Abstract: A hinge for an agricultural machine having a center section having a first aperture, a wheel supporting the center section, a wing section connected to the center section and having a second aperture, and a hinge positioned between the center section and the wing section to permit the wing section to pivot about the center section. The hinge includes a pin which extends through the first and second apertures to connect the wing section to the center section. A first fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the first end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures. A second fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the second end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures.

Abstract: A mower apparatus has a tool bar mounted on wheels has a center section and right and left wing sections pivotally attached to the center section. When the tool bar is in an operating position the wing sections extend laterally from the center section perpendicular to the operating travel direction, and in a transport position the wing sections extend rearward or forward from the center section. A plurality of mowing units is attached to the tool bar such that when the tool bar is in the operating position each mowing unit extends rearward from the tool bar, and when the tool bar is in the transport position each mowing unit extends upward from the tool bar.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for making good use of recently obtained biometric data and for configuring propagule capsules for deployment via an unmanned vehicle so that each has an improved chance of survival.

Abstract: A method begins by agriculture equipment collecting current on-site gathered agriculture data regarding an agriculture region and sending at least a representation of the current on-site gathered agriculture data to a host device. The method continues with the host device processing one or more of the at least a representation of the current on-site gathered agriculture data, current off-site gathered agriculture data, historical on-site gathered agriculture data, historical off-site gathered agriculture data, and historical analysis of agriculture predictions regarding the agriculture region to produce a current agriculture prediction for the agriculture region. The method continues with the host device generating an agriculture prescription regarding at least a portion of the agriculture region based on the current agriculture prediction and sending the agriculture prescription to one or more of the agriculture equipment.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of neutralizing cotton seeds, including the steps of providing delinted cotton seeds having a pH of less than about 3.3, and applying an alkyl amine to the delinted cotton seeds to produce neutralized delinted cotton seeds having a pH of greater than about 3.5.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for the preparation of treated seeds. Generally, the processes described herein comprise contacting a seed with a liquid seed treatment composition, thereby producing a wetted seed. The processes further comprise contacting the wetted seed with a dry powder comprising an effect pigment, thereby producing a treated seed having a coating comprising the effect pigment. In some instances, the treated seeds may exhibit an attractive visual appearance and good flowability through manufacturing, distribution, and planting equipment.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for closing a planting trench. Embodiments include a disc assembly for loosening soil adjacent to the planting trench. In some embodiments a closing wheel assembly pivots relative to a subframe of a row unit of a planter.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for selecting an agricultural input. First and second inputs are in communication with a seed meter. A selection apparatus constrains the seed meter to deposit only one of the input sources such that the seed meter is enabled to alternate between depositing the first and second inputs. Processing circuitry controls the selection apparatus to alternate between the first and second inputs.

Abstract: A flow control insert for an agricultural metering system includes a body configured to couple the flow control insert to a housing of the agricultural metering system. The flow control insert also includes a shoulder extending from the body. The shoulder is configured to engage a channel in a meter roller to control flow of particulate material within the channel along a rotational direction of the meter roller.

Abstract: A seed delivery system having a housing with an input opening at a first end and discharge opening at a second end. The input opening is adjacent a seed meter and is adapted to receive an or transport seeds from the seed meter to a first of a plurality of seed transport rollers disposed within the housing.

Abstract: A flow control insert for an agricultural metering system includes a head configured to couple the flow control insert to a housing of the agricultural metering system. The flow control insert also includes a tongue extending from the head. The tongue is configured to engage a channel in a meter roller of the agricultural metering system to substantially block flow of particulate material through the channel in a circumferential direction opposite a rotational direction of the meter roller.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement is provided for attaching a row unit to the tool bar of an agricultural implement. The fastening arrangement includes an elongated flat operatively connected to the tool bar. The elongated fiat has a leading surface lying in a first plane nonadjacent to a second plane which includes a trailing surface of the tool bar. A head bracket is adapted to receive a row unit. The head bracket has an aperture therethough and is supportable on the elongated flat. A clamping nut and bolt combination is configured to fasten the head bracket to the elongated flat. The clamping nut and bolt combination including a bolt adapted to pass through the aperture of the head bracket engage the clamping nut in a mating relationship.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for controlling and monitoring liquid applications of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a flow device for controlling flow during an agricultural operation includes an offset ball valve having multiple openings that rotate in position to control flow of a liquid through the offset ball valve to an outlet passage. The flow device also includes a first passage that provides a first flow path from an inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve and second passage that provides a second flow path from the inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve.

