Abstract: An implement for preparing a seed bed has a front row of vertical discs, followed by three rows of shanks, followed by harrows and then rolling baskets. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted between each shank and the implement frame and exerts a constant selected trip bias force on the shanks that is adjustable up to 1300 pounds. The implement frame is configured such that a total weight on the wheels when the ground engaging tools are in the raised transport position is greater than about 850 pounds per foot of width of the implement frame. The implement is towed at speeds of at least seven miles per hour with the shanks penetrating the soil to a depth of three inches or more. Residue is cut and buried and the field surface left firm and smooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small-scale land prep and maintenance equipment system that includes a universal frame configured for use with multiple implements. The universal frame includes a tongue element that includes an implement connection point (such as a through-hole or threaded hole) configured for receiving a saddle and bolt aspect of an implement. Advantageously, the implement connection point of the universal frame and the saddle of the implement provide for a robust and rigid connection between the universal frame and an implement while also enabling quick changeover of landscaping implements. Moreover, because the universal frame may be used on any number of implements, the cost of an integrated frame in each implement is avoided.

Abstract: A subsoil tool for ameliorating soil compaction having a shank attached to a toolbar of a tractor, wings on forward wing links pivotally engaged to the shank, and following wings on a wing rod pivotally engaged with the forward wing link. The forward wing links are positioned near the bottom of the shank in front of the rear of the shank. The wing rod is positioned behind the shank. A drive box having a hydraulic cylinder is engaged to the toolbar and pivotally engaged with the wing rod. In use, a portion of the subsoil tool may be inserted below a surface of the soil, the height of the subsoil tool may be adjusted, the subsoil tool may be rotated, and the hydraulic cylinder may be cycled to move the forward wings and following wings.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first signal indicative of an implement pitch angle from a sensor, determining whether the pitch angle is within a pitch angle range, generating a first control signal indicative of instructions to adjust a hitch actuator if the pitch angle is not within the pitch angle range, and communicating the first control signal to the hitch actuator.

Abstract: A greaseless bushing assembly is provided for the gauge wheel arms of an agricultural row planter. The greaseless bushing includes an outer threaded tube for threaded mounting within the gauge wheel arm, and an internal non-metallic sleeve through which the wheel bolt extends for mounting the gauge wheel onto the arm. The sleeve provides dry lubrication for the bushing. The bushing may also include a lip or wiper seal at each end to prevent entry of dust into the bushing.

Abstract: Dry compositions comprising protein powders and lipids for use as seed flow lubricants, and methods of using the dry composition to improve seed flowability, reduce formation of seed dust, increase seed plantability, increase plant emergence, and increase crop yield.

Abstract: A planter row unit comprises a frame, a furrow opener mounted to the frame to open a furrow, a seed delivery mechanism mounted to the frame to deposit seed into the furrow, a furrow shaper, and a sensor configured to detect a parameter related to seed planting.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus and a method for uniformly applying UAN fertilizing liquid to soil on farmland for the purpose of increasing crop yields. The system has an UAN sprayer distribution rail applicator apparatus which may be pulled behind a tow vehicle or pushed by a sprayer or fertilizer applicator. The atmospheric tank contains UAN fertilizing liquid which passes from a pump, through a safety shut-off valve, and through a turbine style flow meter. A safety bypass line is provided upstream of the flow meter to relieve unsafe hydraulic pressure back through a pressure-sensitive valve in the event that multiple control valves close simultaneously. Flow through this bypass line also provides mixing of the UAN fertilizing liquid during cold weather. Upon exiting the flow meter, the UAN fluid enters the center of a distribution rail assembly. Spray nozzles with individual automatic shut-off valves are spaced across the distribution rail assembly.

