Abstract: An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.

Abstract: A pull hitch assembly for an agricultural implement having a tool bar coupled with and extending transverse to the pull hitch assembly. The pull hitch assembly includes first and second tube members, a hose carrier track and a tunnel. The second tube member is partially slidingly disposed within the first tube member. The hose carrier track is operatively coupled to both the first tube member and the tube second member. The tunnel is coupled to the first tube member. At least part of the hose carrier track is movable within the tunnel as the first tube member and the second tube member are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A lift assist system to assist an tool including a toolbar; a pair of casters affixed to the articulated arms to provide support on a ground surface; and articulated arms constructed to be articulated from a work position, wherein the tool is in contact with the ground surface to a transport position wherein the tool is not in contact with the ground surface. The articulated arms includes a limiter rotatably affixed to the support bars, and an adjuster that connects the limiter, wherein the limiter regulates the articulated arms and maintains the gauge wheel pivot axis in a near vertical position, and the adjuster maintains a precise positioning relationship of the articulated arms.

Abstract: A charging device of a robotic lawn mower includes a bottom part installed in a partial region of an operation region of the robot, a support part coupled to the bottom part and positioned on a side of a main body of the robot when the robot is being charged, and a terminal part coupled to the support part and positioned above the main body of the robot when the robot is being charged, wherein the bottom part is formed such that only any one of a plurality of wheels of the robot is mounted thereon when the robot is being charged.

Abstract: A lawn mowing robot includes a body, a driving unit driven such that the body moves within an operation region, and a controller setting first information related to at least one reference line using coordinate information corresponding to vertices included in a polygon forming an operation region and setting second information related to a plurality of regions such that the operation region is divided into the plurality of regions using the first information, wherein the controller controls the driving unit such that the body moves according to a preset movement pattern by the plurality of divided regions using the second information.

Abstract: A robotic mowing system that includes a station and a robotic mower. The robotic mower has a controller and a memorizer, the memorizer stores a working procedure, and after receiving a start command input by a user, the controller executes the working procedure, so as to control the robotic mower to automatically and repeatedly mow and return to the station to be charged until the controller receives a stop command. In this way, the user does not need to input working parameters, and costs are relatively low.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a mower cord and includes pressing a resin wire rod and plastically deforming at least part of the wire rod in an axis perpendicular direction. Work-hardening of a surface of the plastically deformed portion allows dramatic enhancement of mowing efficiency.

Abstract: A rotary cutting implement includes a hammer cutting element. The hammer cutting element includes a shank. The hammer cutting element also includes a cutting head coupled to the shank having a first surface and a second surface. The cutting head includes a projection spaced apart from a blade defined on the first surface. The projection extends beyond a periphery of the shank by a first distance and the projection extends along an axis substantially oblique to a longitudinal axis defined by the hammer cutting element. The hammer cutting element also includes a coating disposed on a portion of at least one of the blade, the first surface and the second surface, and the hammer cutting element has a center of gravity that is offset from the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A high-efficiency cutting system for an autonomous mower provides a multiple blade tip cutting radius for a cleaner cut, and more complete mow. The system includes a spinning blade disk provided within a housing including a vertical standoff. The blade disk includes a first pair of cutting blades located between the center of the blade disk and the circumference of the blade disk, and a second pair of cutting blades located radially inward from the first pair of cutting blades. The cutting blades extend downward and away from the blade disk at an angle.

Abstract: A convexly curved metal blade is provided having a proximal end and a distal end, a convex face disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a sharpened cutting surface on the convex face of the blade, wherein the blade is pivotably connectable at the proximal end thereof to a rotatable cutterhead and wherein the convex curvature of the blade becomes more pronounced towards the distal end thereof. The blade can be manufactured proportionally; in size; operating principle; and quantity to adapt to any vertical axis rotational cutting device or mower.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of securing attachments to a utility vehicle, particularly a stand-on, zero-turn mower. The apparatus includes an A-shaped mounting assembly having a base with first and second ends and a tubular member extending outwardly from the first end. The tubular member defines a bore that receives a shaft extending from the attachment. The mounting assembly is positioned vertically above a mower deck but on an opposite side of the frame of the mower relative thereto. The second end of the mounting assembly and part of the mower deck are secured to the frame using the same connectors. A hydraulic actuator engages a forwardmost end of the assembly and is actuatable to raise or lower the assembly relative to the frame, pivoting the assembly about the connectors. The attachment and mower deck are substantially simultaneously operable to perform separate landscaping tasks while the mower moves across a surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an end cap for a roller, and specifically to an end cap for a material spread roll in a harvester. The end cap comprises a base portion and a pin portion, wherein the pin portion inserts into a bearing mechanism to allow the material spread roll to rotate, and wherein the base portion comprises several mechanism to prevent wrapping material stretched by the material spread roll from reaching the bearing mechanism.

