Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved yard and garden maintenance are disclosed. The yard and garden maintenance include manual and powered leaf and debris cleaning systems some incorporating specialized fork and teeth designs. In some examples, the powered leaf and debris cleaning systems may include processors, navigation and communications capability.

Abstract: An implement for clipping weeds in a field, where the weeds are standing taller than the crop. The implement comprises a plurality of rotatable blades on a frame, with variable height adjustment means to elevate the frame and position the blades above the crop but at a level sufficient to clip the upper portions of the weeds, The blades are powered by PTO-driven shaft segments, the segments connected by U-joints, wherein the implement further comprises alignment means for aligning the U-joints so that the frame can be folded for transport without damaging the shafts or U-joints.

Abstract: A hitch that connects to a chassis of the work vehicle and rotates with respect to the chassis includes a first bracket connected to a first portion of the chassis, a first stabilizer bar connected to the first bracket, and a first hitch arm connected to the first stabilizer bar. The first hitch arm has a free end that engages a work implement. A second bracket is connected to a second portion of the chassis. The second portion of the chassis is spaced from the first portion of the chassis, so that the second bracket is spaced apart from and independent of the first bracket. A second stabilizer bar is connected to the second bracket. A second hitch arm is connected to the first stabilizer bar. The second hitch has a free end configured to selectively engage the work implement.

Abstract: An agricultural planter and tractor combination which has a connection therebetween which comprises a stationary support arm coupled to the tractor and a pivoting support arm coupled to the agricultural planter with a connecting threaded member extended therethrough and a rotation-limited intermediate member with two protrusions extending into voids in the pivoting support arm so that the pivoting support arm will not rotate around the connecting threaded member and the connecting threaded member further translated through a portion of a hex-headed bushing and rotationally advanced through another portion, and a terminal nut also rotationally advanced over the connecting threaded member. The rotation-limited intermediate member is made of a harder more durable material than the connecting threaded member, the stationary support arm and the pivoting support arm.

Abstract: An attachment (1) for attaching to a towbar (3) of a towable apparatus (5), for example, a mower for hitching the towable apparatus (5) to either an agricultural tractor or a road vehicle comprises a mounting shaft (10) for securing to the towbar (3), and carrying a first gearbox (12). A second gearbox (14) is pivotally coupled to the first gearbox (12) about a vertical pivot axis (15) through which drive is transmitted from the second gearbox (14) to the first gearbox (12). A carrier housing (24) is rigidly secured to the second gearbox (14) and carries a first hitch (30) for hitching to a complementary hitch mechanism of a road vehicle, and a second hitch (38) for coupling a tractor (7). The second gearbox (14) is pivotal relative to the first gearbox (14) about the main pivot axis (15) between a first state with the first hitch (30) ready for hitching to the road vehicle, and a second state with the second hitch (38) ready for hitching to the tractor (7).

Abstract: A load sensing bracket for a disk opener assembly of an agricultural implement. The load sensing bracket includes a body having a cantilevered arm, the body is configured to engage with and secure to a portion of a depth setting arm of a disc opening assembly. The cantilevered arm has an upper end with an extending projection that is receivable in any one of plurality of notches of a fan shaped member thereby setting a position of the depth setting arm relative to the fan shaped member which sets a position of the gauge wheel relative to the disk. A sensor is disposed on the cantilevered arm generating a signal relating to strain in the cantilevered arm which corresponds to a down pressure on the gauge wheel.

Abstract: A guidance assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes a pathing system configured to provide an array of swaths. The guidance assembly includes a composite guidance system in communication with an automated driving interface and the pathing system. The composite guidance system includes a turn guidance system configured to guide the agricultural vehicle along at least one turn segment extending between a first zone swath and a transverse second zone swath, and a swath guidance system configured to guide the agricultural vehicle along the first zone swath and the transverse second zone swath. The system includes a comparator configured to compare the agricultural vehicle position with swath departure and arrival locations. An interswath turning element automatically toggles the turn and swath guidance systems between activated and paused configurations according to the compared agricultural vehicle position and the swath departure and arrival locations.

