Abstract: An inter-row machine, of the type used to work laterally to the travel path of the tractor by which it is towed or pushed, during the treatment of the land in espalier orchards or vineyards, having one or two working units, each preceded by a probe element which actuates, at each obstacle to be avoided, a known (hydraulic, pneumatic or electric) device for movement transversely to the travel path and to the row. The encounter of each probe with the obstacle to be avoided causes the rotation of the tool of the corresponding working unit—so that the translation of the latter, which is transverse to the travel path of the tractor, is directly proportional to the angular displacement performed by the tool and reported by an electromagnetic sensor to the electronic controller of the machine.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having an implement hitch or linkage arranged to receive linkage balls of different types. The tractor is provided with at least one linkage ball holder which can be used to store unused linkage balls on the tractor. The linkage ball holder is at least partly formed from a resiliently deformable material, such that a linkage ball can easily be retained within the holder without the need for additional mechanical locking parts.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle header having: a frame, a support arm having a proximal end rotatably mounted by a support arm pivot to the frame and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, a torque transfer anchor rigidly attached to the frame, a support torque rod having a distal end rotationally fixed to the support arm, and a proximal end rotatably mounted to the torque transfer anchor to rotate about a first axis, a frame torque rod having a proximal end rotatably mounted to the torque transfer anchor to rotate about a second axis and a distal end rotationally fixed to the frame, and a drive linkage connecting the support torque rod to the frame torque rod at the torque transfer anchor, to transfer a rotational motion of the support torque rod about the first axis into an opposite rotational motion of the frame torque rod about the second axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include first and second ground-engaging tools configured to perform first and second operations, respectively, on a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. Furthermore, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to determine a first value of a field characteristic based on the received sensor data and adjust an operating parameter of the first ground-engaging tool based on the determined first value. After adjusting the operating parameter of the first ground-engaging tool, the controller may be configured to determine a second value of the field characteristic based on the sensor data and adjust an operating parameter of the second ground-engaging tool based on the determined second value.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, boom control of an agricultural vehicle can be integrated with an on-board machine controller of the vehicle so that an operator can provide input through a user interface of the machine controller without requiring an ISOBUS interface or VT. In one aspect, an electronic system can integrate ISO controls with an on-board display connected to the machine controller by an integral CAN bus to give an operator the ability to control boom speeds, auto fold the boom and make standard adjustments, without an ISOBUS or VT. In one aspect, using CAN communication on an additional CAN bus, the on-board controller can execute to ensure a Graphical User Interface (GUI) of the on-board display communicates operator intentions to an ISO boom control module associated with the boom. This can allow avoiding the requirement of a VT while still providing VT functionality.

Abstract: A system for preventing material accumulation relative to an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool supported on an agricultural implement and a controller configured to determine a presence of excessive residue across a forward portion of the field forward of the ground engaging tool based at least in part residue data associated with an amount of residue across a forward portion of the field. The controller may initiate a control action associated with adjusting an operating parameter of the ground engaging tool such that the amount of residue incorporated into the field by the ground engaging tool is reduced across a section of the field having excessive residue to reduce a likelihood of material accumulation relative to the ground engaging tool as it passes across the section of the field.

Abstract: The disclosed devices, systems and methods relate to agricultural planters, particularly to a two-stage closing system for a planter row unit. In some implementations, the row unit includes a soil engaging member, where the soil engaging member engages at least one sidewall of a trench and displaces soil from the sidewall to cover the seed. In further implementations, the row unit includes a sensing system for sensing sidewall compaction and/or soil moisture.

Abstract: A system for dispensing multiple low rate agricultural products, includes a syringe-based agricultural product metering system, a number of agricultural product tubes, and an agricultural product metering system. The agricultural product metering system is operably connected to sources of low rate agricultural products. The agricultural product tubes are operatively connected to the agricultural product metering system. The agricultural product metering system is configured to dispense liquid low rate agricultural products at a low rate defined as below 3.7 fluid ounces per 1000 row feet.

Abstract: A sowing element (1) for agricultural precision sowing machines (100) comprising a seed selection device (10) which includes a casing (10a) and a perforated disc (18) which is caused to rotate in the casing, a pressurization device associated with the casing in order to subject opposite faces (18a, b) of the disc to a pressure differential, an opening (16) in the casing which is for ventilating one of the faces of the disc and which is or can be pneumatically connected to a filtration system (42) or a remote intake system. In this manner, the introduction of sand and powder inside the seed selection device is prevented.

