Abstract: There is provided soil loosening and furrower assemblies and a bed renovator therefor. The soil loosening assembly comprises a blade assembly and wherein the blade assembly is horizontally pitched such that, when drawn beneath a soil surface at a fixed depth, the horizontally pitched blade assembly severs rootstock at the level of the blade assembly while retaining the rootstock substantially in place and loosens soil above the level of the blade assembly without substantial soil inversion. The furrower assembly comprises side plates extending rearwardly from a forward prow edge, wherein the side plates are approximately 25-45° with respect to the horizontal axis; and bottom edges of the side plates are approximately 20-40° with respect to a direction-of-travel axis.

Abstract: A seed-sowing assembly, especially of rice, consisting of at least two single seeding units arranged in parallel and displaced longitudinally from each other, which allows a narrow separation between furrows, wherein each of said single units comprises a first pivoting support arm connected at one of its ends that supports a load regulator; and a second pivoting support arm connected to another end of the first support arm that supports at least one furrow-generating disc; at least one depth limiting wheel coupled to at least one furrow-generating disc; a seed contact wheel; and a third pivoting support arm connected to one end of the second support arm that supports two furrow-closing wheels. A seed-sowing machine comprising the seed-sowing assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining uniformity of a tilled surface of a seedbed prepared by a tillage tool of an agricultural tillage implement utilize a seedbed uniformity sensing arrangement including a sensing element having a sensor body adapted for vertically articulating attachment to the implement behind the tillage tool and defining a soil-contact surface configured to bear against the tilled surface. The sensing element includes a vertical position sensor including a strain gage fixedly attached to the sensor body for generating a surface uniformity signal in response to bending loads imposed on the sensor body by vertical movement of the soil-contact surface as it rides along on the tilled surface. The surface uniformity signal is processed to provide an indication of the general uniformity of the tilled surface, and a surface control signal that is used for controlling operational parameters of the tillage implement.

Abstract: A machine body side control device is configured to control an actuator based on information on a posture change of a machine body obtained from a machine body side sensor and information on a position of an implement relative to the ground surface obtained from an implement side sensor via an implement side control device.

Abstract: A portable frame is configured to be transported by the forks of a fork lift truck and has hydraulic lines releasably connectable to the auxiliary hydraulic fluid pressure system of the fork lift truck. A valve and a set of hydraulic lines are mounted on the portable frame for releasable connection to the hydraulic fluid lines of a tillage machine so that an inexpensive fork lift truck may be utilized to test operation of hydraulically actuated tillage components.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a gauge wheel on a row unit allows for infinite lateral adjustment of the gauge relative to an opening disc on the row unit. The mounting assembly includes an arm with a threaded bore extending through a split end of the arm. A threaded bushing is adjustably mounted in the bore and secured in a desired position with a bolt standing through the split end to clamp bushing in position. The split end mounting arm provides a method of quickly and easily adjusting the lateral position of the gauge wheel on the row unit in infinite increments.

Abstract: A system and method to distribute pesticides, fertilizers, water, and other materials on a farm with accuracy and precision is disclosed in order to combat the problems imposed on the environment due to over-fertilization and over use of pesticides. This system and method is a social networking control system in which multiple farms have independent grids of sensors capable of detecting the presence of pesticides, fertilizers, water, and other materials in the air, in the top-soil, and in the groundwater. These grids of sensors detect the location and concentration of these materials and reports them back to a social control system for analysis. The control system regulates the deposition of further chemicals through computer control of the chemical dispersal systems.

Abstract: A system for analyzing soil content of a field includes a data acquisition unit configured to detect gamma spectra of each of a plurality of soil samples, wherein a surface area of the field is divided into a plurality of portions and the plurality of soil samples comprises at least one soil sample from each of the plurality of portions, a navigation unit configured to detect geographic coordinates of each of the plurality of soil samples, a data analysis unit configured to associate the detected gamma spectra of each of the plurality of soil samples with the geographic coordinates of the soil sample and determine a weight percent of at least one element within each of the soil samples based on the detected gamma spectra, and an element content map unit configured to generate a map indicating concentration of the at least one element within the soil of the field.

Abstract: A controller for a harvester. The controller is configured to receive crop flow information representative of how crop is flowing through the harvester and generate display information for providing a visual display to an operator of the harvester. The visual display includes an animation of crop flowing through the harvester. The controller is further configured to set one or more properties of the animation of the crop flowing through the harvester based on the received crop flow information.

