Abstract: This invention relates to a metrological scanning probe microscope system combining an SPM which employs an optical lever arrangement to measure displacement of the probe indirectly with another SPM which measures the displacement of the probe directly through the use of an interferometric detection scheme.

Abstract: A storage system and method of operating the storage system is described where the metadata used to access the data stored in a storage device is distributed amongst a plurality of controllers in communication with a user, with each other and with the storage device. Each controller stores at least the metadata needed to access the data relevant to the user at the time, and metadata is updated to respond to internal system activities such as device failures, snapshots, backup operations or the like. To preserve coherence of the metadata, each metadata update is communicated to the other controllers and the storage device. The update is either transmitted to the other controllers and to the storage device and each metadata location is updated, or the update is transmitted to the storage device and each of the controllers is instructed to request an update from the storage device.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for generating audio subband values in audio subband channels includes an analysis windower for windowing a frame of time-domain audio input samples being in a time sequence extending from an early sample to a later sample using an analysis window function including a sequence of window coefficients to obtain windowed samples. The analysis window function includes a first number of window coefficients derived from a larger window function including a sequence of a larger second number of window coefficients, wherein the window coefficients of the window function are derived by an interpolation of window coefficients of the larger window function. The apparatus further includes a calculator for calculating the audio subband values using the windowed samples.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, a first support, a second support, and a connection structure. The keycap moves up and down relative to the base through the first support and the second support. The connection structure is disposed on the base and includes a vertical-motion limiting part and a horizontal-motion limiting part. The first support includes a rod-shaped connection portion and is connected to the connection structure through the rod-shaped connection portion. The vertical-motion limiting part prevents the rod-shaped connection portion from vertically moving. The horizontal-motion limiting part limits the horizontal movement of the rod-shaped connection portion. The vertical-motion limiting part and the horizontal-motion limiting part are separated in the rotation axis of the rod-shaped connection portion.

Abstract: Linear fiducials including notches or chevrons with known angles relative to each other are formed such that each branch of a chevron appears in a cross-sectional face of the sample as a distinct structure. Therefore, when imaging the cross-section face during the cross-sectioning operation, the distance between the identified structures allows unique identification of the position of the cross-section plane along the Z axis. Then a direct measurement of the actual position of each slice can be calculated, allowing for dynamic repositioning to account for drift in the plane of the sample and also dynamic adjustment of the forward advancement rate of the FIB to account for variations in the sample, microscope, microscope environment, etc. that contributes to drift. An additional result of this approach is the ability to dynamically calculate the actual thickness of each acquired slice as it is acquired.

Abstract: A cellular traffic monitoring system includes: a traffic detection function (TDF) module to monitor cellular traffic associated with a cellular subscriber device, and to generate detection output which includes at least one of: a type of an application associated with the cellular traffic of the cellular subscriber device, and a type of the cellular traffic of the cellular subscriber device. The cellular traffic monitoring system further includes a policy charging and enforcement function (PCEF) module to enforce one or more charging rules to the cellular subscriber device, based on the detection output.

Abstract: An articulated towing apparatus pulls a rotary driven implement in a forward working direction across a ground surface behind a towing vehicle. The apparatus includes a longitudinal frame pivotally connected at a leading end to the towing vehicle by a coupling frame and pivotally connected at a trailing end to a wheeled frame that supports the implement thereon. The coupling frame defines lateral and vertical pivot axes between the longitudinal frame and the towing vehicle. A drive line, connected between a power take-off of the towing vehicle and the implement, includes (i) a longitudinal drive shaft extending at a downward slope, and (ii) an output for connection to the implement that is rotatably supported on the wheeled frame.

