Abstract: The present disclosure provides a shovel apparatus comprising a body comprising a bottom and two sides fixedly coupled to the bottom. A first handle is coupled to each of the sides. A second handle is coupled to each of the sides and extending past the back of the sides and away from the shovel apparatus. Each of the first and second handles extend away from the bottom and are connected so the first handle is located forward toward a front of the shovel apparatus, wherein the sides slope away from the second handle at an angle substantially similar to the angle that the second handle extends from the sides, with the first handle being connected forward toward a front of the shovel apparatus. The shovel apparatus can be sized to hold the bag or sack in an open position for filling.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having a rolling basket is disclosed. A stationary blade is disposed inside an inner chamber of the rolling basket and attached at ends of the rolling basket near the bearings that are connected to the rolling basket. The rolling basket rotates around its major axis via the bearings, while the blade is held stationary. The stationary blade has sleeves at the ends, and each of the sleeves is connected to a post of a support arm and locked into the posts via a pin.

Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.

Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.

Abstract: Described is a high-speed transplanting mechanism that includes an angle-adjusting device about an angle of a duckbill entering soil, the mechanism comprising a rear arm, a front arm, a restoring spring, a control wire, a control wire sleeve and a control adjuster. The front arm is hinged on the mounting base of the planting device, the rear arm is hinged on the duckbill planting device, and the another end of the rear arm and the front arm are axial sliding connection. The control adjuster comprises an adjuster body and a handle fixed on the adjuster body. The restoring spring is positioned between the first limit plate on the rear arm and the second limit plate on the front arm. The end of the control wire is fixed on the second limit plate and, in turn, the other end of the control wire passes through the first limit plate, the restoring spring, the second limit plate and the control wire sleeve, and finally fixed to the adjuster body.

Abstract: A trimmer head for use with either clockwise or counterclockwise trimmer heads, including the use of a bidirectionally dispensing spool. Various locations of passages straight through the trimmer head and spool are shown along with various locations of components of the ratcheting mechanism to allow for winding of the trimmer line on the trimmer head and for limiting the amount of line dispensed during “bumping” of the trimmer head knob on the ground. Additionally, an extended funnel into the passage can be provided to facilitate entrance of trimmer line into the funnel even when the line is not perfectly straight. Also, spokes can be used in place of the flanges of the spool to save material and cost, while still providing a guide and barrier between the line store areas.

Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a mower having a first portion and a second portion that is movable relative to the first portion to adjust a cutting height of the mower. The adjustment of the second portion may be facilitated, for example, by a height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a conveyance mechanism for conveying grains obtained by a thresher for threshing grain culms reaped from a field to a grain tank, a measurer (340) for measuring the amount of grain conveyed to the grain tank as a conveyed yield, a yield assignment calculator (631) for calculating a minimal section yield, which is a yield per minimal section, by assigning the conveyed yield to a minimal section in the field, a grain conveyance state detector (632) for detecting a grain conveyance state of the conveyance mechanism (7), a yield corrector (633) for correcting the minimal section yield in accordance with the grain conveyance state, and a yield distribution data generator (661) for generating yield distribution data that represents a yield distribution in the field, based on the minimal section yield.

Abstract: A windrower includes a header having a crop cutting and a crop conditioning mechanism for conditioning crop material severed from the field and for discharging the conditioned material in a rearwardly directed stream as the windrower moves across the field. The windrower has a crop merger attachment with a conveyor configured to receive crop material from the crop conditioning mechanism and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower when in an operation position or to direct the crop material to the ground beneath the windrower when in a nonoperational position.

Abstract: A system for installing separator grates within a combine may include a grate frame having first and second frame members extending circumferentially between proximal and distal ends. The system may also include a first and second separator grate sections configured to be supported between the frame members along first and second circumferential frame sections of the grate frame, respectively. Additionally, the grate frame may include first and second guide rails extending between the frame members along at least a portion of the first circumferential frame section. When the first separator grate section is being installed from a side of the grate frame located adjacent to the proximal end, at least a portion of the first separator grate section may be configured to ride along the guide rails at a location between the frame member as the first separator grate section is moved towards the distal end of the grate frame.

Abstract: In an embodiment, yield data representing yields of crops that have been harvested from an agricultural field and field characteristics data representing characteristics of the agricultural field is received and used to determine a plurality of management zone delineation options. Each option, of the plurality of management zone delineation options, comprises zone layout data for an option. The plurality of management zone delineation options is determined by: determining a plurality of count values for a management class count; generating, for each count value, a management delineation option by clustering the yield data from and the field characteristics data, assigning zones to clusters, and including the zones in a management zone delineation option. One or more options from the plurality of management zone delineation options are selected and used to determine one or more planting plans. A graphical representation of the options and the planting plans is displayed for a user.