Abstract: To enter a desired travel route in scheduled travel routes including a plurality of travel routes, and start working from the desired travel route. An automatic travel system is provided with: a route generation unit for generating scheduled travel routes including a plurality of travel routes on which a working vehicle is caused to automatically run; an automatic travel control unit capable of causing the working vehicle to automatically run along the scheduled travel routes; an information acquisition unit for acquiring positional information and orientation information of the working vehicle; and a specifying unit for specifying, before automatic travel is started by the working vehicle, an automatic travel candidate route on which the working vehicle can start the automatic travel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying operational abnormalities based on data received from an agricultural implement performing a task in an agricultural field are described herein. In an embodiment, a system receives time-series data captured from an agricultural implement performing an agronomic activity on an agricultural field, the time-series data including, for each of a plurality of timestamps, a location of the agricultural implement. The system identifies a plurality of passes in the time-series data and using the identified plurality of passes, identifies a plurality of location on the agricultural field in which the activity performed by the agricultural implement included a particular operational abnormality. The system generates a map of operational abnormalities for the agricultural field, the map of operational abnormalities including the plurality of locations on the agricultural field in which the activity performed by the agricultural implement included the particular operational abnormality.

Abstract: A system and method (1200) for monitoring operating performance of a seeder. A sensor is disposed in each distribution line (58) of the seeder to detect gaps in the product stream. If the duration of the gap exceeds a gap threshold, the gap is recorded. In one embodiment, GPS coordinates are associated with each recorded gap which is then displayed on a field map such that the operator has a real-time a visual representation of each recorded gap within the field as the seeder advances through the field. In another embodiment, a gap rate (1311) is calculated and displayed by determining the number of occurrences of the recorded gaps over a distance or area. In another embodiment, an economic loss value is calculated and displayed based on different ranges of the calculated gap rate (1311).

Abstract: A ground treatment apparatus for loosening the ground, in particular in the case of ground with grass growth, comprising a support device and a holding device that is movably held thereon, on which a plurality of injection elements are held, a lifting device, by way of which the injection elements are insertable into the ground and are extractable therefrom, and a fluid provisioning device that comprises at least one reservoir for fluid, which can be supplied with fluid for intermediate storage and which is directly or indirectly in fluidic connection with a plurality of injection elements. In order to provide such a ground treatment apparatus that has a more compact design, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the support device and/or the holding device comprise at least one frame made of interconnected structural elements, wherein the at least one reservoir forms a structural element of the frame.

Abstract: A stationary fertilizer sprayer assembly for watering or fertilizing a selected area includes a container that is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to contain a fluid fertilizer. A base is coupled to the container and the base rests on a support surface adjacent to an area to be fertilized. A dispensing nozzle is removably coupled to the container such that the dispensing nozzle is in fluid communication with the container and the dispensing nozzle is fluidly attachable to a water source to receive water. The dispensing nozzle includes a mixture valve that is positionable in a mixing position of a non-mixing position. In this way the dispensing nozzle can spray either pure water or a mixture of the fluid fertilizer and water.

Abstract: An agricultural mowing assembly that includes an agricultural vehicle and at least one mowing device connected to the agricultural vehicle. The at least one mowing device includes a frame and a cutter bar movably connected to the frame. The cutter bar is configured for mowing a crop material in a field. The agricultural mowing assembly also includes a cut quality detection system that includes a plurality of sensors connected to the frame and configured for sensing color variations on the field and a controller operably connected to the plurality of sensors and receiving the sensed color variations on the field from the plurality of sensors. The controller is configured for determining a cut quality of the cutter bar based upon the sensed color variations on the field.

