Abstract: A tool adapted to collect, lift, and move material has a lifting structure attached to a collection element and at least one handle attached to the lifting structure. The lifting structure may have two or three segments. Each segment may have rails spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other with at least one cross member disposed there-between. The segments are oriented relative to one another to reduce the amount of bending required to lift material in the collection element. Adjacent segments in the lifting structure may be pivotally attached to each other. This tool can be free standing when used as a dustpan.

Abstract: An agricultural work vehicle is operable to be advanced along the ground to sever a swath of standing forage plants and to lay the severed forage material into a windrow. The agricultural work vehicle includes a powered chassis, a harvesting header, and a quick-attachment header adapter. The header adapter is shiftably supported by the powered chassis and is configured to selectively support the harvesting header. The header adapter includes an adapter frame, having end supports and a center support, and a selectively actuatable latch assembly supported on the adapter frame. The latch assembly is associated with at least one of the supports to releasably secure the harvesting header to the adapter frame when the latch assembly is engaged and permit disconnection from the adapter frame when the latch assembly is disengaged.

Abstract: A combination is made up of a tractor and a seeder suitable for direct drilling mounted on a three-point hitch of the tractor. The seeder has a crossbeam that is connected to the three-point hitch and on which a plurality of sowing units are arranged laterally in succession. The sowing units, each equipped with at least one furrow opener, are respectively prestressed downward in relation to the crossbeam by prestressing means, and the three-point hitch can be self-locked in relation to a chassis of the tractor. During the sowing operation, the pressing forces for the furrow openers are therefore introduced via the sowing units, the prestressing means, the crossbeam and the three-point hitch into the chassis of the tractor.

Abstract: A gauge wheel load sensor is provided for an agricultural planter having a row unit that includes a pivotably mounted gauge wheel and a down pressure controller for controlling the down pressure on at least a portion of the row unit. The load sensor includes a mechanical element mounted for movement in response to the downward force applied to the row unit; a fluid-containing device containing a movable element coupled to the mechanical element for changing the fluid pressure in response to the movement of the mechanical element; and a transducer coupled to the fluid-containing device for producing an output signal in response to changes in the fluid pressure. An energy storage device, such as an accumulator, may be coupled to the fluid-containing device for receiving a limited amount of fluid in response to changes in the fluid pressure to damp pressure spikes in the output signal of the transducer.

Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises a first frame part and a second frame part pivotably arranged about a vertical shaft relative to the first frame part. At least one first supply line which extends along the first frame part and at least one second supply line which extends along the second frame part, wherein a connecting device is arranged, by means of which the at least first supply line and the at least second supply line are connected together. To prevent distortion of the supply lines when pivoting the frame parts relative to one another, the connecting device comprises a retainer on which at least one rigid pipe connection is arranged for connecting the first and second supply lines wherein the pipe connection comprises two connecting ends aligned axially relative to one another, between which a bearing disc is clamped, wherein the bearing disc is rotatably mounted on the retainer.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for controlling the down force on an agricultural implement comprises a hydraulic cylinder containing a movable ram, a source of pressurized fluid coupled to the hydraulic cylinder on a first side of the ram by a first controllable valve, a fluid sump coupled to the hydraulic cylinder on the first side of the ram by a second controllable valve, and an electrical controller coupled to the valves for opening and closing the valves. The valves may be self-latching valves that remain in an open or closed position until moved to the other position in response to a signal from the controller.