Abstract: Seed meters implementing air pressure to dispense seed into the ground in a controlled manner. In certain embodiments, a valve is actuated to push a single seed out of a seed chamber. The seed can be conveyed from the metering housing and through a seed delivery apparatus to the furrow at high speed. The seed is rapidly conveyed from the seed chamber to the furrow by a precisely controlled air pulse to eliminate variation enable high planting speeds.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for agricultural planting including selecting and varying agricultural input types during an in-field operation. In one embodiment, a method calculates a partial addition of seed to a seed pool during planting to minimize or eliminate seeds in the seed pool as a boundary is crossed.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a metering system comprising one or more meters configured to meter particulate material into a first material distribution line and a second material distribution line, a first sensor configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a first measure of a flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, a second sensor configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of a second measure of the flow of the particulate material in the first material distribution line, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive an indication of a sensed flow rate of the particulate material in the second material distribution line, obtain an adjusted flow rate indication by applying, to the sensed flow rate, a rate offset based on the first and second sensor signals, and control the metering system based on the adjusted flow rate indication.

Abstract: A groove depth-leveling wheel used in planting groups defines the depth of the furrow opened by the planting disc for uniform planting. The wheel has blades on its outer side to prevent reeds, stubble, straws etc. from sticking between this wheel and the planting disc and blocking the wheel or the planting disc itself.

Abstract: A lawn mowing apparatus may include sensors that are fastened to both its mower deck and its chassis. The sensors may sense a position of the mower deck in relation to the chassis. The sensed position of the mower deck may be presented to the operator via a dashboard display of the lawn tractor or transmitted via a wireless signal to another device. Based on such sensed position, an operator of the lawn tractor may manually adjust the position of the mower deck until the sensed position of the mower deck is within an acceptable operating range. In some embodiments, servomotors may used to adjust the position of the mower deck until the sensed position of the mower deck is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a blade assembly configured to perform a cutting function. The blade assembly includes an upper blade mounted about a blade rotation axis and an upper blade proximal portion being substantially flat and including a first cutting edge. A lower blade is mounted in overlap with the upper blade about the blade rotation axis. The lower blade includes a lower blade proximal portion positioned outward from the lower blade mounting portion in a radial direction, a lower blade end portion positioned outward from the lower blade proximal portion and below the lower blade proximal portion, and a second cutting edge. A lower blade falling portion transitions from the lower blade proximal portion to the lower blade end portion.

Abstract: A hand push lawn mower includes a body including a cutting blade and an operating device for a user to operate and connected to the body. The body includes a deck, a motor, a height adjustment assembly and a grass baffle. The motor is configured to drive the cutting blade to rotate. The height adjustment assembly is used to adjust the deck to move up and down. The grass baffle is configured to prevent grass clippings from splashing towards the back of the hand push lawn mower. When the height adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the deck, a displacement of the grass baffle in a vertical direction is less than a displacement of the deck in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An access door for a combine harvester includes a body having a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side. The body includes a height defined between the top and the bottom and a width defined between the first side and the second side. A plurality of ribs is integrally formed in the body for adding rigidity thereto, and a deflector is integrally formed with the body and protrudes therefrom. The deflector has a top surface and a width that is substantially the same as the width of the body. The body is defined within a first plane and the top surface is defined within a second plane such that the second plane is disposed at an angle less than 90° from the first plane.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a header and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first input indicative of a set profile of the header, in which the set profile comprises a target position of the header for a non-harvesting mode, store the set profile of the header. The controller is further configured to receive a second input indicative of a selection of the non-harvesting mode, output a first signal to instruct the agricultural system to operate in the non-harvesting mode in response to receiving the second input, and output a second signal to set a current position of the header based on the set profile in response to receiving the second input.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving an implement attached to an agricultural vehicle. The actuator assembly includes an actuator comprising a longitudinal axis, a cylinder extending along the longitudinal axis, and a piston rod extending from the cylinder along the longitudinal axis and that is configured to be attached to the implement at a connection point. A safety stop is pivotably attached at the connection point and is movable between a deployed position where the safety stop is configured to block retraction of the actuator, and a retracted position where the safety stop is not configured to block retraction of the actuator. The safety stop is configured to rotate with respect to the actuator about a first rotational axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, as well as a second rotational axis that is orthogonal to both the longitudinal axis and the first rotational axis.

