Abstract: A hydraulic quick coupler for coupling hydraulic hoses of an attachment to a work machine includes a cylindrical quick release coupler end portion configured to mate with another quick coupler to form a sealed hydraulic connection. A middle portion of the quick coupler is connected to the end portion and provides a fluid path to the end portion. An integral 90° elbow of the quick coupler includes a threaded end providing a threaded connection to the middle portion, a flare style coupler end for coupling to a fitting of a hydraulic hose, and a 90° bend section connected between the threaded end and the flare style coupler. The 90° bend section provides a fluid path between the threaded end and the flare style coupler and is configured to redirect hydraulic fluid flow by 90°.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a striping roller assembly rotatably attaching a striping roller to a mower deck of the lawnmower. The striping roller assembly includes a mounting bracket connected to the mower deck, the bracket having a top arm that extends from the mower deck in a generally horizontal direction. A roller arm is pivotally mounted on the bracket at a pivot connection. A height adjusting rod attaches to the pivoting roller arm to permit the operator to select different height settings for the striping roller assembly, wherein the height adjusting rod passes through an opening in the top arm of the bracket and is slidable relative to the bracket. A U-shaped connection member having upper and lower legs is positioned such that the upper leg is above and the lower leg is below the top arm of the bracket. A spring biases the U-shaped connection member so that the upper leg is forced toward or against the upper surface of the top arm of the bracket.

Abstract: This Yard debris catcher on wheels is for anyone cleaning up Yard clippings, leaves, small branches, or collecting any other type of small debris. The body of the catcher is perforated so if cleanup includes the use of a leaf blower, debris is left in the catcher, yet air is able to pass through. The leaf blower attachment is designed to help reduce the air current coming from a leaf blower so that debris can be gathered into the catcher in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A system for tracking treatments for at least one plant includes an electronic tag associated with the at least one plant, an electronic tag interrogator configured to interrogate the electronic tag, and a treatment apparatus for applying treatments to the at least one plant.

Abstract: A seamless draper belt formed from an elongated flat base structure of fabric and rubber. Transverse cleats having a structural core embedded in rubber are connected to the base. The elongated base structure and cleats are cured and adhere to one another except for end sections to form a flexible elongated structure, the ends of the base structure being overlapped and cured to form a seamless belt. An elongated guide is integrally formed on the base structure face opposite the face containing the cleats.

Abstract: A lawn mower has a striping roller assembly rotatably attaching a striping roller to a mower deck of the lawnmower. The striping roller assembly includes a mounting bracket connected to the mower deck, the bracket having a top arm that extends from the mower deck in a generally horizontal direction. A roller arm is pivotally mounted on the bracket at a pivot connection. A height adjusting rod attaches to the pivoting roller arm to permit the operator to select different height settings for the striping roller assembly, wherein the height adjusting rod passes through an opening in the top arm of the bracket and is slidable relative to the bracket. A U-shaped connection member having upper and lower legs is positioned such that the upper leg is above and the lower leg is below the top arm of the bracket. A spring biases the U-shaped connection member so that the upper leg is forced toward or against the upper surface of the top arm of the bracket.

Abstract: A ground surface slide guide attached to a grass cutter is of light weight and has a large diameter and superior durability, enabling comfortable grass cutting work. The ground surface slide guide has a resin body made of synthetic resin, and a metal hub integrally coupled thereto to rotate together. The resin body is composed of a tubular body and a flange extending upward to the outside from the entire periphery of the lower end of the tubular body and covering the lower surface of the rotary blade. A blade retaining ring pressed against the lower surface of the rotary blade is formed on the outer periphery of the hub, and the blade retaining ring is exposed to the upper end surface of the tubular body. The hub is attached to a drive shaft by a fastener, and the rotary blade is clamped between a blade rest and a blade retaining ring. The lower end of the tubular body serves as a ground contact surface. The metal hub is integrally coupled to the resin body to rotate together.

