Abstract: A scraper blade for a depth gauge assembly having a connecting portion attached to an elongated portion. The elongated portion has an outward concave edge that mirrors an outer surface of a depth gauge wheel.

Abstract: A turf aerator is disclosed which is configured with components that allow a user to set a desired turf aeration depth and then automatically adjust hydraulic pressure to produce a proper level of downward pressure into the ground in order to maintain consistent depth penetration with the tines. The turf aerator implements a depth control lever that is operatively connected to a switch that increases or decreases tine depth up or down. Since the desired tine depth is set and the hydraulic pressure is capable of puncturing the ground accordingly, portions of the ground that are relatively harder or softer are still properly penetrated due to the set level of depth. The turf aerator is also configured with a tine housing which shields drive chains from dirt and debris from the aerating, thereby increasing the life of the drive chains.

Abstract: A cylindrical turf treatment rotor adapted to be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis, and provided with wear-resistant teeth extending along one or more helical tracks on the rotor, the teeth being individually attached to the rotor so as to be capable of individual removal for replacement or refurbishing or for reconfiguring the rotor.

Abstract: A lock assembly is provided for a row planter unit to maintain the unit in a raised transport position and to relieve stress on the hydraulic system of the planter unit. The lock assembly includes a lock arm pivotally mounted to the bracket assembly of the row planter unit for selective receipt in a notch or detent on the mounting plate or mast of the bracket assembly so as to retain the row unit in the raised transport position. The lock arm can be disengaged from the bracket assembly notch or detent, such that the planter unit can be lowered to the field use position.

Abstract: By providing a linear actuator in communication with a slide bar disposed in a channel, and by configuring multiple bars of a harrow to achieve an angle of rotation defined by the slide bar, the angle of rotation for smoothing tools of the harrow may be precisely controlled by the linear actuator. As a result, an infinite range of downward angles may be available for the smoothing tools for achieving various effects with the soil.

Abstract: By providing an electronic control system in communication with a hydraulic system for adjusting an angle of smoothing tools of a harrow, the smoothing tools may be adjusted more quickly and on the go, including from a tractor cab, for optimum field leveling during a tilling session. The control system may include a hydraulic control valve in communication with a linear actuator. The linear actuator may be in communication with a slide bar disposed in a channel. By configuring multiple bars of a harrow to achieve an angle of rotation defined by the slide bar, the angle of rotation for smoothing tools of the harrow may be precisely controlled by the control system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several exemplary seed coating compositions, and exemplary methods for creating and using the same. Also disclosed are several exemplary seed coating manufacturing processes, and the products created by such processes. The seed coating compositions are for decreasing dusting and increasing the quality of coated seeds, and comprise an effective amount of clay mineral.

Abstract: An air cart system includes a container assembly mounted on wheels and including a primary product container and an air distribution network including a product conduit that delivers a first agricultural product and a second agricultural product to an agricultural implement. The air cart system includes a first metering device to meter the first agricultural product from the primary product container to the product conduit. A fill hopper mounts on a side of the container assembly, and a secondary product container mounts beneath a portion of the primary product container. The secondary product container receives the second agricultural product from the fill hopper, which receives the second agricultural product at an opening and conveys the second agricultural product to the secondary product container. The air cart system includes a second metering device to meter the second agricultural product from the secondary product container to the product conduit.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying an active ingredient to a geographic area includes a chassis, and at least one active ingredient tank. Each active ingredient tank is removably positioned on and carried by the chassis. Each active ingredient tank contains an active ingredient therein which is to be applied to the geographic area. Each active ingredient tank has an identification (ID) tag representing data associated with the active ingredient. An electrical reader carried by the chassis is configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the reader and receives the output signal.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle may include one or more functional components configured to execute a lawn care function, a sensor network comprising one or more sensors configured to detect conditions proximate to the robotic vehicle, an object detection module configured to 5 detect objects proximate to the robotic vehicle using contact-less detection, a positioning module configured to determine robotic vehicle position, and a mapping module configured to generate map data regarding a parcel on which the robotic vehicle operates.

