Abstract: A new and distinct Sansevieria cultivar named ‘GREEN MERMAID’ is disclosed, characterized by foliage which is uniquely curved inward, and very straight upward. Foliage is distinctively strong and fibrous, dark green with lighter greyed-green marginal striations. The new variety is a Sansevieria, typically produced as an indoor ornamental plant.

Abstract: A new and distinct Calibrachoa plant named ‘BBCAL76001’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; moderately vigorous to vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy appearance; freely flowering habit; purple-colored petals with a darker purple-colored central band encircling the yellow-colored throat; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘EPB 210’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; uniform, continuous and freely flowering habit; relatively large purple-colored flowers with darker purple-colored spots that are held above the foliar plane on relatively long peduncles; and good garden performance.

Abstract: Provided are improved agricultural processes for the improved cultivation of rice wherein the crops are treated to control undesired vegetative growth using a plant treatment composition comprising both halosulfuron and thifensulfuron to provide improved herbicidal efficacy against Heteranthera limosa, commonly referred to as “duck salad”. Also provided are compositions useful in the improved agricultural processes, as well as herbicidal treatment regimens. Unexpectedly high rates of efficacy against Heteranthera limosa, amongst rice plant in rice crops are disclosed.

Abstract: A heat moisture exchange device received on a speaking tube mounted on an end of a tracheotomy tube. The heat moisture exchange device has a housing in which the air moves in a turbulent manner and passes through a heat moisture exchange filter.

Abstract: An instant messaging user may use a buddy list that includes a user-selected list of potential instant messaging recipients (“buddies”) to identify another instant messaging user with whom instant messages are to be exchanged. An instant messaging user also may use a buddy list for other purposes, such as to initiate playing of an on-line game or to invite participants to play an on-line game. The buddy list may be used as an on-line game leaderboard that presents a list of players of the on-line game in ranked order.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and means to produce humanized antibodies from transgenic non-human animals. The invention specifically relates to novel immunoglobulin heavy and light chain constructs, recombination and transgenic vectors useful in making transgenic non-human animals expressing humanized antibodies, transgenic animals, and humanized immunoglobulin preparations.

Abstract: A movable reconfigurable wall system having at least one module having a front and rear surface, the at least one module having: vertical end frames disposed at least at its side edges, each the vertical end frame having a vertically extending flange directed toward the front surface and a vertically extending flange directed toward the rear surface; a plurality of horizontal stringers affixed between the pair of vertical end frames; and an aesthetic surface affixed to the stringers; and a removable connecting strip, the connecting strip adapted to affix about one of the two flanges on one of the vertical end frames and join the one of the two flanges to a corresponding flange on one of a second module, a wall bracket, a finishing trim or a connection post.

Abstract: Provided is a dot sighting device with large caliber for binocular vision in which sighting can be performed rapidly and accurately by minimizing parallax. The dot sighting device is attached to and detached from a mount for a heavy machine gun. In addition, by using the dot sighting device with large caliber, a user can rapidly and accurately sight and fire a target by taking into consideration types and characteristics of the target and a distance to the target.

Abstract: A multiple-field-of-view scannerless optical rangefinder operating in pulsed Time-Of-Flight operation for use in high ambient background light is described.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight and a cover. The backlight includes optical sheets that are configured to be mounted to the cover using a plurality of holes provided on the optical sheet that material to corresponding protrusions provided on the cover. The holes and protrusions are configured to reduce damage or misalignment to the optical sheet that may be caused by heat generated inside the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A method of receiving inputs by an electronic device comprising a user interface component is disclosed. The user interface component is set in an inactive operating mode, such as a keypad locking mode or a screen saver mode, for substantially non-active usage of the user interface component. An input is received in the inactive mode. The input received in the inactive operating mode may be stored and presented on a user interface component.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for providing a virtual messenger service between a mobile communication terminal and a computer. The method includes executing a virtual messenger program for controlling a function of a mobile communication terminal, and receiving a telephone directory provided within the mobile communication terminal; displaying a messenger window when receiving a request for activating the messenger window that collectively includes the telephone directory and menus; generating a communication event message related with a selected telephone number of the other party; and transmitting the generated event message to the mobile communication terminal, and displaying a notification of a communication event to an other party.

