Abstract: A new and distinct variety of miniature rose plant, herein referred to by its cultivar name, ‘KORpot094’, is provided which forms abundantly on a substantially continuous basis attractive, light pink colored blossoms. Attractive vigorous vegetative is formed, which contrasts beautifully with the blossoms. The growth habit is upright. The new variety is well suited for providing attractive ornamentation in the landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct southern high bush blueberry variety is described. The variety results from selection among a population of seedlings derived from the controlled crossing of the blueberry varieties B7-8-1 (seed parent) (not patented) and D110 (pollen parent) (not patented). The fruit of this new variety has an attractive appearance characterised by outstanding fruit quality with a good bloom, very large size, light blue skin colour and mid-season harvests. The new variety appears suitable for the fresh fruit market.

Abstract: A new and distinctive variety of a Malus x domestica apple tree named ‘NY73’, particularly characterized by its attractive fruit appearance, unique pink blush, overall superior horticultural performance and consistency, including excellent fruit quality at harvest by having firm, crisp, juicy, and flavorful fruit with great potential for marketing as both a fresh apple and in u-pick, retail, and wholesale operations is disclosed.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. Tree having a vigorous, upright growth habit. 2. Tree being a regular and productive bearer of medium to large size fruit. 3. Fruit with a high degree of attractive purple skin color. 4. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 5. Fruit with good storage and shipping ability.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of grapevine ‘Sugrafiftynine’ is characterized by the production of a large-sized, dark red and narrow elliptic berry with an early ripening date. The berries of ‘Sugrafiftynine’ are very firm.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of commercial strawberry plant (Fragaria x ananassa Duchense) named ‘NCS 10-038’ substantially as illustrated and described, characterized by its very high yields, mid-season (peak harvest weeks 15-18) fruit ripening with the fruit having a medium size, good flavor, conical to wedge shape, and being of a good quality with very good flesh firmness and good skin toughness. ‘NCS 10-038’ has fair to good firmness and is suitable for pick your own and local sales.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of flowering dogwood tree, which has fused bracts is provided. This dogwood tree is botanically known as Cornus kousa and referred to by the following cultivar name: ‘Melissa's Mountain Snowfall’.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘DLFALLI5’, characterized by its upright plant habit; vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; strong upright flowering stems with numerous inflorescences; pompom-type inflorescences with yellow green-colored ray florets; relative tolerance to low production temperatures.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Chrysanthemum plant named ‘G21POS04YE’, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and uniformly rounded plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dense and full plant habit; flexible stems; dark green-colored leaves; uniform and freely flowering habit; long flowering period; spider decorative-type inflorescences with quilled ray florets that are bright yellow in color; and excellent garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dahlia plant named ‘BKDAMFPBC’, characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading and sturdy plant habit; freely basal branching habit; dense and bushy growth habit; dark green-colored leaves; and large double-type inflorescences with light pale purple and reddish purple bi-colored ray florets.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Begonia plant named ‘BKPBEBVDS’, characterized by its broadly outwardly spreading to trailing plant habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and reddish orange-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and unique x Mangave plant named ‘Queen for a Day’ characterized by slightly-arching, slightly-wavy, lanceolate foliage with distinctly small firm spines on deeply-scalloped margins. Leaves are variegated and with strong ultraviolet light develop dark, purplish-grey margins and olive-green longitudinal centers. Plants are useful for landscaping as specimens or en masse or as container plants in the landscape or in the home.

Abstract: A new and unique X Mangave plant named ‘Wigging Out’ characterized by numerous, long, narrow, horizontal leaves with variegated creamy-white margins and dark green centers and irregular dark-burgundy spotting in the center and purplish-red in the margins covering large portions of leaves especially when grown in high ultraviolet light exposure. Leaves have minimal marginal spines and apical spines are flexible. Growth rate is moderate. ‘Wigging Out’ is suitable for the garden or as a potted plant in the garden or home.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Cordyline australis plant named ‘FILIRESTA’ that is characterized by its compact and sturdy plant habit, its foliage that is dark brown-purple in color and narrow in width, its plant habit that is stable, drought and heat resistant with no observed diseases, and its good performance in a container.

