Abstract: A sensor system for determining crop yield. The sensor system comprises a mounting structure mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine and has at least one aperture formed therein. A fulcrum assembly is arranged on the mounting structure. A rocker arm is pivotal about a pivot axis of the fulcrum assembly and extends between a first end and a second end. An engagement member is coupled to the second end of the rocker arm and extends through the at least one aperture of the mounting structure. At least one gap distance sensor is mounted to the fulcrum assembly and is configured to detect an inclination of the rocker arm relative to the fulcrum assembly. A processing device is coupled to the gap distance sensor and is configured to correlate the detected inclination of the rocker arm to an applied force.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle including a header frame, and at least one row unit supported by the header frame. The at least one row unit including a pair of gatherers configured for conveying a crop material. Each gatherer including a chain and a plurality of plates connected to the chain. The plurality of plates at least partially overlap to define a conveying floor that has a continuous upper portion for receiving and transporting a dislodged crop material and an outer periphery for gathering the crop material.

Abstract: A mower having a chassis, wheels for moving the mower in a mowing plane, and a cutting deck. The mower includes a parking brake having at least one brake member secured to the cutting deck. The cutting deck is mounted on the chassis so as to be able to move between at least one mowing position and a position in which the mower is stopped, in which the brake member comes into contact with at least one wheel of the mower so as to immobilize the wheel. The invention is intended in particular for use with mowers of the walk-behind or ride-on type, and with robotic mowers.

Abstract: A rotor and cage assembly includes a skeleton of curved spaced-apart side members affixed to laterally extending upper and lower spaced-apart members therebetween and surrounding the rotor. One of the curved spaced-apart side members is terminated with curved fingers. Three concave inserts insert laterally into the skeleton spanning 270° around the rotor. One of the concave inserts carries straight fingers that interlace between the skeleton side member curved fingers. A control assembly of plates having arcuate slots placed at 3 of the pivots of the skeleton assembly, 3 control bars connected to the skeleton pivots, and an actuator is connected separately to each control bar at one end effect arcuate rotation of the control bars resulting in the synchronized rotation of the arcuate slotted plates so that the interlaced straight fingers move closer together or farther apart with the fixed skeleton assembly curved fingers for different types of grain.

Abstract: A concave grate, concave bar, or concave rod assembly and configuration for threshing operations of a combine harvester is disclosed having concave bars or rods configured at various angles and positions such that they maximize threshing throughput. T concave bar assembly can include an elongated bar having a semi-cylindrical or partially round configuration. Further, the elongated bar can include a partial cut-out, notch, or channel longitudinally extending the length of the elongated bar, and wherein the elongated bar can be configured to be secured to a concave of the combine harvester. Here, the partial cut-out, notch, or channel further can include a first sloped or raised surface. Further, the first sloped or raised surface can be configured to make contact with one or more grains of a crop material, thereby effectively and efficiently separating the the one or more grains from the crop material.

Abstract: An airflow system for a rotary harvester includes a cleaning charge fan assembly, a cleaning fan assembly, and bonus sieves with fan assemblies. Each of the fan assemblies is powered by a hydraulic motor. By linking the charge fan motor, the left/right tailings fan motors, and the cleaning fan motor in a series hydraulic circuit, each of the motors will increase/decrease in speed at the same time and by the same proportional amount.

Abstract: An epitaxial wafer for plant lighting light-emitting diodes (LED), the epitaxial wafer includes: a growth substrate; a first red-light epitaxial laminated layer; a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) semiconductor laminated layer; and a second red-light epitaxial laminated layer; wherein: the first red-light epitaxial laminated layer comprises a first N-type ohmic contact layer, a first N-type covering layer, a first light-emitting layer, a first P-type covering layer, and a first P-type ohmic contact layer; and the second red-light epitaxial laminated layer comprises a second N-type ohmic contact layer, a second N-type covering layer, a second light-emitting layer, a second P-type covering layer, and a second P-type ohmic contact layer.

