Abstract: A mower deck discharge chute includes a flexible member attached with a hinge to a multi-blade mower deck, and a drive belt tunnel through the flexible member that an attachment drive belt passes through when the flexible member is pivoted up to a generally vertical position. The attachment drive belt may be on a single plane to engage a drive sheave on the multi-blade mower deck, a driven sheave on the belt driven attachment, and an idler.

Abstract: A bat tube for use with a harvester pick-up reel. The bat tube is configured to resist torsional loads, without having to use fasteners that engage holes in the bat tube. Preferably, the external surface of the bat tube provides at least one key or keyway that engages a corresponding keyway or key in the band or strap portion of the tines. As such, once a tine is engaged with the bat tube, the tine is generally prevented from rotating about the bat tube. Additionally, by not using fasteners to engage holes in the bat tube, spacing between the tines can be varied. The bat tube allows for tine fastening and torsional resistance without drilling or punching holes, which allows for easily variable tine spacings. It also allows for improved crop gathering and crop entry characteristics over a typical round profile.

Abstract: An airflow system that has a fan spacer within a fan assembly is provided for use with equipment such as work vehicles, which may include agricultural implements or other agricultural equipment. The fan spacer influences a width dimension of a fan housing interior and airflow characteristics of the fan assembly, such as output pressure and flow rate, to optimize fan performance for a particular implementation. In this way, the fan spacer allows for highly customizable fan performances by using housing spacers to modify fan housing dimensions and provide performance characteristics that correspond to what is needed for particular implementations while using common fan housing segments.

Abstract: A combined baler/bale wrapper (1) comprises a baler (10) mounted on a chassis (5) and a bale wrapper (14) mounted on the chassis (5) rearwardly of the baler (10) for wrapping a bale formed by the baler (10). The bale wrapper (14) comprises a pair of first and second bale support rollers (50,51) for supporting and rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis (56). A pair of wrapping film dispensers (60) are carried on a carrier ring (58) which is rotated about a second wrapping axis (61) for dispensing wrapping film onto the bale (2) as the bale (2) is being rotated by the first and second bale support rollers (50,51).

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, and a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber through a compression stroke and a return stroke. The plunger has a duty cycle with a maximum power requirement, a minimum power requirement, and an average power requirement over the duty cycle. The baler further includes an auxiliary power system which is configured for transmitting power to the driveline to offset the duty cycle of the plunger and thereby establish a substantially constant power requirement at the driveline.

Abstract: An improved belt tensioning system for an agricultural round baler that increases belt tension to reduce slippage between the belts and the driving rolls during the initial stage of a bale forming cycle when the bale chamber is empty and as the belts are beginning to be rolled. The system includes an accumulator that is pressurized by the tensioning system as a bale is being formed. The accumulator pressure may then be directed to a hydraulic cylinder included in a bale density system to increase tension in the belts after a completed bale is ejected and the bale chamber is being reset for the next bale.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for clamping a sheet to a supporting structure of an agricultural storage apparatus. The clamping apparatus includes a first clamping section and at least one second clamping section and is attached to a wall of the supporting structure. The, or each, second clamping section includes a lever section and a catch section pivotably attached to the lever section. In use, a section of the sheet is clamped between the first clamping section and the catch section of the, or each, second clamping section thereby securing the sheet to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A vertical planter for growing plants includes a frame, a plurality of support planes each having a support surface for supporting at least one plant, wherein the plurality support planes are supported by the frame and a nutrient supply system including a nutrient distribution feature for delivering liquid nutrient to the support surface of a uppermost support plane, a nutrient conducting arrangement for conducting liquid nutrient from the uppermost support plane to a lowermost support plane via the support surface of intermediate support planes, and nutrient receiving feature for receiving liquid nutrient from the support surface of the lowermost support plane.

