Abstract: ‘NCPX2’ is a new triploid, interspecific hybrid flowering pear with a broadly pyramidal habit, white flowers, multi-coloured fall foliage, resistance to fire blight, and significantly reduced fertility.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant named ‘DrisStrawSixty’, particularly characterized by its yield potential, post-harvest quality of fruit, eating quality of fruit, plant size, and everbearing habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct Daphne cultivar named ‘DAPJUR02’ is disclosed, characterized by an abundance of large, white, highly fragrant flowers. Plants are bushy and produce unique, unusually long racemes of flowers. Plants are sun tolerant. The new variety is a Daphne, normally produced as an outdoor garden or container plant.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Gaultheria procumbens plant named ‘Gaulbri1’ that is characterized by its foliage that is variegated with green centers and margins that are white to pink in color with some sectional variegation that is white, light green, pink and dark green in color, and its berries that are pink in color when young and turn red in color when they mature.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Physocarpus plant, ‘UMNHarpell’, that is characterized by its new foliage that is red-purple in color and matures to deep purple with the deep purple color retained into the interior of the plant, its compact plant habit, its slow to moderate growth rate, and its good resistance to powdery mildew.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Deutzia plant named ‘Low 18’ that is characterized by its flowers that bloom along the entire branch, its flowers that are bright pink-purple in color with white centers and margins, its flowers that are large in size, and its freely branched and compact plant habit that is low maintenance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of an ornamental Ipomoea plant named ‘Balspotimart’, characterized by shallowly-lobed, medium lime-green colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact, mounded-spreading growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Dianthus plant particularly distinguished by light pink flowers with a dark purple pattern, and an upright habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new Verbena plant named ‘VEAZ0052’ particularly distinguished by large sized flowers, shining strawberry colored flowers with a darker-red center, medium green, undivided leaves and a semi-upright and vigorous plant habit.

Abstract: A new New Guinea Impatiens plant named ‘IMGZ0016’ particularly distinguished by the lilac flower on short peduncles on a medium sized, semi-trailing, and well branched plant with deep dark green foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Impatiens plant named ‘Doimssdare’ characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and mounding plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely and early flowering habit; dark red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘BKPBEWFEP’, characterized by its broadly outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; moderately freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and light red-colored flowers.

Abstract: ‘LEP01’ is a distinctive cultivar of Lepidosperma gladiatum which is characterized by a short plant height, dense foliage and fine-texture foliage. The new variety propagates successfully by division and tissue culture and has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct Echeveria plant named ‘TSAECH1710’ which is characterized by improved vigor, obovate succulent foliage arranged in a basal rosette, glaucous grey foliage which is suffused pink and margined with a dark, vibrant pink at and towards the apex, as well as the stability of these characteristics from generation to generation.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Miscanthus, Miscanthus sinensis ‘EMPMIS01’, that is characterized by its flower plumes that are dark red in color, its compact plant habit and short plant height, its long flowering period, and its floriferous blooming habit in producing numerous flowering stems.

Abstract: A new and distinct Calibrachoa plant named ‘USCAL51505’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounding to trailing plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy appearance; early and freely flowering habit; double flowers with pale yellow-colored petals and petaloids; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Calibrachoa plant named ‘USCAL81302’, characterized by its compact, upright to outwardly spreading and mounding to trailing plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and bushy appearance; early and freely flowering habit; double flowers with dark red purple-colored petals and petaloids with white-colored picotee edges; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Coreopsis plant named ‘Super Star’, characterized by its large single-type, light yellow-colored inflorescences having a burgundy-red colored eye zone, medium green-colored foliage, and moderately vigorous, compact-mounded growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A new, distinct Delosperma plant as illustrated and described, characterized by orange and pink flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘EPB 24’, characterized by its upright and mounding plant habit; uniform, continuous and freely flowering habit; relatively large light green-colored flowers that are held above the foliar plane on relatively long peduncles; and good garden performance.

Abstract: The new and distinct cultivar of perennial Sedum plant named ‘Bundle of Joy’ is characterized by drought-tolerant, winter-hardy, tight, compact mounds. The flowers are near-white on stems producing dense clusters that cover the plant in late summer. The new plant stays tightly compact and resists opening in the center later in the season. The new plant is useful for landscaping as a specimen plant or en masse.

