Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-mounted plough (1) having a rear chassis, said plough trailing behind a plough-towing tractor in a laterally pivotable or steerable manner by means of a vertically oriented joint. In order to compensate lateral pulling for the tractor, which is generated by the traction force of the plough about the vertical axis of the tractor, an energy accumulator (10) is arranged, which generates a torque counteracting the lateral pulling.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis; a hitch connected to the chassis and defining a longitudinal axis; and a tine harrow carried by the chassis and including a plurality of tines. At least one of the tines includes a vertically extending main body; a first tooth connected to the main body and extending laterally in a first lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis; and a second tooth connected to the main body and extending laterally in a second lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis which is opposite to the first lateral direction.

Abstract: The invention discloses an extended type subsoiling smash-ridging machine, comprising a machine body, a smash-ridging device, a connection device, a ditching device, a flattening device and a straw returning device, wherein the smash-ridging device comprises a smash-ridging box comprising a bottom plate, side plates and a top plate, lower bearing seats are mounted in the bottom plate, rib plates are welded between the lower bearing seats, lubricating oil passages are formed between rib plates and the bottom plate, an upper bearing seats are mounted on the top plate and the length of each lower bearing seat is larger than that of each upper bearing seat. By adopting the structure, the invention improves the strength of the lower bearing seats and the rigidity and transmission stability of a transmission shaft; it also facilitates the welding of the rib plates and ensures that lubricating oil smoothly flows within the smash-ridging box.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis; an implement frame carried by the chassis; a shank connected to the implement frame, the shank including a shank point configured to break apart soil and a load sensor associated with the shank point which is configured to output shank load signals as the shank point advances through soil; an actuator carried by the chassis and configured to adjust a depth of the shank point; and a controller electrically coupled to the load sensor and the actuator. The controller is configured to receive the shank load signals; generate a load profile from the received shank load signals; analyze the load profile to determine whether the shank point is in a soil compaction layer; and activate the actuator to adjust the depth of the shank point based on the analyzed load profile.

Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a frame, a plurality of row units and a plurality of auxiliary tillage units. The plurality of row units are carried by the frame and spaced apart from each other at a common row spacing, with each row unit being configured for preparing a strip of soil for application of a crop input. The plurality of auxiliary tillage units are located between the row units and spaced apart from each other at the common row spacing, with each auxiliary tillage unit being configured for at least partially processing remains from an already harvested row of crop material.

Abstract: A furrow following device includes an attachment bracket having a portion provided for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. An arm is provided with a ground-facing surface for engagement with the soil during planting. A mount of the furrow following device has a first portion coupled to the attachment bracket, and a second portion at least partially defining a pivot connection with the arm. The pivot connection provides relative rotation between the arm and the mount. The mount is a compliant mount provided with a spring that exhibits an elastic bias force as the arm is raised toward the attachment bracket.

Abstract: A planting apparatus of nursery tree includes an auger, a guide member having a hollow tube shape, a blade member, sliders, and motors The auger, the guide member and the blade member form the nested structure of the three-layer which are centered upon the auger, and the auger and the blade member are rotation members rotating on the same vertical axis line. By such a constitution, desired planting hole can easily be excavated, and the ground around the excavated hole and a root clump of the nursery tree can be leveled, covered and pressed by the blade member without forming a gap while holding the nursery tree by the guide member not to be inclined.

Abstract: A method of calibrating individual exit lines of an agricultural ammonia applicator having a delivery path that extends through a manifold and multiple exit lines includes installing a fixed flow restricting orifice upstream of a variable flow restricting orifice and measuring the pressure upstream of the fixed flow restricting orifice. Beginning with the variable flow restricting orifice in an unrestricting flow condition, the pressure downstream of the variable flow restricting orifice is repeatedly measured and compared with the measured upstream pressure. The variable flow restricting orifice is incrementally closed after each comparison so long as the measured pressure downstream of the variable flow restricting orifice and the pressure upstream of the fixed flow restricting orifice remain substantially the same.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a cutter device for cutting plant in a field, a storage section for storing plant cut by the cutter device, an inclination angle sensor for detecting an inclination angle ((?d)) of the vehicle body, a display device for displaying the inclination angle detected by the inclination angle sensor, and a reporting device for reporting the inclination angle exceeding a permissible inclination angle ((?a)).

