Abstract: A soil conserving shovel and grate attachment that aid a user in removing and reclaiming soil from a recently removed plant by abrading the plant's rootball back and forth against the shovel and apparatus. In addition, methods of using a shovel and grate attachment instruct a user how to efficiently reclaim soil from a plant rootball.

Abstract: A ground opening disc scraper assembly comprising: a scraper arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured for mounting to a support structure; a scraper blade; and a tensioning clip for yieldably mounting the scraper blade to the distal end of the scraper arm.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cutting and increasing surface area of surface stubble material while contemporaneously cutting and aerating the soil. A discoidal coulter blade is configured with a plurality of circumferential teeth for cutting the surface stubble as well as reducing the downward pressure required for the blade to enter the type and depth of soil desired. The circular coulter blade is configured with a plurality of inserts oriented normal to the rotational movement of the blade as the blade cuts the soil. Each insert is shaped to aerate a specific type of soil anticipated by an operator. The inserts are positioned on the blade for desired impact with the soil and angled in placement on the blade to maintain the desired effect on the soil.

Abstract: A dynamic linkage for a tool gang on a multi- row agricultural implement. The tool gang can include one or more ground-working or other agricultural tools, which are mounted on a tool gang frame. The tool gang frame is connected to a toolbar by the dynamic linkage, each includes adjusting mechanisms for limiting vertical travel and down-pressure forces applied to the tools. The dynamic linkage is configured for tripping to raise the tool gang for clearing a surface or subsurface obstacle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for controlling an orientation of ground engaging elements of a harrow of an agricultural implement may include controlling an operation of an actuator such that the actuator applies an actuator force against a support arm when the harrow is disposed at an operating position. The method may also include receiving an input indicative of an instruction to move the harrow from the operating position to a raised position. Furthermore, after receiving the input, the method may include controlling the operation of the actuator such that the actuator force applied against the support arm is adjusted in a manner that reduces the biasing force being applied on the ground engaging elements. Additionally, the method may include initiating movement of the harrow from the operating position to the raised position to raise the ground engaging elements above the ground after reducing the biasing force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for operating an agricultural machine (1, 201) on a useful agricultural area (4, 5), comprising a traction vehicle (2) and a working appliance combination (3, 203) connected to the traction vehicle (2) in the form of a mower and/or rake, the harvest goods being processed with a plurality of working devices (33a-33d, 233a-233c), which are arranged so as to project from a carrying frame (31, 231a-231b) transversely with respect to the direction of travel (F) of the working device combination (3, 203), wherein the working appliances (33a-33d, 233a-233c) can each be raised and lowered independently of one another in order to move the working appliances either into a headland position or into engagement with the harvest goods, characterized in that when processing by means of a preferably satellite-assisted navigation system (21), position data of the working device combination (3, 203) is acquired continuously and, from the same, at least one already processed field area (4

Abstract: A lifting control device includes: a position acquisition portion configured to acquire an extended or contracted position of the hydraulic cylinder; a target setting portion configured to set a target position of the hydraulic cylinder; a control portion configured to control an energized amount of the solenoid valve; and an input judging portion configured to judge whether the operational input is an opening command to perform an opening control in which the solenoid valve is made to be fully open or is a positional control command to perform a positional control in which the solenoid valve is actuated according to an operation input amount to control the extended or contracted position of the hydraulic cylinder, wherein when the operational input is judged as the opening command by the input judging portion, the opening control is performed due to the non-integral type control by the control portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques, including systems and methods, for planting using planting pods. A planting system can be configured to deliver pods including a payload (e.g., seeds, cuttings, or other planting materials) into or onto the ground at a predetermined location. In some embodiments, the automated planting system can include a mapping system that receives various sensor inputs and generates a map of a planting area. A pod planting system may use the map of the planting area to deliver pods to the planting area. The pod planting system may be executed automatically using the maps generated by the mapping system and/or manually by a remote operator. Each pod can include a payload to be planted on or in the ground by the pod planting system. Pods may be customized depending on the types of plants being planted, the terrain, prior planting results, etc.

