Abstract: The new hybrid plant cultivar of Tiarella ‘Cutting Edge’ has pale pink flower buds developing into white flowers on moderately dense branched panicles in spring above a clumping mound of palmately-lobed leaves that have a large center burgundy palm chartreuse to medium green. Leaves are deeply dissected nearly to petiole with sharply acute lobe apices and toothed margin.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for detaching a frozen charge from an inner wall of a grinding pipe of a tube mill such as is used for grinding. The method includes controlling a driving device of the grinding pipe to detach a frozen charge from an inner wall of the grinding pipe, which driving device is operable to apply a driving torque to the grinding pipe. Controlling the driving device includes varying the driving torque applied to the grinding pipe around a predetermined reference level.

Abstract: Crystalline polymorphic forms of a compound of formula N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-4-methoxybutyramide are described. The two polymorphic forms, named polymorphic Form A and polymorphic Form B, can be used in the treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism and have very good stability. Methods for preparing the polymorphic forms are also described.

Abstract: A masterbatch comprising pigment and demolding agent is provided. The demolding agent is selected from the group comprising low molecular weight polyolefin oils, low molecular weight polyolefin waxes, montan waxes and aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid esters of fatty acids and/or fatty alcohols, wherein the pigment content of the masterbatch is from 3 to 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of the masterbatch. The masterbatch is suitable for preparation of a polymer composition having improved pigment dispersion.

Abstract: A system for nucleic acid amplification of a sample comprises partitioning the sample into partitioned sections and performing PCR on the partitioned sections of the sample. Another embodiment of the invention provides a system for nucleic acid amplification and detection of a sample comprising partitioning the sample into partitioned sections, performing PCR on the partitioned sections of the sample, and detecting and analyzing the partitioned sections of the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for an extendable software interface includes software architecture for use in a mobile device having a processor and a memory device. The software architecture includes a set of first-order controller software instructions configured to interface the application program with a first-order data model, and a first-order data object stored in the memory device in the form of the first-order data model. The first-order data object includes a second-order data object. A second-order set of controller software instructions configured to interact with the second-order data object is also included in the software architecture.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, including a base-deck floor; a base-deck frame, overlying the base-deck floor; a top cover, overlying the base-deck frame; and an affixing means operable to attach the base-deck frame to the base-deck floor, wherein the base-deck frame is operable to be fastened to both the base-deck floor and the top cover to provide a housing for a hard disk drive. A method is also provided, including assembling at least a portion of a hard disk drive assembly on a base-deck floor; affixing a base-deck frame to the base-deck floor; and securing a top cover to the base-deck frame.

Abstract: A USB-based isolator system conveys USB signals between a pair of galvanically isolated circuit systems and supports controlled enumeration by a downstream device on upstream USB signal lines. The isolator system provides a multi-mode voltage regulator to support multiple voltage supply configurations. The isolator system further provides control systems for each of the isolated circuit systems and provides robust control in a variety of start up conditions. Additionally, the isolator system includes refresh timers and watchdog mechanisms to support persistent operation but manage possible communication errors that can arise between the isolated circuit systems.

Abstract: An electric row cleaner actuation assembly is provided. The electric row cleaner actuation assembly includes a row cleaner unit engageable with a soil to clear a planting area for a seed planting device to dispense seeds. The electric row cleaner actuation assembly also includes a motor. The actuation assembly further includes a telescoping tube arrangement comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, the outer tube moveable along the inner tube and operatively coupled to the row cleaner unit. The actuation assembly yet further includes a position driving element engageable with the outer tube to displace the outer tube to adjust a downforce applied to the row cleaner unit.

