Abstract: A new and distinct nectarine tree variety, Prunus persica var. nucipersica, cv. ‘Sunectwentysix’ is characterized by early ripening, very large sized and sweet fruit having a high brix value and a high brix:acid ratio.

Abstract: A new and distinct blackberry cultivar that originated from seed produced from a cross between the thornless female blackberry plant ‘Ouachita’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,762) and the thornless, male parent blackberry plant ‘ORUS 2867-4’ (unpatented)). This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by being fairly early ripening for a semi-erect blackberry, by its large sized, very firm berries with tough skin and a crisp texture when eaten and excellent flavor, by its high yields borne on a vigorous plant with a semi-erect type growth habit and by its completely thornless canes.

Abstract: A new and distinct Phalaenopsis plant named ‘Lady Luck’ particularly characterized by flowers which are purple/violet with very small white edges; plants which may be propagated economically and uniformly using tissue culture; plants which produce more than one inflorescence; long and sturdy inflorescences; and relatively short, dark-green foliage.

Abstract: A new Calibrachoa plant named ‘CBRZ0021’ particularly distinguished by the large sized purple flowers with a large darker eye and yellow inside the flower at the base of the petals, green foliage, good branching, early flowering, and a moderately compact, semi-trailing plant habit, and has little sensitivity to soil pH.

Abstract: An operation control apparatus and method of controlling a plurality of operationally connected voice recognition-enabled systems, each having reciprocal control operational states corresponding to an enabled/disabled state.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a semiconductor system may be disclosed. The semiconductor system according to the one embodiment may include, for example, a plurality of electronic devices and a host apparatus. The host apparatus may simultaneously initialize the plurality of electronic devices in units of group.

Abstract: A method and system for providing point-of-sale and point-of-delivery and/or distribution of products in a restricted access unit near the customer. The method and system utilize products equipped with radio frequency tags and reduce the effects of energy sharing, shadowing, and nulls. In one embodiment, a plurality of RF tagged products are placed within a refrigerator, cabinet, or other micro-warehouse that has a door or opening that can detect access to the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, one or more antennas are positioned within the door. Each antenna may have a transmission line of sight and be configured to emit a signal at predefined frequencies. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field within the micro-warehouse. In one embodiment, the products are positioned in one or more bins, compartments, or similar devices located within the micro-warehouse such that at least two of the plurality of products are spaced a distance from each other to reduce energy sharing.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a semiconductor die with a plurality of tapered bumps formed over a surface of the semiconductor die. The tapered bumps can have a non-collapsible portion and collapsible portion. A plurality of conductive traces is formed over a substrate with interconnect sites. A masking layer is formed over the substrate with openings over the conductive traces. The tapered bumps are bonded to the interconnect sites so that the tapered bumps contact the mask layer and conductive traces to form a void within the opening of the mask layer over the substrate. The substrate can be non-wettable to aid with forming the void in the opening of the masking layer. The void provides thermally induced stress relief. Alternatively, the masking layer is sufficiently thin to avoid the tapered interconnect structures contacting the mask layer. An encapsulant or underfill material is deposited between the semiconductor die and substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) design which is suitable for providing a high output power high-speed DAC, e.g., in radio frequency applications. The DAC design utilizes a parallel DAC structure, e.g., having 8 parallel DACs and an aggregate current output, to provide a high and programmable current output (in some implementations, up to 512 mA or more). The parallel DAC structure alleviates the design problems which exist in trying to output a high amount of current using a single DAC. The DAC design further utilizes a hybrid structure which integrates the signal chain for a more reliable system. In some embodiments, the hybrid structure uses a CMOS process for the current sources and switches and a GaAs cascode stage for combining the outputs to optimally leverage the advantages of both technologies. The result is a highly efficient DAC (with peak output power programmable up to 29 dBm or more).

Abstract: A method of transmitting data in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes generating duplicate data by using repetition coding, the duplicate data being the same as original data, shifting the phase of the duplicate data, and transmitting the original data and the phase-shifted duplicate data. The duplicate data is mapped to a modulation symbol having a different size or phase as that of the original data, thus to reduce the PAPR unlike the general repetition coding.

