Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid amplification systems and methods that desirably reduce or eliminate false positive amplification signals resulting from contaminating biological material, e.g., nucleic acid, that may be present in one or more reagents used in an amplification reaction and/or that may be present in the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in amplification reactions, and the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed, are free of bacterial or other nucleic acid contamination that may yield false positive results.

Abstract: A vented soffit panel is provided. The soffit panel includes a first panel section, a second panel section and a vent channel. The vent channel is positioned between the first and second panel sections and extends along a width of the soffit panel. The vent channel has a generally dove-tailed shape defined by a first sidewall extending from the first panel section at an acute angle relative thereto, a second sidewall extending from the second panel section at an acute angle relative thereto and a top wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The top wall has at least one row of openings extending substantially along the width. The row of openings in the top wall being positioned such that when the panel is installed the row of openings are obscured from a view of an ordinary observer by at least one of the first and second panel sections.

Abstract: Systems are presented including: a first electronic device operative to receive a first input, the first electronic device including: a first data communication unit operative to connect the first electronic device to a second electronic device; and a first processing unit operative to process the first input to generate information representing at least a portion of a first intended display, and operative to establish at least one communication channel between the first and second electronic devices using the first data communication unit operative and to call at least one application programming interface to forward the information representing the at least the portion of the first intended display to the second electronic device for display, and further operative to receive and process a representation of a second input from the second electronic device.

Abstract: The disclosed system may comprise a mainframe computing resource, a data library, a data processing appliance, and a distributed system. The data library may be securely connected to the mainframe computing resource. The data library may be configured to receive data from the mainframe computing resource via a first interface. The data processing appliance may be configured to read and write data to the data library via a second user interface. The distributed system may be configured to receive data from the data processing appliance. The distributed system may be further configured to process the data based on a workflow from the mainframe computing system.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for methods, compositions, systems, devices, and kits for determining the number of distinct targets in distinct spatial locations within a sample. In some examples, the methods include: stochastically barcoding the plurality of targets in the sample using a plurality of stochastic barcodes, wherein each of the plurality of stochastic barcodes comprises a spatial label and a molecular label; estimating the number of each of the plurality of targets using the molecular label; and identifying the spatial location of each of the plurality of targets using the spatial label. The method can be multiplexed.

Abstract: A method for tracking and characterizing a plurality of vehicles simultaneously in a traffic control environment, comprising: providing a 3D optical emitter; providing a 3D optical receiver with a wide and deep field of view; driving the 3D optical emitter into emitting short light pulses; receiving a reflection/backscatter of the emitted light, thereby acquiring an individual digital full-waveform LIDAR trace for each detection channel of the 3D optical receiver; using the individual digital full-waveform LIDAR trace and the emitted light waveform, detecting a presence of a plurality of vehicles, a position of at least part of each vehicle and a time at which the position is detected; assigning a unique identifier to each vehicle; repeating the steps of driving, receiving, acquiring and detecting, at a predetermined frequency; tracking and recording an updated position of each vehicle and an updated time at which the updated position is detected.

Abstract: A transparent display apparatus is provided that is constructed to transmit or block a light of images selectively according to a supply of electric power to a conventional transparent organic light emitting diode. The transparent display apparatus includes a transparent organic light emitting diode having a glass substrate, a transparent anode, a hole transport layer, an emitting layer, an electron transport layer and a transparent cathode. The transparent display apparatus includes an insulating layer stacked on the transparent cathode, and first and second transparent ITOs stacked on the insulating layer to deliver electromotive force onto an entire surface and to transmit or block the light of images according to the on/off state of a power source. The transparent display apparatus also includes an electro chromic layer provided between the first and the second transparent ITOs and including transparent and colorless chemicals.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes receiving, by an audio processing apparatus, an audio signal including a first data of a first block encoded with rectangular coding scheme and a second data of a second block encoded with non-rectangular coding scheme; receiving a compensation signal corresponding to the second block; estimating a prediction of an aliasing part using the first data; and, obtaining a reconstructed signal for the second block based on the second data, the compensation signal and the prediction of aliasing part.

Abstract: A deformed dipole is suggested with trace elements configured for wideband LTE and GPS operation. The deformed dipole comprises a first dipole conductor disposed on a first surface and first side of the circuit board and a second dipole conductor disposed on an opposite surface and opposite side of the circuit board.