Abstract: A non-powered rotor windguard improves the baling of stiff crop material such as cornstalks. The windguard comprises plastic teeth spaced evenly along a rotatable shaft. The teeth are generally three-pointed. The engagement of the teeth to the crop material provides the force to rotate the roller windguard.

Abstract: A cart is towed behind a combine harvester for collecting corn cobs and includes a conveyer belt feeding into a system for separating cobs from residue to be discharged and a tank for receiving and transporting the cobs. An unload auger is provided from the tank to one side of the cart while the cart moves forward. Power for driving the cart is obtained from a chopper drive of the combine harvester. The separating arrangement includes a series of sequential blower fans for blowing air through the discharged material as it is discharged from a conveyor and into a spreading guide disperses the residue. The cobs are conveyed using a series of augers where the auger to flight distance is at least 2 inches and particularly a pair of augers feed the cobs through a front wall of the tank so as to push cobs upwardly into the tank.

Abstract: A device for mowing grass includes an axle attachable to a lawn mower aft of a wheel of the lawn mower and forward of a grass cutting blade of the lawn mower; a plurality of tines extending from the axle, at least a portion of the tines being engagable with leaves of grass on a ground surface; and a wheel attached to the first end of the axle and being engagable with and rotatable on the ground surface. Upon operation of the device for preparing grass, a rotation of the axle causes the tines to engage the leaves of grass and direct the leaves into substantially vertical positions in preparation for being cut by the grass cutting blade of the lawn mower.

Abstract: A cable actuated pin latching mechanism adapted for releasably connecting a header to a feeder of a combine, which automatically maintains predetermined tension conditions on the cable during normal latching and unlatching operation, and when an actuator of the mechanism is held in an unlatch position with the latch pin stuck or restrained, applies and maintains a tension force for releasing the pin, for instance, to enable a user to move to the operator cab to operate lift, tilt and/or other controls, as required for freeing the pin.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower having a cord guide system for routing a recoil starter cord relative to a handle assembly of the mower. The guide system may include a cord guide operable to hold the starter cord to a non-interfering position such that a rear collection hopper can be easily removed from the lawn mower for dumping of collected grass clippings. The cord may be moved from the non-interfering position back to a starting position by application of a pulling force to the cord.

Abstract: A walk-behind implement, e.g., lawn mower, having a handle assembly, and a handle assembly release apparatus for use with such an implement. The release apparatus, in one embodiment, may permit unlocking of the handle assembly from a first operating position relative to a housing of the implement. Once unlocked, the handle assembly may be moved, e.g., pivoted, to a second storage position. In one embodiment, the release apparatus may include a lever member that may be actuated by the application of a force applied by an operator's foot.

Abstract: Presented herein is a method for predicting suitable times for performing a crop harvesting operation within a field. The method includes the steps of accessing predicted values for weather, crop, and soil conditions, and then predicting values for one or more additional operation variables indicating operation suitability. The method then predicts suitability for performance of the crop harvesting operation based on the predicted operation variables and selected suitability parameters.

Abstract: An implement, such as a header for a combine, having an integral transport system with a pair of ground engaging wheels that are moved between transport positions used in transporting the implement and stowed positions on the implement during use of the implement. The wheels may be used as gauge wheels during use to support the ends of the implement. A trailer tongue is retractable and stowed onboard the implement during use, as is a tongue jack. Lights are provided at the end of the implement for visibility during transport. The lights are stowed beneath a cover on the end of the implement to protect the lights from damage during use. All components of the transport system are carried on the implement during use to ensure that they are with the implement when needed to transport the implement. All components are mounted with pins, enabling the implement to be converted between transport and use configurations without the use of hand tools.

Abstract: The present invention 10 is for a device for attachment to a leaf blower 12 having a conduit 23 with a container 18 having a reservoir with particulate matter 30 therein in communication with the conduit having a control 24, 26 for metering the amount of gravity fed particulate matter dispensed into a pressurized air stream 32. Also shown is a shoulder strap 34 with a flexible conduit 23 extending therefrom whereby the device can be attached to the aforementioned conduit for metering the contents of the container into an air stream. Both attachable units can be employed for the spread of seeds, dusting gardens, sow seeds for deer food plots, dust fruit trees, orchards, dust and fog under houses, fertilize yards, control poison ivy, insect control and much more.