Abstract: An assembly, comprising a handle, a tool head and a sleeve, wherein an end of the handle engages within the sleeve on a first end of the sleeve and the sleeve engages within a socket of the hand tool on a second end of the sleeve, the sleeve thereby securely connecting the handle and the tool hand, and a method of fabrication thereof, comprising providing a handle, providing a sleeve, providing an implement head comprising a socket, inserting the handle, from an end thereof, within the sleeve by a first end of the sleeve, and inserting the sleeve, by a second end thereof, within the socket of the implement head.

Abstract: A link assembly (3) for an agricultural ground engaging chain (1) including a plurality of said link assemblies (3), the link assembly including: a first component (7) having a first clamping portion (21) and a first link portion (13) for linking with a link portion of an adjacent link assembly; a second component (9) having a second clamping portion (27) and a second link portion (15) for linking with a link portion of an adjacent link assembly; a resilient harrow member (5), wherein the resilient harrow member (5) is elastically deformable; and at least one fastening element (11).

Abstract: A tillage apparatus for selective primary tillage and seed bed preparation makes use of a selectively moveable primary tillage shank to provide seasonal, in-field and/or on-the-fly flexibility of tillage operation. The tillage apparatus has a cultivator frame, at least one secondary tillage tool mounted on the frame and a primary tillage shank mounted on the frame, the primary tillage shank selectively moveable between a lowered soil engaging position and a raised disengaged position. In a method of tilling or preparing a seed bed, the tillage apparatus is dragged around a field with the at least one secondary tillage tool engaged with the field when secondary tillage of the field is desired, and the selectively moveable primary tillage shank lowered to be engaged with the field when the field is in need of primary tillage or raised to be disengaged from the field when primary tillage is not desired.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head for mounting on a feederhouse of an agricultural combine has an adapter frame coupled to and supported on a center frame section with four links. Each link extends between and is pivotally coupled to the center frame section at a forward end of the link and is pivotally coupled to the adapter frame at a rear end of the link.

Abstract: In certain aspects the present disclosure provides lawn/garden spraying devices and methods for their use. The support arrangement is configured to be mounted to a trailer hitch of a lawn and garden tractor, ATV or UTV. The support enables the user to selectively fix the height and angle of the nozzles on a spray boom. The support forms an adjustable “Z” arrangement.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a frame member and at least one double rolling basket assembly coupled to the frame member. The double rolling basket assembly has a forward basket and a rearward basket behind the forward basket. A horizontal beam is rotatably connected at the opposite ends thereof to the forward basket and the rearward basket. The horizontal beam has a pivotal connection to the frame member.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a two-position quick-connect mounting system for mounting a farm implement to a toolbar in an operating configuration, the mounting assembly including a toolbar bracket and an implement bar, the implement bar being mounted to the toolbar bracket by: i) raising the implement bar into a downward facing cavity of the toolbar bracket; and ii) longitudinally translating the implement bar such that lateral projections on either side of the implement bar are received into operating slots in the toolbar bracket, and a spring-biased locking member automatically engages a securing member. In an illustrative embodiment, the implement bar may be mounted to the toolbar bracket in a stowage configuration by sliding the projections into stowage slots separate from the operating slots. In some embodiments, the implement may advantageously be mounted in one of two mounting configurations, without requiring tools.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a frame, a hydraulic system, a controller and a plurality of sensors. The hydraulic system is coupled to the frame and has a plurality of hydraulic actuators fluidically coupled in a series arrangement. The controller is in control of the hydraulic system. The plurality of sensors have at least one sensor coupled to each of the plurality of hydraulic actuators. The sensors are in communication with the controller, with the controller executing the steps of receiving at least one signal from the sensors indicating a need to rephase the hydraulic actuators; and operating the hydraulic system to rephase the hydraulic actuators dependent upon the signal.

Abstract: One or more portions of an agricultural implement has components that are adjusted to adjust the height of the portions. This allows the implement to be used in a transport position or in a field use position. To better control the change in the height, an implement includes a mechanical control valve that mechanically controls an input to one or more actuators that are providing the height adjustment. The mechanical control valve is used to attempt to synchronize the actuation or more than one actuator so that the height of the implement is adjusted in a controlled manner. The mechanical control valve can be self-adjusting to maintain a synchronized change in height.

