Abstract: A drill attachment for tilling soil has an extended drill shaft that is coupled with a till plate. The combination may be driven by an ordinary hand drill. The drill shaft has a stabilizer tip that protrudes beyond the till plate. The till plate includes a plurality of teeth that dig into and work top soil, while a generally planar disk-shaped body member at the top of the till plate prevents the till plate from sinking below the surface of the soil. The teeth are stamped from the till plate, forming openings in the generally planar disk-shaped body member. These openings and other optional openings cooperate with the teeth to further break up clumps of soil, and help to balance forces from the teeth pulling into the soil against the force of the body member that resists sinking into the earth. Optional weed-out and hole tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ground opening disc scraper assembly comprising: a scraper arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured for mounting to a support structure; a scraper blade; and a tensioning clip for yieldably mounting the scraper blade to the distal end of the scraper arm.

Abstract: An attachment for a tractor including a frame with a forward portion and a rear portion, the rear portion pivotally connected to the forward portion; and two or more shanks attached to the forward portion. A method of operating an attachment for a tractor including connecting an attachment to a tractor, the attachment including a frame and two or more shanks, the frame including a forward portion and a rear portion, the shanks being attached to the forward portion and pivoting the rear portion of the frame relative to the forward portion of the frame.

Abstract: An adjustable width quick hitch assembly for an agricultural vehicle. The quick hitch assembly is provided with spacer elements which can be incorporated into the assembly as required, where the selection and positioning of the spacer elements results in an assembled quick hitch having various hitch widths.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.

Abstract: The transport dimensions of an agricultural implement having ground engaging components are minimized by the provision of sub fames to enable the ground engaging components to retract relative to their associated frame member so that the inboard and outboard frame members may be folded and kept in a transport position providing maximum clearance between opposed elements and a minimum overall width and height.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for improving inputs to an agronomic simulation model by learning farmable zones.

Abstract: A quilted composite sheet containing seeds makes growing microgreens and other crops simple. Each sheet is a layered composite of multiple materials including seed, grow substrate and seed cover. A user can spread a seed quilt over the surface to be planted, water, wait, and harvest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for adjusting a delivery, distribution, emission, or spray of an adaptable material are disclosed. The adaptable material is contacted by a compatibly-selected kinetic energy fluid. The contact provides a motive force to move the adaptable material to or from an outlet of a spray fixture. The spray fixture is adjustable to emit various forms of drops, mists, extrusions, emulsions, or fibers. The adjusting is based on characteristics of a feedstock material, the adaptable material, the compatibly-selected kinetic energy fluid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a header system carried by the chassis. The header system includes a frame; a cutter carried by the frame; a cutter sensor associated with the cutter which outputs a cutter height signal; a gauge wheel carried by the frame behind the cutter; a wheel sensor associated with the gauge wheel which outputs a wheel position signal; an actuator system including actuators which can adjust a height and/or a tilt angle of the frame; and a controller electrically coupled to the cutter height sensor, the wheel sensor and the actuator system. The controller is configured to: receive the cutter height signal; receive the wheel position signal; compare the cutter height signal and the wheel position signal to determine a terrain irregularity is present; and activate one or more actuators to adjust the frame in response to determining the terrain irregularity is present.

Abstract: A combine harvester has a straw chute with a straw conveyor which comprises a conveyor rotor which can be set into rotation and has dogs distributed helically around the conveyor rotor.

Abstract: A bale accumulator for grouping bales for group baling includes a platform, a depositor mounted adjacent to the platform for sequentially depositing bale sets onto the platform, each bale set when deposited onto the platform comprises a pair of bales positioned upright and side-by-side in a packing orientation so that their corresponding long sides are axially juxtaposed, and a packer apparatus mounted adjacent to the platform for packing one bale set at a time from the platform into a group baler trailing the platform each time a bale set is deposited onto the platform from the depositor without changing the packing orientation of the bales of each bale set.

Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.

Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a baler mechanism. The agricultural baler comprises at least one structural member and a first ground engaging support is pivotally coupled to the structural member about a pivotal axis. A second ground engaging support is rotationally coupled to the structural member about an aft rotational axis. The baler mechanism is pivotally connected to the structural member at a baler connection. The baler connection is located at least one of between the aft rotational axis and the pivotal axis and at the pivotal axis. A bale carriage is coupled to the structural member.

Abstract: A portable leaf blower comprises a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet port and defines an air outlet port axis. A handle is attached to the housing. A motor is mounted within the housing, with the motor mount having a rotatable drive shaft. A rotatable impeller is mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith, and to draw air into the air inlet and to blow the air out of the air outlet port in generally parallel relation to the air outlet port axis. A blower tube has a tube ingress port and a tube egress port, and defines a tube ingress port axis. The blower tube is connectable in supported relation to one of the housing and the handle, such that the tube ingress port is positioned in spaced relation to the air outlet port, with the air outlet port axis being coincident with the tube ingress port axis.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided to improve growth and production of various crop plants. The plants are exposed to a combination of photosynthetically active light and near infrared light.

