Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatic sensitivity adjustment for an autonomous mower. An exemplary mower includes a drive system and one or more cameras. One or more processors are configured to generate a grass value by applying an image recognition algorithm to one or more images, instruct the drive system to autonomously adjust a velocity of current movement in response to determining that the grass value is less than or equal to a mowing threshold, determine a trigger rate that indicates how often the grass value is less than or equal to the mowing threshold within a predefined period of time, decrease the mowing threshold by a decrement in response to determining that the trigger rate is greater than an upper threshold rate, and increase the mowing threshold by an increment in response to determining that the trigger rate is less than a lower threshold rate.

Abstract: A mowing sickle drive system comprises a knife bar supported by a frame and drive apparatus operable to drive the knife bar in a reciprocating linear motion at a variable drive frequency. A spring is coupled to the knife bar for applying a restoring force to the knife bar toward a neutral position when in motion. The spring has a variable modulus of elasticity that is controlled dependent upon the drive frequency.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a running vehicle body, a floor forming a bottom portion of an operation part of the running vehicle body, a fuel tank arranged below the floor, a lawn mower suspended from a lower part of the running vehicle body, a front suspension arm for suspending a front portion of the lawn mower, and a rear suspension arm for suspending a rear portion of the lawn mower. The rear suspension arm is arranged to avoid the fuel tank.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus including an agricultural vehicle together with a front work unit and two lateral work units located behind and to the sides of the front work unit. The front work unit has a connection to the front of the agricultural vehicle and the lateral work units share a connection to the rear of the agricultural vehicle. Each of the work units deposits cut crop as a swath. One or more sensors determine a height of the rear connection above the ground surface. A control unit is provided for controlling the height of the connections above the ground surface, such that if the height of the rear connection is determined to deviate from a predetermined value, the control unit causes the height of the rear connection to be adjusted towards the predetermined value.

Abstract: A narrow row head unit includes a back plate secured to a left gearbox and a right gearbox, which gearboxes may be positioned adjacent one another. Each gearbox may provide rotational power to a pair of stalk rolls and a drive sprocket for a gathering chain. A right mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and the right gearbox, and a left mounting tab may be secured to the back plate and left gearbox. A right plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the right mounting tab and a left plate and leg may extend outward from the back plate adjacent the left mounting tab. A narrow row head unit positioned left-of-center on a header may have the gathering chain positioned substantially over the right plate, and right-of-center substantially over the left plate.

Abstract: A work vehicle for cutting crops includes a header a supported by a chassis of the work vehicle. The header includes a cutter assembly having a cutter bar frame supporting a series of rotary cutters arranged in a lengthwise direction. A gear train, having a first gear and a second gear, is coupled to the series of rotary cutters to transfer power thereto. A cutter control system includes a first motor coupled to the first gear of the gear train and a second motor coupled to the second gear of the gear train. A controller, including a processor and memory architecture, is operably connected to the first motor and the second motor to control operation thereof. The cutter control system drives the first gear at a first speed via the first motor and drives the second gear at a second speed via the second motor. The second speed is different than the first speed to pre-load the gear train into enmeshing engagement with each other in one rotational direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating remaining life in an agricultural baler comprise a reciprocating plunger for compressing gathered agricultural material into bales. A first sensor generates signals corresponding to force applied to the reciprocating plunger and any baling components configured to at least partially carry forces applied to the plunger. Based on input signals from at least the first sensor, forces associated with a load are recorded and a life state is estimated for the reciprocating plunger and/or at least one associated baler component. An output signal is then generated corresponding to the one or more estimated life states. In an embodiment, an input signal from a second sensor indicates completion of a bale, wherein an amount of life consumed from the plunger and/or baling components is determined in association with the bale, based at least in part on operating conditions of the baled material.