Abstract: A power cable termination device for a high voltage direct current gas-insulated switchgear including: an outer housing made of an electrically conducting material, connectable to the switchgear; a terminal portion of a power cable, the power cable including an electrical conductor, a circumferential electrically insulating layer, and a circumferential conductive shield which is stripped off along a first part of the power cable; an electric field grading system including a resistive field grading material layer arranged circumferentially around the power cable to axially cover the edge of the conductive shield where the conductive shield is terminated, the resistive field grading material layer being in electrical contact therewith, and a connection device connectable to the gas-insulated switchgear and arranged to provide mechanical support and electrical contact with the gas-insulated switchgear.

Abstract: Techniques for providing data security services with respect to cloud-based services are described. Examples include a security service provider (“SSP”) configured to perform or provide one or more security-related services or functions with respect to or on behalf of some other system or service. The other system or service may be, for example, a cloud-based system that provides network-accessible services. The SSP allows a user of the cloud-based service to provide and manage one or more security-related services, such as data storage, encryption, decryption, key management, and the like. By using and controlling the SSP, the user can be confident that his or her data is being securely represented and stored, even though it is being operated upon by a cloud-based service that is not under the user's control.

Abstract: A solution for adaptively processing a digital image with reduced color resolution is described herein. A source device pre-processes a video frame with reduce color resolution by remapping luma components and chroma components of the video frame, and encodes the pre-processed video frame. The source device remaps a half of luma components on a scan line of the video frame onto a data channel of a source line to an encoder and remaps the other half of the luma components on the scan line to another data channel of the source line. The source device remaps the corresponding chroma components onto a third data channel of a source line. By using a data channel conventionally configured to transmit chroma components, the solution enables a video codec to adaptively encode a digital image with reduced color resolution without converting the digital image to full color resolution before the encoding.

Abstract: An audio device includes a microphone, a sound canal allowing sound to pass from the surroundings to the microphone, a signal path from the microphone to a receiver, and a current source, such that sounds received at the microphone may be enhanced and presented at the ear level of the user. A protection screen is provided at the sound canal, and includes a first surface which faces the surroundings and a second surface which faces the sound canal, and defines a slit-formed opening between the first surface and the second surface. The curvature between the first surface and the slit-formed opening is smooth and gradual, and a sharp edge is located at the transition between the second surface and the slit-formed opening.

Abstract: A linear multi-color LED illumination device that produces uniform color throughout the output light beam without the use of excessively large optics or optical losses is disclosed herein. Embodiments for improving color mixing in the linear illumination device include, but are not limited to, a shallow dome encapsulating a plurality of emission LEDs within an emitter module, a unique arrangement of a plurality of such emitter modules in a linear light form factor, and special reflectors designed to improve color mixing between the plurality of emitter modules. In addition to improved color mixing, the illumination device includes a light detector and optical feedback for maintaining precise and uniform color over time and/or with changes in temperature. The light detector is encapsulated within the shallow dome along with the emission LEDs and is positioned to capture the greatest amount of light reflected by the dome from the LED having the shortest emission wavelength.

Abstract: A blade tip, and a tool combination having a blade tip, for an agricultural soil cultivation machine. The blade tip has a base part including a cutter, a cutter carrier, a guiding element and a receptacle for fastening the blade tip to a tine of the agricultural soil cultivation machine. The base part has a receptacle covered by covering portion. The guiding element has a plug attachment held in the receptacle, and a form-fitting connection preventing movement of the guiding element out of the receptacle, provided between the blade tip and the guiding element.

Abstract: A soil penetrating apparatus having an automatic tool (e.g., aerator tine) depth control system and method. The system includes an actuator that sets and controls tine depth, a sensor that monitors tine depth, and a controller that controls the actuator in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator, wherein once tine depth is set, flow to the actuator is bypassed. A relief may be provided to allow the tines to lift to a shallower depth temporarily when soil hardness exceeds a threshold. The system may then automatically return the tines to the pre-selected depth once soil conditions permit.

Abstract: A method for increasing the efficiency of farming operations used in the production of sown crops. In the proposed method for cultivating sown crops, all bar none of the technological operations which are carried out in the field, beginning from pre-sowing preparation and ending with the gathering of a harvest, make use of a self-propelled power-operated technological device capable of functioning on tires having a super-low pressure of 5-60 kPa and/or with a pressure on the ground of less than 60 kPa. The proposed method is realized with the aid of a transport and technological system primarily for farming purposes, that utilizes a self-propelled power-operated vehicle on tires of super-low pressure operating among others at a pressure of 5 to 60 kPa and/or exerting a pressure of less than 60 kPa on the soil. This vehicle is equipped with a discharging device and/or a lifting device.

