Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.

Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media comprising instructions configured to cause a processor to receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor, and the sensor is positioned in front of a row unit of an agricultural product application system relative to a direction of travel. Further, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to determine the residue coverage on the surface of the agricultural field based on the signal, and the residue coverage includes a percentage of the agricultural field that is covered by residue, an evenness of the residue, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to control an agricultural product control system of the agricultural product application system based on the residue coverage.

Abstract: A multiple variety seed meter for multi-variety row crop planting incorporates a segmented feed pipe system that may include a feed pipe with multiple passages that can be rotated to present one of multiple variety openings toward a seed pool in the seed meter to deliver a specific seed variety into the seed meter. The feed pipe may be an inner selector pipe concentrically nested for rotation in an outer sleeve that extends into the seed meter.

Abstract: Described is a high-speed transplanting mechanism that includes an angle-adjusting device about an angle of a duckbill entering soil, the mechanism comprising a rear arm, a front arm, a restoring spring, a control wire, a control wire sleeve and a control adjuster. The front arm is hinged on the mounting base of the planting device, the rear arm is hinged on the duckbill planting device, and the another end of the rear arm and the front arm are axial sliding connection. The control adjuster comprises an adjuster body and a handle fixed on the adjuster body. The restoring spring is positioned between the first limit plate on the rear arm and the second limit plate on the front arm. The end of the control wire is fixed on the second limit plate and, in turn, the other end of the control wire passes through the first limit plate, the restoring spring, the second limit plate and the control wire sleeve, and finally fixed to the adjuster body.

Abstract: A specifically configured gardening implement including an arced extension between the handle and the tool component. Such an implement permits greater versatility and facilitates typical gardening operations without losing any tool-using capabilities. Such an arced extension leads from a standard elongated, straight handle to the edge of a tool component, providing an ergonomic disposition of the tool in relation to the handle itself. In such a manner the arced extension allows for greater reach from a standing position, as well as the ability to adjust the actual handling of the overall implement to different angles without the need for uncomfortable and/or possibly. harmful repositioning by the user, as well. The inclusion of different tool components within the base handle/extension structure are also encompassed within the invention.

Abstract: Decisive modifications are proposed to a cutting system reducing cutting losses and having a floating disk, in order to improve the efficiency of the system. The lower finger (1) cuts at the lower level and has a tip pointing upwards to prevent the finger from entering the ground; weeds passing past the lower finger pass over the upper finger (3), the accumulation of branches between the fingers being thus prevented. The upper finger (3) has a guard (4) that prevents grains from dropping out of the cutting platform, and the guard is also used to mount two bearings which act to orient the cutter bar (2).

Abstract: A lawnmower with a plurality of blade holding elements in a horizontally rotating blade assembly holds a plurality of blades in a blade channel. The blade assembly is covered by a blade assembly guard that is only open underneath at a point where blades in the blade assembly would cut grass during normal operation. A blade assembly access panel in the upper portion of the blade assembly guard allows blades or a blade assembly to be easily replaced.

Abstract: A header for a combine harvester comprising a drive arm assembly, bearing assembly and knife head assembly is disclosed. The drive arm assembly includes a drive arm with a proximal end operatively connected to a drive mechanism for reciprocating motion therewith and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The bearing assembly is attachable to the distal end of the drive arm and includes an eccentric hub. The knife head assembly includes a knife head and a housing mounted to the knife head. The housing houses the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes an imaging device for imaging a plant growing in a field and a control device for controlling a sowing device. The control device includes a growth state determination section for determining a growth state of the plant in the field based on result of imaging by the imaging device and a sowing instruction section for instructing the sowing device to carry out a seed sowing operation based on result of determination of the growth state determination section.

Abstract: A walk-behind, self-propelled machine includes a clutch having a driving state where a motor drives wheels to rotate and an unlocked state where the wheels freely rotate relative to the motor. The clutch includes a movable member and a driving member. The movable member is capable of moving between a locked position where the clutch is in the driving state and an unlocked position where the clutch is in the unlocked state. The driving member transfers power to the wheels by means of friction.

Abstract: A multi-blade lawnmower includes a cutting deck with generally adjacent cutting chambers. The cutting chambers each include a cutting blade. The cutting chambers have at least one of the following: (a) a side discharge opening and (b) a rear discharge opening. Each side discharge opening either communicates with the next cutting chamber or, as in the case of the last cutting chamber, discharges grass from side of the cutting deck. When a side discharge opening is present, a side discharge baffle plate is available for either blocking the side discharge opening or being stored in a non-blocking inactive position inside the cutting deck. When a rear discharge opening is present, a rear discharge baffle plate is available for either blocking the rear discharge opening or being stored within the cutting deck in non-blocking inactive position inside the cutting chamber.