Abstract: A harvester generates a round module and positions the round module on a handler. The handler includes a cylinder having a base end and a rod end. A differential pressure across the cylinder is detected. A round module weight is generated based on the detected differential pressure.

Abstract: A sensor detects a characteristic of accumulated crop material and a controller manipulates the speed of a baling chamber in response thereto. The speed of a baling chamber of a variable speed baler is manipulated in response to a characteristic of an accumulated crop material. For example, the height of accumulated crop material in an accumulation area may be detected and the speed of the baling chamber manipulated in response thereto. The rate of growth of the bale may also be determined and used in manipulating the speed of the baling chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a landscaping stake and related driver. Generally, the landscaping stake is directed to a stake that may be configured into a U-shape and driven into the ground to secure landscaping elements such as edging. The stake has elongated legs having a contoured profile in cross-section which makes the legs very resistant to deformation permitting the landscaping stake to be driven into hard surfaces. The driver is configured to releasably engage the upper and of the landscaping stake.

Abstract: A manufactured device comprised of a high strength, padded strap with carabiner clips attached onto both ends intended to make a tarp easier to drag under load when attached. The device may be strapped about the body like a chest strap or belt, or drug by other equipment. The device includes a pad to be placed upon the body for comfort whilst using. The device is not meant to be pulled by hand backwards, nor does it consist of anything being tied or secured upon the body. It attaches via the carabiners to the eyelets which are universal and of a standard size on every tarp. Methods for moving debris using the device and a tarp are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoformed thermoplastic clamshell for packaging alive plants. The clamshell has a base unit with a leaf compartment and a root ball compartment. The leaf compartment has a lid pivotally coupled to its top and configured to snap fit and lock to the leaf compartment using tongue-and-groove type locks. The root ball compartment has a bottom wall that is elevated approximately one-third the height of the leaf compartment. A second lid pivotally coupled to the root ball compartment, in combination with the bottom wall of the root ball compartment, acts like a clamp to secure the root ball of a live plant. The second lid has a clamping groove with a flat bottom wall lowered approximately one-third the height from the top of the leaf compartment to define a rectangular channel within the root ball compartment for securing the root ball of a live plant.

Abstract: A modular plant growth apparatus for large-scale commercial and residential uses having a housing with a top portion which is a flat panel, a bottom portion and two sides, each side having several hinges which can hingedly connect to a corresponding side of another flat panel, the top portion having a front side with removable plant wells, the bottom portion being angled to act as a stability support portion. The apparatus also including a light source and at least one plant in each plant well. Several housings can be hingedly connected to corresponding other housings so various modular configurations can be formed so as to maximize plant growth.

Abstract: A mobile plant trellis structure for providing support and optimal light exposure during plant growth. The plant trellis structure includes one or two horizontal grids that slide along vertical support states. The frame of the horizontal grid structure is configured from wood, PVC piping or light weight metals. The vertical support stakes are configured from steel core plastic rods or wood. Shapes of the horizontal grids include square, round, hexagon, and so forth. Trellis structure will move up and down and be set for optimum height for plant health. A group of 4 are placed together for a single light source.

Abstract: A plant protector can include a plurality of vertical members, a first ring member, and a handle assembly. The plurality of vertical members can extend along respective arcuate paths between respective bottom ends and respective top ends. The bottom ends can be spaced about a bottom periphery and the top ends can be spaced about a top periphery. A plurality of the plant protectors are stackable on one another with the top periphery of an upper plant protector receivable in the bottom periphery of a lower plant protector. The first ring member can interconnect the top ends of the plurality of vertical members. The handle assembly can include a second ring member and a handle mounted on the second ring member. The second ring member can be releasibly engageable with the first ring member.

