Abstract: A tractor in which a lift valve of a hydraulic system for lifting up/down a work machine is mechanically coupled to a lift lever, and conditions for an engine startup are set as follows: a reverser lever is at a neutral position thereof; a PTO (power take-off) clutch is disengaged; a seat switch is ON; and the lift lever is at a lowermost position thereof. A switch driving unit is provided on a side face of the lift lever so that the side face is orthogonal to a turning direction of the lift lever; a switch is provided so as to be opposed to the switch driving unit when the lift lever is turned to be at the lowermost position; and the lift lever at the lowermost position is detected by the switch.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for creating a soil compaction map for a field may include a plurality of sensors, with each sensor being provided in operative association with one of the plurality of fluid-driven actuators. Each sensor may be configured to detect a force associated with its respective fluid-driven actuator as associated shanks engage the ground with movement of the tillage implement across the field. Furthermore, a controller of the system may be configured to identify one or more locations of a compaction layer within the field based on sensor data received from the plurality of sensors associated with the detected forces. Additionally, the controller may further be configured to create a soil compaction map for the field based on the identified one or more locations of the compaction layer.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, a row unit coupled to the frame, and a hopper coupled to the frame independently of the row unit. The hopper is configured to store an agricultural product, and the hopper is not configured to receive the agricultural product from a supply container coupled to the agricultural implement. The agricultural implement also includes a meter configured to receive the agricultural product from the hopper via movement of the agricultural product under the influence of gravity from the hopper to the meter. The meter is configured to output substantially singulated particles of the agricultural product, the row unit includes a ground-engaging tool configured to open a trench within soil, and the row unit includes a product tube configured to receive the substantially singulated particles of the agricultural product from the meter and to direct the substantially singulated particles toward the trench.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivering seed from a metering device to a furrow. In one embodiment, a seed meter entrains and releases seed from a seed disc at a seed release location. The released seed is directed into a seed conveyor by a loading wheel. The seed conveyor conveys the seed toward the soil and releases the seed with a rearward relative velocity.

Abstract: A seed firmer and bracket combination for a planter row unit. The bracket includes a forward end configured to mount to a frame member of the planter row unit. The seed firmer includes a body having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a resiliently flexible central portion. The upper portion of the seed firmer body is releasably retained between a forward surface and a back surface of the rearward end of the bracket by a rearwardly extending upper arm and lower arms that respectively engage a top edge and a bottom edge of the back surface preventing the seed firmer body from moving vertically and horizontally relative to the bracket until the upper arm is disengaged from the top edge of the back surface.

Abstract: A ground-engaging component disposed at least partially within a planting trench formed by a planter row unit in a soil surface. The ground engaging component is capable of pivoting laterally side-to-side about a pivot axis as the ground engaging component advances in a forward direction of travel. The ground engaging component may include at least one wing extending laterally outward to form a side trench in a sidewall of the planting trench as the planter row unit advances in the forward direction of travel. The at least one wing may include a fluid outlet in fluid communication with a fluid source to deposit fluid into the side trench.

Abstract: A work machine having an autonomous travel function may include: a cutting section that cuts a work target of the work machine; an image-capturing section that captures an image of the work target cut by the cutting section; and a judging section that judges a state of the cutting section based on the image captured by the image-capturing section. The judging section may judge whether maintenance of or a check on the cutting section is necessary or not based on a result of judgment about the state of the cutting section.

Abstract: A method and device for trimming around stationary objects is disclosed as a rotary mowing attachment with a cutting head assembly slidably coupled to a carrier assembly that is positioned by a slope control circuit and controller. The cutting head assembly has at least two counter-rotating blades, at least one rotator motor configured to rotate the cutting head assembly about a cutting head central axis, at least one blade drive motor configured to drive the at least two counter-rotating blades, and at least one lateral motion drive motor configured to move the cutting head assembly position relative to the carrier assembly.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle with a header including multiple row units each include a feed/snapping unit and a chopping unit. The header further includes a first power transmission shaft for driving the feed/snapping units, and a second power transmission shaft connected via a drivetrain to a drive at the agricultural vehicle. Each chopper unit includes a safety clutch and is connected via the safety clutch to the second power transmission shaft. At least one torque sensor is provided for the second power transmission shaft, drivetrain, or drive, which torque sensor is operationally connected to a torque fluctuation monitor configured to recognize a predetermined change in torque fluctuation indicating a safety clutch slip. The torque fluctuation monitor is operationally connected to a user interface for signaling the safety clutch slip.

