Abstract: There is provided soil loosening and furrower assemblies and a bed renovator therefor. The soil loosening assembly comprises a blade assembly and wherein the blade assembly is horizontally pitched such that, when drawn beneath a soil surface at a fixed depth, the horizontally pitched blade assembly severs rootstock at the level of the blade assembly while retaining the rootstock substantially in place and loosens soil above the level of the blade assembly without substantial soil inversion. The furrower assembly comprises side plates extending rearwardly from a forward prow edge, wherein the side plates are approximately 25-45° with respect to the horizontal axis; and bottom edges of the side plates are approximately 20-40° with respect to a direction-of-travel axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cultivator for an agricultural soil processing machine, which includes a base part which has a cutting element on a cutter support. The base part has at least one screw receiving area for securing to a support, in particular a tine of the agricultural soil processing machine. The screw receiving area is designed as a blind hole with an inner thread and is recessed into a cultivator support surface aligned opposite the tool advancing direction of the cultivator, or the screw receiving area is designed as a through-bore with an inner thread and is covered by at least one wear protection element in the tool advancing direction. The cultivator is characterized by reduced wear.

Abstract: A coulter disc mounting assembly for a tillage implement supports a coulter disc thereon to be angularly offset from the forward working direction of the implement. The tillage implement typically includes a frame supporting a plurality of tool shanks thereon, each having a mounting surface adapted for mounting a respective shovel opener thereon in which the mounting surface has a width which is substantially perpendicular to the forward working direction. The disc mounting assembly has a hub with a mounting surface for fastening against the mounting surface of one of the tool shanks in which the hub supports a coulter disc thereon such that the coulter axis is oriented non-perpendicularly to the forward working direction.

Abstract: A new method of disposing of waste for the hog industry is disclosed which avoids use of lagoons. Manure is semi-continuously degritted, anaerobically digested and digested with biomass to produce bio-organic fertilizer and biogas.

Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system is presented includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the conveyed air and the agricultural product. The conveyed air is configured to direct the agricultural product through ports to multiple distribution units. Moreover the inductor box includes a baffle retention channel configured to receive a removable baffle. Furthermore, the removable baffle includes at least one opening configured to control an amount of conveyed air directed through the ports to the multiple distribution units.

Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system is presented includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the conveyed air and the agricultural product. The conveyed air is configured to direct the agricultural product through ports to multiple distribution units. Moreover the inductor box includes a baffle retention channel configured to receive a removable baffle. Furthermore, the removable baffle includes at least one opening configured to control an amount of conveyed air directed through the ports to the multiple distribution units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc spreader comprising a frame consisting of a base frame (11) and an auxiliary frame (21), wherein a container (61) is secured to the base frame (11) and a spreader disc (22) is secured under the container (61) on the auxiliary frame (21), wherein, according to the invention, a dosing unit (12), preferably having a cellular wheel sluice (18), is arranged on the base frame (11) under the container (61), said dosing unit having an outlet (14) at the bottom for a collection hopper (23), wherein the collection hopper (23) is secured to this outlet (14) of the dosing unit (12) and the auxiliary frame (21) is secured on the base frame (11) by means of a quick-closure (15, 25). In this way, it is possible to provide a distributer (32, 32a) which can be connected to the outlet (14) of the dosing unit (12) after removal of the auxiliary frame (21) and the collection hopper (23), such that the disc spreader can be converted into a seeder.

Abstract: A distributor includes two distributor disks, which are driven rotatably by a drive train, to be attached to a power take-off shaft of a traction unit or of a tractor. The drive train includes a central input shaft driving a cross shaft to drive distributor disks via a central gear. The distributor disks can be rotated at different speeds with a reducing gear with variable output speed, arranged downstream of the central gear. The reducing gear is configured as a mechanical coaxial transmission with an input shaft connected to the cross shaft and an output shaft arranged coaxially to the cross shaft. A speed reduction ratio is changed by an adjusting element between a normal position, with an input speed of the input shaft corresponding to the output speed of the output shaft, and a speed reduction position with the input speed not equal to the output speed.