Abstract: A new and distinct ornamental perennial Sedum plant named ‘Powderpuff’ is characterized by tight-forming compact clumps with small-sized, blue-green glaucous foliage and blue-green vertical to arching branched flower stems that resist falling over and opening up in the center of the plant throughout the growing season. Numerous stems produce a multitude of flowers of bright rosy-pink effect completely covering the top of the plant. The new plant is useful for the landscape in containers, as specimens, en masse.

Abstract: ‘A405’ is a new variety of calla lily plant having white colored spathes that produces 6-10 inflorescences per 16-18 cm tuber. The flower stems are about 30-40 cm in height. The leaves are green with numerous whitish spots and have a leathery texture.

Abstract: ‘Dubai Nights’ is a new variety of calla lily plant having purple colored spathes that produces 9-13 inflorescences per 14-16 cm tuber. The flower stems are about 37-51 cm in height. The leaves are green with many whitish spots and have a leathery texture.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing taurine by the ammonolysis of alkali isethionate in the presence of alkali ditaurinate or alkali tritaurinate, or their mixture, to inhibit the formation of byproducts and to continuously convert the byproducts of the ammonolysis reaction to alkali taurinate. The production yield is increased to from 90% to nearly quantitative. The ammonolysis reaction is catalyzed by alkali salts of hydroxide, sulfate, sulfite, phosphate, or carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring the levels of BCMA in a biological sample, specifically upon the B cell surface. The diagnostic assays are useful in predicting an individual's likelihood of developing or currently suffering from an autoimmune disease, such as SLE, and for methods for treating an individual clinically diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This diagnostic test serves to predict a patient's likelihood to respond to a specific drug treatment, in particular treatment with BLyS antagonists, either singly or in combination with other immune suppressive drugs.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing a target sound signal from multiple sound signals is provided. An array of an arbitrary number of sound sensors positioned in an arbitrary configuration receives the sound signals from multiple disparate sources. The sound signals comprise the target sound signal from a target sound source, and ambient noise signals. A sound source localization unit, an adaptive beamforming unit, and a noise reduction unit are in operative communication with the array of sound sensors. The sound source localization unit estimates a spatial location of the target sound signal from the received sound signals. The adaptive beamforming unit performs adaptive beamforming by steering a directivity pattern of the array of sound sensors in a direction of the spatial location of the target sound signal, thereby enhancing the target sound signal and partially suppressing the ambient noise signals, which are further suppressed by the noise reduction unit.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and controlling the use of utilities by devices contained within a specific location. Interactive units are provided within the selected location. A server interface is provided at the location that communicates with a remote computer server. The interactive units control the operations of different devices within the selected location that consume utilities. When used, each interactive unit generates signal information indicating whether the device controlled or monitored by that interactive unit is in operation. The signal information generated by the interactive units is sent to the server interface and then a remote computer server. The server computer analyzes the signal information to determine the amount of utilities being used and enables a programmer to set automatic and selective control parameters to minimize the cost of operations for the various devices.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit able to reduce a load of layout design when arranging switches in a power lines for preventing leakage current and able to reduce the influence of a voltage drop occurring in the switches on a signal delay, wherein a plurality of groups of power lines are arranged in stripe shapes, power is supplied to circuit cells by a plurality of groups of branch lines branching from the groups of power lines, power switch cells arranged in the groups of branch lines turn on or off the supply of power to the circuit cells, the power switch cells are arranged dispersed in the area of arrangement of the circuit cells, and the supply of power by the power switch cells is finely controlled for every relatively small number of circuit cells.

Abstract: Circuitry for any of a transceiver, a transmitter, and a receiver, has radio frequency (RF) circuitry, digital circuitry, a carrier signal generator to provide a carrier signal to the RF circuitry and a clock generator for generating a digital clock for clocking at least some of the digital circuitry. The RF circuitry is susceptible to interference from harmonics of the clocking, and the clock generator derives a frequency of the digital clock based on a frequency divided down from a frequency of the carrier signal so that the interference to the RF circuitry occurs at frequencies which are harmonics of the carrier signal.