Abstract: A plurality of trough extruders are supported upon a lift truck traveling in a circular travel path. The plurality of trough extruders continuously form one piece troughs as the lift truck travels its circular path. A lift mechanism progressively raises the extruders as the lift truck travels its circular path two form continuous one-piece helical water troughs for use in an agricultural growing structure.

Abstract: The containment of plants and seedlings as such plants or seedlings are grown, transported, displayed and planted is provided. Containers are comprised of biodegradable materials that have the advantage of being formed into containers with various features, such as by an injection molding process, but that can be buried within the soil along with a plant's roots. Such containers allow for plant or seedling transplanting without having to separate the container from the plant's root system. More preferably, biodegradable plastics utilized in accordance with the present invention have properties such that the plastic can be injection molded and yet provide a stable structural container that will last in accordance with predetermined set needs, which needs may include environmental aspects, timing aspects and decompositional aspects. By utilizing injection molding, containers can be formed with many advantageous features.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automatically redistributing plants throughout an agricultural facility includes, at a mobile robotic system: delivering a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants in approximately a second growth stage—from a grow area within a facility to a transfer station within the facility; delivering a second module—located within the facility and defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density—to the transfer station; and following transfer of a first subset of plants from the first array of plant slots in the first module into the second array of plant slots in the second module at the transfer station, delivering the second module to the grow area in the facility.

Abstract: A water supply apparatus is arranged inside a house body and includes a watering apparatus that performs watering to a cluster of plants from above. The watering apparatus supplies water to the plants and controls an ambient temperature of the plants due to heat transfer utilizing vaporization heat by watering. A control apparatus acquires an environment information including the ambient temperature of the plants from an environment sensor, and performs the watering by driving the water supply apparatus in a watering period determined according to the environment information, and prohibits the watering by the water supply apparatus in an idle period that is set after the watering period so as to obtain a temperature and a humidity appropriate for growth of the plants.

Abstract: Methods for growing plants and seeds may include blending a polyacrylamide polymer with the uppermost portion of the soil, usually top 1 inch of the soil at a rate of around 1 pound polyacrylamide per 100 square feet of soil. The polyacrylamide attaches to the roots of the plant and acts as an extension of the root system facilitating the uptake of water by the plant and increasing the soil permeability around the root system. The method also improves germination of the seeds and facilitates the growth of the resulting plants. The method may be utilized with a variety of plants, sod, and trees.

Abstract: A strip is provided for distributing water that is provided at an inner surface of a drip irrigation hose. The strip for distributing water having a repetitive labyrinth segment, wherein a plurality of profiles are provided at the base of the strip, the labyrinth segment comprises: a water input section; a regulating section arranged downstream from the water input section, wherein the regulating section is provided to regulate water flow rate of the strip in response to water pressure of a hose; a discharge section arranged downstream from the regulating section, wherein the discharge section is provided with deflection-resistant reinforcement means.

Abstract: A wireless system is provided for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or controlling irrigation or climate control systems at an agricultural or landscape site. The wireless system includes at least one wireless nodes for monitoring environmental, soil, or climate conditions and/or for controlling one or more irrigation or climate control systems at the site. The wireless system also includes a server computer system located remotely from the site. The server computer system is coupled to the node/s over a communications network for receiving data from and controlling operation of the node/s. The server computer system is also coupled to a device operated by an end-user over a communications network for transmitting the data to and receiving remote control commands or queries from the end-user.

