Abstract: Sod harvesters can have hydraulic systems that are configured to actuate components with precise timing. The hydraulic system of a sod harvester can be configured to maintain the temperature of hydraulic fluid both during harvesting and while harvesting is paused to thereby eliminate or minimize the occurrence of periods of variation in the timing of actuation of the components that the hydraulic fluid drives. As a result, these components can be consistently actuated with precise timing even after harvesting has been paused. Additionally, such configurations can minimize the amount of time required to warm the hydraulic fluid to a steady operational temperature.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are related to creating a ditch or furrow for agricultural use. Certain embodiments include an implement pulled by a tractor. Generally, an implement includes a plow, a roller, and a wheel, such as a packer wheel. A plow is located towards an implement front end, and a wheel is located towards an implement back end. In certain embodiments, a plow is coaligned with a wheel. A roller is located on one or both sides of the plow in coalignment with a wheel. In certain embodiments, a frame supports the configurations of the plow, roller, and wheel.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for reducing variations in the penetration depths between ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include an implement having tires spaced apart from each other. The system may also include pressure sensors provided in operative association with the tires, each pressure sensor being configured for detecting an air pressure within the associated tire, Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the pressure sensors. The controller may be configured to monitor an air pressure differential between a pair of tires based on measurement signals received from the pressure sensors. The air pressure differential may be indicative of variability in the penetration depths of the ground-engaging tools.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension for a mower comprising a stationary and a movable part and one or more cutting units. The moveable part is suspended to the stationary part via a hydraulic actuator. An agricultural mower, an agricultural vehicle and uses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seed tab is provided for a seed boot having a seed passage extending from an inlet to an outlet. The seed tab includes a tab body and a tab tail. The tab body has a mounting arrangement at a first end and a laterally outer edge. The tab tail extends from the tab body to a second end and has a laterally outer edge that extends laterally outward of the laterally outer edge of the tab body. A laterally extending edge extends between the laterally outer edge of the tab body and the laterally outer edge of the tab tail. The seed tab is configured so that, when the tab body is connected to the seed boot at the mounting arrangement, the tab tail extends downwardly behind the outlet of the seed boot.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a metering system, airflow system, and a covering structure being moveable between various positions for user access. The work vehicle also includes features that facilitate assembly and/or disassembly of the metering system. Furthermore, the work vehicle provides a venturi structure with a plurality of venturi tubes that are disposed in a compact arrangement.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a motor configured to drive a seeding system that is, itself, configured to meter and deliver seed from the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine also includes a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of the seeding system and a skip detector component, that receives the sensor signal and detects a seed skip in the seeding system. Based on the detected seed skip, a processing system generates an operating parameter of the motor, and controls the motor based on the operating parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for suppressing vaporization of a volatile fluid dispensed from a pressure vessel are provided. The system includes an evaporator coupled in thermal communication with a first flow of volatile fluid from the pressure vessel and in fluid communication with a second flow of volatile fluid from the pressure vessel. The evaporator includes at least one channel therein for channeling the second flow of volatile fluid therethrough. In addition, the system includes a compressor coupled in fluid communication with and downstream from the at least one channel. Moreover, the system includes a return line coupled in fluid communication with an outlet of the compressor. The compressor is configured to compress the second flow of volatile fluid and channel the compressed second flow of volatile fluid to the pressure vessel via the return line.

Abstract: A dispenser for simultaneously dispensing water and fertiliser comprising: a chamber having a chamber wall which is at least partially water permeable; a fertiliser supply line having a fertiliser supply line wall; a water supply line having a water supply line wall, the water supply line wall having at least one aperture extending through the wall; the water supply line and the fertiliser supply line being arranged within the chamber; and at least one dispensing head comprising one or more outlets; wherein the at least one dispensing head extends through the fertiliser supply line wall and the water permeable wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A mower deck gauge wheel adjustment mechanism includes a support attached to a multi-blade mower deck having a vertical bore. A post is welded to a yoke holding a gauge wheel, and includes a plurality of horizontal grooves, and may be inserted through the vertical bore and positioned at a selected gauge wheel height. A horizontal latch hole may be provided through the support and has a diameter that overlaps the vertical bore. A latch may be inserted through the latch hole, with a first side that engages one of the horizontal grooves when the latch is pivoted downwardly to an engaged position.