Abstract: An orchard sanitation implement disposes of unharvested nuts which may otherwise be utilized as habitat and food for navel orangeworms. Unharvested nuts are lifted from the orchard floor and delivered to a storage bin of the implement. Once received within the storage bin, the unharvested nuts are separated from other orchard debris by a looping belt which allows unharvested nuts to fall through, but other orchard debris is conveyed outside of the storage bin for deposit either into a container or back to the orchard floor. The unharvested nuts fall through openings in the looping belt, through an outlet at the bottom of the storage bin and into a shredding unit attached to the outlet. The shredding unit shreds and pulverizes the unharvested nuts into a composition which is too small to be utilized by navel orangeworms for habitat or a source of food.

Abstract: This invention reveals a corn harvester header comprising: multiple harvesting units placed adjacently among them, where each of said harvesting units has a central slot through where a maize plant is processed to separate the ears from the stalks; multiple crop divisors, each placed between two adjacent harvesting units; and multiple frontal devices, each place in front of and between two adjacent harvesting units; where each one of said multiple frontal devices comprise: a pair of guiding elements, where the guiding element is selected from a group of: chain or belt; two or more wheels; and a support; where the guiding element is placed around said two or more wheels; where one of the two or more wheels drives the spin of the guiding element, where the tangential speed of the guiding element is configured according to the distance between the plants in the crop; and where an opening greater that the harvesting slot is created.

Abstract: An apparatus has a trailer with one or more wheels and a connector that connects the trailer to an automotive machine that mobilizes the trailer from a first position to a second position within a field of one or more plants. Further, the apparatus has a branch trimming device operably positioned on the trailer. Additionally, the apparatus has a conveyer belt operably positioned on the trailer. The conveyer belt receives a trimmed plant that has one or more branches trimmed off by the branch trimming device. The apparatus also has one more cutting devices. Finally, the apparatus has a tumbler that receives the trimmed plant from the conveyer belt and rotates with respect to the one or more cutting devices to cut the trimmed plant into the one or more buds. A bottom portion of the tumbler is positioned in proximity to the one or more cutting devices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional stereo vision camera communicates the location of a targeted fruit (preferably an apple) to a controller. The controller directs a vacuum selection tube to the location of the targeted apple. The selection tube has a gripping orifice that has a smaller diameter than the apple so that the vacuum suction from the selection tube grips the apple. The selected fruit is then rotated and pulled away from the tree canopy by the selection tube until the apple detaches from the canopy. The detached apple is then gently placed in a collection bin for later sorting and processing.

Abstract: A follower assembly of a cam assembly for a harvester reel including a baffle, a compressible member adjacent the baffle, and a roller spacer adjacent the compressible member. The follower assembly further includes a tubular cam follower housing the roller spacer, and a fastener extending through the tubular cam follower, the roller spacer, the compressible member and the baffle. The resultant follower assembly provides a construction which minimizes peening of the baffle, whereby the fastener maintains its clamp load such that the cam followers maintain engagement with the cam track and the potential for breakage of the fastener is minimized.

Abstract: A feeding assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes: a frame; a rotatable auger supported by the frame and including at least one flighting; and a pickup assembly including a rotatable pickup reel and a plurality of tines rotatably carried by the pickup reel about a rotation axis, the tines being configured to pickup and convey crop material to the auger during rotation of the pickup reel. The pickup reel is movable relative to the auger such that movement of the pickup reel adjusts a distance between the rotation axis and the at least one flighting of the auger.

Abstract: A lockout device for a round baler. The lockout device has a body configured for being connected to a side of the tailgate of the round baler, a handle pivotally connected to the body at a pivot point, a wedge pivotally connected to the body at the same pivot point, and a biasing member connected in between the handle and the wedge. The handle is configured for pivoting in between a closed position and an open position for pivoting the wedge to be at least partially within the bale chamber to lock out the bale chamber.