Abstract: A system for real time distribution of data and media is disclosed. The system may include a processor that executes instructions to authenticate an employee into an application based on login information received for the employee. The processor may enable the employee to access the application if the employee is authenticated. Once the employee is logged in, the processor may receive media content and information associated with a customer and may transmit the media content and the information to a device of a manager for approval. After the media content and the information are transmitting to the device of the manager, the processor may receive the approval of the media content and the information from the device of the manager. The processor may then proceed to interrupt currently displayed media content on a display device to display video content including the media content and the information associated with the customer.

Abstract: A seed trench depth sensor is adapted to mount to an agricultural implement. The trench depth sensor comprises an elongate member which drags within the seed trench and a second part which detects the distance to the elongate member within the seed trench.

Abstract: A distribution device, in particular a sowing machine, for distributing a good, with at least one storage container and at least one discharge apparatus. The storage container is connected to the discharge apparatus by at least one outlet channel such that the good arranged in the storage container can be transferred to the discharge apparatus such that the good can be distributed by the discharge apparatus. The distribution device has a first and a second part. The first and the second parts can be moved in relation to each other such that the outlet channel can be at least partially exposed.

Abstract: A method of using an unmanned agricultural robot to generate an anticipatory geospatial data map of the positions of annual crop rows planted within a perimeter of an agricultural field, the method including the step of creating a geospatial data map of an agricultural field by plotting actual annual crop row positions in a portion of the geospatial data map that corresponds to a starting point observation window, and filling in a remainder of the geospatial data map with anticipated annual crop row positions corresponding to the annual crop rows outside of the starting point observation window, and refining the geospatial data map by replacing the anticipated annual crop row positions with measured actual annual crop row positions when an unexpected obstacle is encountered.

Abstract: A method of mowing multiple areas includes training a robotic mower to mow at least two areas separated by a space, including moving the robotic mower about the areas while storing data indicative of location of boundaries of each area relative to boundary markers, training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas, and initiating a mowing operation. Training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas includes moving the robotic mower to a traversal launch point of a first of the areas and moving the robotic mower to a traversal landing point of a second of the areas. The mowing operation causes the robotic mower to move to the traversal launch point, move from the traversal launch point across the space to the traversal landing point, and then mow the second of the areas.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting device (10) including an elongated member (45), a trimmer head (25), and a power unit operably coupled to the trimmer head (25) to selectively cause rotation of the trimmer head (25). The trimmer head (25) includes a line holding assembly (110, 310) to hold and selectively release trimmer line (70), and a housing to house the line holding assembly (110, 310), wherein the line holding assembly (110, 310) includes a core (140, 340), a line-release knob (160, 350), and a spool (130) configured to hold the trimmer line (70). The knob (160, 350) is axially movable with respect to the core (140, 340) between an extended first position and a retracted second position, the knob (160, 350) extending outwardly from the housing and being non-rotatably fixed to the core (140, 340) when the knob (160, 350) is in the first position.

Abstract: A string motor/cutter mechanism has a hollow shaft motor having an internal shaft extending therethrough, open at at least one end, and the shaft being aligned with a motor rotation axis; a string cutting mechanism axially aligned to the motor axis and connected to the motor in a rotational connection enables the motor to rotate the string cutting mechanism at a cutting rotational speed. A rotary support mechanism has a mounting shaft for rotatably connecting a single axis, axially rotating, rolling mechanism in supporting engagement to the motor, the mounting shaft extending within and aligned with the axis of the hollow shaft of the motor. The rotary mechanism mounting shaft is connected in an operationally fixed position along the hollow motor shaft to support the cutting mechanism a selected distance, measured along the mounting shaft axis, from a ground surface on which the rolling mechanism travels.

Abstract: A trimmer can be converted from an existing cutting medium to an alternative tool without requiring removal of the trimmer head. A common upper receiver head, as sold by an original equipment trimmer manufacturer, incorporates design provisions to snugly allow an easy/comfortable fit for a series of uniquely adaptable and convertible cap attachments such as, monofilament systems, unique molded or shaped flexible line blades with optional cutting swath diameters, as well as other helpful devices that perform different functions beyond just cutting grass.

