Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling an operation of agricultural implements may include a work vehicle configured to tow an implement. The work vehicle may include a hitch assembly having a draw point configured to be coupled to the implement. The work vehicle may further include an actuator configured to move the draw point relative to the hitch frame to adjust the position of the implement relative to the work vehicle. The implement may include a sensor configured to detect an operational parameter indicative of the operation of the implement. Additionally, the implement may further include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to initiate control of an operation of the actuator based on sensor data received from the sensor to adjust the operational parameter of the implement.

Abstract: An implement includes a mechanical coupling component configured to removably couple the implement to a support machine, a hydraulic fluid supply line configured to receive a supply flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure from a hydraulic system associated with the support machine, and a hydraulically-powered component configured to be actuated using the hydraulic fluid. The implement also includes a hydraulic fluid recovery system comprising a hydraulic fluid return line configured to fluidically couple to the hydraulic system associated with the support machine and provide a return flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic system. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is configured to, when the hydraulic fluid return line is decoupled from the hydraulic system associated with the support machine, receive a portion of the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid return line when a fluid pressure in the hydraulic fluid return line increases to a pressure threshold.

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: In accordance with an example embodiment, a vehicle path planning system and a method for planning a path of a vehicle having a work tool are provided. The method includes determining an actual path through a work area, modifying the actual path with a margin to determine a modified path plan through the work area, and passing the work tool through the work area with the vehicle along the modified path plan.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a method for detecting agricultural field work performed by a vehicle, comprising: a) carrying a satellite navigation receiver on the vehicle and recording a sequence of position fixes and associated time stamps; b) for a position fix: determining a group of position fixes that lie in a region; c) dividing the group into sub-groups on the basis of a minimum time interval; d) determining trajectory sections on the basis of the sub-groups; e) determining an attribute vector for the considered position fix comprising at least an angle between two trajectory sections; and, f) if the attribute vector satisfies a specified threshold criterion, detecting the position fix as a location of field work.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine comprising a seed supply and a seed meter adapted to dispense seed to a seed delivery system to deposit within a furrow. The seed meter is driven by an electronic control unit to achieve a pre-defined pattern of the seeds. The planting unit skips dispensing of seeds at locations at which a tramline extending transversely to the travel direction is to be provided.

Abstract: An agricultural planting implement is used to plant seed in a field. The implement includes an electrically-driven seed meter that is spaced on a toolbar of the implement. The seed meter, or other metering member, is a precision meter that is used to control the volume, spacing, and location of a seed that is delivered from a meter to the field. A seed source, such as a seed cart or hopper, is attached to the seed meters to provide an on-demand amount of seed to the meters for planting in the field.

Abstract: A cutting head assembly, a trimmer head and a power tool including such cutting head assembly. The cutting head assembly comprises a spool and an enclosure combined to define a spool cavity arranged to accommodate a trimmer line wound on the spool, characterized in that the trimmer line is arranged to form a single layer of winding when being retracted within the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lawn mower, including: a housing; a walking mechanism, supporting the housing and driving the housing to walk, and including a drive wheel; a motor, used to drive the drive wheel to rotate; and a control apparatus, preset with a first torque threshold and a second torque threshold, where as the motor is switched from a stopped state to a running state, the control apparatus controls a difference between a maximum actual output torque of the motor and the first torque threshold to be within a predetermined range, when the motor is in the running state, the control apparatus controls an actual output torque of the at least one motor to at most increase to the second torque threshold, the first torque threshold is less than or equal to a maximum output torque of the motor, and the second torque threshold is less than the first torque threshold.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly attaches to a rotatable spindle and includes a mounting plate which defines a first pin aperture. The mounting plate and a retaining plate are attached to the rotatable spindle. The retaining plate defines a second pin aperture. A movable pin plate comprises a pin. A blade is selectively attachable to the mounting plate. The blade defines a retaining plate aperture and a third pin aperture. A biasing member urges the movable pin plate from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The pin is engageable with the pin apertures for mounting and retaining the cutting blade to the mounting plate. The blade is attached by moving the blade over the retaining plate aperture, urging the movable pin plate to the disengaged position, rotating the blade, and releasing the movable pin plate. Another embodiment includes a force finger.

