Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for adjusting fore/aft level trim of the frame of a towed agricultural tillage implement utilize an electronic control unit that receives an input signal indicative of a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame, and automatically computes a desired for/aft trim angle as a function of the desired depth input, and then adjusts the fore/aft trim of the implement frame by titling the frame toward the front or rear of the frame in accordance with the desired fore/aft trim angle computed from the desired depth input signal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing coated seed, to a coated seed obtainable by said method, and to the use of a wax in a powder formulation to reduce tackiness of the coated seed. The method for preparing coated seed comprises—applying a seed coating composition to seed; and,—directly thereafter contacting said coated seed with a powder formulation, wherein said powder formulation comprises a wax.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a plot in a field based on the location of a marker placed in an application prescription map prior to a crop input application operation are disclosed. The plot defines a plot region. The plot region is defined during the crop input application operation based on the marker location.

Abstract: An electric mower of the battery-operated type has at least one cutting blade, an electric motor for driving the cutting blade, and an electronic piloting unit for the electric motor. At least one optical sensor is deposited upstream of the cutting blade. The optical sensor is configured to deliver; as the mower advances, at least one predictive signal of a quantity of plants to be cut. The electronic piloting unit is configured to establish an optimum rotation speed of the drive motor of the cutting blade, of said predictive signal of the optical sensor, and of a speed of advance of the mower. The method and apparatus are applicable at least to walk-behind mowers.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a battery that outputs a DC power, at least two electric motors, and at least two inverters, each inverter being configured to convert the DC power from the battery into an AC power and to supply the AC power to one of the electric motors. The work vehicle further includes an accommodation box attachable/detachable to/from the vehicle body, the accommodation box accommodating a plurality of electrical equipments including the inverters.

Abstract: A system (S) has at least a first and a second self-driving ground working device for combined working of a predetermined operating region (A). An individual ground working device travels autonomously along a random path inside the operating region. The system has at least one base station for communication with the ground working devices. For a method for setting up and operating the system, provision is made that information relating to an operating variable (B) stored in one ground working device is transmitted to further ground working devices, that a ground working device travels autonomously along a random path (W) inside the operating region, independently of another ground working device, by using the operating variable, and that during the operation of the system of ground working devices the behavior of an individual ground working device is adapted as a function of changes in the operating variable.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a first frame assembly and a second frame assembly is disclosed. The first frame assembly supports a first cutter bar segments and extends widthwise across the header. The second frame assembly supports a second cutter bar segment and is connected to the first frame assembly such that second frame assembly is movable relative to the first frame assembly about three rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A combine harvester having a chopper configured for chopping crop, which comprises a cutting cylinder fitted with chopper knives, a knife carrier fitted with counter knives, and a rasp bar arrangement. The counter knives and/or the rasp bar arrangement can be moved into a partial stream passing by the chopper. The harvester also has a crop spreading device configured for spreading the chopped-material stream emerging from the combine harvester on the ground in the rear region of the combine harvester, and a sensor unit configured for generating sensor data which represent at least one parameter influencing the spreading quality of the chopped-material stream emerging from the combine harvester. There is a control unit that adapts the position of the rasp bar arrangement and/or the counter knives depending on the spreading quality.

Abstract: A grass management system includes a first moisture-obtaining device to obtain a first moisture value of grass in a mowing operation performed by a mower, a position-detecting device to detect a mowing position of the mower, and a creation supporting circuit to support creation of an operation plan for a working machine based on the first moisture value and the mowing position, the working machine being configured to perform an operation relating to the grass already mowed. The grass management system includes a moisture map creating circuit to create a moisture map of an agricultural field based on the first moisture value and the mowing position. The creation supporting circuit is configured to display the moisture map that is created by the moisture map creating circuit in creating the operation plan.