Abstract: A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure.

Abstract: A plant growing system is provided comprising a trough and at least one pot. The trough holds water and at least one opening is provided on an upper portion of the trough. The pot is configured to hold plant media and at least one plant and to be placed so that the trough is received at least partially within a channel. A wicking system is provided in the pot that extends into the opening and transports liquid from the trough to the interior of the pot thereby providing water and nutrients to the plant. A plurality of pots may be placed along the length of the trough to simultaneously water a purity of plants. A float switch may be provided for automatically adding water to the trough when the water level drops below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A plant nursery and storage system for use in the growth and storage of field-ready plants. At least one planting block with tapered planting cells therein and extending openly from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof is placed in a container holding water. Plant material placed in the planting cells, with or without planting media, will grow into field-ready plants. The growing plants will be sub-irrigated by accessing water through the open base of the planting cells contacting the water in the container. The sub-irrigation technique of the invention replaces industry standards of top irrigation and bottom aeration for plant production, and addresses high costs associated with current production methods in the production of field-ready trees, shrubs, forbs, perennials, vegetables and grasses.

Abstract: A tree water bag that has a bag body, a tying assembly and a dispensing assembly. The bag body has a first side edge and a second side edge. The tying assembly is configured to couple the first side edge to the second side edge to define a hoop with the bag body. The dispensing assembly has at least one drip tube coupled to the bag body and extending therefrom. A drip emitting device is also disclosed having a nozzle with a main body and an inverted discharge portion positioned at the distal end of the main body.

Abstract: An industrial hydroponic control apparatus for monitoring and modifying an environment for growing plants includes a portable table, a reservoir, a refrigerator assembly, and a control device. The portable table includes predetermined positions for mounting insulated plant containers (IPC). Each IPC supports one or more plants. The reservoir is positioned below the portable table. The reservoir is in fluid communication with each IPC to distribute a fluid to each IPC and drain the excess fluid from each IPC via a piping network. The refrigerator assembly is positioned adjacent to the reservoir and is operably engaged to the reservoir. The refrigerator assembly adjusts a temperature of the fluid within a predefined range, thereby chilling the fluid. The control device is in operable communication with the IPC, the refrigerator, and the reservoir. The control device is configured for monitoring and modifying the environment for growing the plants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for growing and packaging of live plants. The method involves placing a tray with a plurality of strip grooves on a conveyor system and putting growing media into the strip grooves. Plant seeds are then placed substantially in a single row longitudinally on the growing media and nutrients are added. The tray is then placed in a greenhouse until the seeds in each strip mature into a live plant with leaves and a root ball. The root balls are separated from the strip grooves and the live plant is placed in a container that is configured for display and for continued growth. The container is clamshell with a compartment for the leaves and a compartment for the root ball. The root ball compartment securely clamps the root ball and prevents it from sliding within the container. The root ball compartment includes a nutrient compartment.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system including an elongated trough. The trough includes at least a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, and a bottom wall, which all extend in the longitudinal direction of the trough and delimit a space in the centre of the trough, open at the top. The trough also includes a partition wall structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the trough and dividing said central space into two adjacent elongated grooves which are open at the top and into which one or more substrates can be placed for the cultivation of plants. In an example, the partition wall structure includes an elongated overflow channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove and guides the irrigation water past the grooves. The overflow channel may be arranged in an elevated position with respect to the bottom wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of a hydroponic growing system include raft segments that can be reversibly attached together to form a raft. Rafts can have one or more plant holes to support a plant body, and one or more thermal chimneys to provide for gas transport from underneath the raft to the upper surface, to control temperature and humidity of the plant. Additional embodiments include wireless sensors that may or may not be part of a raft, and a growing environment control system that can receive data from one or more sensors of environmental conditions of a plant and in other embodiments, can detect discrepancies between the actual environmental conditions and desired conditions. In still further embodiments, a growing environment control system can automatically adjust an actuator to return an environmental condition to a desired state.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers adapted to be configured in a stacked arrangement with each growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant. The grow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant growth, such that different sections of the growing plant may be influenced differently using aeroponic, hydroponic or other growing techniques. The grow chamber stack may be portable and provided with integrated or independent lifting devices to assist an operator in adding or removing chambers from the stack. Three growing processes may be facilitated using such systems. These include a process for producing assorted product from a single plant for simultaneous harvest, a process for producing an extended harvest of a desired size product from a single plant, and a process for extending the productive life of a plant and provide for multiple, continued, and perpetual harvest.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of pollinating crops in a crop-containing area include at least one unmanned vehicle having a receptacle including pollen, a pollen dispenser configured to dispense the pollen from the receptacle onto the crops, and a sensor configured to detect presence of the pollen dispensed from the at least one pollen dispenser on the crops and interpret the presence of the pollen dispensed from the at least one pollen dispenser on the crops as a verification that the pollen dispensed from the at least one pollen dispenser was successfully applied to the crops.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line ‘Pink Susanna’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line ‘Pink Susanna’, 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: This invention relates to a canola hybrid cultivar designated 15RH0612 that includes plants, DNA, and seeds of canola 15RH0612. Methods for producing canola plants, such as canola plant varieties, hybrid canola plants, or other canola plants, as by crossing canola 15RH0612 with itself or any different canola plant are also part of this invention as are the resultant canola plants including the plant parts and seeds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a canola hybrid cultivar designated 15RH0613 that includes plants, DNA, and seeds of canola 15RH0613. Methods for producing canola plants, such as canola plant varieties, hybrid canola plants, or other canola plants, as by crossing canola 15RH0613 with itself or any different canola plant are also part of this invention as are the resultant canola plants including the plant parts and seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G5428584H. Also included are seeds of canola G5428584H, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G5428584H and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G5428584H with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G5428584H.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated G146645A/B. Also included are seeds of canola G146645A/B, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G146645A/B and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G146645A/B with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G146645A/B.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the breeding, production, processing and use of specialty cannabis.

Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a threaded gear assembly and a hand-held applicator for cleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal. In an embodiment, a threaded gear is provided which comprises a disk-shaped member having a perimeter and a plurality of radiating teeth circumferentially arranged and integrated with the perimeter of the disk-shaped member, the plurality of radiating teeth being configured to impart torque. The threaded gear includes a bore hole in a center of the disk-shaped member, the bore hole including internal threading along a surface within the bore hole.

Abstract: A portable, trapping system for capturing and non-lethally retaining a large number of large animals, such as wild horses or feral hogs. A specialized trailer aligns and secures deployable corral components for transportation. The corral comprises a modular fence erected on-site from multiple fence panels that are hinged together by pinning. The fence panels are configured with voids to prevent animal climbing. A gate with a remotely actuated trap door is similarly pinned between adjacent fence panels. The gate threshold is concealable. Stakes secure panels to the ground, forming a stable enclosure. The trailer comprises a rigid, confining frame structure adapted to constrain and transport corral components. When the corral is disassembled, multiple individual fence panels are slidably captivated between channels on first and second confining surfaces, being maintained in a parallel and stable configuration during transportation.

Abstract: An animal litter composition having reduced adhesive properties, and a related method, are disclosed. The animal litter can include a clay-based liquid absorbing material, a filler including one or both of the following: a non-absorbent, non-soluble substrate; an absorbent substrate, and at least one oil present in an amount such that the animal litter composition has a total oil content of about 1.0% by weight to about 7.5% by weight based on the total weight of the animal litter composition.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a secure and comfortable animal enclosure providing convenient automated access and payment with validated User identification and validated animal identification linked to the animal's vaccinations and health records and configured for use in or near business, commercial, entertainment, workplace and other venues.

Abstract: A cat perch has a first set of suction cups. Each of the suction cups has a nipple with a hole extending through the nipple. A shelf has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge has a pin that extends through the hole in the nipple of one of the first set of suction cups. A set of straps extend from the second edge of the shelf to a second set of suction cups. Because the shelf is connected to the suction cups by a pin extending through the hole in the nipple of the suction cup, the shelf can be folded up and out of the way.

