Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling an operation of an actuator mounted on a seed planting implement may include an actuator configured to adjust a position of a row unit of the seed planting implement relative to a toolbar of the seed planting implement. The system may also include a flow restrictor fluidly coupled to a fluid chamber of the actuator, with the flow restrictor being configured to reduce a rate at which fluid is permitted to exit the fluid chamber in a manner that provides damping to the row unit. Furthermore, the system may include a valve fluidly coupled to the flow restrictor in a parallel relationship such that the valve is configured to permit the fluid exiting the fluid chamber to flow through the flow restrictor and the fluid entering the fluid chamber to bypass the flow restrictor.

Abstract: In one aspect, a crop input applicator is provided. In one aspect, the applicator comprises a valve (e.g., voice coil valve) disposed to deposit liquid on or near a seed furrow and/or on or near a seed. In one aspect, the applicator includes one or more seed sensors disposed to detect passage of seeds.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected to an opener. The seed boot includes a channel extending from an inlet to an outlet behind a leading extremity of the opener, a deflecting surface facing downwardly into the channel toward the outlet, and a ramp facing inwardly into the channel between the inlet and the outlet. The opener is for cutting a furrow in the ground by the leading extremity ahead of the outlet, and the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed forwardly therethrough from the inlet and downwardly into the furrow through the outlet, wherein the ramp is in-turned toward the deflecting surface for deflecting the stream of air-driven seed through the channel inwardly to the deflecting surface, and the deflecting surface is for deflecting the stream of air-driven seed received from the ramp downwardly to and through the outlet into the furrow.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a seat plate movably coupled to the frame. An operator seat is coupled to the seat plate. An armrest is laterally spaced from the operator seat and includes an elongated support, an arm support surface, and a control panel. The elongated support has a first end fixed to the seat plate and a second end. The arm support surface is coupled to the second end and can support a user's arm. The control panel is positioned between the arm support surface and the second end of the elongated support. The control panel is fixed to the elongated support for movement with the seat plate such that the control panel remains stationary relative to the seat plate. The control panel includes an actuator to control a function of the lawn mower. The actuator is configured to be actuated while the user's arm is on the support surface.

Abstract: Harvesting machines and agricultural harvesting heads for harvesting machines are disclosed herein. A harvesting machine includes a main frame, a cutter assembly, and a conveyor system. The cutter assembly is pivotally coupled to the main frame. The cutter assembly includes a cutter bar configured to sever crop material adjacent to the ground and a cutter frame configured to support the cutter bar for pivotal movement relative to the main frame. The conveyor system is coupled to the main frame and configured to convey severed crop material in a rearward direction away from the cutter bar toward a central feed drum of the harvesting machine.

Abstract: A combine having a feeder housing for receiving harvested crop, a separating system for threshing the harvested crop to separate grain from residue, a grain tank for storing the separated grain, a grain tank level sensor for detecting a level of grain in the grain tank, and a controller that controls the combine. The controller is configured to receive the level of grain from the grain tank level sensors, determine a volume of a grain base from the level of the grain, determine a volume of a grain heap above the grain base, determine a total volume by combining the volume of the grain base with the volume of the grain heap.

Abstract: The present invention concerns support apparatus for a mowing device, the support apparatus comprising: a front roller mechanism having one or more rollers for supporting a front region of the mowing device, the one or more rollers having a cylindrical contact surface whose longitudinal extent is configured for extending across at least 60% of the front region of the mowing device.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is operable in a first state for transport and in a second state for field work and includes a frame supported by a plurality of tires. A processor is operable to receive a signal generated as a result of the agricultural vehicle transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state. A gas system is operable to modify the tire pressure of the plurality of tires of the agricultural vehicle in response to the signal.

Abstract: A system for harvesting produce from a tree has a drone capable of hovering, a video camera gathering visual data of movement, a cutting implement, a remote control station with a display screen, wireless circuitry, and input mechanisms to control movement of the drone and operation of the cutting implement, and circuitry in the body of the drone enabling two-way communication with the remote control station, transmission of video data from the video camera, and response to commands from the remote control station. The video data from the camera on the drone is displayed on the display screen of the remote control station, and an operator viewing the display screen operates the input mechanisms, maneuvering the drone to position the cutting implement relative to produce in the tree, and triggers the cutting implement by command, severing a stem to separate the produce, causing the produce to fall from the tree.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a load-bearing undercarriage movable via a drivable device engaged in the ground, a threshing and separating device attached to the load-bearing undercarriage, and a feeder house attached to the load-bearing undercarriage. The feeder house includes an endless traction mechanism which circulates about a vertically movable lower deflection roller and a drivable upper deflection roller. A harvesting attachment is coupled to the feeder house for receiving or cutting off harvested crops which are lying or standing upright on a field and which are able to be supplied via the feeder house to the threshing and separating device. An actuator is actuated by an external force arranged for adjusting the vertical position of the lower deflection roller and is connected to a control device which is coupled to a sensor for determining a throughput by a transmission of a signal.

