Abstract: A sleeve type bushing/bearing is assembled/pressed into a pivoting frame structure. This bearing runs on a spindle tube which is bolted rigidly to a support arm structure. The support arm structure supports the outside diameter of the spindle tube and well as clamping to the end face of the spindle tube. This support eliminates most of the shear load from being applied at the joint face to the bolt outside diameter. The larger outside diameter of the spindle tube can support more shear force through the joint allowing greater functional pressure to be applied through the joint without failure. The Joint can be easily assembled and disassembled in multiple configurations and for replacement of worn parts if needed and includes a sleeve type bearing which is maintenance free and requires no greasing or other lubrication.

Abstract: An apparatus for breaking up the hardpan subsoil layer of agricultural land has a wheeled frame adapted to connect to a tractor. A roller is rotatably mounted within the frame. A plurality of spike members are attached to the circumferential face of the roller and extend outwardly therefrom beneath the frame for penetrating engagement with the hardpan subsoil layer, to thereby break up the hardpan.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a link assembly of a work vehicle hitch has a locking plate mounted to an upper portion of the link assembly. A collar is positioned over the sleeve and is configured to slide relative a portion of the sleeve. The collar meshes with the sleeve so as to prevent rotational movement of the upper portion of the sleeve relative the collar when the collar is adjacent the upper portion, but the sleeve can rotate relative the collar when the collar is adjacent a middle portion of the sleeve. The locking mechanism has a handle mounted on the collar that is pivotable between a locked position where the handle is generally parallel with the sleeve in which the collar is prevented from sliding relative the sleeve and a released position generally perpendicular to the sleeve in which the collar is able to slide relative the sleeve.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit with electronic latching through valve assemblies to allow full control of ground engaging tools including raising, lowering, and providing regulated active down force pressure via a work vehicle valves with manual input while allowing a continuous pressure source to be used in parallel. Pressure transducers and electrically controlled valves along with an electric control circuit allow automatic switching between manual control and automatic control of the ground engaging tools.

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 batch coater assembly (20) includes an upright coater container (24) with a container-supporting lift frame assembly (26). In use, particulate materials such as seed are introduced into the container (24) and coated therein. After coating, the assembly (26) is employed to lift the container (24) to a position permitting placement of a bin (22) beneath the container (24), so that coated particulates can be directly transferred from the container (24) to the bin (22). This permits rapid batch coating of particulates from the bin (22), with refilling of the bin (22) after the coating operation. An optional dust hood assembly (28) can be employed during delivery of coated particulates to the bin (22), in order to capture dust incident to the particulate delivery.

Abstract: A suspension system for a row cleaner used with an agricultural row unit. A base is connectable with the agricultural row unit and a support is provided for journaling row cleaner sweeper blades. Links pivotally connect the base and the support for up and down movement of the sweeper blades towards the ground. A pair of coil springs have one end connected to the upper links and the other a free end. A series of holes in the base receive an adjustment pin to provide preselected levels of downward force towards the ground.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a force sensor that senses a force characteristic indicative of a force applied by a portion of the agricultural machine to ground. An acceleration sensor also senses accelerations on that portion of the machine, and an applied downforce is corrected for the forces contributed by the sensed acceleration. An action signal is generated to control the agricultural machine based upon the corrected downforce signal.

Abstract: An agricultural product application system for an agricultural vehicle includes a belt, a drive roll, and a flow control system, wherein the flow control system includes a gates and actuators, each gate controls a respective flow of the agricultural product to a respective output of the agricultural product application system based at least in part on a position of the gate relative to the belt, and each actuator is coupled to at least one respective gate to control the position of the at least one respective gate relative to the belt. The agricultural product application system also includes a controller that instructs each actuator to control the position of the at least one respective gate relative to the belt based at least in part on a speed of the agricultural vehicle, a turning radius of the agricultural vehicle, a prescription map, a field map, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A grass mowing machine for high power applications includes a controller monitoring a total implement load of multiple implements connected to lift arms on a grass mowing machine. The controller determines if the total implement load consistently exceeds available power. If the total implement load consistently exceeds available power, the controller disables at least one but not all of the implements, and provides a signal to at least one but not all of the lift arms to raise the implements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises determining, in received yield data, one or more passes, each pass including a plurality of observations. For each pass of the one or more passes, one or more discrete derivatives are determined, and based on the one or more discrete derivatives first outlier data is generated. First filtered data is generated by removing the first outlier data from the yield data. Furthermore, for each observation in the yield data, a plurality of nearest neighbor observations is determined, and used to determine a plurality of absolute differences in yield values. Based on the plurality of absolute differences, second outlier data is determined. Second filtered data is generated by removing the second outlier data from the first filtered data. Using a presentation layer of a computer system, a graphical representation of the second filtered data is generated and displayed on the computing system.