Abstract: An agronomic system is disclosed for the commercial production of green Cicer beans wherein a relative risk of caramelization is determined based on geographical data, macro climate data, and micro climate data for a given locale. Relative risk of caramelization helps select acreage to be planted. Additionally, an agronomic system and method for cultivation and commercial production of the green Cicer bean is described herein for preferred row spacing and variety selections that are usable for the commercial production of the green Cicer bean. Prior to the present invention there were no agronomic methods or systems adapted for commercial production of the green Cicer bean. The agronomic systems and methods disclosed herein also help to adjust planting times based on growing degree day calculations for given parcels wherein harvesting of the green Cicer bean is in rhythm with processing plant capacity.

Abstract: A mower including support for an operator in a standing position during use thereof. Specifically, the mower includes a support against which an operator may lean when operating the mower in the standing position. Additionally, the support includes a portion capable of being straddled and then sat upon by the operator. This capability allows the operator to relieve at least some of the pressure applied to his/her body during extended periods of standing on the platform.

Abstract: The stalk strength tester of the present invention includes an internal shaft and an external shaft in telescopic relationship. Pivotally associated with the upper end of the internal shaft is a trough-like stalk cradle. A set of measurement markers are on the upper end of the internal shaft and a rubber ring is around the internal shaft and abuts the external shaft. Associated with the other end of the internal shaft is a tension member. A tension adjustment structure is provided for adjusting the tension in the tension member. In operation, a stalk is positioned into the cradle and the tester is pushed against it. The internal shaft telescopically slides against the tension member and into the external shaft until the cradle pivots at which time the rubber ring remains in a position relative to one of the markers as an indicator of the tension measured.

Abstract: A rotary blade blocker for preventing inadvertent harmful firing of the engine of a rotary-type mower during rotary blade removal and reinstallation or during removal of mowing debris from within the mower deck. The blade blocker includes a clamping portion temporarily clampingly securable to a lower edge of the deck and a blocking portion rigidly supported by the clamping portion and positioned within the deck perimeter to make contact with the distal portion of the rotary blade to facilitate safe blade changes and during manual debris removal from within the deck when the blade blocker is temporarily secured to the edge of the deck.

Abstract: A garden screening device for sifting and separating gravel, rocks, stones, and other debris from useful and valuable soil includes a screening drum mounted on a rotatable base supported on a carriage assembly, the screening drum and base interconnected to a drive motor and pulley for rotating the drum so that useful and valuable soil can be separated and sifted through the screen mesh of the drum by rotation of the drum and directed to the ground by a slide while the unwanted debris is retained in the drum for removal by tilting the screening drum in the direction opposite of the screening drum's operational sifting and separating disposition.

Abstract: A method of harvesting a stalk-based plant (P), such as sugarcane, includes generating at least one laser beam (b) and causing the at least one laser beam (b) to at least momentarily come into contact with the sugarcane stalk (P). This severs the stalk (P) and cauterizes the stalk (P) where severed.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvesting machine has a chassis that is supported for travel over the ground by a front pair of propulsion wheels and a single steerable rear wheel. The rear wheel is mounted for being selectively shifted along the direction of operation for changing the spacing between the front wheels and rear wheels so as to effect a difference in the weight distribution between the front and rear wheels. This adjustment can be made automatically in accordance with the weight of a front-mounted harvesting attachment and/or the load imposed on a trailer coupling by a towed trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection and reduction of twig-containing yard debris combining a frontally facing twig breaker with a chipper-shredder-blower unit to induce airflow for entraining debris collected at the vacuum pick up; reduce the entrained debris to a more manageable volume; and impel the reduced debris to a free-flow-separator device for removing the debris from the air in which it is entrained.

