Abstract: This invention relates to a hand tool for gardening, comprising a rigid handgrip portion (1) and a tool portion (5), said tool portion (5) comprising at least one tool member (3,4), said tool portion (5) having a concave side and having a central axis (C) extending in the direction of intended working movement of the tool member (3,4), the rigid handgrip portion (1) comprising a handgrip body (10,11,12) with a first gripping surface (11A), arranged transversally in relation to the extension of the central axis (C) of the tool portion (5) and positioned on the same side as the concave side of the tool portion (5), characterized in that a second rigid handgrip portion (2) is arranged comprising a handgrip body (20, 21) in contact with said tool portion (5) and with second gripping surface (21A) facing said first gripping surface (11A) and a gap (6) formed between said lower and upper gripping surfaces (21,11).

Abstract: A rotary tiller comprises a frame, a cylindrical drum rotatable relative to the frame, a plurality of tines extending from the cylindrical drum, a motor at least partially disposed within the cylindrical drum, wherein the motor is configured to rotate a motor output member, and a transmission at least partially disposed within the cylindrical drum and configured to engage the motor output member. The transmission is operable to drive rotational movement of the cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A system for adjusting down pressure loads on a harrow of an agricultural implement may include a base hitch member and an upper tow arm pivotally coupled to the base hitch member. First and second linkage arms may pivotally couple to the upper tow arm. A lower support arm may pivotally couple to the first and second linkage arms. A plurality of ground engaging elements may be supported on the lower support arm. A tensioner assembly may include an actuator coupled between the base hitch member and the lower support arm. The actuator may include an actuator rod that extend and retract to adjust a relative distance between the base hitch member and the lower support arm. The actuator may regulate a down pressure applied on the plurality of ground engaging elements by adjusting the relative distance between the base hitch member and the lower support arm.

Abstract: Described herein are implements that include a vehicle having a system for sensing or testing soil and/or vegetation as the vehicle traverses a field.

Abstract: A seed meter includes a seed disc rotatable in a direction of rotation. The seed disc has a plurality of seed apertures defining a circular path as the seed disc rotates and on which seeds from a seed source are entrained. A singulator is disposed along to the circular path. The singulator has a plurality of outer lobes and a first orientation lobe located downstream of the outer lobes. As the entrained seeds rotate along the circular path, the first orientation lobe contacts the entrained seeds to change their orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation lobe may be disposed to remove excess seeds from the apertures and a second orientation lobe may change the orientation of the entrained seed.

Abstract: A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum vent—disposed below the diverging guide member—is configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.

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 seeder distribution apparatus has a manifold and a plurality of delivery conduit connected to ports of the manifold. A supply conduit carries a product air stream and is connected the manifold interior. A port valve when open connects a delivery conduit to the manifold interior through the port and disconnects same when closed. A purging conduit connects the supply conduit, at a clean air location configured to receive from the supply conduit a clean air stream with no agricultural products entrained therein, to the delivery conduit such that the clean air stream has an open path from the supply conduit to the delivery conduit. When the port valve is open the clean air stream flows through the purging conduit at a low first flow rate, and when the port valve is closed the clean air stream flows through the purging conduit at a second significantly greater flow rate.

Abstract: A decelerating device is mounted in series within a pneumatic particulate material delivery passage that communicates from a particulate material supply to a material outlet of a furrow opener for depositing particulate material into a furrow formed by the furrow opener. The decelerating device has a duct member extending longitudinally between opposing open ends for connection in line with the pneumatic particulate material delivery passage. A plurality of exhaust openings communicating through a peripheral wall of the duct member to exhaust air therethrough. A gate member is supported on the duct member so as to be movable relative to the exhaust openings to vary a cumulative exposed area of the exhaust openings. A perforated screen member spans across the exhaust openings having a smaller aperture size than the exhaust openings to ensure small particulate materials being conveyed do not escape through the exhaust openings.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selection of crop-input varieties. In one embodiment multiple varieties of seeds may be planted utilizing a row unit seed hopper having a plurality of compartments for receiving seed, each compartment having a seed passage through which seeds pass under gravity. A seed transfer actuator is disposed within or below the row unit seed hopper and is in communication with each of the seed passages and is configured to selectively open the seed passage of one of the plurality of compartments thereby permitting the seeds therein to pass into the seed pool of a seed meter while closing the seed passage of other of the plurality of compartments preventing the seeds from the other plurality of compartments passing into the seed pool of the seed meter.