Abstract: A screw conveyor assembly includes a first screw conveyor with a first housing and a first conveyor screw arranged therein, a second screw conveyor with a second housing and a second conveyor screw arranged therein, a transition housing to which the first housing and the second housing are connected forming a transition angle, and a runner disposed in the transition housing and arranged to conduct material being conveyed from the first conveyor screw to the second conveyor screw. The first conveyor screw is arranged upstream of the second conveyor screw. An additional conveyor element is disposed on a helix of the first conveyor screw, such that the helix is directly adjacent to the transition housing.

Abstract: A plant stripper is provided. The plant stripper, in one implementation includes a motor comprising a drive shaft; a first roller coupled to the drive shaft and configured to be turned by the motor; and a second roller opposing the first roller and defining a gap between the rollers for receiving a stem of a plant. A stripping guide element defines an opening disposed opposite the gap between the first and second roller. The opening is defined by a surface surrounding the opening and configured to contact plant material while allowing the stem to pass through the opening. The surface is configured to remove plant material from the stem as the stem is pulled through the opening by the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A draper belt assembly may include a roller and a web. The roller may include a first groove having a first interior side surface facing in a first direction and a second groove having a second interior side surface facing in the first direction. The draper belt may include a web, and first and second elastomeric belt guides received within the first groove and the second groove, respectively. The first belt guide may have a first exterior side surface facing in a second direction opposite the first direction and axially spaced from the first interior side surface by first distance. The second belt guide may have a second exterior side surface facing in the second direction, axially spaced from the second interior side surface by second distance greater than the first distance in absence of axial loads to the draper belt.

Abstract: A harvester head may include a roller having a groove and supporting a draper belt. The draper belt may include a web and an elastomeric belt guide projecting from web, wherein the belt guide has outer side surfaces extending at an angle of no greater than 100° relative to the second surface when the belt guide wrapping about the roller within the groove. The groove may have outer side surfaces, each outer side surface extending at angle of no greater than hundred degrees relative to an outer surface of the roller.

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: An agricultural baler including a bale chamber; a feeder duct communicating with the bale chamber; and a feeder operable within the feeder duct to accumulate a charge of crop material therein and then stuff that accumulated charge into the bale chamber. The baler further includes a conveying channel and a conveyor operable in the conveying channel to convey the crop material along a bottom wall of the conveying channel toward the feeder duct. The bottom wall of the conveying channel is adapted to be moved away from the conveyor; and the lower end part of the bottom wall of the feeder duct is attached to the movable bottom wall of the conveying channel.

Abstract: A belt guide for a baler having a bale forming chamber with at least one belt to form a bale of crop material includes a guide. The guide includes a guide protrusion that extends inwardly toward the bale forming chamber proximate an edge of the at least one belt. The belt guide is coupled to the baler external to the bale forming chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a grow cycle are described. One embodiment of a method includes receiving a plant type for providing grow lighting and receiving first data for creating a first grow cycle for a first predetermined period of plant growth, where the first grow cycle includes providing a first wavelength of photon-emitting lighting. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving second data for creating a second grow cycle for a second predetermined period of plant growth, where the second grow cycle includes providing a second wavelength of photon-emitting lighting, determining when the first predetermined period of plant growth begins, and in response to determining that the first predetermined period of plant growth has begun, implementing the first grow cycle.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention planting containers and associated trays for the production, distribution and display of plants where the planting containers have a channel in the base for engaging with a production or display tray for positioning plant pots in a desired orientation. In one embodiment, the plant container is a flower pot which comprises an upper part; a middle part connected at one end to the upper part; and a bottom part connected to an opposite end of the middle part; the bottom part having a channel extending from one side of the bottom part to the other side of the bottom part; said channel having an apex perpendicular to an axis of the pot, first and second sides, and a plurality of slots at the apex for engaging with a rail system on the tray having teeth.