Abstract: A mower deck stabilizer releasably and adjustably engages the mower deck to the mower frame to provide a counterbalancing force to the cantilevered load of a side-mounted catcher.

Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, and an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body. The distance in the horizontal direction between the axial central line of the cylindrical gripping portion of the operating arm and the axes of the elongated handle of the main body along the length direction is less than 5 cm. Because of the structure mate relationship between the operating arm and the cylindrical gripping portion, the operator feels more comfortable during the transporting process, the volume of lawncare apparatus during transporting is reduced and the convenience of transporting is improved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to sense the weight of grain in a grain elevator are disclosed. A disclosed example grain elevator includes a grain transport member to transport grain, a driving member to move the grain transport member, a first tension sensor to sense a first tension in the driving member, and a weight determiner to estimate a weight of the grain based on the first tension.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting head for an agricultural harvester has a constant force assembly that changes the mechanical advantage of a spring applied to the mainframe of the agricultural harvesting head. As the mainframe of the agricultural harvesting head moves up and down on the front of the combine feederhouse, compressing and decompressing the spring, the constant force assembly changes the mechanical advantage of the spring such that the spring provides a relatively constant lifting force to the mainframe of the harvesting head as the mainframe moves up and down.

Abstract: A plant processing system may include a plant stripping apparatus with a frame and a plurality of stripping fingers including at least two groups of the stripping fingers being movable relative to each other. Each group of fingers may extend from a respective working surface, and the working surfaces may be oriented in substantial opposition to each other with a gap being formed between the first and second working surfaces to provide a pathway for movement of plant materials between an input and an output of the stripping apparatus.

Abstract: A rotor apparatus for a baler is provided such that hay on the ground is picked up by a hay pick-up apparatus installed at the side of the baler and the picked-up hay is fed without being wound around the rotor feeding the hay to the region of the roll forming apparatus, whereby the hay of the hay pick-up apparatus is fed to the region of the roll forming apparatus quickly, precisely, and evenly. In addition, a load of the rotor is minimized when the hay is fed to the region of the roll forming apparatus, thereby extending the service life of the rotor.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automating transfer of plants within an agricultural facility includes: dispatching a loader to autonomously deliver a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants at a first growth stage—from a first grow location within an agricultural facility to a transfer station within the agricultural facility; dispatching the loader to autonomously deliver a second module—defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density and empty of plants—to the transfer station; recording a module-level optical scan of the first module; extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the module-level optical scan; and if the viability parameter falls outside of a target viability range, rejecting transfer of the first set of plants from the first module.

Abstract: A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment that includes providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light at a color tailored for an individual plant. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent a plant such that the light produced is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes driving circuitry that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide predetermined periods of light and dark to stimulate continuous growth of the plant.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a container containing a medium and a plant source. The medium may be a binder, and the container may further contain an additive bound to the binder. The medium may be pollen. The container may be any of closed, at least partially water permeable, at least partly biodegradable, or combinations thereof. The container can include an indicium that is perceptible from an exterior of the container.

Abstract: A protective and decorative system for trees, particularly holiday or Christmas trees, which segregates portions of the tree for safety reasons, by utilization of concentric ring mechanisms and a backing section. The versatile system includes fire retardant capabilities and includes demarcations on is fitted to any size of tree for ease of installation.

Abstract: A sod harvester with an increased sod harvesting rate obtainable through a reduction in the time for completion of a sod handling cycle with the reduction in time obtained through changes in the interactions of transfer mechanisms within the sod harvester.

Abstract: An irrigation management system monitors irrigation parameters, including progress of flood irrigation water admitted onto a farm field, water levels in ditches, basins or boxes, soil moisture, water usage and other important factors. In flood irrigation a series of small, inexpensive sensors detect the presence in each of the sensor locations in a field, and each sends a signal when water first reaches the sensor. In a preferred form the sensor communicates by long-range radio communication either directly with a hub or gateway, or by sending a transmission that is relayed from location to location and ultimately to the hub or gateway. All aspects of irrigation water need, availability, task completion, pipe and equipment status, and water usage are monitored and communicated to the farmer. The system allows efficient water management and reliable and responsible irrigation at all irrigated fields.