Abstract: A method for operating a baler including an initial step of providing a cleaning system that includes a floor plate having a plurality of slots therein, at least one knife tray, at least one actuator operably connected to the at least one knife tray, and a controller operably connected to the at least one actuator. The method further includes the steps of determining whether the plurality of knives of the at least one knife tray is retracted, determining whether to conduct a knife tray cleanout procedure for cleaning the floor plate based upon at least one cleaning parameter, and conducting the knife tray cleanout procedure by actuating the at least one actuator for cycling the plurality of knives of the at least one knife tray for dislodging debris from the floor plate.

Abstract: A baling chamber for an agricultural baler includes: a plurality of sidewalls defining a volume, one of the sidewalls having a roll opening formed therein; a plurality of belts disposed within the volume; a sledge assembly including at least one roll that is pivotable within the volume, the at least one roll having an exterior portion that extends out of the volume through the roll opening and a bearing disposed outside of the volume and associated with the exterior portion; and a drive assembly disposed outside of the volume, coupled to the exterior portion, and configured to rotate the at least one roll.

Abstract: A cutting assembly includes: a rotor having extensions; a rotor floor disposed adjacent to the rotor and having knife slots formed therein, the rotor floor defining a cutting side and a shielded side on the opposite side of the rotor floor; movable knives that each extend through a respective knife slot into the cutting side to cooperate with the extensions in a cutting position and are disposed on the shielded side such that the knives do not cooperate with the extensions in a retracted position; and a knife guide including a pair of spaced apart guide surfaces coupled to the rotor floor on the shielded side and defining a gap therebetween. A respectively associated knife is at least partially disposed in the gap when in the retracted position. At least one of the guide surfaces defines a curved shape that corresponds to a cutting edge profile of the associated knife.

Abstract: A forestry machine includes a ground propulsion apparatus, a vehicle body supported by the ground propulsion apparatus, an operator seat disposed on the vehicle body, a first control lever operable by an operator sitting in the operator seat, a work implement including a saw, and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first user input disposed on the first control lever. The first user input is operatively coupled to the work implement. Power to the saw is engaged upon the first user input being operated in combination with another operation. A method of operating a forestry machine includes operating a first user input disposed on the first control lever. Power is engaged to the saw in response to the first user input being operated in combination with another operation.

Abstract: The combined grow rack and ventilation system for plants comprises one or more grow racks that each define local aerated cells each corresponding to one shelf of the grow racks, for the plants to grow therein. A grow rack ventilation system is provided that includes a cell gas supply duct at each the aerated cell, with an inlet for connection to a gas supply and an outlet, to supply gas to the aerated cell. The ventilation system also includes a cell gas evacuation duct at each the aerated cell, with an inlet disposed near the aerated cell for evacuating gas from the aerated cell, and a discharge outlet. The system also includes a positive pressure device providing positive pressure in each the cell gas supply duct, and a negative pressure device providing negative pressure in each the cell gas evacuation duct. Local forced gas flows are formed distinctly at each the aerated cells for both supplying and evacuating gas locally at each the aerated cell.

Abstract: A plant-growing tray for containing cylindrical stabilised media for growing plants comprises an array of flared columns, a lower end of the columns being wider than an upper end. The columns define an array of cells therebetween for containing cylindrical stabilised media, and a column comprises one or more contact edges defined by an intersection between a wall of the flared column and a virtual cylindrical surface in a cell, such that the contact edges are suitable for contacting a cylindrical stabilised medium positioned in the cell.

Abstract: An indoor plant-growing system is an apparatus that includes a housing, at least one trellis, a reflective foil, at least one panel light, and a plurality of strip lights. The housing contains the at least one trellis, the at least one panel light, and the plurality of strip lights. The housing maintains an environment to grow a variety of plants, preferably, vine-type plants. The housing includes a growing chamber and a nutrient reservoir. The growing chamber houses variety of plants, and the nutrient reservoir supplies the growing chamber with a water supply and nutrients. The nutrient reservoir maintained preferably with fish in addition to at least one environmental sensor and at lease one aerator. The at least one panel light and the plurality of strip lights provide thorough lighting needed by the variety of plants. The reflective foil reflects the light to ensure lighting withing a fully grown vine plant.

