Abstract: A plant removal tool combining a rake and a hoe for removing plants from the ground includes a shaft that may be gripped. A hoe is coupled to the shaft and the hoe engages the ground when the shaft is manipulated. In this way the hoe chops plants growing in the ground. A rake is coupled to the shaft to rake the plants when the plants have been chopped.

Abstract: An assembly, comprising a handle, a tool head and a sleeve, wherein an end of the handle engages within the sleeve on a first end of the sleeve and the sleeve engages within a socket of the hand tool on a second end of the sleeve, the sleeve thereby securely connecting the handle and the tool hand, and a method of fabrication thereof, comprising providing a handle, providing a sleeve, providing an implement head comprising a socket, inserting the handle, from an end thereof, within the sleeve by a first end of the sleeve, and inserting the sleeve, by a second end thereof, within the socket of the implement head.

Abstract: A chisel point to shatter compacted soil having a nose that penetrates the soil, a tail that points in an upward direction, a head that extends in a downstream direction from the nose, a body that connects the head to the tail in the downward direction and in the upward direction, and a pair of wings that laterally protrudes from the body in the downstream direction and in a downward direction.

Abstract: A gardening apparatus including a housing having an inner chamber, a handle, a hose coupled to the handle and configured to actuate release of a granular substance, a receiving clip, a plurality of wheels, a rotatable structure, and a plurality of circular devices including a plurality of projections, wherein the plurality of circular devices is removably attached to the plurality of wheels. The gardening apparatus is useful for simultaneously fertilizing and aerating a lawn or garden, while promoting speedy germination of plants, flowers, vegetables, and more.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a frame configured to be towed behind a vehicle and a plurality of shank assemblies connected to the frame and configured for engaging a soil. Each shank assembly includes a shank mount configured to mount to the frame, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the shank mount and extending rearwardly therefrom, and a shank connected to the coupling arm at an end and extending downwardly therefrom to a tool-supporting end. Each shank assembly also includes a ground-engaging tool connected to the tool-supporting end of the shank and a variable rate spring positioned in between the shank mount and the coupling arm and configured for providing a variable ground-engaging tool load.

Abstract: A greens roller having a transportation configuration and a rolling configuration, the greens roller comprising: a chassis having powered wheels, the wheels defining a driving direction; one or more rollers rotatably mounted to the chassis, the one or more rollers defining a rolling direction that is different to the driving direction; wherein in the transportation configuration the wheels are lowered to support the chassis for driving the greens roller, and in a rolling configuration the wheels are raised so that the one or more rollers support the chassis for rolling the greens roller on a green.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a frame having a tongue hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle, the tongue hitch being oriented along a longitudinal axis inline with the direction of travel. The agricultural machine has running gear configured to support the frame. The running gear includes an axle mounted to the frame and a swing arm pivotably mounted to the axle defining a main pivot axis. A front spindle is mounted at the front end of the swing arm with a front tire mounted to the front spindle and a rear spindle is mounted at the rear end of the swing arm with a rear tire mounted to the rear spindle. The tires are positioned on a same side of the swing arm. The front tire has a smaller diameter than a diameter of the rear tire.

Abstract: A system for controlling the depth of at least one closing wheel in an agricultural row unit for planting seeds in a furrow. The row unit includes a firming device that passes the seeds into the soil at the bottom of the furrow, and at least one closing wheel that is pressed into a side of the furrow to close the furrow over the seeds. A control system senses the depth of the closing wheels in the furrow relative to the depth of the firming device, and adjusts the downward pressure on the closing wheel, based on changes in the sensed depth of the closing wheel, to compensate for changes in the hardness of the soil. The up and down movement of the firming device can be adjusted independently of the movement of the closing wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coating seeds with biological materials such as bacteria, fungi (e.g., yeasts and molds), parasites, recombinant vectors, and viruses. The method comprises (a) applying a moistening liquid to seeds to moisten seeds, wherein the moistening liquid comprises a moistening polymer, and (b) coating the moistened seeds with an effective amount of a dry composition, wherein the dry composition comprises biological materials, one or more disaccharides, one or more oligosaccharides, one or more polysaccharides, one or more carboxylic acid salts, and one or more hydrolyzed proteins. The coated seeds may have an initial water activity (Aw) below 0.4, and the microorganisms on the coated seeds have initial viability of at least 5 logs of colony forming units per gram of seeds (CFU/g seed). Also provided are coated seeds.