Abstract: A water nozzle is attached to the mower deck of vegetation mower that extends into the interior of the mower deck housing. Water is channeled into the water nozzle and is diverted laterally out through an end of the nozzle toward the mower blade in the housing deck for use in cleaning the interior sides of the mower deck housing. The water may contact the mower blade to be propelled to the sides of the mower deck housing. The nozzle may be rotatably attached with respect to the deck to use in manually turning the nozzle cleaning the entire periphery of the interior of the mower deck housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for finely pulverizing lawn debris has a central drive shaft driven by a gasoline or electrical power source. Lawn debris is drawn into a suction and grinding chamber by the rotation of a distribution plate which has a plurality of curved impeller blades permanently attached to a perforated plate. A grinding blade with a plurality of blade elements is mounted on the central drive shaft above the distribution plate and effects pulverization of the debris. The distributing plate apertures dispense the pulverized debris uniformly over a lawn. Optionally, additional fan impeller blades may be mounted on the central drive shaft to draw and initiate pulverization of the debris. In this case, the rotation of the distributing plate may be stopped by disengaging a clutch mounted on the central shaft to direct pulverized debris to a side collection chamber, which is periodically emptied through a bottom discharge gate.

Abstract: A flexible band is tensioned between fingers, capable of gripping together, of a gripper. In the bunching of plant stems, the band is held in an opening between fingers of the gripper behind a pair of rollers. The plant stems are carried along between the pair of rollers and received in the flexible band. After a bunch has thus been gathered, the ends of the fingers are brought towards each other, and the stems in the gripper are moved away from the rollers. Subsequently, the stems are tied together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic machine which can move on a lawn, said machine being equipped with a device consisting of a series of elements (4,5). The ends of said elements are capable of touching and rectifying and/or cutting the flat blades of grass of the lawn. The machine will generally be a robotic lawnmower equipped with said device. The elements (4,5) will be advantageously flexible and arranged in tandem under the chassis of the machine. Said elements can be helicoidal springs (5). One end of said spring is fixed to the chassis using a strut, and the other end is rectified in the spring axis. The invention can further relate to articulated elements which cut in the direction of movement of the machine.

Abstract: A blade holding assembly for use in changing a blade of a rotary cutting machine includes a blade fixing element which can be selectively moved between a storage condition, wherein the blade fixing element is mounted to the machine in an unobtrusive position, and an in-use condition, wherein the blade fixing element is remounted in a position which obstructs the rotation of the blade. More specifically, in the in-use condition, the blade fixing element preferably projects through or otherwise engages the blade to prevent the blade from rotating in either direction. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the blade fixing element is adapted to extend through a hole provided in the blade and is threadably attached to a retainer element carried by the rotary cutting machine to secure the blade against rotation in a hands free manner.

Abstract: The lawn striping assembly (10, 110) utilizes a C-shaped channel member having a plurality of attachment positions (22, 122). A pair of brackets (46) attach a roller apparatus (16) to the frame (302) of a lawn mower (114). The C-shaped channel member includes a top portion (20, 120) presenting a plurality of attachment positions (22, 122) for retaining a fastener (42, 142, 242) therein. In a more specific sense, the invention utilizes a pair of said C-shaped channel members disposed in back to back relationship with one another.

Abstract: A mid-mount mower having a body frame supported above the ground by front wheels and rear wheels, the body frame having a front cross frame in a forward portion thereof with respect to a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, and a mower unit disposed between the front wheels and rear wheels. A main jack body is mounted on the front cross frame to be pivotable about a pivot shaft extending longitudinally of the vehicle body. The main jack body is in a storage position extending along the front cross frame when pivoted to a first pivot position about the pivot shaft, and in a substantially vertical position relative to the ground when pivoted to a second pivot position about the pivot shaft. The main jack body has a controlled portion exposed upward when the main jack body is in the vertical position.

