Abstract: A utility apparatus includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, a utility head affixed to the second end of the elongated shaft and a first handle affixed to the first end of the elongated shaft. The utility apparatus further includes a secondary shaft affixed to the elongated shaft along a middle third of the elongated shaft and extending rearwards generally toward the first handle. A second handle is affixed to the distal end of the secondary shaft. The second handle extends at an angle between approximately 40 degrees and 70 degrees from the elongated shaft.

Abstract: The Unterface system disclosed includes a machine-unique Down-Facing component adapted to connect Ag-machine structures, hydraulics, DC power and CAN network matingly with an attachment-unique Up-Facing component fixed to the attachment whereby the attachment is efficiently, fully and safely operable as an ordered combination with the ag-machine and its various control networks.

Abstract: A tine harrow has a plurality of harrow tines mounted on and downwardly depending from a harrow frame. The tines are configured to be movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and at least one tine lowerable or raiseable to a different relative position in relation to a surface of a field than others of the tines. The ability to lower and raise individual tines or rows of tines to different positions in relation to a surface of a field provides more effective response of the tine harrow to changing land conditions. The positions to which individual tines or rows of tines are lowered or raised may be selectively set to further enhance effectiveness of the response of the tine harrow to changing land conditions.

Abstract: A tool carrier has a carrier frame and ground tools, and a front end of the carrier frame is connected to a wheel supported tool bar frame. A crank arm is pivotally attached to the tool bar frame about a crank axis oriented horizontally and perpendicular to an operating direction. A front end of the carrier frame is pivotally attached to the crank arm about a carrier axis parallel to the crank axis, and a hydraulic cylinder attached between the crank arm and the tool bar moves the tool carrier from an upward transport orientation to a rearward extending horizontal operating orientation, and maintains the tool carrier horizontal while moving it from a headland position above the ground to a working position where the tools penetrate the ground. When the tool carrier assembly is in the working position, the hydraulic cylinder exerts a downward bias force on the tool carrier.

Abstract: An implement has right and left pivotally attached tool bar frames movable from an operating position extending laterally to a transport position extending forward from the connecting pivot axis. Right and left hitch arms are pivotally attached about vertical axes at rear ends to spaced apart locations the right and left tool bar frames and extend forward and inward when the tool bar frame is in the operating position. A hitch frame is pivotally attached at right and left rear portions thereof to front ends of the hitch arms about vertical axes. When the tool bar frame is in the transport position, the rear end of the hitch frame is forward of the right and left tool bar frames, and the front end of the hitch frame, attachable to a tractor, is a desired clearance distance forward of the right and left tool bar frames.

Abstract: A method for operating a harvesting machine for harvesting a crop in a field, at least one operating value for a working part of the harvesting machine being determined in dependence on at least one plant property of the crop. The plant property is mapped in a plant growth model, the plant growth model modelling a development over time of the plant property and determining a predictive value or a predictive characteristic of the plant property for the time of the harvest.

Abstract: The bulb planter employs a pair of members which cooperate to form a generally cylindrical structure with a working end in a closed position. One member pivots to an open pivoted position wherein the members separate at the working ends. An angularly displaceable lever is forced toward a handle to actuate the member for pivoting. Upon release of the lever, the member pivots back to the closed position.

Abstract: A digger-shaker-inverter is for harvesting root plants is provided. The digger-shaker-inverter includes a frame and a row unit. The row unit includes a first belt driving assembly and a second belt driving assembly. The first belt driving assembly includes a first carrying belt that grips a first side of a vine and a fixed bracket that supports the first carrying belt. The second belt drive assembly include a second carrying belt that grips a second side of the vine, and an adjustable bracket that supports the second carrying belt and adjust to control a distance between the first carrying belt and the second carrying belt.

Abstract: A carrier assembly for an operating unit of an agricultural machine includes a carrier arm, a suspension system for suspending an operating unit from the carrier arm and a mounting structure for mounting the carrier arm on a carrier vehicle. A pivot mechanism enables pivoting movement of the carrier arm relative to the mounting structure, and a first actuator drives pivoting movement of the carrier arm between a working position and a transport position. The carrier assembly includes a releasable locking mechanism for locking the carrier arm in the transport position. The locking mechanism includes a first locking element carried by the mounting structure and a second locking element carried by the carrier arm, which is engageable with the first locking element when the carrier arm is in the transport position.