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: Methods for conveying pathogen resistance into non-resistant soybean germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include introgressing pathogen resistance into a non-resistant soybean using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted breeding among soybean lines to be used in a soybean breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to and/or associated with pathogen resistance. Also provided are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance to pathogens; soybean plants, seeds, and tissue cultures produced by any of the disclosed methods; seed produced by the disclosed soybean plants; and compositions including amplification primer pairs capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase on soybean nucleic acid templates to generate soybean marker amplicons.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of cucumber, NUN 51024 CUP as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH48AR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH48AR with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH48AR 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 PH48AR or a locus conversion of PH48AR with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH48J8 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH48J8 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH48J8 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 PH48J8 or a locus conversion of PH48J8 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2FWZ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2FWZ with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2FWZ 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 PH2FWZ or a locus conversion of PH2FWZ with another maize variety.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated LJL7825, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line LJL7825 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line LJL7825, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line LJL7825, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH42YR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH42YR with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH42YR 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 PH42YR or a locus conversion of PH42YR with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH46C2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH46C2 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH46C2 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 PH46C2 or a locus conversion of PH46C2 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH475H and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH475H with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH475H 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 PH475H or a locus conversion of PH475H with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH48B8 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH48B8 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH48B8 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 PH48B8 or a locus conversion of PH48B8 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH48PW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH48PW with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH48PW 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 PH48PW or a locus conversion of PH48PW with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH42S2 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH42S2 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH42S2 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 PH42S2 or a locus conversion of PH42S2 with another maize variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH956437. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH956437, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH956437 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 CH956437.

Abstract: The door system disclosed herein includes a frame and a door fabricated from a plurality of horizontal and vertical wire rods. The door may have an inverted hook which is aligned to a horizontal wire rod of the frame when the door is pivoted to the closed position. To close the door, the door is dropped so that the horizontal wire rod of the frame is traversed into the inverted hook. At this point, the animal inside of the pet crate cannot open the door by pushing on the door. Rather, the door must be raised so that the inverted hook clears the horizontal wire rod of the frame to pivot the door to the opened position.

Abstract: A set of panels for protecting livestock during transportation, for use in a lorry with a cage for carrying livestock having railings and a guillotine door, comprising: a plurality of fixed panels, and four mobile panels, wherein the fixed panels comprise one or more layers of flexible material and a backing plate made of rigid material, to be arranged forming a horizontal strip along the inner walls of the cage railings, and wherein the mobile panels comprise pivoting wings that can adopt a folded position and an unfolded position, and wherein said mobile panels are arranged at the sides of the guillotine door, two on the inside of the cage and two on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A weight of an excretion of an animal is easily measured. A pet toilet (1) includes a supporting table (12) onto which the animal is to step, an excretion tray (13) configured to receive urine of the animal which urine falls from the supporting table (12), a first weight scale (1) configured to measure a weight of the excretion tray (13) including a weight of the urine, and a carrier member (16) configured to carry the excretion tray (13). The excretion tray (13) and the carrier member (16) are provided to be attachable together by insertion between the first weight scale (21) and the supporting table (12). A weight of the carrier member (16) is supported by the main container (10) and the first weight scale (21) supports the excretion tray (13), in a state where the excretion tray (13) is attached by insertion.

Abstract: A canine emergency rescue harness having at least a pair of straps and mating strap holes or loops. The harness may be constructed from a unitary piece of lightweight and strong material. The harness having a pair of front leg holes and a pair of rear leg holes for accommodating a dog's limbs. The harness being designed to balance a dog on a human's back for transport. The harness may be used in a hands-free manner with the use of secondary straps connected to the primary carrying straps using connectors, such as loops, triglides, and the like.

Abstract: An enrichment device for dispensing edible food products to an animal, and including the capability to provide the animals meal with said device. The device includes a body, an upper surface which preferably is removable from the body, a cavity, at least one passageway in the upper surface, the passageway communicating with the cavity to allow food to pass from the upper surface into the cavity. The body has a wall forming the cavity, and the wall has one or more openings therein to allow for food to pass from the cavity outside of the device where it may be consumed by the animal. The device bottom is configured to provide a rocking motion when the device is disrupted.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a signal transmission device and management system which are capable of transmitting a signal including information of an attachment target or information of the surrounding of an attachment target.