Abstract: A stuffer assembly includes a stuffer chute and a stuffer for transferring crop material from the stuffer chute into a baling chamber. The stuffer includes a tine bar having a plurality of tines. Each tine is slidably connected to the tine bar to be linearly movable with respect to the tine bar between an extended position and a retracted position parallel to a radial direction of the tine bar. A method accordingly includes retracting a tine from the extended position into the retracted position in case of an overload.

Abstract: Various examples of a system for trimming and collecting plant material are described herein. In one aspect, the system can include a first and second workstation. The first workstation can include a first support frame and a containment portion. The containment portion may include a sidewall and a planar screen. The planar screen removably positioned at an angle within the sidewall. The second workstation can include a second support frame, a table portion, at least one drawer having a bottom may include a screen, and at least one bin. The table portion can include a planar screen table surface and a containment wall. The at least one drawer can be positioned between the planar screen table surface and the at least one bin, where the planar screen table surface can include a screen having openings sized greater than the screen of the bottom of the at least one drawer.

Abstract: A method for silaging harvested crops includes distributing and compacting silage consisting of shredded foliage plants in a silo. The silo is then sealed and then fermented in the silo. At least one part of the silage is flushed with an inert gas after an aerobic phase of the fermentation is detected with a first sensor. The inert gas may also be introduced into the silage if a penetration of atmospheric oxygen is detected in the silage with a second sensor.

Abstract: An automatic detection and recovery device for residual agricultural mulch film, and a method of using the device, comprising a quadcopter, a wheeled robot (9), and a host computer (8); the quadcopter is provided with a controller (1), a near infrared water content analyzer, and a WiFi module that are used to measure water content in soil and communicate with the host computer; the wheeled robot (9) comprises a water sprinkling device (2), a soil grabbing device (3), a sifting device (4), a delivery device (5), a recognition device (6), and a sorting device (7).

Abstract: Data including current locations of candidate clouds to be seeded is obtained; based on same, a vehicle is caused to move proximate at least one of the candidate clouds to be seeded. Weather and cloud system data are obtained from a sensor suite associated with the vehicle, while the vehicle and sensor suite are proximate the at least one of the candidate clouds to be seeded. Vehicle position parameters are obtained from the sensor suite associated with the vehicle. Based on the weather and cloud system data and the vehicle position parameters, it is determined, via a machine learning process, which of the candidate clouds should be seeded, and, within those of the candidate clouds which should be seeded, where to disperse an appropriate seeding material. The vehicle is controlled to carry out the seeding on the candidate clouds to be seeded, in accordance with the determining step.

Abstract: Systems and method for coordinating movements of agricultural machines and irrigation systems on irrigated fields to avoid collisions and other interferences between the equipment may be implemented with a mobile irrigation system, a number of agricultural machines, and a processing system. The processing system receives and analyzes data from an irrigation schedule for the irrigation system and location data from the agricultural machines to detect possible interferences between the equipment and takes corrective action if likely interferences are detected.

Abstract: A device and method of watering plants using a programmable bucket is described. In one version, the programmable bucket uses a reservoir for water, a pump, at least one minimum pressure valve, a control enclosure, a water level switch, a flow meter, a watering hose, and a cover with an opening adapted to facilitate filling of the reservoir with a funnel and a removable plug. In use, power to the control enclosure is turned on and the reservoir is filled with water, setting the calibrated amount of water. The watering hose is removed from a recycling adaptor, the pump is activated through use of pushbuttons on the control enclosure, water fills the watering hose, once it reaches a minimum pressure valve water exits the hose under pressure, a signal from flow meter changes a volume of water in reservoir.

Abstract: A tank housing a vertical farm, having inside a plurality of structures at different heights that are supported on the tank wall such that they create ring-shaped projections on which to place the trays for the crops and the remaining installations and channels, wherein, since the structures are arranged as rings, a hollow space is created in the central shaft of the tank that is used to install a liftable platform so that an operator or robot may access the different trays holding the vegetables, and wherein on the lower portion of the tank are located closed and sealed compartments intended for the hydraulic, electric and electronic systems for controlling the parameters necessary for crop optimisation.