Abstract: A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement for a towable agricultural implement utilizes a control unit that receives an input signal indicative of a desired position of the stabilizer wheel, and/or a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame, to automatically control a hydraulic positioning cylinder of the remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement to position and hold the stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheel, by simultaneously controlling pressure in both the rod and base ends of the bore of the hydraulic cylinder to hold the stabilizer wheel at a target position determined from the desired position input signal.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head for an agricultural combine has a first gauge wheel assembly coupled to a laterally extending frame that is convertible from (a) a harvesting position in which the first gauge wheel assembly supports the frame during crop harvesting, to (b) a transport position in which the first gauge wheel assembly supports the at least one section for transport on the road.

Abstract: A header comprising multiple row elements along a width of the header. The multiple row elements are connected to a frame which is segmented into two peripheral segments and two central segments. Each peripheral segment is connected to an adjacent one of the central segments via a respective distal pivot, and the central segments are interconnected via a central pivot. The distal pivots are arranged to allow a rotation of the peripheral segments with respect to the central segments. The central pivot are arranged to allow a central rotation of the central segments with respect to each other, such that the segments are movable with respect to each other between a folded state and an operating state.

Abstract: A seed meter includes a seed disc rotatable in a direction of rotation. The seed disc has a plurality of seed apertures defining a circular path as the seed disc rotates and on which seeds from a seed source are entrained. A singulator is disposed along to the circular path. The singulator has a plurality of outer lobes and a first orientation lobe located downstream of the outer lobes. As the entrained seeds rotate along the circular path, the first orientation lobe contacts the entrained seeds to change their orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation lobe may be disposed to remove excess seeds from the apertures and a second orientation lobe may change the orientation of the entrained seed.

Abstract: Methods for avoiding seed-metering errors in planters include monitoring seed loading in a seed distribution disk with a pre-sensor, monitoring clogging of the seeds with at least one post-sensor, monitoring obstructions in a seed duct with the post-sensor, detecting analog voltage signals generated by the pre-sensor and post-sensor, converting the analog signals into digital signals using at least one analog/digital converter, processing the digital signals on a processor, and transmitting the processed digital signals to a central monitoring unit with an RF transceiver. Related devices for avoiding seed-metering errors in planters are also disclosed.

Abstract: A meter roller for an agricultural metering system includes a flute and a recess positioned adjacent to one another along a circumferential axis of the meter roller. The flute and the recess are configured to meter flowable particulate material from a storage tank to a material distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. In addition, a first circumferential extent of the flute is at least 1.5 times greater than a second circumferential extent of the recess along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess, and the entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess is greater than the first circumferential extent of the flute and the second circumferential extent of the recess.

Abstract: A parallel arm furrow opener assembly defines upper and lower front pivot axes and upper and lower rear pivot axes oriented horizontally and perpendicular to a travel direction. A furrow opener and a packer wheel are attached to a rear link of the assembly. In operation the furrow opener and the packer wheel are in fixed positions with respect to the rear link member, and a bias element is operative to exert a downward bias force on the furrow opener assembly. A front pivot line connecting the upper and lower front pivot axes is parallel to a rear pivot line connecting the upper and lower rear pivot axes, and the front and rear pivot lines are oriented at a pivot angle with respect to a vertical orientation, and the pivot angle is adjustable to vary a furrow depth of the furrow.

Abstract: A mulching mower unit includes a mower deck, a rotary shaft, a blade, a shroud, and a deflector plate. The shroud has a circumferential wall including a rotational trajectory of the blade, and extends downward from a bottom surface of the mower deck to an area adjacent to the blade. The deflector plate is provided above the blade and radially outward of the rotary shaft in a running direction in an inner space of the shroud. The deflector plate includes a main body having an inner edge facing the rotary shaft and an outer edge spaced apart from the inner edge radially outward of the rotary shaft. The outer edge is positioned closer to the ground than the inner edge.

Abstract: A method may include receiving map data descriptive of a plurality of zones located within a parcel of land and receiving information indicative of a plurality of reference coordinates or objects including at least a first and second reference coordinate or object located on the parcel, in which the first and second reference coordinate or object each has corresponding information for defining boundaries for a first workable zone and a second workable zone on the parcel associated therewith, respectively. The method may further include determining the boundaries of the first and second workable zones responsive to detection of at least the first and second reference coordinate or object, respectively. The method may also include receiving time-scheduling instructions for the first and second workable zones, and operating the robotic vehicle to remain within the first and second workable zones in response to the time-scheduling instructions.