Abstract: Systems and method for retaining a downspout onto a spout are disclosed. The downspout may be retained on the spout using hook and loop fasteners. In some implementations, a portion of a spout may include a first portion of a hook and loop fastener and the downspout may include a second portion of the first hook and loop faster. The first and second portions of the hook and loop faster are complimentary such that the first and second portions of the hook and loop fastener combine to interlocking secure the downspout and the spout together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plenum configured to evenly separate and distribute airflow generated by a fan into distribution lines of an agricultural machine. The plenum can utilize angled vanes symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged to form plenum chambers to provide a balanced airflow which contributes to maximizing fan efficiency, including power consumption and performance (airflow and static pressure). Accordingly, the plenum can be configured to separate the airflow and minimize imbalance between the lines during sectional control. The plenum height can be maintained for increased manufacturability and to prevent additional expansion. The plenum length can be configured within allowable space constraints of the machine yet allow airflow to develop upon separation into the lines. Vanes throughout the span of the plenum initially divide the airflow from the fan and maintain separation until the outlets.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a fertilizer absorption improvement method that makes it possible to conveniently improve fertilizer absorption. This fertilizer absorption improvement method involves applying nano-bubble water to a plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a hand-push garden tool and a control method thereof. The hand-push garden tool comprises a main body, wheel and a handle assembly. The wheels are mounted on the main body, the handle assembly is mounted on the main body. The handle assembly comprises a handle, a first control rod and a second control rod. The first control rod is mounted on the handle and can rotate relative to the handle, the second control rod is mounted on the handle and can rotate relative to the handle, and the first control rod and the second control rod are coaxially arranged. The first control rod and the second control rod of the hand-push garden tool can coaxially rotate and cannot affect each other, the garden tool is convenient, beautiful and clean and tidy, and design spaces are saved.

Abstract: A method for determining a robot position of an autonomous mobile green area maintenance robot on an area to be maintained includes the steps of: determining at least one robot position of the autonomous mobile green area maintenance robot by virtue of the green area maintenance robot receiving at least one global positioning signal from a global positioning system; determining a station position for at least one local positioning station on the basis of the at least one determined robot position and by interchanging at least one local positioning signal between the green area maintenance robot and the at least one positioning station; and determining a robot position of the green area maintenance robot on the area to be maintained on the basis of the at least one determined station position and by interchanging at least one local positioning signal between the green area maintenance robot and the at least one positioning station.

Abstract: A cutting system for a header of an agricultural machine includes a knife guard having a plurality of guards that are spaced apart by a guard pitch, and a knife section that is configured to move with respect to the knife guard for cutting crop material. The knife section includes a plurality of knives that are spaced apart by a knife pitch. The guard pitch is neither equal to nor is a whole number multiple of the knife pitch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cutting blade comprising an elongate body portion mountable to a mowing and/or slashing machine having a left side and a right side, said left side and said right side having a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge and a downward portion provided on an outer end of the left side and the right side of the cutting blade, said downward portions having at least one cutting portion, wherein on the left side of the cutting blade, the cutting portion(s) are provided on an inner side of the downward portion and on the right side of the cutting blade, the cutting portion(s) are provided on an outer side of the downward portion. The present invention provides an improved cutting blade having a horizontal body portion with staggered cutting portions.

Abstract: A lawn mower may include a blade housing configured to house a blade assembly, a powerhead configured to selectively operate the blade assembly responsive to application of power from one or more batteries, a battery receptacle operably coupled to the powerhead and configured to receive the one or more batteries, and a battery adapter configured to be operably coupled to the lawn mower and to a backpack battery to enable the powerhead to receive power from the backpack battery in addition to or as an alternative to one of the one or more batteries when the backpack battery is removed from a backpack harness and mated with the battery adapter.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade assembly configured to perform a cutting function, a deck formed with an accommodation space for accommodating at least a portion of the blade assembly, a motor configured to drive the blade assembly to rotate about a rotation axis, and a battery pack configured to power the motor. The blade assembly includes a first cutting portion configured to cut grass and a second cutting portion configured to cut grass. In the direction parallel to the rotation axis, the second cutting portion is located below the first cutting portion. The battery pack includes a battery pack housing and battery cells provided in the battery pack housing.