Abstract: Disclosed is an setup-free planting case, which includes at least one planting box. Each planting box is provided with a box body and a box cover; a light source module is arranged on the box cover; a heat dissipation module is arranged on the box cover or the box body; the box body is provided with a connection port; the top of the box cover is provided with a connection portion; the connection portion at the top of the box cover matches the connection port at the bottom of the box body; and the light source module and the heat dissipation module are arranged in a cavity.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there are provided automated plant training systems and related methods. An automated plant training system is designed to train medium to tall plants to grow in a height restricted space by adjusting the plant's direction of growth through the use of phototropism. The device can physically control the plant's main stem, branches and foliage from excessive vertical growth.

Abstract: A crop management system comprising a crop management unit adapted and configured to sense environmental conditions and/or conditions of surrounding agricultural features and interact with such surrounding agricultural features. The crop management system can perform such functions as spraying, misting, dusting, seeding/planting, irrigation, vacuuming, trimming, harvesting, tilling, weeding, pollinating, aerating, pruning and/or any other known and/or convenient crop management function(s). Additionally, the crop management system can comprise an energy harvesting structure adapted and configured to harvest energy from the environment and, in some embodiments, delivery the energy to the crop management system.

Abstract: A plant growth lighting fixture has two or more of a blue light source, a green light source, and a red light source and a reflective-type circularly polarizing plate having two or more of a blue-reflecting cholesteric liquid crystal layer having a center wavelength of an effective wavelength range in blue light, a green-reflecting cholesteric liquid crystal layer having a center wavelength of an effective wavelength range in green light, and a red-reflecting cholesteric liquid crystal layer having a center wavelength of an effective wavelength range in red light. The wavelength ranges of the emission center wavelengths as the light sources and the wavelength ranges of the center wavelength of the effective wavelength range as the reflective-type circularly polarizing plate are wavelength ranges of the same colors, and the reflective-type circularly polarizing plate has a polarization correction layer having a phase difference in a thickness direction.

Abstract: A polytunnel structure is described having a plurality of cover support members supported upon respective pairs of legs, a cover member supported by the cover support members, an edge of the cover member being secured to a rotatable beam, and an anchor rope, strap or the like extending over the cover member to anchor the cover member in position, wherein the cover support members are each shaped to define a step between a first section and a second section, wherein when the rotatable beam is supported upon the second section, the anchor rope, strap or the like provides a reduced resistance to movement thereof.

Abstract: An anti-pest film may be provided. The anti-pest film has an upward-facing reflective surface and one or more inner reflective layers overlaying an opaque downward-facing layer. The anti-pest film may include a barrier layer between two inner reflective layers, where sandwiching the barrier layer may be two malaic anhydride layers. The upward-facing reflective surface may be a vacuum metalized layer, and in certain embodiments, the vacuum metalized layer may be embossed for providing a plurality of half ellipsoid indentation for increasing the angles of incidents for reflected sunlight. Additional embodiments may include bookending opaque layers on opposing sides of the vacuum metalized layer.

Abstract: A system for growing fungi, the system comprising a nutritive vehicle, a porous material, an administrable space, fungal tissue comprising fungal hyphae having a growth pattern, the fungal tissue connecting said nutritive vehicle to said porous material to said administrable space, wherein the fungal tissue within said space defines at least one successive fungal material layer; and a chemically or physically altered separated portion of fungal material, the separated portion separated from said fungal tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to prepare a myceliated high-protein food product with increased digestibility, decreased phytic acid component, decreased oryzacystatin, and/or increased polyphenol content, which includes culturing a fungi an aqueous media which has a high level of plant protein, for example at least 20 g protein per 100 g dry weight with excipients, on a dry weight basis. The plant protein can include pea, rice and/or chickpea. The fungi can include comprises Lentinula spp., Agaricus spp., Pleurotus spp., Boletus spp., or Laetiporus spp. After culturing, the material is harvested by obtaining the myceliated high-protein food product via drying or concentrating. The resultant myceliated high-protein food product may have its taste, flavor, or aroma modulated, such as by increasing desirable flavors or tastes such as meaty, savory, umami, popcorn and/or by decreasing undesirable flavors such as bitterness, astringency or beaniness.