Abstract: A sickle bar drive mount may include an arm and a sickle bar drive eye. The arm is mountable to a horizontally extending sickle bar. The sickle bar drive eye is to receive a sickle bar drive bearing of a sickle bar drive. The arm may extend along a first horizontal axis parallel to the sickle bar. The sickle bar drive eye is pivotally coupled to the arm for pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: A cutter assembly may include a knife guard holder to be removably connected to a cutter bar, a knife guard an interface between the knife guard holder and the knife guard. The knife guard may have a knife channel to slidably guide a cutter knife. The interface extends between the knife guard holder and the knife guard to locate and releasably retain the knife guard with respect to the knife guard holder.

Abstract: A trimmer head for a string trimmer mower, including a trimmer head housing having a string retention portion and a coupler portion rotatably attached to the string retention portion, the string retention portion having a first string retainer for releasably retaining a first cutting string. In addition, the string retention portion has a second string retainer for releasably retaining a second cutting string. The second string retainer is preferably circumferentially displaced on the string retention portion from the first string retainer. In a preferred embodiment, the first string retainer has a slidable clamp disposed in the interior and accessible from the exterior. The clamp is constructed and arranged for sliding relative to the base between a clamping position for selectively retaining the string in place through centrifugal force in the string retention portion, and a release position for user replacement of the first cutting string without tools.

Abstract: A tool (802) adapted to be carried by a tool holder (160) provided in a robotic work tool (100), the tool (802) comprising a slit (801; 901) arranged to receive a pin (804) for attaching said tool (802) to said tool holder (160), wherein said tool (802) is movable such that the pin (804) may be displaced within the slit (801; 901) and wherein the slit is symmetrically located within the tool (802) with respect to at least one of the length and the width of the tool.

Abstract: A string trimmer includes a handle portion that includes an arm cuff for securing a portion of an arm of an operator to the handle portion, and a grip portion enabling the operator to hold the grip portion using a hand of the same arm during operation of the string trimmer. The string trimmer also includes a first shaft coupled to the handle portion, a second shaft at least partially slidable into the first shaft, and a head portion coupled to the second shaft. The head portion includes a hub comprising a cutting tool and a motor configured to rotate the hub.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and method of use for a pecan picker. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to a device and method of use for a pecan picker, which utilizes suction to pick up the pecans as well as a container body for storing the picked up pecans with at least one partition for separating the picked up pecans from extra extracted material obtained through the suction process. In one embodiment the device has a hose portion and a container body portion. The container body portion has a motor portion for providing suction for the device. In other embodiments the device also has a partition portion for separating the picked up pecans from extra extracted material obtained through the extraction or suction process. In another embodiment, the device also has a frame portion for moving the device.

Abstract: A finger support for the fingers of a rotating drum conveyor (e.g.

Abstract: A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.

Abstract: A removable cover plate to be used in a threshing module of an agricultural machine, e.g., a grain harvester. The removable cover plate provides a uniform and homogeneous distribution of grains onto a cleaning and harvesting system of the machine. The removable cover plate is designed to be applied to at least one part of a concave of the cleaning and harvesting system of the machine. The cleaning and harvesting system includes at least one rotor and a least one concave mounted around the rotor, to which is attached and installed a removable structure that has a material retention surface, in which there are provided openings to limit grains and/or MOG passage.

Abstract: A harvester cleaning shoe louver includes a head portion about which the louver is to pivot, a tail blade extending from the head portion and fin blades. The fin blades extend from a rear face of the tail blade at spaced locations along the tail blade.

Abstract: A harvester reciprocating drive balancing system may include a crop material separating member movably supported for reciprocal movement and a drive operably coupled to the crop material separating member to reciprocate the crop material separating member. The drive may include a drive crank operably coupled to the crop material separating member, a shaft operably coupled to the drive crank, a belt drive, a driven pulley, a belt wrapped about the belt drive and the driven pulley and a gear reduction mechanism operably coupled between the driven pulley and the shaft.

Abstract: Processing of baled material includes a bale opening stage, a separation stage, and a decortication stage. The bale opener features a conveyor moving incoming bales toward a toothed extractor with an array of teeth driven on a revolutionary path moving upwardly past the adjacent end of the conveyor to rake through the bale and extract material therefrom. The conveyor tilts upward reduce a working angle between the conveyor and the toothed extractor to urge the shrinking bale toward the moving teeth. A separation stage features multiple sets of vertically stacked, counter-rotating rollers with different characteristics from one set to the next. A decorticator has an external container, an internal drum rotatably supported therein, and an array of teeth on the drum. Driven rotation of the internal drum spins the fibrous stalks around the internal drum and impacts the fibrous stalks against surrounding interior wall surfaces of the external container.