Abstract: A mulching apparatus including: a housing including a front opening and an inner wall; a rotor mounted in the front opening of the housing adjacent to the inner wall; and a liner mounting system for mounting a replaceable wear liner between the rotor and the inner wall, the liner mounting system including: an upper mounting provided at an upper edge of the inner wall, the upper mounting configured to releasably connect with the wear liner; and a lower mounting provided at a lower edge of the inner wall, the lower mounting configured to support the wear liner against the upper mounting and secure the wear liner to the inner wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting grass and other materials using a disk-shaped cutting web. The cutting web has a center portion that is attachable to a rotating shaft adapter. The center portion may be a solid annular disk having a keyed aperture that allows it to be mounted on a spindle of a rotating shaft adapter. The cutting web has multiple strings that are connected to the center portion and extend outward from it in a generally radial direction (away from the center of the disk). The strings intersect with each other to form junctions at which they are joined, thereby forming a web that can be rotated at high speed to perform a cutting function. The strings of the web can have sharp or serrated edges and may be colored to increase the visibility of the web.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a driving source mounting portion formed in a traveling frame, a driving source mounted in the driving source mounting portion, and a lawn mowing unit attached to the driving source. A bottom surface of the traveling frame includes a frame-side seal surface surrounding the lower end of the driving source mounting portion, and a lawn mowing unit peripheral surface surrounding the frame-side seal surface. A waterproof member is in tight contact with the frame-side seal surface. The lawn mowing unit peripheral surface is formed over a range from an outer circumferential edge of the frame-side seal surface to an outer circumferential edge of the lawn mowing unit. A boundary between the frame-side seal surface and lawn mowing unit peripheral surface is formed into the shape of a step.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using interchangeable tool attachments in multi-use tools. In one embodiment, a multi-use tool includes a motor, a shaft and a shaft adapter at the end of the shaft. The motor has user controls (e.g., on/off switch or throttle) that control the motor to drive the shaft and cause it to rotate. The shaft may include a rigid tubular outer member with a flexible inner shaft. The shaft adapter is coupled to the end of the rotating portion of the shaft. The shaft adapter has a mounting flange that rotates with the adapter at the end of the shaft. An interchangeable tool attachment is secured to the mounting flange, and rotation of the shaft adapter and mounting flange causes the tool attachment to rotate as well. Many different tool attachments can be interchangeably secured to the mounting flange to provide corresponding, different functions to the tool.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality of lateral extension segments which provide a substantially continuous conveying surface extending substantially across the width of the slot defining the path of travel of the row crop entering the row unit.

Abstract: A grass mower is provided with a plurality of rotating shafts passing through a ceiling wall of a mower deck and extending upward, disposed in a side-by-side state; cutting blades respectively linked to the rotating shafts in an internal space of the mower deck; an electric motor mounted at a location to the lateral outside relative to a rotation path of the cutting blades within the mower deck, and having an output shaft extending upward; and a power transmission mechanism positioned above the ceiling wall of the mower deck, and configured to transmit power from the output shaft to the rotating shafts of the cutting blades.

Abstract: In a riding-type mower, a vehicle body includes a rear portion in which a pair of right/left vehicle body frames extend in a front-rear direction relative to the vehicle body, with a gap therebetween in a lateral width direction. A mowing device is configured to discharge mown grass rearward relative to the vehicle body such that the mown grass falls onto the ground. A cover is provided in a bottom portion of the vehicle body, at a position that is rearward of the mowing device, and covers a gap between the pair of right/left vehicle body frames.

Abstract: A threshing system for an agricultural harvester includes a rotor having a proximal end adapted to receive material from a feeding mechanism and a distal end. A discharge housing surrounds the distal end of the rotor. The discharge housing includes a side wall spaced radially apart from the rotor to define a discharge passage between the rotor and the discharge housing. At least one vane is pivotably mounted to the side wall of the discharge housing at a downward swept side of the rotor. The vane extends from the inner surface of the discharge housing. The position of the vane is adjustable to change a trajectory of material expelled from the discharge passage. The vane is positioned on a large diameter portion of the discharge housing in order to limit compression of the material as the material passes along the at least one vane.

Abstract: A grain cleaning system in a combine harvester including a frame, a chaffer sieve, and a lower sieve. A clean grain chute is located under the lower sieve to catch grain falling therefrom and is inclined to direct the caught grain to a clean grain trough. A tailings return chute is disposed under the clean grain chute and is configured to direct tailings to a tailings collection trough. A multi-configurable plate is mounted to the frame and positioned under a rear portion of the chaffer sieve. The plate is moveable between different operating positions. In a first operating position the plate is configured to guide material incident thereon to the tailings return chute. In a second operating position the plate is configured to guide material incident thereon to the clean grain chute.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for clamping a sheet to a supporting structure of an agricultural storage apparatus. The clamping apparatus includes a first clamping section and at least one second clamping section and is attached to a wall of the supporting structure. The, or each, second clamping section includes a lever section and a catch section pivotably attached to the lever section. In use, a section of the sheet is clamped between the first clamping section and the catch section of the, or each, second clamping section thereby securing the sheet to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A detection arrangement for detecting a state of wear of a chopping assembly comprises at least one magnet arrangement which includes a magnetic excitation arrangement and a flux-conducting device magnetically coupled thereto. The magnet arrangement provides a pole arrangement which forms at least one magnetic pole for outwardly conducting magnetic flux. At least one portion of the chopping blades moves past the pole arrangement during a rotation of the cutting cylinder, and forms an air gap arrangement including at least one air gap with respect to the pole arrangement and, as a result, at least one magnetic circuit excited by the excitation arrangement is closed via the chopping blade. At least one portion of the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic excitation arrangement is longitudinally guided in the chopping blade at least across one longitudinal portion of the chopping blade.