Abstract: A bale forming system and method including a bale forming apparatus that forms a round bale in a bale forming chamber. The formed bale is ejected out of the bale forming chamber and drops onto a bale carrier. The bale carrier with the bale is moved away from the bale forming apparatus. The bale on the bale carrier is positioned on a bale carrier bottom and between two guiding sheets. The guiding sheets can be folded together and unfolded such that their vertical dimensions are varied. The guiding sheets are unfolded when the bale carrier is moved into the bale depositing position.

Abstract: An agricultural baler including a chassis, an axle system, a main bale chamber carried by the chassis, and a tying assembly configured for tying a twine around a bale within the main bale chamber. The tying assembly includes a plurality of knotters supported by the chassis, a needle yoke having a plurality of needles coupled thereto, an upper tensioner device, and a lower tensioner device located underneath the upper tensioner device. The axle system includes a first axle, and the lower tensioner device is attached to the first axle and correspondingly moves with the first axle.

Abstract: A method of pollinating a plant: flying an unmanned aerial vehicle above the plant and generating a thrust that contacts the plant, that produces a sound pressure level of at least 6×10?5 Pascal at the plant, and that produces a frequency that induces the plant to release pollen.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous lighting systems that can be installed on parallel rows of horizontal supports. The lighting systems can be configured to have a single electrical feedthrough on one end of the lamp that can also act as a mating feature between the lamp and supports. More particularly, the present disclosure provides improved lighting systems that are fixtureless, waterproof, customizable, and easy to install/remove.

Abstract: A process to create a container from a gourd that includes a hollow internal chamber.

Abstract: An insertable planter system may include a container and an insert. A container may include a rim, an outer wall comprising an inner surface, a bottom portion comprising a floor, wherein the inner surface and floor may define a liquid reservoir. The floor may further include a positioning structure. An insert may include a lip, a sidewall, and a bottom. The sidewall and bottom may define a plant chamber. The insert may further include a complementary supporting structure, such that the container receives the insert so that the insert can be rotated into a suitable orientation where the complementary supporting structure of the insert engages the positioning structure of the container. A plant delivery method or system including such inserts, and a computer readable medium containing instructions for same.

Abstract: Assembly line grow pods, watering stations, and seeder components that include robotic applicators are disclosed. An assembly line grow pod includes a tray held by a cart supported on a track. The tray includes a plurality of sections. The assembly line grow pod further includes a watering component providing fluid and a robotic applicator including an articulating robot arm having one or more outlets that selectively dispense the fluid therefrom. The articulating robot arm is positioned to align the one or more outlets with a corresponding one or more of the plurality of sections such that the fluid is dispensable into each of the plurality of sections independently.

Abstract: An agricultural stake to support plant includes a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) elongated member comprising a top end and a bottom end, and an exterior coating impregnated with an aggregate covering an exterior surface of the elongated member. The exterior coating is configured to provide purchase to a line attached to the elongated member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plant growing system (100), comprising: a plurality of plant growing zones (122); a control apparatus (120) configured to control one or more environmental conditions in each of the plurality of plant growing zones (122); and a receiver (142) configured to receive input data indicating plant type characteristics of a plurality of plant characteristics types to be grown in a plant growing apparatus (120). Also disclosed is a plant growing apparatus (120) configured to grow a plurality of plant types, a method to control a plant growing apparatus (120) configured to grow a plurality of plant types, and a computer program including computer-readable instructions executable to perform a method to control a plant growing apparatus (120) configured to grow a plurality of plant types.

Abstract: A method for predicting the storage ability of sugar beet roots quantifies the mechanical resistance of the root of the sugar beet. A method develops sugar beets with improved resistance, and sugar beets are obtained by this method.