Abstract: A leaf removal process using a netted blanket is provided in this invention. This process comprises the following steps: a) the netted blanket is spread over the lawn; b) then the user waits for the leaves to fall on the netted blanket; and c) when enough leaves have fallen on to the blanket, the leaves are removed and disposed by lifting/folding/rolling/dragging the netted blanket. The netted blanket can be made from a non-biodegradable material and can be re-used one or more times. It can also be made from a disposable biodegradable material. When the biodegradable netted blanket is used, the folded/rolled/lifted netted blanket with the leaves in it can be tied up with twine or other suitable material for disposal; therefore it is time saving because there is no need to fill bags or cans with leaves for disposal. Often times, filling the bags with leaves is the time consuming task of the leaves removal process.

Abstract: A disc cutterbar having a mounting hub supporting a knife for severing standing crop material, with a reversible shearable spline area engaged with a drive shaft to form a shear device therebetween.

Abstract: A driving apparatus (2) for speed changing and steering of a vehicle consists of a first driving unit (21) for speed changing in advancing and reversing and a second driving unit (22) for steering, which are arranged in a longitudinal row and are attached to a vehicle chassis (12). Each of the first driving unit (21) and the second driving unit (22) has a common structure, which comprises a housing and an HST and left and right differential output shafts contained in the housing. A left first differential output shaft (40L) and a left second differential output shaft (44L) are connected with each other so as to be rotated in the same direction, and a right first differential output shaft (40R) and a right second differential output shaft (44R) are connected with each other so as to be rotated in opposite directions. Both first and second HSTs of the first driving unit (21) and a second driving unit (22) receives power from engine (11) through a common single belt (30).

Abstract: A hay conditioning apparatus includes a first roller which is rotatably mounted in a fixed mounting and a second counter-rotating (compression) roller which is rotatably mounted in connection with a moveable mounting. The compression roller is in rolling contact with the first roller and is adapted to receive pre-cut hay therebetween for conditioning. The moveable mounting allows the compression roller to be displaced relative to the first roller as the hay passes between the rollers and also includes a hydraulic cylinder for applying a compression force to the compression roller. As the pre-cut hay passes between the rollers, it is subjected to a predetermined compression force sufficient to substantially flatten any green nodes on the hay and thereby accelerate drying of the hay.

Abstract: A greens mower having internally powered cutting units. The motor to power the cutting units is located inside the cutting unit thus eliminating the need to balance the weight of the motor outside the cutting unit and also eliminating the need for belts, chains, gears or couplers to transfer power from the motor to the cutting unit.

Abstract: A blade for a rotary cutting machine includes at least one polygonal shaped opening longitudinally spaced from a central portion of the blade. The polygonal shaped opening is adapted to receive a drive head of a conventional socket wrench, a standard Allen wrench, a Torx head type wrench or other similar tool. The polygonal shaped opening enables a user to generate sufficient torque to prevent the blade from being undesirably rotated while the blade is drivingly connected or disconnected from a driveshaft of the rotary cutting machine. In this fashion, the blade may be changed efficiently and effectively using standard tools.

Abstract: A gardening vehicle, more particularly a lawn-mower, comprising two sections and a composite duct across them: a first section, which comprises a front axle, a driver's scat and a couplings for a tool; and a second section, which comprises an engine with a corresponding transmission, a rear axle and a dump box; the first and the second section, together with the duct elements, being mutually articulated about a common vertical axis so as to perform a steering action.

Abstract: An improved tubular seed collecting device comprising a funnel-shaped base which protrudes into the tubular space of the device. The seed collecting device has tabs on its legs and/or elongated bosses on the inside wall of the cup. The tabs serve to limit the insertion of the legs into the plant growth medium to allow horizontal growth of the plant under the level of the cup. The tabs and the bosses improve the air flow through the device. Sturdier leg design allows more re-use of each device.

Abstract: An improved tubular seed collecting device comprising a funnel-shaped base which protrudes into the tubular space of the device. The seed collecting device has tabs on its legs and/or elongated bosses on the inside wall of the cup. The tabs serve to limit the insertion of the legs into the plant growth medium to allow horizontal growth of the plant under the level of the cup. The tabs and the bosses improve the air flow through the device. Sturdier leg design allows more re-use of each device.