Abstract: Vegetable material coating subject to dehydration and oxidation, sugar cane buds or setts preferably, which involve a substrate, an agglutinant agent, a plasticizing agent, and a biodegradable film or coverage. Such substrate can be from commercial crops, earth, cellulose, corn shell or other cereals, perlome, bagasse, fertile earth, compost, sand, coconut fibre or other vegetable origin fibres, or their combinations. The agglutinant agent can be proteins, fat, vegetable gums, modified starch and/or starch gels, dextrins, maltodextrins, carboxymetylcellulose, cellulose, kitosane mixed with polyalcohols, pectin, agar, alginate, sorbitol or other polyalcohols, glycerides, such as fats and vegetable and animal oils, water-proofing agents, polymeric plasticizing agents, phosphates, acetyl monoglycerides, glycerol, gat acids, sorbitol or other polyalcohols.

Abstract: A garden hose flow control valve has a main body, a positioning block, a connecting disk and a timer. The main body has an intake opening and at least an outlet opening, and a pivoting portion is provided on one side. The pivoting portion includes two trunnions. The trunnion has a limiting protrusion, and the positioning block has a through hole and is provided with a plurality of first positioning recesses. The connecting disk is provided with a first positioning pin pushed by the first spring. A protrusion is provided on the side surface and a sleeve is extended, and the second positioning recess is provided on the outer ring of the sleeve. The timer is installed in a movable housing, and a connecting opening is on one side of the movable housing. The connecting opening is provided with a second positioning pin pushed by the second spring.

Abstract: A plant pot cover system, includes a plant pot cover body; a plurality of cover clips; a belt; a watering ring, including a hollow tube with a fertilizer agent inside, a slip tee fitting with an entry aperture, a plurality of adjustable drip fittings, such that the plant pot cover body can be pulled over a plant pot, such that a fertilized water solution drips from the hollow tube into an interior of the plant pot.

Abstract: Versions of the disclosure relate to multilayer flats for germinating seeds and growing plants in aeroponic or hydroponic farming. The multilayer structure can include a soilless growth medium sandwiched between a support layer and a light barrier layer. The support layer includes openings that allow plant roots to be sprayed with a nutrient solution and the light barrier layer includes openings that allow plants to develop while limiting the growth of harmful algae on the soilless growth medium.

Abstract: A horticultural raft includes a raft body, at least one top cavity, and a group of mid cavities. The top cavity includes an upper face defining a first projected area and a lower face defining a second projected area substantially equal to or less than the first projected area. The upper face provides a seeding pattern having one or two degrees of freedom in a growing medium disposed in the top cavity. Each mid cavity has an upper face defining a third projected area that is entirely contained within the second projected area. The mid cavities are configured to contribute to buoyancy of the floating horticultural raft, allow germinants in the growing medium to communicate via capillary action with a nutrient solution when the raft is floating in the nutrient solution, and mitigate hyperhydration and asphyxiation at respective root-stem junctions of the germinants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planter forming part of a hydroponic system. The planter includes a longitudinal body defining at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels and at least two plant holders defined in the body, the plant holders spaced on the outer circumference of the longitudinal body, each one of the at least two plant holders in fluid flow communication with one of the at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a first compartment designed to retain seaweed sporophytes, a second compartment in fluid communication with the first compartment that includes one or more settlement surfaces, and a first porous barrier between the first and second compartments that allows the seaweed spores to pass from the first compartment to the second compartment, and systems comprising the bioreactor. Also provided herein are methods of culturing seaweed, for example, using a bioreactor provided herein.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for utilizing different algal growth techniques to filter aquarium water under varying conditions, including freshwater, brackish, and saltwater, and including amounts of nutrients (including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, CO2) which vary from low to high levels. Also disclosed are embodiments to operate above water, submerged, or any combination thereof, in separate or synergistic configurations, as well as embodiments to utilize faster-growing algal species to out-compete and overgrow slower-growing species.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of algal cultivation and biofuels. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method of enhancing lipid production during algal culturing. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method of enhancing neutral lipid and total lipid production by maintaining algae in a thin layer cultivation system and exposing said algae maintained in the thin layer cultivation system to infra-red (IR) radiation. Said method enhances lipid accumulation in algae, thereby increasing the yield of neutral lipids and total lipids. The method is simple, cost-effective in producing high quantities of algal-derived biofuels, requires shorter time duration for lipid induction and results in no or minimal reduction of biomass.