Abstract: A new integrated unitary system for producing electricity for a greenhouse or other metal carpentry structure associates a photovoltaic system, an innovative apparatus reflecting solar radiation, and an innovative water system for cooling and washing photovoltaic panels, which are all combined with the greenhouse or the metal carpentry structure.

Abstract: A compact conditioning system for controlling a volume, comprises: (a) at least one light source, said light source being coupled with a replaceable focusing lens; (b) at least one fan; (c) at least one temperature sensor; (d) control circuitry adapted to receive inputs from said sensor(s) and/or from a user, and to operate said light source(s) and/or said fan(s) as a result thereof; and (e) a housing suitable to house said light source, fan and control circuitry and adapted to be positioned at the top of a structural element defining a closed space.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011159. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011159, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011159 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011159.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011226. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011226, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011226 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011226.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011224. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011224, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011224 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011224.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011237. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011237, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011237 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH011237.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying STAYGREEN (SGR) genes in plants. The invention further relates to plants produced using the methods and compositions of the invention comprising modified endogenous SGR genes and having increased resistance to soybean rust.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 04110611 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 04110611, to the plants of soybean cultivar 04110611, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 04110611, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 04110611. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 04110611. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 04110611, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 04110611 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A disposable animal cage which can be used in a ventilated or static caging rack system includes a cage top and a cage base. Any corner or edge present in the interior of the cage base or the cage top that is accessible to an animal that can be contained in the cage is defined by surfaces having a conical section which is non-circular to prevent gnawing of the cage. A perforation section including a plurality of small apertures adjacent to one another can be formed in the cage for ventilation and prevention of gnawing by the animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and automatically feeding livestock having a guided pivoting panel member.

Abstract: The positions of the tools in an automatic milking arrangement are determined by registering, via a camera at an origin location, three-dimensional image data representing the tools whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data against reference data, tool candidates are identified in the three-dimensional image data. A respective position is calculated for the tools based on the origin location and data expressing respective distances from the origin location to each of the identified tool candidates. It is presumed that the tools are arranged according to a spatially even distribution relative to one another. Therefore, any tool candidate is disregarded, which is detected at such a position that the position for the candidate deviates from the spatially even distribution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for tracking wildlife such as game animals. The tracking system includes a drone that has a camera and a dart dispenser that dispenses a dart with a location transmitter. The drone sends images from the camera to a remote controller, where a user pilots the drone and observes animals for disease or other behaviors, and sends instructions to dispense the dart. The real-time location of the dart is then provided to a mobile application for use in tracking or hunting the animal.

Abstract: A horizontal feed storage system may comprise an elongated feed container having a length and a width, wherein the length is at least ten times greater than the width. The elongated feed container may have a fill opening through which the feed is deposited into the elongated feed container and a feed removal opening through which feed is removed from the elongated feed container. The elongated feed container may be movable. The elongated feed container may include multiple conveyance mechanisms disposed within the elongated feed container. The multiple conveyance mechanisms may include a first conveyance mechanism and a second conveyance mechanism, wherein the first conveyance mechanism may displace feed by moving the feed in a first direction away from the fill opening, and/or the second conveyance mechanism may displace feed by moving the feed in a second direction toward the feed removal opening.

Abstract: The disclosure, in some aspects, relates to methods and compositions for recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated delivery of genome editing molecules to a pre-implantation embryo.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered non-human mammal and cells, organs and tissues; to use thereof in medicinal and disease research; to a method for producing non-human animals and cells, organs and tissues; and to a method for researching in medicine and disease by virtue of the non-human mammals or cells, organs or tissues.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rearing invertebrates by utilize a plurality of crates (4) arranged into a plurality of stacks (6), each crate (4) in each stack (6) defining an airflow path (80) there through from an inlet opening (48) in a first wall (46) to an outlet opening (48) in a second wall (46) opposite the first wall (46) of each crate (4). The plurality of crates (4) are arranged in a climate controlled chamber (2).