Abstract: A system and related method of applying forage treatment material to harvested forage is provided. The system can include a mobile forage harvester having a chute, a vacuum source that produces a vacuum, and a bin that stores granular treatment material for dispensation. The chute can be joined with a catch tube having a catch opening. A tube can extend from the bin toward the catch tube, but can be separated from the catch opening by an open gap. The material can be dispensed from the tube into the open gap, and drawn across the open gap and into the catch opening with the vacuum so the material mixes with the harvested forage moving along the pathway in the chute under force of the vacuum. The bin, tubes and the open gap can be located in an interior compartment to protect them from the elements. A related method is provided.

Abstract: A stalk roll having twelve flutes extending radially from the main cylinder along the length of the main cylinder. Within the row unit opposing stalk rolls cooperate to engage and capture the corn stalk, thereafter, controlling and processing the corn stalk. The flutes may be configured with differing edges to facilitate control and movement of the stalk to the point of ear separation within the row unit. The flutes may be configured such that opposing compressive forces acting on the exterior of the stalk at approximately 180° of separation operate to implode the stalk while sharp edges on the flutes operate to cut the stalk into small segments which are deposited on the ground for decomposition.

Abstract: The configuration includes: a motor for driving a driving wheel (rear wheel) provided to a body; a slip ratio calculating section for calculating a slip ratio while the lawn mower is traveling; a friction coefficient calculating section for calculating a friction coefficient of a ground on which the lawn mower is traveling; a determination section for determining whether the ground on which the lawn mower is traveling is a lawn based on a relationship between the slip ratio and the friction coefficient and a drive controlling section for controlling the motor based on a determination result from the determination section. This configuration allows suitable driving operability for both of a case where the ground on which a lawn mowers traveling is a lawn and a case where the ground is other than a lawn.

Abstract: The invention comprises an automated, dynamic cover plate system, which may be quickly attached, detached and adjusted to the exterior of a concave grate of a combine harvester in order to adjust the flow characteristics of the concave or separator grate assemblies. The automated, dynamic cover plate system adjusts the threshing capability of the rasp bar threshing cylinder while simultaneously capturing additional threshed grain. The automated, dynamic cover plate system of the present invention is designed to be controlled, either manually or automatically, by the operator of the combine harvester or by a computerized or automated intelligence system.

Abstract: A grain separating apparatus (1) for a combine harvester (2). The grain separating apparatus (1) has at least a first walker-sieve (3) and a second walker-sieve (4) arranged side by side, wherein the first walker-sieve (3) and the second walker-sieve (4) are suspended in at least two suspension points (5,6) in the combine harvester (2) and wherein at least one of the two suspension points (5,6) is arranged to describe a rotational motion. A rotational motion drive (7) is arranged to drive the rotational motion of the first walker-sieve (3) out of phase with the rotational motion of the second walker-sieve (4), wherein each of the at least two walker-sieves (3,4) include a straw walker (8) comprising drivers (9) for conveying a straw material (10) and wherein grain (11) and debris (12) are separated from the straw material (10) through walker apertures (13) arranged in the straw walker (8).

Abstract: A bale chamber includes: movable density doors; at least one fluid cylinder including a fluid chamber, a piston separating the fluid chamber into a piston side and a rod side, a cylinder rod coupled to the piston on the rod side and configured to move at least one of the density doors, a piston fluid port, and a rod fluid port; and a fluid supply circuit fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber and configured to supply working fluid to the fluid chamber, the fluid supply circuit including a fluid supply controller that is selectively switchable to a first fluid supply mode and a second fluid supply mode, the fluid supply circuit being configured to supply working fluid to only the piston side when in the first fluid supply mode and to supply working fluid to both the piston side and the rod side when in the second fluid supply mode.