Abstract: A trimmer head having an upper case having a fastening portion formed with an upper fastening hole for coupling the rotating shaft to a center of the upper case; a lower case formed with a lower fastening hole at its center and the lower case being coupled to the upper case; a body portion positioned in a cavity between the upper case and the lower case; and a plurality of cutting means coupled to the body portion so as to be rotatable at one end thereof, wherein the upper case and the lower case are further connected to each other by a plurality of elastic media and are spaced apart by the tension of the elastic medium when the upper case and the lower case are separated from each other.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a grain tank having an auger trough in which a screw conveyor of an unloading system is disposed. The screw conveyor is operable to define an upturning side and a downturning side. The grain tank includes a floor section that covers the upturning side to prevent back flow and the formation of a stagnation zone in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: A header has a frame with opposing, upright side panel assemblies, a transverse cutting bar disposed between the upright side panel assemblies, and plural rotary cutters. Each of the upright side panel assemblies has a bearing mounted to an outboard side of the upright side panel assembly with a single, circular disc freely-rotatable about the bearing.

Abstract: A crop cart loading system for loading a crop. The crop cart loading system generally includes a hopper having a floor and a sidewall extending from the floor to an upper edge thereof. The sidewall defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an interior space for accommodating a crop. A conveyor is mounted to the hopper and configured to receive a crop at one of the first and second ends, and to longitudinally translate the crop above the floor toward the other of the first and second ends.

Abstract: A method of loading bales into a bale processing chamber of a bale processor. The bale processing chamber is mounted on a chamber frame mounted on wheels for travel on a ground surface in a forward operating travel direction. A bale fork is pivotally mounted on the chamber frame such that in a lowered position the bale fork is oriented substantially horizontally and rests on the ground surface. The chamber frame is moved rearward such that the bale fork slides under a bale resting on the ground surface with a bale axis oriented substantially horizontally in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction. The bale fork and the bale supported thereon are raised above the ground surface. The bale fork is turned such that the bale axis turns to a second direction substantially parallel to the operating travel direction while maintaining the bale rearward of the bale processing chamber.

Abstract: A bale forming and wrapping apparatus and method which forms a bale in a bale forming chamber. The bale in the bale forming chamber is wrapped by means of a wrapping device. A web of wrapping material is pulled from a reservoir which is held by an unrolling station. A wrapping material conveying device conveys the web towards a wrapping material inlet extending along an inlet longitudinal axis. A pusher plate drive pivots at least one pusher plate. The pivoted pusher plate hits the conveyed web and pushes the web towards the wrapping material inlet. The pusher plate pivoting axis is perpendicular to the inlet longitudinal axis, e.g. is vertical.

Abstract: A bale identification assembly for use with an agricultural baler having a first supply roll mounted on the baler providing a binding material used by the knotter system to bind the formed bale, wherein the binding material on the first supply roll is free of identification tags. The bale identification assembly includes a second supply roll mounted on the baler providing an identifying filament. The knotter system joins the identifying filament from the second supply roll with the binding material from the first supply roll while tying a knot to bind the formed bale.

Abstract: A flexible portable silo for storing grains and bulk materials, comprising a flexible cylindrical wall and a flexible conical roof made of a flexible, foldable, tension bearing sheet membrane, and a single pressure bearing post, with outriggers installed at the top of the post. The flexible cylindrical wall and conical roof are then draped over the outriggers and post and filled with grain or other bulk material.

Abstract: One variation of method for monitoring growth of plants within a facility includes: aggregating global ambient data recorded by a suite of fixed sensors, arranged proximal a grow area within the facility, at a first frequency during a grow period; extracting interim outcomes of a set of plants, occupying a module in the grow area, from module-level images recorded by a mover at a second frequency less than the first frequency while interfacing with the module during the period of time; dispatching the mover to autonomously deliver the module to a transfer station; extracting interim outcomes of the set of plants from plant-level images recorded by the transfer station while sequentially transferring plants out of the module at the conclusion of the grow period; and deriving relationships between ambient conditions, interim outcomes, and final outcomes from a corpus of plant records associated with plants grown in the facility.

Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods of preserving cut plants. The system can include a container partly full of a gel media covered with a liquid media, meeting the initial high liquid demand of cut plants, while providing spill control for shipping and handling. The methods include preparation of the system container to receive cut plants through an upper liquid media layer into a lower gel layer.

Abstract: A controlled-environment plant growing systems are described. The system may include a plant growing enclosure, a liquid-cooled LED unit, an air cooler unit, an air heater unit, a heat exhaust unit, a recirculation pump, a chiller, and a controller. The enclosure may have mirror-like inner surfaces. The LED unit may include one or more LED modules and a transparent, liquid-tight housing encasing the LED modules. The housing may have a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet configured to flow a liquid coolant through the housing, thereby cooling the LED modules. The air cooler unit may be configured to cool the enclosure via the liquid coolant. The air heater unit may be configured to heat the enclosure via heat produce by the LED modules. The heat exhaust unit may be configured to exhaust excess heat remote of the enclosure. The controller may be configured to control one or more of the air cooler unit, the air heater unit, and/or the chiller in order to control the temperature within the enclosure.

Abstract: Various examples of methods and systems are provided for increasing productivity of one or more photosynthetic cultures via self-powered light systems. In one example, a system includes a waterproof casing and a light module enclosed within the waterproof casing. The waterproof casing is configured to be neutrally buoyant in a culture tank comprising the one or more photosynthetic cultures. In another example, a method includes placing a self-powered light system within a culture tank, the self-powered light system being neutrally buoyant within the culture tank. The method further includes causing turbulence of water within the culture tank, and the self-powered light system harvests energy to power a light of the self-powered light system via the turbulence of the water within the culture tank.

Abstract: A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment that includes providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light at a color tailored for an individual plant. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent a plant such that the light produced is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes driving circuitry that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide predetermined periods of light and dark to stimulate continuous growth of the plant.

Abstract: A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment that includes providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light at a color tailored for an individual plant. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent a plant such that the light produced is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes driving circuitry that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide predetermined periods of light and dark to stimulate continuous growth of the plant.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a treatment temperature from a user device; positioning a tree within a treatment region of a canopy; flowing a fluid from a hot fluid generating system to the canopy; spraying the fluid from the hot fluid generating system into the treatment region of the canopy; and selectively enabling and disabling a fluid flow from the hot fluid generating system to the canopy to maintain the treatment temperature within the treatment region of the canopy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fence panel and in particular to a fence panel that includes one or more support structures for supporting plants. A fence panel comprises a frame including a pair of upright frame members and a pair of rails, the rails extending between the upright frame members, and the frame defining a plane of the fence panel; a screen attached to the frame; and one or more support structures pivotally connected to the frame, an axis of rotation of said pivotal connection being substantially horizontal and said pivotal connection being proximate an edge of the support structure, wherein the or each support structure is rotatable about said pivotal connection between a closed position and an open position, an angle between the support structure and the plane of the fence panel being greater in the open position than in the closed position.

Abstract: A pocket structure for receiving containerized plants is sloped and hung from a wire of a wire basket. The pocket structure includes hooks, an irrigation fitting and corresponding drip channel to transmit water toward the rear of the pocket, and slots in the walls. The mesh units include braces and are sized for shipping. An earth wall is formed of the mesh units and pockets, and includes irrigation tubing.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there are provided automated plant training systems and related methods. An automated plant training system is designed to train medium to tall plants to grow in a height restricted space by adjusting the plant's direction of growth through the use of phototropism. The device can physically control the plant's main stem, branches and foliage from excessive vertical growth.

Abstract: A biodegradable, degradable or bio-polymer mulch film comprising a stretching guide operatively attached thereto is provided. The stretching guide may comprise a mark on a surface of the film or a built-in/integrated tension monitor. A method for manufacturing the mulch film and a method of using the mulch film are also provided.

Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.