Abstract: A sowing unit for a sowing machine that comprises a coupling device, a joint device provided between the coupling device and a support device with separate fastening points for functional components, and a sowing heart which meters a work product is disclosed. The support device has a proximal support arm, which couples to the joint device, and a distal support arm, which, on a side of the proximal support arm facing away from the joint device, extends away from said proximal support arm, and on which the sowing heart is arranged laterally in the area of an assembly section in such a way that a rear side of the sowing heart is arranged so as to be located opposite to the assembly section of the distal support arm and a front side of the sowing heart is arranged so as to be unobstructed by the support device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. Liquid delivery systems are provided for injecting liquid into the soil adjacent to the seed planting trench formed by the planter row unit trench opening assembly.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments, a hose mover and a system for moving a hose are provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.

Abstract: The invention discloses a self-moving robot, comprising a light emitter, emitting light in a specific wavelength range to the ground; an image capturing device, matched with the light emitter to receive the light in a specific wavelength range to form an image based on the light in a specific wavelength range; and the controller comprises a ground type recognizing module, which extracts features in the image to recognize the ground type in the image. By disposing the light emitter and the image capturing device which are matched to emit and receive the light in a specific wavelength range, an influence of the ambient light on the image is reduced, such that the self-moving robot can accurately recognize the ground type at every moment and in every location, even at night when there is no light source.

Abstract: A mulching mower unit includes a mower deck, a rotary shaft, a blade, a shroud, and a deflector plate. The shroud has a circumferential wall including a rotational trajectory of the blade, and extends downward from a bottom surface of the mower deck to an area adjacent to the blade. The deflector plate is provided above the blade and radially outward of the rotary shaft in a running direction in an inner space of the shroud. The deflector plate includes a main body having an inner edge facing the rotary shaft and an outer edge spaced apart from the inner edge radially outward of the rotary shaft. The outer edge is positioned closer to the ground than the inner edge.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a pair of associated chopper drums, including a top chopper drum and a lower chopper drum. The chopper drum defines an axial cylindrical bore having a rotational axis into which is mounted a drive shaft (not shown) that is keyed radially to drive the chopper drum. Radially spaced from the rotational axis are a plurality of outwardly facing recesses defined by walls of a body of the chopper drum. Each recess extends longitudinally along the periphery of the chopper drum end-end to provide a recess for mounting a corresponding plurality of cutting blades. Each recess is defined by a longitudinally extending lower wall and an opposed and circumferentially spaced. The cross sectional profile of the chopper drum is generally consistent throughout its length and includes a plurality of ridges and troughs with the ridges built up to define therein the recesses, the ridges being interposed by the troughs.

Abstract: [Summary] A mower unit includes an idler pulley unit and a single belt routed around an output pulley of a drive source, the idler pulley unit and a plurality of blade pulleys. The idler pulley unit includes a first idler pulley, a second idler pulley and a tension idler pulley. A pulley height of the idler pulley unit is set higher than a pulley height of the blade pulleys, and a forward belt portion from the output pulley and a reverse belt portion to the output pulley extend to pass over and above the blade belt portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved head for harvesting of trees. In particular, the head according to the invention is an improvement of a head for harvesting of trees as disclosed in European Patent EP2515628, which state of art is hereby incorporated by reference. In the known head, the balance between the saw pressure and the saw speed is controlled by the oil pressure at the inlet port of the hydraulic motor. This has the drawback that the saw pressure is depending on the saw speed. It is the aim of the invention to provide an improved head for harvesting trees, wherein the saw pressure is constant and independent of the saw speed.

Abstract: An implement attachment system for a lawn maintenance vehicle includes a box-like structure, where the box-like structure defines a hook configured to cooperate with fasteners located on the lawn maintenance vehicle. A pin is attached to the box-like structure and the pin extends generally downward from the box-like structure. The pin is configured to cooperate with an aperture defined by a portion of an associated frame located on the lawn maintenance vehicle. A resilient force member is attached to the box-like structure. An engagement device is attached to the resilient force member and the engagement device is slidingly attached to the box-like structure.

Abstract: A window strip corn husker has a pair of pinch rollers for removing a portion of a corn husk, but leaving the majority of the husk intact. The window strip corn husker includes blades for removing the at least one of the ends of an ear of corn and rollers for removing part of the husk.

