Abstract: A new and distinct variety of strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa), which originated from seed produced by a hand-pollinated cross between ‘FL 11.31-14’ and ‘FL 10-153’. The new strawberry, named ‘Florida Brilliance’, can be distinguished at least by its high early and total yields; exceptional fruit shape and firmness; and balanced flavor when grown in West Central Florida or other regions that have a climate similar to that of West Central Florida.

Abstract: A new and distinct Hydrangea cultivar named ‘BIV01’ is disclosed, characterized by a an exceptionally dense inflorescence with tightly held individual flowers forming a spongey texture. Plants can be grown in sun or partial shade. The new variety is a Hydrangea, normally produced as an ornamental plant for containers or gardens.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echeveria hybrid plant named ‘TSAECH1704’ which is characterized by an abundance of succulent foliage with an upright attitude, arranged in basal rosette, moderately to strongly glaucous foliage with epicuticular wax covering the upper and lower leaf surfaces, foliage colored light greyed-green on the upper leaf surface and between blue-green and greyed-green on the lower leaf surface, as well as the stability of these characteristics from generation to generation.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Crassula plant named ‘OVCRTR’ which is characterized by the combination of a broad spreading to upright growth habit, an abundance of dark green, narrowly spatulate foliage with an aspect which varies from convex to tubular, foliage apices which vary from obtuse to cup-shaped, and the stability of all characteristics from generation to generation.

Abstract: A new and distinct Heuchera plant characterized by purple to silver colored leaves, medium size, slightly lobed, geranium-like leaves, light pink flowers, good sun and shade tolerance, a medium-large, mounding habit with excellent crown count, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Penstemon plant characterized by glossy, dark purple leaves, lavender to violet flowers, short, compact, upright, well branched habit, attractive deep purple seed heads, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: ‘UF16-72-8’ is a new coleus plant with novel characteristics that include a vigorous compact mounded growth habit, an excellent heat tolerance, and consistent bright green leaves with maroon venation and pink accents. It has superior stability in foliage color in both sun and shade conditions, maintaining stable color in all conditions. ‘UF16-72-8’ has not been observed to produce flowers in any trial we have conducted to date, and thus it has long season performance as an annual plant in the landscape until late Fall.

Abstract: A detachable rotatable easel conversion kit used to modify and convert an existing easel stand and/or camera tripod into a rotating easel. The kit consists of a portable tabletop easel stand, a rotational assembly, sliding bar clamps, a clamping mechanism, a camera tripod adapter, hardware, and instructions. The work piece is secured by sliding bar clamps as part of the rotational assembly and secured to the easel stand with the clamping mechanism, or to a camera tripod mount using the adapter. The work piece can be rotated a full 360 in either direction with variable tension. L-grips on the sliding bar clamps allow a canvas stretcher to be pulled up from behind for unobstructed access to all four edges of the work piece.

Abstract: An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.

Abstract: Agents for modulating methyl modifying enzymes, compositions and uses thereof are provided herein.

Abstract: The preparation of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as pentachloropropanes, such as 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, from tetrachloropropanes, such as 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, in the presence of a polyvalent antimony compound that includes a pentavalent antimony compound, such as antimony pentachloride, is described. Also described are methods for preparing optionally chlorinated alkenes, such as, tetrachloropropenes, from chlorinated alkanes, such as pentachloropropanes, in the presence of ferric chloride and a polyvalent antimony compound that includes a pentavalent antimony compound.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring device includes a carrier that can be rotated automatically about two axes and that can be directed toward a measuring aid. The following are arranged on the carrier so as to be able to move together: an optical distance measuring device for measuring the distance to the measuring aid; a light source for emitting light, directly or by means of optical elements, wherein said light is visible as a target point when reflected on the measuring aid; a target detecting unit for determining a position as the position of the imaging of the target point on a position detection sensor. The control apparatus is designed to direct the carrier at the measuring aid by rotating the carrier about the at least two axes of the carrier according to the fine position and the rough position; and the light source is a superluminescent diode (SLED).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a substrate, a plurality of gate lines formed on the substrate, a plurality of data lines intersecting the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of thin film transistors connected to the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the plurality of thin film transistors and arranged in a matrix, wherein each of the pixel electrodes includes a first side parallel to each gate line and a second side being shorter than the first side, the second side being formed next to the first side, wherein the plurality of pixel electrodes that are adjacent to each other in a column direction are connected to different data lines from each other.

