Abstract: Multi-use tools are described. According to one aspect of the invention, a tool includes a chevron-shaped body, and a coupling mechanism configured to couple a handle to the chevron-shaped body. According to another aspect of the invention, a tool including a chevron-shaped body comprising a first external edge, a second external edge, a first internal edge, and a second internal edge. The tool also includes a handle, a coupling mechanism demountably coupling the handle to the chevron-shaped body and a void formed by the first internal edge, the second internal edge, and the coupling mechanism. An apex of the chevron-shaped body points away from the handle.

Abstract: An implement operating apparatus has a U-shaped drive frame supported on drive wheels, each pivotally mounted about a vertical wheel pivot axis. A steering control selectively pivots each drive wheel. A power source is connected through a drive control to rotate the drive wheels in either direction. First and second implements are configured to perform implement operations and to rest on the ground and when the drive frame is maneuvered to an implement loading position with respect to each implement, the implement is connectable to the drive frame and movable to an operating position supported by the drive frame. When the implement is in the operating position, the steering and drive controls are operative to move and steer the drive frame and implement along a first travel path or a second travel path oriented generally perpendicular to the first travel path.

Abstract: The invention refers to an agricultural system and a method of operating the system. An implement is connected to a tractor. A tractor control network (4) and an implement control network (5) are connected through a data bus (6). Control signals are transmitted over a signal line of the data bus (6). A driving power supply is provided by a tractor power supply (13) to a working unit (10b) of the implement through a driving power supply line, the tractor power supply (13) configured to provide a plurality of different driving voltages. Driving power supply control signals are received in the tractor control network (4), the driving power supply control signals being sent from the implement control network (5) over the signal line and indicating a present driving voltage. The present driving voltage is supplied over the driving power supply line to the working unit (10b).

Abstract: A purging system is provided for a multiple variety seed meter of a multi-variety planter. The purging system includes seed return valves that may be arranged for receiving seed that was removed from the seed meter. The seed return valves return the removed seed into corresponding appropriate seed storage compartments to allow a new seed variety to be delivered to the seed meter while reducing seed variety mixing in the seed meter. A pipe with a purge passage may extend from the seed meter to a purging hose that delivers the removed seed to the seed return valve(s). Each seed return valve may be a vacuum-actuated piston airlock valve assembly with a valve plunger that reciprocates to define seed collecting and releasing states of the valve.

Abstract: A method for planting a field with a seed planter is provided. The method includes moving the seed planter across the field such that the seeds of a first seed type and seeds of a second seed type are both dispensed in a single row. According to this embodiment, a first seed disc of the seed planter is configured to dispense seeds of the first seed type equidistant relative to adjacent seeds of the first seed type, and a second seed disc is configured to dispense the seeds of the second seed type not equidistant relative to adjacent seeds of the second seed type.

Abstract: A multiple variety seed meter is provided for multi-variety row crop planting. The seed meter includes a segmented feed pipe system that may include a feed pipe with multiple passages that can be rotated to present one of multiple variety openings toward a seed pool in the seed meter to deliver a specific seed variety into the seed meter. The feed pipe may be an inner selector pipe concentrically nested for rotation in an outer sleeve that extends into the seed meter.

Abstract: In one aspect, a liquid tank assembly is provided and configured to be mounted to a tractor. The liquid tank assembly includes a first tank configured to contain liquid, a second tank configured to contain liquid, a first support frame coupled to and supporting the first tank, and the first support frame includes a first mounting member configured to mount the first support frame to the tractor. The liquid tank assembly also includes a second support frame coupled to and supporting the second tank. The second support frame includes a second mounting member configured to mount the second support frame to the tractor, and the first support frame is coupled to the second support frame. In one aspect, a liquid tank assembly is provided and configured to be mounted to a tractor having a maximum width. A tank assembly width is no greater than a maximum width of the tractor.