Abstract: A spiral building having greenhouse enclosures mounted thereon is provided where the greenhouse enclosures have a slanted glass surface over the growing trays which is oriented toward the perpendicular rays of the sun at the equinox and where the glazing in portions of the exterior is reversed from its normal orientation and the reflective surfaces are on the inside, thus reflecting the light admitted through the glass and directing it to parts of the interior growing area.

Abstract: A modular cell that may be used with other cells to form a matrix under a load bearing feature, the cell being a single piece molding that supports a compressive load placed thereon, the molding including a void space defined within: a skirt shaped support member defining a substantially planar surface with an opening therein; and at least one leg integral to and extending from the support member. The cell further includes at least one linking member that releasably links together multiple cells to form a matrix of cells. The cells may be linked together vertically and/or horizontally. The cell and matrix include greater load bearing capacity and rigidity through aligned legs to carry the weight and interlinking members that act to share the load among the various cells. The design is cheaper to produce and allows easy access of the void space for filling and laying utility lines.

Abstract: A gripping arrangement (10) comprises a wound portion (12) disposable around a main support (100), and a holding formation (14, 16) for holding a force applying arrangement (22). A force applied to the holding formation (14, 16) in a first direction to extend the wound portion (12) in said first direction can effect a contracting movement on the wound portion (12) in a second direction transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A tree shear head assembly is comprised of a connecting frame which provides connecting sections, one of which is angulated at a specific angle to connect to a boom of a motorized vehicle. The connecting frame has a shear structure secured to a lower connecting wall thereof and additional connecting sections for attachment of at least one of a clamping grapple and a tree trunk support fork secured to a support column. The shear structure has a blade which co-acts with a channel formed between gripping plates to immovably arrest a tree trunk being cut by the blade with a slicing action to prevent shattering of the trunk and damage to the tree fibers thereby achieving a clean cut. Different combinations of the shear head assembly with the clamping grapple and/or the tree support fork are easily adapted in combination with the tree shear head assembly.

Abstract: A drip irrigation system for irrigating one or more zones and/or areas. The irrigation system comprises a waterline and one or more drip watering devices. The one or more drip watering devices are able to fit around and attach to a wire, a frame, a post a hook, a vertical pole and/or a horizontal pole quickly and easily without the use of screws or other tools. In some embodiments, the one or more watering devices comprise a u-shaped recess that is configured to accept one or more hanging pots and/or baskets. Coupling the one or more hanging pots and/or baskets with the one or more watering devices opens the valve to drip irrigate the hanging pots and/or baskets through one or more drip lines.

Abstract: A method for maintaining soil moisture for a garden via a sump pump includes installing an irrigation sump pump in a sump pit; providing a water storage container; connecting a first conduit to the irrigation sump pump and the water storage container, the first conduit promotes water transfer from the sump pit to the water storage container; disposing at least one water distribution member at a predetermined area of a garden; connecting a second conduit to the water storage container and at least one water distribution member, the second conduit promotes water transfer from the water storage container to the one or more water distribution members; controlling the water level in the sump pit; controlling the water level in the water storage container from exceeding a predetermined high water level via an overflow pipe; installing at least one moisture measuring member or controller for determining a moisture content for at least one predetermined area of the garden; and distributing water upon a predetermined

Abstract: A container assembly for irrigation of plants comprising: an outer container; an inner container receiving in the outer container, so that an inner container rim and an outer container rim are adjacent; a recess defined between the inner container and the outer container; an internal hose received in the recess, having a portion extending out of the outer container and attached to a subsurface irrigation system, supplying water between 30 psi and 50 psi, to the internal hose; and, a water control cap attached to the internal hose having an output control for controlling the amount of water delivered to an internal area of the inner container.

