Abstract: A skid shoe for use with a header for harvesting row crops, in particular corn, comprises a body having a curvilinear side profile including: a central section having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a bottom surface that is convexly curved in a transverse direction bowing outwardly between the first side wall and the second side wall; a front section having a front external surface that extends forwardly and upwardly from the central section; and a rear section having a rear external surface that extends rearwardly and upwardly from the central section.

Abstract: A method for determining a terrain contour lying ahead in the direction of travel of an agricultural distribution machine includes determining a reference distance of a distribution boom from a reference measuring point of a target area, for example, a ground or crop surface, and determining a distance of the distribution boom from a measuring point of the target area arranged ahead of the reference measuring point in the direction of travel of the distribution machine. The method further includes referencing, preferably by comparing and/or relating the determined distance to the determined reference distance, to determine a change in the terrain contour at the measuring point relative to the reference measuring point. An agricultural distribution machine has a distribution boom and a control device for controlling the height of a distribution boom of such a distribution machine.

Abstract: A vehicle has a working component and a user-operable control device for controlling the working component. A method is used for controlling the working component by determining a first speed demand dependent on a first current operating range of the user-operable control device out of first and second operating ranges, and controlling a speed of a first motion drive connected with the working component according to the first speed demand. The first speed demand changes in a first discrete step in response to a movement of the user-operable control device from the first operating range to the second operating range.

Abstract: A row unit system for a seeder includes a frame, a parallel linkage configured to couple the frame to a mount associated with a toolbar of the seeder, an opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame, and a packer wheel assembly. The packer wheel assembly includes a packer wheel arm pivotally coupled to the frame, a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer wheel arm, and a packer wheel actuator pivotally coupled to the packer wheel arm and the frame, wherein the packer wheel actuator is configured to control a downforce applied by the packer wheel to soil.

Abstract: An image processing system is configured to identify features of the field in the image signals of the visual sensor system and, on the basis of the identified features, to create a first path for the vehicle. A navigation unit is configured to determine the position of a reference point on the vehicle. An electronic memory is configured to store waypoints for a second path of the vehicle to be driven. A path calculator is configured to convert the first and/or second path into a common coordinate system. A fusion unit is configured to fuse the first path and the second path and, based on the fused path thus obtained, to provide a signal to a steering control system to steer the vehicle along the fused path and/or to store waypoints for positions passed by the vehicle calculated on the basis of the fused path in the memory.

Abstract: A virtual assist apparatus assists moving a tractor loader relative to a target item for mutually engaging the loader with the target item. An image sensor device generates target image data representative of a target item image. Based on the target image data, tractor heading data representative of a tractor heading of the tractor, and target alignment guidance data representative of a target approach path providing access to a target attachment feature of the target item that is mutually engageable with a corresponding loader attachment feature of the loader are determined. A display unit displays viewable images of tractor heading and the target approach path for assisting the movement of the tractor to position the loader relative to the target item for mutually engaging the loader with the target item. The target item may be an implement couplable with a tool carrier or a load engagable with the implement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of land engineering, and relates to a water and soil resource comprehensive improvement method for loess hilly and gully region channels. The method comprises: (1) soil layer general survey: performing soil layer thickness survey and soil nutrition content measurement; (2) soil body reconstruction: on the basis of soil layer general survey data, selecting a soil body construction mode, and performing soil body profile reconstruction, soil body nutrition reconstruction and field parcel arrangement; and (3) constructing a water resource regulation and control system for the loess hilly and gully region channels. According to the present invention, investigation and survey are performed firstly, then treatment is performed, water and soil are treated simultaneously, and steps are coordinated, so that ecological treatment of the loess hilly and gully region channels is finally completed, and comprehensive improvement of water and soil resources is achieved.

Abstract: A precision planter having a frame configured to transport the precision planter through a crop area, at least one hopper coupled to the frame, and a seed dispersion system coupled to the frame. The seed dispersion system comprises a first seed meter, a funnel, and a seed dispersion tube, each configured to receive a first seed mix, which may include one or more types of seeds and/or fertilizer. The system also includes a fan, a seed dispersion tube, a seed dispersion head, and a plurality of seed hoses configured to deliver the first seed mix to the crop area. The seed dispersion system is configured to implement a prescription map of the crop area including at least two cover crop zones corresponding to seed mix(es) and or fertilizer prescriptions, which are determined based on location data. The seed dispersion system is configured to dispense the first seed mix at a first seed dispersion rate in the first cover crop zone.