Abstract: A combine that can accurately measure the weight of grain retained in a grain tank is provided. When a weight measurement signal is output from a measurement switch 66, a weight measurement decision unit 75 instructs a working state determination unit 71 to perform working state determination. If it is determined that the combine is in the working state, the weight measurement decision unit 75 does not instruct a load cell 39 to perform weight measurement.

Abstract: A device for use in connection with monitoring and assessing characteristics of harvested specialty crops. The device comprises: an imaging sensor configured to capture an image of a set of harvested specialty crops; a depth sensor; processing circuitry configured to generate depth information at least in part by using data obtained by the depth sensor; and a transmitter configured to transmit the image and the depth information to at least one remote computing device via a communication network.

Abstract: A grain mass flow sensor assembly of an agricultural harvester has a continuously curved sensor plate positioned to receive a grain flow from an exit of the grain elevator. The continuously curved sensor plate is configured to change the direction of the grain flow in order to generate a reaction force for measuring the grain mass flow rate of the grain flow. The continuously curved sensor plate is attached to a sensor plate to load cell mounting bracket. The sensor plate to load cell mounting bracket is attached to a single point load cell torque or moment compensated force transducer at a single mounting point. The single point load cell torque or moment compensated force transducer produces a mass flow sensor signal that is proportionate to the grain mass flow rate.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus for a fruit or vegetable product includes a maturity determination device determining a maturity level of the fruit or vegetable product; a harvesting means harvesting the fruit or vegetable product; a power source generating power for driving the harvesting means; and a controller determining whether or not to supply the power to the harvesting means based on a determination result on the maturity level provided by the maturity determination device.

Abstract: A spout is operably connected to a transferring material for transferring the agricultural material to the receiving vehicle. An imaging device faces towards the storage portion of the receiving vehicle and collects image data. A container module is adapted to determine a container position of the storage portion, or its container perimeter. A spout module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data, or to determine a spout position. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container position based on the collected image data and to generate command data or user interface data to facilitate placement of the spout and storage container in relative cooperative alignment for transferring of material from the transferring vehicle to the receiving vehicle.

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester is provided. The header includes a frame mountable to a forward end of the combine harvester, at least one row unit mounted to the frame to receive and process stalks of corn, a stomping shoe mounted to the frame behind the row unit to flatten stalks of corn, and a stalk splitter mounted to frame behind the row unit to split stalks of corn. The face of the stomping shoe is provided with a plurality of structures to guide each stalk of corn along a predefined path on the face while the stalks of corn are flattened. The stalk splitter includes a disk blade biased against the ground for splitting stalks of corn after they are processed by row units of the corn header.

Abstract: A bale wrapping device for a round baler includes a drive roll which can be brought into engagement with a wrapping material roll, and a drive and brake device connected to the drive roll. The drive and brake device is connected both to a variably tensionable drive belt and to a variably tensionable brake belt.

Abstract: The invention discloses a knotter driven by double fluted disc. The knotter driven by double fluted disc comprises a small fluted disc, a knotter rack, a large fluted disc, a cutter arm assembled on the knotter rack, a knotter jaw and bill hook combined mechanism (R), a rope gripper driving mechanism (Q) and a rope gripper (J), wherein a composite fluted disc of traditional D-knotter is divided into the small fluted disc and the large fluted disc in the knotter driven by double fluted disc.

Abstract: A grafting method includes: making a cut surface of a scion and a cut surface of a rootstock contact with each other, and disposing sheet-like thermoplastic resin films facing each other across a contact part; and covering a periphery of the contact part with the thermoplastic resin films by ultrasonic ally welding the thermoplastic resin films.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustment device for automatic adjustment of a spacing between a first and a second cutting blade (21, 22; 51, 52), the first and second cutting blades being mounted so that the first and second contact surfaces (31, 32) are in contact with and parallel to each other; wherein at least one of the first and second cutting blades (21, 22; 51, 52) is displaceable to produce a cutting action between first and second cutting edges (23, 24). The first and second cutting blades are connected by at least one adjustment device (28; 50; 90) arranged to maintain the spacing between the first and second planar contact surfaces.