Abstract: A planter insert for supporting a plant includes a base and a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly includes a plurality of attachment devices and a plurality of connectors. The suspension assembly is configured such that when assembled, each connector of the plurality of connectors is coupled to the base and is further coupled to an edge of a planter via an attachment device of the plurality of attachment devices, such that the base is removably supported by the planter.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic film for perennial agricultural use (1) either in greenhouses or under low tunnels (2) that, self-adjusts the shading provided in the covered space (4). The shading effect can be present in the whole surface of the film, or it could be partial at specific surfaces (3) where shading would be most needed. The shading is achieved by incorporating a photochromic compound or a combination of photochromic compounds in a layer of multiple layers in a multilayer film (1). The layer or layers that incorporate the photochromic compound or compounds are protected from oxidation by bilateral layers that incorporate materials that exhibit low permeability to gases and in particular to oxygen. The advantage of the film is that the grower would not need to apply any shading material on the surface of the film and/or any mechanism to facilitate opening and closing of the shading material.

Abstract: A trellis assembly for decorative trellising of vines includes a base that is configured to position in soil. A bar is coupled to and extends bidirectionally from a top of the base. The bar is arcuate. A plurality of rods is coupled to and extends radially from the bar. The rods are substantially coplanar. Each rod has a plurality of fasteners that is coupled to and extends from the rod. The fasteners are configured to couple to vines to trellis the vines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to prepare a myceliated high-protein food product, which includes culturing a fungi an aqueous media which has a high level of plant protein, for example at least 20 g protein per 100 g dry weight with excipients, on a dry weight basis. The plant protein can include pea, rice and/or chickpea. The fungi can include comprises Lentinula spp., Agaricus spp., Pleurotus spp., Boletus spp., or Laetiporus spp. After culturing, the material is harvested by obtaining the myceliated high-protein food product via drying or concentrating. The resultant myceliated high-protein food product may have its taste, flavor, or aroma modulated, such as by increasing desirable flavors or tastes such as meaty, savory, umami, popcorn and/or by decreasing undesirable flavors such as bitterness, astringency or beaniness. Deflavoring and/or deodorizing as compared to non-myceliated control materials can also be observed. Also disclosed are myceliated high-protein food products.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and methods of use for quickly and efficiently excavating, cross-cutting, splitting, and loading or stockpiling tree stumpage and other tree or organic materials, as well as for performing ground cleanup operations. One embodiment provides a stump harvester for attachment to a distal end of an excavator arm. The stump harvester may include front and back jaw assemblies configured to pivot between open and closed positions. The back jaw assembly may include a knife arm having a cutting blade that extends along a majority of a front side of the knife arm. A centerline plane may bisect a cutting edge of the blade. The front jaw assembly may include a planar-aligned dual anvil configured to sheath the cutting edge of the blade when the front and the back jaw assemblies move into the closed position. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A log processing head with a top knife and moveable feed means and delimbing and/or debarking means pushing a log against the top knife by means of actuators. In order to allow the top knife to follow the contour of the log without damaging a pin holding the knife, a pivot joint is used between the knife and the connection of the pin on the structure.

Abstract: A drip emitter has a hollow body provided with first and second pools and with an inlet recess between the first and second pools. The inlet recess has inlet hole(s). The emitter is provided with an elastic band surrounding at least one of the inlet holes. The elastic band, in its closed position, is in a tight contact with the inlet hole(s). In its open position, it is expanded to open the inlet hole(s).

Abstract: An irrigation controller and valves incorporating an irrigation controller, which have user allocatable identification numbers, is disclosed. The controller and valves are programmed when to operate according to their identification number, and the program is uploaded and stored in each controller or valve as the case may be, together with clock data. The controller and valves then perform time keeping and operate according to the stored program. The controller and valves are intended to be battery operated, obviating the need to install wiring to connect the valves back to a central controller. This allows simplified installation and programming, and provides improved flexibility in programming of irrigation.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system and method for interfacing with an irrigation controller based on rainfall, the system comprising: an interface unit including a housing and a control unit within the housing and configured to: cause an interruption of one or more watering schedules executed by the irrigation controller, which is separate from the interface unit, based on signaling received from a rain sensor including hygroscopic material, when a sensed expansion of the hygroscopic material is above a set rainfall accumulation threshold parameter, the rain sensor being separate from the interface unit and the hygroscopic material being configured to expand in response to being contacted by the rainfall and to contract in response to an absence of the rainfall; and remove the interruption after a completion of a predetermined interval of time after a sensed contraction of the hygroscopic material indicative of a rainfall stop.