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first detection unit that detects an optical beam emitted from a beam projector disposed at one end of a reference travel path, a first position deviation calculation section that calculates position deviation by a vehicle body from the reference travel path based on a detection signal from the first detection unit, a second detection unit that detects a work boundary line that occurs due to work travel, a second position deviation calculation section that calculates position deviation of the vehicle body traveling along successive travel paths from the work boundary line based on a detection signal from the second detection unit, and a steering information generation section that, based on the position deviation calculated by the first position deviation calculation section and the second position deviation calculation section, generates steering information for correcting the position deviation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a power tool and a lawn mower. They mainly include a functional device and a power device. The functional device is formed with a mounting portion for mounting the power device. The power device includes a prime mover and battery packs detachably coupled with a power housing. The prime mover can be a motor. The power housing is at least provided with an engaging portion allowing the power device to be at least mounted to the functional device, and a coupling portion for providing a space or structure for coupling with the battery packs. When the power device and the functional device constitute a whole through the mounting portion and the engaging portion, the battery packs at least can be detached from the power housing. The power tool of the invention uses multi battery packs to provide power, and the operation is convenient.

Abstract: An improved electromechanical Blade Clutch Actuator (BCA) that employs an electric gear motor system to provide more economical, convenient and reliable user control with an electric switch to engage/disengage the cutting blades. The user control may be a switch remotely mounted anywhere on the mower for greater design freedom due to the removal of the manual interface. The BCA also incorporates a novel slip clutch for overload protection.

Abstract: An electric mower includes a cutting unit with: a cutting plate provided with at least two cutting blades mounted respectively on blade shafts; a casing attached to the cutting plate; at least one electric motor driving the cutting blades; and a blade-synchronisation mechanism. The electric motor is arranged in the casing between the cutting plate and the blade-synchronisation mechanism.

Abstract: A protection system for a rotary cutter, with the rotary cutter including a deck and one or more blade assemblies extending below the deck for cutting vegetation. The protection system comprises a protection annulus associated with one of the blade assemblies, with the protection annulus secured to a bottom surface of the deck and positioned between the deck and the blade assembly. The protection annulus has a width extending from an inner radius of the protection annulus to an outer radius of the protection annulus. The protection annulus has a height extending vertically downward from the bottom surface of the deck. The width of the protection annulus is greater than the height of the protection annulus.

Abstract: In a grain unloading system for a combine harvester a grain bin includes a frame, the frame has a floor with a trough. An unloading auger is disposed at least partially within the trough. An auger cover at least partially covers the auger. The auger cover has a hat for a top portion of the auger cover and a pair of gates movable between the hat and locations on the floor that are proximal to the trough. A gate adjustment structure is coupled to the pair of gates to move the pair of gates relative to the auger. A control system is coupled to the gate adjustment structure and configured to control the gate adjustment structure.

Abstract: A lawn mower may include a blade housing configured to house at least one blade, an engine operably coupled to the blade housing and configured to selectively rotate the at least one blade, a handle bracket assembly operably coupled to the blade housing, a handle assembly operably coupled to the handle bracket assembly, a door operably pivot about a first pivot axis and a collector operably coupled to the handle bracket assembly and configured to coupled to the handle bracket assembly and configured to pivot about a second pivot axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the collector is configured to receive clippings generated responsive to operation of the at least one blade. In the second position, the collector is configured to dump the clippings from the collector. The door is biased against the collector to maintain a portion of the collector substantially at the second pivot axis as the collector pivots between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A sugarcane feed roller structure comprises a sugarcane feed roller, a motor, a coupling, and a seal. The coupling interconnects the motor and the sugarcane feed roller, and comprises a splined joint. The seal protects the splined joint. An associated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A threshing and separating system for an agricultural vehicle includes: a rotor cage; a first vane rail movably connected to the rotor cage; a first vane portion pivotably connected to the rotor cage and linked to the first vane rail; a second vane rail movably connected to the rotor cage, the second vane rail being movable independently of the first vane rail; and a second vane portion pivotably connected to the rotor cage and linked to the second vane rail, the second vane portion and the first vane portion together defining a substantially continuous vane.