Abstract: A working machine may include an operation rod; a tool disposed on a front portion of the operation rod; a prime mover configured to drive the tool; a first harness connector disposed frontward of a center of gravity of the working machine and configured to be connected to a first end of the harness; and a second harness connector disposed rearward of the center of gravity of the working machine and configured to be connected to a second end of the harness opposite to the first end. In a side view of the working machine, the center of gravity of the working machine may be positioned on a first harness connector side with respect to a plane that passes through a midpoint of a line connecting the first harness connector with the second harness connector and is perpendicular to the line.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle, and an agricultural vehicle having the header. The header includes a center section extending in a lateral direction, a wing section movably connected at a lateral end of the center section and extending in the lateral direction from the center section, a ground support attached to and extending in a downward direction from the wing section, and a resilient support operatively connected to the wing section and the ground support. The resilient support is configured to generate an adjustable predetermined force to bias the ground support in the downward direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting crop field parameters with a header of a harvester. The header includes a reel configured to draw crop from a crop field toward the header as the harvester moves through the crop field and at least one distance sensor mounted to the reel. Data is received from the at least one distance sensor mounted on the reel, processed, and used to detect crop field parameters.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle header having a center section, a wing section, a hinge connecting the center section's lower frame to the wing section's lower frame, and a torque transfer linkage connecting the center section's upper frame to the wing section's upper frame. The torque transfer link has a first link, a second link, a first pivot connection joining the first link to the center section upper frame, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the first link and the center section upper frame, a second pivot connection joining the first link to the second link, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the first link and the second link, and a third pivot connection joining the second link to the first wing section upper frame, and providing a respective single degree of rotational freedom between the second link and the first wing section frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of crop harvesting machinery, in particular to an automatic harvesting and collecting device for sisal hemp leaves, which includes an up-and-down moving assembly, a steering device, a braking mechanism, a mechanical vision sensor device, a vehicle traveling and controlling device, a forward-and-backward moving assembly, an omnidirectional automatic positioning and rotating device, a shearing and clamping device, a collecting device and a frame.

Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

Abstract: Optical system for facilitating plant growth is provided. The optical system can produce a light beam having a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) angle of greater than 120 degrees in one or more transverse directions, wherein the transverse direction is perpendicular to the optical axis of the light beam.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure is obtained from a tubular preform, which is obtained from a net of the Chebyshev type having a flared shape maintained by hoops, spacers, or cables. A method for installing such a structure, in which method the tubular preform is brought to the installation point, then deformations are applied to the preform that allow the final desired flared shape to be achieved.

Abstract: A self-contained soil module, the soil module including a biodegradable outer frame forming the shape of the soil module, a biodegradable wrapping disposed within the biodegradable outer frame, a soil composition contained within the biodegradable wrapping and at least one plant seed of at least one type of plant disposed within the soil module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating low altitude clouds saturated with moisture above bodies of water including oceans, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers to generate rain down wind of the location of rain cloud generation.

Abstract: A leaf yard net and a method for collecting leaves from a grassy area using the leaf yard net. The leaf yard net comprises a mesh configured to capture leaves when the leaf yard net is removed from the grassy area.

Abstract: A starting assembly for a backpack blower may include a starting lever. The backpack blower may include an engine and a backpack harness configured to support the blower on a back of a user wearing the backpack harness. The starting lever may include a lever arm operably coupled to an axial member at a distal end of the axial member. The starting lever may be pivotable about an axis formed by the axial member by a user wearing the blower via the backpack harness to start the engine.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing and operating a pump control module and one or more pumps in an assembly line grow pod are provided herein. Some embodiments include the assembly line grow pod having one or more pumps, a master controller with a plurality of bays and being communicatively coupled to the pumps, and a pump control module within one of the bays such that the pump control module is communicatively coupled to the master controller and the pumps. The pump control module is programmed to receive information regarding fluid within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more control signals necessary to provide or pressurize the fluid, and provide the one or more control signals to the one or more pumps.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a container for hydroponically growing plants. The container has a bottom surface and an open top surface and a fluid reservoir having at least a portion of the volume between the bottom surface and the top surface. A pump is positioned at a bottom portion of the fluid reservoir. A length of tubing connects the pump to a valve that is further connected to additional tubing. A plurality of jets are connected to the additional tubing to spray fluid internal to the fluid reservoir. Further, there is a support structure, configured to fit into the open top surface, that has support components for interconnecting a plurality of openings and supporting the plurality of jets. Finally, a cover plate is configured to fit over the support structure in the open top surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to increasing the proportion of omega-3 fatty acid in seed oil produced by a plurality of Brassica plants, such as canola, transgenically modified to produce seed oil comprising at least one of EPA, DHA and DPA. Transgenic Brassica plants, such as transgenic canola, are subjected to an environment which has an average daily day-night temperature difference of at least 13° C. during the transgenic plant's period of seed maturation. The seed oil is at least 5 wt % EPA. The seed oil is at least 1 wt % DPA. The seed oil is at least 0.2 wt % DHA. The seed oil is at least 5.2 wt % a mixture of EPA and DHA. The seed oil is at least 6 wt % long chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating rice. The method comprises the steps of: providing a domestic rice crop plant and at least one ACCase-inhibiting aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicide selected from the group consisting of quizalofop or an ester thereof, haloxyfop, fluazifop or an ester thereof, clodinafop, clodinafop-propargyl, diclofop, and diclofop-methyl; applying an effective amount (measured in g AI/Ha) of the at least one aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicide to the domestic rice crop plant, post-emergence; thereby creating a treated rice plant; and growing the resulting treated rice plant.

