Abstract: A handheld gardening device is disclosed for removing a weed from a point below the ground surface. The handheld device has two extensions connected together and a removable about a pivot point. Each extension has an end head having a tip for penetrating the ground to extract the weed from a point below the ground surface.

Abstract: A fluid injection system includes a pressurized fluid source operatively coupled to an injector, the injector including a handle, frame and spike portions; a fluid inlet proximate the handle portion; a fluid outlet proximate the distal tip of the spike portion; and a fluid pathway extending between the inlet and the outlet, so that upon insertion or removal of the spike portion at a desired location fluid may be delivered as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row or closes a furrow while causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of discs each having a plurality of back swept teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field or close a furrow. The discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed or for closing a furrow.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit assembly includes an attachment frame, a swing-arm, an opener disk, a deflecting disk, a support, a gauge wheel, and a ground-hardness sensor. The opener disk is mounted to and offset from the distal end of the swing-arm for forming a furrow, and is configured to rotate about a first axis. The deflecting disk is mounted to the distal end of the swing-arm for deflecting debris from entering the furrow, and is configured to rotate about a second axis. The support has a first end pivotably mounted to the swing-arm and a second end movable relative to the opener disk. The gauge wheel is mounted to the second end of the support. The ground-hardness sensor is disposed within the swing-arm and is configured to detect movement of the gauge wheel relative to the opener disk.

Abstract: A seed tank assembly for an agricultural implement including an exhaust opening configured to exhaust seeds from the seed tank assembly, in which at least one webbing extends across the exhaust opening forming a plurality of apertures, the at least one webbing is integrally molded into the seed tank assembly, and the at least one webbing is configured to provide structural support to the seed tank assembly and to reduce seed head pressure into an inductor box positioned beneath the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A dry chemical delivery tube and its surrounding nutrient applicator system are located in a narrow space in a soil working implement in an agricultural setting. Between an inlet end and an outlet end, the chemical delivery tube transitions from a circular cross section to an oval cross section. In one embodiment, the soil working implement includes soil opening/closing disks and liquid or gaseous delivery tubes that closely surround the chemical delivery tube.

Abstract: A potato harvester chain conveyor has a plurality of rods spanning between support portions providing spacing to retain potatoes by allow soil to drop through. The spacing may be field modified by adding resilient split sleeves on the rods. The invention includes the sleeves, method of attachment, methods of removal, and the sleeves in combination with the conveyor and/or the harvester with the conveyor.

Abstract: A pick-up arrangement for picking up harvested crop, comprises a pick-up device which has a pick-up device frame defining a pick-up opening located on a pick-up side of the pick-up device and a pick-up member, located on the pick-up side and, adapted to pick-up harvested crop and defining a pick-up width, and a guiding device adapted to guide harvested crop located outside the pick-up width into the pick-up opening. The pick-up device defines a pick-up direction. The guiding device comprises a guiding device frame and a first guiding member extending outside the pick-up width, being rotatably mounted with respect to the guiding device frame, and being adapted to transport harvested crops located outside the pick-up width into the pick-up opening.

Abstract: A cutter guard assembly for a knife drive of an agricultural farm implement is provided. The cutter guard assembly includes a cutter bar assembly, a window frame, and a floor sheet. The cutter bar assembly has a cutter bar and a reciprocating knife assembly operatively connected to a knife drive. The window frame is rigidly attached to the cutter bar. The window frame includes an opening through which a knife arm of the reciprocating knife assembly extends through. The floor sheet extends rearwardly from the cutter bar and pivots relative to the window frame.

Abstract: A stalk stubble flattening an slicing apparatus for use on agricultural implements for harvesting row crops to bend over stub stalks to prevent undue wear and damage to tires of the implement. A plurality of slicing disc blades are mounted on a shaft that is rotatably mounted by bearings to a top surface of a curved flattening plate. The shaft is perpendicular to, and the disc blades are parallel to, the direction of travel. A plurality of corresponding slots are provided through the flattening plate such that the perimeter edges of the discs extend therethrough below the bottom surface of the flattening plate. The blades travel over the stalks and slice them longitudinally.