Abstract: A plant growing system comprising a growing panel and a porous air hose coupled to the growing panel. The growing panel includes a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of plant receptacles. The plurality of openings are arranged in a plurality of parallel lines on the growing panel, and the porous air hose extends along the growing panel between at least two of the parallel lines.

Abstract: An indoor soilless plant cultivating system, comprising a plurality of stationary light posts, each of which adapted to illuminate a predetermined sector of an indoor facility in accordance with a predetermined illumination signature; a plurality of plant growth towers that are rotatable about a substantially vertical axis in accordance with a predetermined timing sequence so as to be exposable to the light generated at any given time by one or more of the light posts and that are arranged by at least one module defining a module darkened interior region within which plants being instantaneously positioned receive a sensation of nighttime; and irrigation means for supplying the plants being cultivated in each of said towers with a nutrient-rich solution. Moreover, an artificial pollination system based on compressed air nozzles is incorporated within the light posts.

Abstract: A water line support device includes a pair of stakes that extend perpendicularly downward from a horizontal support member and a plurality of water line retention mechanisms that may be positioned on the top or bottom side of the horizontal member. In simple form, the plurality of integral retention mechanisms have a recessed channel that is oriented parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the horizontal member. The horizontal member has a top side and a bottom side connected on opposite sides of a middle support such that the top side, middle support and bottom side form an I-beam configuration when viewed as a cross section of the horizontal member. The middle support can be reinforced or braced with diagonal supports that also are connected to and support the top side and the bottom side of the horizontal member. A logo can be added to the horizontal support member.

Abstract: An irrigation system having a user interface, a master valve, at least one conduit coupling the master valve with at least one slave valve; and a communication system for wirelessly communicating operating instructions between the master valve and the at least one slave valve. The medium of the communication system, for transmitting instructions, is located along the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for optimizing and adjusting water usage are described. An example method may include receiving water usage data and determining a peaking factor for water usage. The peaking factor may be associated with water usage at a flow controller. A flow controller can control various types of water outlets, such as a water sprinkler for a residential home. The flow controller may be positioned along a main water supply to a property or home. The method may also include determining that the peaking factor passes a threshold water usage for the flow controller and adjusting a watering schedule of the flow controller based partly on the determination that the peaking factor passed the threshold water usage.

Abstract: A water irrigation restriction violation system includes a geostationary satellite to collect soil surface moisture data and rain data throughout a given day for a geographic region. A processor and a memory coupled to the processor are configured to store water irrigation restrictions for governmental jurisdictions for the geographic region, receive the soil surface moisture data and rain data from the geostationary satellite, and determine a water irrigation restriction violation based upon the stored water irrigation restrictions and the received soil surface moisture data and rain data. A violation notification is then sent to a corresponding governmental jurisdiction for the determined water irrigation restriction violation.

Abstract: An aeroponics system is provided which includes a rack with multiple shelves thereon and with a tray accommodated on each shelf. Light modules are located above each shelf. Each tray has a hood with openings therein leading into a hollow chamber and above a base which includes spray heads therein. Water from a reservoir upon the rack is pumped to each of the spray heads to provide a spray within the hollow chambers. Plant cuttings are placed passing through the openings in the hood so that lower portions of the cuttings can receive the spray (and nutrients added into the reservoir) for propagation of the plant cuttings.

Abstract: A vertically-stacked growing system includes vertical beams and horizontal shelves respectively arranged on different vertical levels, Each horizontal shelf has a length and a width, and includes horizontal structural supports coupled to at least some of the vertical beams, decking coupled to the horizontal structural supports, and multiple walls to form a shallow pond when the horizontal shelf contains a plant nutrient water culture, thereby constituting a growing layer of the growing system. The walls include two side walls along the length and two end walls along the width. Each horizontal shelf further includes a loading and/or unloading apparatus to facilitate loading and/or unloading of a plurality of rafts into and/or out of the shallow pond, via the two end walls, wherein respective rafts of the plurality of rafts include a plurality of germinated plants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the regeneration, acclimation and conditioning of in vitro derived plant propagules is presented. The apparatus comprises a regulated chamber, a laminar flow work station coupled to the regulated environment, and a supply compartment. A process control system regulates the chamber to sterile or near sterile conditions. The process control system monitors and modulates the microenvironment, nutritional profile and frequency of fertigation, atmospheric composition, as well as the quality and quantity of irradiance incident on propagules in the sterile chamber. This controlled environ optimizes propagules regeneration, and facilitates the establishment of photoautotrophism and homeostatic capacity of plant tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing Ingenol, Ingenol esters and/or Tiglian-3-one derivatives, the method comprising the steps of: (a) culturing plant cells obtained from a plant selected from the family Euphorbiaceae in a nutrient medium in a suspension cell culture, wherein the cells produce Ingenol, one or more Ingenol esters and/or one or more Tiglian-3-one derivatives; and (b) recovering the Ingenol, the one or more Ingenol esters and/or the one or more Tiglian-3-one derivatives produced in (a). The present invention further relates to a plant suspension cell culture, wherein the cells are obtained from a plant selected from the family Euphorbiaceae, and wherein the plant cells produce Ingenol and/or one or more Ingenol ester and/or one or more Tiglian-3-one derivatives.