Abstract: A zero turn radius lawnmower, such as a stand-on lawnmower, including a main frame having a first end portion and a second end portion, a pair of drive wheels operably coupled to the second end portion of the main frame and configured to be driven independently in both forward and reverse directions, and a front axle assembly pivotally coupled to the first end portion of the main frame about a single axis. The zero turn radius lawnmower also includes a pair of caster wheels coupled to respective ends of the front axle assembly such that the pair of caster wheels are able to move relative to the main frame, as well as a mower deck coupled to the main frame by at least one first linkage and coupled to the front axle assembly by at least one second linkage.

Abstract: A control system for a harvester having a primary crop cleaner for cleaning a cut crop, and a secondary cleaner for cleaning the cut crop downstream of the primary crop cleaner. The control system includes a processor, a memory, and a human-machine interface. The processor is configured to receive an input corresponding to a desired cleaning level of the crop, monitor an actual cleaning level, control the primary crop cleaner based at least in part on feedback from monitoring the actual cleaning level and including adjusting a speed of the primary crop cleaner to move the actual cleaning level of the crop during harvester operation towards the desired cleaning level of the crop, monitor an error between the desired cleaning level and the actual cleaning level during control of the primary crop cleaner, and control the secondary crop cleaner based at least in part on the error.

Abstract: An improved header for an agricultural harvester is provided. The header includes a frame, a support bar connected to the frame and a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly is connected to the support bar and is adjustable in position relative to the frame about at least two degrees of freedom. The conveyor assembly includes a cam track, an endless web extending across the cam track and a plurality of tines connected to the endless web.

Abstract: A hydraulic or electric de-thatcher power lift assembly attachment that provides control while de-thatching because it is stable and efficient and can be lifted with ease at any time when dealing with difficult terrain. In an example embodiment, the hydraulic version fits hydraulic equipped tractors. In an alternative embodiment, the device may be used with an electric motor from the tractor, or can have its own dedicated battery for power. A hydraulic or electric lift assembly is also provided for a lawn aerator. The various attachments are designed to replace the standard manual lift lever on standard aerators. The attachments can be used on tractors that have hydraulics built into the tractor or on tractors with an electric motor.

Abstract: A concave section for a harvester is provided. The concave section includes a first concave body. The first concave body includes a first leading end, a first trailing end, a first upstream side and a first downstream side. A width between the first upstream side and the second downstream side is no greater than 10 inches. The first concave body includes a first crop engagement face that extends between the first ends and the first sides. The first crop engagement face includes at least one of a first thresher profile portion and a first separator profile portion.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis, a cleaning system carried by the chassis, and a crop material elevator for receiving crop material that has passed through the cleaning system. The crop material elevator has a top-most end, a bottom-most end, a first inlet between the top-most end and the bottom-most end, and a second inlet between the top-most end and the first inlet. The agricultural harvester also includes an auger system for supplying crop material from the cleaning system to the crop material elevator. The auger system includes a first auger defining an auger axis for supplying crop material to the first inlet, a second auger defining a second auger axis, and a crop material conveyor for supplying crop material from the second auger to the second inlet.

Abstract: A device for controlling an outlet flap of a baler in at least one manual and one automatic mode includes an outlet flap drive, a first and a second pressure line via which the outlet flap drive is selectively charged with pressure, a first pressure measuring means operatively connected to the first pressure line and, a second pressure measuring means operatively connected to the second pressure line. The first and second pressure measuring means determine a pressure in each respective pressure line. A distributor valve is connected to the first and second pressure lines downstream of the first and second pressure measuring means. The distributor valve is disposable in a first pass-through position, a second pass-through position, and a shut-off position. In an automatic mode, the distributor valve is disposed in a predetermined position dependent on a pressure difference between the pressures in the first and second pressure lines.

Abstract: A binding wrap for maintaining the hydration of cut flowers is disclosed. The wrap is formed by folding a flexible, absorbent sheet over and around the stems of cut flowers. An assembly of a bouquet of cut flowers with a flexible, absorbent binding wrap folded around its stems is also disclosed as is a method of forming such a wrap.

Abstract: A method of using a hand-held miniature device for injecting an agent into a tree with continuous pressure that is adjustable. The device features one-thumb on/off switch operation for a metered dose, precise dose measuring, and air-powered injection in a lightweight device. The on/off switch does not need to be held in the on position by a user.

