Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HL 1030’ characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaflets with lighter green-colored venation; freely flowering habit; reddish purple-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HL 1038’ characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; moderately vigorous to vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaflets with lighter green-colored venation; freely flowering habit; white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HL 1042’ characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaflets with lighter green-colored venation; freely flowering habit; purplish red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HL 1044’ characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; moderately vigorous to vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaflets with lighter green-colored venation; freely flowering habit; purplish red-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Helleborus plant named ‘HL 1046’ characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading and mounded plant habit; moderately vigorous to vigorous growth habit; dark green-colored leaflets with lighter green-colored venation; freely flowering habit; white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Stokesia laevis plant named ‘Riptide’ with extended blooming of composite flowers having periwinkle-blue ray florets and purplish-blue disk florets just above the deep-green foliage of compact rounded plants from early summer until fall. The new plant is suitable for garden landscapes, in containers, or as a cut flower.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Sutera plant named ‘Balmecoluim’, characterized by its light violet-colored flowers, dark green-colored foliage, low growth vigor, and mounded-trailing growth habit, is disclosed.

Abstract: A master/slave shaft arrangement includes: a motor having an output shaft; a master drive barrel, the first end of which being rotationally driven by the output shaft of the motor, the master drive barrel having, at a second end thereof, a master drive sprocket; a synchronizing shaft that is rotationally driven at its second end by a first coupling assembly, the rotational driving of the synchronizing shaft being synchronous with the rotational driving of the master drive barrel by the motor; and a slave barrel, the slave barrel being rotationally driven at its first end by a second coupling assembly that rotationally couples the synchronizing shaft with the slave barrel to rotationally drive the slave barrel, the rotational driving of the slave barrel being synchronous with the rotational driving of the synchronizing shaft and the rotational driving of the master drive barrel by the motor.

Abstract: An image-forming apparatus includes a light-irradiation unit configured to move a spot of laser light on a surface of a photosensitive member at a non-constant scanning velocity in a main scanning direction to form a latent image on the photosensitive member, an image data correcting unit configured to correct a length in the main scanning direction of image data by inserting one or more image data pieces into the image data, the number of the image data pieces increasing as the scanning velocity increases, and/or extracting one or more image data pieces from the image data, the number of the image data pieces increasing as the scanning velocity decreases, and a brightness correcting unit configured to correct a brightness of the laser light so that an emission brightness increases as the scanning velocity increases and/or the emission brightness decreases as the scanning velocity decreases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributed electronic signature documents. A method for distributed electronic signature documents includes creating a signing template that contains information about how a signable document is to be signed. A signable document is created to be distributed to a signer for signing. The signable document is electronically transmitted to the signer. A message is sent using an activatable control in the signing document to a web signing server to invoke the signing process. A browser window is opened on a signer's computer in order to execute the signing process.

Abstract: A pixel, wherein: gates of second and fifth transistors receive a first gate signal; gates of third and fourth transistors respectively receive second and third gate signals; first terminals (FTs) of the second to fifth transistors respectively receive a data voltage, reference voltage, initialization voltage, and first power supply voltage (PSV); a second electrode of a second capacitor receives the first PSV; a second terminal (ST) of a light emitting element (LEE) receives a second PSV; a gate of a first transistor, STs of the second and third transistors, and a first electrode of a first capacitor are connected to a first node; STs of the first and fourth transistors, a FT of the LEE, and second and first electrodes respectively of the first and second capacitors are connected to a second node; and a ST of the fifth transistor is connected to a FT of the first transistor.

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: An array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof, a display panel and display device relating to display technology are provided. The array substrate includes: a substrate; a light shielding layer being of electrical conductive over the substrate; a buffer layer over the light shielding layer; an active layer insulated from the light shielding layer by the buffer layer and shielded by the light shielding layer against light radiation; a gate insulating layer disposed over the active layer; and a patterned first electrode layer having a first electrode over the gate insulating layer, the first electrode being a gate electrode; wherein the patterned first electrode layer further comprises a second electrode over the buffer layer, the second electrode having at least a portion in contact with the buffer layer. The buffer layer comprises a first via-hole, and the second electrode is in electrical connection with the light shielding layer through the first via-hole.