Abstract: A coilable leaf bagging device generally oval/egg shaped in configuration, with rear attachment of disposable specifically designed perforated receptacle. It is intended for use in bagging leaves, utilizing the aerodynamics of a power operated leaf/lawn debris power blower. It is unique in it's design facilitating the combined collection and subsequent bagging of leaves/debris with limited or elimination of physical labor which incorporates a racking or lifting action. Device is comprised of 6 membranes, and 3 flexible loop members having memory, within sleeves to form a plurality of concentric loop rings and layers of aerodynamically constructed membrane to substantially reduce the size of the structure which is able to be supported on a penetrable firm surface.

Abstract: Seeds are subject to ultrasonic treatment to enhance and reduce the time for the germination process. In particular to this invention, the seeds are treated ultrasonically while the seeds are in a dry state. A dry sonification process for a dry seed and apparatus produces a sonically-treated dry seed having an enhanced germination characteristic and providing an enhanced growth characteristic to a plant resulting therefrom. The sonification process includes subjecting the dry seed to be sonically treated to sound energy at a frequency and energy density and applying for a sufficient time such that the sonically-treated dry seed has an enhanced germination characteristic and a plant resulting from the sonically-treated dry seed has an enhanced growth characteristic. The ultrasonic treatment can include applying the ultrasonic sound energy in different alternating waveforms, or in a batch or continuous process, with continuous flow through a helical flow path.

Abstract: The invention provides components, structures, methods, and assemblies for applying feeding materials to plants. The invention may include a permeable structure constructed of a woven material incorporating nutrient-rich material (such as compost, fertilizers, soil amendments, soil supplements, or other material). The structure may be substantially closed around the edges and allow for the flow of water and other material therethrough to plants and surrounding vegetation.

Abstract: An urn and planter combination with a central plant holding cup shape, a first concentric ash and soil holding ring and a second concentric ash holding ring are contained within a main housing and covered by a main lid that has a central aperture to let the central cup protrude out. The first ring is placed around the central cup. The second ring is place around the first ring. The cup can hold a plant or bonsai tree. Slots in the outer wall of the cup correspond with slots in the inner wall of the first ring allowing the roots from the cup to migrate into the first ring thereby mingling with the ash and soil contained within the first ring. The second ring contains ash only. A secondary lid can cover the central opening of the cover.

Abstract: A greenhouse for cultivating plants including ventilation systems arranged to direct outside air to predetermined upper and lower parts of the greenhouse interior as well as an exhaust system for. exhausting interior air.

Abstract: A planter cover apparatus for a plant and pot, the apparatus includes a surrounding sidewall that has first and second end portions, plus removably engagable first and second margin portions that all act to define a primary interior that the plant is disposed within. The first and second margins form a first aperture and a sidewall first end with an elastic band forms a second aperture that is about the pot. Also included is an extension element having proximal and opposing distal end portions wherein the extension element is affixed to the sidewall with the extension element secured to the pot. Wherein operationally, the elastic band removably engages the pot and the extension element provides support for the sidewall about the plant resulting in protection of the plant from adverse weather, further operationally the cover apparatus is removable from the plant via the first aperture or the second aperture.

Abstract: A device and method of thinning grape vine shoots comprises a Normalized Differential Vegetative Index (NDVI) sensor. Further, the device comprises a shoot removal whip assembly configured to remove at least one grape vine shoot per stroke. Further, the device comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) to control the shoot removal whip assembly, the programmable logic controller comprising a memory unit and a processor. Further, the memory unit stores information regarding optimal shoot height and density parameters, and a set of program modules. The processor contained in the PLC takes readings of shoot height and density via the NDVI sensor, and sends an output to a proportional hydraulic valve. The PLC also takes an input from an adjustable gain potentiometer, which allows the user to increase or decrease the acceptable shoot parameters. Via the signal sent to the proportional hydraulic valve, the PLC controls the shoot removal whip assembly, in order to remove a variable number of shoots.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a primary body that has a support for supporting a person, and a secondary body. A releasable coupling provides selective coupling between the primary and secondary bodies. The lifting apparatus has (a) a first condition in which the primary body is coupled to the secondary body, and (b) a second condition in which the primary body is not coupled to the secondary body, and is configured to be releasably coupled to a vehicle.