Abstract: A robotic work tool comprising a work tool (160), a tool damage detector (162) and a controller (110) for controlling the operation of the robotic work tool (100), the robotic work tool (100) being configured to detect that the work tool (100) is damaged or lost by detecting an irregularity utilizing the tool damage detector (162) and thereby determining that the work tool (160) is damaged or lost.

Abstract: An outdoor power machine apparatus includes a prime mover, such as a combustion engine or an electric motor. The outdoor power machine is operable to carry out machine function, e.g. a material handling function. An electronic controller is connected to a machine function and identifies a specific user and controls the machine function based on the identity of the user. The controller may be configured to permit or deny operation of the machine function based on the user's identity. The controller may be configured to operate the machine function in a desired manner based on the user's identity.

Abstract: An apparatus (mulcher) for keeping down groundcover between parallel rows of plants, especially rows of wine grape or fruit plants, with two chopping blade rotors rotating in one and the same plane, each around an axis perpendicular to the ground. The distance between the rotational axes is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the plant rows even though the rotational areas of the chopping blade rotors may overlap. A separate electric motor is assigned to each of the chopping blade rotors, and devices are provided to control the electric motor so that that collisions between the chopping blade rotors are avoided.

Abstract: A weed trimmer stabilizer system for retaining a weed trimmer at a constant height includes a weed trimmer that may be manipulated for trimming plants. The weed trimmer has a spool and the spool has a bottom surface. A stabilizer is coupled to and extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the spool. The stabilizer abuts ground thereby facilitating the spool to be spaced and retained a selected distance from the ground.

Abstract: A method for creating a narrow row head unit which may include a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, and which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber, and a stuffer unit including a tine arm defining an axis of rotation and a plurality of tines coupled with and extending from the tine arm. The baler is characterized in that the tines are rotatable around the axis of rotation of the tine arm between a first position associated with a stuffing cycle and a second position associated with a loading cycle.

Abstract: A grain paddle for a clean grain elevator of a combine harvester. The paddle includes a substantially rigid body with a planar portion having ends disposed distal and proximal to an elevator chain of the combine harvester. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent the proximal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include an angled end adjacent to the distal end of the planar portion. Some paddle embodiments include sloped lateral edges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-guided blossom picker that uses a vision system to identify and locate blossoms or inflorescence growing on a plant. The device is intended to be used on a farm and towed by a tractor, for example, or it can be self-propelled. As the device is moved over the blossom the image data captured by the vision system is sent to a machine vision module, which interprets the data and identifies a location of blossom. A controller uses the location data to command a picker to the proper location. A cutter on the picker is actuated to remove the blossom.

Abstract: The invention provides a crop cultivation receptacle. The receptacle comprises a base and side walls that project from the base to define a receptacle space between them. In the receptacle space, a body of growth medium for the cultivation of crops can in use be contained such that a major portion thereof is spaced from the base. The receptacle also comprises at least one recess that is defined in the base. Into the recess, a minor portion of the body of growth medium can extend and in which the minor portion of the body of growth medium can be contained. The receptacle further comprises water feed control means that limits water feed to the receptacle space so as not to exceed a predetermined depth of water in the receptacle space above non-recessed portions of the base.

Abstract: A method of erecting and filling above-ground planters from components contained in the containers, which containers serve as forms for retaining the planters in the shape of the containers during filling and erecting the planters. The resulting filled planters can have flat sides so that planters can be arranged with contacting sides that allow cross rooting and arranging in multiple planters forming beds in selected configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enclosure, in particular for a plant container such as a raised bed, flower box or the like, having upright panels, wherein upright hollow corner profiles are used to support those at the corners of the enclosure, which have two formed legs on the outside in order to encompass the panels at their vertical outer edges, wherein at least one approximately horizontally extending hole for passing through a circumferential pulling means is provided in the corner profile at the inner corner and that the corner profiles are pulled together with this pulling means.

Abstract: A modular assembly is disclosed to support, feed, and water live vegetative growth on an inclined or vertical surface, using a series of horizontally mounted troughs affixed to an impervious backing panel.

Abstract: A planting pot and tray system comprises a plurality of pots and a tray having multiple receptacles configured to receive the pots. Each pot includes at least one rounded side, and at least one generally flat side, with each receptacle including at least one curved wall and at least one generally straight wall. The receptacles are configured to receive the pots with the rounded and flat sides of the pot engaging with respective walls of the receptacle to whereby the respective shapes of the receptacles and pots orient the pots within the receptacles. A front wall of the receptacle is shorter than the pot whereby a portion of side of the pot is exposed and directed outwardly from the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cultivation structure and a method for operating a cultivation structure comprising an area for cultivation, the cultivation structure being connected to a subterranean thermal energy storage. The arrangement comprises: a heating-cooling system for controlling an indoor climate of the structure, wherein the heating-cooling system is arranged to cool air in the structure by transporting heat from the air in the structure into the subterranean thermal energy storage and wherein the heating-cooling system is arranged to heat air in the structure by transporting heat from the subterranean thermal energy storage into the structure.