Abstract: A disclosed vertical planter box assembly includes perimeter walls defining an interior space for holding plants. The perimeter wall includes openings aligned around the interior space. A water basin is provided at a top side for communicating water into the interior space. A drip tray is supported below a bottom side for capturing draining water from the interior space. A plurality of pins extend through the openings and across the interior space to hold the plant structures in place within the interior space.

Abstract: A horticultural cart for supporting and training plant growth include a movable base structure. The base structure of the cart includes a bed portion that is configured to support a root system of a plant. A trellis is disposed over the bed portion of the base structure and is configured to support a shoot system of the plant. The trellis is rotatable to an angled orientation over the bed portion, such that the trellis is configured to align with a trellis of an adjacent cart for providing a valley shape that disperses light across the plants supported at the trellises from a light source disposed above the trellises.

Abstract: A fan coil apparatus for a closed greenhouse that recirculates are within the greenhouse includes a housing with an intake and an outtake further including a filter that filters recirculating air that enters the intake, cooling coils that cool the recirculating air and condense water therefrom, heating coils that heat the recirculating air, a sterilization system that kills and prevents the spread of airborne pathogens, and a fan that directs the recirculating air through the outtake outside the housing.

Abstract: A gardening barrier system and associated methods is disclosed. The system may include molded panels made from an aggregate material. Each panel may have a display side with a façade resembling a wall of vertically stacked and offset pieces of wall building materials and a protrusion at an end of the panel resembling an offset piece of the wall and the wall building materials. The protrusion can include a rounded end to allow adjacent panels to be assembled at an infinitely adjustable angle relative to one another. The protrusion can be sized to minimize a gap between adjacent panels and the rounded end can be sized to approximate a size of a rounded edge of the wall building materials of the façade to minimize an appearance of a transition between adjacent panels.

Abstract: This disclosure involves advancements in grafting, trellis design, and an implement to raise and lower cold-sensitive vines between a raised growing position and a lowered position where the vine is buried in a trench and covered to protect it from the cold. The implement relieves the operator from the otherwise laborious task of protecting the cold sensitive vines. The apparatus allows the cold-sensitive vine to be buried into a trench without removing the vine from the fruiting wire. The implement directs the fruiting wire with a vine cordon attached thereto into a trench to protect the cordon from cold temperatures. The apparatus causes the vine trunk to bend to accommodate the position of the vine cordon.

Abstract: A woven fabric formed of fabric fibers or threads coated with a hydrogel, wherein said hydrogel is not crosslinked or is partially crosslinked to the fabric fibers or thread, wherein the hydrogel has a number of excess reactive molecules that are available for a reaction with one or more molecules solvated in an aqueous solution, and wherein the reactive molecules of the hydrogel can reversibly bond with the molecules solvated in an aqueous solution, such that the reactive molecules of the hydrogel attract the molecules solvated in aqueous solution when the hydrogel coated fabric substrate is exposed to an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for growing herbs includes planting a herb and allowing the herb to germinate, becoming a herb seedling and either transplanting to or maintaining the herb seedling in a restrictive container, where the herb seedling is held for a predetermined period of time before transplanting the herb seedling to a second stage, where the seedling is held in order to grow and develop a larger root system. Maintaining the herb seedling in a restrictive container has the effect that the herb's root system will be prevented from growing, in comparison to a herb planted in a nursery. The herb will essentially stop growing while the root system is restricted. Meanwhile the herb will continue maturing, developing oils which are more elastic. Herbs with more elastic oils will be significantly more resistant to cold temperatures at a harvesting size, compared to herbs that have not been transplanted to restrictive containers.

Abstract: A layered product including at least one natural fiber layer including a web of natural fibers and at least one SAP layer including a non-woven substrate including a thermoplastic polymer fibers and a superabsorbent polymer adhered to thermoplastic polymer fibers, wherein the non-woven substrate is a high loft fabric, for example an airlaid or spunlaid non-woven, and wherein the natural fiber layer and the SAP layer are connected to each other by needle punching, stitch bonding or using an adhesive. A process to prepare the layered product and the use of the layered product in for example horticulture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method which combines field mapping and control software to effectively manage sprinkler parameters to adjust for changes in weather conditions and positional/terrain changes. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention preferably provides a system which monitors a mapped set of boundaries and preferably receives data regarding a variety of weather factors including wind monitoring (speed, direction, averages, and gusts) and preferably makes adjustments to the system to adjust and modify the shape of a desired distribution area based on the weather factors.