Abstract: An output stage circuit includes: a first transistor, including a first terminal coupled to a first node, a second terminal coupled to an output terminal, a third terminal coupled to an input terminal for receiving an input voltage, and a fourth terminal coupled to a first power terminal for receiving a first voltage; a second transistor, including a first terminal coupled to a second node, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal, a third terminal coupled to the input terminal for receiving the input voltage, and a fourth terminal coupled to ground; and a current source, coupled to the output terminal for providing a constant current.

Abstract: An input apparatus, a control apparatus, a control system including those apparatuses, and a control method therefor with which a user can feel a linearity between a movement of the input apparatus and that of a pointer and an accurate pointing operation is possible are provided. An MPU of an input apparatus variably controls a gain value in a range from first threshold value to a second threshold value or first range, in which the input apparatus is within a low-velocity range, and controls the gain value to be constant in a range exceeding the second threshold value second range. The gain value is a value multiplied to a velocity value of the input apparatus that is obtained by an operation, the velocity value being obtained through detection of a movement of the input apparatus. Accordingly, in a relatively-low-velocity range, a pointer velocity value becomes smaller by a multi-degree function as movements of the input apparatus and a pointer on a screen become slower.

Abstract: An object detecting device for detecting an object in a given gradation image. A scaling section generates scaled images by scaling down a gradation image input from an image output section. A scanning section sequentially manipulates the scaled images and cutting out window images from them and a discriminator judges if each window image is an object or not. The discriminator includes a plurality of weak discriminators that are learned in a group by boosting and an adder for making a weighted majority decision from the outputs of the weak discriminators. Each of the weak discriminators outputs an estimate of the likelihood of a window image to be an object or not by using the difference of the luminance values between two pixels. The discriminator suspends the operation of computing estimates for a window image that is judged to be a non-object, using a threshold value that is learned in advance.

Abstract: An electrolyte for activating an electrolytic or electrochemical capacitor is described. The electrolyte preferably includes a mixed solvent of water and ethylene glycol having an ammonium salt dissolved therein. An acid such as phosphoric or acetic acid is used to provide a pH of about 3 to 6. The electrolyte is particularly useful for activating a ruthenium oxide/tantalum capacitor having an anode breakdown voltage in the range of 175 to 300 volts.

Abstract: In order to transmit a large amount of data in series at a time with a MIMO communication scheme while avoiding deterioration of decoding characteristics due to change over time by a channel matrix, a wireless communication system uses an open-loop type and a closed-loop type of MIMO communication modes in combination and switches to the open-loop MIMO communication mode in response to the information that the amount of data to be transmitted at a time has exceeded a predetermined amount of bits or a predetermined transmission time during data transmission under the closed-loop MIMO communication mode. By discontinuing useless closed-loop MIMO communication and switching to the open-loop MIMO communication mode that is better than Zero-forcing, the decoding characteristics are prevented from simply becoming deteriorated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to agricultural tillage equipment and, more specifically, to a vertical tillage sweep providing low surface disturbance. The sweep comprises a wing structure with a downward and generally vertical fin, and having specific wear coating placed on the various wear surfaces.