Abstract: The present document discloses a rotor apparatus (20) for feeding granular or powdered material in an agricultural implement, the rotor apparatus being designed to be received in a partially cylindrical feeder space of a feeder device for volumetric feeding. The rotor apparatus (20) comprises an insert part (21), which in size and shape is adapted to be inserted into the feeder space and to substantially prevent air from passing the insert part when this is inserted into the feeder space, and a rotor (22), which is rotatable relative to the insert part. The insert part (21) defines a rotor space (218), in which the rotor (22) is rotatable, and the rotor is together with the insert part designed to provide an air lock. The insert part (21) comprises a wall portion (214, 215) interacting with the rotor and located radially outside the radially outermost portion of the rotor.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, an automated planter may be comprised of a series/sequence of automated sub-systems.

Abstract: A multi-blade mower includes at least two spindles spaced apart from each other. In one example implementation, two blades are mounted at different heights on each respective spindle, and the blades at each spindle have different lengths. Horizontal clearance is provided between the lower blades, and the cutting circle of one of the upper blades overhangs the clearance zone between the lower blades, so that any grass missed between the lower blades is cut by the overhanging upper blade. The two blades on each spindle are spaced apart by a blade spacer between the blades.

Abstract: A symmetrical sickle shaped lawnmower blade adapted to a rotary lawnmower to replace a common rectangular shaped blade provides a bilateral and horizontally curved cutting portion of the blade resulting in an enhanced vortex uplift airflow presented by the rotation of the blade within the lawnmower deck.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis, at least one power take off member, and a folding header operably coupled to the agricultural vehicle and supported by the chassis. The folding header includes a center section operably coupled to the chassis of the agricultural vehicle. The center section includes a pair of lateral ends and at least one drive assembly operably coupled to the at least one power take off member of the agricultural vehicle. The folding header also includes at least one additional section pivotally coupled to one of the lateral ends of the center section and operably coupled to the at least one drive assembly. The at least one additional section is selectively pivotable between an operational position and a nonoperational position. The center section is configured to harvest a crop material in both of the operational position and nonoperational position of the at least one additional section.

Abstract: An outer stalk divider for an attachment for harvesting row crop, in particular for a corn picker or corn header, includes a base body that extends in a traveling direction and a surface that extends in the traveling direction on an upper side, a hood, which is situated at the front on the base body as viewed in the traveling direction, and tapers in the traveling direction, and a cover element which, in the traveling direction, is situated behind the hood and on the upper side. The cover element extends at least partially along the surface of the base body, and is at least partially arched in design on an outer surface facing away from the surface. The cover element may be adjustable relative to the base body.

Abstract: A triplex greensmower open foot platform provides an opening in front of an operator seat providing visibility from the operator seat to a center reel cutting unit. The opening has sufficient dimensions for removal or installation of the center reel cutting unit or a grass catcher therethrough. A pair of platform sections provides a perimeter at least partially around the opening. Each of the platform sections including a footrest and a rearwardly extending coupling that is manually removable from the triplex greensmower.

Abstract: A triplex greensmower lift system includes a yoke mount attached to a reel cutting unit forwardly and below a center of gravity of the reel cutting unit, an upper lift arm attached to the yoke mount and extending rearwardly behind the reel cutting unit to a horizontal pivot axis on a lower lift arm located at a height between a top of the reel cutting unit and the center of gravity of the reel cutting unit, and a spring connected to the upper lift arm and biasing the upper lift arm upwardly and rearwardly to reduce ground pressure on the reel cutting unit.

Abstract: A driver unit for a conveyor is disclosed. The driver unit includes a drive finger, driving conveyed material, and a holding body for positioning the drive finger on the rotary conveyor. The holding body has a socket into which an end section of the drive finger can be inserted. Furthermore, a securing element is used to secure the drive finger to the socket, whereby the securing element includes a section arranged eccentric to an axis of the securing element to hold the drive finger in the socket.

Abstract: The invention is directed broadly to a transportable agricultural bin for storing and dispersing an agricultural material, comprising: a bin body having a compartment for storing the agricultural material, the compartment having an outlet at a lower end thereof; at least one auger and a spreader to disperse the agricultural material; and a conveyor provided under the outlet and extending between the auger and the spreader, wherein the conveyor is configured to selectively transport the agricultural material from the outlet to either the auger or the spreader.

Abstract: A preparation section of a combine harvester that is configured to receive a mixture of grain and material other than grain (MOG) from a threshing section of the combine harvester. The preparation section includes a conveyor positioned beneath the threshing section that is configured to transport the grain and MOG in a downstream direction toward a cleaning section, and a deflector positioned at a downstream end of a conveyor that is configured to launch the grain and MOG into the air and cause at least partial separation of the MOG and grain prior to falling onto the cleaning section.