Abstract: A method begins by a drive unit affiliated with farm equipment receiving data from the farm equipment to produce agricultural data. The method continues with the drive unit determining a filtering constraint based on one or more parameters selected from a plurality of lists of agricultural parameters and filtering the agricultural data based on the filtering constraint to produce filtered agricultural data. The method continues with the drive unit determining processing of the filtered agricultural data and executing the processing of the filtered agricultural data.

Abstract: A method for operating a combine harvester configured with a number of working assemblies driven by at least one belt drive, and a ground drive, wherein the at least one belt drive and the ground drive are driven by a main drive comprising an engine, monitors for and accommodates slip. The working assemblies are monitored by sensors with respect to an occurrence of slip in the at least one belt drive. Signals representing slip are transmitted to a control device. The control device is connected to an input/output. The signals representing the slip are evaluated by the control device and the result is weighted. Depending on the weighting of the result, at least one measure is initiated by the control device, which results in a reduction of the slip and the at least one initiated measure is signalled by the input/output unit.

Abstract: A combine includes: a yield measurement container (32) having a yield receiving opening (32a) for receiving at least some of grains supplied to a grain tank (15) which accumulates grains obtained by threshing, a yield discharge opening (32b) for discharging received grains, and a yield shutter (34) for opening and closing the yield discharge opening (32b); a yield measurement section for detecting, while the yield shutter (34) is closed, that a predetermined volume of grains has been accumulated in the yield measurement container (32) and then outputting a detection signal; a time calculation section for calculating, based on the detection signal, an accumulating time required to accumulate the predetermined volume of grains; and a yield calculation section for calculating a yield per unit travel based on a travel speed and the accumulation time.

Abstract: A header bar assembly has a row of header bar elements mounted on a fixed header bar section. The assembly includes a first moveable wing having mounted thereon one or more further header bar elements, the fixed header bar section supporting at the first end a first pillar extending generally perpendicular to the fixed header bar section and via which the first moveable wing is retained moveably captive relative to the fixed header bar section. The first moveable wing is moveable relative to the first pillar vertically and rotatably from an operative, deployed position in which it extends generally parallel to the fixed header bar section to a stowed position through vertical movement on the first pillar and rotation such that the first moveable wing lies adjacent the fixed header bar section inboard of the first pillar.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester is provided which includes a chassis and harvesting wheels, transport wheels and windrow shields connected to the chassis. The transport wheels are deployed in concert with the windrow shields in order to avoid damage to the windrow shields during placement of the transport wheels into an operative, ground contacting position. A first actuator opens and closes the windrow shields for field and transport operations and windrow shield positioning mechanisms are configured to dispose the windrow shields in a plurality of cut crop opening widths when the window shields are in an open position. The first actuator is operated remotely in-cab to eliminate need for the harvester operator to dismount the harvester and open and close the windrow shields for field and road transport operations. The windrow shield positioning mechanisms may be manually adjusted or automatically adjusted in-cab.

Abstract: An integrated reel arm and reel cam for use in an agricultural harvesting header that positions both within the same lateral space in order to reduce the width of the integrated assembly. The reel arm connects directly to a rearwardly facing structure on the reel cam and may include adjustment means for varying cam timing. The lateral width of the reel arm and connection is configured to be no greater than the lateral width of the reel cam thereby enabling positioning of a reel cam between adjacent reels in little more than the lateral width of the cam itself. The integrated reel arm and reel cam may also benefit conventional outboard reel cam configurations by reducing the lateral space requirements at the ends of a header reel.

Abstract: A target designating dispensing system includes a targeting actuator interface configured for coupling with a targeting actuator of a tool, such as a dispenser. A target designator of the system includes a dispensing target display that provides a dispensing target representation and a designator reticle movable in the dispensing target display. A targeting controller communicates with the targeting actuator interface and the target designator. The targeting controller includes an indexing module that associates a designator reticle location on the representation of the dispensing target to a flow target on the dispensing target. An actuator control module of the targeting controller communicates with the targeting actuator to direct the dispenser at the flow target. In an example, the actuator control module maintains the direction of the dispenser at the flow target with movement of one or more of the dispensing target or the flow target relative to the dispenser.