Abstract: A field computer for use in an agricultural vehicle is provided. The field computer includes a housing, a processor disposed within the housing, a touchscreen display operatively connected to the housing and the processor and forming an outer surface of the field computer, and a light bar comprising a plurality of lighting elements arranged in a line on the field computer. The lighting elements of the light bar are positioned such that the lighting elements remain hidden when not in use. The field computer is configured to provide feedback associated with operation of the agricultural vehicle by lighting one or more of the lighting elements in the light bar.

Abstract: An agricultural implement comprising a first frame section, a portion which is moveable relative to the first frame section, and an actuator for controlling a relative movement between the first frame section and the portion. The agricultural implement has a first sensor arranged to provide a first value corresponding to the angle of the first frame section relative to a predetermined reference plane or a predetermined reference direction, and a second sensor arranged to provide a second value corresponding to the angle of the portion relative to the predetermined reference plane or the predetermined reference direction. The reference plane or reference direction is defined in relation to a direction of gravity.

Abstract: A system has an algorithm for organizing the actions of agricultural machines and servicing vehicles in a field. The algorithm divides the field into logical chunks of work, including at least one swath within at least one headland and within at least one land, which it then assigns to the agricultural machines in order. Priority is first given to working the headlands, then to working swaths within lands where an agricultural machine can perform its function while remaining accessible to the servicing vehicles. When the agricultural machine is in an area where it is not accessible to a servicing vehicle and needs service, the agricultural machine creates an impromptu servicing area. This may be an area within a swath that the agricultural machine has cleared of crops in order to provide the servicing vehicle, such as a haul vehicle or grain cart, access to the agricultural machine and space to turn around.

Abstract: A method of implementing an ecologically sustainable Vetiver plantation, which provides for reduced cost and time for propagating, transplantating and harvesting of Vetiver Grass.

Abstract: A motor shaft assembly includes a first shaft, a first motor, a second shaft and a second motor. The first shaft has a first end and a second end. The first motor is attached to the first end of the first shaft and is configured to rotate the first shaft about a longitudinal axis. The first shaft and the first motor have a longitudinal bore. The second shaft has a first end and a second end, wherein a portion of the second shaft is positioned in the longitudinal bore. The second motor is attached to the first end of the second shaft and is configured to rotate the second shaft about the longitudinal axis. A conveyor assembly includes a first shaft, sprocket, motor, and conveyor, and a second shaft, sprocket, motor and conveyor. An agricultural apparatus includes a tank, a boom, conveyors and motors.

Abstract: A fertilizer knife for applying fertilizer to soil. The fertilizer knife includes a knife body having a primary chamber through a rearward end thereof. Fins diverge laterally outwardly from a tip at a lower forward end of the knife body and curve upwardly from the lower forward end, terminating above a discharge end of the primary chamber. Liquid from a liquid source is communicated to the primary chamber and is discharged from the discharge end into the furrow formed by the fertilizer knife. In another embodiment, a secondary passage through the knife body communicates gas from a gas supply into a gap surrounding a supply tube disposed within the primary chamber. In another embodiment flow controllers disposed on the knife regulate liquid into the primary chamber and gas into the secondary passage.

Abstract: The invention provides a grass trimmer and a cord delivering method for a grass trimmer, the grass trimmer comprises an extending rod, an housing, a grass trimming head, a handle, a main motor and a main switch, wherein the grass trimming head comprises a base, a cap and a spool having a first state relative static with the base, and the grass trimmer further comprises a cord delivering mechanism; the cord delivering mechanism comprises a cord delivering electronic switch independent of the main switch and a control device; and the cord delivering electronic switch operably electrically controls the control device to enable the spool to be in a second state capable of generating a rotary speed difference with the base. An operator does not need to interrupt work of the grass trimmer and can timely pay off required and the cord delivering operation is simple and convenient.

Abstract: The grass cutting head (1) comprises a housing (3), inside which a spool (11) is provided to wind the cutting line (F). The housing has holes (9) for the passage of the cutting line (F) towards the outside of the housing. The spool (11) has at least a flange (15) with openings (31) allowing to insert the cutting line (F) into a passage defined between the flange (15) and a transverse wall (3B) of the housing.