Abstract: Plant growth is promoted by a simple method. A plant (10) is irradiated with a positive ion and a negative ion.

Abstract: A high density horticulture growing system comprises a plurality of containers in which crops are grown and one or more elevator devices to automatically move the containers between vertically spaced levels of one or more modular racks. Each elevator device comprises a carrier to transport the containers between the vertically spaced levels and a ram to push the containers from the carrier onto one or more longitudinal supports at the vertically spaced levels. A first conveying device moves containers at least horizontally from a crop planting area to each rack and a second conveying device moves containers at least horizontally from each rack to a crop storage area. One or more processors control movement of the containers, watering of the crops, temperature, lighting and other parameters of the system.

Abstract: A unit providing garden plant protection from harmful weather conditions and extend the growing season. The unit includes a shade cloth attached to a frame creating a panel that attaches to at least two post, which are attached at opposite ends of the panel for support. Each post has a ground stake attached to the bottom end. The ground stakes allow for easily placing and securing the unit in desired locations and can easily be removed from the ground. The panel can be adjusted to different angles depending on weather protection needs. The post can be raised or lowered as needed. The posts can be detached from the panel for a simplified storage solution.

Abstract: A tree frame and grate system 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. The engineered media, which may extend beyond the exterior of the supporting frame, is designed to promote healthy growth of the plant material, and resist compaction from overlying pavement. 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: The present invention provides an agricultural film formulation, which comprises about 40 wt % to about 70 wt % inorganic mineral powder, about 15 wt % to about 30 wt % high-density polyethylene, about 8 wt % to about 20 wt % low-density polyethylene, about 5 wt % to about 10 wt % biodegradable plastic, and an optional auxiliary agent, based on total weight of the formulation. The present invention also provides an agricultural mulch film made from the agricultural film formulation and a preparation method thereof.

Abstract: A system to deter and repel deer or other animals from rubbing on trees or eating foliage using a modified bubble pack having first and second layers of plastic film attached together and defining a multiplicity of spaced apart, primary chambers therebetween, and an optional third layer defining a multiplicity of spaced apart secondary chambers aligned generally adjacent the primary chambers, with animal repellent within the primary chamber, and propellant within the secondary chamber that upon activation of the propellant causes the animal repellent to be expelled outward. The repellent may be liquid, gas or powder, and may be mixed with propellant in a primary chamber. In another embodiment, repellent For filingis exposed by chamber puncture. An adhesive backing may be applied to sheets of bubble pack that are rolled or cut into sheets.

Abstract: An in-line button drip emitter may include a core fitting into a cover. For example, the core may include a cylindrical section with an elliptical cross section. For example the cover may close over a pressure reducing labyrinth formed in the outer cylindrical sides of the core. Optionally the cover has a long axis which is parallel to the long axis of the cross section of the core. In some embodiments, the bonding surface has an arched profile. Optionally, the arched profile fits an inner wall of an irrigation tube. For example, an axis of the arched profile may be parallel to the long axis of the elliptical cross section of the core and/or the arched profile may be parallel to the axis of the cover.

Abstract: Plant-initiated, cognitive watering is provided, which includes ascertaining tensile stress on a root wall of a plant, and determining whether the tensile stress on the root wall of the plant reaches a specified threshold. Based on determining that the tensile stress on the root wall of the plant reaches the specified threshold, the method includes facilitating increasing water content in soil around the plant. In one or more implementations, the method may be implemented via a cognitive watering system, which controls the increasing of water content in soil around the plant based, for instance, on data analytics.

Abstract: An irrigation device, including: a rain barrel; a water pump; a humidity detector; a permeable pipe; a control unit; a first valve; a second valve; a cleaning unit. The permeable pipe includes a plurality of circumferentially-distributed bores. The rain barrel, the water pump, the first valve and the permeable pipe are connected sequentially. The humidity detector is adapted to detect a humidity of a green land. The humidity detector and the permeable pipe are disposed in the green land. The rain barrel is connected to a municipal sewage pipe via the second valve. The cleaning unit is disposed in the rain barrel for cleaning the inner wall of the rain barrel. The first valve, the second valve, the humidity detector, and the cleaning unit are all electrically connected to the control unit.