Abstract: A grass collecting assembly for a grass mower includes a bag holder provide in a strut unit supported to a vehicle body, a grass collecting bag attached to the bag holder, and a guide cover. The grass collecting bag has a bottom wall and a circumferential wall. An upper end of the circumferential wall forms an upper opening portion. The bottom wall is switchable between a discharging posture for downwardly discharging cut grass pieces accumulated in the grass collecting bag and an accumulating posture for accumulating cut grass pieces in the grass collecting bag. The guide cover guides cut grass pieces conveyed through a duct to the upper opening portion.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for harvesting microgreens, plants are grown in individual trays. To harvest the tops of the live plants, a tray is placed at an angle to the horizontal that will allow upper portions of the plants that are harvested to fall naturally into a bin for collection. An automated cutting implement may be used to harvest the upper portions by moving over the tray at a selected distance above the tray.

Abstract: A harvester header support for supporting a header of an agricultural harvester, having a forward travel mode and a rearward travel mode. In the forward travel mode a first coupling element is in a forward travel position relative to a second coupling element, and in the rearward travel mode the first coupling element is in a rearward travel position relative to the second coupling element, wherein the first coupling element is moveable from the forward travel position to the rearward travel position and/or vice versa by pivoting the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element about the first pivot axis. An agricultural harvester having the harvester header support and a method for operating the agricultural harvester are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A bale accumulator for grouping bales for group baling includes a platform, a depositor mounted adjacent to the platform for sequentially depositing bale sets onto the platform, each bale set when deposited onto the platform comprises a pair of bales positioned upright and side-by-side in a packing orientation so that their corresponding long sides are axially juxtaposed, and a packer apparatus mounted adjacent to the platform for packing one bale set at a time from the platform into a group baler trailing the platform each time a bale set is deposited onto the platform from the depositor without changing the packing orientation of the bales of each bale set.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an agricultural harvester includes a first and second cleaning systems. A plurality of fans of a substantially similar diameter are fluidically coupled to the first and second cleaning systems. A controller generates and sends control signals to the fans to control the speeds of the fans.

Abstract: A grain pan for a combine harvester comprises a plurality of grain pan members with a closed surface grain contacting surface adapted to engage the harvested crop. More than one of the grain pan members are grain pan members comprising a first connection element and a second connection element, the first connection element being adapted to effectuate a detachable connection with the second connection element of another grain pan body member and vice versa. The grain pan members are detachably connected to each other, one behind the other via their respective first and second connection elements, in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction of grain transportation.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: An example adaptive Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) sensor and controller system includes a hemispherical incident, translucent light housing that accepts light from above or from the sides in an artificial grow environment. A linear light sensor is positioned to receive light for the artificial grow environment, and an identical light sensor that is isolated from all light for the artificial grow environment. The identical light sensor functions as a temperature compensation device for the active photosensitive cell, A circuit supplies 0 to 10 VDC to a dimming input of a constant current LED driver to linearly dim an LED light according to at least measured intensity of light, from full-on to full-off as a direct inverse of the amount of sunlight received by linear light sensor, so that more sunlight causes more dimming of the LED light until at a predetermined threshold, the LED light is shut completely off.

Abstract: A growing system and/or plant support structure may include one or more feet supporting at least one or more uprights, on which a plurality of plants and/or grow boards for growing plants may be positioned. A nutrient delivery system may be positioned between opposing uprights to provide nutrient supply to a root zone of plants, which nutrient delivery system may be positioned adjacent each opposing upright in an interior chamber of the plant support structure. A light system may be positioned between two adjacent plant support structures such that it simultaneously provides light to the exterior surface of the two plant support structures.