Abstract: A pull hitch assembly for an agricultural implement having a tool bar coupled with and extending transverse to the pull hitch assembly. The pull hitch assembly includes first and second tube members, a hose carrier track and a tunnel. The second tube member is partially slidingly disposed within the first tube member. The hose carrier track is operatively coupled to both the first tube member and the tube second member. The tunnel is coupled to the first tube member. At least part of the hose carrier track is movable within the tunnel as the first tube member and the second tube member are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis; a header carried by the chassis and including a cutter mechanism, the header being adjustable in a vertical direction; a swath roller carried by the chassis behind the header; a roller actuator connected to the swath roller and configured to adjust the swath roller in the vertical direction; and a controller coupled to the roller actuator. The controller is configured for: detecting when the header raises in the vertical direction; recording a header raising point where the header raises; determining when the swath roller reaches the header raising point; and signaling the roller actuator to raise the swath roller when the swath roller reaches the header raising point.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for use by an agricultural machine, in particular a self-propelled windrower, allowing the adjustable position of a hitch for use in both the towing of implements during field operations and the transportation of implements from one location to another. The adjustable hitch advantageously provides stability during the transportation position and is up and out of the way of crop flow during field use.

Abstract: Techniques for using a scaling relationship between crop drymass and elevation at a farm level to redistribute crop yield data are provided. In one aspect, a method for analyzing crop yield is provided. The method includes the steps of: obtaining crop yield data for a farm; cleansing the crop yield data using a data filter(s), wherein one or more data points are eliminated from the crop yield data by the data filter; and redistributing a value of the data points eliminated from the crop yield data to data points remaining in the crop yield data to create a crop yield distribution for the farm.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a force sensor that senses a force characteristic indicative of a force applied by a portion of the agricultural machine to ground. An acceleration sensor also senses accelerations on that portion of the machine, and an applied downforce is corrected for the forces contributed by the sensed acceleration. An action signal is generated to control the agricultural machine based upon the corrected downforce signal.

Abstract: A seed firmer for pressing seeds into soil during planting. The seed firmer includes a mount for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. An arm defines a ground-facing surface having at least one point of contact with the ground, including a rearmost ground contact point with respect to a direction of forward travel during planting operation. The ground-facing surface has a transition section directly trailing a rearmost ground contact point, the transition section can extending upwardly from the rearmost ground contact point with a radius no less than 25 mm.

Abstract: A seed research plot planter includes a rotating seed plate for picking up and transporting seeds from a seed chamber to a release point, and a sensor that detects the rotational position of the seed plate. A distance measuring device measures a distance traveled by the planter. A controller uses a first signal from the sensor and a second signal from the distance measuring device to control a sequence of operations of the planter based on the rotational position of the seed plate and the location of the planter within the field. A field layout system is provided for creating a plot field layout having a desired number of ranges, a desired number of planter passes, and desired parameters for each plot within the field. The field layout system allows different plot lengths and seed populations to be input for individual plots within the same planter pass through the field.

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 robot lawnmower includes a robot body, a drive system, a localizing system, a teach monitor, and a controller in communication with one another. The drive system is configured to maneuver the robot lawnmower over a lawn. The teach monitor determines whether the robot lawnmower is in a teachable state. The controller includes a data processing device and non-transitory memory in communication with the data processing device. The data processing device executes a teach routine when the controller is in a teach mode for tracing a confinement perimeter around the lawn as a human operator pilots the robot lawn mower, when the robot lawnmower is in the teachable state, the teach routine stores global positions determined by the localizing system in the non-transitory memory, and when the robot lawnmower is in the unteachable state, the teach routine issues an indication of the unteachable state.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a hollow shaft, a cutter blade, flaps, a belt type continuously variable transmission, and a transmission mechanism. The cutter blade extends along a horizontal line which is perpendicular to the hollow shaft. The flaps are provided for the cutter blade. Each of the flaps has a flap angle changeable along the horizontal line. A control force converter unit of the belt type continuously variable transmission converts a displacement force of the movable sheave relative to the fixed sheave in an axial direction into a control force that controls the flap angle of the flaps. The transmission mechanism is accommodated inside the hollow shaft, and transmits the control force to the flaps.

Abstract: An agricultural work machine, such as a self-propelled harvester, is provided. The agricultural work machine includes a crop gathering machine which has a crop cutting device, a crop collecting device and/or a crop feeding device, and at least one crop conveyor, and comprising an image processing system, a data output unit, and at least one sensor system assigned to the crop gathering machine for recording a crop flow in the crop gathering machine. The sensor system is coupled to the image processing system for transferring images. The image processing system processes a selection of available images, such as by pre-processing the images to be transferred in a first step, in a further step determining an optical flow and corresponding vector fields from the pre-processed images, and in a subsequent step deriving and assessing speed trends of the crop flow from the corresponding vector fields.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for monitoring yield while harvesting grain. In some embodiments a template is provided for cutting an opening in a clean grain elevator plane. In some embodiments, a gauge and shims are provided for positioning a yield sensor on the clean grain elevator.