Abstract: A seed activation system includes a shattering layer applied to an outer surface of a seed. The shattering layer forms a water-resistant coating around the seed that prevents the seed from germinating. An activation mechanism for transmitting electromagnetic energy is provided such that the shattering layer is compromised to break the water-resistant coating. The seed is then able to receive water and germinate. A seed activation method includes applying a shattering layer to an outer surface of a seed. The shattering layer forms a water-resistant coating around the seed that prevents the seed from germinating. The method further includes planting the seed in a soil, selecting an activation time, and activating the seed at the activation time by transmitting electromagnetic energy into the soil such that the shattering layer is compromised thereby breaking the water-resistant coating. The seed is then able to receive water for germinating.

Abstract: A sowing element for precision pneumatic seed drills. The sowing element includes a selector disc for isolating the seed, the selector disc being rotatable about an axis (X), and a conduit for transporting the seed with an initial portion which is proximal to a position for removing the seed from the selector disc and an intermediate portion which extends in continuation of the initial portion. The conduit, at least in the initial portion and in the intermediate portion, is substantially rectilinear and substantially coaxial and has an axis (Y) which is located inside a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the sowing ground and parallel with the sowing advance direction.

Abstract: A sowing element for precision pneumatic seed drills. The sowing element includes a conduit for transporting the seed with an initial portion which is proximal to a device for isolating the seed, an intermediate portion which extends in continuation of the initial portion, and a terminal portion for dispensing the seed; and a pneumatic accelerator which is arranged along the conduit for transporting the seed. The pneumatic accelerator is positioned between the intermediate portion and the terminal portion of the conduit for transporting the seed.

Abstract: Adjustable gauge wheels are provided on a row unit planter adjacent the opening disc. The wheels are adjustable laterally for proper spacing adjacent the discs. The camber of the gauge wheels relative to discs is also adjustable. The lateral adjustment is accomplished via a wear bushing and pivot bushing extending into the wear bushing for each gauge wheel. A grease zerk is provided on the end of each pivot bushing to supply grease to the inside of the adjustment wear bushing. The camber adjustment is accomplished via a slot in the row planter frame and bolts extending into arms on a pivotal member.

Abstract: A particulate material spreader for radially projecting granular material. The particulate material spreader comprises a hopper, a set of open wheels and a spreading assembly at least partially extending between the hopper and the set of open wheels. The spreading assembly is configured to radially project the particulate material through at least one wheel of the set of open wheels. The spreading assembly comprises a wheel axle extending between the open wheels and rotating along with the open wheels when the particulate material spreader is moved over a surface; a distribution shaft operatively connected to the wheel axle to rotate along therewith; and a distribution plate. The distribution plate is mounted to the distribution shaft, receives the particulate material from the hopper and radially projects the particulate material substantially through at least one wheel of the set of open wheels.

Abstract: A fertilization map creating system includes a growth sensor, a GPS device, and a growth information accumulating part that stores data, a fertilization map being created based on growth data and position data stored in the growth information accumulating part, and the growth information accumulating part storing the position data and the growth data while a tractor drives in a field. The system further includes a growth condition calculation part that obtains a growth condition of previously set each area in the field based on the data stored in the memory; a fertilization amount calculation part that obtains an amount of fertilization of each area based on the growth condition of each area; and a map creating part that creates the fertilization map showing the amount of fertilization of each area obtained by the fertilization calculation part.

Abstract: Wind speed, wind direction, and field boundary information are detected and used to identify a monitor area indicative of a likely overspray condition. Control signals are generated to obtain information from a sprayed substance sensor, in the monitor area. When an overspray condition is detected, an overspraying signal from the sprayed substance sensor indicating the detected overspray condition is received and overspray processing is performed, based upon the received overspray signal.

Abstract: A raking, chopping, and digging tool is disclosed which comprises a front delivery raking means mounted on a frame with extending side delivery chopping/digging mechanisms—one on each side of different widths for performing a variety of tasks—and an appropriate length and circumference sized elongated handle. Providing two substantial chopping/digging blades protruding from opposite sides of the raking frame, while also having multiple tines projecting at an optimum angle, this landscape tool offers users easy transitions between yard maintenance functions.

Abstract: A housing having a rotary axis and configured to support at least one radially projecting cutting component that effects cutting as the housing is turned around the rotary axis. The housing has a first housing part with a first wall and a plurality of discrete circumferentially spaced cavities in the first wall and each having a volume. The volumes of at least a first and second of the cavities respectively at first and second locations are different and strategically selected to cause a mass distribution on the housing that contributes to improved dynamic balancing of the housing as the housing is turned around the rotary axis.