Abstract: A method of automating unloading for a mobile farm implement is presented. The method includes determining whether the speed of the mobile farm implement is below a first threshold. In response to a determination that the speed of the mobile farm implement is below the first threshold, a conveyor is moved to an operating position, where it is used to unload agricultural material from the mobile farm implement. Upon termination of the unloading of the agricultural material, the controller folds the conveyor to a storage or transport position.

Abstract: A landscaping material cleaning technique involves the application of a vacuum cleaner attachment. This attachment defines a conduit extending from a suction inlet to a suction outlet. The suction outlet is sized and shaped to connect to a vacuum cleaner in fluid communication therewith. The attachment further includes a number of teeth extending away from the inlet and optionally a grating that extends across the conduit to define a number of apertures circumscribed by a conduit margin. These apertures are sized and shaped to selectively separate fine particulate debris from a coarser landscaping medium when suction is applied through the conduit. The teeth project out of one end of the conduit to serve as a rake for grooming the coarser medium as the particulate debris is separated from it by suction applied through the conduit with a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A method is provided for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis, where the method includes contacting the organism with a composition including an effective amount of an oxygen antagonist. Also provided is an apparatus for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis.

Abstract: A system for growing controlled plants, including a securable enclosure having a lighting system, an environmental control system and an irrigation system. A control unit that is positioned outside of the enclosure is configured to control the lighting, environmental control, and irrigation systems to facilitate a grow cycle.

Abstract: A securable enclosure for growing controlled plants including walls forming an environmentally isolated interior and securable entrance to prevent unauthorized access. An environmental control system regulates environmental conditions in the enclosure's interior in order to control levels of potential contaminants such as dust, mold, pollen, insects and chemical pollutants. A control unit is positioned on the exterior of the enclosure allows control of the environmental conditions without the need for physical access to the interior.

Abstract: An installation evaluation apparatus 10 for a greenhouse includes an input device 11, an insolation evaluation unit 12, and a presentation device 13. The input device 11 is configured to receive input of position information relating to a planned location for installing the greenhouse. The insolation evaluation unit 12 is configured to determine variation, according to the date and time, in an insolation amount in the planned location by performing a computer simulation using the position information input into the input device 11. The presentation device 13 is configured to visualize and present the variation in the insolation amount according to the date and time, determined by the insolation evaluation unit 12.

Abstract: The application discloses a unique technique for watering a garden. This technique involves application of a watering system. This system provides an enclosure about the garden plot that includes a barrier permissive of light and air to the garden plot and at least partly preventing entry of land animals of interest to the garden plot. The garden plot is watered through a number of misting nozzles connected to the enclosure and held above the garden plot. Water is distributed to the misting nozzles with a conduit loop. Multiple conduit loops may be included to disburse the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined safety edge and irrigation component including a pipe member for allowing a flow of fluid therethrough and an edge covering member for covering an exposed edge of a part to which the component is arranged to be attached. The invention also relates to a planter box kit including such a combined safety edge and irrigation component.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.

Abstract: The invention is apparatus which can be fitted in a container, therein modifying the container to function as a self-watering planter. The apparatus includes a partitioning element that includes an extruded element having a hollow tubular section that terminates in a center opening and a wide flange. The extruded element separates the container into an upper portion (potting soil and plant), a lower portion (liquid reservoir), and a common portion (potting soil, water, and ultimately some root). The flange is a solid plate with a lateral opening that enables liquid to be conveyed past the plate. Roots cannot grow through it. The lower portion has an overflow outlet through the container's sidewall. A fill pipe extends from the rim down to the reservoir, so substantially no liquid is added directly to the upper portion. A film having a slot for the plant covers the container.

Abstract: An irrigation device and related methods involve the device having a container defining an interior space. The container has a perforated side wall portion, a solid top wall portion and a solid bottom wall portion such that water is dispensed from the device through the perforated side wall portion. An elongated neck has a first end and a second end and defines a conduit therebetween. The second end of the neck is coupled to the container and the neck extends upwardly from the container to the first end. A water inlet communicates with the conduit of the neck at the first end. In use, the container is buried underground and the water is delivered to the container through the water inlet and conduit of the neck.