Abstract: A crop row mower incorporating an “L” member having a column and having a foot, the column having upper and lower ends, and the foot having a distal end; a wheel connected operatively at the distal end of the foot; a first rotary blade mounted at the lower end of the column; a hydraulic motor mounted at the upper end of the column; a first drive shaft extending along the column, the first drive shaft operatively interconnecting the hydraulic motor, and the first rotary blade; and a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the column's upper end, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted for pushing or pulling the “L” member in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A combine harvester has multiple working mechanisms for carrying out specific treatment subprocesses of an overall treatment process for processing crop and a driver assistance system for controlling the working mechanisms, which includes a memory for storing data, a computing device for processing the data stored in the memory, and a graphical user interface. The driver assistance system, together with the particular working mechanisms provided for carrying out the treatment subprocesses, forms independently operating automated adjusting mechanisms which are utilized for optimizing the control of the working mechanisms for carrying out the treatment subprocesses. A process supervisor is assigned to the driver assistance system for controlling individual automated adjusting mechanisms and a data exchange of the automated adjusting mechanisms with one another.

Abstract: A combine harvester has multiple working mechanisms for carrying out specific treatment subprocesses of an overall treatment process for processing crop, and a driver assistance system for controlling the working mechanisms, which includes a memory for storing data and a computing device for processing the data stored in the memory, wherein the driver assistance system, together with the particular working mechanisms provided for carrying out the treatment subprocesses, forms independently operating automated adjusting mechanisms which are utilized for optimizing the control of the working mechanisms for carrying out the treatment subprocesses, wherein a process supervisor is assigned to the driver assistance system for controlling individual automated adjusting mechanisms and a data exchange of the automated adjusting mechanisms with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifting assembly for a crop severing assembly forwardly carried by a tractor having a frame and front a frame and an axle assembly carrying front wheel assemblies. The crop severing assembly has a forward end and a rear end, and includes a pair of bracket assemblies located at the forward end and atop the crop severing assembly. A pair of lift cylinder assemblies each have a lower end and a top end. The lift cylinder lower ends are located at either side of the rear end of the crop severing assembly to bottom brackets extending from the tractor frame forward of the tractor axle assembly and are attached between each cylinder lower end and each cylinder top end to trunnions carried by the crop severing bracket assemblies for pivotally raising and lowering of the forward end of the crop severing assembly.

Abstract: A material collection system sensor assembly for a material collection system including a collection container having a clipping receiving chamber and at least one wall with a generally rigid portion and a chute inlet defined in the generally rigid portion. The sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor positioned on the generally rigid portion of an external side of the wall. The capacitive sensor creates an electric field that extends into the clipping receiving chamber. A microcontroller is associated with the sensor and at least one indicator. The microcontroller is configured to activate at least one indicator when clippings within the clippings chamber are consistently within the electric field and thereby trigger the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: A device including at least one motorized conveyor for conveying a flow of harvested crop between an upstream end and a downstream end of the conveyor along a longitudinal direction. The device further including at least one sensor that monitors a longitudinal inclination of the device relative to a nominal orientation of the device. The device computes a conveyor speed based on the monitored longitudinal inclination, the conveyor speed being adapted to maintain conveying kinematics of the harvested crop independent from the longitudinal inclination; and the device operates the motorized conveyor at the computed conveyor speed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an agricultural harvester may include a harvesting implement having a belt support assembly configured to support a conveyor belt of the harvesting implement as the conveyor belt moves relative to the belt support assembly. The system may also include a sensor provided in operative association the belt support assembly, with the sensor being configured to detect a parameter indicative of a force exerted on the belt support assembly as the conveyor belt moves relative to the belt support assembly. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to monitor the amount of the plant materials entering the harvester based on measurement signals received from the sensor.

Abstract: A crop handling apparatus comprises a mobile chassis. The chassis is mounted on ground-engaging wheels. A tow-bar is provided at a front of the chassis for releasable attachment to a towing vehicle such as a tractor. A crop conditioning rotor is mounted on the chassis and has a plurality of outwardly projecting radial tines. Drive for the crop conditioning rotor can be by way of a drive transmission on the chassis which connects via a drive input with a PTO shaft on a tractor behind which the crop handling apparatus is drawn in use. A crop gathering conveyor is mounted on the chassis in front of the crop conditioning rotor. The crop gathering conveyor has a discharge end located in front of an inlet of the crop conditioning rotor to feed crop material to the inlet of the crop conditioning rotor in use.