Abstract: A height-adjustable plant support structure is a device used for providing structural support for a growing plant. The device includes a primary stabilizing tubular member and a plurality of primary extendable tubular members that is able to telescopically extend from and retract into the primary stabilizing tubular member. A plurality of accessory-mounting holes laterally traverses into the plurality of primary extendable tubular members and may accommodate hooks, ties, strings, and other accessories for supporting the growth of a plant. A flexible water-distribution conduit is positioned within the plurality of primary extendable tubular members, allowing water to be delivered directly to a plant's roots. The device height may be adjusted manually or automatically via a pneumatic telescopic cylinder. At least one flexible trellis member is utilized to support growing plants such as shrubs, grapevine, ivy, and climbing roses.

Abstract: Covering and method for promoting local rainfall are provided. The covering has a skin to cover a field that can get thermal energy. An edge part of the skin is installed at a surface of the field, and the inner part of the skin surrounded by the edge part can be lifted up from the surface to form a space to store air. The covered air receives thermal energy and the skin prevents air convection and reduces thermal energy loss, thereby generating a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the skin. By utilizing buoyancy resulted from the air temperature difference to lift up the inner part of the skin, a huge space is formed to contain a large amount of air. Thereafter, the covered air continues to receive thermal energy, causing huge thermal energy to be stored in the covered air, which is then used to promote rainfall.

Abstract: Provided is an emitter (120) comprising a flow path that leads from an intake path (221) for taking in irrigation liquid that is within a tube to a recessed section (252). The flow path comprises opening/closing sections (248) that are arranged with a gap (249) therebetween. The gap (249) communicates with a discharge section. When the opening/closing sections (248) are pushed by the pressure of the irrigation fluid within a recessed section (242), the tip sections of each of the opening/closing sections (248) are brought into contact and one part of the gap (249) is blocked. The flow rate of the irrigation fluid within the emitter (120) is controlled by the remaining amount of said irrigation fluid that is capable of passing through the gap (249).

Abstract: An apparatus for planting a seedling (3) in an arid area comprises a vertical, downwardly tapering shroud (20) and a seedling plug (1) comprising a body of growing medium covered by a moisture resistant cap (14) which preferably is sealingly received in a lower region (22) of the shroud. The lower region of the shroud surrounding the upper portion of the seedling is buried beneath ground level (51) with at least one water reservoir (40, 200) and supplied with water via capillary wicks (43), the reservoir being buried beneath ground level and covered by a moisture resistant cover (60) which sealingly surrounds the shroud. The shroud extends above ground level to protect and shade the seedling and together with the cap (14) and cover (60) serves to retain moisture in the planting region for the first year of growth.