Abstract: ‘Gold Label’ is a new variety of calla lily plant having inflorescences with a yellow-colored spathe that produces 4-24 inflorescences per tuber. The height of the top of an inflorescence above the soil can reach up to 51 cm. The leaves are green with transparent maculations present and have a leathery texture.

Abstract: Acetic acid is produced while inhibiting increased concentrations of hydrogen iodide and acetic acid in an acetaldehyde distillation column.

Abstract: A stressed substrate for transient electronic systems (i.e., electronic systems that visually disappear when triggered to do so) that includes one or more stress-engineered layers that store potential energy in the form of a significant internal stress. An associated trigger mechanism is also provided that, when triggered, causes an initial fracture in the stressed substrate, whereby the fracture energy nearly instantaneously travels throughout the stressed substrate, causing the stressed substrate to shatter into multiple small (e.g., micron-sized) pieces that are difficult to detect. The internal stress is incorporated into the stressed substrate through strategies similar to glass tempering (for example through heat or chemical treatment), or by depositing thin-film layers with large amounts of stress. Patterned fracture features are optionally provided to control the final fractured particle size. Electronic systems built on the substrate are entirely destroyed and dispersed during the transience event.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting backhaul signals performed by a relay station in a wireless communication system is provided. A relay station performs scheduling with a base station in order to transmit the backhaul signals, and transmitting the backhaul signals to the base station using both resources for downlink transmission and resources for uplink transmission based on the scheduling.

Abstract: A powerful very strong commercial grade hand operated tool for removing weeds intact from a standing position. The tool includes cushions on the handles that are firm and pleasant to use and are replaceable. There are bolts contained in the retaining device that are also replaceable. A completely serviceable tool. There is an ejector disc contained within the retaining device on the bottom end used to expel the weed debris from the tool into a refuse container, this action is spring loaded from the top end of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a rolling basket of a tillage implement, the rolling basket comprising a plurality of elongated bars or blades spaced apart around a plurality of spaced apart rings, the bars or blades attached to the spaced apart rings, the apparatus includes an elongated support structure extending through a central axis of the rolling basket and a plurality of vertical stationary paddles spaced apart along the elongated support structure between the horizontally spaced apart rings.

Abstract: A landscaping tow apparatus for cultivating dirt or land. The apparatus includes a U-shaped bracket rotatably secured to a tool head support, wherein the tool head support includes a plurality of tool heads removably secured thereon for cultivating the land. A hitch is further affixed to the U-shaped bracket and can mount the apparatus to a vehicle, such as a tractor or riding lawnmower. A pair of wheels are extendable from the bracket in order to engage the ground and lift the tool head support for rotation thereof. In operation, the hitch is secured to a tractor and the side of the tool head support having the desired tool head is positioned against the ground. The wheels are extended so that the tool head support can be rotated in order to have a different tool head engage the ground.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a frame configured to be towed behind a vehicle and a plurality of shank assemblies connected to the frame and configured for engaging a soil. Each shank assembly includes a shank mount configured to mount to the frame, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the shank mount and extending rearwardly therefrom, and a shank connected to the coupling arm at an end and extending downwardly therefrom to a tool-supporting end. Each shank assembly also includes a ground-engaging tool connected to the tool-supporting end of the shank and a variable rate spring positioned in between the shank mount and the coupling arm and configured for providing a variable ground-engaging tool load.

Abstract: An agricultural sowing implement that, when moved by a drive unit, distributes seeds in the ground with regular, uniform spacing. The agricultural sowing implement comprises a rocker system placed behind the chassis of the implement where a seed dispenser is positioned. The rocker system may include a beam connected to two depth-limiting wheels on the ends of the beam. In one embodiment of the disclosure, provision is made for two interlinked smaller wheels connected to a central lower extension of the beam, the set of wheels being encircled by a rolling band. In addition, provision is made for two dampers, one for each of the depth-limiting wheels.