Abstract: Self-propelled vehicles for supporting and operating a device are disclosed. Example devices include agricultural devices. The vehicle includes mounting arms that allow the device to be extended forward or rearward of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the device is releasably coupleable to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes rear drive wheels and front caster wheels.

Abstract: A bale wrap tensioning system includes a spindle that can be operatively coupled to a wrap material supply roll and a rotary hydraulic device that has a rotatable input shaft. The input shaft is coupled to the spindle for rotation with the wrap material supply roll. The bale wrap tensioning system includes a control valve that is operable to control a variable pressure of hydraulic fluid displaced by the rotary hydraulic device. The bale wrap tensioning system includes a controller for adjusting the control valve to alter the variable pressure of the hydraulic fluid displaced by the rotary hydraulic device.

Abstract: A system for controlling the speed of harvested crop as it is discharged from a crop accumulator onto a field comprising a discharge mechanism for imparting a desired rearward travel speed to the harvested crop as it is being discharged from the crop accumulator and a speed measurement device for measuring forward travel speed of the crop accumulator. A processor is in communication with the discharge mechanism and the speed measurement device and is operable to adjust the discharge mechanism for imparting the desired rearward travel speed or the forward travel speed of the crop accumulator, to discharge harvested crop with a rearward travel speed that is substantially equal to the forward travel speed such that the harvested crop has a substantially net zero speed as it contacts the ground.

Abstract: A round bale or module building assembly with a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from one another by a module width and a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path. Wherein, at least two rollers of the plurality of rollers have a combined width configured to substantially span the module width.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel and effective compositions and methods for promoting the growth of green photosynthetic plants, particularly higher plants. The method relies on applying compounds comprising carbon dioxide infused water as a foliar spray to the plant and its leaves, where the compound increases intracellular carbon dioxide levels in an amount sufficient to inhibit photorespiration within the plant cells and thus enhance plant growth.

Abstract: There is provided a planter for growing plants. The planter comprises a framework supporting a plurality of shelves (16, 16a, 16b), wherein the framework comprises two upright frame members (2, 4) at a left side of the framework, two upright frame members (6, 8) at a right side of the framework opposite the left side, a first cross member (11) connected to and spanning between the two upright frame members (2, 4) at the left side of the framework, a second cross member (12) connected to and spanning between the two upright frame members (6, 8) at the right side of the framework, and a shelf support member (14) connected to and spanning between the first and second cross members (11, 12). A first end of the shelf support member (14) rests in a cradle of the first cross member (11), and is repeatedly removable and attachable therefrom.

Abstract: A system for storing and cultivating plants and enhancing usable area, space or volume is provided. One or more racks are provided for housing plants, such as potted plants, in arrays extending in at least a vertical direction. Lighting is provided to provide ultraviolet and infrared radiation in the system. At least one rack is selectively moveable with respect to at least one lighting element, such that proximity between plants and at least one lighting element may be selectively varied.

Abstract: An apparatus and parts for forming a size-adjustable receptacle are disclosed. In some embodiments, a part of a receptacle is provided, the receptacle being assembled from a plurality of parts. The part of the receptacle includes a surface having formed therein a plurality of protrusions suitable to mate in interlockable cooperation with protrusions of at least a second part of the receptacle, such that a choice of which protrusions of the first part to mate with protrusions of the second and third parts, determines a size of the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical-physical method of producing mushrooms enriched with biologically active substances including steps of isolation and pre-seeding development of the mycelium of a desired fungal species, maturation of the substrate, mycelium sowing and incubation with development of fungal primordia under conditions controlled and assisted by machines and processors designed to adjust temperature, humidity and radiation, development of carpophores, their collection and treatment with pulsed light in order to stimulate the production of vitamin D2. Physical treatment includes exposing the environment to electromagnetic fields (EMF) during all the previous steps the collection, and chemical treatment includes adding the substrate with egg powder.

Abstract: A backpack tool, a backpack blower and a control handle assembly are provided by the present invention. The backpack tool includes a battery pack for providing electric energy, a power assembly electrically connected with the battery pack to convert the electric energy provided by the battery pack into mechanical energy, and a backpack assembly carried on human back to support the battery pack and the power assembly. Both battery pack and the power assembly can be carried on human back through the backpack assembly, so that the force loaded by arms of the worker can be reduced. The battery pack serves as a power source can reduce the noise and vibration caused by the backpack toll during working as compared with the gasoline powered backpack tool.