Abstract: A self-contained system for cultivating plants using a combination of aeroponic and hydroponic processes includes a container having successive size reductions to support plant cups, a liquid distribution device, and to provide a reservoir for storing a water and nutrient solution.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1648’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California (USA), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1662’ is described. The tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest, and is adaptable to the climactic conditions of regions such as California (USA), Ontario (Canada), Australia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and drought tolerance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing one or more markers that are associated with tolerance to low water conditions. Markers provided herein include markers genetically linked to proteins comprising cold shock domains, such as the CSD1 and CSD2 proteins. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing at least one marker associated with drought tolerance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program, thus producing drought resistant germplasm. Other embodiments of this invention include transgenic drought tolerant corn plants and corn plant cells, and methods of detecting drought tolerance genes and chromosome regions associated with drought tolerance in a plant genome.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated IAF3110, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line IAF3110 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line IAF3110, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line IAF3110, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated IAF4219, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line IAF4219 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line IAF4219, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line IAF4219, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods including conductive vias of a printed circuit board are described. An example apparatus includes a first layer including a first conductive plate; a component on the first layer, a second layer including a second conductive plate that may be coupled to an external power source; a third layer between the first layer and the second layer, the third layer including a third conductive plate; a first via coupling the first conductive plate to the second conductive plate; and a second via coupled to the first conductive plate. The first conductive plate includes a first portion coupled to the first via and the first conductive plate further includes a second portion coupled to the second via between the first portion and the component. The second via is coupled to either the second conductive plate or the third conductive plate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in Nicotiana plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for cytochrome P450s that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Expression cassettes, vectors, plants, and plant parts thereof comprising inhibitory sequences that target expression or function of the disclosed cytochrome P450 polypeptides are also provided. Methods for the use of these novel sequences to inhibit expression or function of cytochrome P450 polypeptides involved in this metabolic conversion are also provided. The methods find use in the production of tobacco products that have reduced levels of nornicotine and its carcinogenic metabolite, NNN, and thus reduced carcinogenic potential for individuals consuming these tobacco products or exposed to secondary smoke derived from these products.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of spinach, NUN 05048 SPS as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated XS4321 and seed, plants, plant parts and plant cells thereof are produced from a cross of inbred sorghum varieties. Methods for producing a sorghum plant comprise crossing hybrid sorghum variety XS4321 with another sorghum plant. Sorghum variety XS4321, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety XS4321 are provided. Methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into sorghum variety XS4321 include one or both of backcross conversion and transformation of one or both inbred parents. The sorghum seed, plants and plant parts produced thereby are described.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH525683. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH525683, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH525683 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH525683.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 74541700. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 74541700, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 74541700 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 74541700.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01063944. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01063944. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01063944 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01063944 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A leg (205) detection system comprising: a robotic arm (200) comprising a gripping portion (208) for holding a teat cup (203, 210) for attaching to a teat (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, 2038, 203) of a diary livestock (200, 202, 203); an imaging system coupled to the robotic arm (200) and configured to capture a first three-dimensional (3D) image (138, 2400, 2500) of a rearview of the dairy livestock (200, 202, 203) in a stall (402), the imaging system comprising a 3D camera (136, 138) or a laser (132), wherein each pixel of the first 3D image (138, 2400, 2500) is associated with a depth value; one or more memory (104) devices configured to store a reference (3D) 3D image (138, 2400, 2500) of the stall (402) without any dairy livestock (200, 202, 203); and a processor (102) communicatively coupled to the imaging system and the one or more memory (104) devices, the processor (102) configured to: access the first 3D image (138, 2400, 2500) and the reference (3D) 3D image (138, 2400, 2500); subtract the first 3D image

Abstract: A disposable animal litter box with an attached lid is disclosed. In both a primary and secondary embodiment, the need to purchase litter, fill the box and change the litter is eliminated by this design. In the first embodiment, a foldable and moisture-resistant cardboard, paper, or composite structure is shown. The box is pre-filled with litter. The box has reinforced sides for durability during use. Once used, an integral lid is folded back and sealed in the closed position by threading the integral handle through a slit on the lid closure flap. In a second embodiment, wherein the box and lid are constructed of sturdy plastic material, the box is pre-filled with litter. The box has a lid that will snap into in a closed position to seal for transport and disposal and fold back during use.

Abstract: An automatic locking joint for use with a reconfigurable device to permit the device to be selectively reconfigurable between various configurations.

Abstract: A clumpable animal litter comprises composite particles of filler materials, such as limestone and sand, and sodium bentonite. The filler materials have a lower bulk density as compared to a granular mixture of the same percentage of filler and sodium bentonite clay and contain up to eighty-five percent less clay.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet for pets that is highly effective in concealing pet excrement. The absorbent sheet includes: a liquid-permeable front-surface sheet; a liquid-impermeable back-surface sheet; an absorbent body that is provided between the front-surface sheet and the back-surface sheet, and that absorbs liquid that has permeated through the front-surface sheet; an intermediate sheet that is arranged between the front-surface sheet and the absorbent body; and a color arrangement region that forms a color arrangement pattern together with at least one of the front-surface sheet, the back-surface sheet, and the absorbent body. The front-surface sheet is formed so as to have a lower total light transmittance than the intermediate sheet.

Abstract: There is provided a heated livestock waterer having a heater chamber, a heater disposed in the heater chamber that, in operation, generates at least heated gas, and a water reservoir having at least one sidewall that is in thermal communication with the heater chamber, the water reservoir having an animal watering section and a covered section covered by a lid, the lid and the covered section defining an air space that is in fluid communication with the heater chamber via an air passage, the air space having a vent to atmosphere.