Abstract: A method of providing packaged, live produce includes providing a plurality of seeds for different plant species, providing a foam growing media, inserting at least one of each type of seed for the different plant species into the foam growing media, growing the seeds inserted into the foam growing media to provide a young rooted plant having roots projecting from the foam growing media and having leaves from the different plant species, and transferring the young rooted plant including the foam growing media to a hydroponic system for producing a fully grown plant having the roots projecting from the foam growing media. While leaving the roots projecting from the foam growing media, the fully grown plant is removed from the hydroponic system and placed in a package having a fluid reservoir. When disposed inside the package, the roots of the fully grown plant are in communication with the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: System and methods for monitoring the growth of an aquatic plant culture and detecting real-time characteristics associated with the aquatic plant culture aquatic plants. The systems and methods may include a control unit configured to perform an analysis of at least one image of an aquatic plant culture. The analysis may include processing at least one collected image to determine at least one physical characteristic or state of an aquatic plant culture. Systems and methods for distributing aquatic plant cultures are also provided. The distribution systems and methods may track and control the distribution of an aquatic plant culture based on information received from various sources. Systems and methods for growing and harvesting aquatic plants in a controlled and compact environment are also provided. The systems may include a bioreactor having a plurality of vertically stacked modules designed to contain the aquatic plants and a liquid growth medium.

Abstract: An automated plant cultivation system is provided having multi-tiered vertically arranged horizontal magazine structures each employing seed or plant capsules with a fluid circulation and illumination and communication network controlled by an on-board processor. Particularly, the system includes a magazine structure having seed/plant capsules within seed/plant reservoirs alternately arranged between at least one of a light source substantially concealed from direct viewing. A fluid channel extends across a long axis of the magazine structure, wherein the magazine structure is adapted for use of seed/plant capsules with nutrient composite plant growth cultivation, hydroponic plant growth cultivation, aeroponic plant growth cultivation methods or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planter forming part of a hydroponic system. The planter includes a longitudinal body defining at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels and at least two plant holders defined in the body, the plant holders spaced on the outer circumference of the longitudinal body, each one of the at least two plant holders in fluid flow communication with one of the at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated 0BYIH1358, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line 0BYIH1358, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line 0BYIH1358 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line 0BYIH1358 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 0BYIH1358, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 0BYIH1358 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diploid, fertile, self-compatible and essentially homozygous potato lines, wherein said lines comprise an agronomically desirable trait such as vigour. The invention further relates to methods for producing such plants and to hybrid seeds obtained by crossing such homozygous potato lines and to potato plants grown from said seed.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR2379TH. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR2379TH and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH40ZZ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH40ZZ with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH40ZZ 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 PH40ZZ or a locus conversion of PH40ZZ with another maize variety.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated 7MMSM2008, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line 7MMSM2008, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line 7MMSM2008 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line 7MMSM2008 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 7MMSM2008, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line 7MMSM2008 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 13921291. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 13921291, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 13921291 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 13921291.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 10823595. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 10823595, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 10823595 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 10823595.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 54163200. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 54163200, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 54163200 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 54163200.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated AN1082 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety AN1082 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into AN1082 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 AN1082 or a locus conversion of AN1082 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PWYC94 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PWYC94, cells from soybean variety 5PWYC94, plants of soybean 5PWYC94, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PWYC94. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PWYC94 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PWYC94, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PWYC94, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PWYC94. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PWYC94 are further provided.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 75052534 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 75052534, to the plants of soybean cultivar 75052534, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 75052534, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 75052534. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 75052534. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 75052534, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 75052534 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01072245. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01072245. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01072245 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01072245 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A nestable foldable disposable tray is disclosed which features a cavity comprising a base and an outwardly slanted continuous wall. A set of fold lines in the base and the surrounding wall causes the tray to collapse inwardly when closed and gives the contents of the tray a lateral displacement which makes the tray resistant to spillage of its contents while it is being folded.

Abstract: A cattle squeeze chute door opening assembly includes a cattle squeeze chute including a lateral wall that has an open end for having an animal extending therethrough. A door frame is attached to the cattle squeeze chute adjacent to the open end. The door frame includes a door support post spaced from the lateral wall. A space between the lateral wall and the door support post defines an access portal. The door frame including an upper frame member and a lower frame member. A gate is pivotally couple to door support post and is positionable in an open position or in a closed position. The gate has a lower edge positioned adjacent to the lower frame member. A foot actuator is mounted on the door frame. The gate is lifted upwardly and moved from a closed position to an open position when the foot actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A feeder and watering apparatus for pigs and a method for rehabilitating a fallback pig and preventing the fallback of a weaned pig is disclosed. A pair of semi-cylindrical troughs are mounted to either side of a fluid supply line. The troughs have a rooting protector mounted to the open portion of the trough, the rooting protector has a pair of longitudinally extending bars and multiple rung portions that are longitudinally spaced apart to provide a plurality of discrete eating areas. The troughs have a front wall portion that is lower than the rear wall portion to prevent feed from spilling over the rear wall. Multiple waterer nipples extend horizontally through holes in the rear wall. A quick-connect floor mount is rotatably mounted to the fluid supply line, with a handle that allows a retaining portion to lock the apparatus in cooperation with floor slats.