Abstract: A hydroponic system includes a container having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a cultivating medium filling in the container; and a plurality of cultivating boards disposed in the container, in which the cultivating boards includes a plurality of hydroponic plants cultivated thereon, in which the hydroponic plants of each of the cultivating boards correspond to one of a plurality of cultivating stages of the hydroponic plants; and the cultivating boards are sequentially arranged from the first side toward the second side, and sequentially arranged along the cultivating stages of the hydroponic plants.

Abstract: Methods are provided to select plants and populations of epigenetically fixed crop plants with improved yield.

Abstract: A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘REDTIX’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 50 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green color foliage (measuring about 25 to 45 cm length and about 4.5 cm in width) Superior floral bract production; bracts are red in color (closest to RHS 42A), head inflorescence, measuring about 10 cm in height when flowering commences to about 15 cm in height at maturity, and about 12 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing high levels of alcohol during fermentation of plant material, and to the high alcohol beer produced. The method can include fractionating the plant material. The present invention also relates to methods for producing high protein distiller's dried grain from fermentation of plant material, and to the high protein distiller's dried grain produced. The method can include drying a co-product by ring drying, flash drying, or fluid bed drying. The present invention further relates to reduced stack emissions from drying distillation products from the production of ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel Pelargonium hortorum-interspecific plants having dark red to burgundy or darker pigmented flower petal, qa trailing growth habit, dark leaf color and tolerance to high temperatures, high light and edema.

Abstract: A system for controlling the position of a robot carriage includes a linear carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage positioned on the carriage track such that the robot carriage may move along the carriage track, and a controller. The controller determines a rotational movement of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform, and determines a linear movement of the robot carriage on the carriage track corresponding to the rotational movement of the milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The controller further communicates a signal to a carriage actuator coupled to the robot carriage and the carriage track. The signal causes the carriage actuator to move the robot carriage along the carriage track according to the determined linear movement as the rotary milking platform rotates.

Abstract: A milking robot for automated milking of milking animals, comprising a cylinder supporting movement of at least one movable component. The cylinder has a wall with a ventilation opening and a cylinder rod which can move in and out of the cylinder. The cylinder wall surrounds at least one variable volume part for movement of the cylinder rod. The opening configures the cylinder to remain in virtual pressure equilibrium with an environment. A gas capture device is connected which has a variable volume and which together with the variable volume part, forms an air-tight gas volume. Thus the variable volume part is kept at almost ambient pressure, so that no unnecessary counter-pressure occurs in the cylinder, during extension and retraction of the cylinder rod. Also less to no exchange of gas and dirt with the environment can take place for longer life and better reliability of the cylinder.

Abstract: A distribution unit for milk samples includes a flow passage, a valve controlled milk inlet port through which milk is delivered to the flow passage, a pump port through which a sampling pump communicates with the flow passage, and at least two valve controlled milk sampling outlet ports through which milk samples are delivered from the flow passage to a respective milk sample analyzing unit. The flow passage has a longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end, and the milk sampling outlet ports are connected to the flow passage in positions located between the connection position of the milk inlet port and the connection position of the pump port.

Abstract: A protective device for a milking cup including a milking cup part enclosing a portion of the milking cup at a location of a connection, the milking cup part including a wall. The milking cup part includes an opening in the wall for passing through at least one of a milk discharge line and pulsating line, and a single-part or multipart line part connectable to form a circumferential wall for enclosing at least a part of the at least one of the milk discharge line and the pulsating line. The line part is connected to the milking cup part around the opening in the wall, wherein the line part, from the milking cup part, successively encloses first, second, and third parts, wherein at least the third part is dimensionally stable and the second part is, for example, at least ten times more flexible than the third part.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: A system for milking a group of animals, in particular cows, comprising an accommodation space in which the animals roam freely, and a plurality of fixed milking stations. A milk storage tank is placed outside the accommodation space. An automatic milking system for automated milking of the animals comprises at least one autonomous self-propelled trolley with milking cups. The milking system automatically connects the milking cups of the trolley to the teats of the animal. A milk discharge system connects the milking cups to the milk storage tank. The milk discharge system comprises flexible milk lines which are connected to the trolley. The trolley is connected to each milking station through a connection in an animal-free space adjacent to the milking stations. The flexible milk line is configured so the trolley can travel from the animal-free space into each of the milking stations while connected to the trolley.