Abstract: A protective housing for a dog chew may comprise an elongated middle section coupled with bulbous end sections at either end. The middle section may comprise a tunnel extending lengthwise there through, and at least one of the end sections may have a chew insertion window. The chew insertion window may be in line with the tunnel axis, thereby allowing insertion of a chew through the chew insertion window and into the tunnel. Chew access windows may be formed along the middle section, thereby allowing partial access to the chew, while also protecting the chew to extend its life.

Abstract: An elastic dog harness has a vertical back strap crossing the axis line and a belly strap surrounding the chest of the dog vertically on the side opposite the back strap, a chest strap part holding a moving frame on both sides of the axis line extending between the back strap and the moving frame, surrounding a portion of the moving frame, a chest strap part crossing the chest bone threaded through the moving frame on the side opposite the held portion, the chest strap part crossing the chest bone and the chest strap parts holding the moving frame together form a chest strap surrounding the neck and/or chest of a dog, where the chest strap part holding the moving frame has at least one elastic element on both sides of the axis line, stretching at least partially, the maximum stretching of which is determined by a stretching limiting element.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to fly along a flight path and capture audio signals produced by animal species or emitted by collars coupled to animals. For example, the unmanned aerial vehicle may include a rail mount to which various attachments can be coupled. One such attachment may be a rail attachment coupled to a support that carries a microphone, a recording device, and/or a radio frequency (RF) transceiver. The microphone can capture audio signals and transmit the captured audio signals to the recording device for storage. The RF transceiver can receive signals emitted by collars and forward the signals to a remote receiver. A remote system can compare the captured audio signals with animal species audio signatures or expected data payloads to identify which animal species are present along the flight path and/or the location at which the animal species are present.

Abstract: An animal watering valve preferably includes a valve device, a check ball, a screen disc and retention tail. The valve device preferably includes a valve body, a valve stem, a retention plug, a stem o-ring and a compression spring. The valve body preferably includes a threaded shank. A valve bore is formed in the valve body to receive the valve stem. A plug bore is formed in the threaded shank. The retention plug preferably is threaded into the plug bore. The retention tail preferably includes a receiver body and an attachment shaft. The receiver body includes a ball tapered counter bore to receive the check ball and a screen counter bore to receive the screen disc. The threaded shank tap is sized to threadably receive the threaded shank of the valve body. A valve extender is used to increase a length of the animal watering valve.

Abstract: Poultry birds in a multi-compartment cage can be removed by placing openings to each compartment on a first side of the cage, and covering each opening with a spring-loaded door wherein the spring loading is provided by an over-center spring. During transport of the birds in the cage compartment, the spring loading of each door is sufficient to prevent any bird from exiting the cage. At the delivery point, the entire cage can be tilted to the side of the openings at an angle sufficient to cause the birds to slide against and open the spring-loaded door beyond the spring's center, thereby causing the door to completely open. After the birds have slid out of the cage, the doors can be closed. Poultry birds are loaded into the cage compartments via a second door in each compartment, and each second door is disposed on a second side of the cage.

Abstract: A bee swarm box and associated method of use is disclosed. The bee swarm box includes a first and second body portions. The first and second body portions are convertible between a closed configuration and a nested configuration. In the closed configuration, the first and second body portions are brought together forming an internal cavity configured to receive bees and a first plurality of framelike elements. In the nested configuration, the first aligning portion of the first body portion projects so as to nest with the first aligning portion of the second body portion, aiding the first and second body portions in forming the nested configuration. The nested configuration saves space when transporting the bee swarm box between locations.