Abstract: A system for managing material accumulation relative to an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool supported on an agricultural implement and an infrared sensor having a field of view directed towards the ground engaging tool. The infrared sensor may be configured to generate data indicative of a temperature gradient of field materials at the ground engaging tool. A controller of the system may be communicatively coupled to the infrared sensor. The controller may monitor the data received from the infrared sensor and determine a presence of material accumulation relative to the ground engaging tool based at least in part on the temperature gradient of the field materials at the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: Provided are a work region setting portion which sets, within a traveling region, a work region for a working vehicle to perform predetermined work; and a traveling route setting portion which sets, within the traveling region, a target traveling route to make the working vehicle travel automatically. The traveling route setting portion includes: an initial route generation portion which generates an initial route based on a trajectory formed by the working vehicle traveling in the traveling region; a work route generation portion which generates work routes arranged in a parallel arrangement direction orthogonal to an extension direction; and a connection route generation portion which generates connection routes connecting, at either side of the work region, routes adjacent in the parallel arrangement direction among the initial route and the work routes. The target traveling route including the initial route, the work routes, and the connection routes is thereby set.

Abstract: A system for monitoring field conditions during the performance of an agricultural operation by an agricultural machine may generally include a support arm configured to be coupled to and extend from an agricultural machine such that, when the agricultural machine makes a pass across a field along a given swath, a portion of the support arm extends across or is positioned over at least a portion of an adjacent swath within the field. The system may also include a sensor provided in association with the support arm, with the sensor being configured to detect a parameter indicative of a field condition associated with the adjacent swath. In addition, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to monitor the field condition based on sensor data received from the sensor.

Abstract: A universal row clearing bracket including a mounting bracket configured to engage a toolbar of a tractor, wherein the mounting bracket may have a yoke engaged therewith. The yoke may connect to a first and second pivoting arm. One end of the pivoting arms configured to engage the yoke such that the yoke prevents the pivoting arms from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction. The opposite end of the pivoting arms connecting to an interchangeable shoe, the interchangeable shoe configured to pivotally engage at least one engaging wheel and be replaced for other shoes to support different size engaging wheels.

Abstract: A method for soil moisture retrieval using multi-channel collaboration algorithm and passive microwave radiometry including: establishing mathematical relationship formula between brightness temperatures at any two channels according to microwave radiative transfer equation; collecting actual brightness temperatures of core channel and collaborative channels; selecting parameters to be retrieved including soil moisture value; giving a series of estimated values of parameters to be retrieved, calculating a series of predicted brightness temperatures of collaborative channels according to actual brightness temperature of core channel, microwave radiative transfer equation and mathematical relationship formula, comparing predicted brightness temperatures with actual brightness temperature, and determining soil moisture value.

Abstract: A particulate material sensing and agitation control system of an agricultural system includes an agitator configured to induce movement of particulate material through the agricultural system, a drive system coupled to the agitator, and a sensing system configured to determine a current flowing through the drive system. The drive system is configured to move the agitator, and the drive system is powered via an electrical circuit. The sensing system includes a first input coupled to a first point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system includes a second input coupled to a second point on the electrical circuit, the sensing system is configured to determine a voltage differential between the first point and the second point, and the sensing system is configured to determine current flowing through the electrical circuit based on the voltage differential.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for determining a status of plants. The system includes a light transmitter arranged for providing broad band illumination to one or more plants. The system includes a light receiver including a plurality of receiver channels, the receiver channels arranged for receiving light from said one or more plants in mutually different wavelength bands. The system includes a processing unit arranged for determining a status of said one or more plants on the basis of light received by the plurality of receiver channels. The transmitter may be arranged for transmitting bursts of modulated light.

Abstract: Mowing systems include a mower and a remote control unit such as a handheld unit, between which is provided 1- or 2-way communications. Components and features are included in the mower, the remote control unit, or both to enhance the safety, functionality, or user experience of the system's user/operator. One aspect relates to an enable switch on the remote control unit that requires activation within a specified time before activating a drive system or PTO unit. Another aspect relates to sharing diagnostic information between the mower and remote control unit and emitting user-detectable warnings in response to the shared information. Another aspect relates to reducing a danger level of the system, e.g. disabling the PTO unit or slowing a drive speed transform function, when a proximity between the mower and the remote control unit is too small. Another aspect relates to controlling operation of the mower based on tilt angles of both the mower and the remote control unit.