Abstract: A cytoplasmic male sterile triticale cultivar, designated 343CMS, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of triticale cultivar 343CMS, to the plants of triticale 343CMS, and to methods for producing a triticale plant produced by crossing the cultivar 343CMS with itself or another triticale variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a triticale plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic triticale plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to triticale varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from triticale cultivar 343CMS, to methods for producing other triticale varieties, lines or plant parts derived from triticale cultivar 343CMS, and to the triticale plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid triticale seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar 343CMS with another triticale cultivar.

Abstract: A pet enclosure includes a bottom section, a middle section, and a top section. The middle section is connectable to the bottom section with an opening in the middle section. The opening in the middle section has a bottom portion that connects with a top portion of an opening in the bottom section. The top section is connectable to the middle section with an opening in the top section. The opening in the top section has a bottom portion that connects with a top portion of an opening in the bottom section. The bottom section, middle section and top section when connected together form an enclosed pet enclosure with an animal opening therein.

Abstract: A method for recycling plastic and manufacturing filler involves collecting discarded plastic articles, and grinding/shredding the articles up together without substantive sorting out of the articles by plastic type, color, etc. The plastic articles are shredded into shredded plastic particles which are used as filler for various consumer products, such as weight training equipment and cushions. For products requiring additional weight, higher-density shredded recycled plastic particles are added to the filler for increased weight. For products requiring less weight and/or buoyancy, lower-density recycled plastic particles and/or foam is added to the filler for decreased weight/density. Medicine balls, pet training devices, cushions, pillows, flotation devices, ski racks, and other products may be formed using the filler.

Abstract: A Litter Box Containment System for Pets has a base with sealed walls on four sides that prevents cat urine from leaking onto an adjacent floor, a lid that detaches from the base and fits beneath the base during usage, a ramp with ribbed tread surface, and a holder for accessories. The base has a planar rectangular plate with edges on its perimeter perpendicular to the plane of the plate. The interior of the base has a waterproof liner that prevents any pet urine leakage from pet usage from staining the floor below. Within the base, it stores a ramp that has a tread material on its upper surface that catches the litter from a pet's paws and an accessory holder for litter scoops. The system has an open configuration with the lid beneath the base and a closed configuration with the lid secured to the edges.

Abstract: A feed container for storing hardened livestock feed is disclosed. The feed container has a storage area defined by a bottom wall and a sidewall for retaining animal feed within the storage area when the feed is in a solid phase and the feed container is in a non-upward resting position or is on its sidewall. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing a feed container, having said storage area for retaining animal feed within the storage area when the feed is in a solid phase and the feed container is in a non-upward resting position or is on its sidewall.

Abstract: A container for holding food or water for an animal includes: a unitary vessel having a generally elliptical plan and a trough in the upper surface to contain material for consumption by an animal, and further including: a flat rim on the lower surface to allow the vessel to rest stably on a horizontal surface; outer sides that slope outwardly from the upper surface to the lower surface at a selected angle from the vertical; and, a cantilevered handle extending from the upper surface in a direction along the major axis of the oval and having sufficient dimensions and sufficient strength to support the weight of the vessel and its contents; and wherein, the inner surface of the trough slopes inwardly from the upper rim of the trough to the bottom of the trough at a selected angle from the vertical. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A livestock feeding system comprising a feed tank reservoir, the feed tank reservoir having first and second end panels opposite and parallel to each other and first and second side panels opposite and parallel to each other, the side panels and end panels connected to form a generally rectangular structure for holding animal feed. A feed shelf adjuster mounts to at least one side panel and connects to an adjustable feed shelf. One or more divider panels create individual feeding stalls. Exposed edges of the feeding system components include longitudinally extending double folded safety edges to prevent injury to feeding animals.