Abstract: Attachment devices that enhance at least one of the functions provided by a suction apparatus are disclosed. In an aspect, attachment devices for suction apparatus are disclosed that comprise at least one rolling component. Such attachment devices may be removably attached to an inlet opening associated with a suction apparatus so as to allow the inlet opening to be slid by a user upon a surface with minimal effort while substantially maintaining or improving the amount of suction provided by the suction apparatus at the opening of an intake cavity associated with a given attachment device. Providing a relatively high amount of suction at the opening of the intake cavity may facilitate the intake of relatively larger and/or heavier objects into the suction apparatus, such as, for example, oak leaves.

Abstract: A cutting device, such as a garden cutting device, includes a first and a second cutting element configured to move relative to each other, a first and a second gripping element configured to move relative to each other, at least one driving element, which in at least one operating state is configured to at least assist a movement of the second cutting element relative to the first cutting element, and a spring element. The spring element is configured as a brake element for switching of at least one self-switching coupling unit, thereby decoupling the driving element in at least one operating state in which the driving element is deactivated.

Abstract: A potted plant guard for protecting a pot from rodents that includes: a frame, wherein the frame creates an outer perimeter of the potted plant guard; a grid within the frame, where the grid includes a plurality grid member; a group of removable grid members within the plurality of grid members; a group of permanent grid members within the plurality of grid members; and a plurality of openings along the frame, wherein the openings are adapted to receive the removable grid members. The frame is preferably circular in shape.

Abstract: A rotating ejection type oozing hose comprises a rotation generator formed at an ejection opening at an interval along a longitudinal direction of a hose, applying a rotational force to a flow of water from an inner space of the hose to an outer space. The rotation generator comprises a barrel-shaped rotating space extended from the ejection opening and formed inside the hose. The rotating space is defined by a side portion formed to be extended from an inner of the hose and having a rotational force applying passage horizontally connecting the inner space of the hose to the rotating space and a bottom portion for closing a lower end of the side portion. The rotational force applying passage faces a point deviating from a center portion of the rotating space, applying a rotational force to water flowing into the rotating space through the rotational force applying passage.

Abstract: A fertigation system comprises: a controller that transmits sensor data to a fertigation control server, and that controls a water supply valve, a culture stock solution supply valve, and a discharge valve on the basis of received data; and a fertigation control server that, on the basis of the sensor data received from the controller, calculates control amounts for the water supply valve, the culture stock solution supply valve, and the discharge valve, and returns the control amounts to the controller.

Abstract: A rainwater diverter apparatus for watering roof plants is provided comprising a collecting member for retaining rainwater; a plastic tubing attached to the collecting member; a mesh screen to filter debris from entering the plastic tubing; and a swivel adaptor connected to the plastic tubing allowing for tube rotation.

Abstract: A top dripping and bottom wicking assembly and method of operation feeds a reservoir that controllably drips liquid nutrient solution from above a plant, and also uses capillary action of a planar wick member to draw the liquid nutrient solution into a plant growing medium and plant roots. The assembly works to controllably drip the liquid nutrient onto the plant through sized and dimensioned drip holes that form in the reservoir, while simultaneously dispersing the liquid nutrient solution through a planar wick member to disperse liquid nutrient solution to a plant growing medium and the roots of the plant. Stakes hold the reservoir above the plant. The wick member is flat and forms a central opening to allow passage of the plant. A plant support member retains the plant in an upright position. The plant support member forms wicking holes to enable passage of liquid nutrients from the wick.