Abstract: A control system for a harvester having a crop cleaner for cleaning a cut crop. The control system includes a processor, a memory, and a human-machine interface. The processor is configured to receive an input corresponding to a desired cleaning level of the crop, monitor the actual cleaning level, and control the crop cleaner based on feedback from monitoring the actual cleaning level to move the cleaning level of the crop towards the desired cleaning level of the crop.

Abstract: A windrower has a crop merger attachment with a conveyor configured to receive crop material from a crop conditioning mechanism and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower, the crop merger attachment being mounted for adjusting movement between a lowered and a raised position. The windrower has a swathboard mounted for adjusting movement between a fully raised position in which the crop material passes beneath the swathboard for engagement with the merger attachment and a lowered position in which the crop material down to the ground under the merger attachment under the windrower. A control system automatically adjusts movement of the swathboard when movement of the merger attachment is detected.

Abstract: A standing ride on mower comprises a frame; a right drive wheel supporting the frame; a left drive wheel supporting the frame; a prime mover supported by the frame; a cutting deck assembly supported by the frame, the cutting deck assembly comprising a cutting deck at least one cutting blade mounted under the cutting deck and rotatable under influence of the prime mover; a right side integrated transaxle operating under influence of the prime mover to drive rotation of the right drive wheel, the right side integrated transaxle including a right side housing, a right hydraulic pump within the housing, and a right hydraulic motor within the housing; a left side integrated transaxle operating under the influence of the prime mover to drive rotation of the left drive wheel, the left side integrated transaxle including a left side housing, a left hydraulic pump within the housing, and a left hydraulic motor within the housing; and an operator platform to support a standing operator of the mower.

Abstract: A grasping mechanism for an agricultural bale wagon has a fixed grasping arm and a movable grasping arm. The movable grasping arm is translatable toward and away from the fixed grasping arm. The movable grasping arm can be rotated to define varying angular relationships between the fixed grasping arm and the movable grasping arm. Rotation and translation of the movable grasping arm are effected by an actuator. A resilient bumper between the fixed grasping arm and movable grasping arm is adjustable automatically to span the adjusted width between the fixed grasping arm and movable grasping arm.

Abstract: A toothed crushing disk for a grain processor includes teeth having a trailing tooth flank, which is a so-called tooth back, and a leading tooth flank, which is a so-called tooth face, on the surface of the teeth. The teeth have a wear protection zone in the region of the tooth back which is continuous or is divided into partial zones and has a wear resistance which is greater than that of the material of a base member of the toothed crushing disk. The base member has a tooth structure which determines the shape of the teeth and the wear protection zone is produced by using a high-energy beam method with the geometry of the tooth structure being substantially maintained. A method for producing a toothed crushing disk for a grain processor having teeth on the surface thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A helical auger flight has an inner edge, an outer edge, an inner face, an outer face, and a leading extremity that includes a prominence and a leading edge that extends from the outer edge to the prominence. The prominence extends outward from the leading edge of the leading extremity to an outer end having an upturned jut. A wear plate is releasably connected to the inner face of the helical auger flight. The wear plate extends from the outer edge of the helical auger flight to the prominence. A front extremity of the wear plate extends forwardly of the leading edge of the helical auger flight so as to be in a shielding relationship with respect to the leading edge of the helical auger flight, and a nose of the front extremity of the wear plated is seated in direct contact against a contact surface of the jut.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a straw walker arrangement positioned downstream from a threshing and separating system. The straw walker arrangement includes a first straw walker positioned to receive crop material from the threshing and separating system, a second straw walker positioned downstream from the first straw walker, and a rotatable drum positioned between the first straw walker and the second straw walker. The rotatable drum is operable to convey crop material from the first straw walker to the second straw walker.