Abstract: An agricultural clip includes a base portion, a left arm portion attached to the base portion, a right arm portion attached to the base portion, and a curved protrusion. The left arm portion and the right arm portion define a clip receiving space to receive the agricultural item of interest and the support structure, and the curved protrusion includes a first end attached to one of the left arm portion and the right arm portion, and a second end which is a free end that protrudes into the clip receiving space.

Abstract: A method of making a food source or medicinal composition and a mycotecture construction unit includes (a) cultivating a mycelium/substrate composite and edible mushrooms, and (b) manufacturing the mycotecture construction unit. A mycelium inoculum is formed of a preselected fungus and used to inoculate a substrate. Mycelium are grown in the inoculated substrate in a growing column and edible mushrooms are harvested from the mycelium, leaving a mycelium-substrate composite. The manufacture of the mycotecture construction unit includes placing the mycelium-substrate composite into a modular, reconfigurable press having a cavity with a predetermined shape; pressing the mycelium-substrate composite at a predetermined pressure; and heating the mycelium-substrate composite in a heating chamber.

Abstract: The application provides a multifunctional robotic device including a body, an energy unit installed in the body, a power unit powered by the energy unit, the power unit including an output shaft wherein the output shaft is located at the lower part of the body and exposed from the body, and at least two working units, the working unit is detachably connected to output shaft of the power unit and driven by the power unit.

Abstract: A job-site gear in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a circuit board, at least one electronic component, and a resin member. A first surface of the circuit board includes a first area, a second area, and a third area. The third area is located in a boundary between the first area and the second area. A second surface of the circuit board includes a fourth area, a fifth area, and a sixth area located behind the first area, the second area, and the third area, respectively. The third area and the sixth area include at least one slit penetrating through the circuit board. The resin member is integrally molded so as to (i) penetrate through the at least one slit and (ii) cover the first area, the fourth area, and a part of the at least one electronic component on the first area.

Abstract: A method for breeding a new variety of a ratoon rice crop and a cultivation method for the new variety of a ratoon rice crop. The method comprises: breeding a photosensitive variety of a rice crop; growing a ratoon rice crop under conditions of a long photoperiod; and taking corresponding cultivation measures to extend the growth duration of the ratoon rice crop. The invention increases grain yield while also permitting more uniform maturity of a ratoon rice crop. When compared to existing methods for cultivating ratoon rice crops, the invention greatly improves the grain yield and quality of a ratoon rice crop, and has economic and social benefits.

Abstract: A hand-guided gardening, forestry and/or construction processing device includes a processing tool, an electric motor drive system, wherein the electric motor drive system is designed to drive the processing tool, a user-adjustable operating element, and a control device. The control device is designed to control a target slope rate of a rotational speed of the electric motor drive system in dependence on a position of the operating element according to at least one allocation in such a way that maximum target slope rates of the rotational speed differ for different positions.

Abstract: An array system of passive solar aquaponic and mushroom production structures, each having a glazing on a sun facing side to maximize winter sunlight; a plant growing area; a mushroom growing area; a water wall thermal mass integrated and disposed between the plant and mushroom growing areas; a fish tank; a saltwater basin under the plant growing holding saltwater; a natural air ventilation system providing misted air to the mushroom growing area and receiving O2 from the plant growing provided to the mushroom growing area, and CO2 generated by the mushroom growing area provided to the plant growing area; and saltwater channels delivering saltwater to the saltwater basins from a saltwater source, and which is evaporated by solar heat generated by the plant growing areas in order to generate freshwater.

Abstract: An automated growing system comprises a plurality of vegetative production lines for moving a plurality of planted growing channels from a first end to a second end of a growing area, a plurality of flowering production lines for moving the channels from the second end to the first end, and a first conveyor belt for moving planted growing channels from the plurality of vegetative production lines to the plurality of flowering production lines. Each production line may comprise a frame, a conveyor assembly configured to receive growing channels, a fertigation delivery line comprising a plurality of regulators spaced therealong for depositing fluid into the growing channels, a drainage trough, and an air supply duct positioned under the conveyor assembly, the air supply duct comprising a plurality of openings therein for delivering conditioned air to plants growing in the growing channels.