Abstract: A work unit to be attached to a lower side of a work vehicle that includes a wheel includes a work portion, a housing that covers the work portion, a bridge portion that is provided above the housing, auxiliary plates that change their positions between a state of being housed in the bridge portion and a state of protruding from the bridge portion, a linkage mechanism that is provided in the bridge portion and is connected to the auxiliary plates, and an operation tool for operating the linkage mechanism. As a result of operating the operation tool, the linkage mechanism is folded or unfolded, and positions of the auxiliary plates are changed between the state of being housed in the bridge portion and the state of protruding from the bridge portion.

Abstract: A grass trimmer has a main body and a trimming device. The main body has an operating device and a power source. The trimming device has a grass cutting assembly having a cutting member and a power head for rotating the cutting member. The power head has a housing, a rotor assembly and a stator assembly. The housing is formed integrally and defines an accommodation chamber. The rotor assembly is received in the accommodation chamber of the housing and has a rotor sleeve which rotates around an axis. The stator assembly is at least partly received in the rotor sleeve. The rotor assembly further has two or more magnetic pieces disposed at an inner wall of the rotor sleeve. The stator assembly has a stator support and a coil assembly. The stator support includes a mounting portion and a supporting portion. The coil assembly is disposed in the rotor sleeve by the supporting portion.

Abstract: According to examples, a machine may include a base housing and a handle assembly mounted to the base housing and extending at an angle from the base housing along a handle plane. The handle assembly may include a mating component having a plurality of slots arranged at multiple angular positions along a slot plane, the slot plane being parallel to the handle plane. The mating assembly may also include a handle segment rotatably mounted to the mating component, the handle segment housing a locking member, in which the handle segment is rotatable along the slot plane relative to the base housing and the locking member is removably insertable into a first slot of the plurality of slots when the handle segment is in a first angular position and is removably inserted into a second slot of the plurality of slots when the handle segment is in a second angular position.

Abstract: A reel includes a plurality of bats and an end shield plate mounted on the end of the reel at the crop divider which has a peripheral edge radially inward of an outer tip of the fingers with an apex at each of the bats and portions which are recessed from a straight line joining the apexes. Each of the endmost fingers of the bats has a base which is axially inside the end plate and is bent longitudinally of the reel to define an outer tip which is axially spaced from the base to a position beyond the radial plane of the end plate. A plurality of molded paddle blades are mounted to project outwardly from the end surface to clear crop away from the space between the outer face of the end plate and the divider.

Abstract: A deck plate extension for a row unit of an agricultural harvester. The deck plate extension configured to attach to the return side of the row unit side thereby preventing a kernel crop from dropping to the ground during harvesting. The deck plate extension is further provided with a kernel channel configured to direct the kernel crop along the return side of the row unit side to the harvest side of the row unit side. The deck plate extension may be provided as part of a deck plate of a row unit side or may be provided as a second plate added to the row unit side. The deck plate extension is configured to be added as original equipment and as a retrofit to existing row units.

Abstract: A reel of a harvester including a cutter bar includes a plurality of reel bats which are pivotal so as to vary the angle of the fingers about the bat axis as the reel rotates and an end shield plate mounted on the reel at the end of the reel. The end plate has a peripheral edge located radially inward of an outer tip of the fingers with an apex at each of the bats and portions which are recessed from a straight line joining the apexes to allow rotation of the finger around the bat axis without contacting the peripheral edge. Each of the endmost fingers of the bats has a base which is axially inside the end plate and is bent longitudinally of the reel to define an outer tip which is axially spaced from the base to a position beyond the radial plane of the end plate.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a fan that has a base section, a discharge nozzle pivotally coupled to the base section, and a motor coupled between the base section and the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A fan unit for a combine harvester cleaning unit having at least two fan wheels, each fan wheel being enveloped by a fan wheel housing having at least one inlet segment and at least one outlet segment extending tangentially from the fan wheel housing, each outlet segment being connected to a common channel section and each vertical side wall of an outlet segment adjacent another outlet segment is inclined toward the vertical side wall of the adjacent outlet segment. This construction has as an advantage that it allows for improved flow characteristics of the air exiting the outlet thereby permitting better separation of MOG and grain in the sieves of the cleaning unit of which the fan unit is a part.

Abstract: A baling apparatus including a bale forming chamber in which an agricultural bale is formed, wrapped and subsequently released. The baling apparatus also includes a support extending adjacent the bale forming chamber, the support incorporating a plurality of sensors arranged upon the support, wherein the sensors are adapted to measure a surface property of at least one surface of the bale. Since the surface property of an unwrapped bale will differ from the surface property of a wrapped bale, the baling apparatus can detect whether the wrapping material is sufficiently wrapped around the formed bale to release of the bale without the bale falling apart.