Abstract: A software application for recommending workforce resource allocation in a communication center based on requirements of events represented in a communication-center queue has a first interface for accessing information from the queue; a second interface for accessing information from a data source about workforce availability and state information; a processing component for processing queue information and workforce information; and a message generation and delivery component for generating a workforce allocation recommendation based on processing results and sending the recommendation to a target entity. In a preferred embodiment, the application periodically accesses the queue and the data source to obtain the most recent information for processing and generates periodic recommendations based on real-time requirements of events and availability states of resources, the recommendations sent ahead of time before the resources are required.

Abstract: A locking device (3) for a wearing part (2) detachably attached to a soil-working working element (1) by means of quick-coupling elements (11, 21), wherein a locking element (31) attached to the working element (1) includes an end portion (312) projecting from the working element (1) and being provided with an engagement section (313) arranged to engage with a lock-receiving element (22) arranged on a lee-side face (2a) of the wearing part (2).

Abstract: The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.

Abstract: A suspension device of an agricultural machine is intended for the mounting and elastic bearing of an implement, with a pivot arm carrying the implement, which pivot arm is elastically or pivotably mounted by means of at least one bearing section at a flange tube, which flange tube extends transversely to the work direction, with the bearing section surrounding the flange tube circumferentially and approximately coaxially, and with at least one elastic bearing element positioned between the bearing section and the section of the flange tube surrounded thereby, which elastic bearing element extends with its longitudinal axis essentially parallel to the pivoting axis of the pivot arm and to the longitudinal axis of the flange tube. Lateral support of the suspension device is provided by a guide element is on the suspension device having at least one guide surface for the lateral support and guidance of the implement.

Abstract: In an aerator including a chassis mounted on wheels, a tine depth stop mechanism includes a base mounted on the chassis. A side wall is fixed to the base and has a plurality of apertures therein. A stop arm is movably mounted with respect to the side wall and has an abutment. The abutment has a periphery. A tine weldment is attached to the stop arm, and a tine wheel is rotatably mounted to the tine weldment. A pin passes through one of the apertures of the side wall and engages the periphery of the abutment of the stop arm. Upon a downward movement of the tine wheel, the stop arm moves with respect to the side wall until the pin abuts the periphery of the abutment, thus adjusting a maximum depth of the tine wheel below the chassis.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for use with a tractor. The agricultural implement comprises a main body, a hitch, a plurality of wheel support assemblies, and a pair of wheels coupled to each of the wheel support assemblies. Each of the wheel support assemblies includes a longitudinal support assembly extending rearward from the main body. The wheel support assemblies further include a transverse support assembly coupled to the longitudinal support assembly, with each of the wheels of the pair of wheels being disposed on opposite sides of the transverse support assembly, and with the transverse support assembly being rotatable relative to the main body, such that raising one wheel of the pair of wheels causes the corresponding lowering of another wheel of the pair of wheels. The wheel support assemblies also include a rotational damping mechanism for restricting rotation of the transverse assembly and the pair of wheels relative to the main body.

Abstract: A mower provides a frame intended to be implemented on a tractor, or to form a structure of a trailer. The mower provides a plurality of cutting units (6), at least six, generally disposed side by side, each cutting unit (6) comprising at least one roller (44) intended to roll on the ground. The mower provides a lift assembly linking the cutting units (6) to the frame and configured for articulating the cutting units (6) between a mowing position and a non-mowing position. In the mowing position, the lift assembly is configured for pressing the cutting units (6) against the ground in order to distribute, at least partially, the mower's weight on the ground via the rollers (44) of the cutting units (6). The mower provides lateral articulated beams (10) linking the cutting units (6). The beams (10) are foldable inwardly and forwardly.