Abstract: Described is a system for milking animals, including cows, having an accommodation space in which the animals can walk around, and several stationary milking stations placed next to each other. Each milking station at a head end thereof includes a neck lock device which can be moved by way of an actuator device between a locked state in which a milking animal in said milking station can be locked at the neck by said neck lock device, and an open state in which a milking animal in said milking station is free to move its head in and/or out of the neck lock device. Also included is an automatic milking system for the automatic milking of milking animals and a control system that is actively connected to the actuator device of each neck lock device.

Abstract: A system for milking a group of animals, in particular cows, comprises an accommodation space for the animals, and several fixed milking stations. The milking stations each comprise an opening for entry of the animal from the accommodation space. The system comprises an automatic milking system for automatic milking of animals in the milking stations. The milking system is configured to automatically milk the animal based on the milking animal fulfilling a predefined milking criterion. The system comprises no expulsion means and/or attraction means which can be activated by a control unit to give stimulus for the animal to leave said milking station. The system is also configured to allow animals to enter the milking stations irrespective of whether said animals fulfil the milking criterion.

Abstract: A post-surgery protective garment is worn by an animal to prevent the animal from biting or licking incision areas, until those incision areas are completely healed on the animal. The post-surgery protective garment includes a torso-covering sheet, a left placket, a right placket, and a plurality of placket fasteners. The torso-covering sheet encloses the torso of a four-legged animal and covers incision wounds made on the torso. The left placket and the right placket secures the torso-covering sheet onto the animal. The plurality of placket fasteners attaches the left placket to the right placket. More specifically, the plurality of placket fasteners positions the left placket and the right placket to overlap each other. By adjusting the overlap between the left placket and the right placket, girth of the torso-covering sheet can be widened to fit larger animals.

Abstract: Animal-based olfactory detection of one or more target substances in a sequence of filters includes providing one or more enclosures each housing an animal, each enclosure including a sample presenting structure via which only a single olfactory sample is presented to the animal at any given time, presenting samples of the sequence of filters to the animal via the structure, one at a time, and generating an output indication of olfactory detection of target substances in the sequence of filters.

Abstract: A pet chew has an elongated tube having a wall extending between two ends. The tube has a length between the ends. The wall forms an interior cavity that extends along the length of the tube. The wall is made of extruded material of animal meat, animal skin and plant material such as starch and grain. The interior cavity is hollow. In one embodiment, each end of the tube is tied into a knot, with the tube forming a central shank extending between the knots. In another embodiment, a wrap is located around the exterior of the tube. The wrap has a different appearance than the tube. In still another embodiment, plural tubes are provided, which tubes are braided about each other.

Abstract: A remotely-controlled animal release device for releasing a dog from a chain to chase off intruders. The remotely-controlled animal release device includes a support assembly including a support member; a catch assembly in communication with the support member for releaseably retaining an animal with up to 300 pounds of tension; and an actuating assembly in communication with the catch assembly for releasing the animal from a restraint.

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

Abstract: A method for monitoring an animal, the method including an electronic processing device (121) for wirelessly receiving at least one signal indicative of first and second biological attributes of the animal, wherein the at least one first biological attribute is at least partially sensed using at least one first sensor (111) worn on a neck region of the animal; and, the at least one second biological attribute is at least partially sensed using at least one second sensor (112) worn on a non-neck region of the animal; and, generating at least one indicator at least partially indicative of the first and second biological attributes.

Abstract: An animal nutrition system and method for effectively monitoring and managing animal nutrition. The animal nutrition system and method generally includes a food container storing a volume of pet food, a package identification chip attached to the food container, a food serving appliance configured to removably receive the food container, and a scale positioned within the food serving appliance to weigh the food container periodically to generate weight data. The food serving appliance includes a chip reader that communicates with the package identification chip to receive food container data from the package identification chip to acquire data related to the food package.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring device for attaching to an animal includes an NFC module facilitating wireless communication between a smart phone and the monitoring device, an accelerometer for monitoring acceleration of the head of the animal, and a microprocessor which determines various states of the animal from signals received from the accelerometer. The smart phone is programmed by a software application which allows an identifying code of the monitoring device to be read from the memory chip and cross-referenced in the smart phone with the identity of an animal, which can be inputted into the smart phone. Data relating to the states(s) of the animal can be read from the microprocessor through the NFC module into the smart phone. Additionally, data relating to the animal stored in a cloud server corresponding to the state or states of the animal is downloaded from the cloud server by the smart phone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for containing a number of eggs in an incubation chamber, the tray comprising a number of egg accommodation spaces in which space an egg is able to be hatched, and at least one passage for a chicken through which passage a chicken hatched from said egg may pass through the tray and enter a chicken accommodation space located below the tray.