Abstract: An air seeding system and method includes a manifold mounted across a plurality of row planter units. Electric motors are mounted on the manifold and are operatively connected to the seed meters. A microprocessor or controller adjusts the speed of the motors in response to field data input so as to adjust the rate of seed dispensement to achieve desired plant population. The motor speeds can be adjusted on the fly, without stopping the air seeder. The system senses ground speed, senses the raised and lowered positioned of the row planter units, and senses any blockage of the row planter units. The motors eliminate the need for a ground drive wheel.

Abstract: An electric handheld broadcast spreader with pattern and speed controlling baffled skirt detachably attaches to a conventional spreader mechanism to disperse particles in a controlled, directional manner within a proximal coverage area with two hands. A broadcasting/dispersing skirt receives particulate material from a conventional spreader. The inner volume of broadcasting/dispersing skirt comprises upper layer baffles, with upper gaps forming between each upper layer baffle; lower layer baffles, offset from the upper layer baffles, with lower gaps forming between each lower layer baffle; and multiple vertical deflector vanes disposed perpendicular to lower layer baffles. Discharged particulate material strikes the surface of the baffles, before passing through gaps. The particulate material traveling in a lateral direction strikes the deflector vanes and outlet edge of broadcasting/dispersing skirt.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a plot in a field based on the location of a marker placed in an application prescription map prior to a crop input application operation are disclosed. The plot defines a plot region. The plot region is defined during the crop input application operation based on the marker location.

Abstract: A soil characteristic sensor is mounted on a soil engaging element of a planting machine. It can be mounted, for instance, on an element that engages the soil before a trench is opened, or after a trench is opened, but before it is closed. It can be mounted on an element that engages the soil in a region of the soil trench, but after the trench is closed. It can be mounted on a scraping element that scrapes a disc, and it can be mounted on wedges or other items that run through the soil, and are carried by shanks.

Abstract: In one aspect, a mobile robot includes a chassis, a shell moveably mounted on the chassis by a shell suspension system, and a sensor assembly configured to sense a distance and a direction of shell movement relative to the chassis. The sensor assembly includes a magnet disposed on an underside of the shell. The sensor assembly further includes three or more Hall effect sensors disposed on the chassis in a triangular pattern at fixed distances such that the three or more Hall effect sensors are positioned beneath the magnet when no force is applied to the shell, wherein relative motion between the magnet and the Hall effect sensors causes the sensors to produce differing output signals. The mobile robot also includes a controller configured to receive output signals from the Hall effect sensors and to determine a distance and a direction of movement of the shell relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a chassis and a sectional header system carried by the chassis. The sectional header system includes a center section connected to the chassis and having a pair of lateral ends, at least one additional section, and at least one coupling assembly. The at least one coupling assembly includes at least one actuator and at least one connector. The at least one coupling assembly removably connects the center section to the at least one additional section. The at least one additional section is coupled to the center section in harvesting of a crop material and the at least one additional section is decoupled from the center section in transportation of the sectional header system.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a first frame assembly and a second frame assembly is disclosed. The first frame assembly supports a first cutter bar segments and extends widthwise across the header. The second frame assembly supports a second cutter bar segment and is connected to the first frame assembly such that second frame assembly is movable relative to the first frame assembly about three rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing with a baffle that defines an air path to produce a cross-flow. The baffle includes a vent to manipulate air pressures within the housing and facilitate movement of plant clippings. A hand-held device for trimming with a rotary blade assembly may also include a housing that defines an air path to produce a cross-flow. The hand-held trimming device may also a baffle with a vent to facilitate movement of plant clippings.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvester such as a combine harvester including a frame having a main frame assembly and a pair of secondary frame members attached thereto. The main frame assembly supports crop processing apparatus. A feederhouse and a tangential-flow crop impelling rotor are journaled between the secondary frame members. The secondary frame members are conveniently removable from the main frame assembly for accessing the processing apparatus from a front end of the harvester.

Abstract: A system of chopping and spreading residue for an agricultural combine comprises a chopper disposed in front of a residue accelerator at the rear of an agricultural combine. The chopper is disposed to receive crop residue from a threshing and separating section of the combine and to chop that residue into smaller portions, the residue accelerator is disposed behind the chopper to receive the chopped crop residue from the chopper, and to accelerate it.