Abstract: A twine disk for a mechanical knotter of a hay bailer has four vee shaped V-notches each formed with a hook portion and two substantially straight edge portions to enable tying twine knots with either two strands or with four stands using the same knotter.

Abstract: Twine shifters that enable the mechanical knotter of a hay baler to tie either two twines into a 2-twine knot or tie four twines into a 4-twine knot. For a 2-twine knot the twine shifters each move their respective upper and lower twines out of the needle's path where the twines are gathered to be tied in a knot. So when the needle swings through its path it only picks up two strands, and misses the two strands moved out of its path. To tie a 4-twine knot the upper and lower twine shifters each move their respective upper and lower twines back into the needle's path. This allows the needle to gather up all four twine strands to tie in a 4-twine knot.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for a bale tag assembly for coupling to a baled crop that has twine formed of a plurality of fibers and a bale tag at least partially embedded in the twine. The bale tag has an embedded antenna configured to provide an identification number associated with the bale tag.

Abstract: A biological lighting system to provide temporally- and spatially-modulated photon flux output and spectral power distributions to plants on a circadian and circannual basis, or circadian and life cycle basis, to maximize effective and efficient growth in a horticultural setting. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution are modulated to match circadian and circannual rhythms, with individual or multiple luminaires controlled through one or more controllers. Different lighting spectra can be employed depending on the direction of illumination. The photon flux or irradiance output and the spectral power distribution may be set as best suited for any particular plant species, and the system is also useful for raising animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing growth and useful substances of leafy vegetables by using environmental stress. The environmental stress may include a low temperature stress, a light stress, and a combination thereof.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove chambers from a stack for harvesting. The chambers can be assembled around a growing plant. Pins provided on the support columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it relative to the stack. The chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit harvesting of a chamber simply by shifting it relative to the stack and supporting the other chambers in a vertical position andshifting the chambers. A portable shifting device may provide automated support, shifting and removal of one or more chambers for harvesting.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove chambers from a stack for harvesting. The chambers can be assembled around a growing plant. Pins provided on the support columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it relative to the stack. The chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit harvesting of a chamber simply by shifting it relative to the stack and supporting the other chambers in a vertical position and shifting the chambers. A portable shifting device may provide automated support, shifting and removal of one or more chambers for harvesting.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers with integrated support columns that eliminate the need for an external support frame and which provide a simple way to remove chambers from a stack for harvesting. Pins provided on the support columns ensure alignment and provide for easy removal of a lower chamber by first supporting the stack and slightly lowering it relative to the stack. The chambers may be provided with one or more removable access panels that provide access to the interior of the chambers for harvesting from the plant section inside. The chamber structure supports harvesting processes that permit harvesting of chambers in sequence by sequentially accessing the interior of successive chambers and harvesting a production portion from the plant section inside. Plant production can be made continuous and perpetual by sequentially harvesting from successive chambers and repeating the process after a plant section in a first chamber has regenerated another production portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a kit for forming a plant support. The kit may comprise: a plurality of polymer ring strips, each formable into a respective ring; a plurality of polymer stake sleeves, each sleeve defining an elongate channel to receive a stake therethrough and each sleeve defining a plurality of slots sized to receive at least a portion of a respective ring strip therethrough, the slots being defined at spaced locations along a sleeve length of each sleeve; and a plurality of polymer stakes, each stake being sized to fit through the elongate channel and having a stake length greater than the sleeve length, wherein each stake has a first end and an opposite second end, and wherein a lengthwise rigidity of the stake is sufficient to cooperate with the sleeves and ring strips to form the plant support when the first ends of the stakes are submerged in soil along with at least a portion of the sleeves.

Abstract: A hillside planter dam enabling a user to cultivate plants on a sloped or otherwise irregular grade has an overhanging funnel, a lateral sidewall, a trowel portion, and a main axis. The overhanging funnel provides a flared structure suitable for gathering rainfall and directing the flow of said water to the interior of the lateral sidewall. The lateral sidewall defines a retention structure defined concentrically about the main axis, terminating in the trowel portion opposite the overhanging funnel. The trowel portion defines an edged formation tapering from the lateral sidewall towards the main axis, wherein the trowel portion defines a similar overall form to a conventional gardening trowel. In at least one instance, a user may employ the hillside planter dam as both a hand tool and a fixed installation, wherein the overhanging funnel may be used as a handle to affect the placement of the trowel portion.