Abstract: A configurable hydroponic cultivation device includes a tank. The tank includes at least one separation bar and at least one removable dam member. The at least one separation bar is disposed on a bottom side of the tank and is configured to separate the tank into a plurality of trough regions. The at least one removable dam member is configured to be removably mounted in the tank to thereby block the culture solution from flowing therethrough. The at least one separation bar and the at least one removable dam member are configured to allow a configurable passageway for the culture solution flowing in the tank. Due to its modular features, the configurable hydroponic cultivation unit can be stacked one another to form a multi-level hydroponic cultivation system, which achieves a vertical recycling of the culture solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for improving or enhancing pathogen resistance in legume plants. Compositions comprising polypeptides encoded by legume-derived nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) genes are useful in improving resistance in legumes to Asian soybean rust. Methods of using NB-LRR genes can be used to make a transgenic resistant legume plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cucumber plant which carries a QTL1 in its genome that leads to resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SVVB3719 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SVVB3719 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach 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 leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lettuce cultivar Julian and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce plants of the invention with themselves or another lettuce plant. The invention also provides lettuce plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: A robotic attacher includes an arm that extends between the legs of a dairy livestock and a gripping portion coupled to the arm. The gripping portion is operable to rotate such that at a first time, a nozzle is positioned generally on the bottom of the gripping portion, and at a second time, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the gripping portion.

Abstract: A method for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes determining that a stall of a rotary milking platform housing a dairy livestock is located adjacent to a track that has a carriage carrying a robotic arm. The method continues by communicating a first signal that causes operation of a first actuator such that the carriage moves along the track in relation to the rotary milking platform and independent of any physical coupling between the carriage and the rotary milking platform and in a direction corresponding to a direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The method concludes by communicating one or more additional signals that causes operation of one or more actuators of the robotic arm such that at least a portion of the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of a dairy livestock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing processed cheese portions, comprising a plurality of modules that are arranged successively in the direction of production, in which the processed cheese is formed into a band, cooled, and divided into portions, wherein the modules define a production space through which the processed cheese travels during the production of the processed cheese portions. The production space is enclosed by a spray-proof casing, wherein the casing comprises a frame structure and a plurality of sheet metal elements which are detachably connected to the frame structure, and wherein a sealing hose is arranged between a sheet metal element and the area of the frame structure opposite thereto, and encircles the sheet metal element or the area of the frame structure opposite thereto.

Abstract: A disposable animal cage which can be used in a ventilated or static caging rack system includes a cage top and a cage base. Any corner or edge present in the interior of the cage base or the cage top that is accessible to an animal that can be contained in the cage is defined by surfaces having a conical section which is non-circular to prevent gnawing of the cage. The cage top can include a water housing mount pocket. The water housing mount pocket can have a conical shape to prevent an animal from gnawing the water housing mount pocket and a container received in the water housing mount pocket. A feed tray can be attached beneath a filter in a ceiling of the cage top to prevent an animal from gnawing the filter.

Abstract: A dog kennel mat having a semi-rigid base, a bed, a plurality of raised shapes, walls with protruding sections, cushioned shapes attached to the raised shapes and the protruding sections, and gutters. More specifically, the semi-rigid base, bed, raised shapes, walls, and protruding sections can be formed from a single thermoformed elastomeric part, and the cushioned shapes can be made of closed cell foam. The dog kennel mat may be approximately rectangular in shape, having two long walls and two short walls, wherein one of the short walls can have an arched cutout.

Abstract: A disposable animal cage which can be used in a ventilated or static caging rack system includes a cage top and a cage base. Any corner or edge present in the interior of the cage base or the cage top that is accessible to an animal that can be contained in the cage is defined by surfaces having a conical section which is non-circular to prevent gnawing of the cage. A perforation section including a plurality of small apertures adjacent to one another can be formed in the cage for ventilation and prevention of gnawing by the animals.

Abstract: Portable drinking device for pets. Portable drinking device for pets which is suitable for use when travelling with pets or when transporting pets to and from various locations, which is self-contained and pre-packaged for ease of use.

Abstract: A pet hydro washer is described comprising a central housing containing a motor and an air inflow impeller, a fluid delivery system having a clean liquid storage tank, and a water delivery line in fluid communication with the clean liquid storage tank terminating at a nozzle, a fluid recovery system having a liquid recovery tank in fluid communication with the air inflow impeller through a first air conduit, and a suction hose in fluid communication with the liquid recovery tank, the motor configured to generate rotational movement in the air inflow impeller, a processor configured to control delivery of power to the motor, the controlling delivery of power including incrementally changing a level of power delivered to the motor, and at least one attachment head configured to wash an animal's fur through movement of at least one attachment head across the animal's fur while the air inflow impeller is operating.