Abstract: An animal watering system can be used to water poultry for extended periods of time without operator attention. An upper reservoir is electrically heated with a waterproof resistance heater. A lid allows filling from the top. A four legged (metal) stand supports the reservoir above the ground. A plumbing tree connects at the bottom and has a shut off valve, an easy to clean filter and a float switch valve which keeps the water level constant in a trough located under the stand. The trough is preferably supported above ground by a (circular) base which can have its own electric heater. The float switch prevents any trough water from flowing upward into the reservoir. The plumbing tree has a hose inlet used for filling or cleaning.

Abstract: Tag apparatus for attachment to the ear of an animal including a male member with a stem and a penetrating head for penetrating the ear; a portion that abuts against the hack of the ear and cannot be pulled out of the ear, said portion having an end that is not directed towards the head of the animal when the apparatus is fitted to the ear; such that when the apparatus is fitted to the ear, the apparatus has no overhanging material on which the animal can entangle the tag apparatus on a structure.

Abstract: There is provided a restraining device with a safety attachment for walking a dog, the device having a harness and an extension pole, wherein the pole is rigid and is attached to said harness at its proximal end, and is attachable to a leash on its distal end. The rigid extension pole extends substantially vertically above the dog and keeps the leash away from the dog's body, thereby preventing the leash from becoming entangled with the dog's legs.

Abstract: A method includes providing a wearable device compatible with and worn by an animal, the wearable device including a processing engine, a plurality of sensors, and a communication interface to a remotely located base station. The method includes monitoring an environment around the wearable device as the animal traverses a space and collecting information based on data generated by the plurality of sensors. The method also includes analyzing the data generated by the plurality of sensors and inferring activities associated with a human in proximity to the animal, wherein inferring activities includes determining a current location of the human based on data generated by one or more of the sensors, and determining activities of the human over a period of time based on data generated by the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A modular filter for a submersible pump that has a filter housing with an integrally formed pump coupling that telescopically receives pail of a housing of the pump and a filter chamber defined by a pair of spaced apart perforate sidewalls having filter media disposed therebetween. The perforate filter chamber defining sidewalls are opposed to one another with one of the perforate sidewalls defining a first intake grate inline with an intake of the pump and the other one of the perforate sidewalls defining at least one second intake grate that can function as a bypass should the filter media inline with the first intake grate become plugged. In a preferred embodiment, the other one of the perforate sidewalls includes a filtrate grate adjoining the at least one second intake grate. In a preferred embodiment, the other one of the sidewalls has a pair of spaced apart second intake grates outboard of the pump intake that are generally coplanar with the filtrate grate.

Abstract: An aquarium water filtering system includes a first filtering section, a second filtering section, and a third filtering section. The first filtering section has a first housing configured to receive water, perform a first filtering action on the received water, and produce a first filtered water. The second filtering section has a second housing placed horizontally adjacent to the first housing and configured to receive first filtered water, perform a second filtering action on the first filtered water, and produce a second filtered water. The third filtering section has a third housing placed horizontally adjacent to the second housing and configured to receive the second filtered water, perform a third filtering action on the second filtered water, and produce a third filtered water for return to the aquarium.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain animals, and in particular porcine animals, tissue and cells derived from these, which lack any expression of functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (aGT) and express one or more additional transgenes which make them suitable donors for pancreatic islet xenotransplantation. Methods of treatment and prevention of diabetes using cells derived from such animals are also provided.

Abstract: One object is to provide a casting rod wherein a tip rod vibrates for a long period of time upon a fish bite. In accordance with one aspect, the casting rod of the present invention includes a tip rod formed of a fiber reinforced resin material into a tubular shape; and a distal end region of the tip rod is provided with a high specific gravity member having a specific gravity three to six times as high as a material constituting the tip rod.

