Abstract: An agricultural harrow includes a harrow tine configured to be advanced through the soil in a forward direction. The harrow tine broadly includes an elongated tine element and a laser deposited metallic wear material. The tine element presents a lower end configured to penetrate the soil as the tine is advanced. The tine element also presents an exterior element surface. The wear material is on the exterior element surface adjacent the lower end of the tine element.

Abstract: A device and method for loosening compacted soil, a plurality of tubular devices made from a resiliently compressible material having a hollow hub with a series of radially and circumferentially curving blades extending from the hub, a plurality of devices arranged in an array in soil to cause loosening of the soil as it seasonally expands and contracts and causes compression and subsequent expansion of the devices which in turn loosens the soil sufficiently to aerate the soil.

Abstract: A method for planning and optimizing a path of a machinery moving in an area, comprises the steps of: taking coordinates of an area-contour, an operating width of the moving machinery, a distance between the area-contour and a perimetric path within the area-contour as parameters, eroding (mathematical morphological operation) the area by the distance to an interior of the area, thereby obtaining a smaller area delineated by a contour, selecting a lane orientation within the eroded area contour, and partitioning the eroded area into adjacent interior lanes, intersecting the interior lanes with the eroded area contour, thereby generating a lane grid and a corresponding connected undirected transition graph, performing a mathematical algorithm for determining an optimized sequence of position coordinates on the lane grid, wherein a complete area covering path is generated. This method enables a cost-efficient optimized path of machinery through agricultural fields.

Abstract: A precision seed-distribution system of the type applied on planters with a machine element that touches the soil, a row unit chassis that supports a seed meter, and a seed conductor tube extending downward from the seed meter. The seed conductor tube may have vertical grooves along a length of the seed conductor tube and across an internal surface of at least one sidewall of the seed conductor tube.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage tool is configured to be advanced along a field in a forward direction. The tool broadly includes a base tool structure and a pre-brazed wear tablet. The base tool structure is configured to engage the ground while being advanced. The wear tablet includes a metallic wear plate and a steel backing plate, with the plates being brazed to one another. The metallic wear plate includes a wear material and the backing plate includes a backing plate material, with the wear material having a hardness greater than the backing plate material. The backing plate is laser welded to the base tool structure so as to fix the pre-brazed wear tablet to the base tool structure, with the metallic wear element being located ahead of the backing plate relative to the forward direction.

Abstract: A system for measuring temperature and dielectric properties of soil and other semi-solid materials on-the-go uses a long-wearing non-ferrous wear plate with two metal prongs supported by the wear plate to measure dielectric properties. The metal prongs each have a mounting end soldered to a printed circuit board containing a capacitance sensor circuit. The metal prongs have exposed ends arranged to contact the semi-solid material being measured. The sensor circuit has an oscillation frequency of 50 to 100 MHz to allow rapid dielectric measurements to be made as the sensor moves through the semi-solid material. In one embodiment, the system includes an implement for traversing a field, a shank with a leading edge for opening a furrow in soil, and a spring-loaded mounting system for biasing the wear plate downwardly relative to a shank to maintain a consistent pressure of the wear plate and metal prongs against the soil.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a lawnmower including a cutting blade, a laser scanner rotatably mounted above the cutting blade, a first motor rotatably driving the laser scanner, and a processor communicatively coupled to the laser scanner. The processor may obtain laser scanner measurements of a plurality of angles around the lawnmower, each laser scanner measurement including a distance and a received signal strength. The processor may classify a surface at each of the angles based on the distance and the received signal strength. The processor may determine a navigation path of the lawnmower based on the classification of the surface at each of the angles. The lawnmower may also include a second motor operably coupled to one or more drive wheels. The processor may control the second motor to move the lawnmower along the navigation path.

Abstract: A system and method for an autonomous lawn mower comprising a mower body having at least one motor arranged to drive a cutting blade and to propel the mower body on an operating surface via a wheel arrangement, wherein the mower body includes a navigation system arranged to assist a controller to control the operation of the mower body within a predefined operating area.