Abstract: In an embodiment, computer processes are programmed to determine planting plans based on planting characteristics data received for an agricultural field and a plurality of management zone delineation options defined for the agricultural field. Each of the planting plans specifies different planting recommendations for the agricultural field. A first graphical representation of the planting plans, and an interactive object is generated and displayed on a computing device. The interactive object is configured to receive input specifying a relative importance ratio between the planting plans for determining a new planting plan for the agricultural field. A particular relative importance ratio is received via the interactive object, and is used to determine the new planting plan, which specifies new planting recommendations for the agricultural field. Information about the new planting plan is displayed on the computer device.

Abstract: The pruning tool incorporates the functions of a pruning shear and a pruning saw into a single handheld tool. The pruning tool includes a conventional pruning shear and a folding saw blade that pivotally deploys from a stowed position within the handle to an extended operational position. The pruning tool also includes an opening assist mechanism that allows the saw blade to be partially moved under spring tension from the locked stowed position within the handle.

Abstract: A long handled lawn edging and sod cutting tool, which employs a blade, the length of which protrudes downward from the bottom end of the shaft, and in a straight line from the shaft, and that is sharp on the curved side and tapered to a point and set perpendicular to the narrow bar foot pedals and the handlebars of the tool. The sharp tapered to a point blade enables the user to initially pierce the sod with a small point, then cut as the blade taper widens, and to edge a lawn or cut sod more easily and more quickly than with a conventional or half-moon edger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flower bulb, a method, as well as device for providing flower bulbs with a layer of sealant, such as a paraffin of wax layer, wherein the bulb is grabbed, i.e. engaged by a suction cup, which bulb is brought into immersion of sealant such that at least the seized part of the bulb remains free of sealant. The immersion device is provided with a turning mechanism wherein one or more suction cups have been included for receiving flower bulbs, which suction cups are contained in, and connected to one or more of hollow carriers, which device further comprises an air pump for evacuating the suction cups, said suction cups for this purpose are via said hollow container included in pneumatic communication with an air pump, and which compound comprises a swivel coupling for pneumatically connecting via a conduit or holder part, the hollow container with a fixed central pneumatic line connected to an air pump.

Abstract: A crimper for managing the growth of a plant by controlling the position of a branch of the plant over the course of the plant's growth. The crimper includes a shaping tool and a growth control member. The shaping tool includes a gripping section and may also include a handle section, wherein the gripping section includes a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and the second member are curved in the same direction. The growth control member is arranged for placement about the branch of the plant, wherein actuation of the shaping tool causes the first member and the second member to squeeze the growth control member into a fixed curved shape about the branch of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a building structure and mainly solves the problem that it is inconvenient to install and adjust the panel and the framework component (column, beam, girder, etc.) connected by the fasteners in the existing building structure. The building structure comprises a building panel assembly and a framework assembly, the framework assembly comprises a plurality of beams, columns and girders connected with each other and the panel assembly comprises a plurality of panels, the panel is supported by the framework components. A dovetail joint is embedded on each panel and each framework component. The adjacent panels and/or the framework components are connected with each other by the dovetail joint, which makes the adjustment of positions thereof to be very convenient and also decreases the difficulty of installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant growth lamp, which includes a lamp body (1), and a driving power supply, an LED luminary (2) and a heat dissipation part (3) provided inside the lamp body (1). The LED luminary (2) comprises a substrate (4) and a plurality of LEDs provided on the substrate (4). The LED luminary (2) is regulated and controlled by a spectrum controller to generate various regular pulsed periodic spectral light signals, and the LEDs are connected with the heat dissipation part (3) via the substrate (4). The growth rate of plants can be greatly improved; the heat dissipation performance of the plant growth lamp is effectively improved and the service life of the plant growth lamp is prolonged, by the light irradiation of the lamp.

Abstract: A planting system includes a pot having a bottom floor with at least one drainage opening, a spray ring implanted in the planting medium in an upper portion of the pot and configured to inject pressurized water downwardly into the planting medium, and a grid disposed below the planting medium. The grid includes a plate spaced above the bottom floor of the pot. The plate includes apertures configured to allow roots to pass through the plate. Slats formed on the underside of the plate define a plurality of compartments configured to prevent the roots from spiraling. The grid also allows oxygen to circulate under and around the roots.