Abstract: A fishing line rinse apparatus having a bucket with a drain spout. A perforated spool with a level wind is disposed on a shaft with a first quick-connector. A drive housing has a base with a pair of pulleys, and a hollow vertical column. A drive disposed within the hollow vertical column of the drive housing has a horizontal drive shaft, a differential, and a vertical drive shaft, wherein the horizontal drive shaft has a second quick-connector that engages the first quick-connector. The vertical drive shaft is selectively engageable with a drill, allowing a drill outside the bucket to spin the spool submerged in water in the bucket to wind and unwind the fishing line, thus rinsing the fishing line and transferring it from a rod to the spool and vice versa. A brake with a thumb screw is disposed on the spool to apply pressure while rewinding the line.

Abstract: A fishing rod handle assembly configured to provide increased safety, strength and control and which may be used in combination with standard fishing rods. The fishing rod handle assembly generally includes a handle positioned transverse to the position of the standard fishing rod, such that a fisherman can utilize both hands in a side-by-side orientation for increased control and strength when pulling up on the standard fishing rod and reeling in fish. Further, the fishing rod handle assembly generally includes one or more collars connected to the handle, the one or more collars having splined recesses therein for detachably connecting the standard fishing rod to the fishing rod handle assembly, such that the fishing rod handle assembly firmly grips the standard fishing rod to prevent twisting, but does not damage or break the standard fishing rod.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a wearable device used to determine whether motion data and heart rate data correspond to a fishing activity. The wearable device may include a heart rate sensor and a motion sensor. The wearable device may include a computer system with a processor and memory. The memory may have a plurality of executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor may receive motion data from the motion sensor, receive heart rate data from the heart rate sensor, and determine whether the received motion data and heart rate data corresponds to a fishing activity.

Abstract: In various implementations, a knotting aid may facilitate hand tying of line(s). A knotting aid may include two or more arms extending from a base. A first arm of the knotting aid may include a stationary coupling member and a second arm of the knotting aid may include a sliding coupling member. The coupling members may be able to retain line(s) without substantially damaging the line(s).

Abstract: A flyswatter is disclosed which includes a handle split into a top part and a bottom part from a first end to a first predetermined location along an elongated direction of the handle, an elastic band wrapped around the handle at a second predetermined location between the first end and the first predetermined location of the handle, the elastic band urging the top part and the bottom part toward each other, and a perforated swatting panel removably inserted into the handle between the top part and the bottom part, the perforated swatting panel having a first and a second slot cut into an edge thereof accommodating two side portions of the elastic band, respectively.

Abstract: A rodent capturing system includes a bucket that may be positioned on a support surface. A fluid is contained in the bucket and the fluid is comprised of a toxic material with respect to rodents. A pair of ramps is provided and each of the ramps extends between the bucket and the support surface thereby facilitating a rodent to climb the ramps. A lure is rotatably coupled to the bucket. The rodent climbs on the lure thereby facilitating the lure to drop the rodent into the fluid. In this way the fluid kills the rodent.

Abstract: A power line protection device protects a power line from avifauna. The power line protection device includes at least two of an attachment portion attached to the power line, the attachment portion having a helical turn that winds around the power line, a lighting apparatus for emitting light, or a reflective device having a reflective material that reflects light. The lighting apparatus is attached to at least one of the attachment portion or the reflective device. The reflective device is attached to at least one of the attachment portion or the lighting apparatus. A method for protecting a power line from avifauna is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an emulsifiable granule comprising the steps of a) emulsifying water with a solution of a pesticide in a water-insoluble solvent, b) contacting the emulsion resulting from step a) and a solid dispersant containing a water-soluble polycarboxylate and a water-soluble anionic surfactant, and c) extruding the paste resulting from step b). The invention further relates to emulsifiable granules containing a water-insoluble solvent, a pesticide, which is dissolved in the water-insoluble solvent, a water-soluble polycarboxylate, and a water-soluble anionic surfactant.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition that contains (a) one or more anionic surfactant compounds, (b) one or more one or more fatty acid alkyl ester compounds, and (c) one or more salts is useful as a component of pesticide compositions.

Abstract: There is described a composition comprising a microparticle component; optionally an encapsulated active agent; and a preservative amount of one or more terpenes.

Abstract: Disclosed are antimicrobial emulsions, products comprising the emulsions, and methods of use.