Abstract: A turf blade lifting assembly comprising a flexible mat composed of, for example, artificial or synthetic turf, the fibers of which are of relatively short height and are configured to commingle with natural turf; and an attachment apparatus for mounting the mat on the front of a mowing machine which mat is thereby positioned to be dragged along the turf surface prior to cutting to achieve the upright orientation of the turf blades to create a thick and uniform result for the subject area.

Abstract: A sugarcane harvester comprises a frame, a basecutter coupled to the frame for translation relative to the frame, a knockdown roller mounted for translation relative to the frame, and a synchronizer configured to translate the knockdown roller in unison with the basecutter so as to maintain a position of the knockdown roller relative to the basecutter upon translation of the basecutter relative to the frame.

Abstract: A harvester having a frame, an agitating system and a product gathering system. The frame has a central portion configured to receive and pass plants therethrough. The agitating system is positioned within the central portion that has a first side agitating assembly further comprising an axle with an axis of rotation and a plural of axial wands extending axially outwardly therefrom in a spaced apart configuration. The axle has a first end which is both above and outboard of the second end and the axle is angled relative to a vertical plane bisecting the frame body from front to back thereof. The axial wands can be agitated. The product gathering system includes an outer guide wall positioned below the rotary agitator assembly. The outer guide wall is angled relative to a vertical plane bisecting the frame body from front to back thereof.

Abstract: A dual conveyor assembly for a windrower includes upper and lower conveyors. Each conveyor includes an endless conveyor element and rotatable supports spaced along a longitudinal conveyor path and entrained by the endless conveyor element. The endless conveyor elements define vertically spaced opposed runs that define the longitudinal conveyor path therebetween. The opposed runs are operable to be driven together to move a flow of severed plant material along the path. At least one of the opposed runs is shiftable relative to the other opposed run in an upright direction, while the runs are driven together, such that the opposed runs remain in moving engagement with the flow of severed plant material as the amount of severed plant material passing between the opposed runs varies.

Abstract: A method of controlling an angular orientation of an agricultural combine having a chassis includes: determining a slope angle of the ground over which the combine is traveling; determining a tilt angle of the chassis; receiving an angle signal from an operator input device; combining the slope angle of the ground and the angle signal from the operator input device to calculate a desired angle of the chassis that is greater than horizontal (0°) and less than the slope angle of the ground.

Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and at least one mower module supported by the frame, the at least one mower module positionable to cut plant matter between adjacent crop rows in the field. The plant matter has penetrated a previously formed mat of at least partially crushed residual plant matter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry process for isolating clean glandular trichomes from a trichome bearing plant material, wherein the trichome bearing plant material is frozen at ?20° C. and subject to shattering and softening sequence.

Abstract: A bale wrapping mechanism has a roll holding station and a duckbill provided for clamping one end of the roll of wrapping material, said duckbill being pivotally mounted, via at least a first hinge, to the baling chamber sidewalls, for delivering said wrapping material to said baling chamber by insertion of said duckbill between adjacent rolls of said baling chamber, wherein the wrapping mechanism further has at least a first guiding roll for guiding the wrapping material between said roll holding station and said duckbill, wherein said first guiding roll axis substantially coincides with the first hinge axis.

Abstract: An agricultural baler has a shaft, and a flywheel connected to the shaft, and a brake system for holding or for stopping the flywheel. The brake system may be of at least one of the drum-type and of the caliper-type. The caliper-type has a brake disc and a brake caliper. The brake disc may be mounted on the flywheel, or on the shaft. The brake system may have an adjustable braking force. The disc brake may be manually or hydraulically activated. The brake system may be remotely activated from a tractor.

Abstract: A machine for cutting the tips of the leaves off agave plants to prepare the plants for the subsequent removal of the core. The machine includes a chassis defining a platform having: a rear end having a structural frame supporting arms that project rearwards, wheel rims that rest on the ground being secured to said arms; a front end having a structural frame having arms extending frontwards, a tractor-coupled drawbar being secured to said arms; and an arm that connects to the power take-off and is secured in the upper part of the structural frame. The machine includes a supporting base which can slide under the action of hydraulic elements, and is mounted on a pair of parallel rails and is arranged transversely across the platform. Additionally, the machine includes a hydraulic system with control inputs, actuated by the operator.