Abstract: A growing system for providing fluids to a plurality of growing assemblies using only a single pump and fluid source. The growing system generally includes a single fluid source such as a reservoir from which fluids are drawn by a single pump. A main manifold connected to the pump outlet splits the fluids drawn from the fluid source into a plurality of feeder pipes. Each of the feeder pipes provides fluid to a separate growing assembly; with the present invention providing support for a plurality of growing assemblies. Each growing assembly comprises an inlet manifold for receiving the fluids, a plurality of growing pipes for providing the fluids to a plurality of planters, and a drainage device for discharging fluids back into the fluid source for further use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a vertical hydroponic garden described herein attempt to provide a solution to the geometry and spacing control between individual growing plants. The components can be combined for a complete standalone system or as a kit for assembly. An exemplary hydroponic garden system comprises a container configured to hold water; a support structure extending upward from the container; a plurality of housing components, each housing component configured to be supported by the support structure, each housing component having a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to support a vessel configured for holding a plant; a pipe extending upward from the container through the housing components; and a pump configured to pump water from the container through the pipe to an upper most housing component, whereby water drips from the upper most housing component to the housing component below.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper line ‘Hot Pops Yellow’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper line ‘Hot Pops Yellow’, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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 seed and plants of pepper line ‘Hot Pops Purple’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper line ‘Hot Pops Purple’, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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 seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR4299TC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR4299TC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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: A system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor is operable to determine a first and second edge of a dairy livestock. The first edge includes an inner portion of a first hind leg and a first portion of an udder of the dairy livestock. The second edge includes an inner portion of a second hind leg and a second portion of the udder of the dairy livestock. The processor calculates a reference point associated with the udder of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the first edge and the second edge. A robotic attacher moves toward the udder of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the calculated reference point.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic attacher comprising a main arm and a supplemental arm operable to extend into a stall portion of a milking box. A camera couples to the supplemental arm. The supplemental arm comprises a camera-facing nozzle operable to spray the camera with a cleanser.

Abstract: A teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked includes a connector and a cartridge received in the connector. The cartridge includes a sleeve having an upper end and a lower end, a teatcup liner mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for receiving the teat, and a pulsation chamber provided between the sleeve and the teatcup liner. The teatcup liner includes an upper end portion located at the upper end of the sleeve, a barrel portion and a lower end portion extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve. The lower end portion forms an end nozzle extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve and having a circumferential external surface. An annular seal element is provided at the circumferential external surface to seal between the lower end nozzle and the connector.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein pertain to a system and method for removing disinfectant solution from teats or one or more. The system includes a fluid or air flow generator having at least one fluid flow outlet positioned relative to one or more cows to supply fluid flow across teats of the one or more cows after a disinfectant solution has been applied to the teats. In addition there is relative lateral movement between the teats and the at least one fluid flow outlet to remove disinfectant solution from the teats or dry the teats.

Abstract: An improved animal habitat cage with waste disposal flooring. A cage body is formed from a top wall and four side walls removably suspended by legs attached to each sidewall. In a first embodiment, a pullout movable bottom that defines a floor on the cage body is used in conjunction with a plurality of scraping elements. The scraping elements may be placed along a cross-member attached between opposing front legs and are constructed and arranged to maintain contact with a top surface of the movable bottom. The bottom is pulled out from the cage body and the scraping elements push waste matter towards the edge of the tray and into the container. An alternative embodiment employs a hinged floor for waste disposal wherein waste matter is directed to a container.

Abstract: An enclosable potty-training pad is an apparatus used to potty-train young pets and allows a user to grasp and dispose the apparatus in a sanitary manner. The apparatus includes a plurality of ties and a base pad. The base pad collects and retains liquid and/or solid waste of a young pet. The base pad includes multiple functional layers in order to strain the solid portions of the waste from the liquid portions of the waste, to absorb and retain the liquid portions, and to prevent any excess waste from overflowing off the base pad. The ties are used to fasten the outer edges of the base pad together. Each tie includes handles positioned opposite to each other across the base pad. The handles allow the user to grasp the apparatus without coming into physical contact with the waste and may be tied together to secure the waste within the apparatus.