Abstract: The pivoting action sickle drive has a low profile allowing incorporation in or below a floor of a header of a plant cutting machine to allow passage of cut plant material thereabout. The drive includes a substantially flat rotatable input element, and a drive arm connected eccentric thereto for eccentric rotation along an epicyclical path. The arm extends to a connection with a pivot arm of a pivot element that connects to a knife arm that drives a sickle knife assembly, such that the pivot element, knife arm and knife assembly will be reciprocatingly driven by the eccentric rotation of the drive arm. A second drive can oppositely drive a second sickle knife assembly, such that opposite forces generated by the drives will cancel. The drives can be packaged in a forwardly tapered or curved enclosure, and the pivot elements can be correspondingly shaped to streamline the drives.

Abstract: A knife head drive assembly for a header of an agricultural harvester including a knife head assembly for attachment to a forward end of the header. A first pivot arm and a second pivot arm are carried by the knife head assembly and are pivotably connected by a linkage. A rotating crank is operatively connected to and extending substantially transverse to the knife head assembly for engagement with a drive. A reciprocating shaft is connected to the rotating crank and either of the pivot arms or the linkage. Operation of the knife head drive assembly results in substantially linear, opposed oscillating motion of cutter bars carried by the knife head assembly.

Abstract: A weed trimmer apparatus is disclosed, including a head comprising a body portion defining a trimmer member passage configured to receive a trimmer member and defining an aperture configured to receive a trimmer retention member in the form of a pin into the trimmer member passage. At least one or more trimmer member retention members comprising a pin operatively connected to the head for retaining one or more trimmer members. The pin is positionable within the body portion, movable from a trimmer member retention position to a trimmer release position, such that the moveable pin clears the passage in the trimmer release position, and such that the moveable pin extends across the trimmer member passage in the trimmer member retention position. The pin retention member is configured to extend through an aperture of at least one trimmer member to retain the trimmer member during operation of the weed trimmer apparatus.

Abstract: Method for harvesting and processing water hyacinths, characterized in that the following steps are performed: a) the water hyacinths growing in an aquatic medium are cut; b) the water hyacinths are collected on board a barge at berth (1); c) the collected water hyacinths are transferred onto draining racks (2) near the quayside; d) the drained hyacinths are washed with clean water; e) the washed water hyacinths are drained on vibrating belts (7) in order to remove some of the excess water; f) the water hyacinths are dried on a dryer (8) at a temperature of between 50 and 100° C. for 5 to 17 h; g) the water hyacinths and their seeds are steam-sterilised at a temperature of between 80 and 100° C. in order to sterilise them; h) the sterilised water hyacinths and seeds are ground in order to make profitable use thereof.

Abstract: The harvesting robot is used to pick fruits from trees. It has at least two parallel extending, and vertically offset, rows of harvesting rods which are kept in their rear region in a holder, and can be pushed collectively into a tree with their free front ends. With their front ends, they can be pivoted. In each pivoted state, they can be withdrawn collectively from the tree with their support while removing the fruits between the harvesting rods from the two rows of harvesting rods. The individual harvesting rods are mounted in their rear region in the holder so as to be elastically moveable by means of spring force. Once all the harvesting rods have collectively been withdrawn with the harvested fruits in between, all of the harvesting rods are pushed forward again by the force of the acting spring forces and are thus returned to their original positions.

Abstract: A scale and a fruit collector with connected rows of scales is provided. The rows of scales extending between an intake and an outlet of the collector parallel to a median axis of the collector, scales including respectively a succession of scales with overlap, mounted as pivots on a support with a return to a resting position, each scale presenting a longitudinal median scale axis extending from the proximal to distal end of the scale and forming, in the resting position, an acute angle of aperture with the median axis, relative to the collector intake, and in which each scale presents a capability to pivot relative to the support, between the resting position and at least one bent-back position towards the outlet of the collector, reducing the angle of aperture. At least one hindrance limits an amplitude of divergent displacement, respectively between two successive scales of a row of scales.

Abstract: A combine harvester including a grain pan arranged to catch a crop stream. The grain pan is driven in an oscillating manner to convey the crop stream rearwardly to a rear edge from where the crop stream falls into a grain cleaning unit. A fan generates a cleaning airstream which is directed under the rear edge. The grain pan includes a conveyance floor with a rippled floor profile. A plurality of tines are provided and secured at one end to the conveyance floor. Each tine has a saw-toothed profile to lift lighter material within the crop stream away from the heavier material and enhance stratification thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method of operating an agricultural system for forming and/or wrapping a bale of crop, the method comprising moving an agricultural apparatus over a field, the agricultural apparatus configured for at least one of forming and wrapping a bale of crop; preparing, by the agricultural apparatus, a bale of crop; observing surroundings in a vicinity of the agricultural apparatus by an observation system (14) while the agricultural apparatus is moving over the field; generating, by the observation system (14), observation data indicating a first bale dropped before to the field being located in the vicinity of the agricultural apparatus; processing the observation data by a data processing unit (15); determining, by the data processing unit (15), the first bale dropped before; and dropping the bale in response to the determining from the baling apparatus to the field. Further, an agricultural system is disclosed.