Abstract: A ground height gauge assembly is provided. The ground height gauge assembly includes a shaft configured to be rotatably coupled to the header. The ground height gauge assembly includes a first arm coupled to the shaft and configured to simultaneously rotate with the shaft, the first arm defining a first length. The ground height gauge assembly includes a second arm pivotally coupled to the shaft and defining a second length, the second arm configured to be mounted in a first position and a second position. The second length of the second arm is dimensioned greater than the first length of the first arm. In the first position the second arm is configured to rotate independently of the first arm. In the second position the second arm is configured to be coupled to the first arm such that rotation of the first arm simultaneously rotates the second arm.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header having a frame mounted on a propulsion vehicle has a cutter bar carrying a sickle knife and a draper transport. The draper is guided at its front edge by a longitudinally extending rail mounted on the frame for movement therewith. The cutter bar is mounted on the frame at spaced positions by spring blades attached to a fixed beam at the rear which allow up and down flexing movement of the cutter bar relative to the draper engagement member. At the center discharge the cutter bar is carried on shorter blades which are carried on a beam in front of the front draper roller. The small amount of flexing of the cutter bar combines with a balanced three piece header frame to provide effective ground following.

Abstract: A dual reel lawn mower is disclosed. The present invention discloses the line-up of two reel mowers connected by a bar that allows an more efficiently and effectively way to cut the grass on one cut with the dual action of two mowers being used. A dual reel lawn mower comprises two individual reel cutting units, one reel cutting unit is connected by a second reel cutting unit by a connection bar, wherein the first reel cutting unit and the second reel cutting unit are connected front and rear to one another disposed in a moving position. The present invention allows a user the convenience of saving time by cutting twice at one time.

Abstract: A mower includes a plurality of cutting heads, each cutting head having a minor cutting width, the plurality of cutting heads connected by a plurality of connectors in an array having a variable major cutting width. The mower also includes a steering system coupled with a first driven wheel and supported by one cutting head, and a second driven wheel supported by one other cutting head. The steering system is capable of steering the first driven wheel independently from the second driven wheel.

Abstract: A mower includes a plurality of cutting heads, each cutting head having a minor cutting width, the plurality of cutting heads connected by a plurality of connectors in an array having a variable major cutting width. The mower also includes a steering system coupled with a first driven wheel and supported by one cutting head, and a second driven wheel supported by one other cutting head. The steering system is capable of steering the first driven wheel independently from the second driven wheel.

Abstract: A mower includes a plurality of cutting heads, each cutting head having a minor cutting width, the plurality of cutting heads connected by a plurality of connectors in an array having a variable major cutting width. The mower also includes a steering system coupled with a first driven wheel and supported by one cutting head, and a second driven wheel supported by one other cutting head. The steering system is capable of steering the first driven wheel independently from the second driven wheel.

Abstract: A combination flex and rigid control system for a header of an agricultural harvester includes ground proximity detection arrangements for both rigid mode and flex mode operation of the header. The ground proximity detection arrangements are each coupled to the same sensor shaft by way of a sensor arm that is moved by either of the ground proximity detection arrangements.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for harvesting a crop, which is equipped with a harvesting head, includes: a mowing bar for harvesting the crop; at least one transportation system adapted to transport the crop cut by the mowing bar to a collection mouth of the harvesting head. The at least one transportation system includes: a first transmission system having a first flexible element coupled with a pair of first rotary elements; a second transmission system having a second flexible element coupled with a pair of second rotary elements; at least one arm coupled with both of the first flexible element and the second flexible element, in such a way as to extend on the harvesting head substantially transversally relative to the mowing bar both during a transportation step for transporting the crop cut by the mowing bar and during a return step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support bar (5) of a crop lifter (10) for harvested crops, having a main direction of extension (X). A portion (12) designed as a sliding skid is arranged between a first end (8) and a second end (9) of the support bar (5). The invention also relates to a crop lifter (10) for a cutter bar of a harvesting machine, comprising a stalk lifter and a support bar (5) carrying said stalk lifter.