Abstract: A fastener device adapted for attaching at least one tag (or other identifier) to an object. The fastener device comprises a T-bar component, a paddle component, and a filament component flexibly attached to both the T-bar component on one end and the paddle component on the other end. In some embodiments, the fastener device is deployable via a fastener dispensing device comprising a needle designed to puncture a hole in at least one tag and the object while also inserting the T-bar component through the hole. Once inserted, the paddle component exerts a cantilever spring force against at least one tag holding the tag(s) securely against the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant support system (100), comprising at least a first stake (1a) and a second stake (1b) for supporting at least one plant (27) thereto, as well as a releasable connecting element (3a) for connecting the two stakes (1a, 1b) to each other, wherein the connecting element (3a) is movable along the first stake (1a) and/or along the second stake (1b), so that at least one of the two stakes (1a, 1b) may be adapted to a plant growth.

Abstract: A system includes a latent exchanger and first and second fans. The latent exchanger includes first and second chambers and one or more membranes separating the first chamber from the second chamber. The one or more membranes are gas-impervious. The first fan generates a greenhouse airflow that flows from a greenhouse, into the first chamber, and then back to the greenhouse. The second fan generates an outside airflow that flows from an outside environment, into the second chamber, and then back to the outside environment. The one or more membranes are configured to permit moisture to flow through the one or more membranes from the greenhouse airflow to the outside airflow through the one or more membranes and to prevent carbon dioxide from flowing through the one or more membranes from the greenhouse airflow to the outside airflow.

Abstract: A root protective barrier includes a sidewall and a base. The sidewall includes a plurality of crisscrossing rods defining openings therebetween. The sidewall further includes an upper edge defining a top opening and a lower edge defining a bottom opening. The base includes a plurality of crisscrossing rods defining openings therebetween. The base further includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and an outer edge. The lower edge of the sidewall is coupled to the upper surface of the base so that the base covers the bottom opening. The root protective barrier is made of a polymer, such as a plastic, so that the root protective barrier does not degrade over time.

Abstract: The invention is an important innovation in mushroom culture in which not only are mycelia beneficially grown on the novel combination of a grain (or seed) and an herb, in the preferred embodiment of the invention the mycelial mass is grown in a co-fermentation with all of a grain (or seed), an herb and a juice. The resulting mycelial biomass contains dramatically improved medicinal and nutritional constituents compared to mushrooms grown on standard, prior art media.

Abstract: A blade assembly for use with a sod cutter, the blade assembly including a first vertical knife, a second vertical knife, and a horizontal blade extending between and coupled to an interior surface of both the first vertical knife and the second vertical knife. Each of the first vertical knife and the second vertical knife includes a first beveled edge extending along a first frontward-facing edge from a toe portion to a base portion of each of the first vertical knife and the second vertical knife. Additionally, each of the first vertical knife and the second vertical knife also includes a second beveled edge extending along a second frontward-facing edge proximate to a mounting portion of each of the first vertical knife and the second vertical knife.

Abstract: A blower including a base having a housing, a handle extending from the housing, a power source positioned within the housing, the blower including: a drive shaft extending forwardly from the power source, wherein the drive shaft is rotatable by the power source; a fan member operatively connected to the drive shaft; a flywheel extending rearwardly from the power source, the flywheel being positioned adjacent to a rear of the housing; and at least one rear vent formed into the rear of the housing adjacent to the flywheel, wherein rotation of the flywheel draws ambient air into the housing through the at least one rear vent, and rotation of the flywheel generates a cooling air flow that directs the ambient air across the power source to cool the power source during operation thereof.

Abstract: This application discloses a geotextile-based structure for soil stabilization, erosion control, and vegetation-growth enhancement that is made from a cage having a hollow interior lined with a geotextile fabric designed to retain fine materials, which cage is attached to a geotextile mat capable of supporting vegetation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an irrigation implement may include receiving tubing. The tubing may be conventional plastic irrigation tubing. The tubing may be cut to form a first end of an irrigation implement. The tubing may be cut to form a second end of the irrigation implement. Either the first end or the second end of the tubing may be pinched in forming the irrigation implement. The pinched end of the tubing may be sealed in forming the irrigation implement. In an embodiment, the pinched end may be heat sealed to form the irrigation implement.

Abstract: An agricultural irrigation control system including a pump, a dual port and on/off diverter in fluid communication with the pump, a multi-port diverter in fluid communication with the dual port and on/off diverter, a controller board in electronic communication with the dual port and on/off diverter and the multi-port diverter, the controller board controlling the operation of the dual port and on/off diverter and the multi-port diverter, and a plurality of environmental sensors in electronic communication with the controller board, where the agricultural irrigation control system is configured for individualized administration of one or more substances to one or more agricultural products based on real-time analysis of the one or more agricultural products and/or a surrounding environment of the one or more agricultural products provided by one or more environmental sensors of the plurality of environmental sensors.