Abstract: A system and method for moisture control includes a computer, a probe controller connected to the computer, a set of probes connected to the probe controller, a sprinkler controller connected to the computer, and a set of sprinklers connected to the sprinkler controller. The set of probes are driven into the ground according to a predetermined set of positions. A set of high voltage currents is injected into the ground through the set of probes and measurements are taken. A three-dimensional resistivity model is generated from the measurements and is compared to a set of moisture requirements. A set of sprinkler commands is generated based on the three-dimensional resistivity model and the set of moisture requirements. If the three-dimensional resistivity model meets the set of moisture requirements, the set of sprinklers are activated in each of a set of sprinkler zones according the three-dimensional resistivity model where watering is needed.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling soil moisture, water accumulation and fertilizer distribution in land. Elevation location data for land areas are extracted from two or more pixels of a topographic image including topographic data. Each pixel represents a land area. Wetness indices for the land areas are determined from the elevation and location data, based on the slope between two or more defined areas of land and an upslope contributing area per unit contour length. At risk defined areas of land, e.g., those at risk of accumulating water are identified based on wetness indices. Water is transported from the at risk defined areas of land to another location. The transporting of water reduces the risk of accumulating water in the at risk defined areas of land and improves crop growth potential in those areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for separating hybrid seed from a mixture of hybrid seed and inbred seed. In particular, said hybrid seed and said inbred seed have different phenotypes allowing separation of said hybrid seed with non-invasive methods based on the differences in said phenotypes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iceberg lettuce having one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. The invention further relates to methods for producing iceberg lettuce varieties containing one or more romaine lettuce characteristics.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Dillon’ and ‘Icemaker’ are described. ‘Dillon’ ‘and Icemaker’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: An inline analyzer for a milking machine system includes an outer body having a central axis, a fluid input channel, an upper cover attached to the fluid input channel, a central portion attached to the upper cover, a lower portion attached to the central portion, and a fluid output channel attached to the lower portion, wherein the fluid input channel, the central portion and the fluid output channel each have a hollow central channel. A float portion is disposed loosely within the outer body and is free to move axially along the central axis such that milk flows around the float portion. Electrode(s) extend through an upper portion of the float portion. A battery, processor(s), memory and actuator are disposed within float portion. The actuator causes the float portion to move axially along the outer body central to regulate the flow of milk through the outer body.

Abstract: An implement for automatically milking a dairy animal, such as a cow, comprises a milking parlour, a sensor for observing a teat, and a milking robot for automatically attaching a teat cup to the teat. The milking robot comprises a robot control that is connected to the sensor. The sensor comprises a radiation source for emitting light, a receiver for receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from the dairy animal, a lens, and sensor control unit. The sensor comprises a matrix with a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of receivers. The sensor control unit is designed to determine for each of the receivers a phase difference between the emitted and the reflected electromagnetic radiation in order to calculate the distance from the sensor to a plurality of points on the part to be observed of the dairy animal.

Abstract: The present utility model provides an integrated fully enclosed cat lavatory comprising a cat lavatory body and a cat litter pan, wherein: the cat lavatory body is hexahedral, the cat lavatory body has an open underside, the shape of the cat litter pan and that of the open underside of the cat lavatory body are adaptable to each other, the top and two sides of the cat lavatory body are curved, the front of the cat lavatory body is provided with a circular opening for a cat to get in and out, a cat litter footboard extending into the cat lavatory body is provided at the bottom of the circular opening, engagement slots are disposed beneath the circular opening for the cat litter pan to be engaged therewith, the cat litter pan is slid to be placed into the cat lavatory body to enclose the open underside of the cat lavatory body. The present utility model is structurally simple, integrally formed and easy to clean.