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

Abstract: A chopping blade for a straw chopper comprises a fastening opening, two side faces, and cutting edges arranged on one or both ends of the side faces. At least one of the side faces is equipped with means for reducing the frictional resistance of the chopping blade relative to the air and/or the chopping material.

Abstract: In a utility vehicle, equipped with a lawnmower work unit having a circular single blade disk rotatable around a rotating shaft connected to an output shaft of a work motor (prime mover) mounted on a chassis, and multiple (three) blades attached to a circumference of the blade disk at equally spaced apart positions, a single second disk is fixed to a middle of the surface of the blade disk of the lawnmower work unit at fixing positions that are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Differential speed stalk rolls mountable to a row unit of a row crop head. A first stalk roll body has an outer peripheral speed less than the outer peripheral speed of a second stalk roll body in lateral spaced relation. At least one of the first and second bodies includes a knife defining a knife plane normal to the axis of rotation of the first or second stalk roll. The stalk roll bodies may have modular and interchangeable body segments of different configurations.

Abstract: A draper belt (8) having a carry layer (14), a pulley cover layer (13), and a reinforcing layer (12) which is situated between the carry layer (14) and the pulley cover layer (13). The draper belt (8) has a first edge (30) and a second edge (31). The carry layer (14) includes a plurality of cleats (7) which run from the first edge (30) to the second edge (31) of the draper belt. The cleats (7) are reinforced with reinforcing rods which are comprised of a cured rubbery polymer which includes at least 3 phr of reinforcing fibers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a lawn maintenance vehicle park brake and traction drive interlock are provided. A park brake mechanism is selectively operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A traction drive is also mounted to the lawn maintenance vehicle, the traction drive having a disable mode which prohibits transmission of a driving force from the traction drive to a drive wheel. A first operable connection between the park brake mechanism and a wheel brake activates the wheel brake. A second operable connection between the park brake mechanism and the traction drive activates the disable mode of the traction drive. A method of controlling a lawn maintenance vehicle with a park brake and traction drive interlock include the steps of providing a lawn maintenance vehicle, providing an operable park brake mechanism, providing a first operable connection, and providing a second operable connection.

Abstract: A farm implement having an auger assembly that includes a first auger section with a first auger shaft and a first helical flight array and a second auger section with a second auger shaft and a second helical flight array. When the auger assembly is set in the operating position, a leading edge of the first helical flight array opposes a trailing edge of the second flight array, and the leading edge is spatially separated from the trailing edge by a gap. The auger assembly further includes a first flight extension detachably mounted to the leading edge of the first helical flight array and/or a second flight extension detachably mounted to the trailing edge of the second helical flight array.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention is related to a method for vegetative propagation of woody plants selected from the group consisting of Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.), Salix sp., olive tree (Olea europaea), rootstock Atlas (Prunus persica x Prunus dulcis x Prunus blireiana), blueberries (Vaccinum corymbosurn), Vitis vinifera, Aristotelia chilensis, Quillaja saponaria and Quercus ilex, from prepared leaf cuttings, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing cuts of leaf cuttings from a donor tree, b) immersing the prepared leaf cutting into a combination of growth regulators, c) planting the prepared leaf cutting into a solid substrate of organic and/or inorganic origin, d) inducing sprouting and rooting of the prepared leaf cutting, by means of controlled ambient temperature, humidity and illumination, wherein steps a) through d) always occur outside an in vitro environment; and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: A light-emitting diode includes a PN junction light-emitting portion over a substrate; wherein the PN junction light-emitting portion includes an alternating-layer structure of alternating a strained light-emitting layer and a barrier layer, wherein the strained light-emitting layer with a component formula of GaXIn(1-x)AsY1P(1-Y), 0<X<1 and 0<Y?0.05, and the barrier layer has a component formula of (AlaGa1-A)bIn(1-b)P, 0.3?a?1 and 0<b<1; when a current of 350 mA flows through the PN junction light-emitting portion in forward direction, the light-emitting diode has an output power at least 202.2 mW.

Abstract: A fixed irrigation landscape growing system comprises: a supporting substrate; a water absorbent blanket arranged above the substrate; and a growing medium, notably a soil layer, arranged above the water absorbent blanket. Irrigation is provided by irrigation pipes or by sprinklers.

