Abstract: An agricultural planter row unit has a gauge wheel supported by a gauge wheel arm, to control planting depth. An actuator drives movement of a mechanical stop that bears against a gauge wheel support arm to position the gauge wheel support arm to obtain a desired planting depth. A seed depth control system receives an operator input, from an operator compartment of a towing vehicle, and automatically controls actuation of the seed depth actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for determining the amount of material contained in a windrow. In particular embodiments, the methods and systems are applicable to agricultural applications, and in particular to hay yield monitoring. Systems include a remote sensing technology to determine windrow height. Remote sensing methods can include ultrasonic sensors, optical sensors, and the like. Systems can provide real time yield data.

Abstract: A manure spreader implement has a compartment for containing manure, a conveyor for displacing manure in the compartment towards a rear end of the implement, and a rotating beater assembly at the rear end of the implement for spreading the manure outwardly from the rear end of the implement. The implement further includes (i) support brackets for supporting the mounting fasteners of the beater teeth on the auger of the beater assembly in double shear, (ii) auxiliary paddles supported by removable fasteners on the auger of the beater assembly between the auger flighting above and the lower paddles of the auger below, and/or (iii) floor slats on the conveyor which have end portions of reduced internal dimension formed by crimps that allow relative sliding between the floor slats and the mounting bars on the chain of the conveyor.

Abstract: A planter row unit is positioned so a gauge wheel and an opener are in a known position relative to one another. A planting depth actuator that travels along an extent of travel to change a relationship between the gauge wheel and opener is positioned at one end of its extent of travel, out of engagement with a gauge wheel arm and is then moved to an engagement position where it engages the gauge wheel arm. The location of the engagement position is identified as a calibration point.

Abstract: An agricultural planter row unit has a gauge wheel supported by a gauge wheel arm, to control planting depth. An actuator drives movement of a mechanical stop that bears against a gauge wheel support arm to position the gauge wheel support arm to obtain a desired planting depth. A seed depth control system generates a force estimate indicative of a force to make a planting depth adjustment. The control system automatically controls actuation of the seed depth actuator to exert the estimated force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removably mounting an agricultural product sprayer, having at least one foldable boom, on an agricultural product applicator having a chassis adapted for removably receiving the agricultural product sprayer, by attaching the foldable boom to a skid adapted for operative, removable mounting on the applicator chassis. The skid further has a boom cradle adapted for supporting the foldable boom in a folded position when the skid is mounted on the chassis, and when the skid is separated from the chassis of the agricultural applicator.

Abstract: A system including sensors to sense predefined measurable elements associated with a portion or portions of a utilized width currently engaged in harvesting on and relative to a harvesting mechanism while a harvester traverses a crop field and to output a signal or to adjust an operational characteristic of the harvester or the harvesting mechanism. The system may be configured to sense predefined measurable elements relative to a single crop row or single crop plant of utilized width. The system can be configured to sense predefined measurable elements at a distance between about five feet behind and ten feet in front of the harvesting mechanism. The system may implement a method generally comprising the steps of sensing the predefined measurable element, storing a crop-related data value, and associating the crop-related data value with a time-related data value to adjust the operational characteristics of the harvesting mechanism.

Abstract: A system, for cutting a plurality of lawns, including: A) two or more robotic lawn mowers which each has a rechargeable energy storage, and B) a carrier, which includes: a) at least two holders, each of which is capable of retaining one of the two or more robotic lawn mowers and b) a charging system for the rechargeable energy storage. Also provided is the carrier as such and a method in which the system and the carrier can be used. The mowers are typically battery powered.

Abstract: A handheld tool includes a power assembly rotatably connected to a control assembly that is, in turn, rotatably connected to one end of a boom that has a tool assembly operatively attached to an opposing end thereof. The power assembly includes a power source, wherein the power source provides power to the tool assembly by way of the boom. The control assembly includes an actuating mechanism for selectively controlling the operation of the tool assembly. The tool assembly is both movable and operable by a single-handed operation. The tool assembly is ambidextrously controllable.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting header includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion moveably connected to the first frame portion. An upper control arm is pivotally connected to the first frame portion and pivotally connected to the second frame portion. A lower control arm pivotally connected to the first frame portion and pivotally connected to the second frame portion. The connection between the first frame portion, second frame portion, upper control arm, and a lower control arm forms a roll center positioned at or below ground level.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a housing, a separating system mounted within the housing for separating a seed material from a straw material, a cleaning system including a cleaning fan configured to produce a motive flow of air, a straw chopper operable to chop the straw material from the separating system into a chopped straw material, a spreading system positioned downstream of the straw chopper and configured to disperse the chopped straw material outside of the housing of the combine harvester, and an air discharge channel located downstream of the straw chopper and above the spreading system and configured to discharge a portion of the motive flow of air produced by the cleaning fan.