Abstract: The Ventusponic automated hydroponic system is a hydroponic plant apparatus and method divided by a passive and/or mechanical internal fan, with intent to create a higher velocity wind, utilizing spaced holes formed therethrough. The system is driven by the apparatus of an electrical fan as the means of delivering oxygen and water. Achieved by wind flowing in a helical circular pattern there through a vacuum flow in the grow chambers. The use of wind in a helical flow pattern allows for an even distribution of the elements oxygen and water. This is provided by the aforementioned spiral drilled holes on the grow chambers and an inline fan that allows the wind with the elements to pass in a circular pattern. Roots develop into a hollow cylinder shaped structure with or without the use of any support or medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Artichoke, NUN 04455 ARA, as well as seeds and plants and flower heads thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR5839PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR5839PB 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: The present invention is directed toward rice lines containing mutant allele ROXY that exhibit non-transgenic resistance to the herbicide oxyfluorfen. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of rice plants containing mutant allele ROXY and to methods for producing a rice plant by crossing rice plants containing mutant allele ROXY with itself or another rice cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a rice plant containing mutant allele ROXY containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic rice plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to rice cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from rice plants containing mutant allele ROXY, to methods for producing other rice cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from rice plants containing mutant allele ROXY and to the rice plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods.

Abstract: Novel lettuce, such as lettuce designated SSC3249 (a.k.a., ‘POWERHOUSE’) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of lettuce SSC3249 (a.k.a., ‘POWERHOUSE’), to the plants and plant parts of lettuce SSC3249 (a.k.a., ‘POWERHOUSE’) and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce SSC3249 (a.k.a., ‘POWERHOUSE’) 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 SSC3249 (a.k.a., ‘POWERHOUSE’).

Abstract: Novel lettuce, such as lettuce designated SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’), to the plants and plant parts of lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’), and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’) 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 SSC3237 (a.k.a., ‘SUREFIRE’).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-123 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-123 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-123 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-194 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-194 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-194 RZ.

Abstract: Novel cultivars of Stevia rebaudiana plant, with a novel genetic trait of self-compatibility, and the advantageous use of this genetic trait in Stevia rebaudiana crossing breeding for increasing steviol glycosides production, including food and beverage products and other consumables, are disclosed.

Abstract: A barn ceiling grid system for providing a magnetic environment in a barn for enhancing biological process in the living organism is disclosed. The barn ceiling grid system comprises two rods, a wire, and a power source. Each rod is positioned along opposing edges of a barn ceiling, and the wire is interconnected between the rods in a predetermined pattern to generate a network of wiring across the rods. The power source supplies an electrical current, which is passed through the predetermined pattern of the wire to generate an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field is induced under a space defined below the network of the wiring across the length of the rods. The generated electromagnetic field provides a magnetic environment for the living organisms underneath the system. The system creating a magnetic environment provides a euphoric contentment for the living organisms, and improves their growth, milk production, egg production, and reproduction process.

Abstract: A solid, free-flowing composition adapted to deliver fragrance or malodor counteractant in a consumer product that is subjected to actual or potential malodorous influences. The composition comprises a delivery system consisting of a core material surrounded by a fragranced material comprising microdroplets of a dispersed fragrance in a fragrance-encapsulating material, optionally surrounded by a protective coating, and, an external absorbent material in which the fragrance delivery vehicle is dispersed. The composition is effective with respect to animal litters.

Abstract: It is disclosed a device for controlling and/or euthanizing vermin or pests for preventing such vermin or pests from entering into a geographical area or into a building, wherein the device comprises at least one completely or partially uninsulated electrically conducting wire or conductor connected to an electrical current source, providing controlled electrical pulses to said conductor or wire in the form of pulses or pulse trains. The device may be used in a method for controlling the access of pests/vermin to a geographical location, building or property wherein the electrically conducting wire(s) lead(s) an electrical current with an amperage of not less than 0.0001 A. The device and method is particularly suited for removing/controlling pests/vermin on land.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for allowing an animal to eat and/or drink from a position at which the animal's spine and/or esophagus is aligned. The feeding apparatus includes a vertically adjustable feeding platform having a feeding surface from which an animal may eat and/or drink and may be oriented at an angle relative to the surface of the ground on which the feeding apparatus is placed. The feeding apparatus includes a vertically adjustable first platform located below the feeding platform and providing a paw surface on which an animal may place its front feet when eating and/or drinking from the feeding platform, the paw surface being located above the surface of the ground on which the feeding apparatus is placed. The feeding apparatus includes a member adjustably connected to the vertically adjustable feeding platform, the member supporting the vertically adjustable feeding platform and providing for vertical adjustment of the feeding platform.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal tracking device, which is worn by an animal and tracks a location of the animal, the animal tracking device including: a location determining unit configured to determine a current location according to information received from a GPS antenna; a sensor configured to determine state information about the animal; a device identification information storing unit configured to store device identification information for identifying a device; a battery configured to supply power; a first communication unit configured to perform RF communication with a user's device; and a main control unit, which controls the device, and controls the first communication unit to communicate with the user's device through another animal tracking device registered in the user's device, and a system including the same and a method of tracking a location of an animal.