Abstract: A gardening tool, such as a mower, has a main body having an accessory, such as a mowing blade, and a motor for driving the accessory. A handle is rotatably connected to the main body. At least one operation assembly is associated with the handle for being operated by a user to control the motor when the handle is located in a predetermined position. A control system prevents the motor from being controlled by the operation assembly and halts the motor when the handle is located out of the predetermined position.

Abstract: An improved self-propelled grain harvester and threshing machine characterized by the sieves, cleaning fan and grain tank being beneath the grain harvester's threshing system which puts the center of gravity in the bottom of the machine and eliminates the need for conveying the grain throughout the machine for cleaning and to the top of the machine for storage. This configuration eliminates several clean grain conveying systems and reduces the length of the reprocess tailings elevator giving the machine a safe low profile and center of gravity when the machine is empty and the center of gravity lowers as the grain tank fills.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber for the compressing of crop material into bales. The main bale chamber has a floor and an outlet for discharge of compressed crop material in the form of bales. A bale ejection system is at least partially incorporated in the floor, and is arranged to move and eject a rearward bale proximate to the outlet of the main bale chamber. The baler is characterized in that the bale ejection system continuously extends longitudinally past the outlet of the main bale chamber.

Abstract: A method for increasing antioxidant content in plants, which includes: (a) placing at least one light transmissive material for adjusting or retaining light transmittance at certain wavelengths between a light source and photosynthesis receptors of the plants; and (b) passing a light emitted from the light source through the light transmissive material, wherein the light transmissive material adjusts or retains at least two of the following wavelength sections: the light transmittance at a section from 340 nm to 500 nm is 65% or less; the light transmittance at a section from 500 nm to 600 nm is 60% or less; and the light transmittance at a section from 600 nm to 850 nm is 83% or less.

Abstract: An improved method to produce artificial light for plant cultivation, an illumination device with a semiconductor light emission solution and device suited for plant cultivation in a greenhouse environment are described. The best mode is considered to be a lighting device with binary alloy quantum dots (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) made by colloidal methods to produce a size distribution of quantum dots that produces an emission spectrum similar to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) spectrum. The methods and arrangements allow more precise spectral tuning of the emission spectrum for lights used in plant (310, 311) cultivation. Therefore unexpected improvements in the photomorphogenetic control of plant growth, and further improvements in plant production are realized.

Abstract: A tree frame and grate system having a liner and growing method for the purposes of encouraging healthy and abundant root growth and permitting optimal development and growth of a tree or other plant material within an urban or otherwise primarily paved environment. The system is comprised of a preformed supporting frame to contain an engineered growing media and plant material. A liner is provided to create a barrier between the system and the media within and/or surrounding the system and that of native or adjoining soils. The frame may also support a manufactured grate or other partial enclosure. The system may be adapted for electrical service connection for aesthetic lighting, and piping to provide supplement irrigation.

Abstract: A mineral wool batt for use as a plant growth medium, particularly in applications for growing vegetation (including plants) in which water retention and/or the avoidance of water run of is of interest. The mineral wool batt has an absorbent layer which comprises needled mineral wool fibres; superabsorbent particles in the absorbent layer may be sandwiched between a denser upper and/or lower barrier layer(s) which assist in preventing their escape.

Abstract: A hydroponics growing medium comprising mineral fibres and an organic binder, the growing medium has a Weathered Interlaminar Strength of at least 4 kilopascals and a phenol content of less than or equal to 0.01% by weight.

Abstract: A system including: (a) a pipe having an aperture providing fluid communication between inner and outer pipe surfaces; (b) a cylindrical drip emitter disposed within the pipe, including: an emitter body having an outer facing having a generally convex contour adapted in generally complementary fashion to a concave contour of the inner pipe surface, the outer facing secured to the inner surface; a liquid inlet section adapted to receive a liquid from within the pipe, and to deliver the liquid, via the aperture, to the outer facing; a pressure-reducing section disposed in fluid communication with the liquid inlet section; functionally active sections including the pressure-reducing section, the liquid inlet section, the functionally active sections disposed within, and longitudinally defining, a position of a longitudinal segment of the body; and at least one functionally passive section, disposed on the outer facing, within the longitudinal segment; and (c) a liquid flow path fluidly connecting between the liq

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.