Abstract: A bale forming device forms a bale in a bale forming chamber surrounded by a casing. A discharge gate actuator moves a discharge gate from a closed position into an opened position. The formed bale is ejected out of the casing and drops onto a ramp. A ramp sensor detects the bale dropping onto the ramp and triggers the discharge gate actuator to stop opening the discharge gate.

Abstract: A land preparation tool includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis; a cutting surface having a distal end and a blade positioned at the distal end; a mounting surface disposed on the tool body opposite the cutting surface, the mounting surface having an apex extending along about half of the mounting surface parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first mounting surface extending from the apex, a second mounting surface extending from the apex, and an opening disposed on the mounting surface; and a channel extending from the opening only partially into the tool body

Abstract: An intelligent web-enabled plant growing system controls environmental conditions inside it to grow sprouts, microgreens and plants from seeds placed in it without much intervention of humans through the growing process. Photographs of the sprouts, microgreens and plants are taken periodically by a camera. A computer then uploads the photographs to a server. The server runs artificial intelligence programs to determine the state of the growth and suggests back to the computer how to operate the controls for environment. A user application program on a remote computer or mobile device reports the state of the box, enables the user to buy seeds, enables the user to make own recipes, and enables multiple users to share their growing experience and custom recipes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of growing a plant in a container, wherein the container comprises an open top rim, closed rigid sides, a closed lower surface, and a hole through the lower surface, wherein the container can hold a medium suitable for growing a plant therein. The method comprises suspend the container above a closed bottom surface of a floodable vessel, and, intermittently, flood the vessel with a fluid to a first fluid level such that the lower surface of the container is immersed in the fluid, then drain the vessel such that the fluid (a) is at a level below the lower surface of the container or (b) completely leaves the vessel. In other embodiments, the method comprises a system for growing a plant in a container. The system comprises the vessel in the above-identified method.

Abstract: Top furling automated retractable greenhouse cover is a retractable cover for a greenhouse that is mounted on top of the greenhouse. Top furling automated retractable greenhouse cover comprises: a spine clamp, a left furling cover assembly, a right furling cover assembly, a hinge pin assembly, and an electrical control box. Left and right furling assemblies each comprise a curtain or cover, a furling rod, a furling motor, and a support arm. Electrical control box sends electronic signals to cause left and right covers or curtains to furl above the greenhouse when retracted and to unfurl down to the ground when extended to cover the greenhouse. The top-mounted design allows efficient use of gravity to apply tension to the furled rolls.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancement of CO2 concentration in closed or semi closed spaces, wherein said system comprises a unit (3) for capturing CO2 from ambient air, said unit further comprises two process units (134, 172) capable of 5 adsorbing and desorbing CO2 on an adsorbent, and working alternately in adsorbing and desorbing mode.

Abstract: A mower path assistance system to encircle an obstacle projecting from a ground surface, including a barrier mat formed with a barrier mat aperture enclosed by the barrier mat and having a barrier mat aperture diameter, a perimeter edge, and a barrier mat installation slit extending from the perimeter edge to the barrier mat aperture, wherein the barrier mat is deformable around the barrier mat installation slit to create a pathway having a pathway width through which the obstacle may pass from the perimeter to the barrier mat aperture. The barrier mat has a plurality of edges with axes that intersect at obtuse angles.

Abstract: A fixed support for an anti-toppling frost prevention machine includes a frost prevention machine, a connection support, an anti-toppling reinforcement seat, a base bolt, and a base seat. The connection support includes an anti-toppling guide cylinder, a fixed supporting column, and a connecting plate. The anti-toppling reinforcement seat is formed by fixing a reinforcement seat bracket and an anti-toppling supporting foot through a bolt. The base seat is formed by fixing a base plate through an upper connection ring, and a lower connection ring. The base bolt is used for fixing the connection support and the base seat.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for cultivation of horticultural products, more specifically mushrooms. A first and a second rack are arranged adjacent and aligned with each other, providing a working space therebetween. Each rack comprises support structures arranged at support heights for supporting cultivation packages at a plurality of heights. The support heights are aligned with each other. The arrangement comprises moving means for moving packages from the first to the second rack or back, via the working space. Cultivation packages can be supported such that at most a single package is supported at each of the aligned support heights. This enables the packages to be alternatingly supported in either the first or the second rack across the support heights. The arrangement further includes an operator platform within the working space which is moveable in a vertical direction to enable working at different heights.