Abstract: A scraper employs a support arm for mounting to a frame of an agricultural implement and a frustoconically bowl-shaped scraper member rotatably supported on the support arm in a position facing the open end of the bowl toward a ground-engaging wheel or disc. Different embodiments disclose unique mounting arrangements, including embodiments where a bearing has its outer race affixed to a closed end wall of the bowl, a bushing is fastened between the inner race of the bearing and a support arm situated outside the bowl to support the bowl in a manner rotatable about the bushing at an axial distance from the support arm, and a separate outer sleeve is disposed around the bushing in a freely rotatable manner to prevent wrapped straw accumulation between the bowl and the support arm during rotating use of the scraper.

Abstract: A fluid application system includes a manifold defining an internal passageway, a plurality of nozzles connected in fluid communication with the internal passageway, a plurality of electrically actuated valves for controlling fluid flow through the plurality of nozzles, where each valve of the plurality of electrically actuated valves is connected in fluid communication between the internal passageway and a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles, and a pressure dampener connected to the manifold and configured to dampen fluctuations in fluid pressure within the internal passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary cutting head with wires for a brush cutter, grass trimmer, edge trimmer, hedge trimmer or the like, said head comprising a housing (1) containing a supporting body (2) comprising a system (3, 3?, 4, 4?, 12) for blocking at least two cutting or shearing wires, and a peripheral wall (6) allowing the or each wire to be wound around said wall in said head. Said blocking system comprises at least two movable blocking elements (3, 3?) that are independent from each other and each associated with a clamping surface (4, 4?) built into the supporting body (2) and comprising a clamping face (10, 10?) and a supporting face (11, 11?), and a single elastic body (12) that can exert stress on each clamping face (11, 11?) for clamping and blocking each wire.

Abstract: A spool for a trimmer head has a structure for guiding a pair of separate trimmer line pieces through a core of the spool. The spool includes separate trimmer line channels formed through the core, each channel receiving one of the trimmer line pieces. A spool cover is positionable adjacent to the spool to enclose the channels. The spool cover includes a pair of cantilever springs extending therefrom for releasably securing the trimmer line pieces within the channels.

Abstract: In a walk behind mower (10) including a clutch (23) provided in a power transmission path between an electric motor (35) and driven wheels (13), a clutch actuating mechanism (24) interposed between the electric motor and the clutch for selectively engaging the clutch, and a control unit (140) for selectively supplying electric power from a power source to the electric motor according to a command from an operation switch (30), the clutch actuating mechanism includes a cam mechanism for engaging the clutch by using a force transmitted to an input end (23a) of the clutch in the power transmission path when the electric motor is being driven in a normal rotational direction, and the control unit is configured to drive the electric motor in a reverse rotational direction for a prescribed period of time before stopping supplying electric power to the electric motor when a command to stop supplying electric power to the electric motor is received from the operation switch.

Abstract: An extension assembly for a processed crop storage tank on a combine. A closure assembly for a top opening on the tank has at least one panel with one surface area that is exposed to bound a part of an exterior space above the storage space with the closure assembly open. The extension assembly has a first extension panel with a first surface with a first area and a connecting system through which the first extension panel is operatively connected to the combine. The first extension panel is changeable between a deployed position and a stored position. In the deployed position the first surface and one surface define a combined exposed surface area that is greater than the first area of the first surface. The combined surface area is exposed to confine processed crop in the exterior space with the closure assembly open.