Abstract: The presented invention is a hay fluffer which includes a frame that is configured to be pulled by a vehicle and a drive assembly supported by the frame. The drive assembly consists of wheels whose rotation, using a system of chains and gears, powers the turn of a rotation shaft. The rotation shaft has, attached, a sequence of cogs with each cog containing three recesses equally spaced and a tine set fitted into each of the three recesses in each cog. Tine sets may be removed and replaced by removing a single reversible fastener.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a header assembly configured for collecting a crop, a threshing assembly coupled to the header assembly and configured for separating grains of the crop from material other than grain, and a cleaning assembly positioned in association with the threshing assembly and configured for separating the grains from chaff. The cleaning assembly includes a fan assembly having a fan housing with a fan output duct and a fan mounted to the fan housing, and one or more cleaning sieves. The fan assembly is configured to blow air across the one or more cleaning sieves via the fan output duct. The fan output duct includes at least one segmented air deflector.

Abstract: A baler for forming a bale includes a frame, an axle, a sensor, and at least one overload stop. The bale supports a bale chamber. The axle is connected to the frame at a first location and spaced apart from the frame at a second location. The sensor is positioned to measure the deflection of the axle. The deflection of the axle changes based upon a weight of the bale. The at least one overload stop is positioned on one of the axle and the frame to limit the deflection of the axle relative to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the protection and transportation of floral arrangements are shown. The apparatus includes a container defining a central volume. A tray is included for the suspending of a floral arrangement within the central volume. A decorative base is configured to surround a portion of the flowers. An insert is in communication with the container and configured to cradle a portion of the decorative base so as to restrict movement. The floral arrangement is tied or coupled to a portion of the tray. An optional temperature regulating device may be inserted to assist in maintaining the freshness of the floral arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which is particularly designed to irrigate an indoor plant, such as a pot plant. The apparatus comprises a housing containing component which is arranged to be mounted in the pot plant's soil. The components include a Peltier device, which is arranged to condense water from ambient air, and a vibrating device arranged to vibrate a surface to facilitate water nm-off into the soil. The apparatus also includes a communication arrangement which is arranged to communicate with a remote device such as a smartphone or tablet. An application on the smartphone or tablet can be used to control the irrigation apparatus and also provide information on the status of the apparatus and the plant being irrigated to a user of the application.

Abstract: The hydroponic cultivation apparatus (1) of the present invention includes a container (10), a cover (50), a nutrient solution supply unit (20) for supplying a nutrient solution (W) to a hollow portion (12s) of the container (10), and a water level adjuster (60). The container (10) is formed in a tubular shape. The cover (50) has a size such that the cover (50) can protect rhizosphere (R) and cover the opening (14) of the container (10). The water level adjuster (60) is connected to the container (10) and enables adjustment of the water level of the nutrient solution (W) in the hollow portion (12s).

Abstract: A rotary garden apparatus, method and system for growing plants comprising an open rotatable cylindrical drum mounted within a structural frame is provided wherein said apparatus comprises an accessible front area permitting access to the drum and grow trays mounted on said drum from the front of the apparatus. The rotating drum portion comprises metal bars which form struts round the periphery of the drum on which grow trays can be mounted. The grow trays are inserted by sliding them along the struts of the drum and they are held in position by arms which extend below the metal struts over which the grow trays slide into position. The inverted T shaped fit between the tray and the strut holds the tray in position during rotation without further securing mechanisms required. The operation and most routine maintenance of the apparatus can all be done from the front of the apparatus thereby permitting multiple apparatus units to be placed side by side in a grow facility or against walls.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid DRPB0737 and pepper inbred line SBO-XZ15-0097. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB0737 and pepper inbred line SBO-XZ15-0097 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB0737 and pepper inbred line SBO-XZ15-0097 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid DRPB2628 and pepper inbred line SBY-XD15-0123GMS. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB2628 and pepper inbred line SBY-XD15-0123GMS and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB2628 and pepper inbred line SBY-XD15-0123GMS comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid DRPB1709 and pepper inbred line SBR-XZ15-0095GMS. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB1709 and pepper inbred line SBR-XZ15-0095GMS and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB1709 and pepper inbred line SBR-XZ15-0095GMS comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for generating haploid organisms are described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct watermelon variety NUN 31501 WMW as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 31501 WMW is a mini triploid, seedless watermelon variety, comprising resistance to Colletotrichum orbiculare Race 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 42-167 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 42-167 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 42-167 RZ.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct watermelon variety NUN 31607 WMW as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 31607 WMW is a triploid, mini crimson sweet type, seedless watermelon variety, comprising resistance to Colletorichum orbiculare Race 1.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1776’ 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), Portugal, and Spain.