Abstract: Adaptable fishing lure kits, systems, and devices are provided. An adaptable fishing lure system may include a fishing lure body, a replaceably attachable lure body member to the fishing lure body, via a slot formed within an outer periphery surface of the lure body, and a channel chamber longitudinally extending through and within at least a portion of a length of the fishing lure body. The slot providing access to the channel, at least one cartridge providing an attractant into the chamber formed within the fishing lure body. Alternative use of an adhesive and means for securing a fin member and attractant are provided.

Abstract: A fishing rod wash-down station is configured to hold a plurality of fishing rods during wash-down, and also to carry the rods to/from a vehicle and/or a storage location. The station includes a frame on which there are a plurality of vertical rod holder mounted. The rod holders allow water to pass through them so that they do not accumulate water while the rods are being washed down. The station is portable, or mobile, and can be configured to orient big game rods in a common orientation for transport and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fishing seat designed to be used on a boat. The fishing seat is configured to be attached to an interior of a boat, and in one potential embodiment to a shelf/inwale of the boat. The fishing seat features a substantially rectangular backplate that is attached to the shelf and is designed to laterally move along the shelf, thereby enabling the fishing seat to lock into a desired position at any forward, amidships or aft position. A seating platform extending orthogonally from the backplate (and accessible from three sides), is used for sitting by a user for an activity such as fishing. The fishing seat can be generally folded flat when not in use to save space. A supporting plate hingedly connects a base of the backplate and a bottom surface of the seating platform.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for eradicating insects in both a below ground and above ground environment. The device includes a main shaft having a bore therein and a two-piece clamshell on one end for insertion into the insect bed and on the other end a main body which includes a hand grip and a lever for releasing the gas which is held in a separate gas cylinder. The gas flows through a gas tube from the gas cylinder through the main shaft and then out the clamshell end of the main shaft into an insect bed. Two inert gases are used to displace the air in the insect colony wherein the two inert gases are argon and helium. The argon gas is used for underground applications and the helium gas is used for above ground and underground above grade applications. The two-piece clamshell is used for insertion into the ground where it is opened thereby allowing the gas to escape from the gas tube contained inside the clamshell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for spraying a product, notably a plant-protection product, comprising product spray nozzles (10) and airflow generating means (110), characterized in that the airflow generating means comprise an outlet (112) in the form of an annular slit designed to generate an airflow (102) in the form of a continuous tubular curtain of air enclosing the jets (12) emanating from the spray nozzles (10) and that the sprayed product cannot cross.

Abstract: Stabilizing compositions for stabilizing a post-draw, but pre-analysis sample include, a saccharide, at least one heavy metal salt, and a pH from 5.9 to 8.0. The stabilizing compositions may include an aliphatic aldehyde, a buffer, and a preservative. The stabilizing compositions stabilize a sample for analysis. The analysis preformed on the stabilized cell may determine the state of a condition of interest, quantification of absolute cell counts, cellular activity, and qualitative analysis of cell types. Stabilizing a sample means that cells of the sample retain their biophysical properties, including biophysical properties of cell surface markers, for analysis. Preferably, the stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for at least 16 days, and up to 30 days. The stabilizing compositions and methods may stabilize a sample for up to 180 days.

Abstract: A vial sleeve for a cryogenic vial includes a cover portion including a side wall defining a cavity for receiving at least a portion of the vial, and a locking feature configured to operatively engage at least a portion of the vial for resisting movement of the vial relative to the vial sleeve. The vial sleeve may include a first label adhered to an exterior surface of the side wall and including a first set of indicia. The first set of indicia may be different from a second set of indicia included on a second label adhered to an exterior surface of the vial.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a concentrate and a ready to use herbicide safener including 1-10 mg/L of glutamic acid, 10-100 mg/L of proline, and 50-200 mg/L of ?-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). The disclosure also concerns a method for protecting plants from herbicides. The method includes a step of applying a ready to use herbicide safener disclosed in the disclosure to a plant.

Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other contaminants and impurities from industrial processing hard surfaces are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions may be dosed on site and/or generated in situ for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces. Methods of employing the peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other impurities such as aldehydes and alcohols from industrial CO2 effluent are also disclosed which beneficially provide ambient biofilm control and break down more rapidly than other peracids, allowing for extended runs between CIP cleaning, including a reduction and/or elimination of cleaning of the scrubbers and other industrial surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agricultural mixtures comprising as active compound I a pesticidal active carboxamide and at least one fungicidal active compound II selected from azoles, strobilurins, carboxamides, carbamates, heterocyclic and various other compounds as defined in the description, in synergistically effective amounts. The invention relates further to methods and use of these mixtures for combating insects, arachnids or nematodes and harmful fungis in and on plants, and for protecting such plants being infested with pests, especially also for protecting seeds.

Abstract: The present inventions concerns use of a certain methoxyacrylate compound to control mosquitoes, and vector control solutions comprising a defined methoxyacrylate compound, in particular the invention relates to a substrate, to a composition, for controlling mosquitoes comprising a defined methoxyacrylate compound, and to certain methoxyacrylate compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member. The invention also relates to recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing such fusion proteins and formulations containing the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing the fusion proteins. Methods for stimulating plant growth, for protecting plants from pathogens, and for enhancing stress resistance in a plant by applying the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members or the formulations to plants or a plant growth medium are also described. The invention also relates to methods for immobilizing spores of a recombinant Bacillus cereus family member expressing a fusion protein on plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising as active components at least one active compound selected from compounds of formula I, formula Ia, and mixtures thereof and at least one biopesticide II. Furthermore, the present invention relates to seed treatment compositions comprising said mixtures, to methods and uses comprising the application of these mixtures and to seeds comprising the mixtures of the invention or a seed treatment composition thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an antimicrobial substrate including a substrate and a polythiophene polymer. The polythiophene polymer has a number of repeated monomer units from n is 5-14 or 30 to 120, a number average molecular weight (Mn) from 1,000 to 4,000 or 10,000 to 40,000; and a polydispersity index (PDI) from 1 to 1.3. The present disclosure also provides the polythiophene polymer and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present application is directed to antimicrobial compositions comprising chitosan polymers of at least two different average molecular weights (Mws), wherein the Mw of each different chitosan polymer is selected to target a different microorganism as well as method of making and using the compositions and product comprising the compositions.

Abstract: A synergistic aqueous wood preservative composition comprising a copper compound and penflufen. The copper compounds of the compositions of the invention may be soluble, partially solubilized or micronized particles. The penflufen of the compositions of the invention may be solubilized, emulsified or particulate. The wood preservative compositions of the present invention are surprisingly provided as stable dispersions and confer surprising and unexpected resistance to treated wood and wood products.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I), (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, useful as pesticides, and especially fungicides.

Abstract: Provided are a benzimidazole compound represented by the general formula (1) {wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a cyano group, R2 represents a (C1-C6) alkyl group, a (C1-C6) alkoxy (C1-C6) alkyl group, or a halo (C1-C6) alkyl group, R represents a (C1-C3) alkylene group or a halo (C1-C3) alkylene group, and m represents 0, 1, or 2}, or a salt thereof, an agricultural and horticultural insecticide comprising the compound or the salt as an active ingredient; an animal ectoparasite or endoparasite control agent comprising the compound or the salt as an active ingredient; and a method for using the insecticide or the agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid (ACC) mixtures. The present invention further relates to methods of promoting or synchronizing bud break in woody perennial plants by applying ACC mixtures and nitrogen containing fertilizer at a ratio from about 1:8.5 to about 1:510 of the present invention. The present invention further relates to methods of promoting plant growth in woody perennial plants by applying ACC mixtures and nitrogen containing fertilizer at a ratio from about 1:8.5 to about 1:510 of the present invention.