Abstract: A feed roller, comprising a round plate-type flange body, and radial ribs fixed at an even spacing over its outer circumference with gripping members for providing a firm grip of the surface of a tree stem being handled by the feed roller. Further, the outer edge of the plate-type ribs is disposed at an oblique angle to the axis of the feed roller, and the outer edge of each rib comprises several gripping members having a straight blade edge, arranged such that the blade edges extend parallel to the axis of the feed roller.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of in-situ retention and buffering of an amount of water in soil to support the growth of an agricultural crop. The method comprises the step of adding an effective amount of a hydrogel material as a water retention agent during planting of seed in the soil. The hydrogel material including an insoluble, cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose. Once penetration of water into the soil is allowed after the planting of seed, a proportion of the water which penetrates the soil is absorbed by the hydrogel material and, over time, the absorbed water is released by diffusion into the soil to support the growth of the agricultural crop. Also disclosed is the hydrogel material which comprises said carboxymethyl cellulose which has been cross-linked with a cross-linking polymer from the group consisting of: an amine monomer; an amide monomer; and an amine-amide co-polymer.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a solenoid-valve actuator that is battery-powered and communicates remotely and wirelessly (e.g., via LoRaWAN) to a gateway that communicates with the internet, thereby enabling a user to remotely control fluid flow through a solenoid valve. The end device interfaces to a range of latching solenoid operated valves, e.g., for the control of water flow in irrigation systems.

Abstract: A hydroponic growth system for plant growth is disclosed. The hydroponic growth system comprises a nutrient reservoir for containing a nutrient solution, and a plurality of growth vessels. The hydroponic growth system further comprises a nutrient delivery system for delivering the nutrient solution from the nutrient reservoir to the growth vessels. The nutrient delivery system comprises at least one water pump, a first liquid tube, and a second liquid tube, and each of the liquid tubes being connected to and in fluid communication with a water growth vessel at a first end, and being connected to and in fluid communication with a respective pump at a second end. The hydroponic growth system further includes an overflow tube extending between a first one of the growth vessels and a second one of the growth vessels.

Abstract: A hydroponics apparatus for growing feed for livestock includes a plurality of elongate trays for receiving seeds, an environmental control arrangement for controlling in operation a temperature and humidity of the plurality of elongate trays, and a nutrient solution supply arrangement for providing a nutrient solution to the seeds on the plurality of trays, wherein the environmental control arrangement maintains the nutrient solution and an environment of the plurality trays at a temperature in a range of 19° C. to 25° C.; and the plurality of trays is provided in operation with a substantially similar flow rate of the nutrient solution.

Abstract: Methods, systems and compositions for enriching microalgae with concentrations of phytohormones, such as Indole-3-acetic acid, during the culturing process are described. Methods and systems for of enhancing plants through the application of phytohormone enriched microalgae to the plants, and compositions of phytohormone enriched microalgae for the application to plants are also described herein.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to wheat plants having grain with high ?-glucan content, methods for constructing said wheat plants, grain therefrom and uses thereof. Wheat lines homozygous for the HvCslF6 gene from barley having five times the fiber content and an increased ?-glucan content of TA5790, TA5792, and TA5795 are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVHJ4350 and pepper line HJA-FD15-1368. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVHJ4350 and pepper line HJA-FD15-1368 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 SVHJ4350 and pepper line HJA-FD15-1368 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: In order to avoid negative changes in the teat ends of a cow, in particular to avoid hyperkeratoses, the invention proposes a method for operating a milking system in which at least one of the parameters from total pressure per cycle, minimum total pressure per cycle or the ratio of total suction to total pressure is determined for at least one animal of a herd during at least one part of a milking process, and is compared with at least one reference value.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of selecting the suitability of a lighting device (100) for use in cheese lighting, the method comprising (a) defining a normalization factor (k) for a spectral power distribution (SPD(?)) of lighting device light (101) of said lighting device (100) in a wavelength range of 380-780 nm, (b) defining the lighting device (100) suitable for use in cheese lighting when a cheese damage function value (CDFV) is equal to or below 2, wherein the cheese damage function value (CDFV) is defined as: (I) wherein: (II) wherein y (?) is a 2-degree color matching function, and wherein DF(?)=1 for 380 nm??<410, and wherein for 410???780: (III). CDFV = k × ? ? ? SPD ? ( ? ) · DF ? ( ? ) · ?? ( I ) k = 100 ? ? ? SPD ? ( ? ) · y _ ? ( ? ) · ?? ( II ) DF ? ( ? ) = 0.95 × e - ( ? - 410 22 ) 2 + 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pet litter box which prevents the surrounding environment from becoming contaminated due to excrement of a pet being exposed to the outside, comprises a main body, a cover, a door, and a multifunctional filter unit which are separably coupled, so as to easily prevent the generation of odor from the excrement of a pet and bacterial growth, and can prevent unnecessary expense increases while achieving usage convenience.