Abstract: A crop baler comprises a frame, a pressing chamber for crop, into which a stuffer can be introduced in order to compress the crop into a bale, a drive for producing a reciprocating movement of the stuffer, and a countermass coupled to the drive and configured to move in a counteracting direction to the movement of the stuffer, the countermass at least approximately compensates movement of the frame induced by the reciprocating mass of the stuffer and the drive unit thereof due to inertia. Alternatively or additionally, a flywheel mass of the drive can have a variable moment of inertia to similarly compensate movement of the frame induced by the reciprocating mass of the stuffer.

Abstract: A large square baler for performing a baling operation to form square bales includes a pickup unit for picking up crop lying on the ground, a cutter unit for cutting picked up crop into at least one predetermined cut length, a pre-compression chamber, a stuffer device, a bale chamber for forming a square bale from flakes of crop pre-compressed in the pre-compression chamber, and a tying system for binding the square bale. The stuffer device is configured to pre-compress the crop into the flakes in the pre-compression chamber and transport the flakes into the bale chamber. The cutter unit is controlled in dependence on a tying operation conducted by the tying system and on at least one parameter representing the square bale size.

Abstract: A knotter system for performing a first knot forming cycle and a second knot forming cycle. The knotter system includes a needle for delivering a needle twine, a tucker arm for delivering a tucker twine, a twine receiver for holding the needle twine and the tucker twine, a billhook, a cutting arm, a twine finger for guiding at least the needle twine. The system further includes a drive to make the billhook perform first and second full rotations during the first and second knot forming cycles, respectively, and to move the twine finger at least a first time during the first knot forming cycle and a second time during the second knot forming cycle. The twine finger is configured such that during the second knot forming cycle the needle twine is moved away from the tucker twine in order to drape it adjacent to the tucker twine on the billhook.

Abstract: A container for a plant may include a base having an axis, and a sidewall configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container. The sidewall may be configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.

Abstract: A container for a plant may include a base having an axis and drain holes, and a sidewall configured to be rotationally attached to the base about the axis to form the container. The sidewall may be configured to surround a portion of the base and extend axially upward from the base.

Abstract: A top feeding wicking apparatus and system for dispersing liquid through plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container having a bottom, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound for receiving liquid therethrough. Container has a center opening for receiving a plant and container bottom is configured with at least one hole for receiving liquid therethrough. A geometrically shaped lid having a top, an inner wall, and an outer wall forming a channel therearound from an underside of lid is configured to be adjoined to container. A geometrically shaped base layer and wicking layer each having an inner wall and an outer wall and a center opening for receiving plant with a longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of base and wicking layers on plant or to allow removal of base and wicking layers from plant.

Abstract: A multi-level horizontal air flow distribution system is provided. The air flow distribution system includes a multi-level rack, an air exchange unit, an air delivery structure and an air exhaust structure. The air exchange unit includes a blower that blows air into the air delivery structure. The air delivery structure delivers directed streams of cold air in between plants and lights supported by the multi level rack. The cold air pushes warm air produced by the lights out of the multi-level rack. The warm air rises into the air exhaust structure and may be directed to the air exchange unit to be recycled within the air flow distribution system.

Abstract: A stump cutting assembly mounted to a stump cutting wheel. Stump cutting assembly is a stump cutting tooth interconnected to the wheel by a holder or block that is fixed to wheel by welding or other equivalent process, an optional debris deflector and a fastener that interconnects tooth and deflector to holder. As wheel rotates about its axis of rotation, the tooth cuts away at wood or other debris in which it comes into contact through the side to side and/or longitudinal movement of a stump grinder unit.

Abstract: A perforated subirrigation/drainage pipe includes a pipe body and a permeation irrigation inner pipe. The permeation irrigation inner pipe is integrally formed with the pipe body and disposed at a top of an interior of the pipe body along a central axis thereof; multiple irrigation perforations, distributed along a central axis of the permeation irrigation inner pipe, are provided on a pipe wall of the permeation irrigation inner pipe; and an opening is provided on a pipe wall of the pipe body; two flow guide baffles are respectively located at two sides of the opening and on an inner wall of the pipe body; a main irrigation and drainage channel is formed between each flow guide baffle and an outer wall of the permeation irrigation inner pipe, between each flow guide baffle and the inner wall of the pipe body, and between the two flow guide baffles.