Abstract: A chopper assembly for a crop residue distribution system of an agricultural combine may include a rotor shaft extending lengthwise along a rotational axis between a first end and a second end. The chopper assembly may also include a plurality of flail blades pivotally coupled to the rotor shaft. Each flail blade may be configured to pivot relative to the rotor shaft about a pivot axis, with the flail blades being spaced apart axially from one another between the first and second ends of the rotor shaft. In addition, the chopper assembly may include a plurality of spring tines coupled to the rotor shaft, with the spring tines being spaced apart from one another between the first and second ends of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: An agricultural combine including a residue spreading system adapted for spreading residue onto a field. The residue spreading system includes a seed container and a seed dispensing system adapted to dispense seeds from the seed container into the residue so that, in operation, the dispensed seeds are spread onto the field together with the residue.

Abstract: A system processes seeds that are present in crop material. The system includes a first shearing surface, a second shearing surface arranged opposite the first shearing surface, and a clearance between the first shearing surface and the second shearing surface. The system passes crop material between the first and second shearing surfaces, where the crop material contacts the shearing surfaces as it passes through the shearing surfaces. Contact with the first and second shearing surfaces damages seeds that are present in the crop material. The system can be installed in an agricultural harvester to damage seeds that are present in crop residue to prevent the seeds from germinating after the crop residue is discharged from the agricultural harvester back into the field.

Abstract: A row unit for a header of an agricultural harvester is provided that includes a frame and two spaced apart stripping plates. The row unit further includes a first stalk roll mounted to the frame adjacent the first stripping plate and a second stalk roll mounted to the frame adjacent the second stripping plate. The first stalk roll includes a primary helical flight having a front end that starts at a front edge of the first stalk roll and the second stalk roll includes a secondary helical flight having a front end that starts at a position axially spaced from a front edge of the second stalk roll.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a lateral draper belt of a header of an agricultural harvester is provided. The guide assembly includes a first elongated guide for connecting to the header and a second elongated guide for connecting to the header. The first elongated guide has a slot defined by three inner surfaces for receiving a first complementary shaped draper belt portion of the later draper belt. The second elongated guide has a slot defined by seven inner surfaces for receiving a second complementary shaped draper belt portion of the lateral draper belt.

Abstract: A method of loading bales into a bale processing chamber of a bale processor. The bale processing chamber is mounted on a chamber frame mounted on wheels for travel on a ground surface in a forward operating travel direction. A bale fork is pivotally mounted on the chamber frame such that in a lowered position the bale fork is oriented substantially horizontally and rests on the ground surface. The chamber frame is moved rearward such that the bale fork slides under a bale resting on the ground surface with a bale axis oriented substantially horizontally in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the operating travel direction. The bale fork and the bale supported thereon are raised above the ground surface. The bale fork is turned such that the bale axis turns to a second direction substantially parallel to the operating travel direction while maintaining the bale rearward of the bale processing chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural grain cleaner includes an inlet chute having an inlet end and an outlet end positioned below the inlet end. A crop distribution member is positioned adjacent the outlet end of the inlet chute. The crop distribution member includes a distribution disc rotatable relative to the inlet chute about a vertical central axis to impart a horizontal trajectory, away from the central axis, to crop material supplied to the distribution disc from the inlet chute. A fan is operable to generate an air stream from below the crop distribution member, across the horizontal trajectory, to an air-chaff outlet. A grain collection chute has an inlet to receive grain that is cleaned of chaff by the air stream. A tailings collection chute is positioned adjacent to the grain collection chute on a radially inner side thereof.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester. The cleaning system includes a sieve assembly, a sieve drive, and a louver drive. The sieve assembly includes at least one sieve for receiving a flow of harvested and threshed crop. The sieve includes a plurality of spaced apart louvers forming apertures for separating grain from the flow of the harvested crop, the louvers extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of the harvested crop. The sieve drive is arranged to apply a reciprocating back and forth sieve movement, at a first frequency f1, to the sieve for propagating the flow of crop from a front end of the sieve to a back end of the sieve. The louver drive is configured to apply a reciprocating louver movement to the louvers at a second frequency f2, whereby f2?f1.