Abstract: A device measures positions of a plurality of objects. The device comprises a memory arranged to store positioning data for a plurality of objects having mutual constant positions, an input interface arranged to obtain measurement data of relative positions for at least a subset of the plurality of objects, and a processor arranged to calculate an adapted measurement position for at least one of the objects of the subset of the plurality of objects by correlating the measured relative positions for the at least a subset of the plurality of objects with the acquired positioning data. The adapted measurement position is based on the positioning data. Corresponding method and computer program are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tree feller-buncher includes a felling head having a saw blade, an engine carried by an undercarriage, a hydraulic system operably connected to the engine, at least one transient operably connected to the hydraulic system, and an electric system operably connected to the engine, the electric system configured to operate the saw blade.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter with an anticlogging attribute. In the case of multi season crops, the lifespan of the drip irrigation pipe and the installation as a whole must follow the life span of the crop itself. Commonly, drip irrigation installations sometime in their life span get clogged and are thus rendered unusable due to the clogging occurring in the drip irrigation emitters themselves. Despite the use of filtering systems for the irrigation water, objects/dirt of miniscule cross-sectional areas are carried with the water that cannot be filtered at the filtering systems, thus entering the drip irrigation pipe and reaching the labyrinths of the individual emitters. This issue is catastrophic for the cultivation as irrigation of the crop is not performed uniformly leading to lower yield and income loss and possibly leading to the total loss of the plantation and the unavoidable replacement of the drip irrigation pipes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method which combines sensor inputs, control systems, field mapping, motor controls, and high speed and variable speed motor designs within an irrigation machine. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides systems which are capable of full torque operation, even at speeds less than the rated speed of the motor. According to further preferred embodiments, the present invention utilizes a combination of motor types including Switch Reluctance, DC Permanent Magnet and AC Permanent Magnet motors in combination with Variable Frequency Drives.

Abstract: The self watering bottle planter insert allows a regular bottle to be transformed into a hydroponic planter. The self watering bottle planter insert is insertable into a bottle and removes the need for a separate source of nutrients. The planter uses composite media with an enriched substrate layered beneath a more standard hydroponic growth media to add nutrients to the water for the life cycle of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hydroponics and to apparatus and methods for the growing of plants in a water-based or soil-free environment. A flexible container (2) for growing plants hydroponically is provided, comprising one or more openings (1) for receiving plantlets (16) and/or seeds (15) and one or more openings (1, 5, 6, 7) for receiving a nutrient and/or water (5) and/or oxygen supply (6, 7), which openings may be the same or different to the openings of (i).

Abstract: A New Guinea Impatiens plant designated SAKIMP047 is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP047, plants of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP047, to plant parts of New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP047, and methods for producing an impatiens plant produced by crossing New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP047 with itself or with another impatiens variety. Embodiments include methods for producing an impatiens plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and transgenic impatiens plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to impatiens varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP047, methods for producing other impatiens lines or plant parts derived from New Guinea Impatiens SAKIMP047, and the impatiens plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of Brassica carinata breeding (i.e. Ethiopian mustard breeding), specifically relating to the inbred Brassica carinata cultivars designated Brassica carinata AGR044-312D and Brassica carinata AGR044-3A22. The present invention relates to seeds, plants or parts thereof, cells, methods of making, and uses of these cultivars and their progeny. AGR044-312D and AGR044-3A22 may exhibit improved yields relative to existing Brassica carinata commercial varieties. Other properties of these cultivars may include reduced levels of seed glucosinolate, improved disease resistance, and reduced tendency to lodging and pod shatter relative to existing commercial Brassica carinata varieties.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides alfalfa plants exhibiting broad spectrum resistance to Race 1, Race 2, and Race 5 anthracnose. Such plants may comprise novel introgressed genomic regions associated with disease resistance from Race 1, Race 2, and Race 5 anthracnose. In certain aspects, compositions, including novel polymorphic markers and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with a disease resistance phenotype are provided. Also provided are alfalfa varieties designated as C0416C4164 and H0415C4114. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of alfalfa varieties C0416C4164 and H0415C4114. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of alfalfa varieties C0416C4164 and H0415C4114, and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing alfalfa plants by crossing alfalfa variety C0416C4164 or H0415C4114 with itself or another alfalfa variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to simple a cultivar of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum) which produces a novel profile of linolenic acid. The plant, the oil products and the unique genes of the cultivar are described. A cultivar producing a seed with high concentration of alpha linolenic acid is further described by genome profile including cDNA and simple sequence repeat (SSR or microsatellite) regions. The cultivar can also be identified by its novel flaxseed oil profile.