Abstract: A clamping tool for exchanging a mowing blade on a blade rotor, the clamping tool including a lever arm with a fork head, wherein the fork head has two fork legs that are parallel to each other at a distance and have a bent shape such that, with respect to a horizontally oriented lever arm, the fork legs have an arc-shaped construction with fork leg ends pointing essentially in the vertical direction, wherein the clamping tool can be clamped between a mowing disc and a spring plate of a blade rotor and can be brought into engagement with a pocket on a top side of the mowing disc, and the fork leg ends are pressed against the bottom side of the mowing disc by a downward movement of the lever arm, and the fork legs press the spring plate downward.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, it has been found that a significant reduction in average stubble length, which is calculated based on the distance crop is pushed forwardly without cutting occurring, can be obtained by a combination of features where the length of the cutting edge of each knife blade is increased to a length greater than 2.2 inches; the width at the rear of the ledger surface of each guard is increased to greater than 1.2 inches; and the front edge of the blade is formed with an apex to shed crop material to one or other side of the apex. Each blade has at least one cut out opening through the blade extending from a rear edge of the opening adjacent to but spaced from a rear edge of the blade toward the tip.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system including a plurality of guard fingers at spaced positions across a cutter bar across which a reciprocating sickle knife passes, each guard finger has a forwardly projecting tip portion in front of a ledger surface and a rearwardly projecting tang portion connected to a rear end of the tip portion and extending therefrom over the ledger surface to a rear edge of the tang portion located over the blade. The lower surface of the tang portion includes a first portion adjacent the tip portion which is generally parallel to the ledger surface and a second portion adjacent the rear edge which is inclined at an angle away from the ledger surface. The width of the tang portion across the rear of the tang portion is equal to or greater than 1.5 inches.

Abstract: In a sickle cutting system, including a plurality of guard fingers in a row across a cutter bar with each guard finger having an upwardly facing ledger surface and a plurality of hold-down members with each hold-down member comprising at least one hold-down finger, the guard fingers and hold down fingers thus forming cooperating overlying pairs between which the blades pass in the cutting action the guard fingers having no portion elevated above the ledger surface thereof in front of the tip of the blade and the guard fingers and blades having lengths from the cutter bar arranged such that a forwardmost tip of the guard finger is forward of the tip of the blade.

Abstract: A method for operating a harvester may include initially operating the harvester in a discharge harvesting mode such that harvested crops are conveyed to a distal end of an elevator of the harvester and subsequently discharged from the harvester through a discharge opening defined by a storage hopper located at the distal end of the elevator. The method also includes reducing an operating speed of the elevator and blocking the discharge opening defined by the storage hopper upon receipt of an operator input associated with operating the harvester in a storage harvesting mode. Additionally, the method includes actively adjusting the operating speed of the elevator based on a crop flow parameter of the harvester as the harvested crops expelled from the distal end of the elevator are being stored within a storage volume of the storage hopper.

Abstract: The assembly described herein is secured to lawn equipment for adding additional functionality, such as weed eating. The assembly includes a base having at least one base bracket for selectively coupling the assembly to the lawn equipment. Further, a stem is included having a stem bracket coupled to the base, a stem housing extending from the stem bracket, and a shoulder in rotational engagement with the stem housing. For maneuvering the assembly, an arm is pivotally engaged with the shoulder of the stem and pivotally coupled to the arm actuator. The arm may be radially, angularly and translatably repositioned during use.

Abstract: An agricultural header includes: a main section including a main frame carrying at least one cutting element; at least one wing section pivotably coupled to the main section and including a wing frame; and a linkage pivotably coupling the at least one wing section to the main section, the linkage including an upper bar and a lower bar which are both coupled to the main frame and the wing frame, the upper bar defining an upper bar axis and the lower bar defining a lower bar axis which is non-parallel to the upper bar axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a harvesting device for harvesting vegetable crops from the ground, which vegetable crops have a stem and a crown supported by the stem and leaves attached to the stem, said device comprising a frame, a first drive for moving the frame onward over the ground, a cutter for severing the stem, a second drive for the cutter, a stripper for stripping the leaves from the stem, and a third drive for moving the stripper vertically along the stem for in the stripper's strip position stripping the leaves from the stem.