Abstract: The working robot may include a working mechanism, a movement mechanism, a working motor, a movement motor, a battery configured to supply power to the working motor and the movement motor, a voltage detection unit configured to detect a voltage value of the battery, and a control unit. The control unit may be configured to obtain a detection value detected by the voltage detection unit while a target motor is in operation as a first-step voltage value, and then stop the target motor and obtain a detection value detected by the voltage detection unit while the target motor is not in operation as a second-step voltage value, and then determine whether to return the working robot to a charging station or not based on the first-step voltage value and the second-step voltage value. The target motor may be at least one of the working motor and the movement motor.

Abstract: A mower with a hybrid electric power system and a method of operation therefor. The mower comprises a drive wheel for propelling the mower, a cutting unit configured to cut grass, a first motor operatively connected to the drive wheel, a second motor operatively connected to the cutting unit, a primary battery and a generator connected to the first motor and the second motor to each independently power the first motor and the second motor, and a control unit configured to switch the mower between operating conditions when it is powered by the primary battery or by the generator. An auxiliary battery is connected to the first motor and can power the first motor to drive the mower when the primary battery is out of charge and the generator is out of fuel.

Abstract: Provided is a shiftable mowing deck, comprising a mow deck and a shift mount. A mow deck has a right side and a left side; a front and a back; a top and a bottom; and at least one blade set rotatably engaged with the bottom and adapted to be operated to mow. A shift mount is adapted to be operationally engaged between the mow deck and an associated mower, and to movably engage the mow deck to the associated mower. The shift mount has a fixed shift mount adapted to be fixed to an associated mower, and a movable shift mount fixed to the mow deck. The movable shift mount is adapted to move with respect to the fixed shift mount when mowing along a shift path and to move the mow deck with respect to the fixed shift mount along the shift path.

Abstract: A cutting unit for a mower can include blades and separate lifting devices to cause grass to stand up before being cut by the blades. The cutting unit can include disks to which the blades and lifting devices are secured. The lifting devices can be positioned rotationally in front of the blades.

Abstract: There is provided a mower (100), comprising a mower housing. a removable cartridge (120) for interacting with a lawn. the cartridge (120) comprising a pulley (125), a motor for driving the cartridge (120), a drive assembly (300) configured to selectively engage with the cartridge pulley (125) comprising a drive belt (310) configured to connect the motor to the cartridge pulley, and a tension assembly (200) configured to apply tension to the drive belt (310) and to slacken at least a portion of the drive belt (310). Slackening the drive belt (310) releases the cartridge pulley (125) from the drive assembly (300).

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a chassis and a cleaning fan assembly connected to the chassis. The cleaning fan assembly includes a first housing fixedly mounted to the chassis or other point on the combine harvester. A second housing is mounted to the first housing. A hub of the second housing is circumferentially surrounded by a hub of the first housing. A fan motor is fixedly mounted to the second housing. A driveshaft is non-rotatably mounted to the rotatable output shaft of the fan motor. A first bearing is arranged between the second hub and the driveshaft. A second bearing is arranged between the first hub and the second hub. The second bearing is configured to compensate for angular misalignment between the first hub and the second hub.

Abstract: Harvesting machines are provided for use in harvesting corn from corn plants. An example harvesting machine includes a tractor and at least two row units coupled to the tractor and operable to remove ears of corn from corn plants. A first row unit of the at least two row units is moveable relative to the tractor to change a height and/or rotational position of the first row unit, and a second row unit of the at least two row units is moveable relative to the tractor independent of the first row unit to change a height and/or rotational position of the first row unit.

Abstract: A windrower implement includes a merger attachment positioned rearward of an implement head. The merger attachment includes a conveyor positioned to receive discharged crop material from the implement head and convey the crop material to a laterally offset location. A crop sensor is operable to detect data related to a current characteristic of the cut crop material. A merger controller is operable to receive data from the crop sensor related to the current characteristic of the cut crop material, determine a desired windrow width based on the data from the crop sensor related to the current characteristic of the cut crop material, and then control a current speed of the conveyor based the desired windrow width.

