Abstract: A liquid manure spreader includes a spreader vehicle, a transversely extending injector boom having at least one outer boom section pivotable between a transversely-oriented position and a vertically-oriented position, at least one first actuatable linkage assembly for translating the boom vertically between a lowered working position and a raised position, and at least one second actuatable linkage assembly for arcuately pivoting the boom about an axis parallel to the transverse axis between a highest vertical height position and a lower transport position when the boom is in the raised position and the at least one outer boom section is in the vertically-oriented position.

Abstract: An improved tilting bearing assembly (100) is provided that includes a support bracket and a tilting bearing; the support bracket and the tilting bearing, along with methods of replacing the same are also provided. The support bracket generally comprises a substantially planar upper portion lying in a first plane and having two opposing ends and a pair of elongated openings, each elongated opening extending in a first direction entirely through the upper portion of the support and having a closed end and an opposing open end, the closed end of each elongated opening being equidistant from respective ones of the two opposing ends; and two opposing leg portions, each leg portion projecting at an angle relative to the first plane, extending at respective upper ends of each leg portion from one of the two opposing ends of the upper portion and terminating at respective lower ends of each leg portion.

Abstract: A work machine, with a frame member, a ground engaging mechanism coupled to the frame member and configured to at least partially contact an underlying surface, a sensor coupled to the ground engaging mechanism, the sensor positioned to identify a displacement of the ground engaging mechanism relative to the frame, a controller in communication with the sensor, and a location system in communication with the controller. Wherein, the controller marks a location that corresponds with the position of the ground engaging mechanism, the location being identified by the location system when the sensor identifies the displacement of the ground engaging mechanism.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for mapping foreign objects in a field is provided. The method comprising the steps of: traversing the field with an agricultural implement having an attachment, the attachment configured for at least one of penetrating into the soil of the field or running along on the soil; detecting, using a sensor associated with the attachment, a change of position of the attachment; determining, with a processor, whether the change of position of the attachment indicates interaction with a foreign object lying in the field; generating a position of the detected foreign object using a position determining system; and storing the generated position of the detected foreign object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (01) for distributing granular material to multiple lines (02). According to the method, a mixture flow is first produced by adding a granular material comprising grains to an air flow which is used as a carrier medium. Subsequently, the mixture flow enters a hollow cylindrical distribution chamber (03) with at least one opening (11) in a transfer cross-section (10). In the process, the mixture flow is converted into a bundle, which rotates about a rotational axis (100) that matches the hollow cylindrical axis of the distribution chamber, of a number or a whole-number multiple thereof of sub-flows, each of which is flowing towards the opening (11), said number corresponding to the number of the lines (02) and/or the number of groups of multiple lines (02). Each sub-flow has a sub-flow inlet cross-section in the transfer cross-section, each said sub-flow inlet cross-section passing over the transfer cross-section during a rotation about the rotational axis (100).

Abstract: A portable seeding device for seed planting in a seed tray includes a seed holding plate having perforations for retaining a supply of seed on said plate and distributing the seeds on said holding plate. A vacuum chamber accumulates vacuum pressure and is in contact with the seed holding plate. A vacuum generator applies a vacuum effect within the vacuum chamber. A handle formed on the vacuum chamber allows single-handed manipulation of the seeding device. The vacuum generator is formed integral to the handle. Upon applied vacuum effect within the vacuum chamber, vacuum draw is applied to the seeds on the holding plate such that the seeds are held onto the perforations of the seed holding plate. The device is thereafter held invertedly over the seed tray and the vacuum effect is ceased, whereupon the seeds are released from the perforations into the seed tray to plant the seeds.

Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is provided. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit, as well as a queuing system. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.