Abstract: A unique protection guard for the protection of an injury is disclosed herein. The protection guard includes protective sheets, fasteners and cushioning. The protection guard may include an optional inner sheet having skin friendly adhesive. The protection guard includes flexible and breathable protective sheet such as, for example, Velcro, which serves to fasten the protection guard to an animal's injured area. Foam padding provides cushioning, such that wear injuries from the protective guard are prevented.

Abstract: Multi-purpose adapter for mounting the feline activity devices is a utility device serving as an intermediary between the household surfaces and various accessory devices for cats. This device makes possible the convenient and fast installation of the cat scratchers, nests, rungs and other feline devices on almost any kind of a surface. This is achieved, on the one hand, by offering the large selection of mounting clips. On the another hand, the unified device-coupling option consisting of a simple pair of the pan-head screws makes it really easy to attach the feline devices to the adapter in unified way. This all allows a wide range of standard feline entertainment and active devices to be installed in such places and on such surfaces and objects, where it would be impossible without this invention.

Abstract: A human-pet interaction system includes a pet container, a display apparatus, a speaker, and a user apparatus. The pet container has a side plate. The display apparatus is disposed on the pet container, and has a display panel and a processing module connected to the display panel. The display panel is disposed on the side plate, and has a display surface facing to an interior of the pet container. The speaker is connected to the processing module. The user apparatus transmits an audio and video control signal to the processing module to control the display panel and the speaker to play audio and video data contents. Accordingly, the user apparatus plays vivid and various audio and video data contents on the display panel and/or through the speaker so as to attract pets' attention and activate pets' motions and facial expressions, thus increasing interaction between pets and keepers.

Abstract: A pet toy apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing having a bracket for mounting the apparatus onto a structure. A biased reel rotatably disposed in the housing includes an elongated tether wound thereabout. A quick release mechanism disposed on an end of the tether and positioned exterior to the housing is configured to interchangeably receive a pet toy. Rotation of the reel in a first direction winds and retracts the tether into the housing, while rotation of the reel in an opposing second direction unwinds and extends the tether out of the housing. The reel is biased in the first direction so as to tensionably rotate back in the first direction after being rotated in the second direction, thereby automatically retracting the tether. A stopper slidably disposed along the tether is configured to prevent retraction of the tether into the housing.

Abstract: A pet collar (10) includes a first elongate strap (14) and a plurality of retainers (13) which are carried by the strap (14). The retainers (13) receive a second elongate strap (12) which can be of a material such as found in a conventional flea collar. When positioned on the pet, the first strap (14) hides the second strap (12) so that it is not apparent that the pet is wearing the second strap (12).

Abstract: Provided is an animal weighing scale that automatically measures a weight of an animal by a simple configuration. The animal weighing scale includes a breeding container for laboratory animals and a scale including a weighing pan supported by a weight sensor, the weighing pan is disposed inside a breeding space of the breeding container, and the weight sensor is disposed inside or outside the breeding space, and accordingly, based on a measurement value change when an animal inside the container is placed onto the pan, a weight change of the animal can be continuously recorded.

Abstract: A bee swarm box and associated method of use is disclosed. The bee swarm box includes a first and second body portions. The first and second body portions are convertible between a closed configuration and a nested configuration. In the closed configuration, the first and second body portions are brought together forming an internal cavity configured to receive bees and a first plurality of framelike elements. In the nested configuration, the first aligning portion of the first body portion projects so as to nest with the first aligning portion of the second body portion, aiding the first and second body portions in forming the nested configuration. The nested configuration saves space when transporting the bee swarm box between locations.

Abstract: Disease model pigs produced by nuclear transplantation, disease model pigs exhibiting stable phenotypes and production methods thereof are provided. Chimeric pigs for producing disease model pigs exhibiting stable phenotypes, genital glands thereof, and germ cells thereof are also provided. A method for producing a genetically modified disease model pig, includes: (a) transplanting a nucleus of a genetically modified cell into cytoplasm of an egg; (b) developing an obtained clonal embryo in a womb of a female pig to obtain an offspring; and mating the obtained offspring or having the offspring undergo sexual reproduction to further obtain the genetically modified offspring as a disease model pig.