Abstract: A windrower implement includes a merger attachment coupled to a frame rearward of an implement head. The merger attachment includes a conveyor positioned relative to the implement head to receive discharged crop material from the implement head and convey the crop material laterally relative to the central longitudinal axis to form a windrow laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis. A merger controller is operable to determine a location of a windrow formed during a belly pass and save the location of the windrow as a windrow track location. The merger control algorithm may determine a current position of the conveyor relative to the windrow track location and control a current speed of the conveyor based on the windrow track location of the belly pass and the current position of the conveyor to achieve a desired throw distance of crop material discharged from the conveyor.

Abstract: A windrower implement includes a merger attachment having a conveyor positioned relative to an implement head to receive discharged crop material from the implement head and convey the crop material to a laterally offset location on a discharge side of the merger attachment. An image sensor is positioned to capture an image of a windrow laterally offset from the central longitudinal axis on the discharge side of the frame. A merger controller is disposed in communication with the image sensor and is operable to capture an image of the windrow with the image sensor, identify and locate an edge of the windrow in the captured image relative to the conveyor. The merger controller may then control a current speed of the conveyor based on the location of the edge of the windrow so that crop material is discharged onto the existing windrow.

Abstract: A bubble-up auger assembly for an agricultural vehicle includes an auger at least partially surrounded by an outer tube. A bracket is configured to be non-rotatably connected to a rockershaft of the agricultural vehicle for rotation about a first axis. A slide rod is connected to the outer tube and the bracket. The slide rod is configured to cause the auger to move between a raised position and a lowered position in response to rotation of the bracket. In the lowered position of the auger, an axis of rotation of the auger is oriented oblique to the first axis.

Abstract: A round hay bale pickup and releasing apparatus includes a frame assembly, a loading-arm mechanism, a bale-pushing mechanism, a wheel assembly, and a tilting mechanism. The frame assembly is configured with a first frame-shaft and a second frame-shaft and provides sufficient length to load and transport round hay bales. The loading-arm mechanism is operatively coupled to the first frame-shaft and the second frame-shaft to pick up and loads the round hay bales onto the frame assembly. The bale-pushing mechanism is operatively coupled to the first frame-shaft and the second frame-shaft so that each of the loaded hay bale can be pushed towards the back end of the frame assembly. The wheel assembly is operatively coupled to the first frame-shaft and the second frame-shaft through the tilting mechanism, as the tilting mechanism angularly lifts up the first frame-shaft above the second frame-shaft to dump the loaded hay bales.

Abstract: An auger for filling the grain bin of combine harvester has a reduced pitch of the auger at an upper section. This reduced pitch changes the angle at which grain is released from the auger, and thereby reduces the amount of grain that is undesirably ejected from the grain bin during filling of the grain bin.

Abstract: A baler includes a baling chamber for baling a crop to form a bale, a wrapping installation for wrapping the bale with a wrapping material during a wrapping operation, a sensor for detecting a noise signal, a control unit which is connected to the sensor. The control unit is configured to characterize the wrapping operation on the basis of a noise signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A baler implement includes a pre-compression passageway including a lower passage wall having an access panel. The access panel is moveable between an operating position and an access position. A panel actuator is coupled to the access panel for moving the access panel. A feed system includes at least one feeder fork operable to move crop material through the pre-compression passageway. A drive system is coupled to the feed system and includes a power source that is selectively controllable to move the feed system in a first direction during a baling operation and move the feed system in a second direction during an un-plugging operation. A baler controller is operable to identify a plug condition from data related to an operating characteristic of the baling operation and may then automatically initiate the un-plugging operation when the plug condition is identified.

Abstract: A planter module and an expandable modular planter system for both indoor and outdoor use. The planter modules are configured to maintain adequate moisture/water and are substantially hexagonally shaped permitting substantially close adjacent positioning and connection between planter modules to form a modular planter system in a honeycomb pattern. The modular planter system is reconfigurable both horizontally and vertically.

Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system includes storage containers, an illuminable storage grid, a support displacement system, and a container handling device. The illuminable storage grid includes horizontally displaceable container supports each arranged with a vertical offset to an adjacent container support and configured to support a plurality of the storage containers. At least one of the container supports is an illuminable container support that is configured to illuminate an area below. The illuminable container support has at least one aperture configured to allow passage of at least one of the storage containers therethrough. The support displacement system displaces at least one of the container supports horizontally. The container handling device is configured to move between a first location above or on the illuminable storage grid and a second location outside the horizontal periphery of the illuminable storage grid.

Abstract: A plant cover device includes an upper end having a sealed apex and defining a plant-receiving cavity therein, a lower tubular end opposite the upper end, and a medial seam coupling the upper end and the lower tubular end. The upper end includes an upper major mesh surface, and a seam extending along a peripheral edge of the upper major mesh surface. The lower tubular end includes a lower major mesh surface and has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end being is coupled to the medial seam, and the lower tubular end also partially defines the plant-receiving cavity therein. The plant cover device also includes a flexible support carried by the medial seam.

Abstract: Insect frass used in combination with mushroom cultivation provides superior results such as increased yields and less greenhouse gas release relative to mushroom cultivation that takes place in the absence of insect frass. The use of insect frass during mushroom cultivation can provide synergistically improved outcomes relative to mushroom cultivation or the production of insects and insect frass in the absence of the other. By using mushrooms and/or their byproducts and insect frass and its components in combination, one can generate a closed loop system that will provide beneficial outcomes to mankind including but not limited to reduced greenhouse gases, greater employment opportunities, synergistic effects related to improved protein and other nutrient production and yields, and/or higher mushroom yields.

Abstract: A method of cultivating mushrooms is provided that includes: (a) growing mushrooms on a substrate in a growing cell until buds are formed; (b) transferring the substrate with buds from the growing cell to a harvesting cell; (c) picking mushrooms from the substrate during a first flush in the harvesting cell; (d) picking mushrooms from the substrate during a second flush in the harvesting cell; (e) disposing the substrate; wherein in the growing cell, and the substrate is provided on different layers of stacked longitudinal beds of a first rack. The harvesting cell is provided on different layers of stacked longitudinal beds of a second rack and characterized in that the each of the beds of the first rack has a corresponding bed on the second rack, with corresponding beds extending on a substantially same level in view of the ground level in the growing cell and along a same straight line as the beds.

Abstract: A smart terraponic gardening system is provided that includes a first reservoir configured to contain a liquid and a second reservoir configured to contain a growing medium for a plant or fungus. A light source and a watering system are provided. A control unit is in electronic communication with the light source and the watering system. At least one sensor of a camera, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor is provided in signal communication with the control unit to adjust growing conditions based on the sensor output. In some instances, the control unit is programmed to maintain growing conditions for a specific plant of fungus growing in the second reservoir. The program in some instances is associated with a library of target plants or fungi, and their associated idealized growing conditions.

Abstract: A watering system for Christmas trees is disclosed having a humidifier for generating mist and a conduit for dispensing at least a part of the mist generated by the humidifier towards foliage of the tree, when in use.

Abstract: An agricultural nutrient supply device includes a profile and cap. The profile defines chambers that extends along a longitudinal axis of the profile from the first end to the second end of the profile. The cap engages with an end of the profile. The cap includes an exterior wall open at a first end and defining a dome at a second end of the cap. The exterior wall defines open channels that extend from the first end of the cap to a chamber defined by the dome. Several agricultural nutrient supply devices are configured to be installed in the soil of an agricultural farming field as a sustainable agriculture passive system. The system is installed in the agricultural farming field, the devices access nutrients deep in the soil and passively supply those nutrients to crops planted at the surface of the field thereby reducing required fertilizer or tilling.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus is disclosed. A plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet; a first cultivation unit which is provided inside the cabinet and has plants placed therein; a second cultivation unit which is provided inside the cabinet to be spaced apart from the first cultivation unit and has plants placed therein; a nutrient solution supply unit which is connected to a mixing tank in which a nutrient solution is stored and which supplies the nutrient solution to the first cultivation unit; a nutrient solution delivery unit which is provided in the first cultivation unit and delivers, to the second cultivation unit, the nutrient solution supplied to the first cultivation unit; and a nutrient solution recovery unit which is provided in the second cultivation unit and recovers, into the mixing tank, the nutrient solution supplied to the second cultivation unit.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for hydroponics growing of plants. An apparatus for a hydroponics system described herein includes: a tray configured to receive water from the hydroponic system, circulate the water through the tray, and return the water to the hydroponic system, where the tray includes one or more flow control features configured to regulate water flow through the tray, and a tray insert supported by the tray, where the tray insert includes a plurality of holes through a bottom surface of the tray insert, where the tray insert is configured to receive seeds on the bottom surface and maintain the seeds in a predefined depth of water. According to some embodiments, the one or more flow control features include one or more slots, where the one or more slots are each arranged to receive therein a barrier that blocks a portion of water flow out of the tray.