Abstract: Steps to manufacturing a feed beater for a twin axial-flow crop processor in a combine harvester including cutting a flat state vane element from sheet material and bending along predetermined bend lines before being secured to a rotor core. The vane element includes a transverse vane section parallel to the rotation axis, and a directional vane section having an effective edge that extends at a non-zero angle to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A baling system acts at shut-down to automatically pre-position a plunger so that it is just past a rear-dead-center position when the baler is restarted, thereby minimizing the load on a power take-off during the next restart. In particular, when the power take-off is deactivated, a control unit automatically brakes the power take-off so that the plunger stops in the desired position. Alternatively, the baling system acts at restart-up to automatically repeatedly activate and deactivate the power take-off in order to accelerate the plunger to a predetermined minimum operating speed before activating the power take-off for continuous operation, thereby maximizing a flywheel's momentum during the restart.

Abstract: A harvester generates a round module and positions the round module on a handler. The handler includes a cylinder having a base end and a rod end. A differential pressure across the cylinder is detected. A round module weight is generated based on the detected differential pressure.

Abstract: A belt-roller arrangement with a deflecting roller and an endless flexible belt and a method for guiding such a belt over such a roller are disclosed. The roller body of the roller includes two deformable roller body segments and a rigid roller body segment part which is—in an axial direction—positioned between these two deformable segments. The belt is entirely guided over the central rigid segment part and at least partially over both deformable segments. The belt run is automatically corrected.

Abstract: A device for spraying bulk or piecemeal products includes a casing with a rotary spraying organ and a lateral ejection opening prolonged by a spout. The rotary organ includes radial vanes designed to form a material jet directed along the axis of the spout, with generation of a carrier air stream. The ejection opening is provided with a bounding rim disposed on that side of the opening which is last to be reached by the outer peripheral ends of the vanes in the course of their rotation during operational functioning of the device. The spraying device also includes an active and mobile organ, designed for directing the products that come into contact with it through the opening, into the spout and substantially into the jet of ejected material. The active and mobile organ is disposed in the region of the rim.

Abstract: Pruning shears include a cutting head with a spring-biased blade pivotally connected to a jaw and arranged to sever a workpiece received in a bight formed by the jaw. A drive mechanism is connected to the cutting head and an elongate housing is connected to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rotation preventer for preventing rotation of a second pulley in relation to the drive mechanism when a drawing torque is applied to the second pulley. The drawing torque is greater than a threshold torque, resulting in a second pulley being stationary in relation to the drive mechanism and the first pulley rotating in relation to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool, and in particular pruning shears, having an electric motor, a cutting member, and a transmission linking the electric motor to the cutting member, the motor and the transmission being housed in a main housing. An intermediate housing, made from a heat conductive material, is housed inside the main housing, the intermediate housing being in thermal contact with the electric motor. At least one heat sink is linked to the intermediate housing, and projects out of the main housing.

Abstract: A pole saw apparatus includes a saw blade, a pole, and a tubular adapter connecting the saw blade to the pole. The adapter includes an obround blade-receiving end that stably telescopingly engage sides of the blade-receiving end, with bolts fixing the blade on the adapter. The adapter also includes a pole-engaging end that is cylindrically shaped to telescopingly engage the anchoring end of the pole. A friction clamp includes a transverse shaft extending through the pole, the shaft being shaped to slide into longitudinal slots in the pole-engaging end of the adapter and then rotate into circumferential slots where it is not longitudinally removable. A rotatable cam handle on the clamp is manipulated to create circumferential friction to hold (or release) the adapter on the pole. The blade, adapter and pole align along a common centerline for robust and balanced use.

Abstract: This patent regards the design of compact (unitary structures, implantable by themselves, residing non-deployed in small kits, able to be deployed by a single individual, and able to create identifiable meaningful sign by themselves) arrangements of live plants, plant-alike or plant-replacement materials, seedling or seeds by organized pattern seeding of plants or seeds or planting of seedlings of flowers and plants in the soil, or arrangements of plant-replacement or plant-alike material to render small scale plant pattern-designed arrangements in small areas around houses or businesses. To reach this purpose, plants, seeds or seedlings, plant-alike or plant-replacement materials will be planted, raised, arranged and/or cut in a single or multilayer fashioned compact object of good visual resolution translating into a meaningful message of pictorial, geometrical, linguistic, or various other meaningful nature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular structure for provision of a raised garden planter bed. The structure includes at least first and second receptacles adapted to be juxtaposed and connecting means adapted to bind the juxtaposed receptacles together. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts and a method for building the modular structure.