Abstract: A system may include a sprinkler or irrigation controller and one or more sensor devices. The controller may receive sensor data from the sensor devices and, based on the sensor data, controls operation of the system. The sensor devices may sleep until awoken by the controller. The controller requests data from a sensor device by sending a sequence of wake up messages to the sensor device followed by a message payload. Upon receiving a wake up message, the sensor device determines the time when the message payload from the controller will be received, and sleep again until that time. Then, the sensor wakes and receives the message payload transmitted to the sensor device at the determined time. Rather than waking up for the entire duration of waiting for the message payload, sleeping between the wake up message and the message payload allows the sensor device to reduce power consumption.

Abstract: A self-watering tray device having an integral internal irrigation system, and a method of watering allowing water to be supplied by means of standard garden water hose and existing water faucet. A plurality of said self-watering trays capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a standard water faucet and standard garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self-watering trays and non-self-watering planters positioned thereon.

Abstract: A plant grow tray system comprising a plurality of trays comprising at least one upper tray and at least one bottom tray is provided. The upper tray is placed inside the bottom tray with upper tray supports between the upper tray and the bottom tray creating a space between the trays. The upper tray and the bottom tray comprise a sealing mechanism to seal the upper tray to the bottom tray. The upper tray has a corrugated profile with crest and trough portions, air holes on the corrugated surface, a drain basin, drain flange, and drain pipe. The bottom tray has an air-flow modifier, air flange, and a drain hole. The system is designed to allow air to be ducted or exhausted from the space between the upper tray and the bottom tray enabling the delivery of conditioned, fresh, or recirculated air directly to a plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for growing plants in a controlled environment comprises an enclosure, at least one basket for receiving plant material to be grown in the apparatus, and at least one cassette for receiving a basket therein. The apparatus further comprises a drive mechanism, said drive mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one basket and/or the at least one cassette, that imparts a drive force to cause the at least one basket to rotate in the at least one cassette and in the enclosure. The apparatus and system also include a climate-control mechanism that may include a light source, a fan, a ventilation system, an air passage, and ductwork. The apparatus and system also include a trough with a sump for drainage of the trough, an intake aperture, a baffle, a closure, an air intake sleeve, and an intake fan.

Abstract: A shipping container is fitted to house a vertical hydroponic grow system. The entrance allows wheelchair access. The floor is a skid proof flat and dry design. The ceiling has four side to side rails that can support multiple grow frame movable walls and four movable LED light walls. Each grow frame wall has a plurality of vertically hanging (plastic) grow tubes each with front and rear plant ports. The grow frame walls can be moved to allow wheelchair access for harvesting and replanting without removal of the grow tubes. Each grow frame wall has an integral lower gutter that empties into a catch basin preferably located at an end of the container opposite the entrance. A nutrient reservoir recirculates the nutrient fluid to each grow frame wall on a programmed interval. Ozone and a R/O filter cycle cleans the nutrient fluid on a selected cycle. A seed station can be located at the entrance.

Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed relate to DNA compositions, plant cells, seeds, plant parts that relate to maize plants with increased grain yield trait. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DP-202216-6 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid melon variety NUN 16227 MEM as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 16227 MEM is a non-sutured cantaloupe melon of the Harper subtype (i.e.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct pepper variety NUN 89004 PPS as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 89004 PPS is a red, mini sweet pointed sweet pepper variety for the snacking segment, comprising resistance to Pepper Mild Mottle Virus Pathotype 0.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel endophyte strains or cultures thereof that have a symbiotic relationship with plants. The present disclosure further provides methods of improving seed vitality, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, plant health and yield under both stressed and unstressed environmental conditions, comprising inoculating a seed with the novel endophyte strains and cultivating a plant therefrom.

Abstract: A methylphenidate, particularly including dextro-threo-methylphenidate, is administered to a subject to treat a speech, gait or limb impairment secondary to a genetically acquired pre-frontal cortex processing disease or disorder, particularly including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Angelman syndrome, Rett syndrome and Fragile-X syndrome.