Abstract: A combine harvester has at least one rotor oriented in the longitudinal direction of the harvester and configured to separate grains and light chaff from a stream of residue material transported to the distal end of the rotor, where said stream is ejected downwards into a chopper housing. The chopper housing has a pair of chopper wheels configured so that the stream of residue material is ejected directly into the area between said chopper wheels, with essentially no residue being allowed to enter the space between the circumference of the wheels and the sidewalls of the chopper housing. The harvester also has a spreader with a pair of laterally placed spreader openings in the chopper housing, preferably with a pair of spreader snouts mounted on said openings.

Abstract: A sugar-cane harvester having a tubular frame is provided. The frame is configured for mounting a set of sugar-cane harvesting devices (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10), and is formed by a set of tubular parts linked mechanically to one another. The mechanical linking between the tubular parts that form the frame are made via at least one of rivets, soldering, or flanges. The frame may also be an exoskeleton-type frame configured for receiving all the components that form the industrial system of a sugar-cane harvester.

Abstract: A row unit of a corn head assembly for an agricultural harvester capable of reducing grain loss is provided. The row unit includes a frame and first and second spaced apart row unit arms mounted to the frame, and a top plate. The top plate is positioned about a rear end of the frame and includes an outer surface having a retaining structure configured to inhibit a flow of grain in a forward direction along the outer surface.

Abstract: A sugar cane harvester including a chassis for power directional movement across a field with a row dividing assembly feeding a base cutter that severs sugar cane stalks for delivery to a feed system. A rotor assembly is provided between the base cutter and the feed assembly with the rotor assembly being powered for rotation about an axis at right angles to the flow of sugar cane stalks through the harvester. The rotor assembly includes a pair of cylinders powered by a hydraulic motor with the cylinders having axially extending ribs and radially extending fingers for moving sugar cane in a downstream direction. The rotor assembly is connected to the harvester chassis by a linkage and supported by an actuator which is controlled by a hydraulic system to maintain a uniform and preselected downward pressure on sugar cane stalks as they move in a downstream direction through the harvester.

Abstract: A battery-operated mower includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.

Abstract: A corn head row unit gearbox includes an input shaft, that rotates about a first axis of rotation and that drives a set of gears. The gears transfer rotation of the input shaft into rotation of a gathering chain output shaft about a second axis of rotation, generally transverse to the first axis of rotation. The gathering chain drive shaft rotates within a bushing mounted within a frame structure of the gearbox. A bushing seal has an annular mounting sleeve with an inner diameter that is press fit over a boss on the frame structure.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester for harvesting a crop on a field. The harvester includes a chopping assembly configured to chop a crop residue of the harvested crop. The chopping assembly includes an inlet for receiving the crop residue, a rotor provided with one or more cutting tools and configured to chop the crop residue, a drive assembly configured to drive the rotor, and an outlet for outputting the chopped crop residue onto the field. The harvester further includes an image based sensor configured to generate a signal comprising an image of the chopped crop residue and a processing unit configured to receive the signal from the image based sensor, process the signal to derive a geometric parameter indicative of a geometry of the chopped crop residue, and determine a control signal for the drive assembly based on the geometric parameter.

Abstract: A square baler having a baling chamber, a plunger reciprocable at one end of the baling chamber, a pre-compression chamber where charges of crop are amassed and pre-compressed by a rotor prior to transfer into the baling chamber. A transducer is provided for producing an electrical output signal indicative of the load on the rotor and a processing circuit is operative to estimate the rate of crop flow into the pre-compression chamber by analyzing the output signal of the transducer over a complete filling and emptying cycle of the pre-compression chamber.

Abstract: A system for ejecting a bale from a baler, wherein the ejection process is controlled by a control unit with input from various sensors and from a remote operator located on a tractor. The control unit automatically positions a chute, controls a power take-off from the tractor, depressurizes and opens a chamber door, ties the bale, selects and causes ejector teeth to project into a forming chamber to engage the bale, causes the ejector teeth to move toward a discharge outlet such that the engaged bale moves with them toward and through the discharge outlet, and determines when the bale has fully ejected from the baler. The remote operator may choose to eject only the bale or to eject the entire contents of the forming chamber, and if the former, the control unit determines the bale's length and selects a subset of the ejector teeth that corresponds to that length.