Abstract: There is provided a drip emitter for providing low flow irrigation. The drip emitter includes a mixing chamber system to maintain flow of debris with the fluid flowing through the emitter. The chamber system includes an inner and outer chamber. Both chambers receiving reduced pressure fluid compared to the conduit providing the fluid for the drip emitter. The outer chamber is supplied with greater reduced pressure fluid as compared to the fluid supplied to the inner chamber. A first check valve controls discharge of fluid for irrigation, and a second check valve controls the flow between the first and second chambers. The first and second chambers expand and contract in response to the operation of the check valves to provide the mixing of the debris with the fluid flowing through the emitter.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises an irrigation controller that receives user input and provides a power signal and command and message data to an encoder. The encoder encodes the command and message data onto the power signal to provide a data encoded power waveform that is sent over a two-wire path. The irrigation system further comprises one or more decoders in communication with the two-wire path to receive the data encoded power waveform and one or more irrigation valves in communication with the one or more decoders. The data encoded power waveform provides power to the decoders and the decoders decode the command and message data from the data encoded power waveform to control the irrigation valves according to the user input.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for varying irrigation schedules for a watering system (e.g., sprinkler system) based on detected precipitation. In one example, a system includes a rain sensor for detecting rain in a location where the rain sensor outputs a continuous rain signal when saturated with a threshold level of rain. The system also includes a sprinkler controller communicatively coupled to the rain sensor. The sprinkler controller opens one or more sprinkler valves based on a watering schedule. When the threshold level of rain is received, the sprinkler controller receives the rain signal during a saturation window of the rain sensor and varies the watering schedule based on rain detected by the rain sensor, where the variation to the watering schedule occurs outside of the saturation window of the rain sensor.

Abstract: A beverage coaster with an integrated plant pot is disclosed, that is configured for watering a plant or plurality of plants with condensation from a beverage container. In an example, the beverage coaster includes a catch basin, and a lattice to support the beverage container above the catch basin, wherein condensation on the beverage container provides water to a reservoir adjacent the catch basin. The reservoir is configured as a plant pot to hold the plant or plurality of plants, and an aperture is provided between the catch basin and reservoir to transport the water that was the condensation from the catch basin to the reservoir for consumption by the plant or plurality of plants.

Abstract: Various embodiments of vertical hydroponic horticulture systems are provided that maximize space saving features and provide improved convenience and recyclability. The hydro-ponic systems disclosed herein use a simple flexible mesh tube that can be tied at the bottom, and optionally tied at the top, and filed with a suitable growing medium for hydroponic agriculture. A plurality of perforations is provided in the mesh envelope for plants to grow on the exterior of the envelope with their roots in the medium inside the mesh envelope. An irrigation water drip may be provided at the top of the tubular flexible mesh tube, and a water collector may be provided at the bottom of the mesh tube, and a pump may be provided for recirculating the aqueous nutrient solution from the bottom of the mesh tube to the irrigation water drip at the top. In an embodiment, the mesh tube may be hung from an overhead supporting member.

Abstract: Vertically oriented modular systems and methods for horticulture using stackable, removable containers dimensioned according to the Fibonacci Sequence and configured to hold plants with or without sub-containers with roots wholly or partially submerged in aqueous nutrient solution for aerohydroponic growth with intake and outtake apertures and at least one conduit to deliver, air, and/or aqueous nutrient solution in fluid communication with other stacked containers, and adjustable baffling to control nutrient solution delivery. The containers are releasably divisible across the face of the container to promote removal, harvest and transplantation without disrupting or damaging plant roots. The containers can also be configured with sensors paired or connected to a computing system to monitor, measure, and store data related to monitoring plant growth.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and compositions for identifying, selecting, and/or producing drought tolerant maize plants or germplasm. Maize plants or germplasm that have been identified, selected, and/or produced by any of the methods of the presently disclosed subject matter are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR9011TX. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR9011TX and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-503 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-503 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-503 RZ.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to seed and plants of hemp cultivar TM1. Another embodiment relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of hemp cultivar TM1, and to methods for producing a hemp plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves, with another hemp plant, such as a plant of another genotype, or with vegetatively propagating said plant. Another embodiment further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. Further embodiments relate to parts of such plants, and products produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for thermal comfort of animal in a livestock farming enclosure, which includes: at least one comfort mattress which includes at least one resilient layer including a plurality of sealed cavities which are parallel to one another; a heat-transfer fluid, intended for filling the sealed cavities; a unit for generating a circulation of the heat-transfer fluid inside the sealed cavities; and optionally a unit for regulating the temperature of the heat-transfer fluid.