Abstract: A moisture meter having a housing with a stake disposed at a lower end thereof. A moisture sensor and a temperature sensor disposed on the stake. The moisture meter includes a valve wherein a water source is removably secured thereto. The stake includes a channel between the valve and a tip of the stake, allowing liquid to flow therethrough. Alternatively, the valve can be mounted on a wall or adjacent to a water line, wherein the stake can be connected to valve by a water hose. A wireless transmitter is disposed within the sensor housing and can transmit the moisture and temperature readings from the moisture and temperature sensors to an external source. A wireless receiver is disposed within the valve housing in order to actuate the valve, allowing water to flow through the stake and into the ground, should the moisture and temperature readings reach a pre-set level.

Abstract: A hydroponic system (1) using seawater, wherein seawater (W1) is used for hydroponic cultivation of salt-tolerant plants, including a water supply pump (21) that pumps up, from the sea (S), seawater (W1) having a salinity, a bacteria content and an unwanted matter content are less than or equal to predetermined threshold values; a water tub (30) that stores seawater (W1) pumped up by the water supply pump (21) and accommodates salt-tolerant plants (P) to be cultivated; and a filter (27) that removes bacteria and unwanted matter from the seawater (W1) obtained from the sea (S); wherein the seawater (W1) from which the bacteria and the unwanted matter have been removed by the filter (27) is fed to the water tub (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-268 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-268 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-268 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-853 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-853 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-853 RZ.

Abstract: Isolated nucleotide sequences mutated by insertion encoding a truncated sunflower oleate desaturase protein, truncated protein, methods, procedures and uses. The isolated nucleotide sequences comprise an insertion that includes a stop codon, and wherein the sequences encode a truncated sunflower oleate desaturase protein. The truncated sunflower oleate desaturase protein may be for example the sequence shown in SEQ ID No: 1 or SEQ ID No: 2.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a new and distinct hybrid plant named ‘Mrs. Grass Weedly’ characterized by a hybrid between Cannabis sativa L. ssp. Sativa×Cannabis sativa L. ssp. Indica (Lam.), characterized by a Cannabis sativa L. ssp. Sativa content ranging from 14.44 weight percent to 74.8 weight percent, Cannabis sativa L. ssp. Indica (Lam.) content ranging from 18.48 weight percent to 74.8 weight percent, a cannabidiol content ranging from 0.000011 weight percent to 22.22 weight percent, a tetrahydrocannabinol ranging from 2 weigh percent to 66 weigh percent, and a volatiles content ranging from between 15 weight percent to 88 weight percent. Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer-operated farming superstructure systems (FSS) may be used to produce Mrs. Grass Weedly for human consumption with minimal water and environmental impact. A FSS system may comprise modules including liquid distribution and plant growing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-201 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-201 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-201 RZ.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to new lettuce variety NUN 09117 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof.

Abstract: A transgenic soybean resistant to soybean cyst nematode (SCN), or parts thereof, including an artificial DNA construct encoding a serine hydroxymethyltransferase protein (e.g., GmSHMT).

Abstract: This invention is related to a double grab, its rinsing cup and milking machine provided therewith, and the method for automatically applying teat cups to the teats of an udder of an animal to be milked. The double grab according to the invention includes:—a first housing part provided with a first magnet designed to hold a first teat cup;—a second housing part, installed substantially in a horizontal plane next to the first housing part, provided with a second magnet designed to hold a second teat cup;—whereby each housing part is provided with separate pivoting means that can be activated and is designed to make the related housing part pivot around a pivoting axis which in use, extends substantially in a horizontal direction, substantially in a widthwise direction of the arm.

Abstract: A pet bed assembly is provided. The pet bed assembly includes an adjustable frame including a plurality of elongated members that are removably attachable to each other by a plurality of connectors. The plurality of elongated members may be attached and detached from each other via the connectors to assemble and disassemble the frame in order to make a smaller or larger frame to accommodate pets of different sizes. One or more fasteners disposed on the plurality of elongated members are configured to removably receive a blanket that covers the entirety of the frame to provide a comfortable area in which a pet can lay.

Abstract: In an apparatus for raising chickens from hatchlings including a barn having a floor and walls there is provided a plurality of rows of feed stations arranged at spaced positions across the floor each with a feed supply line connected along the row for dispensing feed to each of the feed stations and a plurality of rows of water supply stations each with a water supply line connected along the row for dispensing water to each of the water supply stations where rows of stations are connected to a lift system for raising the stations from the floor. A first strip of biodegradable paper sheet is unrolled along the floor of the barn underneath the row of feed stations and a second strip of biodegradable paper sheet unrolled along the floor of the barn underneath the row of water supply stations where the biodegradable paper is colored with a color selected to be attractive to hatchlings, typically red.