Abstract: A block baling press has a bale chamber and a baling ram moveable in the bale chamber in an oscillating manner to compress bale material. An end face of the baling ram facing the bale material is divided into ram segments separated from one another by needle slots. At least a first needle slot is flanked by ram segments with a profiling transverse to the first needle slot. The profiling brings about a weaker compression of the bale material in an edge region of the ram segments adjacent to the first needle slot than in a region of the ram segments spaced apart from the first needle slot. Bales are obtained in which zones of high compression and low compression alternate across the width of the bale chamber. The bales are held together by twine placed around the zones having low compression.

Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a baler mechanism and a carriage assembly coupled to the baler mechanism. A platform is coupled to at least one of the baler mechanism and the carriage assembly. The platform is configured to move a bale from the baler mechanism to the carriage assembly and remain tilted until the bale is moved onto the carriage assembly at least substantially out of contact with the platform. A sliding mechanism is coupled to the carriage assembly. The sliding mechanism is configured to move the bale onto the carriage assembly.

Abstract: An airborne vegetation cutting assembly aerially suspended by an aircraft to simultaneously grapple and trim vegetation across a cutting plane that can be rotated and pivoted at multiple cutting angles. The assembly comprises a housing that contains the hydraulic mechanism and a power portion for operating the components. A tube extends from the aircraft to the housing. A knuckle detachably attaches the housing to the tube. Upper and lower grappling devices extend from the housing in a coplanar, spaced-apart relationship. The grappling devices grapple and release the vegetation independently of each other. A blade is coplanar with the grappling devices. The blade cuts a cross section of the vegetation along a cutting plane after the grappling devices grapple the vegetation. A connective knuckle rotates and pivots to enable rotational and pivotal control of the grappling devices and the blade, so as to change the orientation of the cutting plane.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises the steps of using a processor to calculate, for a current calendar date, an initial growing degree day (GDD) warmth value based at least in part upon a past GDD warmth value for a calendar date in a previous year corresponding to the current calendar date; calculate a present GDD warmth value; calculate a deviation value from at least the initial GDD warmth value and the present GDD warmth value; calculate for a future calendar date a future growing degree day (GDD) warmth value based at least in part upon a past GDD warmth value for a calendar date in a previous year corresponding to the future calendar date; and determine a predicted GDD warmth value for the future calendar date by applying the deviation value to the future GDD warmth value. An apparatus to perform the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for horticultural lighting systems and devices, such as a light module assembly. The assembly includes a housing with a first and second light module attached thereto. The first and second light modules include a mounting block to be received in the housing. The mounting block includes a plurality of light sources to generate light to stimulate growth of a plant. The first light module includes a first removable lens to focus light from the light sources to a first portion of the plant and in a first direction relative to the plant. The second light module includes an optical conduit attached thereto. The conduit is to focus light from the light sources to a second portion of the plant and in a second direction different from the first direction. The assembly transmits light to an upper portion and a lower portion of the plant.

Abstract: A new plant growing assist device, comprising a container, a separator in the middle of the container dividing the container into an upper part and a lower part. The upper part keeps the soil for planting, and the lower part to acts as a water reservoir. The bottom of the container is provided with a snorkel, around the snorkel there is a buckle which is used to connect the snorkel with a raw water pipe. The device allows for rain water and surface vapor which would otherwise evaporate into the air to condense and be returned to the soil for plant use. The several through holes of the separator ensure proper ventilation; the monitoring window makes it possible to observe the water level inside the reservoir, the top of the container is covered to prevent water evaporation, and out-extending holes are provided to allow the roots to extend outside.