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

Abstract: A method for controlling the planting of olive trees for the continuous mechanical harvesting of the olives using harvesting machines, the method having the following steps: planting parallel rows of olive tree saplings with a spacing between the tree trunks and a spacing between the rows; placing trellising on each row; placing divergent supports for each tree; attaching two divergent branches of each tree, which are arranged in a single vertical plane and in the vertical plane of the row to which said tree belongs, onto a pair of supports; removing other branches of said tree; adapting the shape of the foliage of the trees so as to impart a configuration flattened in alignment with the rows thereto; maintaining said configuration by periodically pruning the trees until the latter reach maturity and bear fruit; and removing the supports and the trellising when the trees are fully grown.

Abstract: The gardening kit is a collection of tools configured for use in the weeding of agricultural plots such as gardens. Each component contained within the gardening kit is configured for use without requiring the gardener to bend over during weeding. The gardening kit comprises a weeding device and a clipping collector. The weeding device is a bladed device that is worn in the manner of a boot. The weeding device is used in the manner of a hoe to either: 1) cut directly through unwanted growth; 2) agitate the soil in a manner that cuts the existing unwanted growth from their roots; or, 3) remove or otherwise dig out old roots from the soil. Once the clippings and other debris have been accumulated via the weeding device the clipping collector is used to pick up and dispose of the accumulated clippings.

Abstract: A handheld blower includes a housing having an air inlet and a duct assembly mounted in front of the air inlet, the duct assembly including a duct connected with the housing, a motor and a fan mounted in the duct, a battery, and a blowpipe connected to the housing by the duct assembly, the blowpipe defining a central axis in the length direction, and a handle arranged above the housing and the battery. The handle includes a gripping portion arranged on opposite sides of a plane in which the gravity center of the blower is located, and the plane is parallel to a central axis of the blowpipe and substantially perpendicular to a working ground. The gravity center of the handheld blower is adjacent to the gripping portion which enhances the handling comfort and reduces operator fatigue during long times of operation.

Abstract: An irrigation system for watering lawns, plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, or other plants. The irrigation system includes a plurality of irrigation spikes which clamp onto and puncture into a standard garden hose. The spikes are placed into soil where desired and the garden hose is placed into a clamp opening of the spikes, where a needle pierces the hose. In a preferred embodiment, the hose is deformed by the clamp opening into an oblong shape to improve water flow through the spike. An alternative embodiment includes a remote hose connecting the clamp to the stake portion of the spike, so that the stake can be placed a distance away from the hose for remote irrigation.

Abstract: A subsurface irrigation system is provided that includes a plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves defining an area that has a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side is configured to be hydrophilic. The plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves each include a tunnel. Tubing connects a first sleeve of the plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves to a second sleeve of the plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves. The tubing is configured to pass through the tunnels of the plurality of irrigation sleeves. An emitter is disposed on the tubing within the tunnel, the emitter emitting fluid to the area of the plurality of subsurface irrigation sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for the rapid isolation of monocot plant embryos suitable for transformation or tissue culture. The invention includes mechanical devices for substantially isolating plant embryos for use as transformable explants. Media suitable for isolating plant embryos and methods for their preparation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CL1360593 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CL1360593 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CL1360593 in a breeding program.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X85K012 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X85K012 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X85K012 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X85K012, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X85K012. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X85K012.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 91566862. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 91566862, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 91566862 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 91566862.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 71098144. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 71098144, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 71098144 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 71098144.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants TN90 SRC, CMS TN90 SRC, KY14 SRC, CMS KY14 SRC, L8 SRC, NC775 SRC, CMS NC775 SRC, NC645 SRC, NC638 SRC, CMS NC638 SRC, TN86 SRC, and CMS TN86 SRC, and hybrids KY14×L8 SRC, NC7 SRC, and NCBH129 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progeny of the provided plants including hybrids.