Abstract: A lawnmower vehicle with a permanently incorporated materials spraying device for distribution of liquid and solid fertilizers and pest remediating compounds comprised of a sprayer mechanism incorporated into the lawnmower wherein the weight distribution of the lawnmower remains balanced. The sprayer mechanism comprises a materials container in communication with a feeding system for distribution of materials through a nozzle end. The sprayer mechanism may be variously arranged and oriented upon the lawnmower frame as to not offset proper weight distribution for the mower in association with the weight of the engine, mower deck, and fuel container of the lawnmower.

Abstract: An example corn harvester and associated systems and methods are provided. The corn harvester includes a corn head including a plurality of dividers. Each divider includes a hood with a top surface, and first and second side surfaces, one of the first or second side surfaces including a recessed area formed therein. The corn harvester includes an auger mounted to the hood. The auger is configured to be powered to rotate about an auger central axis. The corn harvester includes a tall corn attachment mounted to the hood and configured to be positioned in a stored position or a working position. In the stored position, the tall corn attachment is received within the recessed area of the hood. In the working position, the tall corn attachment extends from the top surface of the hood and at least partially covers a radial section of the auger.

Abstract: A system for modifying a row unit of a harvesting head, the system including at least one cutting disk adapted for being rotatably mounted to the frame of the row unit between a gathering chain drive sprocket and idler sprocket. The cutting disk includes a sprocket attached thereto for being engaged and driven by the gathering chain in order to rotate the cutting disk. Two counter-rotating cutting disks may be provided, each being driven by a separate gathering chain. A method for modifying a row unit includes loosening the gathering chains, removing existing stalk rolls and housings, installing a cover plate over a gearbox to which the housings were mounted, removing existing trash knives, drilling holes in the row unit frame for mounting the cutting disks, installing the cutting disks, and tightening the gathering chains such that the gathering chains engage sprockets attached to the cutting disks.

Abstract: A combine draper header and method of floating a wing of the same from a center section of the draper header. The wing is movably supported with respect to the center section to enable movement of the wing between a first position and a second position. The wing is supported with respect to the center section with a resilient float element. Increasing amounts of energy are stored in the resilient float element through movement of the wing from the first position to the second position. The resilient float element is re-oriented with a float linkage to reduce the mechanical advantage of the resilient float element for supporting the wing through movement of the wing from the first position to the second position, thus buffering the wing from a force increase from the resilient float element.

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester includes a center section having a first draper belt configured to move crop material in a first direction. The header also includes a wing pivotably coupled to the center section about a pivot axis and extending laterally away from the center section. The header also includes a second draper belt coupled to the wing and configured to move crop material in a second direction different than the first direction. The wing and the second draper belt are in a fixed positional relationship with each other, such that the wing is configured to remain at a constant distance from the second draper belt at all points along the wing during pivoting movement of the wing.

Abstract: A draper header for a combine, the draper header including an attachment frame adapted for attachment to the combine. A harvesting assembly includes a plurality of sections and a plurality of belts operable to feed crop material into the combine. The draper header is operable in a first mode that allows the plurality of sections to float relative to the attachment frame for ground following during harvesting, and in a second mode in which the attachment frame is raised to lift and support the harvesting assembly to be spaced above the ground. A hydraulic leveling system includes at least one leveling actuator. A valve is operable in response to the movement of the draper header into the second mode to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid into the at least one leveling actuator to automatically level the plurality of sections of the harvesting assembly when in the second mode.