Abstract: A rotary dairy cow milking platform that rotates about a rotational axis and has a plurality of pre-fabricated moulded bail floor defining modular components 1-10 and a supporting substructure 12, 13 14. Each modular component is detachable from the substructure and has been pre-formed independently of any components from the substructure. Each modular component is also totally or at least in part formed from a fibre reinforced resin based composite material. The modular components each have a mould defined rigid exoskeleton 34 wrapped about an inlay or an imbedded core 33 of another material moulded within the exoskeleton. The end peripheries of the modular components are substantially radially aligned with respect to the axis of rotation of the milking platform. Further, the modular components have been assembled onto the substructure to form a substantially annular deck of the milking platform.

Abstract: A milking system includes an assembly, a controller, and a milking cluster configured to attach to one or more teats of a livestock. The assembly includes a clevis, a piston, a pulley system, and a sensor. The clevis includes a first member, a second member, a base member, and a cylinder. The cylinder is coupled to the base member. The piston is positioned at least partially within the cylinder, and is configured to move within the cylinder. The pulley system of the assembly includes a cord configured to be coupled to the milking cluster. The assembly includes a sensor configured to generate a displacement signal in response to detecting that a portion of the clevis is within a predefined distance of the sensor.

Abstract: A cat litter box has a bath tub form having a circumferential lip having an underside, a raised perimeter extending upwardly from the lip, the raised perimeter having top edge, and a circumferential groove on the underside of the lip, a lid having an aperture therein, the lid configured to fit within the raised perimeter and rest on the lip, the aperture configured to permit ingress and egress of a cat, and a plurality of fasteners having an upper appendage and lower appendage, wherein the upper appendage is configured to extend over the perimeter, and the lower appendage comprises a protrusion configured to engage with the groove. The lid may also have a grate that is porous, or it may be textured and porous, to help remove litter from a cat's feet as it comes out of the litter box.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an animal are provided to actively cool an animal relative to ambient environmental temperature. The systems include a metallic panel having an upper surface for contacting the animal and a lower surface, at least one metallic cooling element thermally contacting the lower surface of the metallic panel and having an internal passage therein, and means for flowing a coolant through the internal passage of the cooling element. Flow of the coolant through the cooling element reduces the temperature of the upper surface of the metallic panel and thereby reduces the body temperature of the animal when the animal is in contact with the metallic panel.

Abstract: This invention describes a device method of moving an animal from one location to another by manipulating the local environment. This invention describes a method to use newborns natural instincts to find warmth to move newborns to a safe area. This invention describes an improvement to a nesting or whelping box, constructed with a pig rail and a heat source to protect the newborns to keep them from being smothered or dying from hypothermia.

Abstract: Present invention provides a pet carrying bag utilizing first tie bands and second tie band to provide means for securing the bag to a bicycle handle bar when looping the bands around the handle bar and clicking the insertion prongs to the receiving insertion shells. Such installation mechanism allows for tight and secure fit to bicycle handle bars of different configurations. The bag body is made of flexible materials with rigid back board and bottom board embedded inside the flexible material, for easy fold-down and storage. During regular usage, two movable boards can be set, by using common Velcro pieces, to prop the bag open, creating a maximum space for the pets.

Abstract: Pet furniture for accommodating dogs, including a wall and an opening disposed in the wall to allow passage for a dog, wherein the wall comprises a grid which surrounds an internal space enclosed by the wall except for the opening, and wherein the grid is formed of an electrically conductive material to shield against electromagnetic radiation

Abstract: The invention is a wildlife feeder comprising a support line, a reservoir, a base, a regulator, a spring designed to secure said regulator in said base, a tether attachable to said regulator and a stake such that the stake is installed in the ground to created a taut connection of the wildlife feeder with the ground. The wildlife feeder is wildlife actuated and can be customized to meter feed out to animals in a desired way given the targeted animals to feed and animals to be prevented from actuating the feeder. The spring is coupled with the regulator such that it exerts an upward force on the regulator which abuts it against an annular seat in the base. When an animal exerts force on the feeder the regulator is opened by compression of the spring and feed is metered out. There is also disclosed an optional feed tray that is either unitary with the regulator or attachable to the regulator such that feed that is dispensed lands on the feed tray for eating or dispersing by animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for flushing out animal footbaths at remote locations which do not have a reliable or high pressure water supply. Embodiments of the flushing systems of the present invention preferably include at least one fluid pressurizing pump and one or more large fluid storage tanks which receive water from a source and place it under pressure for use in the system.

Abstract: A teat opening protection patch is stuck to portions inclusive of the teat openings of livestock, and includes a laminate 1 of an elastic sheet 2 and an adhesive layer 3 laminated on one surface of the elastic sheet 2, the laminate 1 having a double-stretched tensile stress in a range of 0.1 to 5 N.