Abstract: The irrigation machine (1) comprises: a plurality of supporting spans (3), delimited and supported by respective self-propelled support elements (2), wherein each support element (2) has a respective movement carriage provided with a respective motor; means for transporting and dispensing water (4) supported by said plurality of supporting spans (3); a plurality of joints (6), each interposed between a respective pair of adjacent spans (3) configured so as to connect said adjacent spans (3); a plurality of sensors configured to detect operating parameters of the machine; and a control unit (C) configured to manage the operation of said machine according to the operating parameters received from said sensors, transmission means (D) connecting the sensors to the control unit (C), among which angular sensors are provided, and which are configured for a communication using a CAN-bus protocol.

Abstract: A modular irrigation controller has a robust ground path with high conductivity that can accommodate lightning induced power surges on field valve wires and common wires that are connected to a plurality of station modules. Sensitive electronic components in the station modules are thereby protected from damage. The robust ground path extends from conductors on circuit boards within the station modules through captive mounting screws to a metallic backplane and then through metallic grounding brackets within a pedestal enclosing the modules and the backplane. The grounding brackets are in turn grounded to both an earth ground stake and to a ground wire associated with the incoming one hundred and ten volt AC power.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of geometrically shaped stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: An automated fluid maintenance system comprising a sensor system and a pump configured to deliver fluid from a refillable reservoir to a container holding a Christmas tree, such as a Christmas tree stand. Embodiments of the system include tree attachment hardware capable of controlling the flow, delivery and direction of the fluid being pumped from the of the fluid system's reservoir to a fluid-holding container of the Christmas tree stand and further capable of securing the point of fluid delivery to the tree stand and/or the tree itself. The tree attachment device universally attaches to any available tree stand, even the most complex stand mechanisms, sizes and shapes that obstruct the path to the Christmas tree being maintained by the automated fluid delivery system of the present application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a watering bag for automatic supply of water to plants, such as indoor plants. The watering bag comprises a water inlet region, a water reservoir, and a water outlet region, wherein the water inlet region comprises an opening for leading water to the water reservoir, and wherein the water outlet region comprises a friction inducing arrangement for leading water from the water reservoir to the surroundings in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated SVLN7347. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line SVLN7347, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SVLN7347 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SVLN7347, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-227 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-227 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-227 RZ.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TND950 (phph) SRC, Narrow Leaf Madole (phph) SRC, Narrow Leaf Madole SRC, CMS TND950 SRC, CMS Narrow Leaf Madole SRC, and CMS KY171 SRC, and hybrids PD7305 SRC, PD7309 SRC, PD7312 SRC, PD7318 SRC, and PD7319 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: A pet waste collection pad with a decorative or camouflaged picture on the upward facing permeable surface is described which provides an aesthetically pleasing alternative to pet owners.

Abstract: A milking box includes two entrance fences and two exit fences. A first entrance fence and a first exit fence form a first pair of fences positioned at a first side of the milking box. A second entrance fence and a second exit fence form a second pair of fences positioned at a second side of the milking box which is opposite the first side. The first entrance fence operates independently of the second entrance fence, the first exit fence, and the second exit fence. The second entrance fence operates independently of the first entrance fence, the first exit fence, and the second exit fence. The first exit fence operates independently of the first entrance fence, the second entrance fence, and the second exit fence. The second exit fence operates independently of the first entrance fence, the second entrance fence, and the first exit fence.

Abstract: An animal feeding assembly inhibits animal food and water from spilling onto a floor when an animal feeds. The assembly includes a pan that may be positioned on a support surface. A rack is selectively positioned in the pan. A pair of bowls is provided. Each of the bowls contains animal food and water. Each of the bowls is selectively positioned on the rack. Thus, the pan captures the animal food and water when the animal eats and drinks thereby inhibiting the animal food and water from spilling onto the support surface. A lid is selectively positioned on the pan. The lid inhibits the animal food and water from spilling onto the support surface.