Abstract: A crop lifter assembly has an adjustment block, and upper leaf affixed to the adjustment block, a lower leaf affixed to the upper leaf, and a lifter having an end affixed to a distal end of the lower leaf The lower leaf has a distal end positioned away from the upper leaf. The lifter extends angularly upwardly from the distal end of the lower leaf. Each of the lower leaf and the upper leaf can have variable thicknesses and lengths so as to allow for adjustability and tenability for the lower leaf and the lifter. The upper leaf has a channel formed on an upper surface thereof. The adjustment block is received within this channel.

Abstract: A hay rake tooth assembly having a base plate. One or more tines that extend through and are captured by one or more holes in the base plate. A molding connected to the base plate and molded about the tine extends.

Abstract: Disclosed are hay bale spikes for tractors used to carry hay bales. A hay bale carrying system includes a frame attachable to a tractor. The frame includes a first spike rigidly connected and a second spike movably attached parallel to the first spike, where the second spike is movable to a position that is not parallel to the first spike. An opening in the frame may position a pin to matingly accept the second spike that includes a lever arm on the opposite side of the pin from the spike. The lever arm may include a connector near its end connectable to a hydraulic cylinder such that expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder provides leverage through the pin to the second spike to move the second spike from a first parallel position relative to the first spike to a second non-parallel position.

Abstract: A bale forming apparatus forms a plurality of bales and deposits every bale at a suitable location. A ground property sensor measures a value indicative of a ground property. The bale forming apparatus receives loose material and processes the loose material in a processing chamber and completes the process in a further processing chamber positioned vertically or angularly above a bale carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring agricultural products, for agricultural machines designed for the formation of a bale is provided. The transfer apparatus includes at least one impeller rotor, which can be arranged between a pick-up drum of agricultural products and a chamber for the compression of the agricultural products. The rotor is facing a deck, for delimiting at least partially a channel. The deck is coupled to a fixed frame by way of at least two supports which can move on command. At least one first support includes at least one support pin, which is coupled to a first portion of the deck and moved, in a corresponding guiding slot, by a corresponding actuator. At least one second support includes at least one crank, which is coupled to a second portion of the deck and rotatable about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the advancement direction.

Abstract: A knotter assembly for a baler, the knotter assembly configured to form knots in strands of a binding material used to secure a formed bale. The knotter assembly includes a generally circular knotter disc, a rotary billhook, and a pinion which is disposed for meshing engagement with a pair of circumferentially spaced gear stretches on the knotter disc such that rotational movement of the billhook is driven by the knotter disc through engagement of the gear stretches with the pinion. The billhook includes a billhook shaft, wherein the billhook shaft is received in an opening of the pinion. A retaining clip engages the billhook shaft to couple the billhook with the pinion. The retaining clip is C-shaped with a mouth configured to receive the billhook shaft and teeth that engage a groove around at least a portion of the circumference of the billhook shaft.

Abstract: A knotter assembly for a baler, the knotter assembly configured to form knots in strands of a binding material used to secure a formed bale. The knotter assembly includes a generally circular knotter disc, a rotary billhook, and a pinion which is disposed for meshing engagement with a pair of circumferentially spaced gear stretches on the knotter disc such that rotational movement of the billhook is driven by the knotter disc through engagement of the gear stretches with the pinion. The billhook includes a billhook shaft, wherein the billhook shaft has a notch formed along a portion of the billhook shaft that extends parallel to an axis of the billhook shaft. The pinion includes a key that extends into a pinion opening configured to receive the billhook shaft such that the key engages with the notch to connect the pinion with the billhook.

Abstract: A method for cultivating Cordyceps militaris fruiting body capable of improving C. militaris fruiting body morphology is provided, wherein rice absorbed with a tea liquid is used as a solid-state culture medium. In comparison to using rice absorbed with water as a solid-state culture medium, the C. militaris fruiting body cultivated by using the solid-state culture medium of the present invention under the same cultivation condition are significantly more robust.