Abstract: A hydroponic system for cultivation and harvesting of floating aquatic plants is provided. The hydroponic system includes an arrangement of a plurality of vertically-stacked cultivation trays, each tray containing an amount of fluent media on which floating aquatic plants are able to grow. The hydroponic system also includes a media reservoir in which fluent media is contained and subject to treatment before being circulated to the cultivation trays and a harvesting reservoir for receiving aquatic plants grown in the cultivation trays and harvested from the same. The hydroponic system further includes an automated control system that manages media flow into and from the trays and aquatic plant harvesting from the trays. A method of cultivating and harvesting floating aquatic plants is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for activating a crop seed by high-voltage electric field cold plasma (HVCP), and use thereof, belonging to the technical field of crop planting. The present disclosure provides a method for activating a crop seed by HVCP, including the following steps: (1) mixing a crop seed with water and immersing the crop seed in water for 4 h to 24 h to obtain an immersed crop seed; and (2) conducting discharge activation on the immersed crop seed at a voltage of 80 kV to 130 kV to obtain an activated crop seed. In the present disclosure, the method can improve heat-resistant and disease-resistant properties of crops, and provide a scientific basis for subsequent acquisition of excellent seeds.

Abstract: A novel lettuce variety designated CS33201 is provided. This disclosure thus relates to the seeds of lettuce variety CS33201, to the plants of lettuce variety CS332013, to plant parts of lettuce variety CS33201, to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing a plant of lettuce variety CS33201 with a plant of another lettuce variety, and to methods for producing a plant of lettuce variety CS33201 containing in its genetic material one or more backcross conversion traits or transgenes and to the backcross conversion lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a novel lettuce variety. The present disclosure provides a seed, plant, and tissue culture of a lettuce plant identified by Accession No. FERM BP-22478 and a method for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing the lettuce plant identified by Accession No. FERM BP-22478 with any other lettuce plant.

Abstract: Up until now, all varieties of Impatiens walleriana are susceptible to impatiens downy mildew cause by the water mold, Plasmopara obducens. The present invention relates to novel Impatiens walleriana seed containing a genetic resistance to Plasmopara obducens. The present invention also relates to methods for creating novel Impatiens walleriana seed containing a genetic resistance to Plasmopara obducens and Impatiens walleriana seed produced by the method.

Abstract: An inbred corn line designated BAC020 is disclosed. The invention relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line BAC020 and methods for producing a corn plant by crossing inbred corn line BAC020 with itself or with another corn plant. The invention also relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more additional traits and to the corn plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to corn plants and plant parts derived from inbred corn line BAC020 and to methods for producing other corn plants or plant parts derived from inbred corn line BAC020, and to the corn plants and parts derived from those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing inbred corn line BAC020 or a locus conversion of BAC020 with another corn line.