Abstract: A non-inflatable tire for an agricultural implement, including a sole, a tread, and a pair of sidewalls connecting the sole to the tread is provided. A first sidewall extends from the sole to the tread, while the second includes an internal portion which extends from the sole to the tread and an external portion projecting from the tread. The first sidewall and the tread are designed so as to jointly hold the external portion of the second sidewall in line with the internal portion.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame and first and second seed meters. The first seed meter has a first metering member for singulating seeds, and the second seed meter has a second metering member for singulating seeds. A conveyor having a conduit defining a path for receiving seeds from the first and second seed meters is configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine. A wall is movably mounted with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position the wall intersects the path of the conduit for guiding a seed into the conduit, and in the second position the wall is spaced from the path of the conduit.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a first seed meter having a first metering member for singulating seeds and a second seed meter having a second metering member for singulating seeds. A motor is operably coupled to the first and second seed meters to selectively drive the first seed meter or the second seed meter.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine has a seed meter assembly having first and second reservoirs for holding a first pool of seeds and a second pool of seeds, respectively. The seed meter assembly is operable to selectively transport seeds from the first pool and seeds from the second pool. The row unit also has a conveyor with a conduit for receiving seeds and configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine, and a seed loader disposed between the seed meter assembly and the conveyor for directing the seeds from the seed meter assembly to the conveyor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an agricultural system having a flow path configured to distribute agricultural product from a product storage tank to a row unit across a field via an air flow. The flow path includes an inlet configured to receive the agricultural product, an outlet configured to output the agricultural product, a body extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a first pressure tap and a second pressure tap each extending into the body. The agricultural system also includes a first pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the first pressure tap and configured to output a first signal indicative of a first static pressure of the air flow proximate to the first pressure tap, and a second pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the second pressure tap and configured to output a second signal indicative of a second static pressure of the air flow proximate to the second pressure tap.

Abstract: A seed meter assembly for a seeding machine. The seed meter assembly has a metering member mounted for rotation about a meter axis and driven to rotate in a direction of travel, the metering member having an inner surface configured to receive seeds and an outer surface and apertures passing through the metering member between the inner surface and the outer surface at a radial distance from the meter axis. The seed meter assembly also has a loader including at least one loader surface movable into and out of a position in which the loader surface is disposed at the radial distance adjacent one of the apertures.

Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame and a seed meter coupled to the frame. The seed meter has a metering member for singulating seeds. The metering member has a groove recessed from a surface of the metering member. The row unit also includes a ramp surface for guiding the singulated seeds from the metering member, the ramp surface being at least partially disposed in the groove.

Abstract: There are suggested versions of seeding, including risk farming areas on black earth, gray, brown forest and chestnut soils, in which mechanized direct sowing of agricultural crops to the soil is carried out in the period, when absolute humidity of soil is more than 2% higher than the upper limit of humidity of physical maturity of soil, by its temperatures above zero, moreover, at sowing the furrows for seeds laying are forming with the width no more than 12 cm from 0.5 to 15 cm. Besides that, at sowing the energetic device, which has the opportunity to move along the ground with absolute humidity of more than 2 percent and up to 100 percent higher than the upper limit of humidity of soil physical maturity with the velocity from 6 to 80 km/h.

Abstract: A robotic mower contact detection system includes a flexible and deformable bumper, a force sensing element embedded in the bumper and providing electrical signals, and a vehicle control unit receiving the electrical signals from the force sensing element and reversing rotation of a pair of traction drive motors if the electrical signals meet specified criteria.

Abstract: Line-winding spool for grass-cutting heads, comprising a central body provided with a central axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of rotation of the grass-cutting head when inserted into it, said central body having a circumferential side area on which there is defined the annular area where the cutting line is wound, said spool having at least one channel crossing said central body transversally, provided with two openings on opposite portions of said side area for the insertion of the cutting line, said at least one channel having two opposite first segments starting from said openings towards the inside of the central body, and a curved connection segment between said first segments having a concave shape with the concavity upwards, said central body defining, in said concavity, a cavity, whose bottom is at a lower axial height than the axial height of said openings, characterized in that said curved connection segment has a lower surface that is substantially continuous along all its extension so as

Abstract: A scrapping plate arrangement within a cotton picking machine includes a pivotable pressure plate and one or more pivotable scrapping plates. Each scrapping plate may be an assembly that includes a door and a plate member having one or more ribs extending toward a picking drum and configured to pass through respective openings in the pressure plate, permitting each scrapping plate to be positioned selectively into a use orientation.