Abstract: A planting system includes a pot having a bottom floor with at least one drainage opening, a spray ring implanted in the planting medium in an upper portion of the pot and configured to inject pressurized water downwardly into the planting medium, and a grid disposed below the planting medium. The grid includes a plate spaced above the bottom floor of the pot. The plate includes apertures configured to allow roots to pass through the plate. Slats formed on the underside of the plate define a plurality of compartments configured to prevent the roots from spiraling. The grid also allows oxygen to circulate under and around the roots.

Abstract: A temporary all plastic erosion control blanket is configured to slow water runoff, to provide sediment and erosion control, and to enhance re-vegetation. The temporary all plastic erosion control blanket is fully degradable within less than one year. The temporary all plastic erosion control blanket is a warp knitted structure formed from polyolefin or polyamide materials and includes integral visual stake placement indicia.

Abstract: A planting system according to the present disclosure includes a pot configured to contain a planting medium, and an irrigation ring configured to be inserted within the pot and to irrigate the planting medium. The irrigation ring is an annular body including a first planar wall defining a first set of outlet openings, a second planar wall intersecting the first planar wall at a vertex and defining a second set of outlet openings, a third set of outlet openings formed along the vertex. The size, positions, and geometry of the outlet openings are selected so that water ejected from the ring saturates the planting medium substantially evenly throughout an annular wet zone in the top surface of the planting medium, while leaving dry zones in the center and the outer perimeter of the pot.

Abstract: A system capable of selecting an optimal plant cultivation method mainly includes a plurality of water supply units, a water treatment unit, a plurality of nutrition units, a reactor, a plurality of gas supply units, a liquid storage unit, at least three growth boxes, an information device. A method capable of selecting an optimal plant cultivation method allows participants of a competition in every place of the world to operate the same greenhouse facilities together at the same time, and grow the same plant or a several types of plants at the same time, latitude and location. But, every participant themselves may use the facilities provided in the greenhouse to adjust and control other growing conditions, environmental factors, cultivation methods and nutrition formulas, and the best cultivation method and nutrition formula are selected, thereby finding out the best cultivation method of the plant when the competition is over.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation apparatus includes: a cultivation chamber underground portion internally including an underground space where a subterranean part of a plant grows such that the underground space is separated from above-ground space where aerial part of the plant grows; an underground temperature adjuster which adjusts a temperature of an atmosphere inside the underground space; and a controller which controls the underground temperature adjuster, in which the controller includes a dormancy determination unit which determines whether a time of cultivation of the plant is a dormant period when leaves of the aerial part wither, and a temperature controller which makes the underground temperature adjuster adjust the temperature of the atmosphere inside the underground space so as to facilitate germination of the plant in a case where the dormancy determination unit determines that the time of cultivation of the plant is the dormant period when leaves of the aerial part wither.

Abstract: An automated nutrient injection system is provided. The automated nutrient injection system comprises a nutrient mixing and delivery system coupled to a controller. The nutrient mixing and delivery system is configured to mix a predefined formula comprised of at least one nutrient and water. The controller is configured to receive, store, and execute user-defined settings of the nutrient mixing and delivery system. The controller comprises a remote display, wherein the remote display is viewable on a device physically remote from the nutrient mixing and delivery system.

Abstract: What is new about the “I Re Grow” is that there is no container with these different components out there designed strictly for this purpose without the need of a light or soil, the fact of how convenient it is with “I Re Grow” to regrow, maintain and organize your plants, without making your kitchen look like a science experiment, since most people regrow in Mason jars which doesn't work right because plants tilt over, not enough space for plants and the water needs changing too often. I created “I Re Grow” out of necessity because there is nothing made strictly for this purpose. Designed and scaled to fit most window sills. Also works great as a garden starter.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation system includes a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units vertically stacked one over another. Each hydroponic cultivation unit is configured to provide a cultivation bed for the plants. Every two neighboring units are hydrologically coupled to one another such that the culture solution flows top-to-bottom through each hydroponic cultivation units on each level. A plurality of support members, such as pipes, are disposed between, and provide mechanical support for, two hydroponic cultivation units on every two neighboring levels. A light source is disposed over a bottom side of one hydroponic cultivation unit on an upper level and can emit a plant-compatible light to support growth of the plants being cultivated on another hydroponic cultivation unit on a level immediately below the upper level. The hydroponic cultivation system can achieve a vertical recycling of the culture solution.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation system includes a plurality of hydroponic cultivation units vertically stacked one over another. Each unit is configured to provide a cultivation bed for the plants, and every two neighboring hydroponic cultivation units are hydrologically coupled to one another such that the culture solution flows top-to-bottom through each hydroponic cultivation unit on each level. The system further includes a plurality of support members, which are disposed between, and can provide mechanical support for, two hydroponic cultivation units on every two neighboring levels. The plurality of support members include at least one pipe, and each pipe is configured to arrange at least one of a hydrological connection or an electrical coupling between the two hydroponic cultivation units on the every two neighboring levels therein. The hydroponic cultivation system can achieve a vertical recycling of the culture solution.