Abstract: A method and device for introducing a visible ingredient 7, 12 into the surface of a food present as a flowable mass, in particular a hot processed cheese 1, wherein the flowable mass of the food without the ingredient added is fed into the roller gap between a guide roller 2 and a calibration roller 3 disposed parallel thereto, and is shaped into a food strip having a defined thickness, wherein the food strip is sprinkled on one side with the ingredient 7 by way of a sprinkling device 5 downstream of the roller gap while lying on the guide roller 2, wherein the food strip 4, which has been sprinkled on one side, may be fed to a further roller gap, which is formed between the guide roller 2 and a pressure roller 8, wherein the ingredient 7 may be pressed into the surface via the pressure roller 8 and wherein the food strip is cut into individual slices, in particular after cooling.

Abstract: A sifting device having four sieve-like layers for separating an unsoiled litter material from an animal waste comprises at least two nested trays configured to stack together. Each nested tray comprises a first screen tray and a second screen tray stackable and rotatable to each other, and each of the first and second screen trays has a base with a plurality of openings thereon. Each individual opening is sized to permit the unsoiled litter material to pass through, and to prevent the animal waste from passing through. The openings on the screen trays are arranged in a concentric, circular and intermittent manner. By rotating the screen tray, the sifting device can allow the unsoiled litter material to pass through or form an imperforate base by blocking all the openings. This provides an advantage of operation simplicity with minimized risk of clogging.

Abstract: A clumping litter is provided that includes a hydrophilic light weight material, a clumping agent, and a mineral particulate combined to form pellets sized to from 4 to 40 US mesh in diameter. A clumping litter is also provided in which the hydrophilic light weight material is wood flour, the mineral particulate is dolomite or limestone is also provided that also includes sodium bicarbonate, a clumping agent, and solubilized citric acid combined to form the pellets. A clumping litter is also provided in which the hydrophilic light weight material is a paper pulp and powdered clay that are combined with mineral particulate combined to form the pellets.

Abstract: A pet carrier having a removable bottom allows a shell to be placed over the pet from above, after which the bottom is slid beneath the shell and secured thereto. The shell can comprise a flexible cover such as a canvas cover removably attached to a stiff frame. In embodiments, the cover can be removed from the frame for washing and storage, and/or the frame can be folded and/or disassembled for storage. The bottom can be secured to the shell by hook-and loop attachment of folded straps inserted through loops fixed to the bottom, or the shell can be attached by pegs or quarter-turn studs that are tethered to the shell and inserted through holes provided in a lower rim of the shell and in the bottom. Mesh ventilation openings and/or a removable front panel attached by a zipper can also be provided.

Abstract: An animal feeding device is provided including at least one cassette including a frame including wall elements defining upper and lower compartments, side wall elements defining a width of the upper compartment, a food container housed in the upper compartment, supported by at least one wall element, and a food delivery device housed in the lower compartment. The food container communicates with the food delivery device through an opening provided in a bottom portion of the food container. The food container has front, end, and side walls. The side walls are parallel in a longitudinal direction, have a constant distance therebetween in the longitudinal direction, are opposite to each other, are connected to and separated by the front wall in one end, and are connected to and separated by the end wall in an opposite end. The end wall has an inclination towards the bottom portion of the food container.

Abstract: A pet food bowl may include a body having a medial portion with an upper end defining a first cavity for receiving food or water, and a lower end opposite the upper end, and an outer wall extending from the upper end of the medial portion at a periphery of the upper end of the medial portion. The pet food bowl may include a flexible annular flange coupled to a distal end of the outer wall along an entire length of the outer wall. The body may have a metallic material, and the lower end of the medial portion and the outer wall may define a second cavity opposite the first cavity. The flexible annular flange may be configured to define a suction cup with the second cavity for adhering the body to a surface.