Abstract: A system for promoting airflow beneath a plant canopy in a plant husbandry facility includes fan that creates airflow therethrough and a duct row in fluid communication with the fan, wherein the duct row has holes therein, wherein the holes are oriented to direct airflow from the fan out of the holes and beneath the plant canopy.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a spray system with dynamically configurable droplet sizes are disclosed.

Abstract: A clamping device (10) comprises a body (30), a clamping arrangement (50) in the body for clamping a flexible elongate member (12). A first cooperating formation (36) cooperates with a second cooperating formation (18). The second cooperating formation is part of a support arrangement (14) to support the clamping device. The first cooperating formation comprises a pair of opposed side portions (38A) and a bridging portion (38B) extending between the side portions.

Abstract: An agricultural motor vehicle designed to receive various agricultural implements, having a monoblock chassis assembled over 4×4 traction wheels, with a vibrating screen inside the lower portion of the chassis and a rotating cleaning set assembled lengthwise above the vibrating screen. The front section of the chassis has a concentrating guiding roller assembled crosswise upon it, with a hydraulic set for activation and transmission assembled above, the set serving as a support platform for a cockpit made accessible via a passageway and stairs. At the end of the rotating cleaning set is assembled a ventilation box with a motor power set is located on its rear side, and two pulling sets for residue outlet. A gutter for collecting clean grain is located at the end of the vibrating screen, the edges of the collecting gutter interconnected to cup elevators which lead into a dumper.

Abstract: What are disclosed are embodiments of a saddle, cap, and adapter for use in an irrigation system. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed inventive concepts utilize a dynamic seal that provides an improvement over prior known technology. In a preferred embodiment the adapter and cap are made to be removable so as to be easily changed or replaced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for cultivating surface-growing floating aquatic plants, in particular, duckweeks or lemnoideae species, on a non horizontally positioned sheet-like substrate. The aforementioned system comprises (a) a predetermined volume of growth media flowing through sheet-like substrate provided with a predetermined inoculum of said aquatic plants; (b) at least one sheet-like substrate; (c) an irrigation mechanism configured to a top down irrigation flow in said sheet-like substrate; and (d) a regulation mechanism configured to control said irrigation flow. The present invention further discloses methods for cultivating the aforementioned aquatic plants.

Abstract: An aeroponic column comprises a base, a planter section attached to the base, wherein the planter section defines a hollow interior, a channel and plant holder openings adapted to receive a plant holder, a nutrient distributor attached over the planter section with fluid openings adapted to allow fluid to flow down the planter sections, and a conduit assembly operatively connected between the base and the nutrient distributor, and adapted to carry fluid from the base to the nutrient distributor. The conduit assembly comprises a conduit formed separate from the planter section, the conduit extends through the channel of the planter section, and the conduit has a male threaded first end and a female threaded second end.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the sorghum variety designated GSV644454. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety GSV644454, and to methods for producing a sorghum plant produced by crossing a sorghum plant of variety GSV644454 with itself or with another sorghum plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to sorghum seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety GSV644454 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety GSV644454.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the sorghum variety designated GSV864306. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety GSV864306, and to methods for producing a sorghum plant produced by crossing a sorghum plant of variety GSV864306 with itself or with another sorghum plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to sorghum seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety GSV864306 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety GSV864306.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the sorghum variety designated GSV967288. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety GSV967288, and to methods for producing a sorghum plant produced by crossing a sorghum plant of variety GSV967288 with itself or with another sorghum plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to sorghum seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety GSV967288 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety GSV967288.

Abstract: Anti-sense-oriented RNA gene suppression agents in the form of a loop of anti-sense-oriented RNA is produced in cells of transgenic organisms, e.g. plants, by transcription from a recombinant DNA construct that comprises in 5? to 3? order a promoter element operably linked to more than one anti-sense-oriented DNA element and one or more complementary DNA elements.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated LK4, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line LK4, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line LK4 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line LK4 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line LK4 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line LK4.

Abstract: An animal enclosure (10) having a partly circular wall or fence (12), at least one barrier (36) located within the enclosure (10), the at least one barrier (36) being rotatable about a vertical axis (26), and actuation means for causing rotation of at least one of the at least one barrier (36), the actuation means being manually operable by an operator, the actuation means including a part or a portion (40) located externally of the enclosure (10) to thereby allow an operator to move the at least one barrier (36) from a location that is external to the enclosure (10). The actuation means includes a handle (40) extending externally of the enclosure (10) and a ratchet wheel operatively connected to the barrier (36).