Abstract: A plant-growing-train system includes at least one convoy of maneuverable growing units, at least one centralized resource station that contains a high-intensity lighting system, and a water and nutrients delivery system. The convoy is transported to the resource station in order to expose the plants to optimal levels of light, water, and nutrients. Because the lights are high-intensity, the required amount of time plants must be exposed to light is reduced, enabling grow units to share lights and other resource infrastructure rather than having lights dedicated uniquely to each unit and resources delivered to each unit. This system substantially reduces the amount of equipment and expense required to grow plants in a controlled environment.

Abstract: A method of using conveyor belts for hydroponic growing includes distributing seeds onto at least one conveyor belt, watering the seeds on the conveyor belt, providing lighting to the conveyor belt to facilitate photosynthesis of the seeds thereon, advancing the conveyor belt in intervals as the seeds sprout and grow, and harvesting the sprouts at the end of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated GQA1001, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line GQA1001 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line GQA1001, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line GQA1001, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated GAQ2004, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line GAQ2004 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line GAQ2004, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line GAQ2004, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: A quick-coupling device for a milking module of a milking system for milking dairy animals that forms a releasable and re-establishable connection between the milking module and a milk pipe and includes a valve mechanism for opening and closing a feeding port and a discharge port using a number of articulated clamps.

Abstract: An animal stall system in which the individual stall divider members, that are made of a rigid material such as metal tubing, are connected to the framework of the stall system by intermediary resiliently flexible elastomeric members that provide a preferred amount of deflection of the stall divider member relative to the stall system framework on which the divider members are connected, thereby providing increased comfort to the animals.

Abstract: A pet stroller is provided having a frame assembly which includes a base frame and a back frame. A handle is connected to the back frame. A platform is located on the base frame to define a pet seating area. Two rear wheels and at least one front wheel are connected to the base frame. Two foldable struts are provided, between the base and back frames that are lockable in an extended position and releasable to allow folding of the struts. A back door is connected by hinges to the back frame and has a releasable door latch. A canopy is provided including a cloth canopy assembly and the upper and lower canopy bars. A canopy latch releasably connects the lower canopy bar to a front cross member of the base frame to form an enclosed pet seating area. The platform forming the pet seating area is below a level defined by a top of the rear wheels, and preferably less than 12 inches above ground level, accommodating larger pets and eliminating the need to lift the pet into the pet seating area.

Abstract: A modular cart assembly includes a first carrier unit that may contain an animal. A pair of wheels is provided. Each of the wheels is rotatably coupled to the first carrier unit. Thus, the first carrier unit may roll along a support surface. A first handle is coupled to the first carrier unit and the first handle may be manipulated. A pair of second carrier units is provided. Each of the second carrier units may contain an animal. Each of the second carriers units is selectively stacked on the first carrier unit. Thus, each of the second carriers units is transportable with the first carrier unit.

Abstract: A pet bowl includes a container having a circular base and an annular sidewall including and outer wall, an inner wall, and an upper rim. The container is constructed from a consumable rawhide. Both the upper rim and the circular base have specified diameters. The annular sidewall and the circular base are integrated together as a single unit. The annular sidewall forms a concave depression for containing food or water, with the bottom of the depression being formed by the circular base. The inner and outer walls of the sidewall are concentric to each other, and terminate at their upmost in a rim.

Abstract: An animal ear tag is anchorable on an animal's ear by means of a dome and has a housing enclosing an electronics assembly and a battery, and a panel surface on which identification data relating to the animal are directly visible in clearly legible characters, wherein the panel surface is located below the housing when the ear tag is placed on the animal. The center of gravity of the housing and of the parts enclosed by the latter lies inside an area protruding downwards from the spike axis, which area is not higher and 2 cm and, in the the horizontal lying normal to the spike axis, is not wider than 1 cm.