Abstract: The trimmer head (1) includes: an axis of rotation (A-A); a housing (3); a spool (13) insertable in the housing, configured and arranged to wind a stock of cutting line (F) therearound. The spool includes flanges (13A, 13B), between which anchoring elements (15) extend to anchor the cutting line.

Abstract: An anti-scalp attachment for a weed and grass trimmer preferably includes a tube clamp, a height adjustment tube, an elbow member and a ground support member. The tube clamp preferably includes a two piece tube clamp and a pivot member. The pivot member is preferably secured to a bottom of a first clamp member. The height adjustment tube is retained in the pivot member. The elbow member includes a horizontal leg and a vertical leg. The horizontal and vertical legs include a plurality of adjustment holes. The ground support member preferably includes a ground tube, a contact support member and a tapping projection. The contact support member is attached to a bottom of the ground tube at one end. The tapping projection preferably extends upward from a top of the ground tube. A horizontal adjustment hole is formed in an opposing end of the ground tube.

Abstract: A mower deck includes a top deck, a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall and a first side wall. The first side wall extends between the front and rear walls. A front baffle assembly extends downwardly from the top deck. The front baffle assembly extends from the first side wall toward a discharge opening that is positioned between the front and rear walls at a discharge side of the top deck. The front baffle assembly is configured to urge cut grass and debris toward the discharge opening. A discharge baffle is positioned proximate a rear end of the discharge opening and extends downwardly from the top deck. The discharge baffle and the rear wall define a discharge gap. The discharge gap is positioned on an opposite side of the discharge baffle from the discharge opening. The discharge gap is configured to allow airflow into the mower deck.

Abstract: A vegetation index characteristic is assigned to an image of vegetation at a worksite. The vegetation index characteristic is indicative of how a vegetation index value varies across the corresponding image. The image is selected for predictive map generation based upon the vegetation index characteristic. The predictive map is provided to a harvester control system which generates control signals that are applied to controllable subsystems of the harvester, based upon the predictive map and the location of the harvester.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an arm configured to rotate about a pivot joint and to support a portion of a cutter bar assembly, a fluid-filled biasing member slidingly coupled to the arm, an actuator coupled to the fluid-filled biasing member, a fluid pressure sensor configured to measure a fluid pressure in the fluid-filled biasing member, and a controller communicatively coupled to the actuator. The controller is configured to receive an input signal from the fluid pressure sensor indicative of the fluid pressure and to output an output signal to instruct the actuator to adjust a connection point between the fluid-filled biasing member and the arm based on the input signal.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes an arm of a header. The arm is configured to rotate about a pivot joint. The agricultural system also includes a fluid-filled biasing member, an actuator, and a controller. The fluid-filled biasing member is configured to couple to the arm and to impart a torque onto the arm. The actuator is coupled to the fluid-filled biasing member and is configured to move the fluid-filled biasing member relative to the actuator to change the torque imparted by the fluid-filled biasing member onto the arm. The controller configured to receive an input indicative of a target flotation pressure of the arm output a signal to instruct the actuator to set a position of the fluid-filled biasing member relative to the actuator based at least in part on the target flotation pressure of the arm.

Abstract: A mower-conditioner for cutting and conditioning crop material, comprises a mower unit for cutting crop material and a conditioner unit that is configured to condition the cut crop material. A drive input is configured to receive a rotational drive from an external drive unit, and a drive transmission system is configured to transmit rotary drive from the drive input to the mower unit and the conditioner unit. The drive transmission system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that transmits rotary drive between the mower unit and the conditioner unit with a variable speed ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed is a harvesting device for harvesting vegetable crops from the ground, which vegetable crops have a stem and a crown supported by the stem and leaves attached to the stem, said device comprising a frame, a first drive for moving the frame onward over the ground, a cutter for severing the stem, a second drive for the cutter, a stripper for stripping the leaves from the stem, and a third drive for moving the stripper vertically along the stem for in the stripper's strip position stripping the leaves from the stem.