Abstract: An animal interaction device with a base, a housing, and a feeding mechanism having a rotatable platform mounted on the top surface of the base to rotate about an axis of rotation. There is a low profile drive cavity between the platform and the base and a food tray disposed on a top surface of the platform. A drive mechanism is located within the drive cavity and includes a drive mechanism with a curved rack gear engaged with the rotatable platform. There is a horizontally disposed worm drive mounted in communication with the curved rack gear to enable rotation of the rotatable platform about the axis of rotation. As the platform is rotated, the food tray moves from a first position where the tray is concealed under the housing to a second position outside of the housing, thereby allowing access to the food tray by an animal.

Abstract: A transportable pet care center includes (1) a canister having a plurality of dispensing sections for providing food, water, medicine, treats, toys, and such like to a pet (2) an electronics dashboard for providing interaction with the pet via localized entertainment and network interaction with the owner, (3) adjustable trays for receiving materials from the dispensing sections, (4) a base tray for providing stability and capturing items that fall from the trays, and (5) and extendable handle with wheel assembly for easy transport.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder, comprising a bowl with a plurality of compartments, a cover and a sensor, the bowl being rotated relative to the cover to sequentially expose each the compartments, the bowl having location regions detectable by the sensor, each location region having a first edge and a second edge, the motor being driven at a first speed until the first edge is detected, and the motor being driven at a second, slower speed until the second edge is detected, stopping the motor.

Abstract: A drinking bowl (100) for domestic animals comprises a collecting basin (1), a removable container (2), a filtering element (3) which is arranged so as to close an opening (20) of the removable container (2) and a ventilation pipe (4) which extends between opposite ends of the removable container (2) and which opens inside the removable container (2) at a first end (41, 42) and downstream of the filtering element (3) at a second end (41, 42). The second end (41, 42) further comprises a widened portion (420) which is capable of channelling a flow of liquid inside the ventilation pipe (4) for introducing liquid inside the removable container (2).

Abstract: An equine ankle brace including a panel of a resilient thermally insulating, heat retaining material, having a cup-shaped bottom portion for enabling the panel to be wrapped around the horse's ankle to readily conform to it. The panel has an inner surface and an outer surface, a pair of front marginal edges including releasably securable fastening straps for securing the brace in place. A stabilizing, e.g., leather, patch is fixedly secured to the panel at the location of the cup-shaped bottom portion. A fetlock support strap is fixedly secured to the stabilizing patch and includes respective portions configured to be pulled into an X-shaped overlapping relationship over the front of the brace for releasable securement to portions of the outer surface of the brace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling an animal, in particular a horse, by repeatedly recording at least one vital function and/or a movement behavior of the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved cat toy. The cat toy includes a main body having one or more annular openings allowing access to a toy mounted within the main body. The cat toy also includes a non-slip base member attached to a terminal end of a lower portion of the main body. The lower portion of the main body may be circular or annular, and covered or wrapped with a scratch pad-type material, such as carpet. Additionally, a lid is pivotally or rotatably attached within a lid opening of the main body, and the toy is attached to the lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet chew product comprising a skin of a first thermoplastic starch-based material enveloping a core of a second thermoplastic starch-based material, wherein the first and second thermoplastic starch-based materials may be the same or different, the core having a density or hardness lower than the skin, wherein the pet chew product is produced under constrained cooling conditions.

Abstract: A practice apparatus is provided for use in training a horse and rider for equine barrel racing. The practice apparatus is a barrel that uprights itself when tilted from a vertical position toward a horizontal position. The barrel has an internal assembly with a stretchable section that connects the barrel to a ground loop. This stretchable section allows for limited stretching of the internal assembly when the barrel is tilted whenever it is hit by a horse or its rider during practice.

Abstract: The device is designed to ease the process of picking up pet waste. It offers a more convenient method for collecting waste comprised of a square absorbent pad. The device includes drawstrings at two ends that make it easier and more sanitary to pick up and dispose of the pet's waste. It affords stronger, more durable, and more absorbent pads than existing products. The device effectively eliminates the need for pet owners to pick up pet waste using their hands.

Abstract: An animal waste bag includes a central pouch and one or more additional pouches formed exterior to the central pouch such that each additional pouch is successively exterior to the preceding pouch. The central and additional pouches are configured to successively retrieve and contain animal waste via their respective successive inversion.