Abstract: A floating offshore wind turbine integrated with a steel fish farming cage mainly includes a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower, a living quarter, a floating wind turbine foundation in a conic steel structure, a mooring system, a lateral net encircling the floating wind turbine foundation, a bottom net, and lifting systems. The upper end of the wind turbine tower hosts a wind turbine, and the lower end of the wind turbine tower is fixed on the floating wind turbine foundation. In the present invention, the inner space of the floating wind turbine foundation is used to form a huge farming cage, which functions for the objectives of “power exploitation on the top and fish farming at the bottom”. The foundation has excellent stability and seakeeping performance, and is applicable to deep waters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically feeding fish at predetermined intervals are disclosed herein. An automatic fish feeder can include a housing, at least one cover, a feeding track, and a valve. The housing can include a peripheral outer cover and at least one access hole. The food storage reservoir can be connected to the housing and configured to be accessible by an access hole. At least one cover can be removably attached to the peripheral outer cover and substantially seal the food storage reservoir. The feeding track can be coupleable to the food storage reservoir and configured to receive and distribute food from the food storage reservoir at individual rates. The valve can be coupleable to the feeding track and configured to control the flow of food from the feeding track. The valve can include a rod and a counter configured to move the rod relative to the feeding track.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing animals with short hair length. In a preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by altering in the animal the nucleotide sequence that encodes the prolactin receptor (PRLR) protein such that a truncated version of the protein is produced. Advantageously, and surprisingly, the truncated protein produced according to the subject invention retains lactogenic functionality, but causes the animal to have a short-hair coat.

Abstract: An underwater mobile body includes: a movement control unit that controls movement underwater; a detection unit that moves underwater under the control of the movement control unit and that detects a position of a fish; and a guidance unit that guides the fish based on the position of the fish detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for luring fish with an artificial bait are described. An artificial bait may include a top portion, a bottom portion, and a washer to prevent a knotted line from slipping through. In one embodiment, an artificial bait may include a top portion in the form of a tapered cylinder, a bottom portion comprising a plurality of appendages, and a washer. Some examples of the artificial bait may also include one or more fins attached to the top portion. The washer may prevent a fishing line from slipping through the artificial bait when it is being pulled through the water.

Abstract: A fish strike signaling assembly for alerting a user to a fish strike includes a tip-up that catches fish. A lighting unit is coupled to the tip-up. The lighting unit emits a visible light when the tip-up is triggered. A power supply is electrically coupled to the lighting unit. A power button is electrically coupled to the power supply and is actuated to an on position to provide power to the lighting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insect control system that involves injection of hot liquid (e.g. water or other ecologically suitable liquid) into a mound or nest of target insects. The system includes a tank, a heating component, a hose, a pump and an injector component. The system may further include an actuator to control release of hot liquid through the injector component as well as components to keep the operator safe from hot liquid. Typically, the tank will hold a volume of liquid and the system heats the liquid to about 150° F. or more.

Abstract: A liquid herbicidal composition is provided, comprising: a. 20 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of a water-soluble herbicidal ingredient; b. a C12-C16 alkyl ether sulfate; c. an organic solvent; and d. an alkyl polyglucoside The composition is stable; i.e., it occurs in a substantially continuous, single phase at temperatures as low as ?20° C. It also has a viscosity of no more than 2000 cps at temperatures as low as 0° C.

Abstract: Antibacterial compositions comprising at least one unsaturated fatty acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; at least one alpha-hydroxy acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and at least one amino alcohol. The compositions have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, including on pathogens displaying multi-drug resistance.

Abstract: In crop production in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and the like, the damage caused by insect pests etc. is still immense, and insect pests resistant to existing insecticides have emerged. Under such circumstances, the development of novel agricultural and horticultural insecticides is desired. The present invention provides an agricultural and horticultural insecticide comprising the indoline compound represented by the general formula (1): (wherein R1 and R4 are hydrogen atoms, R2 and R3 are halogen atoms, R5 is a haloalkyl group, Ra, Rb and Rc are hydrogen atoms, A1 is a CH group, A2 is a nitrogen atom, A3 is N-Me, m is 2, and n is 1), or a salt thereof as an active ingredient; and a method for using the insecticide.