Abstract: A hybrid pepper designated ‘E20S0158’ is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid pepper ‘E20S0158’ to the plants of hybrid pepper ‘E20S0158’ and to methods for producing a hybrid plant, and to methods for producing other pepper lines, cultivars or hybrids derived from the hybrid pepper ‘E20S0158’.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-161 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-161 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-161 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-673 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-673 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-673 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an allele designated alpha-WOLF 15 which confers resistance to at least one Peronospora farinosa f Sp. spinacea race, wherein the protein encoded by said allele is a CC-NBS-LRR protein that comprises in its amino acid sequence: a) the motif “MAEIGYSVC” at its N-terminus; and b) the motif “KWMCLR”; and wherein the LRR domain of the protein has in order of increased preference at least 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence similarity to SEQ ID No:10. The allele when homozygously present in a spinach plant confers complete resistance to Peronospora farinosa f. Sp. spinacea races pfs:1, pfs:2, pfs:3, pfs:4 and pfs: 5, pfs:6, pfs:8, pfs:9, pfs:11, pfs:12, pfs:13, pfs:14, pfs:15, pfs:16 and isolates UA1014 and US1508, and confers intermediate resistance to pfs:10, and does not confer resistance to pfs:7.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to cleaning and disposal systems and, more particularly, to a system for cleaning and disposing of animal litter. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cleaning and disposal system, the system comprising: a liner device having a substantially continuous surface; and at least one perforated device having: a perforated portion having a plurality of openings; and a substantially continuous portion surrounding the perforated portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a squeeze chute for temporarily confining an animal while it is being inspected or treated. Certain embodiments of the squeeze chute include side grippers, a rear pusher, and a sling that fits under the ventral section of the animal being confined. The side grippers and the rear pusher cooperate to restrain the movement of the animal within the squeeze chute and the sling ensures that the animal can not lay down. Certain embodiments of both the side grippers and the pusher are rotatable about the top rails of the chute as well as vertically extensible and retractable from the top rails on which they are mounted. The sling is typically a rectangular strip of flexible material that is attached on each end to an extension tube that is vertically extensible and retractable from the top rails.

Abstract: An animal feeding device comprising a body having a first opening in a first end thereof and a second opening in a second end thereof, the body being in the form of a channel having a substantially C-, U- or V-shape in cross section and comprising a passageway extending between the first opening and the second opening, the body further comprising one or more bends therein such that the first opening and the second opening are provided in different orientations to one another, and wherein the body is adapted to substantially preclude the accumulation of animal feed on an inner surface of the passageway during use, and wherein in use an open portion of the channel is located so as to abut an inner surface of a receptacle in which animal feed is housed.

Abstract: A implant tracking system for allowing the location of an animal to be tracked from an implanted device that is not readily removable includes an implant member having an internal positioning component that is connected to an internal rechargeable power component and a wearable charger implement that includes an inductive charging band, a wire charging port, an internal charger battery, and an attachment mechanism. In one instance, the positioning component is a satellite positioning system receiver. In use, it is contemplated that the implant member is implanted under the skin of a pet or other animal whose location is desired to be tracked while the wearable charger can be removably positioned on the pet in order to wirelessly recharge the power component of the implant member through inductive charging.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a simplified system and methods for managing an animal's behavior. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus formed from at least one pattern shaped from a single piece of material. In certain preferred embodiments, the at least one pattern may include a snout portion and one or more fastening elements. The size and shape of the snout portion may be defined by a first connecting edge, second connecting edge, anterior edge, and posterior edge. In some embodiments, the first connecting edge may be attached near or to the second connecting edge to form a configured pattern. The configured pattern may be positioned on an animal so that the snout portion surrounds the animal's snout limiting movement of the animal's lower jaw. In some embodiments, the configured pattern may include one or more edges sized and shaped to fit more comfortably on the animal's head.