Abstract: A sprinkler system for lawns and landscaping is custom-fitted to each particular lot or area to be irrigated. Each in-ground, pop-up, rotating sprinkler head has a pattern defining plate fitted therein having a central opening made therein, as by laser cutting, solid particle deposition, or the like, the opening being congruent with the area to be watered, as adjusted for any sloped portions of the area. A pattern sampling aperture aligned with spray nozzles of the sprinkler rotates about the opening in the defining plate, feeding an amount of water to each radial line of the area about the sprinkler sufficient to reach from the sprinkler position out to the periphery. A speed control comprising a spring-biased cam and an opposing turbine wheel in the water flow slows spray head rotation at arc portions of longer water throw and speeds rotation where the throw is shorter, thus to obtain substantially uniform water coverage over all parts of the area served by each sprinkler head.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a plurality of mobile support towers driven my motors; a fluid-carrying conduit supported by the mobile towers; a number of water-emitters connected to the conduit; one or more valves which can be opened or closed to control fluid flow through the water emitters; and a control system. The control system controls the speed of the mobile towers and the flow of water through the water emitters in accordance with one or more irrigation scheduling plans. The control system also receives crop growth data from one or more sensors and aerial image data from one or more remote imaging systems and detects significant crop events from the data and improves irrigation scheduling in response to such detections.

Abstract: A method for drip irrigation includes providing water from a first main line to at least one feeder line. The at least one feeder line extends along a plurality of segments in a field, including a first end segment nearest the first main line and an adjacent segment which is adjacent to the first end segment further away from the main line. At least one dripper is disposed on the at least one feeder line for each of the segments. Water is delivered by a first pressure from the first main line to the first end segment, the first pressure being insufficient to deliver water from the first main line to the adjacent segment. Water is delivered by a second pressure from the first main line to the first end segment and to the adjacent segment, the second pressure being greater than the first pressure.

Abstract: First beam source radiates a near infrared reference beam of 905 nm, in which light tends not to be absorbed in water toward a leaf of a plant. Second beam source radiates a near infrared measuring beam of 1550 nm, in which light tends to be absorbed in water toward the leaf of the plant. Threshold level setter/water content index detector calculates a water content index of one leaf as a total sum ? Ln(I905/I1550) of the reflection intensity ratio. Controller displays a graph representing a total sum of water content of the leaf and a pixel average value as a time-transition of the water content contained in the plant from the start of the measurement period on a UI screen of a monitor. Viewed from the first and second beam sources, a white reference substrate covering a back surface of the leaf is disposed on the leaf of the plant.

Abstract: The self watering bottle planter insert allows a regular bottle to be transformed into a hydroponic planter. The self watering bottle planter insert is insertable into a bottle and removes the need for a separate source of nutrients. The planter uses composite media with an enriched substrate layered beneath a more standard hydroponic growth media to add nutrients to the water for the life cycle of the plant.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a grow board may include an outer member that may be engaged with an inner member such that a grow media may be positioned therebetween, secured, and/or tightened by the engagement between the inner and outer members. The outer member may have one or more slots formed therein to allow a plant to grow from the grow media through the slots, wherein the root of the plant may be positioned adjacent the inner member. The inner member may be configured with risers along the periphery and interior to provide a sufficient gap between stacked grow boards to allow for improved penetration of light and air into the seeded and stacked grow boards to aid in seed germination.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponics system is provided. The flow rate or pressure of the solution passing through the system is uniform throughout the system to reduce or prevent clogging and/or leaking. The diameters of the various components of the system's water supply plumbing are such so as to reduce or prevent clogging and/or leaking. The vertical hydroponics system includes at least one body, at least one pot coupled to a front surface of the at least one body for supporting one or more plants, and a water source fluidly connected to each body for delivering water uniformly to each pot. Each body is configured to direct water away from the front surface of the body to reduce or prevent leaking. Accordingly, flow rates or pressures not typically associated with vertical hydroponics systems may be used to deliver water to the pot(s).

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV804042. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV804042, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV804042 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV804042 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV804042.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH949351. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH949351, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH949351 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 CH949351.