Abstract: A feeding apparatus and a feeding method are disclosed. The apparatus and the method feed wrapping material towards an inlet of a chamber. An object in this chamber is to be wrapped with wrapping material injected into the chamber. A wrapping material supplying unit supplies wrapping material from a reservoir towards the inlet such that a loose end area is formed. A drive drives a conveying surface of a wrapping material feeding unit either in a feeding direction or in a cleaning direction. If moved in the feeding direction, the conveying surface conveys the loose end area towards the inlet. If moved in the cleaning direction, the conveying surface cleans the inlet from debris.

Abstract: An agricultural baler has a bale chamber for the compression of crop into bales with a floor, ceiling, and two walls. A plunger forces crop into the bale chamber. An actuator system presses the ceiling and walls of the bale chamber inward. At least one retractable friction block in the ceiling or walls is used to increase the compression and density of the crop. The friction blocks extend inwards as an increasing function of either decreased pressure being exerted against the ceiling or walls by the crop being baled, or inward displacement of the ceiling or walls by the actuator system.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a needle disposed within a baling chamber. The needle transfers a strap to a gripping device. A needle gripper is disposed on a distal end of the needle and configured to selectively secure the strap to the needle. The needle gripper includes a thumb gripper rotatably mounted to a wall of the needle gripper. The thumb gripper rotates between a first position configured to secure the strap against a surface of the needle and a second position configured to release the strap from the needle. The needle gripper includes a release arm coupled to the thumb gripper and configured to rotate the thumb gripper from the first position to the second position in response to rotation of the release arm about a release arm axis from a neutral position to a first release position.

Abstract: A chopper knife assembly for use by an agricultural harvester. The chopper knife assembly includes a mounting lug with a fulcrum, wedge, and counterwedge; and at least one bladed knife attached to the mounting lug between the wedge and counterwedge; the assembly is held in place by an attachment means. The bladed knives are able to pivot on the fulcrum of the mounting lug during use, thereby forcing the knife blades onto the counterwedges to provide a more secure retention means.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automating transfer of plants within an agricultural facility includes: dispatching a loader to autonomously deliver a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants at a first growth stage—from a first grow location within an agricultural facility to a transfer station within the agricultural facility; dispatching the loader to autonomously deliver a second module—defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density and empty of plants—to the transfer station; recording a module-level optical scan of the first module; extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the module-level optical scan; and if the viability parameter falls outside of a target viability range, rejecting transfer of the first set of plants from the first module.

Abstract: A conveyor system (4, 5) moves vertical poles (2) in an agricultural facility between a growing area (20) and a workstation (W). Each pole carries plant growing containers (3) at multiple levels (H1-H9). An irrigation reservoir (30) may be mounted on each pole. Irrigation lines (31-33) from the reservoir may be individually metered (35) at each level to compensate for differing water pressure with height. Sensors (40) in the reservoir and at each level of the poles may provide a controller (36) with data input. The controller may impose different growing conditions in different areas of the facility, including vertically different grow areas (20A, 20B), and controls pole movements and locations selectively to provide a sequence of poles at the workstation ready to harvest on a demand schedule. The workstation may have multiple heights (W1, W2, W3) for tall poles that increase plant density per facility footprint.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to agricultural canopies used primarily to control the amount of light, moisture and heat reaching growing plants within the canopy footprint. More specifically, it relates to mechanisms for pulling a flexible canopy over a support structure and then for removing the canopy to uncover the structure and the plants below. The mechanisms include an arm mounted rotationally on a base. When the arm is rotated in one direction the canopy is pulled over the support structure and when the arm is rotated in the other direction the canopy is pulled off the support structure.

Abstract: A control module for a water harvesting system can be operatively connected to a water level sensor in a water collection cistern, the pump/master valve (P/MV) output port of an irrigation controller, a pump start relay that controls a pump coupled to the cistern, and a pair of master valves that are coupled to station valves for delivering water to a plurality of sprinklers. The control module uses a processor, a plurality of switching circuits, and an operational program stored in a memory to cause the landscape vegetation to be watered with water from the water collection cistern or a municipal water supply, depending on the level of water detected in the water collection cistern. The control module can include a display that can indicate a graphic depiction that represents an actual level of the water in the water collection cistern.