Abstract: A conveyor joint assembly (600) is provided including a support ledge (501) operably coupled to and extending from a first sealing surface (602), a first side wall and second side wall (507) operably coupled to opposite ends of the support ledge (501), a receiver (504) operably coupled to the first sealing surface (602), and at least one protrusion (503) operably coupled to a second sealing surface (604). The second sealing surface (604) is configured to engage the support ledge (501) and the receiver (504) is configured to retain the at least one protrusion (503) causing the first sealing surface (602) to engage the second sealing surface (604).

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for unloading harvested crop from an agricultural harvester may include monitoring a quantity of the harvested crop discharged from the harvester based on sensor data indicative of the quantity of the harvested crop discharged from the harvester. The method may further include controlling an operation of a flow control device of the harvester to halt transfer of the harvested crop from a crop tank of the harvester to a crop discharge system of the harvester when a first quantity of the harvested crop has been discharged from the harvester. Additionally, the method may include continuing to control an operation of the crop discharge system after halting further transfer of the harvested crop from the crop tank to the crop discharge system to convey any remaining harvested crop contained within the crop discharge system to the discharge location.

Abstract: A lateral tilt control system for an agriculture harvester may include first and second tilt cylinders coupled between a support structure and an implement of the harvester. The first tilt cylinder may include a first cap-side chamber and a first rod-side chamber and the second tilt cylinder may include a second cap-side chamber and a second rod-side chamber. The system may also include a first fluid line providing a flow path between the first cap-side chamber and the second cap-side chamber and a second fluid line providing a flow path between the first rod-side chamber and the second cap-side chamber. Additionally, the system may include a pressure relief valve coupled between the first and second fluid lines to allow fluid to be transferred between the first and second fluid lines when a fluid pressure within either fluid line exceed a relief pressure setting.

Abstract: A grass mower includes a mower unit (8) provided on the traveling machine body (10), a grass container (4) provided on a rear portion of the traveling machine body (10) for storing cut grass from the mower unit (8), a rod lever unit (6) capable of undergoing displacement between a first operation position and a second operation position, and a swing mechanism (5) for swinging the grass container (4) between a cut grass storage position and a cut grass discharge position by utilizing operational displacement of the rod lever unit (6). The rod lever unit (6) includes a base rod (61) coupled to the swing mechanism (5), a grip rod (62) extending in a direction offset from an extending direction of the base rod (61), and a coupling portion (63) through which the base rod (61) and the grip rod (62) are coupled so as not to be capable of being rotated relative to each other.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method for sensing an amount of free water in cut crop material and automatically adjusting an operating parameter of a mower conditioner to optimize the amount of free water. A sensor located at the exit of a conditioning mechanism measures an actual free water content value of the material as it exits the conditioning mechanism, a processor compares the actual value to maximum and minimum values, and if the actual value is outside this range, automatically adjusts an operating parameter, such as a gap between pairs of conditioning rollers, a pressure exerted by the rollers, or a speed of the mower conditioner, to optimize the actual value. Another sensor may be located at the entrance of the conditioning mechanism. The processor may take into account an operator-selectable value weighting the actual free water content versus a dry down time when adjusting the operating parameter.

Abstract: An agricultural mechanical harvesting system useable with machines, in which it improves the performance of standard harvesting machines which controls and reduces the damages of the fruit to be harvested, mainly produced by falling gravitationally and striking the surface receiver on machines. The agricultural mechanical harvesting system controls and reduces the rate of fall of fruits harvested by mechanical harvesting machines, thereby increasing the yields of conventional machines and solving the problems of loss in the quality of harvested fruit.

Abstract: An intermittent drive system includes a rotatable output component, a rotating input component with a driving engagement element, a synchronizing ring and a decoupling ring. The synchronizing ring is coupled to the output element to rotate therewith. The synchronizing ring has a driven engagement element configured to selectively engage with the driving engagement element. The synchronizing ring has an alignment feature configured to rotationally align the driving engagement element with the driven engagement element and has a decoupling feature configured to selectively disengage the driving engagement element from the driven engagement element. The decoupling ring is selectively coupled to the input component and has a decoupling feature configured to selectively engage the decoupling feature of the synchronizing ring.