Abstract: A flexible line trimmer head has a housing with an operating axis and is made up of first and second parts configured to be placed in: a) a first state wherein the first and second housing parts are separated from each other; and b) a second state wherein the housing parts are operatively connected. The first and second housing parts configured so that in the second state a space is defined between the first and second housing parts within which an operatively positioned spool can be captively maintained. The flexible line trimmer head further has a unitary shaft that extends axially between, and connects to, each of the first and second housing parts to maintain a desired aligned relationship between the first and second housing parts.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lawn mower includes one or more of: (a) cutter deck baffle teeth for improving cutting performance; (b) a trim divider edge portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; (c) a trim vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance; and/or (d) a center vacuum structure portion of the cutter deck for improving cutting performance.

Abstract: A wear strip arrangement for an endless belt conveyor for a feederhouse of an agricultural combine includes a first body that is configured to be attached to a slat that in turn is attached to the endless belt.

Abstract: A self-cleaning sump for an agricultural harvester may include a collection chamber defining a top end and a bottom end. The self-cleaning sump may also include a sump door positioned at the bottom end of the collection chamber, with the sump door being movable between an opened position and a closed position. Additionally, the self-cleaning sump may include a cleaning device movable within the collection chamber between a raised position and a lowered position and an actuator coupled to the cleaning device. The actuator may be configured to actuate the cleaning device between the raised and lowered positions independent of the sump door. When the actuator is activated, the cleaning device may be configured to contact collected material contained within the collection chamber as the cleaning device is moved within the collection chamber between the top and bottom ends of the chamber.

Abstract: A residue handling system of an agricultural harvester includes a straw beater for receiving material other than grain from a threshing and separating system. A subsequent residue treatment device receives the material from the straw beater and breaks down larger parts of the material prior to discharge from the agricultural harvester. At least one wind generating system is located at an end of the straw beater and directs a flow of air from the vicinity of the straw beater to the subsequent residue treatment device. The flow of air is directed to pass substantially through an upper rearward part of the residue handling system. The flow of air operates to further entrain, render airborne, and transport material other than grain proceeding from the straw beater to the subsequent residue treatment device.

Abstract: A threshing apparatus in a combine harvester has a main frame and a threshing rotor supported by the main frame. A concave frame supports one or more interchangeable arcuate concave grate segments in a grate reception zone. An adjustment mechanism provides adjustment of clearance between the concave grate segments and the rotor. A multi-position stop device is provided to determine the lower limit of a concave adjustment range. The position of the stop device is determined by a profile of an installed one of the interchangeable concave grate segments.

Abstract: A scraper strip for a scraper device including at least one adjusting disk positioned in a recess of the scraper strip and rotatably attached to a scraper strip support, the adjusting disk comprising an eccentric guide track, which extends in a spiral shape or at least approximately as a circle involute, from a region at least close to a center point of the at least one adjusting disk in the direction of an edge region of the adjusting disk, and so as to linearly displace the scraper strip with respect to the scraper strip support of the scraper device when the adjusting disk is rotated. A fastener is accommodated by a groove extending substantially in a displacement direction of the scraper strip such that the scraper strip is displaced with respect to the fastener.

Abstract: An open throat intake for a baler, includes a pickup unit with tines for picking up crop material from the ground and carrying the crop material towards a lower roller located across a baler inlet. Above the lower roller is an upper roller both of which include auger fighting on outward sides thereof, which can overlap with the inlet. In use the contra-rotating flightings, by cooperation with a retainer plate, urge material carried from outside edges of the pick up unit toward the baler inlet which is generally narrower than the pick up unit. Gripping ribs provide a compressive in-feed function when large volumes of material are to be processed.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely managing grain levels in one or more silos includes a computer system communicatively connected to one or more light sensors and grain loading drive mechanisms and/or grain supply reordering modules. When a sensor reports that a grain level has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the computer system generates an alert and forwards the alert across a wireless communications network to a user's mobile device. The user may select a user command to send to the computer system, whereupon the computer system may activate one or more grain loading drive mechanisms and/or reorder grain from the associated supplier in accordance with the response action or alternatively override the user command based upon one or more contextual determinations, the grain loading drive mechanisms able to replenish the grain levels to optimal, above-threshold levels.