Abstract: A wheeled manure-removal vehicle for removing manure from an animal-shed floor includes a scraper assembly for scraping the manure together into a manure-storage space by scraping across the animal-shed floor. The scraper assembly includes a flexible, strip-shaped scraping element which is partly arranged around the manure-storage space and a rolling body. The rolling body extends on a side of the scraping element which faces away from the manure-storage space in order to be in contact with the scraping element at least while scraping the manure together, and has, on the side facing the scraping element, a rolling surface which is convexly rounded towards the scraping element. The use of the rolling body for contact with the scraping element has an advantageous effect on the life of the scraping element on the vehicle.

Abstract: Provided are a water absorption treatment material with excellent water disintegrability and a method for manufacturing the water absorption treatment material. A water absorption treatment material is a water absorption treatment material that absorbs a liquid, and includes a granule. The granule contains a reacted foaming agent. Gas bubbles that have been produced as a result of a reaction of the foaming agent are present in the granule.

Abstract: The invention provides a mixer feeder (1) comprising a mobile chassis (3), a tub (4) provided on the chassis (3) and at least one auger provided for rotation about a respective vertical axis of rotation. in the tub (4). Seen in vertical cross-section, the wall (12) of the tub (4) extends at least substantially upright from the bottom (6) of the tub (4). The wall (12) of the tub (4) curves inward at the upper side of the tub (4), sloping up and then extending downward.

Abstract: A holder for rigid and semi-rigid pet treats, to protect the pet from choking on the treat and other hazards, keep the treat in one location, and provide a base around the treat that makes it more conducive for pet enjoyment. The pet treat holder includes inner clamps, an outer clamp and a handle having a bolt for moving the clamps, to secure the treat within a transverse mouth opening of the holder.

Abstract: A robotic pet accompaniment system includes a housing defining a substantially closed chamber having a food dispensing opening, a displacement subsystem substantially housed within the housing and a food dispenser located within the substantially closed chamber. The displacement subsystem is controlled to cause displacement of the robotic pet accompaniment system over an underlying surface. The food dispenser is controlled to intermittently dispense food onto the underlying surface. Sensed data may be received from a plurality of distance-enabled sensors and a direction of displacement corresponding to a longest unobstructed path may be chosen and the robotic pet accompaniment system is controlled to be displaced in this direction. The displacement of the robotic pet accompaniment system and the intermittent dispensing of food can stimulate a household pet.

Abstract: The current invention is system and application that can be used to track and locate livestock. The system uses a GPS tracking device that will be placed in the ear tag of the livestock. These devices will show the location of the livestock as well as information about the livestock. This will allow the farmers to keep an eye on their livestock via phone, computer, or laptop screen. The system will use an easy to read screen from a website or phone application that will allow a user to see the movement of the GPS tracking device, whether this be on their phone or computer.

Abstract: The present invention describes a training and communicating device for the domestic animals to allow the pets to signal their owners/trainers that they need to go outdoors for fresh air or toileting needs. The training and communicating device for the domestic animals comprises of a paw shaped device having pads containing the sensors inside which when touched by the pets, sends the signal to a voice activated monitor, which in turn transmits the signal to the owners/trainers that the pets need them. The device can also be used along with the smartphone for remotely operating the pet doors. A mobile application has to be installed in the smartphone and the pet's paw has to be registered with the device, which sends notification to smartphones whenever the pets send signals. The device also provides facilities like warming, massaging or even cleaning the paws of the pets.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for training a companion animal for defecation and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a pad storage unit configured to store a defecation pad; a pad treating unit configured to treat the defecation pad by rolling up the defecation pad when the companion animal defecates on the defecation pad provided on a defecation table; an image processing unit configured to photograph the defecation pad and process a photographed image; and a control unit configured to analyze the image processed by the image processing unit to determine whether the defecation pad is used for defecation, wherein the control unit controls an operation of the pad treating unit to treat the used defecation pad and provide a new defecation pad on the defecation table when it is determined that the defecation pad is used for defecation.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification device is provided. The device includes a sound, vibration or motion sensor that is configured to generate electrical signals in response to an occurrence. The device may include a filter, which is tuned to recognize a dog barking event, and generate an electrical signal in response to recognizing an input signal indicative of a dog's bark. The device further includes a canister that holds a deterrent fluid under pressure. The device additionally comprises a motor module configured to rotate a shaft in response to the electrical signal from the filter. The canister has a spray nozzle for releasing fluid that affects the dog's senses. In response to rotating the shaft, the spray nozzle is depressed. A method of modifying the behavior of an animal using the device is also provided herein.