Abstract: A sprinkler system is controlled to ensure that a given geographic area receives sufficient watering without being over-watered. The sprinkler system, capable of being programmed to deliver a desired amount of water in accordance with a desired daily watering schedule, is programmed to deliver the desired amount of water every day unless interrupted. Rainfall information is received, and a signal is sent to interrupt the sprinkler system, causing the sprinkler system to: a) follow a predetermined watering schedule when there is no rain, in which case the sprinkler system delivers the desired amount of water following a predetermined number of days, n, without watering, or b) increase n by 1 or more days if the rainfall information indicates at least one significant rain event capable of providing the desired amount of water, and c) return to a) when n expires.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivation management apparatus for edible perennial herbaceous flowering plants and bulbs and tubers. The cultivation management apparatus allows plants to root and take root and to grow stably in a constant immersed state in order of 40%˜50% of water with low temperature treatment for dormancy by filling a movable water tank flowerpot with a moisture absorption member by in the order of 50% of the pot and by filling thereon a plant growth soil member consisting of a mixing oil up to the upper portion and arranging a partition for partitioning off the moisture absorption element from the plant growth soil member.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV0594TC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV0594TC and the parent lines thereof, 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: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ9Z12-9061. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ9Z12-9061, 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: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01056938. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01056938. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01056938 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01056938 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057408. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057408. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057408 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057408 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2TNK and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2TNK with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2TNK through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2TNK or a locus conversion of PH2TNK with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel hybrid corn plant, designated A7882 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid corn A7882, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid corn A7882, and to methods for producing a corn plant by crossing the hybrid corn A7882 with itself or another corn plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other hybrid corn plants derived from the hybrid corn plant A7882.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2S5H and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2S5H with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2S5H through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2S5H or a locus conversion of PH2S5H with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2ST1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2ST1 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2ST1 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2ST1 or a locus conversion of PH2ST1 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95M211 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95M211 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95M211 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95M211, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95M211 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95M211 and methods of using maize variety X95M211 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95M214 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95M214 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95M214 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95M214, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95M214 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95M214 and methods of using maize variety X95M214 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH429N and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH429N with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH429N through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH429N or a locus conversion of PH429N with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH41M2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH41M2 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH41M2 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH41M2 or a locus conversion of PH41M2 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X03M305 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03M305 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03M305 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X03M305, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03M305 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03M305 and methods of using maize variety X03M305 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH42AJ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH42AJ with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH42AJ through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH42AJ or a locus conversion of PH42AJ with another maize variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH503521. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH503521, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH503521 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH503521.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a spinach plant comprising resistance against Peronospora farinosa races 1-9, 11-15 and isolate UA1014APLP.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a spinach plant comprising resistance against Peronospora farinosa races 1-9, 11-15 and isolate UA1014APLP.

Abstract: The invention relates to plants and plant parts, in particular spinach plants (Spinacia oleracea L.), which are resistant to Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae. The invention also relates to seeds capable of producing Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae resistant plants. The invention further relates to methods for obtaining said plants with altered genotypes and seeds thereof, which are resistant to Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-607 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-607 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-607 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seed designated 24-223 RZ, whereby a plant grown from such seed may exhibit long length plant internodes, long to very long fruit length, medium degree of fruit creasing, dark intensity of ground color of fruit skin at market stage, and CGMMV resistance. The present invention also relates to a cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plant produced by growing the 24-223 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cultivar, represented by cucumber (Cucumis sativus) variety 24-223 RZ.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH280838. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH280838, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH280838 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH280838.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH4358 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH4358 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH4358 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH4358 or a locus conversion of PH4358 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2TBY and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2TBY with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2TBY through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2TBY or a locus conversion of PH2TBY with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PFTN41 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PFTN41, cells from soybean variety 5PFTN41, plants of soybean 5PFTN41, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PFTN41. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PFTN41 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PFTN41, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PFTN41, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PFTN41. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PFTN41 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PJSS43 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PJSS43, cells from soybean variety 5PJSS43, plants of soybean 5PJSS43, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PJSS43. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PJSS43 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PJSS43, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PJSS43, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PJSS43. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PJSS43 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PUBM35 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PUBM35, cells from soybean variety 5PUBM35, plants of soybean 5PUBM35, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PUBM35. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PUBM35 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PUBM35, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PUBM35, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PUBM35. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PUBM35 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PACC71 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PACC71, cells from soybean variety 5PACC71, plants of soybean 5PACC71, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PACC71. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PACC71 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PACC71, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PACC71, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PACC71. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PACC71 are further provided.

Abstract: A raised pet bed assembly consisting generally of a main frame having an upper loop and a lower loop connected at a riser sleeve which may include a spring or hinge to allow the upper loop to gently bounce. A soft fabric sling lays into the top loop of the frame and is connected to the frame using loops or other connectors. Loops within the sling could be slid into the frame members of the top loop. A padded insert can be placed into the sling portion for use on cooler days or for additional comfort. These parts can easily be removed for cleaning and would be washable in a commercial clothes washer. A canopy can be placed on wire supports above the fabric sling, and a cover can provide an enclosure within the frame.

Abstract: A brush device for animals without an actuator connected to the brush device, which is intended for fixed installation in the construction of an animal shed for animals to use independently, including a base for fastening the brush device to a wall, a column or some other structure, a pendulum frame diverging from the base made such that it extends out of the base and to it is fastened a bristle section against which animals rub up. Between the base and the pendulum frame diverging from it, there is a joint which enables the pendulum-like rotational motion of a brush section around a rotation axis.