Abstract: The following invention with a variety of models and sizes relates to a table intended specifically for animals, where an owner of one or more pets can feed and provide water for all at the same time. In most cases, the conventional food bowls must be placed within distance from one another when feeding all the pets to avoid confrontation or to avoid them eating each other's food. Also, pets often tilt the bowl after being served water or food and this becomes a repeated issue. Not to mention the tedious searching and gathering each bowl, as well as the food and measuring cup. To avoid this, two of the models of the invention provide storage space to keep everything in one place. Also, each of the models have an exact space wide for the bowl, therefore the pets can't grab the bowls after eating and misplace them throughout the household, it is only reachable for the owner to grab and place it back.

Abstract: Implementations of an automated feeder for live bait are provided. In some implementations, the automated feeder for live bait comprises a plurality of storage units configured to house live bait such as crickets, worms, roaches, etc., wherein each storage unit comprises an automated door that is configured to open and close. In some implementations, a method of using the automated feeder for live bait comprises loading the storage units with live bait, and feeding the loaded live bait from the storage units to a pet at a pre-programmed time, wherein the method is performed remotely using a mobile application on a portable computing device (or a software application on a desktop computing device) or locally using a local user interface on the automated feeder for live bait.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hoof cover that is elastic and stretchable over the hoof of animals such as ruminants and equines. The hoof cover is suitable to be used for the treatment of hoof diseases wherein the cover will securely hold a dressing or a treatment pad. The hoof cover comprises an opening for foot insertion (205) and openings (201, 203) for at least partially exposing the hoof.

Abstract: This utility patent publicizes a kind of dog's play partner AI Dog, once Voices/Sounds Controlling Module “hears” any sounds in home or surroundings, it will automatically start, Round Base Disk loaded with Dog Statue on it is moving around fast in random directions, Dog Statue's head and feet/body and tail, etc, are moving accordingly, Beeping Pads are glittering, the pre-recorded dog's vocal sounds and beeps are playing, this series of actions will induce and stimulate the dog to be chasing and playing with AI Dog, which is still moving around fast in random directions or has just stopped moving. And when the dog jumps or steps on Round Base Disk, paws stepping on Beeping Pad(s), Pad(s) will beep to (further) induce and stimulate the dog to be chasing and playing with AI Dog, which (is still)/has just started—moving around fast in random directions.

Abstract: A bite prevention implement, wherein the bite prevention implement is made with a flexible fabric and is provided with a cord and its covers, which has a function of adjusting the width of the fabric for the length of an animal's lower jaw, the bite prevention implement is made with a flexible fabric and is provided with a cord and some loops, which has a function of adjusting the width of the fabric for the length of an animal's lower jaw, and further, the bite prevention implement is made with a flexible fabric and is provided with provided with a cord and some holes, which has a function of adjusting the width of the fabric for the length of an animal's lower jaw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method carried out by a processor for predicting a specific respiratory pathogen in a group of farm animals, which method comprises monitoring the sounds generated by said farm animals.

Abstract: An animal monitor comprising a microcontroller; at least one three-axis accelerometer; an energy source; a charger; and a communications system, including a wireless transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing embryonic and post-hatch growth and performance of poultry by administration of a probiotic composition, such as a composition containing a mixture of one or more bacterial cultures, to the surface of the shells of fertilized eggs prior to setting. Optionally, the method further includes administration of the same probiotic composition at the same concentration to chicks hatched from the eggs that had received the topical in ovo administration to the shell. The probiotic composition is administered to the chicks orally, such as in feed.

Abstract: A device (10) for trapping and killing marine organisms (14) such as animal plankton, salmon lice and other parasites, comprises a body (12; 12?) configured for submersion in water (15). The body (12; 12?) comprises at least one light source (16) configured and controlled for attracting said marine organisms, and an internal cavity (20) having an opening (20?) for fluid communication with at least a portion of the water. The light sources (16) are arranged inside the cavity (20) and arranged and controlled to emit light waves through said opening and into at least a portion of the water. At least one positive electrode (24; 24?; 24?; 32) is arranged in the cavity and electrically connected to a low-voltage power source (26; 27; 30), and at least one negative electrode (15a) is arranged in the water and electrically connected to said power source (26; 27; 30).