Abstract: Plant support trays each have a plant-supporting surface and a series of grooves or channels extending below the pot-supporting surface. The plant support trays have integral water runoff troughs that receive runoff water from the grooves or channels. The plant support trays may be configured to provide gravity-based drainage while supported on a horizontal frame or rack or platform, or may be configured to provide drainage while supported on an angled frame or rack or platform.

Abstract: A hybrid carrot variety NUN 85938 CAC as well as seeds and plants and roots thereof is disclosed. NUN 85938 CAC is a cut-and-peel carrot variety of the imperator type for the fresh market.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Canola hybrid variety designated 8CN0001, essentially derived variants of that Canola hybrid variety, to the cells, seeds, plants, and plant parts of this Canola hybrid variety 8CN0001. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 8CN0001 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the Canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. The invention also relates to uses of 8CN0001.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Canola hybrid variety designated 7CN0020, essentially derived variants of that Canola hybrid variety, to the cells, seeds, plants, and plant parts of this Canola hybrid variety 7CN0020. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 7CN0020 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the Canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. The invention also relates to uses of 7CN0020.

Abstract: A barley cultivar, designated BG 2020, is disclosed. The disclosure relates to seeds, plants, and derivatives of barley cultivar BG 2020, and methods for producing a barley plant by crossing BG 2020 with itself or another barley variety. The disclosure also relates to barley varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from barley BG 2020, to methods for producing other barley varieties, lines, or plant parts derived from barley BG 2020, and to the barley plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The disclosure further relates to hybrid barley seeds and plants produced by crossing barley cultivar BG 2020 with another barley cultivar. The disclosure relates to methods for developing other barley varieties or breeding lines derived from variety BG 2020, including cell and tissue cultures and haploid systems.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011014. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011014, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011014 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 CH011014.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011160. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011160, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011160 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 CH011160.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011173. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011173, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011173 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 CH011173.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV521044. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV521044, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV521044 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV521044 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV521044.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV398787. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV398787, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV398787 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV398787 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV398787.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011190. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011190, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011190 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 CH011190.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011200. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011200, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011200 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 CH011200.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011174. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011174, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011174 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 CH011174.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PFSR86 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PFSR86, cells from soybean variety 5PFSR86, plants of soybean 5PFSR86, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PFSR86. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PFSR86 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PFSR86, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PFSR86, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PFSR86. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PFSR86 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PEUR38 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PEUR38, cells from soybean variety 5PEUR38, plants of soybean 5PEUR38, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PEUR38. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PEUR38 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PEUR38, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PEUR38, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PEUR38. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PEUR38 are further provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01083711. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01083711. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01083711 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01083711 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 05250624 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 05250624, to the plants of soybean cultivar 05250624, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 05250624, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 05250624. 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 05250624. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 05250624, 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 05250624 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB8500, pepper line SBO-E717-0902, and pepper line SBO-E717-0900. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8500, pepper line SBO-E717-0902, and pepper line SBO-E717-0900 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid pepper hybrid SVPB8500, pepper line SBO-E717-0902, and pepper line SBO-E717-0900 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A teat sprayer for use in dairy applications is described that uses an articulated arm and system to deliver a spray to a teat and move between multiple dairy animals. In one aspect the dairy animal teat treatment apparatus, comprises a spray inlet, a spray nozzle, a flow path extending between the spray inlet and the spray nozzle, and an articulated arm conveying the spray nozzle, movement of the articulated arm driven by an actuator. Articulated arm movement may be between a retracted position in which the spray nozzle and articulated arm are retracted and an extended position in which at least part of the articulated arm and spray nozzle thereon is extended, moving the spray nozzle to a position configured to be about an animal's udder.