Abstract: A plant edging is disclosed herein that has an inner side and an outer side and includes a sidewall having a top end and a bottom end with the bottom end configured to engage soil, a head connected to the top end of the sidewall, and a clip secured to the head for retaining an irrigation conduit in proximity to a plant. The plant edging is arranged to substantially seal an opening in a landscaping barrier film, and to define a partial enclosure that permits local irrigation of the plant in the partial enclosure while inhibiting ingrowth of invasive weeds.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for seeding a cloud cell, comprising means for conveying an active substance and means for delivering said active substance. In order to comply with standard and safety requirements, said device comprises aerostatic means that cooperate with the means for conveying said active substance. The invention further concerns a system for seeding a cloud cell, comprising a seeding device according to the invention and a remote electronic entity capable of communicating with said device via communication means over a wired or wireless link.

Abstract: A material reduction machine including an engine, a material reduction tool, a drivetrain, and a control system. The drivetrain is between the engine and the material reduction tool, and includes a coupling and a power transfer element, the coupling having an engaged state and a disengaged state. When engaged, the coupling enables power transfer through the power transfer element and when disengaged, the coupling inhibits power transfer through the power transfer element. The control system includes a sensor to detect a speed of the engine or the material reduction tool, a drivetrain protection system to protect the power transfer element by disengaging the coupling, and a controller to enable the drivetrain protection system based on a first signal from the sensor indicating the speed is at or above a first threshold, and to disengage the coupling based on a second signal indicating the speed is below a second threshold.

Abstract: Techniques for providing improvements in agricultural science by optimizing irrigation treatment placements for testing are provided, including analyzing a plurality of digital images of a field to determine vegetation density changes in a sector of the field. The techniques proceed by comparing a distribution of pixel characteristics in the digital images for each field sector to determine sectors in which minimal density deviations are present. Instructions for irrigation placements and testing may be displayed or modified based on the results of the sector determinations.

Abstract: A method for operating an irrigation control system is provided and includes receiving environmental data by the irrigation control system and receiving operational data from an array of photovoltaic cells. The method further includes determining an amount of cloud cover in the sky from the array of photovoltaic cells and calculating an evapotranspiration value for an irrigation zone associated with the irrigation control system based at least in part upon the environmental data and the operational data. The method still further includes determining an irrigation schedule for the irrigation zone based at least in part upon the evapotranspiration value and executing the irrigation schedule to irrigate the irrigation zone. An irrigation control system is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melon plant and seed, namely of C. melo subsp. melo, which are resistant to ToLCNDV, comprising in their genome introgressed sequences from C. melo subsp. agrestis var. acidulous conferring resistance to said virus, when present homozygously. The introgressed sequences are preferably characterized by defined alleles of SNPs on chromosome 11, inter alia allele A of SNP Melon_sbg_14207_58 (SEQ ID No:9). The introgressed sequences can be chosen from those present in the genome of a plant of ToLR1 accession number NCIMB 42506. The invention is also directed to parts of these resistant plants, as well as progeny, to the use of these plants for introgressing the resistance in another genetic background, as well as to different methods for obtaining resistant melon plants or seeds.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR0147TX and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR0147TX and the parent lines thereof, 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: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-952 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-952 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-952 RZ.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of cucumber hybrid SV8592CS. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of cucumber hybrid SV8592CS and to methods for producing a cucumber plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a cucumber 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 cucumber hybrid SV8592CS comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: An sh2 type corn which has a novel feature of having colored pericarp (pericarp layer) is provided. The corn is an sh2 type sweet corn, which is obtained by crossing Ruby Queen and an sh2 type sweet corn, and which has colored pericarp or pericarp containing antioxidant components.

Abstract: An interlocking modular animal training pad tray configured to interlock with one or more adjacent interlocking modular animal training pad trays while preventing leaking between the adjacent trays. The interlocking modular animal training pad tray having a modular body with four rigid sides forming a tray configured to hold an animal training pad. Each side of the four rigid sides including at least one fastening element.

Abstract: The “Universal Litter Box” was designed with high walls to benefit both male and female pets. Since most litter boxes are used for female pets, litter is used to cover a pet's relief, whether it be urine or feces. It may not be all the time, but as usual, it is when you have company. No matter where you put the box, the company will end up walking on the litter! Hopefully, it is not with their bare feet! Having high walls can prevent the litter from flying out of the box when dispersing from the pet's paws. Also, male dogs like to lift their legs when urinating. This makes high walls an option for them to use for training. But, when using the “Tree” or “Fire Hydrant” in the litter box, the high sides will help prevent the urine from ending up on the walls and floor.