Abstract: The application refers to a plastic film for protecting linear soft fruit cultivations such as table grapes, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, cherries etc. Soft fruit cultivation is commonly performed in a linear fashion so that any cultivation work can be facilitated. Soft fruits are susceptible to weather conditions especially when they are ripe enough for collection to start and in particular to hail, rain, humidity, and frost as well as the intense sun radiation that can cause skin burns to the fruit.

Abstract: A netting enclosure kit comprises a skeleton configured to operate in a plurality of configurations between a first, partially expanded configuration and a second, fully expanded configuration, a netting enclosure comprising a plurality of panels configured to be joined together to enclose or hang from the skeleton in each of the plurality of configurations, a first webbing configured to connect to a first portion of the netting enclosure, a second webbing configured to connect to a second portion of the netting enclosure, and a fastener configured to attached to the first webbing and to the second webbing to form an openable and closeable seam.

Abstract: A debris loader for comminuting or collecting leaves and debris comprises a vacuum tube connected to an intake assembly which connects to a blower housing. The blower housing contains a rotating impeller which creates suction through the vacuum tube and intake assembly drawing in leaves and debris. The leaves and debris are then discharged from the blower housing through a discharge opening or conduit. The intake assembly includes a cylindrical collar, to which a vacuum tube is attached, and a conical section which is connected to the blower housing. The diameter of the conical section expands from its connection with the cylindrical collar toward the blower housing. In a preferred embodiment the conical section is angled downward relative to the axis of rotation of the impeller and preferably at an angle of approximately thirty degrees.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a greenhouse or single container for plant growth coupled to the Internet of Things and including a microfluidic die for water or nutrient distribution. The microfluidic die is controllable automatically or with instructions from a remote user, based on sensors included within a growth environment.

Abstract: An irrigation system with steady 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, a predetermined progressively decreasing speed profile, or a new fixed current speed.

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: A planting pot comprising a biodegradable container comprising an open top portion and an open bottom portion, a planting medium for a plant located within the container, the planting medium comprising a top surface, an upper layer of material, a lower layer of material, and a middle layer of material disposed between the upper and lower layers of material, a hollow irrigation line comprising an upper portion above the top surface of the planting medium and a lower portion within the planting medium, at least a portion of the lower portion of the irrigation line comprising multiple openings to permit irrigation water to flow there through into the planting medium, a moisture sensor disposed within the planting medium, and a plant planted in the container.

Abstract: A growing system is provided that includes a rotomolded chassis that defines (i) an “interior” where plants are/may be located, and (ii) an “exterior” that at least partially defines a perimeter around the interior. The chassis generally includes stacking elements which allow one chassis to be stacked one upon the other. The disclosed growing system also generally includes (i) means for delivering liquid into the chassis, (ii) means for draining liquid from the chassis, and (iii) means for supporting plants that is conducive to their growing within the chassis.