Abstract: Combination pet cage and stairs apparatus including rigid fence panels pivotally mounted about the periphery of a horizontal frame formed with an upwardly facing floor, the panels constructed for rotation between lowered positions on the frame and erect positions supported about the periphery of the frame. In one embodiment the horizontal frame includes a tunnel from which a telescopical ladder device is extended of receiving pets to be introduced onto the floor to be contained by the erected fence panels.

Abstract: The field of this invention is classifying animal behaviors. In particular the fields of this invention include using animals in vivariums, such as rodents, particularly mice. In a vivarium cage, mice generate ultrasonic vocalizations and video behaviors. Their phenotype may also change. Starting with known cognitions or emotions, then comparing the vocalizations, changes to phenotype and video behaviors identification, classification and correlations of cognition or emotion may be generated. These new identifications, classifications and correlations are then used to update the starting set of cognition and emotion of the study animals, in a continuous feedback.

Abstract: The field of this invention is classifying animal behaviors. In particular the fields of this invention include using animals in vivariums, such as rodents, particularly mice. In a vivarium cage, animals create ultrasonic vocalizations. In addition, their phenotype changes over time. The vocalizations, a current phenotype, and the cage environments are inputs to a multi-dimensional classifier using clustering algorithms to find multi-dimensional close relationships. Such close relationships may be identified as particular behavior.

Abstract: A poly tape accessory for an electric fence gate handle, the combination of the poly tape accessory and an electric fence gate handle configured to accommodate the poly tape accessory, and a method of securing the poly tape to the accessory is provided. The accessory is electrically conductive and includes a neck and a head with a plurality of slots through which the poly tape is woven to secure the poly tape while retaining adjustability. The neck of the accessory has a locating feature and a locking tab by which the accessory can be removably coupled to an electric fence gate handle through a quarter-turn motion of the accessory relative to the gate handle without the need for any tools.

Abstract: A game feeder having a recessed game feed spinner plate, which discharges game feed through a relatively narrow opening. The spinner plate is rotated by an electric motor, which is housed in a protective enclosure within the game feeder, along with the battery and timer, and protected from animals. The narrow discharge opening minimizes feed loss by animals accessing the spinner plate. The game feeder may sit on the ground, or may be mounted on a support such as a pole or tree with mounting hooks and a bracket, and when mounted is especially resistant to feed loss or feeder damage by bears, feral hogs and the like.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an animal marking and treatment apparatus. The marking apparatus is an animal treatment apparatus to apply an animal treatment to a surface or subcutaneous layer of an animal via an operative end. The marking apparatus includes a marking portion, attached to the animal treatment apparatus, and located at the operative end. The marking apparatus is located such that when the animal receives the treatment the marking portion marks the animal by stamping at the same time.

Abstract: A method of identifying and assisting an animal comprises: transmitting a unique identification and serial number from an identification tag coupled to the animal to a first portable electronic device; inputting owner information from the first portable electronic device; receiving the unique identification and serial number from an identification tag by a second electronic device; and receiving the owner information on the second portable electronic device.

Abstract: An animal-wearable head-mountable display (AW-HMD) device comprises a head fitting designed to fit the head of an animal, and an output subsystem coupled to or integral with the head fitting and configured to output a signal to the animal. The device can comprise an optical module configured to project images into an eye of the animal, and various other modules, such as an audio module, a tactile module and/or an olfactory module.

Abstract: A toy a pet laser toy 100 includes a housing 101 having a front end 104 and a rear end 105 relative to the forward direction of travel. The toy has a right wheel 107 coupled to a right motor 110 and a left wheel 108 coupled to a left motor 111. The motors are independently controlled through a microprocessor 118. The toy 100 also includes a light source 126 mounted to the housing 101 at a downward angle with respect to the horizontal plane underlying the toy. With the angular mounting of the light source 126, the light produced by the light source 126 is projected upon the underlying support surface a short distance behind the rear end 105 of the toy 100.

Abstract: An animal waste bag includes a central pouch and one or more additional pouches formed exterior to the central pouch such that each additional pouch is successively exterior to the preceding pouch. The central and additional pouches are configured to successively retrieve and contain animal waste via their respective successive inversion.