Abstract: The potted plant system of the present invention uses the space between the inner and outer pots as a reservoir for water. The water reservoir acts passively to transport water into the spoil of the inner pot which is subsequently used by the potted house plant. The reservoir is filled by over watering the inner pot and allowing the excess water to pass through the apertures within the inner pot. Passive transport of water from the reservoir to the soil occurs as the water saturation of the soil decreases. As a result, the soil and the potted plant remain hydrated for longer period of time as the reservoir continuously replenishes the water. The water within the reservoir can be drained through a quick connect sliding valve located on the outer pot. The quick connect sliding valve is either placed above another water receptacle or is fitted with a hose that transports the water to a drain.

Abstract: A liquid level indicator and a liquid container, such as a self-watering planter, containing same. The liquid level indicator having a top end and a bottom end, and a plurality of floating pushrods, each comprising an indicator flag cap. Each of the floating pushrods arranged such that the indicator flag cap of each pushrod is pushed towards the top end when liquid container is filled to different levels.

Abstract: A movable, sizeable, decorative, flexible, plant watering containment apparatus. The water containment provides a direct watering solution for sparse, desert and sloped landscaping. Eliminates water run off with no placement restrictions and sizeable via the cooperative engagement of one or more panels to fit any plant.

Abstract: Provided is a cultivation device, including a planting trough, a first auxiliary member and a second auxiliary member. A plant is cultivated in the planting trough. The first auxiliary member and the second auxiliary member are fixed on the planting trough and tilt toward an outside of the planting trough, and here the first auxiliary member and the second auxiliary member are opposite in tilting direction. The plant grows from the planting trough along the first auxiliary member and the second auxiliary member. The cultivation device provided in this invention may utilize space effectively for the plant to grow and is conducive to mechanical harvesting and/or hand harvesting.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of agriculture, and more specifically, to plant growing installations and to multi-story (“vertical”) farms (20) for cultivating plants in artificial conditions. According to the invention, there is proposed a vertical plant growing installation (21) comprising: a lengthwise extended rack stack (1) having two bearing surfaces (1a, 1b) positioned at a small angle ? with respect to the vertical; two artificial soil sheets (3) securable to the bearing surfaces of the rack stack, each sheet being designed with a possibility of feeding thereto, and evacuating therefrom, a nutrient liquid and including at least a lower isolating layer (10), a water-retaining layer (11), a fertile layer (12), and an upper isolating layer (13) having perforations made therein; and two seeding sheets (4) comprising a plurality of seeds (4a) and placed above the artificial soil sheets, so as to provide contact between the seeds and the fertile layer of the artificial soil sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for selecting a plant comprising a functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility comprising the steps of (a) screening a population of plants for at least one marker nucleic acid, wherein the marker nucleic acid comprises an allele linked to the functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility; (b) detecting the marker nucleic acid; (c) identifying a plant comprising the marker nucleic acid; and (d) selecting the plant comprising the marker nucleic acid, wherein the plant comprising the marker nucleic acid further comprises the functional restorer gene for maize S-type cytoplasmic male sterility. The present disclosure also provides methods for restoring fertility in a progeny of an S-type cytoplasmic male sterile plant and methods for transferring an Rf3 gene into a progeny plant.