Abstract: A kernel processor includes a pair of rollers which are controlled such that the spacing between them varies inversely, or such that the contact pressure between them varies directly, in response to varying moisture content of the crop material being processed.

Abstract: A blade holding assembly for use in changing a blade of a rotary cutting machine includes a blade fixing element which can be selectively moved between a storage condition, wherein the blade fixing element is mounted to the machine in an unobtrusive position, and an in-use condition, wherein the blade fixing element is remounted in a position which obstructs the rotation of the blade. More specifically, in the in-use condition, the blade fixing element preferably projects through or otherwise engages the blade to prevent the blade from rotating in either direction. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the blade fixing element is adapted to extend through a hole provided in the blade and is threadably attached to a retainer element carried by the rotary cutting machine to secure the blade against rotation in a hands free manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for harvesting agricultural products, in particular fruit, such as capsicums, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, peppers, etc., from plants which are cultivated in greenhouses. The product-bearing plants are cultivated in parallel rows. Between the rows, processing passages which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are provided, in such a manner that each row adjoins a processing passage. Between the rows, harvest conveyor tracks which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof are arranged, in such a manner that each row adjoins the harvest conveyor track. The product to be picked from a specific row is harvested from the processing passage which adjoins this specific row, is laid onto the harvest conveyor track which adjoins this specific row and by the harvest conveyor track is removed to a delivery point at one of the ends of the specific row.

Abstract: A forage harvester includes a cutting drum equipped with a plurality of cutting knives. A grinding arrangement is provided for sharpening the knives. Different embodiments of a wear sensing device are provided which include sensing circuit elements that are either embedded in the sharpening stone or carried by the backing plate of the sharpening stone assembly. In either case, the sensing circuit elements are located so as to make or break a circuit when a predetermined amount of the sharpening stone has worn away.

Abstract: A greens mower having cutting units powered internally. The motor to power the cutting unit is located inside the cutting unit thus eliminating the need to balance the weight of the motor outside the cutting unit and also eliminating the need for belts, chains, gears or couplers to transfer power from the motor to the cutting unit.

Abstract: An oil drain valve and oil sight gauge assembly for an internal combustion engine of an implement such as a lawnmower. The oil drain valve includes a valve member disposed in a valve body attached to the engine housing and disposed above the mower deck. The valve member may be selectively moved to allow oil to drain from an oil sump in the engine crankcase through a drain opening disposed below the mower deck. The valve member is retained in the valve body when the oil drain valve is opened to prevent the valve member from being lost. The oil sight gauge is internally vented to the crankcase to provide an accurate indication of the oil level in the crankcase, and is visually associated with the oil drain valve to provide an operator with a visual confirmation that all of the oil has been drained from the crankcase.

Abstract: The apparatus applies to a basket having an upstanding wall structure defining an upwardly facing opening and a lid structure disposed over the opening and positionable in a retracted position close to the wall structure and in an extended position spaced a predetermined distance above the wall structure, at least one lifting element being present having a member extendable for lifting the basket relative to the frame to a lifted position and retractable for lowering the basket from the lifted position, the apparatus including at least one leg mounted to the lid structure and engageable with a portion of the lifting element when the basket is in the lifted position and the lid structure is in the retracted position so as to hold the lid structure relative to the portion of the lifting element engaged therewith while the basket is lowered from the lifted position to move the lid structure to the extended position, the at least one leg being engageable with the lifting element with the lid structure in the exte

Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester is equipped with a crop gathering device which transports crop material from the ground to feed rolls that position the crop for being chopped into small pieces by a chopper drum. To prevent pieces of crop material from accumulating on top of the housing structure for the feed rolls and the chopper drum, a flexible shield is mounted between the bottom of the operator's cab and the top of the crop gathering device. Various embodiments are disclosed which feature different access elements of the shield which may be quickly opened to provide access to the feed rolls, chopper drum and other functioning elements provided for processing the crop.