Abstract: A light emitting diode chip and a light emitting diode display apparatus comprising the same, are disclosed in which a screen defect caused by a defect of the light emitting diode chip is minimized. The light emitting diode chip comprises a semiconductor substrate; first and second light emitting diodes provided on the semiconductor substrate in parallel with each other while having first and second pads; a first electrode commonly connected to the first pad of each of the first and second light emitting diodes; and a second electrode commonly connected to the second pad of each of the first and second light emitting diodes, wherein the first and second light emitting diodes are electrically connected to each other in parallel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a plurality of carrier aggregation (CA) groups with at least a first CA group (CG1) and a second CA group (CG2). The UE includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to determine whether the UE is power-limited. The UE is scheduled to transmit acknowledged information in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) to a cell of the CG1 and uplink control information (UCI), other than the acknowledgement information, in a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to a cell of the CG2. The processing circuitry is also configured to, responsive to the UE being power-limited, prioritize the PUSCH for power allocation. The processing circuitry is also configured to transmit the PUSCH to the cell of the CG1.

Abstract: A method for creating a secure network is provided. The method comprises establishing an overlay domain to control routing between overlay edge routers based on an underlying transport network, wherein said establishing comprises running an overlay management protocol to exchange information within the overlay domain; in accordance with the overlay management protocol defining service routes that exist exclusively within the overlay domain wherein each overlay route includes information on at least service availability within the overlay domain; and selectively using the service routes to control routing between the overlay edge routers; wherein the said routing is through the underlying transport network in a manner in which said overlay routes is shared with the overlay edge routers but not with the underlying transport network via the overlay management protocol.

Abstract: A method and electronic device which provide a calendar having availability status options based on a type of remote server are described. In accordance with one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising: determining, by an electronic device, a type of a remote server in communication with the electronic device; and setting, by the electronic device, availability status options for an availability status field for calendar events based on the type of the remote server.

Abstract: Cutting element made of cemented carbide for an agricultural soil cultivation tool for cutting into the earth, which includes a top side and a bottom side, a front side, a back side opposite of the front side, and at least one lateral surface. The top and bottom sides are connected via the front side, back side, and the at least one lateral surface. The front side includes a cutting region having multiple teeth, and at least one tooth is formed with a first flank and a second flank. To achieve an efficient cutting into the earth with a complete cut through the weeds or herbaceous plants present in the earth, a profile line of the first flank and a profile line of the second flank have different lengths. In this manner, weeds are completely severed and killed, whereby use of sprays for killing weeds is reduced to protect the environment.

Abstract: An automatic guidance system is adapted to be mounted on a work vehicle such as a farm tractor for assisting an operator steer the vehicle on a desired track relative to a furrow. The system includes sensors for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic ranging signals. The sensors are ultrasound transducers mountable on ends of a planter drawn by the vehicle for directing ranging signals downwardly toward field adjacent of a furrow such that the ranging signals strike the field or furrow and are reflected back into the respective sensor. Guidance logic stored in a memory of a controller is executed by a processor to determine tractor headway direction and headland turning directions representative of desired tractor headway and headland turning directions, and a human interface device generates guidance images viewable by an operator for steering the tractor relative to furrows in the field and in the headland.

Abstract: A working vehicle includes a vehicle body capable of traveling either by either manual steering with a steering wheel or by automatic steering with the steering wheel, a reference registration controller configured or programmed to register a traveling reference line based on a position of the vehicle body caused to travel by the manual steering, an automatic steering controller configured or programmed to perform control by the automatic steering on a set scheduled traveling line based on the traveling reference line, a display to display information about the automatic steering when forward traveling by the automatic steering is to be performed, and a notifier to issue a notification of the information about the automatic steering aside from the information displayed on the display when rearward traveling by the automatic steering is to be performed.

Abstract: A tow head for agricultural implements, particularly those intended for the distribution of seeds, composts, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides in the field, is designed to promote a structural reinforcement that heightens resistance and, accordingly, improve the conditions of operation of these agricultural equipment. More particularly, a tow head for agricultural implements is formed by a telescopic center bar from which angularly designed sidebars are projected from the coupling end, and which are connected to the respective side wings of the structural chassis of the agricultural implement, and the sidebars are endowed with a reinforcement that is fixed along at least part of the longitudinal length of each sidebar.

Abstract: A method for treating expansive soils includes excavating a hole in a superficial expansive soil layer from an excavation site to form the hole and form an expansive soil material. Further, the expansive soil material is mixed with an inert material, at least two chemical additives, and a binder to form an additive soil material. The additive soil material is further poured into the hole in the excavation site to form an additive soil layer. The inert material is a sand, the chemical additives are a sulfur and a silica fume, and the binder is a dicyclopentadiene. The sand and the sulfur are present in the additive soil material in an amount from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. % and 12 wt. % to 25 wt. %, respectively, based on a total weight of the additive soil material.