Abstract: A control device of a cutting tool formed by a first component and a second component pivotally connected to each other is pivotally connected to the second component. The control device can be pushed to act on the second component. The cutting tool performs multi-stage or one-time cutting according to the control device being pushed to the required position. Moreover, the first component and the second component are close to or away from each other under control of the control device.

Abstract: The chainsaw for trimming palm trees is a mechanical cutting device. The chainsaw for trimming palm trees operates in the manner of a chainsaw. Specifically, the chainsaw for trimming palm trees is a chainsaw blade that is powered by and electrically powered motor. The electrically powered motor is mounted in a housing. Unlike a traditional chainsaw, the chainsaw blade is mounted with an offset angle relative to the housing such that the center axis of the chainsaw blade is not parallel to the center axis of the housing. This offset angle is optimized for the purpose of cutting one or more palm fronds off the palm tree from a direction of attack that is below the one or more palm fronds of the palm tree. The chainsaw for trimming palm trees comprises a chainsaw blade and a drive and safety system.

Abstract: An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for agricultural applications.

Abstract: A living art article incorporates traditional art elements and also incorporates a living element in the form of a living plant, including cut flowers, etc.

Abstract: Collapsible plant dome device comprising a transparent canopy, a collapsible frame mounted on a central support member and comprising a plurality of support arms carrying the transparent canopy, a pair of diametrically opposed vent mesh openings disposed within a sidewall of the transparent canopy, a pair of diametrically opposed vent flaps each pivotally connected to a respective horizontal upper edge of each of the diametrically opposed vent mesh openings for covering and uncovering each of the diametrically opposed vent mesh openings in respective closed and open vent configurations, and at least one pair of tie down rings each interiorly mounted on a different one of a diametrically opposed pair of the plurality of support arms. In one embodiment, the device comprises a transparent skirt detachably coupled to an interior side of the transparent canopy for forming an imbricated transparent domed canopy and skirt plant enclosure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided that combine solar technology and agriculture in a symbiotic relationship that optimizes revenue from both sources. An array of reconfigurable solar collector assemblies is deployed in a crop field. As various crops benefit from varying degrees of shade through their development cycles, and are prone to damage from high winds and hail, the array of adaptable, reconfigurable solar collectors is deployed in the crop field and allows for the easy reconfiguration of each solar collector assembly to vary the amount of shade that is applied to the crops below the assembly, and to provide maximum hail and wind protection when necessary.

Abstract: Most of the time, the disclosed plant husbandry and food preparation apparatus encloses a garden plant, such that the plant is protected on all sides from animals. It may comprise a planter in which the plant is grown, a cage that is attached to the lip of the planter, and a dome containing apertures, which is seated atop the cage. The seated dome may be opened, while the dome is still attached to the cage, allowing the gardener to harvest produce. The opened dome is configured for use as a receptacle into which the harvested produce is deposited. The dome is also configured to be effortlessly detachable from the remainder of the apparatus, so that produce within it may be conveniently transported and rinsed. The dome may also be configured to serve as a strainer/steamer basket and as support for an auxiliary irrigation and/or animal deterrence system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hail warning and prevention. An automated method of wide-ranging anti-hail protection including reception of sky proper radiothermal emission in M sites, its comparison with corresponding thresholds, generation command signals to detonate combustible gas and to direct shock waves upwardly to the sky, generation and transmission alert signals, reception of transmitted alert signals in each M sites, comparison with proper code-signals of that site and setting alert operational mode of sonic generator. An automated network of anti-hail protection including M hail preventing sonic set in M sites of anti-hail protection area any of which comprises an antenna, a radiometric receiver, a controlled compensation device, a controlled multi-channel threshold system, a warner a transmitter, a receiver, a code-signal comparison device, a first controlling switcher, a controlled single-channel thresholder and a second controlling switcher.