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined structure of a fishing net cage and floating wind turbine foundation. The combined structure includes a wind turbine and a polygonal deep-sea fishing net cage floating body. The polygonal deep-sea fishing net cage floating body comprises an upper polygonal floating body frame, a bottom ring beam, and a middle truss structure, and a connecting column disposed between the upper polygonal floating body frame and the bottom ring beam. A connection structure of the wind turbine set is disposed on the upper polygonal floating body frame. The bottom of the polygonal deep-sea fishing cage floating body is provided with an interface connected with a steel cable of a mooring system. A sub-tank capable of providing ballast by loading water and buoyancy is disposed in the polygonal deep-sea fishing net cage floating body.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to genetically modified animal expressing human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1, PDL1, or B7-H1), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice characterized by one or more symptoms or signs associated with expression of human APOE4p and mouse Trem2p and relevant to non-familial late-onset Alzheimer's disease are provided wherein the genome of the mouse includes: 1) a DNA sequence encoding a human APOE4 protein (APOE4p) operably linked to a promoter; and 2) a DNA sequence encoding a mouse Trem2 protein having a mutation p,R47H (Trem2p) operably linked to a promoter, such that the mouse expresses human APOE4p and mouse Trem2p. Methods ace provided for screening for a compound for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease using such genetically modified mice.

Abstract: Non-human animals comprising a human or humanized IL-4 and/or IL-4R? nucleic acid sequence are provided. Non-human animals that comprise a replacement of the endogenous IL-4 gene and/or IL-4R? gene with a human IL-4 gene and/or IL-4R? gene in whole or in part, and methods for making and using the non-human animals, are described. Non-human animals comprising a human or humanized IL-4 gene under control of non-human IL-4 regulatory elements is also provided, including non-human animals that have a replacement of non-human IL-4-encoding sequence with human IL-4-encoding sequence at an endogenous non-human IL-4 locus. Non-human animals comprising a human or humanized IL-4R? gene under control of non-human IL-4R? regulatory elements is also provided, including non-human animals that have a replacement of non-human IL-4R?-encoding sequence with human or humanized IL-4R?-encoding sequence at an endogenous non-human C IL-4R? locus.

Abstract: A bowfishing arrow slide configured to slidably attach a bowfishing line to an arrow and configured to include a shock absorbing system to enhance the life of the slide is disclosed. The bowfishing arrow slide enables a bowfishing line to be slidably attached to the arrow to keep the arrow attached to a line reel even after being shot and to allow the slide to move from a preshot position at the tip of the arrow to the rear of the arrow during the shot for improved arrow flight. The bowfishing arrow slide may include a shock absorbing system on the bowfishing arrow slide whereby the shock absorbing system is configured to absorb impact forces created when the strikes a slide stop on an arrow shaft when the arrow is shot. The shock absorbing system reduces damage to the slide thereby enhancing the useful life of the slide.

Abstract: A sidetracker includes a body including a first fin and a second fin spaced apart from the first fin. The first and second fins are coupled to the body. The first and second fins are configured to control a vertical position of the body in water through which the body is moving. A channel is formed in the body. The channel includes a first groove and a second groove. The first and second grooves cross each other. A wing is positioned in the channel. The wing is detachably coupled to the body. The wing is configured to rotate between the first groove and the second groove. The wing is configured to control a lateral position of the body in water through which the body is moving.

Abstract: A hook keeper configured to be mounted on a fishing reel includes a locking part and a holding part. The locking part includes a locking portion, a hole penetrating the locking portion and a slit extending from the hole to an outside surface of the locking part and extending from a first end surface to a second end surface of the locking part in a central axial direction of the hole. The holding part is configured to hold the locking part and has a joining part configured to mount the holding part on the fishing reel.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of rod-and-reel fishing, and more specifically, to a cartridge for holding new fishing line while at the same time providing a convenient storage mechanism for retrieving, holding and disposing of old, worn-out fishing line. One aspect of the replacement fishing line cartridge includes an outer spooling portion and an inner spooling portion. The inner spooling portion may be detachably snapped, slid or locked into the outer spooling portion. The outer spooling portion may be configured to hold new fishing line. The inner spooling portion may be configured to hold old fishing line, wherein the inner spooling portion fits inside the outer spooling portion to prevent the old fishing line from detangling. In this manner, the replacement fishing line cartridge may be used to conveniently dispose of and/or recycle old fishing line in a compact manner.

Abstract: A spinning reel includes a waterproofing structure disposed on one of first wall portion of a spool and a second wall portion of an adjustment member. The waterproofing structure is configured to prevent infiltration of water into an interior of the spool. The waterproofing structure has an annular convex portion protruding toward other one of the first wall portion of the spool and the second wall portion of the adjustment member, and an annular concave portion recessed in a direction away from other one of the first wall portion of the spool and the second wall portion of the adjustment member, and disposed on an outer side of the annular convex portion in the radial direction of the spool shaft.