Abstract: A collar unit device is described comprising a receiving cavity for receiving a metal electrode probe, wherein at least one elastomeric ring encircles the metal electrode probe, wherein the at least one elastomeric ring mechanically isolates the metal electrode probe from the receiving cavity. The device includes a piezoelectric element. The device includes a retainer component for maintaining the piezoelectric element in a secured position, wherein the secured position comprises the piezoelectric element maintaining contact with the metal electrode probe.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pet grooming station include a tabletop and a surround formed from end walls and a rear wall that partially enclose an animal from the immediate environment. Vertically spaced-apart tethering points extend inwardly from the end walls and a restraining bar extends along a length of the rear wall. The tethering points and restraining bar provide various combinations of securement locations to which leashes or tethers may be anchored. One or more pads may be coupled with the tabletop for the comfort and traction of the animal.

Abstract: A de-shedding tool is provided for removal of loose pet hair, and for removal or loosening of matted and tangled pet hair. The de-shedding tool includes a brush base with a plurality of bristles. The de-shedding tool further includes a perforated plate, having a plurality of perforations, wherein each of the perforations is dimensioned to accommodate one of the plurality of bristles. The perforated plate reciprocates relative to the brush base between a retracted position while the de-shedding tool is in use, and an extended position to enable removal of pet hair trapped during use.

Abstract: The present invention is a functional communication lexigram device and training method for operation thereof that animals autonomously operate to initiate communication to “voice” their choices to (a) the people around them using recorded spoken words or sounds (or other detectable cue) and/or to (b) wired, wireless or internet connected accessory devices receiving an output signal from the device. The invention includes the method for training the human and the animal how to operate the device using operant conditioning techniques. Using the training method, the animal is taught to press or touch button-like modalities that are identified by visual-tactile-auditory cues and by position in a fixed array and to associate pressing each of the particular button-like modalities with particular positive consequences.

Abstract: A play-training device for grabbing and tugging or “spring pole” activities for dogs includes a single body made entirely of an elastic and flexible material and having a first ring, configured to be grabbed by the dog's mouth, a second ring, to be grasped by a user, and an intermediate joining part of the first ring to the second ring, wherein the intermediate joining part has a length sufficient to create a space between the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: Provided are mechanisms and processes for more effectively monitoring pets to enhance caregiving and pet development. In one example, a system includes a pet monitoring device having a plurality of sensors that gather measurement data, such as motion and arousal, from a pet. The system also includes a monitoring hub that receives the measurement data from the pet monitoring device and analyzes the measurement data in relation to a learning receptivity model obtained from a remote platform. The measurement data is analyzed to predict a time and duration when a pet associated with the pet monitoring device will be receptive to learning.

Abstract: Method and system for generating at least one attention signal indicating a problem for at least one animal. The method comprises attaching at least one sensor to the at least one animal. The at least one sensor generates sensor information about the movement and/or direction of the at least one sensor. The method comprises analyzing the sensor information for generating the at least one attention signal if there is a problem with the at least one animal. The analyzing of the sensor information comprises step a. in which based on the sensor information an actual inactive value is calculated. The actual inactive value indicates a length of time. The at least one animal was inactive over a recent first time period. The analyzing of the sensor information comprises step b. generating the at least one attention signal if at least one first condition is fulfilled. According to the first condition the actual inactive value is greater than a boundary value.

Abstract: An aquarium water filtering system includes a first filtering section, a second filtering section, and a third filtering section. The first filtering section has a first housing configured to receive water, perform a first filtering action on the received water, and produce a first filtered water. The second filtering section has a second housing placed horizontally adjacent to the first housing and configured to receive first filtered water, perform a second filtering action on the first filtered water, and produce a second filtered water. The third filtering section has a third housing placed horizontally adjacent to the second housing and configured to receive the second filtered water, perform a third filtering action on the second filtered water, and produce a third filtered water for return to the aquarium.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transgenic rabbit models of cystic fibrosis, and methods of using these rabbits and their derivatives.

Abstract: An underwater mobile body includes: a movement control unit that controls movement underwater; a detection unit that moves underwater under the control of the movement control unit and that detects a position of a fish; and a guidance unit that guides the fish based on the position of the fish detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: The disclosed device is a retrieval float for use during spear fishing and diving. The retrieval float allows a diver to send marine organisms that have been caught by various underwater methods to the surface. By eliminating the practice of securing catches to oneself for the duration of the dive, the retrieval float decreases the chances of dangerous encounters with underwater predators that are attracted to blood. A fish, lobster, abalone, or other marine organism is secured to the retrieval float and returned to the surface for a spotter boat to collect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fishing lure having the ability to be camouflaged. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fishing lure having multiple catching devices with capacity for varying the bait and size of lures, having a built-in compartment adapted for the insertion of live bait or chum used in the attraction of fish.