Abstract: A kibble dispenser may comprise an elongated middle section between first and second bulbous end sections. The middle section may comprise a kibble access window, and at least one of the first or second bulbous end sections may comprise a kibble insertion window. A kibble storage cavity inside the kibble dispenser may extend at least between the kibble insertion window and the kibble access window. A rope may be wrapped around the kibble dispenser, and secured at the first and second bulbous end sections, such that the rope passes over the kibble access window.

Abstract: A pet food device includes a pet food bowl supporting tray configured to support at least one pet food bowl, an actuating mechanism supporting tray, and an actuating mechanism disposed within the actuating mechanism supporting tray in operable communication with the pet food bowl supporting tray. Additionally, the actuating mechanism enables elevating concurrently the pet food bowl supporting tray above the actuating mechanism supporting tray and at least one of a plurality of telescoping shields which shield the actuating mechanism supporting tray from the environs and enables lowering concurrently the pet food bowl supporting tray and the plurality of telescoping shields to interface with the supporting tray. A pet food device may also include as an actuating mechanism a scissor lift movable structure in operable communication with the pet food bowl supporting tray and with the actuating mechanism to cause elevating and lowering of the pet food bowl supporting tray.

Abstract: A modular shelving system with a series of shelves, shelf-support brackets, bracket attachment disks, and hinge-pins. The support brackets are hingable. The support disks each include a series of radially disposed apertures and additional apertures for allowing the disk to be fastened to a wall or stud. The shelf support brackets include shelf-receiving slots and a post extending from the bracket that can be inserted into one of the radially disposed apertures. The hinge-pin is threaded to be screwed into the bracket-receiving disks. The shelves are inserted into the shelf-receiving slots in the shelf-support brackets to create a custom climbing shelf design for climbing animals such as cats.

Abstract: A treat dispensing pet toy comprises a hub assembly having first and second hubs and an axle interconnecting the hubs. A barrel is mounted over the axle and is disposed between the hubs. The barrel has an interior chamber to hold treats. A treat dispensing opening is formed on the barrel and communicates with the interior chamber. When the pet toy is contacted with sufficient force, the hub assembly and barrel independently rotate thereby establishing a rotational differential. Treats fall through or are otherwise ejected from the opening in the barrel. According to a method of dispensing treats, the barrel and hub assembly independently rotate at different rotational speeds to affect the rate of dispensing treats.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides tritriacontene compositions for inducing hygienic behavior in honey bees; mite-infested brood extract compositions for inducing hygienic behavior in honey bees; methods of inducing hygienic behavior in honey bees; methods of selecting one or more honey bee(s) exhibiting hygienic behavior, and methods for assessing the degree of hygienic behavior within a honey bee colony.

Abstract: Filtering device (20) to draw water from an aquarium and the like and make water circulate inside, including a container (30) comprising a first housing portion (32) having a first inlet (174) and a second inlet (176) for the entry of water taken from the aquarium into the first housing portion (32) which is able to contain at least one filter for filtering water, further including a flow control device (50) having an entry (60) for taking water from the aquarium and it has two operating positions, a first operating position or filtering position wherein the entry (60) is in communication with the first inlet (174), so that water taken from the aquarium is put into the first housing portion (32), passes through the first inlet (174), is filtered and then is put back into the aquarium, and a second operating position or cleaning position or backwash position, wherein the entry (60) is in communication with the second inlet (176), water taken from the aquarium enters into the first housing portion (32) through

Abstract: A stringer assembly for the safe storage of fish caught by a fisherman includes a stringer line having a needle, a floatation device, and a holder. The stringer assembly is configured to prevent the pushing of slack in the line in a manner to dislodge the stringer line. Additionally, the stringer line is secured without clamping or tying of the stringer line. The holder is releasably coupled to a water vessel through an attachment device configured to prevent twisting of the stringer line. The needle is inserted into a portion of the holder and the stringer line is routed under a flange of the holder in a manner that binds or wedges the stringer line to the holder and prevents removal of the needle from within the holder. Because no fasteners are needed, a fisherman is capable of operating the assembly with a single hand.