Abstract: A garden watering controller for operating a valve for controlling supply of water into a garden watering arrangement, includes wireless receiver means for wirelessly receiving programming data signals, and a central unit for outputting control signals for operating the valve in dependence on the received programming data signals.

Abstract: Plants are grown in adjacent rows of trays that are rotated within a pool of a nutrient solution. The roots of the plants are at least partly immersed in the nutrient solution. Each row includes a gap wide enough to receive a single tray from an adjacent row. Using three rows, the plants are planted only in one of the rows, and later the rotation is used to space the planted trays one tray apart. Each tray is a parallelepipedal block with apertures for supporting respective plants. The long sides of the blocks have protrusions for preventing adhesion of the blocks. Airlift pumping circulates the nutrient solution past the roots and maintains at least 80% dissolved oxygen saturation in the nutrient solution. A screen of parallel inflatable tubes provides adjustable shade above the pool.

Abstract: Methods for increasing hybrid seed production are provided. Increased hybrid seed production is achieved through higher outcrossing rates in cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines of rice by introgressing the long stigma trait of Oryza longistaminata. CMS lines having higher outcrossing rates capable of high hybrid seed set are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences for predicting and controlling shell phenotype in palm.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of pepper, NUN 70048 PPH as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: A new and distinct clonal line plant of Solanum tuberosum L. named KI964 and characterized by elevated levels of proteinase inhibitor II.

Abstract: A new and distinct clonal line plant of Solanum tuberosum L. named KI969 and characterized by elevated levels of proteinase inhibitor II.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: A system comprises a milking box, a robotic attacher, a sensor, and a controller. The milking box has a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock. The stall comprises a first exit gate on a first side of the stall leading to a first sorting region and a second exit gate on a second side of the stall leading to a second sorting region. The robotic attacher extends from the rear between the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The sensor identifies the dairy livestock within the milking box stall. The controller selects and opens the first exit gate or the second exit gate based at least in part upon the identity of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: An animal house climate control system uses a method for operating a baffle of an air inlet of an animal house with a motor using timed inlet control. The method includes performing a calibration sequence to calculate opening velocity and opening inertia values and closing velocity and closing inertia values. The method also includes moving the baffle from an initial position to a final position by calculating a calculated power on time for the motor using the opening inertia or closing inertia values. The method can also include calculating a real position error value by comparing the calculated on time for the motor and a measured on time for the motor and using the real position error value to calculate adjusted opening and closing velocity values.

Abstract: A birthing chamber assembly includes a housing. The housing is positioned at an intersection between a pair of vertical support surfaces. Thus, a feline may reside in the housing when the feline is birthing kittens. A lid is removably positioned on the housing to shelter the feline. The lid has an aperture extending therethrough to facilitate the feline to enter the housing. The aperture is spaced from the housing when the lid is positioned on the housing. Thus, the aperture inhibits the kittens from exiting the housing.

Abstract: A pet feeder device whose movements and dispensing/feeding times can be controlled remotely by a software application on a computing device, comprising: a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive data packets over a wireless network; at least one food storage compartment; a food dispensing port configured to provide access to the at least one food storage compartment; a locomotive device; and a control system configured to: communicate with the wireless transceiver; control operation of the locomotive device in order to cause movement of the pet feeder device; and control access to the food storage compartment.

Abstract: Livestock may be managed by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In particular implementations, the properties of water may be monitored by automated techniques and treated water may be provided to animals. In certain implementations, sick, or potentially sick, livestock may be provided with treated water to improve their health. The automated techniques may include monitoring the movements and/or water consumption of the livestock and predicting which ones may be sick based on their movements and/or water consumption. In some implementations, a water trough may contain multiple segments. The water properties in the segments may be maintained at different states.

Abstract: A method for locating an animal using radio waves. In radiolocation, a large number of possible calculation results for the location of the animal arise. Using the results of previous measurements and calculations with regard to the possible locations of the node to be located, stochastic calculations are used to filter out, from the plurality of the current location calculation results, that result which in fact applies with the highest probability. Acceleration values which are measured at the animal are used in the stochastic calculations. It is assumed that with increasing measured acceleration values the probability increases that there can also be relatively large distances between temporally successive locations of the node to be located.