Abstract: A grafting device includes: a transfer unit configured to transfer, in a predetermined direction, a grafted seedling that is in a state where a cut surface of a graft and a cut surface of a rootstock are closely attached to each other; a tape supply unit configured to arrange a tape on a transfer path of the grafted seedling in such a manner that the tape is allowed to be pulled out; a pull-out member configured to transfer through the transfer path in advance of the grafted seedling to pull out the tape from the tape supply unit, and sandwich a closely attached part of the grafted seedling between a first part of the tape and a second part facing the first part; and a welding unit configured to cover a periphery of the closely attached part of the grafted seedling with the tape and weld the tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a horticultural light system for use in a greenhouse where aspects of ambient light in the greenhouse are measured and compared against a prescribed light recipe. A light controller commands a light fixture contained within the greenhouse to augment the ambient light in response to the comparison. Photosynthetic photon flux, light intensity, color temperature and color spectrum among other aspects of light generated by the light fixture are altered by the controller to fill in deficiencies of the ambient light as compared to the prescribed light recipe.

Abstract: An inflatable planting device including a storage tank, a cultivation tank, a field planting tray and a plurality of planting frames is provided. The storage tank has a first air bag. The cultivation tank has a second air bag, and is located on the storage tank. The field planting tray has a mesh air bag defining a plurality of plant holes, and the field planting tray is located on the cultivation tank. The planting frames have a third air bag, and are connected to a periphery of the storage tank, the cultivation tank and the field planting tray through a plurality of connecting holes, where the connecting holes connect the first air bag, the second air bag, the mesh air bag and the third air bag to make the storage tank, the cultivation tank, the field planting tray and the planting frames to form an integrated connection.

Abstract: A device for supporting a tree limb. The device includes a Y-shaped structure comprising a V-shaped portion and a stem portion. In some embodiments, the V-portion can be situated to contact a tree branch or tree trunk to provide support to the tree. In embodiments, a telescoping stem portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends is provided. A releasable coupler can be included for varying the length of the telescoping stem portion between the first and second ends. A V-shaped portion is fixedly coupled to the first end of the stem portion.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for reducing the global temperature, comprising a barge, a belt conveyor and a water pump, characterized in that the following steps are taken: a) transporting a number of empty barges to a region covered with ice floes in the north and south poles, and then using belt conveyor to load the accumulated ice floes into the empty barge; b) drives the barge loaded with ice to the nearest desert country; c) builds more than one reservoir on the desert coast, and a number of artificial canals were built in the sluice of the reservoir; these canals run through the desert to form a hydraulic transport network; d) drain the melted ice water to the reservoir on the coast by gravity or a pump, and open the sluice; ice water flows into the canal, and trees or grass are planted on both banks of the canal.

Abstract: A manually operated stump grinder includes a turret system configured for substantially symmetric rotation by configuring the device such that the belt drive housing remains above and/or forward of the drive wheel during turret rotation.

Abstract: A tree felling wedge (100) comprising at least one pressure sensor (110), an alert interface (130) and a controller (120) is provided. The controller (120) is configured to activate said tree felling wedge (100) in a tree felling monitoring mode, detect a pressure level, detect a release in said pressure level (R) indicating the falling of a tree and in response thereto provide an alert through said alert interface (130).

Abstract: This invention is related to a new substrate (6) for soilless cultivation consisting of a three-dimensional reticular structure which is elastically compressible, with empty cells bounded by threads made of polymer or any other material which are chemically inert, hydro-phobic or weakly hydrophilic. For example, the substrate which consists of a lattice made of threads in polyethylene (6) compressed into a container (4) equipped with an irrigation system (3) and with a support (2) where the plants have been inserted (5). The system is a closed cycle wherein the stored solution (1) is recirculated.

Abstract: A drip irrigation emitter flow channel structural design method and a fractal flow channel drip irrigation emitter product therefor. The method comprehensively considers within a design process the hydraulic performance and anti-blocking performance of a drip irrigation emitter, and mainly comprises stages such as simulation method establishment, flow channel configuration selection, structural parameter determination and flow channel boundary optimization. An optimal flow channel configuration and a structural parameter value range of a drip irrigation emitter flow channel are determined via an optimal value simulation model, thereby defining a drip irrigation emitter primary prototype structural design method.