Abstract: A method for treating expansive soils includes excavating a hole in a superficial expansive soil layer from an excavation site to form the hole and form an expansive soil material. Further, the expansive soil material is mixed with an inert material, at least two chemical additives, and a binder to form an additive soil material. The additive soil material is further poured into the hole in the excavation site to form an additive soil layer. The inert material is a sand, the chemical additives are a sulfur and a silica fume, and the binder is a dicyclopentadiene. The sand and the sulfur are present in the additive soil material in an amount from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. % and 12 wt. % to 25 wt. %, respectively, based on a total weight of the additive soil material.

Abstract: A method for treating expansive soils includes excavating a hole in a superficial expansive soil layer from an excavation site to form the hole and form an expansive soil material. Further, the expansive soil material is mixed with an inert material, at least two chemical additives, and a binder to form an additive soil material. The additive soil material is further poured into the hole in the excavation site to form an additive soil layer. The inert material is a sand, the chemical additives are a sulfur and a silica fume, and the binder is a dicyclopentadiene. The sand and the sulfur are present in the additive soil material in an amount from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. % and 12 wt. % to 25 wt. %, respectively, based on a total weight of the additive soil material.

Abstract: A seeding unit comprising: a support; a soil opening member mounted to the support; and a seed delivery outlet, defining an exit aperture for releasing seed; wherein the soil opening member comprises: an upper blade portion operative to form a seed collection slot in the ground; and a lower blade portion laterally offset from the upper blade portion and operative to form a deep rooting slot in the ground that is offset laterally from the seed collection slot.

Abstract: A singulating meter includes a seed disc with seed apertures rotates in a vertical plane through a seed reservoir. A horizontal seed tube has an inlet adjacent to the top of the seed disc and the seed apertures move along a seed aperture path toward the inlet. Pressurized air flows into the tube inlet, and through each seed aperture as it rotates upward out of the seed reservoir pushing a seed into each seed aperture which seed then moves along the seed aperture path through about 180 degrees of rotation to a release position at the top of the path where the seed is carried horizontally into the seed tube. An ejector pushes debris out of the seed apertures into the seed tube. An alignment guide moves the singulator element of the meter into the operating position where same is magnetically secured.

Abstract: Operating conditions corresponding to a harvesting operation being performed by a mobile harvesting machine are detected along with a priority of a first performance pillar metric relative to a second performance pillar metric. An operating characteristic of the mobile harvesting machine is detected and a performance pillar metric value is identified for the first performance pillar metric based on the detected operating characteristic. A performance limitation corresponding to the first performance pillar metric is identified based on the detected operating conditions and an aggressiveness setting is detected that is indicative of an operating settings change threshold.

Abstract: An example monitoring device for monitoring crop yield is mounted to a housing of a grain elevator of an agricultural work machine proximate a crop conveyor assembly arranged in the housing and has at least one aperture formed therein. A material engagement member is arranged on the mounting structure and is pivotal with respect to the mounting structure about a pivot point. The material engagement member can comprise a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. At least one rotational sensor is arranged in the monitoring device and is configured to detect spatial movement or position of the material engagement member. A processing device is coupled to the at least one rotational sensor and is configured to determine an aggregate crop yield based on the detected rotational magnitude of the displacement of the first end or second end.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a corn head with an end divider and an actuator that moves the end divider between a raised position and a retracted position. An actuator controller receives an input and automatically controls the actuator to move the end divider to a position based upon the input.

Abstract: In a combine harvester, the header is lifted up by the feeder and secured thereto by a mechanism including a pair of securing pins on the feeder's carrier structure. The securing pins are provided with stops protruding towards the header and which include a sloped surface, configured to interact with positioning aids on the header. The lateral outward or inward movement of the securing pins is driven by a centrally placed actuator. As the actuator is extended, the positioning aids roll or glide down the sloped surfaces, enabling a gradual approach of the header towards the feeder, up to a point where the securing pins become aligned with slots on the header. Continued actuation of the pin motion then establishes the securing of the header to the feeder.