Abstract: A pet feeding dish assembly which includes an upstanding circumferential wall extending around and defining a concave chamber within the circumferential wall. The walls having an inner face and an outer face and a stop is disposed on the outer face of said circumferential wall. A cover is dimensioned and configured for nesting engagement with at least the upper extremity of said upstanding circumferential wall, said cover includes a recess dimensioned and configured for engagement with the stop on the outer face of the circumferential wall whereby the cover is prevented from rotating with respect to the upstanding circumferential wall.

Abstract: An interactive device for animals including an ejecting device, a network communication device and a controller is provided. The ejecting device includes a recess for storing an object. The network communication device is configured to provide a network connection to a user device. The controller is coupled to the ejecting device and the network communication device and is configured to receive a control signal from the user device via the network communication device, and control an elastic member of the ejecting device to provide an elastic force to eject the object from an opening of the ejecting device according to the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method relates to providing water to and for animals. More specifically, the present invention relates to an automated method and system for providing water and nutritional supplements to and for animals without burdensome attendance or intervention by the system user. A system and method of providing water and/or nutritional supplements to an animal, sub-group, or group of animals under electrical, electronic, or “smart-device” control.

Abstract: [Object] A livestock management system according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a stay determination unit. The stay determination unit determines, on the basis of data regarding a plurality of individual identification signals transmitted from a transmission apparatus that is attached to a livestock animal and transmits the individual identification signal made corresponding to the livestock animal, whether or not the livestock animal is staying within a target region corresponding to the individual identification signal.

Abstract: An animal bathing assembly includes a box that may have an animal positioned therein. The box is selectively filled with a fluid thereby facilitating the animal to be bathed in the fluid. A spigot is coupled to the box to selectively drain the fluid from the box. A lid is selectively positioned on the box. The lid has a first opening to have a head of the animal extending therethrough when the lid is positioned on the box. The lid has a second opening to have the fluid poured therethrough when the lid is positioned on the box. A pair of locks is provided and each of the locks is hingedly coupled to the box. Each of the locks engages the lid to removably retain the lid on the box. In this way the lid inhibits the animal from escaping the box.

Abstract: A pet chew toy allowing for the self-cleaning of teeth by domestic pets. The pet toy includes one or more cavities into which a pet's teeth may engage, and the inner and outer surfaces of the cavities may have scrubbing elements designed to enhance removal of plaque and other unhygienic products from a pet's teeth and gums. The chew toy may further include projections to enhance stabilization of the chew toy by the pet, and a reservoir and dispensing system for pet toothpaste or similar additive.

Abstract: An animal containment system can intelligently control an animal with at least an animal device attached to an animal. Activating the animal device allows for detection of the position of the animal. A controller of the animal device can use the animal device to detect if the animal is physically positioned outside of a first predetermined containment area. The controller can then execute a containment strategy with the animal device that activates a speaker of the animal device in response to the detected animal position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a horse riding saddle including a saddle tree disposed in a cover, the saddle tree including an arch that forms a pommel. The saddle includes at least one sensor positioned in the saddle, close to the pommel, and connected to the saddle tree (20) by way of a complete connection.

Abstract: A bird feeding device is provided. The device comprises the ability to house food for attracting and feeding birds and other animals. The device is further capable of being provided in various modes of operation including a stationary mode of operation and a portable mode of operation. The portable mode comprises a support or attachment member for connecting the feeding device to a user, and wherein the bird feeding device is conveyed along with a user and operable to attract birds to the user even when the user is mobile.

Abstract: A honey collection and extraction system includes a honey collection assembly including a housing, a helical honey frame, at least one top brood box, at least one bottom brood box, a first queen excluder, a second queen excluder and a plurality of gears; and honey extraction assembly including a helical body, a head attachment having a honeycomb cutting apparatus, an extraction pipe and a power source. The honey collection and extraction system is useful for providing improved honey collection means and a means for time efficient, no-mess honey extraction.