Abstract: The invention discloses an irrigation apparatus for culturing organic vegetables, comprising a base, a regulating rod and an irrigation part. The regulating rod is fixed to one end of the base. One end of the regulating rod is connected with a rotating shaft through a bearing. One end of the rotating shaft is fixed with a secondary gear and a roller. A water storage tank is fixed to one end on the base. One end of the water storage tank is bolted with a water pump. A water outlet end of the water pump is connected with an irrigation pipe. In the invention, the height of the base is regulated through the regulating rod, and the roller is arranged on a bottom end of the regulating rod, thereby realizing movable and uniform irrigation of large area of organic vegetables. Irrigation mode is more flexible and efficient.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems, processes and/or methods of controlling irrigation. In some embodiments, methods are provided that receive (4112) water usage information corresponding to a first volumetric water usage at a site location having an irrigation controller (130), wherein the first volumetric water usage corresponds to volumetric water usage from a beginning of a budget period of time to a first time within the budget period of time; determine (4114) automatically whether a volumetric water budget at the site location will be met for the budget period of time based on at least the first volumetric water usage, the volumetric water budget corresponding to a specified volume of water for use during the budget period of time; determine (4116) automatically, in the event the volumetric water budget will not be met, an adjustment to the irrigation by the irrigation controller; and output (4118) signaling to effect the adjustment.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system uses a plurality of vertically supported pots suspended one above the other, each pot being removably held on a supporting ring attached to a plurality of vertically extending chains, or the like, supported from above. The hydroponic growing system includes a water delivery system which feeds the water to the top-most pot which drains to each next pot and to a bottom reservoir where it may be pumped back into the water delivery system.

Abstract: An aquaponic garden device is described herein. The device is specifically designed for the homeowners living in urban areas where gardening space is limited.

Abstract: The present application relates to papaya plants having increased resistance to the papaya ringspot virus as compared to a wild type plant due to a mutation in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4e and/or eukaryotic translation initiation factor iso4e gene leading to non-functional eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4e and/or eukaryotic translation initiation factor iso4e proteins. Methods of producing such papaya plants having increased resistance to the papaya ringspot virus are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are media, kits, systems and methods for achieving micropropagation of an Abada date palm on a commercially relevant scale. Compositions and methods for each stage of micropropagation, including initiation, elongation, and rooting are disclosed in the present application. Also disclosed are conditions for harvesting and sterilizing explant tissue for micropropagation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant having an improved sugar content in fruit compared with its wild type plant, which has a mutant cyclin F-box gene comprising a nucleotide mutation that causes a non-conservative amino acid substitution in the cyclin F-box protein. The present invention also relates to a parthenocarpic plant having a mutant cyclin F-box gene comprising a nucleotide mutation that causes a non-conservative amino acid substitution in the cyclin F-box protein.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety LR1250156 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety LR1250156 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using LR1250156 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an allele designated alpha-WOLF 8 which confers resistance to at least one Peronospora farinosa f. Sp. spinacea race, wherein the protein encoded by said allele is a CC-NBS-LRR protein that comprises in its amino acid sequence: a) the motif “MAEIGYSVC” at its N-terminus; and b) the motif “KWMCLR”; and wherein the LRR domain of the protein has in order of increased preference at least 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100% sequence similarity to SEQ ID No:12. When the allele is homozygously present in a spinach plant confers complete resistance to Peronospora farinosa f. Sp. spinacea races pfs:1, pfs:2, pfs:6, pfs:8 and pfs:15, and isolate US1508, and confers intermediate resistance to pfs:5, pfs:10 and pfs:16, and does not confer resistance to pfs:3, pfs:4, pfs:7, pfs:9, pfs:11, pfs:12, pfs:13 and pfs:14.

Abstract: Provided herein is a lettuce variety, ‘80020-09I1-007’, including seeds thereof and methods of generating additional lettuce varieties using variety ‘80020-09I1-007’. Lettuce variety ‘80020-09I1-007’ is characterized by its size, long leaf stalk, color, and resistance to Bremia lactucae.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct variety of lettuce, NUN 6040 LT, as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides seed and plants of downy mildew resistant Impatiens plants. The present disclosure thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of downy mildew resistant Impatiens plants, to methods for producing a downy mildew resistant plant of the present disclosure by crossing such plants with themselves or with another Impatiens plant, such as a plant of another genotype, variety, or cultivar, and methods of identifying downy mildew resistant Impatiens plants. The present disclosure further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The present disclosure further relates to parts of such plants. The present disclosure also relates to methods of identifying an Impatiens plant having resistance to downy mildew.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated cucumber plants comprising a yield QTL on chromosome 2 and/or a yield QTL on chromosome 6 of their genome, and to methods for generating such plants, and their use.