Abstract: A horse jacket includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion covers a chest part of a horse and the rear portion covers the back and side parts of the horse. The horse jacket further includes first and second attachment devices that connect first and second sides of the front portion to first and second sides of the rear portion. The front portion includes at least one filling element.

Abstract: Interior vehicle sensors and a recognition routine identify the presence of a companion animal within a vehicle, a controller operates at least one actuator to interpose a barrier between vehicle areas automatically adjust the barrier according to the animal's detected attributes to restrict the movement of the companion animal within the vehicle's interior.

Abstract: A collar with a cinch strap that can be at least partially pulled away from the collar's main strap, such that the cinch strap can be pulled for a distance before pulling or tightening forces are applied to an animal's neck through the main strap. The collar also has a band under the main strap that is wider than the main strap, such that any pulling or tightening forces applied to the main strap are dispersed over a wider area than the main strap to minimize discomfort in an animal wearing the strap.

Abstract: Large capacity fish and seafood growing aquaculture comprises multiple floating at sea concentric transparent torus tubes with central barge equipped with air compressor, electronic controller and anchored to seabed. Floating level above sea level of aquaculture torus tube is controlled by floating level sensor input triggering compressor to inflatable helical balloon wrapped around aquaculture tube and commanded by electronic controller. Water level in each tube is controlled by air pressure actuated valves. Each tube consists of four torus tube segments which are constructed of strong molded structural helical pipe wrapped into torus shape with molded resilient helical strip wall and with sealed helical inflatable balloon to control tube buoyancy level with connection to four vertical pipes for external rapid insertion and removing fish and food into and from the tubes. Cabled means connected to seabed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a tunicate or an extract obtained from a tunicate for the production of one or more biofuel selected from an alcohol and biodiesel. The invention also relates to a method for producing a biofuel from a tunicate wherein the biofuel is selected from an alcohol and biodiesel and wherein said method comprises the steps of: (a)(i) subjecting said tunicate or one or more polysaccharides extracted from said tunicate to enzymatic or acid hydrolysis to form a hydrolysate containing one or more monosaccharides and (ii) fermenting said one or more monosaccharides to form an alcohol; or (b)(i) extracting lipids/fatty acids from said tunicate and (ii) converting said lipids/fatty acids into biodiesel by transesterification or alcoholysis or (iii) subjecting said tunicate to transesterification or alcoholysis thereby converting lipids/fatty acids present in said tunicate into biodiesel.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human—non-human antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanized antibodies; compositions comprising the antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in the methods.

Abstract: A device that is inserted within a bait container or typical five (5) gallon bucket to subdivide said container or bucket into two (2) compartments. Additionally, the insert will allow water to flow through it and provide any bait oxygenated water in the newly created compartments from one (1) oxygen source (aerator).

Abstract: An insect decoy is provided that includes a vapor-isolated vessel, a chemical compound disposed within the vapor-isolated vessel, and an excitation energy source. The chemical compound may have one or more absorption bands at a set of absorption wavelengths and have one or more emission bands at a set of emission wavelengths. The excitation energy source may be configured to produce electromagnetic radiation at the absorption wavelengths so as to fluoresce the chemical compound and release photons at the emission wavelengths. The vapor-isolated vessel may be configured with at least one infrared transmissive window that is substantially transparent to the released photons at the emission wavelengths of the chemical compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling weeds using concentrated solar energy is disclosed. Solar energy may be concentrated by Fresnel lens and directed by manual or automated methods at surfaces of weed plants to heat portions thereof causing damage. Shutters or other devices may be used to direct, and control intensity of concentrated, solar energy, such control preferably applied before significant concentration. In some embodiments, solar energy concentration apparatus may be integrated with ground, air, or water vehicles which may use solar photovoltaic cells for electric power for propulsion and other purposes. Vehicles may use global positioning satellite (GPS) receivers or other methods and apparatus, including video cameras, for navigation and selection of areas (e.g., row middles), plants, or portions of plants to be exposed to concentrated solar energy. Air vehicles may use hydrogen gas electrolyzed from water condensed from humid air to replenish hydrogen gas lost from containment vessels.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fluid dispensing device comprises a housing and a fluid moving device associated with the housing. The housing includes an interior surface defining a passage extending at least between an emission end and at least one aperture configured to facilitate entry of a fluid into the passage. The housing further includes a mounting apparatus adjacent the aperture and adapted to receive a fluid source. The fluid moving device is operable to develop air flow in the passage, wherein the aperture is disposed downstream of the fluid moving device and upstream of the emission end.

Abstract: A system and device for capturing or entrapping pests, such as rodents, is described herein. In some embodiments, the device includes an opening in the bottom of the device which allows the pest to enter the device. In some embodiments, the device may include a kill trap. In other embodiments, the device may be used to live capture the pest.