Abstract: An inbred corn line designated BRQ010 is disclosed. The invention relates to the plants and seeds of inbred corn line BRQ010 and methods for producing a corn plant by crossing inbred corn line BRQ010 with itself or with another corn plant. The invention also relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more additional traits and to the corn plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to corn plants and plant parts derived from inbred corn line BRQ010 and to methods for producing other corn plants or plant parts derived from inbred corn line BRQ010, and to the corn plants and parts derived from those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid corn seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing inbred corn line BRQ010 or a locus conversion of BRQ010 with another corn line.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of corn hybrid SVSK0834 and corn line SHY-6S16-7785LL. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of corn hybrid SVSK0834 and corn line SHY-6S16-7785LL and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid DRPB6268 and pepper line SBY-XZ20-0106. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DRPB6268 and pepper line SBY-XZ20-0106 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 DRPB6268 and pepper line SBY-XZ20-0106 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A cultivated pepper plant or seed capable of producing high yield properties of parthenocarpic fruits. The plant or seed comprises at least one Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) for an Excellent Parthenocarpy (EP) trait, the EP trait conferring production of elevated yield properties of parthenocarpic seedless fruits, as compared to a pepper plant having the same genetic background and lacking this EP trait, and the QTL is selected from QTL1 located 09.0-13.5 Mbp on chromosome 1, and QTL2 located 199-218 Mbp on chromosome 10.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM9027, tomato line PSQ-9Z17-9157, and tomato line PSQ-9Z19-9228. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM9027, tomato line PSQ-9Z17-9157, and tomato line PSQ-9Z19-9228 and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato 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 tomato hybrid SVTM9027, tomato line PSQ-9Z17-9157, and tomato line PSQ-9Z19-9228 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A control system for operating a robotic milking system utilizing at least two robotic milkers maximizes the efficiency of the operation of the robotic milking system. The milk delivery lines are provided with sensors in operable communication with a microprocessor to control the operation of teat washing apparatus and to control the flow of milk from the robotic milkers while milk receiving lines are being cleaned, enabling one robotic milker to be undergoing a wash procedure while the other robotic milker is undergoing a milking procedure. The teat washing apparatus has a pair of counter rotating rolls passing over the cow's teats in a downward direction and an air knife located above the rolls to dry the teats for a subsequent milking procedure. The teat washing apparatus makes a cleaning pass, returns to a home position for cleaning, and then makes a sanitizing pass to ready the cow for milking.

Abstract: A potty training device includes: a support body providing an internal space where a pet is able to enter and defecate; and an inducer receptor disposed in the internal space of the support body and providing a first inducer receiving space in which a defecation inducer is contained, wherein the support body includes: a support plate supporting the inducer receptor on an upper surface thereof and having a defecation hole through which excrement of the pet passes; and a wall protruding upward from the upper surface of the support plate to accommodate the inducer receptor and having an entrance formed on one side such that the pet is able to enter and exit the support body, and wherein the entrance is disposed near the defecation hole.

Abstract: A vehicle for a livestock facility includes a storage tank positioned on a vehicle frame, a collector frame attached to the vehicle frame, first and second operable arms that are attached to the collector frame and positioned proximate a front of the collector frame, a vacuum system having a suction inlet that extends from proximate the collection area to the storage tank, and an agitating mechanism that is positioned within the collection area. The first and second operable arms at least partially define a collection area. The agitating mechanism operates within the collection area to process waste material and direct waste material toward the suction inlet.

Abstract: A pet bed nursing device is disclosed that allows a nursing mother dog to lay on their back while nursing puppies. The pet bed nursing device comprises a body component that is configured in a rectangular shape with a central recessed area for the mother dog to lay on her back. The central recessed area also has an elevated head section, such that when the mother dog is on her back, her head is elevated for comfort. Further, the central recessed area creates an elevated side area on either side of the recessed area, allowing the plurality of puppies to lay and nurse. Thus, the central recessed area and the elevated side areas prevent a mother dog from rolling onto her puppies during nursing and ensure the puppies remain at the same level as the mother dog's nipples.

Abstract: A tear-resistant chew toy for dogs and a method of making the toy. The toy includes a first and second similarly constructed panel assemblies, each of which includes a quilted fabric panel surrounded by a chew guard in the form of a webbing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabric. Overlapping portions of the chew guard are secured to the panel by a zig-zagging stitch pattern formed of UHMWPE thread. The individual stitches of the pattern extend at an acute angle to a radius of the fabric panel and generally parallel to the direction that dogs use their back molar teeth to gnaw on a chew guard. The panel assemblies are secured together by a stitch line also formed of UHMWPE thread to form an internal chamber in which a soft resilient stuffing and an audible squeaker are located.

Abstract: A leash having a rigid portion and a flexible portion is provided. The rigid portion of the leash is sized to extend beyond the hind quarters or tail of a dog such that, when hanging free, it remains elevated off the ground adjacent to the dog's feet so as to not get tangled in the dog's feet as is a known problem in the prior art.