Abstract: A tire guard for a wheel of an agricultural vehicle includes a fender having a first width substantially covering a width of the wheel and a crop shield having a forward area and a back area. A first bracket connects the fender to the wheel and a second bracket connects the crop shield to the wheel. The crop shield is movable over the fender between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the forward area of the crop shield is disposed proximate an upper portion of the wheel and the back area of the crop shield is disposed proximate a rear portion of the wheel. In the second position, the forward area of the crop shield is disposed proximate a front portion of the wheel and the back area of the crop shield is disposed proximate an upper portion of the wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for gathering bales that aligns itself during bale pick-up. Methods for transferring bales that use such an apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A twine delivery needle is constructed so as to include metal tip and mounting base sections or regions joined together by a relatively light weight central section having a composite structural sandwich construction comprising a low-density rigid foam core encased within a thin, high strength, skin or covering comprised of plies of woven and substantially continuous fibers disposed within a hardened matrix resin material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for delivering a substance into a plant. The systems and methods include a light energy that is applied to a first area on the plant to create a first indentation. The first indentation can be a minor incision or a rupture of a portion of the first area. Once the first indentation is created, a first dosage of the substance is applied to the first area in an amount effective to promote a biological response of the plant. It is contemplated that at least a portion of the substance is absorbed by the plant via the first indentation.

Abstract: A water catching and releasing saucer is described. The saucer may comprise a first bottom portion, a side portion in communication with the first bottom portion and having a passageway extending through it, and a side conduit in communication with the passageway that projects outward from the side portion. Additional features may include a drain trough within the first bottom portion extending to the passageway of the side portion, wherein the drain trough forms a second bottom portion that slopes downward at an acute angle to the side portion such that the height of the drain trough is disposed below the first bottom portion. An additional feature may include that the passageway of the side portion and side conduit are partially or completely disposed below the first bottom portion. Additionally, a complementary catch basin for capturing water from the saucer is described.

Abstract: An expandable tree protection device covers an area surrounding a tree trunk and provides for expansion to accommodate growth of the tree trunk over time. The device includes a tray comprising a top wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending around a peripheral edge of the top wall. The tray has an aperture extending through the top wall for receiving a tree trunk therethrough. Each of a plurality of panels is slidably coupled to the top wall extend into the aperture covering an associated portion of the aperture. A respective interior edge of each panel is slidable outwardly away from a center of the aperture for expansion exposing a larger area of the aperture as the tree trunk grows.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a heating apparatus adapted to modify local climatic conditions which includes a base arranged to support the heating apparatus on a support surface. An inlet stage is associated with the base and a mixer stage connected on top of the inlet stage. At least one outlet nozzle is connected to the mixer stage, with the outlet nozzle or nozzles being adapted to rotate relative to the base. At least one heating element is located inside the mixer stage, and an impeller is arranged to drive air through the inlet stage into the mixer stage and out at least one outlet nozzle, where the mixer stage defines an air flow path which elevates air drawn through the mixer stage.

Abstract: An irrigation system comprises one or more waterlines coupled to one or more watering mechanisms for watering one or more areas. The watering mechanisms are fixed in place at the desired area by an adapter which removably couples the one or more watering systems in place. Water is supplied to each of the one or more watering mechanisms by traveling from the one or more waterlines and through one or more pressure compensators. The one or more pressure compensators regulate the water flow through the one or more watering mechanisms enabling the irrigation system to uniformly distribute water at a set and constant pressure value. The water is distributed by one or more valves which are used to control one or more zones of the irrigation system. In some embodiments, a controller controls the system based upon a signal received from one or more sensors of the system.

Abstract: An irrigation filter system and method is provided. The system may have a body and a filtration subsystem and may separate fluid from detritus carried by the fluid. The fluid may be released onto a crop, while the detritus is collected by the filtration subsystem. A drain fixture may be operated to release the detritus from the irrigation filter system in response to at least one of the pressure of the fluid flowing in the system and gravity. In this manner, the detritus may be released without requiring the system to be shut down and/or disassembled.

Abstract: A composite mat for water distribution to one or more potted plants comprises a bottom layer, a top layer and a core layer positioned between the bottom layer and the top layer. After water is distributed to the mat, the water is distributed evenly across the entirety of the core layer. When one or more potted plants are placed on the mat, water is passed from the core layer to the one or more potted plants and the plants are watered.