Abstract: A baler ejection system, that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as a round baler, waste baler, combine, or cotton harvester, uses the motion of a pair of parallel arms that extend transversely from the sidewalls of a bale chamber a set of distinct pivot points. When activated the parallel arms raise to expose an outlet through which the bale may be ejected. A formed bale may become ejected by one or more conveyer belts that exert a rearward force on the bale within the bale chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the comminution of a botanical feedstock includes a vessel, a screen positioned in the vessel above a first feedstock outlet and spaced from the top of the vessel, and a blade rotatably mounted above and generally parallel to the screen. The blade has a leading side, a trailing side, and a radial blade length. At least a portion of the leading side has a cutting edge and at least a portion of the trailing side has a downwardly extending trailing portion. The downwardly extending trailing portion has a lower edge having a plurality of discontinuities along a radial length of the trailing portion. The cutting edge is spaced from the upper surface of the screen by a first distance and a lowermost portion of the lower edge is spaced from the upper surface of the screen by a second distance.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for apparatuses, articles, structures, and supports for faux or artificial floral arrangements. Embodiments of such an apparatus, article, structure and support would provide, among other benefits and advantages, a more reliable, adaptable and extensible support for elaborate and extensive arrangements of faux floral artifacts over an extended area in a three-dimensional manner. In addition, faux floral products that incorporate or are otherwise equipped with the invention would become more environmental friendly and cost effective, and easier to manufacture and transport than the current approaches in the art aimed for the same goals or benefits.

Abstract: A fluid-cooled LED-based lighting fixture for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) to improve energy efficiency, recycle waste heat, and support the operation of environmental sensors in a controlled agricultural environment. In one example, a lighting fixture frame mechanically supports and houses respective components of the lighting fixture and includes a light spine to mechanically couple the lighting fixture to a support structure. One or more coolant pipes formed from copper and coupled to the lighting fixture frame conduct a fluid coolant through the lighting fixture to remove heat. The lighting fixture comprises one or more LED modules to emit light, and a multiple electrical power and communication ports to facilitate interconnection of the lighting fixture in a variety of controlled agricultural environments.

Abstract: A mechanized, non-disruptive plant touch, or contact, sensing system for detecting by touch, or contact, the precise location of plants and/or plant stems relative to a machine in motion, and then disengage the plant without significantly affecting the plant's health or development.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering a substance into a plant. The systems and methods include a light energy that is applied to a first area on the plant to create a first indentation. The first indentation can be a minor incision or a rupture of a portion of the first area. Once the first indentation is created, a first dosage of the substance is applied to the first area in an amount effective to promote a biological response of the plant. It is contemplated that at least a portion of the substance is absorbed by the plant via the first indentation.

Abstract: A canopy sprinkler assembly includes a frame that is substantially hollow. The frame is fluidly coupled to a fluid source thereby facilitating the frame to selectively spray a fluid. A stand is provided and the stand is selectively positioned on a support surface. The frame is coupled to the stand such that the frame is elevated from the support surface. Moreover, the stand is selectively positioned around a garden thereby facilitating the frame to selectively irrigate the garden. A canopy is removably positioned on the frame such that the canopy completely covers the frame. The canopy is comprised of an opaque material to shade the garden.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an autonomous device for spraying a medium to be sprayed, containing: a control tank; a valve that can switch from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, according to the filling level of the control tank; and a porous ceramic wall that can be in contact with the medium to be sprayed and separates the control tank from said medium to be sprayed, the ceramic being structured so as to drain a spray liquid between the medium to be sprayed and the control tank. The invention also relates to an autonomous device for controlling the spraying.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a household intelligent soilless culture system, comprising a rectangular substrate. A U type bracket is vertically welded on both ends of the substrate. A U type sliding chute is formed in the bracket along a length direction. A sliding block is sleeved in the sliding chute. One end of the sliding block is hinged with a pull rod, and one end of the pull rod is sleeved with a casing pipe. One end of the casing pipe is welded with a connecting plate on both sides. Culture pipelines are installed in the bracket. A liquid inlet pipeline is installed on one side of the bracket along the vertical direction. A liquid storing tank is installed on a bottom of the liquid inlet pipeline. The present invention is suitable for installation and fixation in different positions, and effectively prevents plant roots from eroding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a viability-retaining method of selecting corn embryos having a desired trait, said method comprising extracting embryos, removing associated non-embryogenic tissue or DNA from the exterior of the embryo; and extracting DNA directly from the embryo. The invention surprisingly shows that germinating embryos sampled directly for their DNA content are capable of continuing the germination process to form normal seedlings.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for determining progeny plant genotypes from a pooled sample. The methods include genotyping marker alleles in two or more progeny plants, each resulting from a different parental cross. The methods utilize in-silico deconvolution implementing Hidden Markov Modeling to determine a probability of each possible genotype for one or more marker loci in at least one progeny plant from the genetic signal generated from the pooled samples. The present methods provide for increased efficiency in genotyping progeny plants.