Abstract: An assembly and method for conditioning a pet to utilize a toilet when making waste. A primary tray is provided. The primary tray has a first depression, wherein a primary opening is formed in the depression. A plurality of inserts are provided. The inserts progress in size. Each of the inserts defines a central opening that is proportional to the size of the insert. The primary tray is placed on the toilet. The primary opening within the primary tray is covered by the inserts. Litter is added into the depression of the primary tray to entice the pet to utilize the primary tray as a litter box. Over a period of time, the pet will become accustomed to jumping onto the primary tray to make waste. The inserts are removed one at a time. This slowly uncovers the primary opening over a period of time as a pet is conditioned.

Abstract: A cage for the behavioural study of living organisms, in particular for a toximeter, includes at least one compartment intended to hold a living organism, the cage being transparent at least on an observation side in order to allow the observation of the living beings from an observation point located at a distance from the observation side, the compartment being delimited by separators, characterized in that the wall of one separator is inclined with respect to the wall of another separator such that the walls of the separators of a compartment are closer together in the direction of the observation side, said separators being aligned along convergence lines that meet at the observation point.

Abstract: A collection system for monitoring conditions of a rack of animal cages. An animal caging system including a plurality of animal cages removably connected to an exhaust. A collection media cartridge is slidably received within an opening in a collection media housing dock. The collection media housing dock is positioned between an exhaust plenum of the rack an exhaust air inlet unit. Collection media is removably received in the collection media cartridge. Exhaust air dust clings to the collection media as exhaust from the animal cages flows along the length of the collection media. The collection media cartridge can be removed from the collection media housing dock and the collection media can be removed for sampling the exhaust.

Abstract: A smart bed for an animal includes a microprocessor, and at least one sensor communicatively coupled with the microprocessor configured to measure at least one of ambient temperature, humidity, moisture, sound, animal temperature, animal weight, animal dimensions, and animal movement.

Abstract: A loader bucket has material spreaders on opposing sides of the loader bucket to spread material from within the loader bucket received through discharge openings in the rear wall of the bucket from an auger located in the bottom of the bucket. Each material spreader includes a spinner formed with blades to spread the material received through the discharge openings. The material spreaders are positioned below the apex of the V-shaped bucket and operable within a path of distribution that includes an interior boundary member oriented with a forward end closer to the center of the bucket than the rearward end to provide a distribution forwardly and laterally of the bucket. A low baffle mounted at the bottom periphery of the spinner blades forces material upwardly into a fluffy pattern. A high baffle provides a second boundary limit for the distribution of material.

Abstract: Pet travel luggage and carriers configured to organize pet essentials for an extended duration are described. The luggage and the carrier include a body, a lid attached to the body at an opening, and a feeding station. The feeding station comprises a flexible fold down flap hinged to an outer edge of a side of the body proximate the bottom side. The flap deploys along a horizontal surface such that an interior surface of the flap receives a removable mat. The removable mat receives a pair of collapsible bowls. The flap is secured in a closed position to an outer surface of the side of the body by a fixation element. The luggage also includes a removable dividing panel that divides a hollow interior of the body into at least two unsymmetrical sections. At least one of the at least two sections receives a pair of stackable containers.

Abstract: The invention includes a feeder device that may be used to entertain or feed an animal. The feeder device has a body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening. A plurality of depressions or grooves and a plurality of through holes are incorporated on the body. Preferably the feeder device is made of a flexible and elastomeric material. The feeder device may be secured to a base element that extends through the central opening to form a feeder device combination. The size and shape of the central opening is adjustable because of the elastomeric material. A desired pattern and spacing may be adopted for the grooves and through holes. According to a method of the invention, a user selects an object to which the feeder device is to be attached. The feeder device is placed over the object and the body of the device stretches to accommodate the central opening to frictionally engage the object. A user loads the device with a desired treats or feed.

Abstract: A feeding bowl assembly (1) for feeding small animals. The feeding bowl assembly (1) comprises a feeding bowl (2) and a base (3). The feeding bowl (2) is releasably mounted to the base (3) in a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. The feeding bowl (2) comprises one or more connectors (6) and the base (3) comprises one or more complimentary connectors (12). The locked and unlocked orientations are formed by engagement of the one or more connectors (6) with the one or more complimentary connectors (12).

Abstract: A controller for an animal feeder uses image recognition to classify a species, and optionally an age and gender, of an animal at a dispenser for the feeder. Based upon the image recognition, the controller enables access or denies access to feed based upon permitted and non-permitted species, gender and age.

Abstract: A system and method for a feeder. The feeder has a stand with a planar face. Below the stand is at least one leg which supports the stand. Extending upward from the face is at least one support and a spreader. A barrel is coupled to the at least one support. A hole in the bottom of the barrel allows feed to flow from the barrel to the downstream spreader. The system and method provide a feeder which can be filled without the use of a ladder.