Abstract: A divider of a header for an agricultural vehicle including a divider body, a receiving member configured for being connected to the frame of the header, and an adjustable connector positionable in between an unfolded work position and a folded transport position. The adjustable connector includes a first member, a second member, and an articulating joint for pivotally connecting the first and second members. The first member mounts the divider body, the second member is slidably connected to and received within the receiving member, and the articulating joint is at least partially received within the receiving member in the unfolded work position such that the first and second members are substantially immobilized and the articulating joint is positioned outside of the receiving member in the folded transport position such that the first and second members are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: An unloading system for an agricultural vehicle includes: a grain tank; at least one cross auger placed within the grain tank; a discharge tube having an inlet in communication with the grain tank and at least one discharge auger placed therein; and a drive system configured to drive the at least one cross auger and the at least one discharge auger. The drive system includes: a main driver; a discharge coupling continuously coupled to the main driver and the at least one discharge auger; and a variable speed coupling continuously coupled to the main driver and coupled to the at least one cross auger.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle crop feeder system having housings defining a crop passage, a conveyor assembly, a rotor, a guide plate, and one or more guide vanes extending from the guide plate. The conveyor assembly propels crop material along a feeder flow direction to the rotor. The rotor has inlet vanes that receive the crop material in a receiving region located below the rotor's axis. The leading edges of the rotor inlet vanes travel towards the receiving region on a first transverse side of the rotor axis and away from the receiving region on a second transverse side of the rotor axis. The guide plate is adjacent the receiving region. The guide vane extends into the crop passage on the first side of the rotor axis, and angled relative to the flow direction with its trailing edge closer to the first rotor axis, in the transverse direction, than the leading edge.

Abstract: A wrapping device for wrapping a bale with a wrapping material for a baler includes a separating device having a knife arrangement and a blocking device. The separating device is movable between at least one wrapping means separating position and an inactive position. The blocking device prevents the separating device from being moved into the wrapping means separating position.

Abstract: A method for increasing floral yield of a flowering plant includes positioning the plant between side lights at the onset of a flowering stage of the plant, such that the plant is flanked by the side lights. The method also includes irradiating lateral sides of the flowering plant along the total height via the side lights with light in a predetermined red spectrum range for a duration of the flowering stage, such that at least 80 percent of the light has a wavelength of between 580 nm and 780 nm. The plant may be positioned between first and second sets of equally-spaced elongated side lights on respective first and second lateral sides of the plant. Supplemental lighting devices may be attached to the plant, with an interior of the plant irradiated with the red spectrum light for the duration of the flowering stage using the lighting devices.

Abstract: A binding machine for gardening includes a main handle capable of drawing out a tape from a front end portion thereof, a clincher arm rotatably attached to the main handle, a tape gripping device attached to a front end portion of the clincher arm and is capable of gripping an end portion of the tape drawn from the main handle, and a bonding unit configured to bond end portions of an overlapped tape. With the clincher arm completely closed with respect to the main handle and viewed from the side, the tape gripping device has a height in a vertical direction 1.5 times or less than a width in a longitudinal direction of the handle.

Abstract: Pesticide compositions containing an adjuvant which contains, based on 100 parts by weight of the adjuvant, (a) greater than about 50 parts by weight of at least one alkyl fatty acid ester, (b) from about 2 parts by weight to less than about 5 parts by weight of a surfactant comprising: (b)(i) one or more anionic surfactants selected from sulfonic acids, sulfonic acid esters, alkylsulfosuccinic acid esters, phosphate esters, sulfate esters, and oleoyltaurate salts, or (b)(ii) one or more non-ionic surfactants selected from sorbitan fatty acid esters, aryl alkoxylates, alkoxylated fatty alcohols, alkoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated triglycerides, alkoxy copolymers, alkylpolyglucosides, alkoxylated fatty amines, and ether amines, or (iii) a mixture (b)(i) and (b)(ii), exhibit improved performance, particularly when sprayed through a flat fan spray nozzle, an air induction spray nozzle, or other spray nozzle and at a pressure of from about 10 pounds per square inch to about 100 pounds per square inch.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control irrigation. An image of an area of vegetation is received from a video camera supporting security monitoring wherein the video camera provides image data to both a security monitoring system and an irrigation control system. Vegetation is identified in the image based on processing the image's pixel information. Respective colors of the vegetation are determined by further processing color information within the pixel information depicting the vegetation. Based on the respective color of the vegetation, a respective irrigation state of the vegetation is determined. An irrigation need is determined based on the respective determined irrigation state of the vegetation. Irrigation is provided to the vegetation independently of a set irrigation schedule.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide systems and methods of controlling irrigation, comprising: communicating an assumption broadcast from a first irrigation controller to each of a plurality of other irrigation controllers defining assumed states of control elements, wherein the control elements are shared with one or more of the first irrigation controller and the other irrigation controllers; determining whether a reply is received from one or more of the other irrigation controllers in reply to the assumption broadcast; identifying, from the reply, a correction to a state corresponding to a first control element; updating state information corresponding to the first control element in response to the identifying the correction; and communicating a subsequent notification from the first irrigation controller to each of the plurality of other irrigation controllers of the irrigation system, where the subsequent notification comprises the updated state information corresponding to the first control element.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods provide an irrigation control system, comprising: an irrigation controller comprising an irrigation control unit; a power source; a microcontroller; and a modulator, wherein the modulator is configured to output modulated power signals; a plurality of switches coupled to an output of the modulator and independently controlled by the microcontroller; and a plurality of two-wire path output connectors each coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of switches, wherein each of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors is configured to be connected to a corresponding two-wire path of a plurality of two-wire paths to which multiple decoder-based irrigation control units can be connected and controlled, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to operate the plurality of switches to couple and decouple the modulated power signals from the output of the modulator to one or more of the plurality of two-wire path output connectors.