Abstract: A method of applying a Chemical Hybridization Agent (CHA) to a plant. The method includes providing a CHA source and bringing the CHA source in contact with a root of the plant. The method further includes having the root take up a part of the CHA. The disclosure further relates to methods of producing a haploid and/or doubled-haploid plant or hybrid seed. The disclosed method may be used in various aspects of plant breeding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for evaluation of the effect of a treatment on one or more characteristics of a plant. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for high throughput analysis of the effect of a treatment on one or more characteristics of a plant.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety UB12521072 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety UB12521072 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using UB12521072 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of watermelon, NUN 11603 WMW as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: A mold for forming materials such that the formed materials include measurement markings is disclosed herein. The mold includes multiple cavities, each of which has indentations for forming measurement markings on a material that is formed in the respective cavity. Each of the cavities may be further supported by one or more cavity-to-cavity support structures. The mold may also include a detachable lid for covering the contents of the mold during and after solidification.

Abstract: A method for performing a learning cycle to determine a Start Temperature and a Stop Temperature for a PI loop algorithm is used for operating a climate control system (20) in an animal house (10). The climate control system has at least one climate control input device (21) and at least one heater device (23) and a climate control module (27) that receives input information from the at least one input device and controls the operation of the at least one heater device to regulate the climate in the animal house.

Abstract: Litter compositions are provided comprising sodium bentonite and various fillers. These litter compositions have substantially the same clumpability properties as a composition consisting of only the sodium bentonite.

Abstract: A pet food and water receptacle anchoring system includes an anchor that is fixed on an underside of the food/water receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor comprises a head member on an upper portion and a screw member on a lower portion. The anchor may be screwed downwardly into any surface, or alternatively into a sleeve that is secured into a cement surface. Preferably, the anchor includes a ground plate to provide further stabilization to the receptacle when secured to a surface.

Abstract: A gravity flow feeder is disclosed having a vertically arranged canister, funnel, chute, and trough arrangement wherein feed contained within each canister is allowed to flow down, aided by gravity, to settle within a feed trough. Use of a timing mechanism and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder allows for the articulation of a closeable access to open or close the trough in order to protect the feed contained from the elements and scavenging animals and condition the timing of animal arrival at the feeder. Any number of ed containing canisters may be implemented in order to provide for mixing of various types of feed within the trough for maintenance of a balanced diet for desired animals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a neck garment for mammals. The neck garment comprises a neck portion, a belt, and a head portion. The neck portion is made by crocheting a back loop stitch in order to surround neck of the mammal. The belt comprises a plurality of strings made by crocheting a single stitch. In one aspect, the belt is passed through the neck portion in order to control movement of the neck portion. The head portion is made by crocheting at least one of the single stitch and a double stitch. In one aspect, the head portion comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is interconnected with the neck portion. The second end outwardly extends till head of the mammal in a manner such that the second end surrounds face of the mammal.

Abstract: A method of using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to guide a target includes receiving, via the UAV, a signal indicative of a target area for guiding the target, determining an indicator based on a location of the UAV and/or a location of the target area while the target is in motion, and performing, via the UAV, an operation in response to the indicator.

Abstract: A toy includes a hollow elastomeric object with an elastic tether extending through a narrow aperture in the object from an anchor contained within the object. The free end of the tether includes a handle. About 12 to 24 inches of tether extend from the object. The object is a suitable size and shape for playing fetch with a dog. The anchor is larger (e.g., wider) than the aperture, thus impeding inadvertent removal of the anchor through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention is a grinding apparatus which will increase efficiency and safety of grooming and caring for dogs and cats.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal waste collection device comprising a collection garment and a collection pouch assembly. The collection garment comprises a rectangular structure with connector means in each corner. Within the rectangular structure are holes sized and situated to clear the tail and genital regions of an animal when fastened to the animal's hind quarters. The collection garment can also be fastened around the belly of male animals, omitting the hind quarters, for collection from the genital area only. The collection pouch assembly comprises a sealable pouch with detachable tabs. The pouch is inserted into the holes of the collection garment, where it is held in place by its tabs. When waste is collected, the pouch is removed and sealed, and the tabs removed.