Abstract: A hands-free pet leash device comprising a wearable belt including a glider movably attached to the belt, wherein the glider is configured to rotate circumferentially around the wearable belt. The glider is configured to move around the wearable belt via a guide element wherein the glider can move along the guide element and rotate around the guide element. The wearable belt is made up of synthetic polymers along with an interlocking mechanism at the terminals of the wearable belt. The guide element can be a guide wire fixed along the length of the wearable belt through a connector over which the glider is free to perform circular motion along the path with the motion of the corresponding leash as the pet moves around. A push button is provided on the belt for hook up and release purposes. The glider is capable of rotating up to 355 degrees along either direction around the belt.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically harvesting fish from an aquaculture cage is provided. Underwater robotic rovers draw out a large net from a protective enclosure. The net is manipulated to corral or concentrate the fish into a smaller volume. Transponders installed at strategic locations throughout the cage facilitate navigation of the rovers.

Abstract: Generally, the invention disclosed herein relates to articles for catching and capturing fish. Embodiments of this invention may be used as baits to attract fish and entice them to take a hook. Optionally, the hook may be embedded in—or otherwise attached to—the bait. Examples of this invention may be designed to resemble the appearance of naturally occurring fish species and may exhibit realistic or exaggerated movement when traveling through water. Some embodiments comprise tail portions designed to flutter by simultaneously moving along two axes of rotation. Fluttering may comprise lateral—side-to-side—motion along a vertical axis extending from the tail neck and rotational displacement along a horizontal axis extending from the center of the tail portion.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel is attachable to a fishing rod and releases a fishing line forward. The dual-bearing reel includes a reel unit, a spool for winding the fishing line, a handle and a level wind mechanism. The spool is rotatably disposed in the reel unit. The handle is rotatably disposed on a lateral part of the reel unit. The level wind mechanism uniformly winds the fishing line onto the spool. The level wind mechanism includes a worm shaft, a guide member and a slide member. The worm shaft includes a helical groove. The guide member is disposed on an outer peripheral side of the worm shaft, and includes an opening and at least one water drain. The opening extends in a lengthwise direction of the worm shaft. The slide member slides along the guide member while engaged with the helical groove.

Abstract: A cover for a fishing reel installed on a fishing rod can easily be drawn over and tightened in a matter of seconds to protect the reel without removing it from the rod. The cover has an open lower end to allow humidity to escape while the upper end encloses the reel and provides protection for any size or type of reel. The cover is lightweight and flexible. It can fit into any shirt, coat or pants pocket between uses.

Abstract: A method for forming a system for securing items such as fishing hooks is disclosed. The method may include molding an elastomeric material to include a slit therein. Once formed, the elastomeric material may be compressed across the slit in order to reduce the width of the slit. While held in a compressed state, an item such as a fishing hook may be inserted into the slit. The compression may enable the slit to securely grip the item.

Abstract: A novel horse hoof boot is provided with a method of forming the same. The boot includes two separate elements, the first configured in part to support the horse's hoof inside the boundary of the hoof wall and the second wrapping around the outside of the hoof to provide stability. The method enables custom forming of a boot to a particular horse's hoof by forming a three-dimensional rigid hoof model which guides formation of the boot components.

Abstract: A device for monitoring and catching insects from the culicidae population, including a first container with first elements for attracting the insects; a second container, positioned inside the first container, and resting on it by a plurality of tie rods, an open upper base and a lower base, the second container provided with a second plurality of elements for attracting insects; a device for generating air flow, which is positioned at the lower base of the second container to suck in insects dose to the device, from the outside towards the inside of the second container through the open upper base; and a perforated bag, positioned at the open upper base, which extends to the device for generating air flow, for monitoring and catching insects sucked inside.

Abstract: An insect trap is provided with a bottle for holding insects and a conically-shaped insert for insertion into the bottle The insert includes holes for permitting light and visibility. The trap and/or trap insert may be made from a plastic or a polymer. Further, insect attracting scents may be injected or impregnated into the plastic or polymer. A chemical exhibiting phosphorescence or photoluminescence may also be combined with the plastic and/or polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an environmental friendly insect trap based on a solid mixture of at least one organic waste component having particles that are equal to or smaller than 2 mm, at least one organic adhesive component and at least one organic plasticizer or emulsifying agent, and an insect adhering surface attached to the solid mixture.