Abstract: A turf cup is described that is mounted to a top of an irrigation sprinkler. The turf cup includes an outer sleeve and a plurality of drainage passages.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a plant receptacle wherein the following steps are performed: a) a PLA thread is co-extruded with a flexible aliphatic polyester, said flexible aliphatic polyester comprising 10 wt % to 30 wt % bamboo material, such that the flexible aliphatic polyester covers the PLA thread, thereby creating a weldable biodegradable thread; b) using said weldable biodegradable thread in a woven or non-woven process, making a permeable sheet material; c) continuously forming said sheet material into a continuous receptacle, by bringing the side edges of said sheet material into contact and welding said side edges together; d) cutting said continuous receptacle in predetermined lengths thereby creating separate plant receptacles.

Abstract: An in-ground plant container with watering-well that is open at both ends and is functional and decorative. The above-ground portion of this present embodiment has a circular watering-well bowl that is surrounded by a removal-able twist-ring rim that is both functional and decorative. The twist-ring along with several aspects of this embodiment work together to keep the plant container's watering-well bowl above ground-level. The bottom, below-ground portion, has vertical fins to prevent lateral rotation of plant container from repeated twist-ring removal and re-attachment; and two attached horizontal flanges also help to prevent upward and downward movement. The non-organic watering-well bowl replaces the organic soil-watering-well. This in-ground plant container with watering-well is for conserving water, and the containment of water contaminated by pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Abstract: Bottomless in-ground plant containers with watering-wells that are open at both ends that are both functional and decorative. The above-ground portions, the watering-well bowls, of these present embodiments have faux decorative pavers that add support in keeping the watering-wells above ground-level. The bottom, below-ground portions, the well barrels, have two attached horizontal flanges permanently attached to their bases to help prevent upward and downward movement, as-well-as adding extra stability in keeping the watering-well bowls above ground-level. These non-organic watering-well bowls replace the organic soil watering-wells; and these in-ground plant-containers with watering-wells are for conserving water and the localized containment of water contaminated by pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Abstract: A system for use in inducing rainfall is provided. The system includes an aircraft configured to travel through an ambient environment at a first temperature, and a precipitation system coupled to the aircraft. The precipitation system is configured to form a particle from a substance in the ambient environment, and is configured to discharge the particle at a second temperature lower than the first temperature such that moisture in the air condenses on the particle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bag packing mechanism for mushroom cultivation, which comprises two clamping seats, transport means, air duct, pumping means and push rod. Transport means supply collar. Air duct descends through the collar and extends into a bag from the opening of the bag, the two clamping seats clamp the top portion of the bag to close to the outer periphery of the air duct, the pumping means sucks the top portion, the two clamping seats open, the push rod is lowered to push down the collar to put on the top portion, the pumping means blow to open the top portion, the push rod is further lowered to fold the top portion down, the air duct and putter rise, and then complete the automation of packaging job.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for growing marijuana plants, particularly for regulated purposes, for example medical purposes or in some jurisdictions recreational purposes, have automated subsystems with sensors to provide feedback information about system, apparatus and plant growth parameters to one or more controllers so that the one or more controllers can alter one or more parameters to provide optimal conditions for the growing and harvesting of the marijuana plants. In particular aspects, the systems, apparatuses and methods provide for control of odors produced during the growing of marijuana, root management of the marijuana plants and control over important levels of chemicals provided to the plants, for example enzymes and flavor additives.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQ9Z14-9102. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ9Z14-9102, 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 present disclosure provides for unique watermelon plants with a desired sex expression phenotype and their progeny. Such plants may comprise an introgressed QTL associated with a desired sex expression phenotype. In certain aspects, compositions, including distinct polymorphic molecular markers, and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, selecting, and the like of plants or germplasm with a desired sex expression phenotype are provided.