a cap structure (84) at its periphery for clampingly receiving the upwardly extending exterior sidewall of the reservoir. The plate-shaped structure can be fixed to the reservoir using protrusions (57a-c.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining real-time data regarding the condition of a crop and planning and executing an irrigation cycle in response to the data. The invention uses an unmanned aerial vehicle to survey the conditions within an irrigated area. The irrigation system includes components to vary the amount of water dispensed within particular areas. The data obtained is used to create an irrigation schedule that the irrigation system then carries out. For example, surveyed areas that contain more moisture may be given relatively less water during the next irrigation cycle. The data obtained may also be used to alter a scheduled delivery of fertilizer, pesticide, or some other substance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an automated planter apparatus may include a reservoir container having a base with a sidewall coupled to and extending away from the base. A reservoir cavity may be disposed within the reservoir container and may be formed and bounded by the sidewall and base. A support lid may be configured to extend over and cover all or portions of the reservoir cavity. One or more receptacles may be disposed within the support lid, and each receptacle may be in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity. One or more pumps may be in fluid communication with the reservoir cavity and each receptacle. A plant container may be removably coupled within a receptacle. A processing unit may be in electrical communication with each pump and be configured to activate and control each pump.

Abstract: Provided is a planting cup for hosting growing plants, for use in conjunction with hydroculture systems, and a development for producing same. The planting cup may be configured with a side wall formed with a plurality of openings and extending between an open bottom base and an open top base. The planting cup may also be constructed out of a sheet of pliable material.

Abstract: A multilevel indoor mobile gutter system for growing vegetation including at least a first level and a second level is provided. Each level may include a first level conveyor and a second level conveyor respectively. A transfer conveyor is operable to convey from the first level to the second level. A plurality of lights are positioned to emit light towards the first level and the second level. At least one gutter is operable to support a plant within. The first level conveyor transports the at least one gutter from the front end to the rear end of the first level, the transfer conveyor transfers the at least one gutter from rear end of the first level to the front end of the second level, and the second level conveyor transports the at least one gutter from the front end to the rear end of the second level.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated SV3902GA. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line SV3902GA, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SV3902GA 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 SV3902GA, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry process for isolating clean glandular trichomes from a trichome bearing plant material, wherein the trichome bearing plant material is frozen at ?20° C. and subject to shattering and softening sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plants of the genus Catharanthus containing a broad spectrum genetic resistance to Phytophthora. In particular, the present invention relates to a Catharanthus roseus plant containing a broad spectrum genetic resistance to P. nicotianae.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV3543TE and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV3543TE and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 pepper hybrid SV5603PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV5603PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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: Anti-sense-oriented RNA gene suppression agents in the form of a loop of anti-sense-oriented RNA is produced in cells of transgenic organisms, e.g. plants, by transcription from a recombinant DNA construct that comprises in 5? to 3? order a promoter element operably linked to more than one anti-sense-oriented DNA element and one or more complementary DNA elements.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the sweet corn line designated SYW-6SSLM804. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn line SYW-6SSLM804, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing a plant of sweet corn line SYW-6SSLM804 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 SYW-6SSLM804, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Novel lettuce, such as lettuce designated VAQUERO is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of lettuce VAQUERO, to the plants and plant parts of lettuce VAQUERO, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce VAQUERO with itself or another lettuce plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce 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 lettuce plants derived from the lettuce VAQUERO.

Abstract: A robotic arm maneuvers a teat preparation cup and executes instructions from a robotic arm controller. The controller comprises an interface, a memory, and a processor. The processor instructs the sensor to perform a first scan. If the first scan discovers a first set of teats, the processor moves the robotic arm a first distance and instructs the sensor to perform a second scan. If the second scan discovers a second set of teats, the processor moves the robotic arm to a location under the first teat, and instructs the sensor to perform a third scan. The processor determines if the third scan discovers a third set of teats. If each of the first set, second set, and third set of discovered teats comprises the first teat, the processor instructs the robotic arm to attach the preparation cup to the first teat.

Abstract: A system comprising a teat preparation cup coupled to a vacuum pump. A first pressure sensor measures the vacuum level of the vacuum pump. A second pressure sensor measures vacuum level inside the preparation cup. The system further comprises a controller comprising an interface, a memory, and a processor. The processor determines if the vacuum pump has sufficient vacuum level and communicates instructions to induce a partial vacuum in the teat preparation cup. The processor determines if the teat preparation cup has a vacuum level greater than a vacuum threshold value and when this condition is achieved, communicates instructions to initiate a teat preparation cycle comprising allowing fluid flowing from a fluid source container through the teat preparation cup into a fluid disposal container.

Abstract: Provided herein are animal litter compositions comprising wood particles activated carbon, and a clumping agent. The wood particles have a moisture content between 4% and 25%. The composition does not comprise wood particles with a moisture content outside the range of between 4% and 25%. The composition has a density between about 30 lbs./ft3 and about 45 lbs./ft3 and is essentially dust free. These animal litter compositions may be made by contacting wood particles with activated carbon and a clumping agent to form a mixture. The mixture is extruded the mixture into a densified material having a density between about 30 lbs./ft3 and about 45 lbs./ft3. The size of the densified material is reduced to between about 0.5 mm about 2 mm (US Mesh 16-US Mesh 6).