Abstract: A rotary lawn mower has one or more grass cutting blades that are rotatable in opposite directions about a vertical axis or axes. Each blade is double edged having front and rear cutting edges on each end of the blade. Each blade end has a front sloped face inboard of the front cutting edge and a rear sloped face inboard of the rear cutting edge. These faces create air flow within the cutting chamber when cutting grass regardless of the direction of rotation of the blade. The direction of rotation of each blade is reversed to switch between discharge and mulching modes of operation. A flow director has a curved vertical guide wall that guides the grass clippings through a discharge opening in the discharge mode and that guides the flow of grass clippings away from the discharge opening in the mulching mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for separating crop dust from crop residue produced during a harvesting operation using a combine. The system comprises an attachment member configured to be used with the combine, a shroud fastened to the attachment member and extending downward to form a negative pressure chamber; and a container for collecting the separated crop dust exiting the outlet of the cyclone unit. The attachment member comprises a suction fan to generate a negative pressure to draw an air flow comprising at least a portion of the crop dust separated from the crop residue; and a depressurized cyclone unit in communication with the suction fan, having an inlet for receiving the air flow comprising the separated crop dust drawn by the suction fan, and an outlet having a turning interlock configured to maintain the negative pressure while discharging the separated crop dust through the outlet.

Abstract: A conveying and collecting device for a crop press has a conveying and collecting unit switchable from a collecting mode into a lifting mode. A first cam track for rotating feed tines of a feed bar is switchable from a fixed state, in which it is stationary and the conveying and collecting unit is in collecting mode, into a moving state, in which it is driven by the conveying and collecting unit that is in lifting mode. A coupling device for operatively coupling the first cam track with the conveying and collecting unit is provided, and a switching device triggers or prevents coupling based on the filling level of the collecting chamber that is detected by a sensor unit. Triggering or preventing of the coupling process is mechanically independent of the detected filling level. A crop press is provided with such a conveying and collecting device.

Abstract: A roof vent system for a grain storage device is disclosed. A roof vent including a lid is operatively connected to the roof panel adjacent the opening. The lid is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. A bias member configured to apply an upward bias force to the lid to automatically move the lid to the open position. A control lever that is movable between an upper position and a lower position. The control lever is operably connected to the lid by a pull. When control lever is moved to the lower position with a force greater than the bias force of the bias member, the lid is moved to the closed position. A sealing member attached to the lid is configured to provide a seal between the lid and the roof panel when the lid is moved to the closed position.

Abstract: An aerial vegetation trimming system. The aerial vegetation trimming system may include a saw assembly, wherein the saw assembly may include a plurality of saw blades disposed along a length of a beam. The aerial vegetation trimming system may further include an electric motor operatively connected to the saw assembly, wherein the electric motor is configured to drive the plurality of saw blades; and at least one boom disposed between the electric motor and a vehicle, wherein the at least one boom is configured to connect the saw assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical substrate comprised of a gel on a wire or mesh scaffolding may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity and/or adherence to the scaffolding. Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the substrate.

Abstract: An irrigation control panel, an irrigation system, and a method of monitoring operations of the irrigation system are provided. The irrigation control panel comprises a display and a processing element. The display comprises an electrophoretic portion. The processing element is configured to determine an operating condition of the irrigation system, and display an indication representative of the operating condition on the electrophoretic portion so that the indication representative of the operating condition displayed on the electrophoretic portion persists after disconnecting power.

Abstract: A hybrid plant growing system that supports aeroponic and hydroponic/deep-water cultures is based upon an elongated growing table configured to receive a plurality of reconfigurable panels with openings for cuttings, clones, or larger plants in net cups or pots. A spray manifold includes a plurality of spray heads under sufficient pressure to mist the root portions of the growing plants. Removable and replaceable baffle plates enable the system to support aeroponic plant culture with the baffle plates in position, as well as a hydroponic or deep-water plant culture, wherein the roots of the plants are allowed or encouraged to invade into the nutrient solution. End-wall ports enable a plurality of the tables to be serially cascaded and share a common reservoir. At least two sizes are provided, including longer tables having a length of about 8 feet, and shorter tables having a length of about 4 feet.

Abstract: The invention described herein comprises a passive plant nutrient delivery system that utilizes a hydrophilic porous tube to transfer a liquid nutrient solution from at least one reservoir to the roots of plants. The plants' roots rest on the exterior surface of the tube, where a combination of capillary force, evapotranspiration from the plant, and some evaporation from the surface of the tube draws the nutrient solution passively from the reservoir, or reservoirs, through the tube. The roots uptake water from the tube as needed, requiring no external power source. A flexible cover envelops plants' roots and the tube, whereby the cover has an opening to allow room for plants to grow. The flexible cover is held in place by a securing means, such as a clamp. Both the cover and the securing means are comprised of a material that can expand, allowing the plants adequate room to grow.