Abstract: A man-made vitreous fiber (MMVF) plant growth substrate is provided together with an irrigation strategy for providing water to the substrate. The substrate comprises a slab having a volume of 3 to 20 liters on which a single block containing one or more plants is disposed. In the context of this substrate, it is found that an irrigation strategy can be used which comprises a first period during which the desired water content in the slab is reduced to a minimum level before increasing and a second period during which the desired water content is maintained at a substantially constant level, wherein the difference between the minimum level and the constant level expressed as a percentage of the water content required to saturate the plant growth substrate is less than or equal to 25%. This provides excellent control over the balance between vegetative and generative growth in the plant.

Abstract: This is an original design of a small diameter maple spile. It is designed to facilitate sap movement from any sap-producing tree into the tubing. Two o-rings provide additional sealing surfaces to safeguard against leaks and increase spile visibility. Design and material provide a more hygienic connection between the tree and tubing, compared to the connection of a larger spile, which is more easily contaminated. The small size diameter of the tap hole causes less damage to the tree and consequently allows swift healing. The smaller tap hole also promotes tree health by lessening risks of bacterial and fungal infection. The linear design of this spile allows for ease of cleaning by ultrasonic means and indefinite reuse.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system that includes a carrier having a storage tank disposed thereon for storing a liquid product. A boom is coupled to the carrier and includes a distribution hose through which the liquid product flows from the storage tank and into a number of liquid placement apparatuses. Each liquid placement apparatus includes a drop assembly coupled to the boom and extending downward. A base assembly is coupled to the lower end of the drop assembly and a hose assembly extends from the distribution hose to the base assembly. A lower hose assembly is protected within the base assembly and includes a pair of dribble hoses extruding from the base assembly. The liquid product is delivered proximate to the ground surface through the dribble hoses.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system that includes a carrier having a storage tank disposed thereon for storing a liquid product. A boom is coupled to the carrier and includes a distribution hose through which the liquid product flows from the storage tank and into a number of liquid placement apparatuses. Each liquid placement apparatus includes a drop assembly coupled to the boom and extending downward. A base assembly is coupled to the lower end of the drop assembly and a hose assembly extends from the distribution hose to the base assembly. A lower hose assembly is protected within the base assembly and includes a pair of dribble hoses extruding from the base assembly. The liquid product is delivered proximate to the ground surface through the dribble hoses.

Abstract: An irrigation system with transient state speeds of movement achieves and maintains substantial straight alignment of multiple interconnected spans with continuous movement over a range of speeds in a forward and reverse movement direction. A variable-speed drive controller monitors and processes the output of the corresponding alignment detector and, based on the output of the alignment detector, selects from memory and continuously furnishes to the corresponding span motor a predetermined progressively increasing speed profile or a predetermined progressively decreasing speed profile.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system equipped with a solar panel having a large power generation amount while ensuring light quantity for a plant. [Solution] Since the high-shelf hydroponic cultivation system 80 equipped with a solar panel has a light transmitting region A provided at the solar panel 50, more light can be taken into the frame unit and can be utilized for cultivating the plants P1 and P2. Since the double-sided light receiving solar cell 52 is employed for the solar panel 50 and light reflectivity is given to the floating bench 34, the weed-proof sheet 56, the vertical frame 20b and the like, light which does not shine on the plants P1 and P2 is reflected to a light receiving region on a rear face side of the double-sided light receiving solar cell 52 and can be effectively utilized for power generation. Thus, a large power generation amount can be obtained while ensuring light quantity for the plants.

Abstract: Novel Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.), such as Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) designated KX-1 is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1, to the plants and plant parts of Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1, and to methods for producing a Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) plant by crossing the Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1 with itself or another Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing other Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) plants derived from the Brassica napus L. var. pabularia (DC.) KX-1.