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: This invention relates to a safety pet transportation device, basically in the form of a portable cage, comprising a main body, two oppositely attached side walls, at least one door, a handle and at least one safety arrangement, said main body having a bottom part, a top part with said handle and a front and a back part, wherein at least on of said front and a back part is arranged with one opening for attachment of said at least one door, and wherein, at least one of said side walls having a peripheral solid body part arranged with a plurality of safety belt holders.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing feed, comprising: at least one line for the distribution of feed from at least one storage location to a series of dispensers for dispensing the feed to the cages of animals, at least one feed container which affects the line upstream and downstream of the dispensers respectively for the loading and discharging of feed, on the part of the line, not released to the dispensers, means for detecting the level of feed inside the container, at least one control system adapted to receive filling information of the feed container from the detection means and to control the loading of the line with feed from the storage location or from the feed container and to set the travel speed of the line.

Abstract: A pet water feeder outlet pipe with a water stop structure which includes an outlet pipe located at the bottom of a pet water feeder, a guiding torus and a concave ring groove. The guiding torus and concave ring groove are located in the inner wall of the outlet pipe respectively, and the concave ring groove is located between the outlet pipe orifice and the guiding torus. A ball is movably held in the outlet pipe, and partially projects from the orifice of the outlet pipe. A water stop washer is located in the concave ring groove, and the inner edge projects from the concave ring groove inwards. An inner ring flange is provided on the inner edge of the water stop washer, and the ball optionally clings to the water stop washer and the inner ring flange, so as to seal the outlet pipe for water stoppage.

Abstract: A nail clipper for pet animals is provided. The nail clipper includes opposing light sources configured on two arms. The light sources provide cross-illumination during use of the nail clipper. This cross-illumination lighting from each light source are configured to assist groomers or pet owners to carefully cut nails of pet animals especially during low lighting conditions and thereby avoiding injury to pet animals.

Abstract: A canine tethering device for walking a dog includes a leash that is coupled to an upper end of a frame. An umbrella, a flashlight, and a pouch are coupled to the frame. A sprayer that comprises capsaicin and propellent is coupled to the leash. The sprayer is configured to selectively aerosolize the capsaicin. Waste bags are sequentially extractable, through a hole that is positioned in the pouch, from a roll that is positioned in the pouch. A pair of jaws is pivotally coupled to a lower end of the frame. An actuator is coupled to the frame proximate to the upper end. The actuator is operationally coupled to the jaws. The actuator is positioned to pivot the jaws to an open configuration to insert dog waste between the jaws and to pivot the jaws to a closed configuration to collect the dog waste.

Abstract: An animal leash including a strap having a first end and a second end and a quick-release connector coupled to the strap. A first portion of the strap extends from the quick-release connector to the first end and a second portion of the strap extends from the quick-release connector to the second end. A locking member is coupled to the first and second portions of the strap to form a collar loop. The locking member may be alterable between: (1) a locked state in which a size of the collar loop is fixed; and (2) an unlocked state in which the size of the collar loop is adjustable.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a nectar container removably coupled to a feeding basin, the nectar container including a top opening closed by a cap. The cap has a sealing member configured to have an interference press fit with the top opening of the nectar container. The sealing member includes at least one void to allow air passage so that liquid can flow from the nectar container into the feeding basin when the feeder is in use.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder is provided that has a nectar container with a lower end liquid flow opening, a nectar basin positioned below the nectar container and removably coupled thereto, and a recessed elastomeric sealing member. The nectar basin includes an upper part and a lower part that are separable from one another and configured to be engaged along adjacent surfaces thereof. The recessed elastomeric sealing member is held against a retaining structure and is positioned to be engaged between the upper and lower parts of the nectar basin to create a liquid tight seal of the nectar basin when the feeder components are assembled.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a nectar container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the nectar container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The float valve includes a float having a frame with a buoyant member mounted thereon, the buoyant member being made of a closed-cell foam.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder is provided that includes a nectar container removably coupled to a feeding basin having at least one feed port therein and a flower assembly fitted within the feed port. The flower assembly includes a flower body and a mounting member fitted in the center of the flower body, the mounting member having an elongated tapered passageway through which hummingbirds can access nectar in the feeding basin. The mounting member also has a semi-conical exterior geometry that facilitates mounting of the flower assembly within the feed port.