Abstract: According to the present invention a composite structure is provided comprising in intimate mixture essentially through the whole composite structure: peat fibers, peat particles, peat agglomerates or mixtures thereof, that have been obtained from horticultural peat by fractionation or by producing from peat fines; and polymer fibers, which composite structure has been heat-treated to bind the polymer fibers to each other and to stabilize the peat fibers, peat particles, peat agglomerates or mixtures thereof in place in the composite structure. In addition, a process is provided for the production of the composite structure.

Abstract: A center-pivot irrigation system having mobile towers interconnected by spans actuatable about a center-pivot, constant speed motors for each of the mobile towers, and variable gear ratio transmissions each driven by one of the constant speed motors and each driving one of the mobile towers. The irrigation system may also include a control system sending command signals to the variable gear ratio transmissions, independently increasing or decreasing a speed of the mobile towers via the variable gear ratio transmissions. The irrigation system may also include a sensors for providing alignment information regarding the spans to the control system. The control system may independently command the transmissions to speed up or slow down one of the mobile towers relative to alignment information received from the sensors.

Abstract: A method and system for irrigating a field adjacent a watercourse is disclosed comprising a plurality of pumps along the watercourse and measuring from time to time at a plurality of measuring locations the salinity, the pH, the temperature and the turbidity of the water. The measuring locations are different from the pumping locations. A real time salinity, pH, temperature and turbidity at the pumping locations is predicted from the measured values and the pumps selectively disabled or enabled on the predicted salinity, pH, temperature and/or the turbidity. Additionally, there is disclosed an Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method/system for irrigating a field using a pump comprising an outlet supplying water to the field and an inlet connected to a water source. The method/system comprises a sensor placed at a location in the field for sensing a water depth below a surface of the field and transmitting the water depth to a controller located remotely from the sensing location using a wireless connection.

Abstract: A vent arrangement, method and member for dispersing trace elements from deep subsoil below the depth of soil in which tree roots are growing to increase the growth rate of the trees, which member directs gaseous fluid collected from the deep subsoil into the root zone soil where the tree roots are growing.

Abstract: An installation for the aeroponic/hydroponic production of plants (P) comprises at least a table (1), trays (2) able to move on the table (1) and intended to support the plants (P) so as to transfer the plants (P), the installation being characterized in that it comprises a dipping station (14) comprising a lift for lowering and raising at least one tray (2) between a raised position and a lowered position so as to dip the roots (PR) in a dipping bath (140) containing a liquid in the lowered position for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the production of value added explants from the seeds of dicotyledonous cultivars of interest. Also described are methods of transformation using the value added explants produced by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A watermelon plant that produces fruit having (i) ultra-firm flesh and/or liquid-retaining flesh and (ii) soluble solids of at least about 6 brix.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R125XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R125XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R125XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R125XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated CB34, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB34, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB34, and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line CB34 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line CB34 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line CB34.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-436 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-436 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-436 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-291 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-291 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-291 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-118 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-118 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-118 RZ.

Abstract: Provided herein is a Cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus) which provides fruits having an improved shelf life, wherein said plant comprises a stay green gene providing the improved fruit shelf life, wherein said stay green gene encodes a protein comprising the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No. 2, or amino acid sequences with more than 90% identity, preferably more than 94% identity, more preferably more than 96% identity, even more preferably more than 98% identity; and wherein the expression of said stay green gene is reduced as compared to the expression of said stay green gene in a cucumber plant not providing fruits having an improved shelf life or the enzymatic activity of said protein is reduced as compared to the enzymatic activity of said protein in a cucumber plant not providing fruits having an improved shelf life.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R123XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R123XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R123XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R123XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 16R324B3XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 16R324B3XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 16R324B3XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 16R324B3XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new cotton variety FM 2574GLT. The disclosure 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 2574GLT with other plants. The disclosure also relates to plants of variety FM 2574GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from cotton variety FM 2574GLT.