Abstract: Game feeding systems and methods are disclosed for feeding of large, medium, and small game such as bear, deer, and turkey. The system may be provided in a single configuration or configured for conversion between two or more configurations for use with various game. In one configuration, a feeder portion rests on the ground secured to an immovable object such as a tree. In another configuration, a feeder portion is elevated from ground by removable legs. In another configuration, a feeder portion is hung from a fixed overhead structure. A controller manages a spin plate for the distribution of game feed. Game may access feed through access holes in a feeder portion or from the ground after falling through a feeding grate in an extended configuration. A wheeled transport portion may be used for transporting a feeder portion to predetermined locations using tow capable vehicles such as an UTV.

Abstract: An automatic animal food dispensing apparatus comprises a stationary horizontal-axis tubular casing with aligned upper and lower apertures; a rotatable food dispenser having a tubular circumferential wall formed with a single aperture that is coaxial with the casing! a hopper from which animal food is gravitationally deliverable to the food dispenser; an inclined chute extending downwardly from the food dispenser, for receiving the food discharged from the food dispenser and for directing the discharged food to a bowl; and a force transmitting unit for rotating the food dispenser a predetermined and repeatable angular distance, such that a dose of the food is introducible from the hopper into the food dispenser when the aperture of the food dispenser is aligned with the upper aperture of the casing and the dose of food is completely dispensable via the lower casing aperture following rotation of the food dispenser by the predetermined angular distance.

Abstract: A system for delivering molecular iodine or other substance into a pet's drinking water on a daily basis without exceeding the safe amount allowed for the pet. The system delivers a particular amount of molecular iodine into the pet water supply to achieve maximum benefit of I2 to reduce or eliminate bad pet breath and minimize total iodine in the pet diet so that 20-40 ?g/mL/Kg/day iodine is consumed for optimum thyroid health. The preferred method is to use a solution created by dissolving iodine crystals in absolute ethanol. The iodine will only be in solution as I2 for a short time as it undergoes out gassing and hydrolysis at neutral pH. The present invention removes the iodine from the drinking water after the pet drinks. Therefore, during the day, pets will get no additional iodine—only fresh water. Each enrolled pet is electronically recognized by the system.

Abstract: The present utility model refers to a livestock water trough with a design that makes it suitable for use by all types of livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, etc.), which does not need to be adapted to the specific type of livestock that uses it, since water supply is at ground level, as animals naturally drink it, and without the possibility of contamination of the water by the animals' legs.

Abstract: Provided is a pet toy filled with foam latex. The pet toy filled with foam latex has a light emitting device mounted in a latex outer shell of the pet toy. The latex outer shell has an opening. The light emitting device can emit light and the light can pass through the opening to illuminate the outer space of the latex outer shell.

Abstract: A modular device for wireless communication between a transmitter and a receiver, the latter being mounted on a fastener to be worn by an animal/a human being or to be in contact therewith, comprising a string of individual separate elements or modules (210, 310), each containing at least either the PCB (213, 313), the battery (214, 314) or one or more contact points (220, 320) of same polarity respectively, said separate individual elements (210, 310) being attached to one another thanks to at least two substantially parallel flexible tubes (31, 32; 331, 332) containing said wires, so that the specific location of the modules (220, 320) containing the contact points and the order or sequence thereof in the string define an extension length for the contact points.

Abstract: A retractable multifunctional dog leash that contains an outer shell, a retractable rope in the outer shell, and a position limiting stopper at a front end of the retractable rope to prevent the retractable rope from completely retracting back into the outer shell. A roller device releasing and retracting the retractable rope is provided inside the outer shell; a sound generator is also provided on the outer shell to generate sound directly.

Abstract: An illuminated animal restraint includes an elongated leash which has a housing having a selectively enabled wireless lighting assembly. The wireless lighting assembly has a light source connected via a wireless connection to a light transmitting member extending through said tube thereby illuminating the entire length and all sides of the leash. The wireless light assembly may include at least one Light Emitting Diode assembly and a light transmitting member may include fiber optics.

Abstract: A security system configured to be attached about the neck of a dog, includes a collar having opposed ends, each end having a fastener such that the belt is configured to be selectively coupled about the dog's neck. A monitoring assembly is mounted to the collar, the monitoring assembly including a microphone and a processor in data communication with the microphone. A transmitter is operatively connected to the processor. A response assembly is displaced from the monitoring assembly that includes a speaker in data communication with the processor, the processor configured to selectively actuate the speaker when the processor determines that the microphone has detected a predetermined sound, such as the bark of an intruding dog. The displaced speaker may then emit the sound of a menacing guard dog until the sound of an intruding dog is no longer detected.