Abstract: A hollow, compressible or rigid hollow body has mechanical means of retaining devices such as sound generators, scent capsules, LED lights and vibrating mechanisms and identifying or responding detection elements held, secured and locked therein without the use of any solvents, glues, sonic welding, spin welding or other bonding materials. The hollow contaminant-free bodies are particularly useful for animals and recreation. Some of the above contain carcinogens harmful to animals if ingested.

Abstract: A membrane disc dog toy includes a hollow bite body, a handle, and a membrane disc covered by an outer cover of the bite body, formed in the continuation thereof, and dividing a cavity portion into two parts. The membrane disc elastically offsets the forces arising from the bite of the dog, acting perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis line ensuring the dimensional stability of the contour defined by the outer cover. The membrane disc protects the fixing end element of the handle led through the membrane through an opening from the direct forces arising from the bite of the dog. The membrane disc stretches up to the outer cover as a function of the forces acting through the handle, thereby reducing the shock on the joints of the dog and the person holding the handle while playing with the dog.

Abstract: A pet leash structure comprises more than one main leash body and more than one drag leash. The more than one main leash body is weaved by a strap body and has a handle portion provided for a person to hold and a connection portion connected to a collar. A pull section is formed between the handle portion and the connection portion. The more than one drag leash has a predetermined length and is connected to a tail end of the pull section. Therefore, a distance between the person and a pet may be fixed by pulling the more than one drag leash so that the person may quickly drag the pet back by pulling the more than one drag leash.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter describes an electrical barrier for the deterrence of fish having an electrical barrier with a computer system capable of executing a modified soft-start algorithm, the computer system further having a detector input and a switch output; a bio-electric fish proximity detector, the bio-electric fish proximity detector having a anode-cathode detecting pair input and a signal output, wherein said signal output is connected to the detector input; a time varying voltage source.

Abstract: The invention provides for transgenic donor animals (e.g., pigs) whose cells, tissues and organs have a better long-term survival when transplanted into a human patient. The transgenic donor animal carries one or more human transgenes which is expressed only when the endogenous gene of the donor animal is knocked out shortly before a graft is harvested for transplantation. This “genetic switch” allows the donor animal to remain healthy during the majority of its lifetime, while still allowing expression of the human transgene for optimal transplant tolerance in a human recipient. The transgene may encode a cytokine receptor, an adhesion molecule, or a complement regulatory protein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a blood feeding system using nonwoven fabric materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, a feeding pouch includes: a first surface comprising an impermeable material; a second surface comprising a nonwoven fabric material, the first surface bonded to the second surface to form a pouch; and blood deposited within the pouch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a farm for rearing insects, comprising a first zone (Z1) in which the insects being reared are stored in containers while they grow and a second zone (Z2) comprising at least one station configured for effecting a rearing-related task on the insects in a container or on said container. The containers are grouped in the first zone (Z1) in sets of palletized containers referred to as basic units. The first zone (Z1) comprises pallet racks in which the basic units are disposed. The first zone (Z1) is furthermore equipped with an automated device configured to move the basic units between the first zone (Z1) and an interface (1) with the second zone (Z2).

Abstract: Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer operated Insect Production Superstructure Systems (IPSS) may be used to produce insects for human and animal consumption, and for the extraction and use of lipids for applications involving medicine, nanotechnology, consumer products, and chemical production with minimal water, feedstock, and environmental impact. An IPSS may comprise modules including feedstock mixing, feedstock splitting, insect feeding, insect breeding, insect collection, insect grinding, pathogen removal, multifunctional flour mixing, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.

Abstract: A lure bait including an elongated body and at least one ventral hook. The elongated body includes a dorsal surface having a convex shape, a ventral surface opposite the dorsal surface having a concave shape, a distal end, and a proximal end. The proximal end includes an angled bill having a flat transverse surface extending from the dorsal surface to the ventral surface. The at least one ventral hook is connected to the ventral surface of the elongated body. The angled bill is angled such that when the elongated body is pulled from the proximal end along the surface of the water, the water exerts a force on the angled bill, thereby causing the distal end of the elongated body to rise relative to the proximal end and cause the proximal end to shield the at least one ventral hook from entanglements located in the water.

Abstract: A fishing lure having planar sides is provided. The fishing lure having substantially planar sides such that the fishing lure can be made to dart and stop by a user while maintaining the lure's position in the water column. The fishing lure may also include chambers for weights and attractants or any combination thereof. The fishing lure may also include a user-flexible tail that allows a user to control motion within the fishing column.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods use the location processor (e.g. GPS) of a networked mobile wireless telecommunication computing device such as a smartphone to determine the location where a fish was caught. This location is used to apply a species-specific and location-dependent formula to convert the length and/or weight of the fish into a point value so as to facilitate comparison of fish specimens across the locations in which they are caught.