Abstract: A chopper assembly for a crop residue distribution system of an agricultural combine may include a rotor shaft extending lengthwise along a rotational axis between a first end and a second end. The chopper assembly may also include a plurality of flail blades pivotally coupled to the rotor shaft. Each flail blade may be configured to pivot relative to the rotor shaft about a pivot axis, with the flail blades being spaced apart axially from one another between the first and second ends of the rotor shaft. In addition, the chopper assembly may include one or more features configured to improve the performance of the chopper assembly during low speed operation. For example, the feature(s) may correspond to one or more fixed blades coupled to the rotor shaft and/or one or more torsional springs provided in operative association with one or more of the flail blades.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling to a downpipe of a building, including an elongate base support structure, said base support structure having a direction of extent that is coaxial the downpipe; and a series of receptacles coupled in spaced apart positions to the base support member in the direction of extent, wherein each receptacle of the series of receptacles is shaped to hold soil for growing plants therein.

Abstract: A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

Abstract: A growing system (e.g., greenhouse) is equipped with a mixing box that features a PLC-controlled cooling coil and a heating coil in series. PLC regulated inputs include air and CO2-containing exhaust. The cooling coils in series facilitate condensation to maintain relative humidity in an acceptable range. Substantial cooling is necessary to achieve sufficient condensation and temperature reduction. Condensate is collected for reuse. The heating coil heats cooled CO2-enriched air to an acceptable temperature for plant health. The output is a temperate low relative humidity CO2-enriched stream optimal for plant health.

Abstract: A water and soil conservation and ecological restoration method of high and steep, abandoned slag piles at high elevation with large temperature differential in xerothermic drought valleys, comprises: preparing a mixed material; collecting and cutting a plant to obtain a plant ingredient; preparing a treated material; digging tree holes; planting; spreading the treated material, and watering. The water and soil conservation method adds gelling material for cover soil, and stirs to allow fine particles in the cover soil to be uniformly coated on the coarse particles to realize coherence, thus effectively avoiding water erosion and wind erosion on the loose cover soil on a slope and slag pile, reducing the cover soil falling into gaps of large slag pieces on the slope surface, thus controlling the water and cover soil conservation of a slag pile, and the scale of fill earth, and ensuring the survival rate and preservation rate of planted trees.

Abstract: A trellis component includes a tubular portion, a connector adapted to be inserted within an upper end of the tubular portion, at least two support arms, and a crop line, which are arranged such that the connector is within the upper end of the tubular portion, the arms are within and extend outwardly from the connector, and the crop line is supported by the arms in an elevated disposition to in turn support a crop.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the active substances for preventing hearing deterioration, its preparation method, the pharmaceutical composition containing the active substances, and the preparation method of the pharmaceutical composition. The preparation method of the active substances is performed by plate cultivation, flask cultivation and fermentation tank cultivation, to obtain the active substances of Hericium erinaceus mycelia in powder form. The powder of H. erinaceus mycelia is proved to have the effect of preventing hearing deterioration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method which combines sensor inputs, control systems, field mapping, motor controls, and high speed and variable speed motor designs within an irrigation machine. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides systems which are capable of full torque operation, even at speeds less than the rated speed of the motor. According to further preferred embodiments, the present invention utilizes a combination of motor types including Switch Reluctance, DC Permanent Magnet and AC Permanent Magnet motors in combination with Variable Frequency Drives.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a fluid conveyance apparatus, the apparatus comprising a receptacle comprising at least one raceway configured to allow a culture medium to flow in a continuous loop; a propulsion mechanism configured: to generate a fluid current of sufficient force to propel a floating mat on a top surface of the culture medium, and to vary a velocity of the fluid current in a controlled manner to maintain a substantially uniform distribution of the floating mat on the top surface of the culture medium; and a control mechanism operatively linked to the propulsion mechanism and configured to regulate the velocity of the fluid current.

Abstract: A broccoli plant characterized in having an exerted head having a crown higher than the leaf canopy and a harvestable head of at least about 200 grams when planted at a density of 40,000 plants per hectare, where the harvestable head comprises the top 25 centimeters of said stalk.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PKYK65 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PKYK65, cells from soybean variety 5PKYK65, plants of soybean 5PKYK65, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PKYK65. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PKYK65 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PKYK65, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PKYK65, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PKYK65. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PKYK65 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2SNA and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2SNA with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2SNA through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2SNA or a locus conversion of PH2SNA with another maize variety.