Abstract: A compression resistant and long-lasting scented dog toy and its preparation method. The compression resistant and long-lasting scented dog toy comprises a rubber body and cloth fluidized on it. The rubber body is made of following raw materials by weight: natural rubber, zinc oxide, camphene, stearic acid, anti-aging agent, edible gum, starch, microcrystalline wax, white carbon black, naphthenic oil, silicone rubber, butyl rubber, accelerant, antiozonant, medical light calcium carbonate, edible rapeseed oil, flavor enhancer, sour agent, talcum powder and fatty acid softening agent. The invention is made of a rubber body and cloth fluidized on it. Flavouring agents are mixed in the rubber body so as to produce a compression resistant and long-lasting scented body with durable fragrance.

Abstract: A smart pet collar includes a chest strap body, a hardware holder, and a smart hardware body. The hardware holder is locked to the chest strap body; the smart hardware body is installable into the hardware holder; the hardware holder has a latching element for latching the smart hardware body; the hardware holder has a connecting terminal child-and-mother seat corresponsive to the smart hardware body; the chest strap body includes a flexible printed circuit component; and the flexible printed circuit component has LED luminous bodies packaged by a resin. The invention has the features of powerful function, simple structure, reasonable design, and detachable components to facilitate use without affecting the pet's wearing comfortability. With the detachable structure, the tensile strength of the chest strap body is enhanced. The invention also has the effects of improving the product quality, lowering the production cost, and providing good applications.

Abstract: Disclosed are stylized leash cases containing an automatic retracting system with an attached leash and collar coupler, with the capability to secure the collar coupler into a columnar housing, thus allowing a pet owner to leave the leash case attached to a pet collar, thereby providing both an emergency leash and a safe leash with no or minimal danger to the pet from external hazards. Various stylized leash case designs are possible, including an elliptical style (e.g., oval), a dog bone style, and other stylized leash case designs.

Abstract: A smart pet collar includes a collar body, a hardware holder, and a smart hardware body. The collar body is ring shaped, the hardware holder is locked to the collar body; the smart hardware body is installable into the hardware holder; the hardware holder has a latching element for latching the smart hardware body and a connecting terminal child-and-mother seat configured to be corresponsive to the smart hardware body; and the collar body includes a flexible printed circuit component. The pet collar has the features of powerful function, simple structure, and reasonable design and detachable components to facilitate its use without affecting the pet's wearing comfortability. With the double auxiliary antenna design, the pet collar improves the capability of transmitting/receiving wireless signals, positioning precision and environmental adaptability to meet the requirements for different occasions and environments without increasing the volume or quantity of components of the pet collar.

Abstract: An enclosed gripping arrangement for safely, securely and adjustably supporting a bone, treat or chew toy for a pet, comprising: an elongated enclosure housing defined by a wall, the elongated enclosure housing having a 1st adjustment end and a 2nd base end, the base end having a base arrangement therewith, the elongated enclosure housing enclosing an elongated adjustable first shaft extending through the 1st adjustment end, and an elongated second shaft extending within the 2nd base end from a base thereof. An opposed arrangement of gripping jaws comprising a first gripping jaw on a distal end of the elongated adjustable 1st shaft, and a second gripping jaw arranged on a distal end of the elongated adjustable second shaft, to define a gripping zone therebetween.