Abstract: Provided is a toilet that does not require a partition member despite containing both granules and an absorbent sheet. A toilet includes a receptacle, an absorbent sheet, and a plurality of granules. The receptacle has a bottom surface part and a side surface part. The absorbent sheet is arranged within the receptacle. The granules are arranged directly upon the absorbent sheet. Each granule is made of a chemically-integrated resin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable animal litter system is disclosed. The system includes a base container having a perimeter wall protruding substantially upward from a perimeter of a bottom panel. A plurality of looped inner walls is positioned concentrically so that the looped inner walls are in a telescoping arrangement. In a fully collapsed state, the looped inner walls are configured within the base container such that an upper end of each of the looped inner walls are proximate to each other. In an expanded configuration the upper ends of each looped inner wall are distal from each other. A lid is configured to attach to the base container when the system is in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a litter for use in animal keeping, consisting of 10 to 80% by weight of cellulosic substance which is selected from at least one component of the group consisting of wood meal, bran, hulls and bran, cereal hull and cereal husk, 10 to 70% by weight of cereal flour and 0.1 to 4% by weight of gel former, based on the total weight of the litter, where the above components always amount to 100% by weight, where the cellulosic substance is present in the form of particles with a particle size of from 0.2 to 6 mm.

Abstract: A bowl assembly is basically provided with a bowl and a fill cup. The bowl is configured to be supported on a barrier at a first barrier side. The fill cup is configured to be supported on the barrier at a second barrier side that is opposite to the first barrier side. The fill cup and the bowl being capable of being connected together through an opening in the barrier.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to preventing or lessening ice in remote water tanks. The remote water tanks can include a body at least partially defining a chamber that receives a liquid and having an open top portion that provides one or more animals access to the liquid. Further, a heat exchanger can be at least partially received within the chamber, and can receive a thermal transfer fluid that is circulated therethrough to maintain a temperature of the liquid in the chamber. Also, an external heat collector can be in fluid communication with the heat exchanger to transfer solar or other heat to the thermal transfer fluid as the thermal transfer fluid is circulated therethrough.

Abstract: There is provided a powdered chemical applicator for a pet door, the applicator comprising: a substantially wedge shaped body defining a powdered chemical reservoir therebetween and wherein wedge shaped body presents a ramped transition between the surface of the pet door above the chemical applicator and the front of the chemical applicator being devoid of substantial sharp edges of protrusions that may otherwise strike the pet or snag a collar of the pet as the pet brushes past the applicator from the top to the bottom of the applicator in use; and the front comprises at least one vent such that, in use, as pet door is deflected by a pet, the powdered chemical is jostled within the powdered chemical reservoir such that at least a some thereof becomes airborne such and at least some of the airborne powdered chemical is ejected through the at least one vent onto the pet.

Abstract: A pet training device includes a hollow tubular body and a plurality of rigid or semi rigid elements. The hollow tubular body has a first end portion, a second end portion and central portion. The central portion has a diameter that is less than a diameter of both the first and second end portions. At least the first end portion is made from a first material, and at least the second end portion is made from a second material, the first and second materials being different from each other. The plurality of rigid or semi rigid elements are disposed within the hollow tubular body and are capable of being moved to into the first end portion to strike the first material and cause a first sound and moved into the second end portion to strike the second material and cause a second sound different from the first sound.

Abstract: A pet training device includes a telescoping shaft and a clip portion. The clip portion generally has a first member and a second member pivotally connected to the first member such that an object can be held therebetween in an interior area. The second member includes a reservoir portion on an external surface that enables food to be disposed therein.

Abstract: A four-legged animal lifter. Lifting straps extend downward from a rotatable horse support structure. Four harnesses are connected to the lifting straps and are attached to the legs of the four-legged animal. A lifting apparatus is attached to the rotatable horse structure and is for lifting the four-legged animal upwards to reduce weight on the animal's legs. In preferred embodiment the four-legged animal is a horse.

Abstract: A protective garment for selectively shielding the nipples of a nursing animal includes a sleeve that has opposing ends. The opposing ends are open, such that the sleeve is configured to position around a torso of the nursing animal with at least the nipples of the nursing animal covered by the sleeve. A plurality of holes is positioned through a bottom of the sleeve. Each hole is configured to insert a respective nipple of the nursing animal. A guard is configured to reversibly couple to the bottom of the sleeve. The guard is positioned to couple to the sleeve to cover the plurality of holes, such that the nipples positioned through the holes are shielded.