Abstract: Liquid nutrients are applied to a first group of rows of standing crops by pulling a drag hose from a reel located at one end of a field and between two crop rows with the drag hose connected to an applicator pulled by a tractor or track units. The hose provides a liquid supply to the applicator. At the opposite end of the field, the applicator is turned 180°, and in one embodiment, a boom pivots to project from one end of the applicator to the drag hose. The applicator returns down adjacent crop rows back to the first end of the field with the applicator connected to the drag hose while the reel simultaneously retracts the drag hose between the two crop rows. The reel is moved axially to a third group of crop rows along with the applicator, and the steps are repeated.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle, a ground treating equipment and an orientation adjusting method thereof are provided. The ground treating equipment includes a frame, a ground treating unit, a connecting rod set, a connecting rod driving unit, a rotation driving unit, two pressure sensors and a controller. The ground treating unit is mounted at the frame. Two ends of the connecting rod set are connected to the frame and the mobile vehicle. The connecting rod driving unit is mounted at the connecting rod set for adjusting the orientation of the connecting rod set. The rotation driving unit is mounted between the frame and the connecting rod set for driving the frame to rotate relative to the connecting rod set. The pressure sensors are mounted at the frame for sensing two pressure values between the frame and ground, or the pressure sensors are mounted at the rotation driving unit for sensing two pressure values while the frame is driven to rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Abstract: A protective glider assembly for a handheld trimmer apparatus is disclosed including a glider plate operatively connected to a glider shaft for a rotary head of a handheld trimmer. A bearing acts between the glider plate and glider shaft. The protective glider is configured to rotate or to remain stationary independent of and relative to rotation of the rotary head of the handheld trimmer. The glider plate is positionable relative to the rotating head to adjust cutting height of trimmer members.

Abstract: An arrangement for switching over a combine harvester between swath deposit operation and wide distribution operation comprises a front element and a rear element which follows downstream. The rear element may be attached in an articulated fashion, in an inherently rigid fashion, at its upstream end about a first pivoting axis and may be moved between a swath deposit position and a wide distribution position by an adjustment drive. The front element may be attached in an articulated fashion at its upstream end about a second pivoting axis, may be inherently rigid and may also be coupled to the adjustment drive.

Abstract: Differential speed stalk rolls mountable to a row unit of a row crop head. A first stalk roll body has an outer peripheral speed less than the outer peripheral speed of a second stalk roll body in lateral spaced relation. At least one of the first and second bodies includes a knife defining a knife plane normal to the axis of rotation of the first or second stalk roll. The stalk roll bodies may have modular and interchangeable body segments of different configurations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for associating two elements (11) by their adjacent flexible walls (11b), said system comprising: said two walls and at least two orifices (14) formed in each of said walls to be aligned two by two when said walls are in a juxtaposed position; a pair of tabs (15) being operable to be arranged next to the aligned orifices (14) respectively on one side of juxtaposed walls (11b), mutual coupling means (16, 17) of the tabs (15) adapted to be engaged through said aligned orifices in a position wherein said walls are plated between said tabs; the couplings means (16, 17) comprising a pin (16) provided on a tab (15) and a hole (17) provided on the other tab (15) and operable to be disposed respectively through and next to the aligned orifices (14) when said tabs are arranged on either side of the juxtaposed walls (11b), a pin (16) of a tab (15) being arranged to be irreversibly coupled within a hole (17) of another tab (15) in a position wherein said walls are plated between said tabs

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a threshing and separating mechanism supported by the chassis and configured for threshing and separating a crop material, a cleaning system positioned downstream of the threshing and separating mechanism in a direction of crop material flow, and an auxiliary processing system positioned downstream of the threshing and separating mechanism in the direction of crop material flow. The auxiliary processing system has an inlet and an outlet, and includes a discharge chopper having an end and a first direction of rotation about an axis of rotation. The auxiliary processing system also includes at least one rethreshing element coaxially aligned with the discharge chopper and adjacent to the end of the discharge chopper and having a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation of the discharge chopper.

Abstract: A return pan for an agricultural combine includes a textured floor, two augers, and two motors coupled to the two augers, respectively, to selectively drive the motors in rotation.

Abstract: A baler-wrapper combination includes a bale forming device and at least one wrapping device with a bale support. The bale support being in the bale depositing position has a lateral offset to a vertical center plane of the bale forming device and is entirely positioned on one side of the vertical plane. A bale is moved on the bale support being in the bale receiving position and is wrapped. The wrapped bale is deposited from the bale support being in the bale depositing position on the ground.

Abstract: A forage harvester comprising an edge sharpness detection device for detecting a degree of edge sharpness of a cutting mechanism is disclosed. The cutting mechanism comminutes a stream of harvested material, with a material inflow area being defined where the cutting blades interact with the shear bar to comminute the harvested material. The edge sharpness detection device excites one or more magnetic circuits, with the respective magnetic circuit being closed by the respective cutting blade during rotation of the cutter drum once one of the cutting blades passes the magnetic assembly (positioned outside of the material inflow area). The edge sharpness detection device detects the magnetic flux in the respective magnetic circuit and, based on a detected change, determines a degree of edge sharpness of the respective cutting blade. Further, the magnetic flux of the magnetic circuit may be guided lengthwise in the cutting blade at least along a longitudinal section of the respective cutting blade.