Abstract: An expandable animal crate that expands and retracts in order to receive various sized animals therein. The expandable animal crate includes a first enclosing member adjustably disposed within a second enclosing member, wherein each enclosing member includes a base, one or more sidewalls, an open sidewall, and a top wall. The first enclosing member can be slid from the second enclosing member, thereby allowing the animal crate to be expanded as needed. A sliding mechanism having one or more tracks disposed on the first enclosing member engages one or more rollers disposed on the second enclosing member in order to allow the crate to easily expand and retract. The animal crate further includes a plurality of casters disposed on the base of the crate and a plurality of handles disposed on the sidewalls thereof, which can be utilized to make the crate easier to transport.

Abstract: A fencing rail 10, including an elongate hollow plastic extrusion, which is generally rectangular in cross-section and which has an outer surface 13. The fencing rail 10 further includes an elongate, electrically conductive member 20, 21, which is attached adjacent to the outer surface 13 of the extrusion by a conductive medium 22 which overlies the conductive member 20, 21.

Abstract: An apparatus for the portion wise dispensing of animal feed as reward or training aid and methods of use. An exemplary apparatus including an oblong handle, with a rear opening for inserting rod shaped animal feed, a front opening for leaving out, dispensing, or exposing the animal feed, a transport mechanism which comprises a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel which serves as a counter wheel, wherein the animal feed can be transported by rotating the first drive wheel forward as well as backward, and laterally arranged spring elements that prevent animal feed from falling from the apparatus.

Abstract: A totally enclosed remote feeder for periodically dispensing feed is shown. A rechargeable battery powers a compressor which fills a pressure tank to a predetermined pressure. A timer operates a solenoid at predetermined intervals to cause a blast of air from the pressure tank to flow out through upwardly angled discharged pipe. Feed from an internal hopper flows downward in the discharge pipe in a predetermined amount prior to being discharged by the blast of air.

Abstract: A totally enclosed remote feeder for periodically dispensing feed is shown. A rechargeable battery powers a compressor which fills a pressure tank to a predetermined pressure. A timer operates a compressor to fill a pressure tank. When a predetermined pressure level is reached, firing a solenoid valve to cause a blast of air from the pressure tank to flow out through upwardly angled discharged pipe. Feed from an internal hopper flows downward in the discharge pipe in a predetermined amount prior to being discharged by the blast of air.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an animal toy having an outer cover defining a chamber that contains a filling material and a noise making device. The outer cover, the filling material, and/or the noise making device can be made of at least one material that is edible for an animal. In some embodiments, the outer cover is reusable.

Abstract: An animal restraint in which a multipurpose appliance having a cam buckle, a carabiner and a large loop is disposed between a groomer's stand and a slip lead strap, with the slip lead strap secured in the cam buckle and the carabiner attaching the appliance to the groomer's stand.

Abstract: A quick sensing pet nail clipper device for preventing cutting into a vein while clipping a pet's nails. The device includes a pliers having a first jaw, a second jaw, and a pair of handles. A heat sensor is coupled to the first one of the jaws wherein the heat sensor is configured for detecting a vein within a pet nail positioned adjacent to the first jaw. An alert is coupled to the pliers. The alert is operationally coupled to the heat sensor wherein the alert is actuated by the heat sensor.

Abstract: A sleeve cover is provided for a conventional choke collar. As configured in accordance with the present invention, the sleeve cover does not allow the collar to be drawn too tightly around a dog's neck. The sleeve cover preferably has attachment means disposed at each end of the sleeve cover. The sleeve cover is also provided in combination with a collar of conventional manufacture.

Abstract: A dog harness comprising, an open ended prosternum loop and an open ended sternum loop that are angularly interconnected so as to form first and second harness apexes adapted to be positioned over the shoulders of a dog, first and second web loops attached to the respective first and second apexes, each having a slip buckle for adjusting the size of the loop, and a single side release buckle slidingly engaging the first and second web loops for interconnecting the loops over the dog's withers.