Abstract: A watermelon cultivar, designated watermelon line Ace Plus, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of watermelon line Ace Plus, to the plants of watermelon line Ace Plus and to methods for producing a watermelon plant by crossing the watermelon line Ace Plus with itself or another watermelon cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing triploid, seedless watermelon fruit using watermelon line Ace Plus as a parent of the pollenizer plant. This invention also relates to watermelon cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from watermelon line Ace Plus, to methods for producing other watermelon cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from watermelon line Ace Plus and to the watermelon plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid watermelon seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing watermelon line Ace Plus with another watermelon cultivar.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1648’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California (USA), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1651’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California (USA), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1662’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California (USA), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing disease resistance in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato parent line PSQ-9Z09039. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ-9Z09039, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1657’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California (USA), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: A point-of-care diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The reader contains various analysis systems, such as an electrophoresis detection system that uses electrophoresis testing to identify and quantify various components of the blood sample. The reader can process data from the various patient sample analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disorder, condition, disease and/or infection of the patient.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Hercules’, and ‘Canyon’ are described. ‘Hercules’, and ‘Canyon’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Ardeor’, ‘Advisor’, and ‘Jokary’ are described. ‘Ardeor’, ‘Advisor’, and ‘Jokary’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for generating early flowering oilseed (e.g., pennycress) plants. For example, oilseed plants (e.g., modified oilseed plants) having one or more modifications in a polypeptide involved in early flowering (e.g., early flowering six (ELF6)), as well as materials and methods for making and using early flowering oilseed plants are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for domesticating oilseed (e.g., pennycress) plants. For example, oilseed plants having reduced seedpod shatter, as well as materials and methods for making and using oilseed plants having reduced seedpod shatter are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating dairy livestock having fore legs and hind legs, wherein the system comprises a milking parlor ramp, livestock stalls positioned along at least part of the milking parlor ramp, wherein each stall is configured to contain one dairy livestock, at least one vertical upright teat cup holder comprising teat cups and a mobile unit. The mobile unit comprises equipment for treating livestock and a processor, where the mobile unit is configured to travel between the fore legs and hind legs of the dairy livestock on the milking parlor ramp and use the equipment to perform at least one action related to a treatment of the dairy livestock. Also disclosed is that the equipment includes an arm configured to withdraw the teat cups from the vertical upright teat cup holder and connect them to the dairy livestock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pet toilet including a shell. The shell includes an upper cover and a sand pot, wherein the sand pot is a semi-oval-shaped shell structure with support legs connected to the sand pot. The lowest bottom of the sand pot has an opening for leaking litters. A garbage bag may be connected the opening. The opening is provided with a baffle. The shape of the upper cover matches the shape of the sand pot. The upper cover and the sand pot are hinged together by a limit connection in back of the pet toilet. And there is an oval inlet in front of the upper cover. The pet toilet of the invention adopts the oval shape, and the overall appearance can fit with the current mainstream household style, and has both practicality and aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: The ergonomic pet carrier is an apparatus that evenly distributes the weight of a dog against the shoulder and the back of a user. The apparatus includes a first shoulder strap assembly, a second shoulder strap assembly, a frame, a supporting panel, and a plurality of leg-receiving holes. The first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap assembly evenly distribute the weight of the dog across each shoulder and the back of the user. The first shoulder strap assembly and the second shoulder strap assembly restrain the dog against the back of the user as the dog rests on the supporting panel. The frame reinforces the structural integrity of the supporting panel with the first shoulder strap assembly and the second shoulder strap assembly. The plurality of leg-receiving holes allows the legs of a pet to traverse through the supporting panel and comfortably rest on the supporting panel.

Abstract: A pet stroller with an adjustable structure of strut and canopy includes a pet stroller body, an adjustable supporting frame and an adjustable canopy. The adjustable supporting frame includes two rotation shaft boxes respectively arranged on the inner sides of the folding brace of the two sides of the pet stroller body. Each rotation shaft box includes a canopy strut extended diagonally upwards from the front end thereof and a front window strut extended forward parallelly from the front end thereof. The adjustable canopy covers on the external side of the pet stroller body and corresponds to the adjustable supporting frame, so as to allow the adjustable canopy to be transformed among a covering mode, a front opening mode, and a full-opening mode through adjusting the positions of the canopy strut and the front window strut.

Abstract: Implementations of a mobile pet feeder are provided. In some implementations, the mobile pet feeder comprises a water container, a holder, an upper strap, and a lower strap. In some implementations, a method of using the mobile pet feeder comprises positioning and attaching the mobile pet feeder to the back side of a seat of a vehicle.

Abstract: A milking parlor for milking dairy animals, having a pillar, a gate pillar provided with a pivoting entrance gate and a pivoting exit gate, and a bridge located on the pillar and the gate pillar; the milking parlor further includes a driving assembly that is located within the bridge and is coupled to the entrance gate and the exit gate.

Abstract: A system for attaching a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to an animal when received thereby. The system is configured for mounting thereto a RFID tag magazine comprising a plurality of cannulas that each contain at least one RFID tag (15), wherein the RFID tag magazine is configured for presentation of any one of the plurality of cannulas to the animal when so received.