Abstract: Novel garden bean cultivars, such as bean designated HMX4104, HMX0164423, HMX0164444, HMX0164476 and/or HMX0164494 are disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of garden bean HMX4104, HMX0164423, HMX0164444, HMX0164476 and/or HMX0164494, to the plants and plant parts of garden bean HMX4104, HMX0164423, HMX0164444, HMX0164476 and/or HMX0164494, and to methods for producing a garden bean plant by crossing the garden bean HMX4104, HMX0164423, HMX0164444, HMX0164476 and/or HMX0164494 with itself or another garden bean plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing other garden bean plants derived from the garden bean HMX4104, HMX0164423, HMX0164444, HMX0164476 and/or HMX0164494.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cotton plants with reduced gossypol levels in the seed, and in further embodiments provides cotton plants with increased gossypol levels in the leaves. Also provided are methods for reducing gossypol content in seeds of a cotton plant by down-regulation of CGF2 expression, and in certain embodiments CGF1 and/or CGF3 expression, in the plant, and methods for increasing gossypol content in leaves of a cotton plant by tissue-specific overexpression of CGF2, and in certain embodiments CGF1 and/or CGF3, in the plant.

Abstract: A system that includes a laser configured to generate a profile signal of at least a portion of a dairy livestock and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the profile signal and detect one or more edge pair candidates in the profile signal, compare the complementary distance gradients of each of the one or more edge pair candidates to a minimum distance gradient length to be considered an edge pair, and identify an edge pair from among the one or more edge pair candidates as a teat candidate based on the comparison. The processor is further configured to determine position information for the teat candidate.

Abstract: A mobile animal shelter device forms an enclosure for containing animals therein having an open bottom which is open to the ground surface. The device is supported on wheels which are controllably driven by a controller which displaces the shelter device across the ground according to programmed conditions which can be adjusted by the operator. Various panels of the housing may be opened and closed, feed can be controllably dispensed, and various other conditions can be automatically controlled in response to prescribed criteria by the controller. A lower skirt portion about a perimeter of the opening in the bottom of the enclosure is flexible so as to vary in elevational according to ground contours.

Abstract: A pet box includes a box member having a room therein and an entrance communicated with the room, and a stair member connected to the box member. Therefore, pets could get into and get off the room through the stair member without its host's help.

Abstract: A waterproof and breathable pet cushion includes a core containing filler; an outer cover covering outer sides of the core; the outer cover containing a surface cloth layer and a waterproof and breathable layer at an inner side of the surface cloth layer. The waterproof and breathable layer is made of polyurethane. The waterproof and breathable layer has the advantages of waterproof, breathability, burn-proof, insects-proof. As a result, the dirt of pets or fluid will not enter into the waterproof and breathable layer so as to retain the cleanness of an interior of the pet cushions; and in cleaning, it only needs to clean the outer cover.

Abstract: The current invention is a pet food tray a bottom reservoir filled with water which is covered by the top that prevent bugs from getting into the pet food. The reservoir is in the base of the tray and is covered with a top so that no contaminants can get into the water. The top edge of the reservoir has a curved lip to prevent spills. The pet tray will accommodate large and small bowls for kibbles, canned food or water.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing system includes a lightning sensor configured to detect an electromagnetic signature of a lightning strike and a dispenser bank configured to store and dispense a medication for a pet. A user interface is configured to input one or more dispensing parameters for dispensing the medication stored in the dispenser bank. A microcontroller is in signal communication with the lightning sensor, the dispenser bank, and the user interface. The microcontroller is configured to generate a dispensing signal for opening the dispenser bank based on data received from the lightning sensor and the user interface. The dispenser bank is configured to dispense the medication once receives the dispensing signal from the microcontroller.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of recording information and associating the information with sample taken from an item. The method may use a sampler that can receive a plurality of sample collecting devices that can remove a sample from the item. Information is recorded about the item and about the sample collecting device used to take a sample from the item. Geolocation information of the sampler at the time of taking a sample and timing information between the time of reading item ID and sample collecting device ID is associated with the sample.

Abstract: A sampling system that uses a handheld body that can hold a punch and storage container to receive the punch. A sample identification reader and an item ID reader are used to read ID of the item and punch or storage container. The timing between the taking of a sample and the reading of the item ID and the ID of the punch/storage container may be recorded and if the time is too long the sample may be assigned as being invalid or of high tamper risk.

Abstract: A grooming apparatus for a household pet is provided having a wall with an opening for admitting the pet into an enclosure, whereby a flexible, resilient sheet positioned in the opening is deflected by the pet and a pressure sensitive adhesive on the surface of the sheet attracts and retains loose pet hair.