Abstract: A grafting apparatus includes plate-shaped grafting members each provided with, on a main surface on one side in a thickness direction thereof, at least one plant holder to hold a plant for grafting. The grafting apparatus includes a cutter and a joiner. The cutter is configured to cut a stem of the plant for grafting that is held by the at least one plant holder of each of the grafting members. The joiner is configured to mutually join at least parts of the grafting members, while the at least one plant holder holds a part of the plant for grafting that has been cut by the cutter, to thereby mutually join parts of the plants for grafting.

Abstract: An object is to provide a plant illumination apparatus that can output light having a high degree of circular polarization in the target wavelength range. This object is achieved by having a reflective-type polarizing plate having an effective wavelength range, a light-emitting device, and a reflective plate configured to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting device and satisfying: ?1>?2,?2>?3, and w>30 nm wherein ?1 is the center wavelength of the effective wavelength range of the reflective-type polarizing plate, ?2 is the center wavelength of the light-emitting device, w is the full width at half maximum of the transmittance of the reflective-type polarizing plate, and ?3 is the shorter wavelength of the wavelengths at the full width at half maximum.

Abstract: A device includes a connected array of cells formed in a stack of flexible sheets. Each pair of adjacent sheets in the stack includes a first sheet and a second sheet bonded together at multiple bond locations. Each sheet has an electrically conductive layer disposed on an electrically non-conductive layer, the conductive layer comprising an electrically conductive non-metal material. Each pair of adjacent sheets in the stack is arranged so that the non-conductive layer of each first sheet is between the conductive layers of the first and second sheets. The cells of the array reversibly transition between an open state and a closed state in response to an electric potential having a magnitude greater than a threshold value applied between the conductive layers of the first and second sheets.

Abstract: System, apparatuses, and methods for growing more than three cannabis plants within a closed, controlled environment chamber, capable of providing each cannabis plant with an individually-uniform environmental microclimate treatment. Single environmental microclimate parameters can then be varied at a controlled rate, unveiling the relationship each variety has with its environment and how that can be optimized to create the best product, the fastest, with the least inputs, in an identically repeatable manner.

Abstract: A spliced guardrail convenient to disassemble and assemble comprises a plurality of supporting members. Each supporting member comprises an arc-shaped coaming, a shaft sleeve and a shaft arranged at the lower end of each arc-shaped coming, two supporting feet extending from the inner wall of each arc-shaped coaming, and first adjusting pieces mounted at the adjacent edge parts of the two supporting feet. An included angle of the two supporting feet and the radian of each arc-shaped coming can be adjusted by stirring the first adjusting pieces. The plurality of supporting members is sequentially spliced into one guardrail capable of being matched with the shape of an internally-arranged product, and the adjacent supporting members are movably connected through the corresponding shafts and shaft sleeves. The supporting members and the adjusting pieces are standard components, can be spliced to assemble guardrails in different shapes.

Abstract: This emitter has an emitter body, a film, and a cover. A sealed space is formed between the cover and a portion of the film. A flow channel in the emitter include: a first through-hole that is opened in a first surface and a second surface of the emitter body; and a second through-hole that is disposed downstream of the first through-hole. The film is disposed so as to block first surface-side openings of the first through-hole and the second through-hole. The film becomes distorted toward the side of the sealed space due to deformation caused in the film when the temperature of the film exceeds a preset value and when the pressure of irrigation liquid circulating within the flow channel exceeds a preset value, thereby creating a gap between the emitter body and the film, through which the first through-hole and the second through-hole are enabled to be connected.

Abstract: A method implemented by a motor drive to drive a pump of a liquid pumping system. The method includes receiving a wetness signal from a wetness sensor; determining based on a wetness signal if moisture has been detected by the wetness sensor; discontinuing pumping by the pump responsive to determining that moisture has been detected; after discontinuing pumping, determining if moisture has been detected during a predetermined delay; and restarting pumping if moisture has not been detected during the predetermined delay.

Abstract: Watering devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a watering device may include a fitting for a vessel comprising a channel and a filament configured to be received in the channel. The fitting may be received in the vessel comprising a fluid. The fluid may flow from an interior of the vessel to an exterior of the vessel through the channel. The filament may be sized to regulate the flow of the fluid through the channel.

Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

Abstract: An aeroponic root system comprises a plant cell having a first root chamber coupled to a second root chamber. A perforated divider may be disposed between the first root chamber and the second root chamber. In some examples, a fluid delivery system may convey water, nutrients, oxygen (e.g., purified oxygen gas), and/or carbon dioxide to the plant according to corresponding delivery schedules. For instance, water and oxygen may be conveyed into the first and second root chambers via a main supply line. Carbon dioxide may be conveyed to a base of the plant via a carbon dioxide delivery ring. In some instances, the delivery schedules may be determined by a type of the plant and/or a growth stage of the plant.

Abstract: Exemplary methods for identifying hybrids for use in a plant breeding pipeline are disclosed. One exemplary computer-implemented method includes accessing a data structure including data representative of a pool of hybrids and determining a prediction score for at least a portion of the hybrids included in the pool based on the data included in the data structure. The prediction score is indicative of a probability of selection and/or a probability of success of the hybrid based on historical data. The method further includes selecting a group of hybrids from the pool based on the prediction score, identifying a set of hybrids, from the group of hybrids, based on an expected performance of the set of hybrids and/or one or more factors associated with the hybrids and/or lines making up the hybrids, and also directing the set of hybrids to a further iteration or different phase in the breeding pipeline.

Abstract: This invention describes discovery and development of a biological system of plant growth promotion and environmental improvement by carbon sequestration and/or nitrogen utilization by application of a microbial agent, e.g., a highly effective strain of T. viride, particularly strains NRRL B-50520 and/or K5. This strain outperforms the best current strains of Trichoderma used for this purpose available commercially. The highly active products also are expected to increase plant productivity and improve quality of fruits, vegetables, flowers or other plant products. The invention also describes and demonstrates that strain combinations including Bacillus amyloliquifaciens AS2 or AS3, as well as disclosed metabolites, promote plant growth. This is true across monocots and dicots, seed treatments and foliar sprays.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for marker assisted selection of common beans expressing volatile compounds that provide flavor traits associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or sequences flanking SNPs, as well as allele-specific oligo sequence primers configured to anneal to related SNPs and to report the presence or absence of SNPs with fluorescent signals using a PCR assay, a KASP assay (i.e., modified PCR assay), or other molecular marker assay, e.g., SSR, capable of identifying the presence or absence of SNPs and/or portions of flanking sequences of the SNPs, all of which enhances selection efficiency in common bean breeding strategies.

Abstract: Provided herein are ornamental plants displaying compacted growth or having the phenotype compacted plant growth and methods for providing plants displaying compacted plant growth. Specifically, the ornamental plants displaying compacted plant growth without use of plant growth regulators during cultivation are vegetatively propagated from a first ornamental plant displaying compacted plant growth without use of plant growth regulators during cultivation, said first ornamental plant obtained by inbred breeding of at least 2 generations of a second ornamental plant not displaying compacted plant growth without use of plant growth regulators during cultivation and said ornamental plants have a heterozygosity percentage being decreased by at least 20% as compared to the heterozygosity percentage of said second ornamental plant not displaying compacted plant growth without use of plant growth regulators during cultivation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides melon plants exhibiting tolerance to cucurbit yellow stunt disorder virus (CYSDV) and lacking negative traits associated with CYSDV tolerance such as increased fruit size and reduced fruit set. Such plants may comprise novel introgressed genomic regions associated with disease tolerance. In certain aspects, compositions, including novel polymorphic markers and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with a disease tolerance phenotype are provided.

Abstract: The cotton variety FM 1953GLTP is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 1953GLTP with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 1953GLTP and to plants of FM 1953GLTP reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 1953 GLTP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iceberg lettuce having one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. The invention further relates to methods for producing iceberg lettuce varieties containing one or more romaine lettuce characteristics.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid carrot variety NUN 85192 CAC as well as seeds and plants and roots thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid carrot variety NUN 85936 CAC as well as seeds and plants and roots thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-530 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-530 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-530 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-209 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-209 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-209 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention includes cauliflowers with enhanced whiteness and methods for obtaining such cauliflowers. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such cauliflowers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R044. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R044. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R044 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R044 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R051. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R051. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R051 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R051 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R053. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R053. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R053 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R053 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: In order to provide tobacco resistant to a virus, tobacco in accordance with the present invention is arranged such that: (i) a translation initiation factor eIF(iso)4E protein which is non-functional with respect to a virus is produced or (ii) expression of a translation initiation factor eIF(iso)4E gene is suppressed; and (a) a translation initiation factor eIF4E2 protein, which is non-functional with respect to a virus, is produced or (b) expression of a translation initiation factor eIF4E2 gene is suppressed.