Abstract: An internet of things (IoT) based hydroponic farm system is described. The hydroponic farm system includes a cloud server, a plurality of hydroponic farms, and a plurality of user computing stations. The cloud server includes a data distribution service domain that includes data distribution service middleware configured to use a real-time publish-subscribe protocol to wirelessly communicate hydroponic farm information. Each of the hydroponic farms is divided into a plurality of hydroponic plant growing zones that are configured to grow at least one species of plant. Each hydroponic plant growing zone includes a zone controller. A farm controller is assigned to each of the hydroponic farms.

Abstract: An internet of things (IoT) based hydroponic farm system is described. The hydroponic farm system includes a cloud server, a plurality of hydroponic farms, and a plurality of user computing stations. The cloud server includes a data distribution service domain that includes data distribution service middleware configured to use a real-time publish-subscribe protocol to wirelessly communicate hydroponic farm information. Each of the hydroponic farms is divided into a plurality of hydroponic plant growing zones that are configured to grow at least one species of plant. Each hydroponic plant growing zone includes a zone controller. A farm controller is assigned to each of the hydroponic farms.

Abstract: An internet of things (IoT) based hydroponic farm system is described. The hydroponic farm system includes a cloud server, a plurality of hydroponic farms, and a plurality of user computing stations. The cloud server includes a data distribution service domain that includes data distribution service middleware configured to use a real-time publish-subscribe protocol to wirelessly communicate hydroponic farm information. Each of the hydroponic farms is divided into a plurality of hydroponic plant growing zones that are configured to grow at least one species of plant. Each hydroponic plant growing zone includes a zone controller. A farm controller is assigned to each of the hydroponic farms.

Abstract: An open-top gutter for cultivation of plants. In an example, the open-top gutter comprises at least one water space formed by a double edge and being closed at the top, or almost closed. The water space is open at the bottom of the gutter. In an example, the open-top gutter includes at least one separate water space formed by a partially double bottom and connected to the bottom of the gutter via a bottom gap. In an example, the open-top gutter includes a space limited by two side walls and a bottom wall and divided into trough-like compartments by at least one dividing wall. The dividing wall includes at least one water space formed by a double wall, open at the bottom of the gutter.

Abstract: A robotic fruit picking system includes an autonomous robot that includes a positioning subsystem that enables autonomous positioning of the robot using a computer vision guidance system. The robot also includes at least one picking arm and at least one picking head, or other type of end effector, mounted on each picking arm to either cut a stem or branch for a specific fruit or bunch of fruits or pluck that fruit or bunch. A computer vision subsystem analyses images of the fruit to be picked or stored and a control subsystem is programmed with or learns picking strategies using machine learning techniques. A quality control (QC) subsystem monitors the quality of fruit and grades that fruit according to size and/or quality. The robot has a storage subsystem for storing fruit in containers for storage or transportation, or in punnets for retail.

Abstract: A heater includes an enclosure, a first baffle plate, and a second baffle plate. The enclosure includes a first wall, a second wall opposite the first wall, and a top plate extending between the first wall and the second wall and cooperating with the first wall and the second wall to at least partially define an interior. The heating module is coupled with the enclosure and is disposed beneath the first baffle plate and the second baffle plate. The heater can additionally or alternatively include an air quality monitoring system and an isolation transformer. The air quality monitoring system includes an air quality controller, at least one air quality sensor, and a power input. The isolation transformer is configured to deliver power from the air quality monitoring system to a fuel system controller of the heating module to facilitate powering thereof.

Abstract: A method of identifying a selected pollination window in a Poaceae crop by monitoring one or more environmental parameters and identifying a selected pollination window based upon the monitored parameters. The correct selection of parameters has been shown to markedly increase seed set, yield, and/or other desirable characteristics, including but not limited to preferred content of oil, starch, protein, and/or other nutritional components. Parameters may include one or more of: temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit.

Abstract: A rice cultivar designated CLL18 is disclosed herein. The present invention provides seeds, plants, and plant parts derived from rice cultivar CLL18. Further, it provides methods for producing a rice plant by crossing CLL18 with itself or another rice variety. The invention also encompasses any rice seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by the methods disclosed herein, including those in which additional traits have been transferred into CLL18 through the introduction of a transgene or by breeding CLL18 with another rice cultivar.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH011182. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH011182, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH011182 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 CH011182.