Abstract: A canine saddlebag and rain gear assembly for stowing items and deploying rain gear includes a first panel that is configured to position over front shoulders of a dog and to couple to front legs of the dog. A plurality of second panels is coupled to the first panel and defines a plurality of pockets. A third panel is reversibly couplable to a front edge of the first panel. A hole is positioned in the third panel and is configured to insert a head of the dog such that the third panel is positioned over a chest of the dog. A sleeve is coupled to the third panel proximate to the hole. A hat is positioned in the sleeve and is reversibly extendable from the sleeve. The hat is configured to cover the head of the dog. The pockets are configured to stow items.

Abstract: The invention is a programmable electronic system that uses voice recordings and playback to modify, reinforce or eliminate multiple, user determinable pet behaviors. The user manually records a multiplicity of individual messages in the pet collar part of the system that either encourage or discourage certain behaviors in the pet or soothe the pet's anxiety. Playback of the invention's various audio recordings may be user-initiated by manual control or remotely triggered by proximity detection of one or more discrete location devices. The invention allows the user to control the initial training while providing the flexibility and consistency of an automated training reinforcement process. After the user-controlled initial training process is completed, location devices can be physically positioned anywhere a desired behavior requires modification or reinforcement.

Abstract: An anti-cribbing collar, including a rigid stock including a first end that is connected with a tongue and the rigid stock including a second end connected with a receiver configured to receive the tongue, and a ring secured to the rigid stock by a support strap passing through the ring.

Abstract: A retractable leash having an internal spooling mechanism, active damping/braking mechanism and sensor activated ultrasonic whistle. The spooling mechanism is contained in a handle and oscillates linearly up and down when the leash member is unwound. A finger separator is contained in the handle, the finger separator having an internal channel with openings to permit the leash member to be unwound therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method or displaying and attaching a tag to a pet collar. The apparatus comprises a front planar member extending between first and second edges and between top and bottom edges and a rear planar member extending between first and second edges and between top and bottom edges. The apparatus further comprises at least one fastener for mounting the front and rear planar members to a pet collar wherein the front and rear planar members are sized to receive and contain the tag therebetween. The method further comprises inserting the tag between the front and rear planar members and fastening the front and rear planar members to a pet collar so as to contain the tag therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfestation of beehives may include housing and a controller. The housing may include a receiving area for receiving a carrier comprising a fumigant and an automatic supply system adapted to extract a predetermined amount of fumigant from the receiving area. The automatic supply system may include a delivery mechanism that is configured to extract a first predetermined portion of the carrier comprising the predetermined amount of fumigant from the receiving area. The controller may be configured to control the automatic supply system to extract the first portion of the carrier according to a treatment protocol.

Abstract: An assembly designed to encourage fish to enter a Coanda effect fish pumping system head first to allow delicing through the pump. The assembly includes a funnel shaped tube made of spaced bars and a water distribution system that provides a current that fish will swim toward. Once within the funnel shaped tube, wall spacing allows the current to dissipate where a suction current of the pump further transfers the fish. The current changes within the Coanda effect pump provide delicing of the fish by orientating the fish in a forward direction as the fish pass through the pump.

Abstract: A fish rearing tank comprising the features of: a) an egg-shaped shell (1) with a generally vertical long axis and gradually narrowing shape towards its tip volume portion; b) said shell (1) forming a generally rigid tank; c) said shell (1) being closed; d) said shell (1) having one or more water inlets (11); e) said shell (1) having one or more water outlets (16, 29); said egg-shaped tank (1) for holding a water volume in its major lower volume portion and enclosing air in its minor, upper tip volume portion (4). Further disclosed is a method of rearing fish providing such an egg-shaped shell (1) and conducting bottom to top or ?reverse?-circulation of water through said egg-shaped shell (1) while maintaining its air-filled volume in said tip (4).

Abstract: A reptile hide assembly including, at least one reptile hide comprising a hollow structure constructed of a translucent heat resistant material having at least one opening to provide access and egress for a small creature, a plurality of removably-coupleable tubular structures and at least one elevating stand configured to provide viewing to an observer of the small creature within the reptile hide. The device may be modularly assembled.