Abstract: A dipping device for a mechanical milking system comprises at least one liner defining an accommodation space for a teat. The liner has a milk evacuation opening and a collecting claw. For each liner, a connector connects the liner to the collecting claw. The dipping device further includes a source of a dipping product, an injunction interface mounted on the collecting claw, and an injection tube for each liner. The injection tube extends from the interface and substantially to the teat accommodation space, running inside of the connector and through the evacuation opening.

Abstract: A teat cleaning cup (130) for cleaning a teat (120) includes a teat cleaner (300) having an inner body (270) forming a central cavity (280) for enclosing the teat (120), the inner body (270) including an inner surface (271), an outer surface (272), and a set of apertures (275) extending from the outer surface (272) to the inner surface (271); an exterior part (220) enclosing the inner body (270); a set of channels (291, 292), which set of channels (291, 292) connects to the set of apertures (275); a lower part (230) removably attached to the teat cleaner (300), which lower part (230) includes at least one cleaning liquid valve (240, 260), and a drain (250); and a seal (235) configured to distribute liquid from the cleaning liquid valve (240, 260) into the set of channels (291, 292).

Abstract: A deployable corral system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable corral along the trailer, and is readily stowable along the trailer in a retracted configuration for travel. The corral includes a pair of spaced-apart and extendable corral rails with a cross-rail extending between distal ends of the extendable corral rails. When the extendable corral rails are extended the cross-rail is spaced from an exterior side of the livestock trailer, and when the extendable corral rails are retracted the cross-rail is positioned near a roof of the trailer. The extendable corral rails move between the extended and retracted positions manually, or automatically with a drive system. Optionally, the drive system is powered by motors associated with linear or rotary actuators. Further options may include storage bins along the cross-rail, a deployable shade awning, a deployable trough, jack stands, securing flaps, and position sensors.

Abstract: A pet privy system is provided that is compact for shipping, and can be easily and quickly assembled by an owner. The system includes a cloth enclosure that has sidewalls and a top. A frame assembly supports the cloth enclosure, and includes a top frame, first and second side frames connected to the top frame, and cross-members that are connected between opposite sides of the first and second side frames from the top frame. A removable pan having a length and a width is provided, with the length being less than a distance between the first and second side frames. The pan is slideable between the first and second side frames. An inner guard wall is also provided having two sides and a back that are connected together and located inside the frame assembly and are adapted to be located between the sidewalls of the cloth enclosure and the removable pan.

Abstract: A soil amendment comprising lignocellulosic fibrous materials is provided having one or more solvents and a fiber, wherein the fiber has been processed by ruminant digestion and anaerobic digestion. A method for preparing a soil amendment is also disclosed including the steps of providing excrement from a ruminant which has undergone ruminant digestion, introducing the ruminant excrement into an anaerobic digester, modifying the ruminant excrement to a first wet product, modifying the first wet product to generate a first dry product, and densifying the first dry product to, in turn, generate the soil amendment.

Abstract: Apparatus, kits and methods for aiding interaction between a cat and a human can include packaging, and a playhouse configured for interaction between cats and human companions. The playhouse can include a collapsible enclosure having a wall and a floor, the wall defining an open perimeter opposite the floor. The collapsible enclosure can further define a floor aperture defined in through the wall and adjacent the floor, wherein the floor aperture has a size of about 100 mm by about 30 mm. The wall further defining a paw aperture having a size of about 40 mm by about 40 mm, and the wall can further define an eye aperture having a size of about 40 mm by about 40 mm. The kit can further include an instruction manual and a toy.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pet bed which, even when excretion or another liquid is excreted onto an excretion surface of the bed during use of the pet bed, can suppress stuffiness on the excretion surface of the pet bed, and bedsores (pressure sores) resulting therefrom. This pet bed (1, 41) is provided with: a mat (3) having a planar direction and a thickness direction and having a top surface and a bottom surface; and an absorbent sheet (5) which is arranged on the top surface of the mat so as to overlap the mat in the thickness direction. The mat (3) is a fibrous structure configured from thermoplastic resin fibers (15, 17), and the absorbent sheet (5) includes a liquid-permeable front surface sheet (21), an absorbent body (25), and a liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable back sheet (23).