Abstract: Two sorghum maternal haploid inducer lines SMHI01 and SMHI02 are provided including seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing sorghum haploid embryos using SMHI01 and SMHI02 are also provided. The sorghum haploid embryos produced as a result of the use of either maternal haploid inducer line SMHI01 or SMHI02 may be doubled to produce doubled haploid embryos, seeds, and plants as part of a sorghum breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is an in vitro culture method to increase both the biomass and the number of seedlings in a number varieties and rootstock types of Prunus spp., particularly Prunus avium, and the use of said culture method, which is a useful means of micropropagating in vitro any variety and rootstock type of Prunus spp., in particular Prunus avium.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV0568PB. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV0568PB and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV0198PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV0198PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DRTC1003 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DRTC1003 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DRTC2890 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DRTC2890 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Weaverville’ and ‘Xalbadora’ are described. ‘Weaverville’ and ‘Xalbadora’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A system that includes a robotic arm, a laser, a three-dimensional (3D) camera, and a processor. The processor is configured to send instructions to position the robotic arm adjacent to a dairy livestock, to send a signal that initiates scanning a portion of the dairy livestock, and to generate teat candidate position information based on the scan of the dairy livestock. The processor is further configured receive target teat information, identify a teat candidate within a teat location range of the target teat, and link the identified teat candidate with a teat identifier. The processor is further configured to send instructions to the robotic arm to move at least a portion of the robotic arm toward the target teat based on the teat candidate position information for the identified teat candidate that is linked with the teat identifier.

Abstract: A system that includes a robotic arm, a laser, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to position the laser adjacent to a dairy livestock and to modify teat location information for one or more teats of the dairy livestock based on a robot position offset between the dairy livestock and the robotic arm. The processor is further configured to generate a teat position associated with an unknown teat based on a scan of the dairy livestock and to determine a position distances between the teat position and teats of the dairy livestock. The processor is further configured to identify a teat of the dairy livestock with the smallest position distance, to associate a teat identifier for the unknown teat with the identified teat, and to store the association in the memory.

Abstract: A robotic arm that extends in a longitudinal direction includes a pivot assembly that pivots a gripping portion around an axis that is substantially perpendicular to the robotic arm, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the robotic arm, and between at least a maximum-left position, a maximum-right position, and a centered position. The pivot assembly includes a first actuator that extends and retracts a first cable coupled to a left side of the gripping portion in order to pivot the gripping portion. The pivot assembly further includes a second actuator that extends and retracts a second cable coupled to a right side of the gripping portion in order to pivot the gripping portion.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm and a controller. The controller accesses a first image and a second image generated by a first camera. The controller determines a reference point based at least in part on the first image. The controller determines a position of a teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the second image. The controller instructs the robotic arm to grip a milking cup and move it towards the determined position of the teat between the hind legs of the dairy livestock from the rear. The controller then instructs the robotic arm to release the milking cup, to move in an upward direction towards an udder of the dairy livestock, and to move away from the teat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber teat element (1) having a head part (2) and a shank part (3), which is connected to the head part (2). The head part (2) has a lateral surface (5) and an introduction opening (6) for an animal's teat, wherein the introduction opening (6) is delimited by an inwardly oriented lip (4). The lateral surface (5) has at least one expansion region (7), which extends over at least part of a lateral-surface circumference (8) and at least part of a head-part length (9), wherein the lateral surface (5) is of undulating form, as seen in cross section, in the expansion region (7). The invention also relates to a teat cup and a milking cluster having a corresponding rubber teat element. The present invention provides a rubber teat element which, in particular in the case of small, thin and short animal teats, can be adapted to different teat geometries on account of the radial expansion capability of the head part.

Abstract: A horizontal frame to mount in the back bay of a vehicle, formed with a rearwardly opening tunnel and ladder device received in the tunnel.

Abstract: A horizontal frame to mount in the back bay of a vehicle, formed with a rearwardly opening tunnel and collapsible ladder device received in the tunnel.

Abstract: A pet carrier includes a main box and a door. The main box has a lateral wall and a back board to form an integral member. The main box has an opening and a room therein. The main box is provided with a plurality of ventilation bores, which are communicated with the room. The main box is provided with two ribs to enhance its strength. The door connected to the main box to open and close the opening.

Abstract: A method including mounting a horizontal frame in the back bay of a vehicle and slidably extending sections of a collapsible ramp from the frame to the lower distal end to the ground for access by a pet to be loaded into the bay.