Abstract: A turf management system for a multi-climate environment including respective micro-climates at different green surfaces that are remote from one another includes a plurality of local control circuits including respective communication interfaces that are configured to receive sensor data from environmental sensors that are locally positioned at the different green surfaces, and a central control circuit that is configured to be communicatively coupled to the local control circuits. The central control circuit includes a network interface that is configured to receive data indicating differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates from the local control circuits, and a processor that is configured to aggregate the data indicating the differing local conditions at the respective micro-climates for output to a user interface. Related circuits, methods of operation, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A self-watering tray device having an integral internal irrigation system, and a method of watering allowing water to be supplied by a garden water hose and a water faucet. A plurality of said self-watering trays capable of being daisy-chained in a serial configuration to allow a single source of water from a water faucet and a plurality of garden water hoses to provide irrigation water to all of said plurality of self-watering trays and non-self-watering planters positioned thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants (100) is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one base member (110) having a periphery (112), at least one cover member, or wall member (120), having at least one channel (122a, 122b), and at least one intermediate filter (170) operable to be supported by the at least one cover member (120). The one or more cover members (120) are couplable to the periphery (112) of the at least one base member for providing a hollow space (140), and the at least one channel is operable to receive at least one tubular member (160, 162) supported at a distance from the at least one base member. The at least one intermediate filter is arranged for dividing the hollow space into at least two segments (172, 174). The apparatus is optionally operable to provide irrigation of one or more plants growing therein from seawater supplied to a bottom region of the apparatus.

Abstract: A slow-release irrigation device having a housing with an open and closed end, and a water reservoir located therein, a circumferential channel located proximal to the open end providing a watertight engagement with a neck opening of a beverage container, a water channel connected to the water reservoir and having a water receiving inlet and an outlet for directing water into the water reservoir while simultaneously operating as a water seal for the housing, a housing water outlet located between the ends of the housing and directly connecting the water reservoir with the external environment, an air channel located within the housing, an air tube connecting the water reservoir to an interior of the container; and a permeable membrane located within the air channel and controlling the passage of air through an air outlet of the air tube.

Abstract: A tessellated ceramic apparatus for plant growth is set forth devised to support germination and plant growth upon an exterior surface. Water moves under osmotic pressure from a water storage volume disposed in osmotic communication with the ceramic, through the ceramic to become available water at the exterior surface. A graduated cross-section regulates water flow from a water storage volume through to the exterior surface along a pressure gradient exerted by the water head. Plant growth is facilitated within a plurality of tessellated indentations disposed upon the exterior surface and growth may be restricted from areas of the exterior surface by application of gloss, glaze, sealants and/or other surface features that may blend design elements to augment and support a living design.

Abstract: A celery cultivar, designated TBG 40, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar TBG 40, to the plants of celery cultivar TBG 40 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar TBG 40 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 40, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 40 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar TBG 40 with another celery cultivar.

Abstract: A celery cultivar, designated TBG 39, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of celery cultivar TBG 39, to the plants of celery cultivar TBG 39 and to methods for producing a celery plant by crossing the cultivar TBG 39 with itself or another celery cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a celery plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic celery plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to celery cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 39, to methods for producing other celery cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from celery cultivar TBG 39 and to the celery plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid celery seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar TBG 39 with another celery cultivar.