Abstract: A Zinnia plant designated SAKZIN020 is disclosed. Embodiments include seeds of Zinnia SAKZIN020, plants of Zinnia SAKZIN020, to plant parts of Zinnia SAKZIN020, and methods for producing a Zinnia plant produced by crossing Zinnia SAKZIN020 with itself or with another Zinnia line. Embodiments include methods for producing a Zinnia plant containing in its genetic material one or more genes or transgenes and transgenic Zinnia plants and plant parts produced by those methods. Embodiments also relate to Zinnia lines, breeding varieties, plant parts, and cells derived from Zinnia SAKZIN020, methods for producing other Zinnia lines or plant parts derived from Zinnia SAKZIN020, and the Zinnia plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. Embodiments further include hybrid Zinnia seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing Zinnia SAKZIN020 with another Zinnia line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to seedless fruit producing plants. The present invention also comprises methods for production of said plants and the use of nucleic acids encoding ABCB transporter proteins for the production of seedless fruits.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel melon plants and plant parts, seed, fruit, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a melon plant by crossing the melon plants of the invention with themselves or another melon plant. The invention also provides plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, fruit, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: A teat preparation handpiece designed to fit around a teat on a bovine to sequentially clean the teat using high-pressure air and a pre-dip solution, then dry the teat using high-pressure air before milking. After milking, the handpiece is then used to atomize and apply a post-dip solution to the teat. The handpiece includes a teat receiving body with an exchangeable modified spray cylinder placed inside the teat receiving body's center bore. When the modified spray cylinder is placed inside the center bore, upper and lower raceways are formed between the walls of the teat receiving body and the modified spray cylinder that delivers high-pressure air, pre-dip solution and post-dip solution two sets of nozzles formed inside the modified spray cylinder. The modified spray cylinders may have different diameter center bores and configured to be exchangeable in the teat receiving body.

Abstract: A welting device for pets comprises at least one vertical wall for vertically mounting a wetting pad thereon. A wetting device for pets comprises an enclosure defining an opening for pets to enter and exit therefrom and comprising at least one vertical inner surface for vertically mounting a wetting pad thereon. The wetting pad absorbs urine discharged from a pet.

Abstract: Disclosed are an excrement screening device and method. The excrement screening device includes a rotary receiving piece, a litter blocking piece and a screening piece. The rotary receiving piece is configured to receive cat litter and the rotary receiving piece is provided with a waste discharge outlet. The litter blocking piece is disposed in the rotary receiving piece and the litter blocking piece is configured to block the cat litter in a case where the rotary receiving piece rotates along a first direction. The screening piece is disposed in the rotary receiving piece, the screening piece is provided with a plurality of screening holes, and an accommodating cavity is formed by the screening piece, the litter blocking piece and the rotary receiving piece. The excrement screening method uses the above-mentioned excrement screening device.