Abstract: A petunia-calibrachoa plant designated SAKPXC021 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021, the plants of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021, to plant parts of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021, and methods for producing a plant produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021 with itself or with another variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021, methods for producing other lines or plant parts derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021, and the plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC021 with another variety.

Abstract: A petunia-calibrachoa plant designated SAKPXC022 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022, the plants of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022, to plant parts of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022, and methods for producing a plant produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022 with itself or with another variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022, methods for producing other lines or plant parts derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022, and the plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC022 with another variety.

Abstract: A petunia-calibrachoa plant designated SAKPXC023 is disclosed. Embodiments include the seeds of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023, the plants of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023, to plant parts of petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023, and methods for producing a plant produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023 with itself or with another variety. Embodiments include methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and the transgenic plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to varieties, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023, methods for producing other lines or plant parts derived from petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023, and the plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing petunia-calibrachoa SAKPXC023 with another variety.

Abstract: A portable windbreak shelter assembly provides a combination shelter and windbreak which can be moved to a desired position using conventional vehicles typically available on a farm includes a shelter frame having a front, a back, a bottom face, a first lateral side face, and a second lateral side face. The first lateral side face and the second lateral side face extend upwardly from respective opposite edges of the bottom face and meet to define an apex of the shelter frame extending between the front and the back. A covering is coupled to the shelter frame wherein the covering and the shelter frame inhibit wind from passing through the shelter frame to define a sheltered interior space. The shelter frame is movable using conventional farm equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically flushing urine from a pet litter box are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system and method may be directed to a combination of a urine-separating pet litter box with odor controlling conditionally non-absorbent litter and an automatic flushing device. The urine-separating pet litter box includes an upper litter tray with a perforated bottom and a lower liquid holding tank, which holds water inside. The lower liquid holding tank is connected to water intake pipes and a drainpipe and flushes the urine and holding water and fills freshwater in the lower liquid holding tank by detecting a water level of the holding water in the lower liquid holding tank with sensors. The flushing was performed by using a Venturi pump effect to control two electrical valves open or close. In some embodiment, Sodium Sesquicarbonate (SSC) may be used as conditionally non-absorbent litter for complete disposal of feces.

Abstract: A system may include an aircraft passenger seat implemented in an aircraft and an aircraft passenger computing device implemented in, on, or in proximity to the aircraft passenger seat. The aircraft passenger computing device may be communicatively coupled to an animal crate assembly onboard the aircraft. The aircraft passenger computing device may include an aircraft passenger display viewable by a passenger and a processor communicatively coupled to the aircraft passenger display. The processor may be configured to: receive sensor data from a sensor implemented in or on the animal crate assembly; receive captured animal crate assembly video data from a camera implemented in or on the animal crate assembly; generate graphical data based on the sensor data and the captured animal crate assembly video data; and output the graphical data to the aircraft passenger display for presentation to the passenger.

Abstract: The disclosed safety device helps prevents the dog from falling from, being thrown from, or jumping from the back of a pickup truck by securing them with a safely attached net to the truck racks. The net grids (openings) are sized to either allow or prevent the dog from getting just their heads through the net. The net is easily removable for tall cargo and it also allows you to carry cargo that normally needs to be secured to the truck bed itself or in a truck with a cap. The cargo can be such as; commercial and residential construction material, yard debris, and sporting goods.

Abstract: A pen for an animal, such as a dog, includes a plurality of walls and a frame. The plurality of walls can extend substantially vertically. The walls can include one or more wall panels. The wall panels can be transparent or highly translucent. The panels can be held in place at least in part by the frame, which can include a plurality of frame members and a plurality of connectors. The pen can include a door. A top frame member at the door can be movable to allow a person to freely enter and exit the space enclosed by the pen. The pen can provide confinement for an animal in a safe and aesthetically-pleasing manner. The pen can maximize an owner's ability to see his or her pet. The pen can provide the animal with clear visibility of its surroundings or owner, creating a lower stress environment for the pet.

Abstract: Methods of maintaining or restoring joint function in a canine in need thereof by allowing the canine to lie on a pad are provided. The pad includes one or more layers of a spacer textile, where the spacer textile includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of spacer fibers therebetween. The one or more layers of a spacer textile, when in contact with a joint of a canine, provides an upward force attenuation onto the joint.