Abstract: One variation of a method for selectively serving primary reinforcers to an animal includes: accessing a set of characteristics of an animal and estimating a target caloric intake of the animal based on the set of characteristics; identifying a type of primary reinforcer loaded into a training apparatus configured to dispense units of the primary reinforcer based on behaviors performed by the animal responsive to commands output by the training apparatus; in response to identifying the type of primary reinforcer as a first primary reinforcer, loading a first nutrient profile for the first primary reinforcer; and, in response to the first nutrient profile specifying a first caloric density of units of the first primary reinforcer, loading a first training protocol for a first training session for the animal onto the training apparatus based on the target caloric intake of the animal.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying individual subjects from a group of subjects by storing a plurality of records, wherein each record corresponds to one or more individual subjects and includes at least one feature of one or more characteristics of the corresponding one or more individual subjects; obtaining a digital image of a current subject that captures a current feature of the one or more characteristics of the current subject; comparing the current feature of the current subject and one or more of the plurality of records; and identifying one or more aspects of the current subject based on the comparison.

Abstract: A pet life jacket includes a jacket body and a wearing mechanism. The jacket body includes a floatable back body, two floatable side wings sidewardly extended from the floatable back body, and two floatable collar arms frontwardly extended from the floatable back body. The wearing mechanism includes a belly lock provided at the floatable side wings and a collar lock provided at the floatable collar arms to form a floatable collar loop. The jacket body is adapted to be worn by a pet via the wearing mechanism at a position that the floatable back body is retained at a back of the pet, the floatable side wings are retained at two sides of the pet, and the floatable collar loop is encircled around a collar of the pet via the collar lock.

Abstract: A DIY pet costume kit could allow a pet owner to efficiently and easily customize pet accessories to bond with a pet. The DIY pet costume kit could include pet-safe equipment for the customization of included pet accessories.

Abstract: A device for protecting paws is described, with an upper part and a lower part which each have a shank portion and a paw portion which are connected to each other in sections at the edges so as to form a shank and a paw holder adjoining the shank. In order to configure a device of the type described at the beginning in such a manner that secure paw protection for digitigrades, in particular for dogs, is made possible without substantially interfering here with the natural sequence of movement or the sense of feel on the undersides of the paws, it is proposed that the paw portion of the lower part is in the form of a semi-oval shape adjoining, along the transverse axis thereof, the shank portion of the lower part, and the paw portion of the upper part is in the form of a semi-oval shape adjoining, along the longitudinal axis thereof, the shank portion of the upper part.

Abstract: An interactive animal earphone device for providing noise attenuation, as well as voice commands, in noisy environments is described. The device typically includes a core member, and an audio processing system (at least a processing device combined with an in-ear speaker, and alternatively, combined with an outer-ear microphone and an in-ear canal microphone) for capturing/transmitting/interpreting sounds from the animal (including biological noises captured in the ear canal) and digitally controlling over the animal perception of its sound environment. The earphone device may further include, without limitation, a tracking technology (GPS module), a gyroscope, health monitoring sensors, a wireless module, and a memory for storing data recorded from in-ear canal and outer-ear microphones and other sensors.

Abstract: A pet chew has an elongated tube having a wall extending between two ends. The tube has a length between the ends. The wall forms an interior cavity that extends along the length of the tube. The wall is made of extruded material of animal meat, animal skin and plant material such as starch and grain. The interior cavity is hollow. In one embodiment, each end of the tube is tied into a knot, with the tube forming a central shank extending between the knots. In another embodiment, a wrap is located around the exterior of the tube. The wrap has a different appearance than the tube. In still another embodiment, plural tubes are provided, which tubes are braided about each other.

Abstract: A treadmill may include two separate left and right belts rotating around two sets of rollers, four legs having an adjustable height via air suspension to customize an inclination of the treadmill, a thermoelectric assembly, a fragrance assembly having a rotating fragrance cartridge to emit various smells toward a user of the treadmill, a display on which exercise programs are played, and an attachment module having a dispensing tray on which treats are dispensed. A handle of the treadmill may have a sensor to sense a height and front-rear position, and a belt divider provided between the left and right belts may have position or proximity sensors to sense a left-right position. An inclination of the treadmill may be automatically adjusted according to positions detected by the sensors, and the fragrance assembly, attachment module, and inclination may be automatically operated in accordance with an exercise program played on the display.

Abstract: A treadmill may include two separate left and right belts rotating around two sets of rollers, four legs having an adjustable height via air suspension to customize an inclination of the treadmill, a thermoelectric assembly, a fragrance assembly having a rotating fragrance cartridge to emit various smells toward a user of the treadmill, a display on which exercise programs are played, and an attachment module having a dispensing tray on which treats are dispensed. A handle of the treadmill may have a sensor to sense a height and front-rear position, and a belt divider provided between the left and right belts may have position or proximity sensors to sense a left-right position. An inclination of the treadmill may be automatically adjusted according to positions detected by the sensors, and the fragrance assembly, attachment module, and inclination may be automatically operated in accordance with an exercise program played on the display.