Abstract: A system includes an equipment portion and a plurality of milking box stalls arranged adjacent to the equipment portion. Each of the milking box stalls is of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system further includes a robotic attacher housed in the equipment portion and configured to service each of the plurality of milking box stalls at different times. The robotic attacher has a gripping portion with a spray nozzle. The gripping portion is operable to rotate around a longitudinal axis such that during a milking operation the spray nozzle is positioned on the bottom of the gripping portion, and after the milking operation the spray nozzle is positioned on the top of the gripping portion.

Abstract: Vehicle-mountable animal feed spreader device for spreading feed for livestock, game animals, or other animals. The device is configured to mount to a vehicle. The device is also configured so that it can be activated while driving to spread feed. The animal feed spreader includes a hopper that funnels animal feed towards a spinning plate that is driven by a motor to spin. Animal feed falling through the hopper strikes the spinning plate as it spins, which spreads the animal feed away from the spinning plate as the vehicle moves or is stationary. A protective cage surrounds the spinning plate and may also operate as a pedestal or other base. The motor and spinning plate are attached to a removable floor of the hopper.

Abstract: A dispenser device comprising a base configured to support a container, the container being at least partially filled with a fluid; a duct in communication with the base; a collar coupled to the duct, the collar configured to seal around a portion of the container; and a valve coupled to the duct and configured to selectively dispense fluid from the container.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool includes a tool body extending longitudinally and having a transverse insert slot and a latch displacing space communicated with the insert slot, a latch member displaceable in the latch displacing space to insert a latch portion into the insert slot in a latch position so as to retain an insert plate portion of a comb plate in the insert slot, and to retreat into the latch displacing space in an unlatch position so as to permit removal of the comb plate from the tool body for replacement.

Abstract: A structure of pet comb comprises a case body, an outer lid for covering the placement part, an electric circuit board, an atomizer, a liquid container and a hair comb combined onto the bottom plane of the case body, wherein one end of the case body has an accommodation space, while the other end thereof has a placement part configured with an opening thereon; the liquid container includes at least a liquid and a sponge in contact with the liquid; and the atomizer can contact the sponge held in the liquid container such that, by means of the operation of the atomizer, the liquid on the sponge can be sprayed out through the openings of the accommodation part. Therefore, upon combing a pet's hairs by using the structure of pet comb according to the present invention, with the liquid atomization in the atomizer, it is possible to comb the pet and, at the same time, apply the atomized liquid onto the skin surface of the pet thereby increasing the effect of the liquid.

Abstract: Leash control device for attachment to multiple leashes permitting a dog walker to walk dogs of different sizes and temperaments and inhibits leash tangling An elongated tubular body has a bottom and a cover, both the bottom and the cover having aligned tracks. The bottom track has indentations in the nature of stops spaced at intervals. Leash attachment members are positioned into the bottom tracks, and telescope with respect to the tracks. Leashes are attached to the leash attachment members. The leash attachment members have upright handle locks that interact with the indentations on the bottom tracks thereby being locked in place. The cover may be closed, with the upright locking handles protruding through the tracks on the cover. By telescoping the leash attachment members in and out of the elongated tubular body, the length of each individual leash is selected.

Abstract: A pet-monitoring system including at least one of a wearable component, base station and user device. The system utilizes data collected from each of these components as well as the state of any connections between the devices to: (i) make various determinations about the pet's health and environment; (ii) notify the user of substantial changes in the pet's health and environment; (iii) determine how to efficiently utilize communication, monitoring or interaction modules within the wearable component, base station and user device; and (iv) automate interactions with the pet using interaction modules within the wearable component, base station and user device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for locking at least one body part of a living bird in position for recording characteristic vibrational spectra, wherein the apparatus comprises a relief mask for inserting the body part to be locked in position, at least one movable supporting arm provided for locking the body part in position, and a sensor access with a light channel for directing the stimulation light irradiated by a light source onto the locked body part and for collecting the light back-scattered by the locked body part. The present invention further relates to devices and methods for determining the sex of living birds.