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for the non-invasive behavioural monitoring of rodents within a rodent cage via the detection of interactions with a cage lid. A cage lid interaction sensor, positioned in close proximity to the cage lid, is employed to sense interactions with the cage lid. The resulting signals may be processed to determine a health status of the rodent. In some example embodiments, a lid sensing module is provided in that is configured for attachment to an existing rodent cage, permitting the insertion of the rodent cage into a cage rack after installation of the sensing module. In other example embodiments, a replacement cage lid is provided having an integrated lid interaction sensor and associated detection circuitry. Various example lid sensing modalities and associated sensor configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: It describes an ear tag for livestock including: a plastic substrate including means to apply the ear tag to an ear of an animal; an UHF inlay coupled to a flexible flat portion of the plastic substrate, the UHF inlay including a substrate, an antenna on the substrate and a microchip connected to the antenna. The ear tag includes a plastic film; a predetermined portion of the plastic film is laminated on the plastic substrate and forms a closed pocket; the UHF inlay is enclosed in the pocket and is at least in part movable independently from the plastic substrate and the plastic film in the pocket.

Abstract: An animal garment assembly includes a garment that may be worn on a male animal. The garment has a pair of wings. The male animal's genitalia are exposed when the garment is worn. Thus, the male animal may urinate without soiling the garment. A closure is coupled to the garment. Thus, the closure may secure the garment around the animal when the garment is worn. The closure adjustably secures the garment to facilitate a variety of sizes of animals.

Abstract: Dog wear with specific functions for dogs to aid in house training and other issues relating to dog training, specifically indoor marking and urination. The garment includes a pair of leg covering and can be formed to fit over the front legs or the rear legs of the pet. The garment can help to prevent pet accidents by having an absorbent underside portion. The underside portion may be selectively removable, or in some variations, the underside portion may be fully removed to allow the animal free access to relieve itself while still warming the pet and protecting the pet's skin in cold conditions, or for generally covering wounds or hot spots to allow the user to forgo the typical protective cone.

Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.

Abstract: A pet toy, in combination, including a containment structure having a longitudinal axis and cross section defining an interior volume. The containment structure, which is preferably collapsible, includes a plurality of containment openings along its longitudinal axis exposing the interior volume to a pet during use of the pet toy, and an electronic component in the form of a hollow shell having a shell opening configured therein. A motor having a rotatable shaft extends toward the opening. A power supply for powering the motor and optional microprocessor, the motor, microprocessor and power supply being supported within the interior of the hollow shell. An attractant is affixed to the rotatable shaft and extends through the shell opening, the microprocessor being programmed to control operation of the motor to cause the attractant to rotate intermittently, the electronic component and attractant being visible to a pet during use of the pet toy.

Abstract: A pet leash with a removably attached disposable plastic bag for picking up dog waste and holding the dog waste during a walk. The plastic bag can be removably contained within a pouch that is removably attached to the leash. During a walk, when needing to retrieve pet waste, the bag can be opened and the user insert his hand from the bottom of the bag and the bag is partially or completely turned inside-out for retrieving the pet waste. With the hand in the bag it is possible to reach down and pick up the dog waste by grasping the pet waste through the material of the bag. After all the waste is grasped, the user pulls his hand back through the bag to return the bag back to its original orientation with the pet waste within the bag. The bag can then be closed and later removed from the leash to dispose of the bag with the pet waste therein.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary, a walkway for an aviary, and a walkway system for an aviary. The walkway includes a ramp and at least one support disposed below the ramp.

Abstract: An aviary apparatus for rearing laying hens, which comprises mutually laterally adjacent multistory rearing batteries, each one of the batteries comprising at least one lower stop surface and one upper stop surface, with areas on which the poultry can walk between the batteries and laterally to the outermost batteries. The lower stop surfaces and upper stop surfaces comprise corresponding conveyor belts for eggs and feces, the walkable areas comprising inclined floors which are arranged descending toward a contiguous conveyor belt of a lower stop surface of a corresponding battery.

Abstract: An egg printing system comprises a printer (30, 31, 32) and an endless egg conveyor (1) that is adapted to move the eggs (50) past the printer. The conveyor including an endless element running around a set of rotational wheels and a drive unit defining a conveying direction of the conveyor. The egg conveyor includes a lane of egg retaining pockets (10) coupled to the endless element, said lane of retaining pockets in use moving in the conveying direction. Each retaining pocket has a central axis and an upper receiving opening to receive an egg with a longitudinal axis of the egg generally aligned with said central axis of the pocket. The pocket has a side opening at a side thereof facing in the conveying direction and/or in the opposite direction, leaving a side surface area exposed of the egg that is received in the pocket. The retaining pockets remain in an upright position in every position in the lane.