Abstract: A self-watering and self-lighting hydroponic system is disclosed for optimal plant growth. The apparatus comprises of a reservoir that contains nutrient-rich aqueous solution, a structure that incorporates plant pods, a light system to optimally grow plants at desired wavelengths, and a power source. The growing medium and container may be self-standing or attached to another container in a modular fashion. A tube for transporting nutrient rich solution is connected to a reservoir in the base of the apparatus. The specified flow rate of the solution may be dictated by manual or app driven technology. The tube is connected to an elevated emitter and positioned so the solution disperses evenly throughout the system.

Abstract: A hydroponic growth system may be integrated into a programmable system providing for the growth of plants. An upper section of a system may include a lighting system able to vary lighting characteristics such as the intensity or spectral content of light provided to the plants and atmospheric systems to control the temperature, flow, or humidity of air around the plants that are mounted on an actuated platform. A control system may execute a program to control the available systems including the actuated above-plant platform to programmably control the height or heights of the systems above plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Allium in particular to a new variety of onion, designated NUN 17210 ONL as well as plants, seeds and bulbs thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of cucumber hybrid SV7135CN and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of cucumber hybrid SV7135CN and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a cucumber plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another cucumber 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 squash hybrid SV9054YG and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of squash hybrid SV9054YG and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a squash plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another squash 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 present disclosure provides tomato plants exhibiting resistance to tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) and lacking unfavorable linked traits such as necrosis. Such plants may comprise novel introgressed genomic regions associated with disease resistance from S. chilense. In certain aspects, compositions, including novel polymorphic markers and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, and selecting plants or germplasm with a disease resistance phenotype are provided.

Abstract: Treated plant seeds are provided, which have one or more modifying ingredients associated therewith. Such modifying ingredients can include compositions comprising water, flavorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof that can be provided or diluted form. The treated plant seeds can be incorporated within tobacco products, including smoking articles, to alter the properties thereof (e.g., by releasing the one or more modifying ingredients into the mainstream smoke of a smoking article).

Abstract: New hybrid cultivars of Poa bulbosa are persistent in a turf setting, and possess multiple characteristics desired in a turfgrass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-138 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including broad base leaves, resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1-31 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), and to corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens), wherein resistance to Bremia lactucae races Ca-I to Ca-VIII is conferred by resistance gene Dm17. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-138 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-138 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 81-71 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel) races B1:1 to B1:31 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribignisi) biotype Nr:0, corky root (Sphingomonas suberifaciens) race CA1, Fusarium (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lactucae) race Fol:2 and Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV), as well as red colored mature leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 81-71 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 81-71 RZ.

Abstract: A gripping device for a robotic manipulation device that grips and attaches teat cups to an animal. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a holding member configured to releasably hold a teat cup, and a power member configured to move the holding member from a base position (p1) to a raised position (p2) in which the teat cup can be attached to a teat. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a movable cover portion movably arranged between a covering position, in which it covers the opening of the teat cup, and a non-covering position, in which the opening of the teat cup is exposed. When power member lifts the holding member from the base position to the raised position, the movable cover portion moves from the covering position to the non-covering position.

Abstract: A short milk tube for extending between a milker teat cup and liner assembly and a milker unit and the short milk tube includes a vent seat having an outwardly extending protective vent plug lip, and a stiffener at least partially surrounding the vent seat to control bending of the short milk tube.

Abstract: An animal excrement-processing material package having animal excrement-processing material and a container, wherein the container: extends in a first direction and a second direction that is defined by a direction that intersects with the first direction; and has a separating partition, which is formed in the housing region and has a component that extends in the second direction.

Abstract: A wildlife containment system includes a first modular unit positionable on a surface and configured to contain a first wildlife habitat, the first modular unit including a first set of outer supports located at corner regions of the first modular unit, a second modular unit configured to contain a second wildlife habitat, the second modular unit including a second set of outer supports located at corner regions of the second modular unit, and a support structure received within apertures in the first and second sets of outer supports, the support structure maintaining the first and second modular units in a fixed relationship such that the second modular unit is supported at least in part by the first modular unit and suspended above the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an animal care system having a wall with head access and a plurality of showerheads formed therewith whereby the showerheads are supplied with water from a conventional garden hose.

Abstract: A pet chew toy comprising a blend containing a polyamide terpolymer and a diene elastomer, wherein the diene elastomer is crosslinked and the polyamide terpolymer has a Tm in the range of 120° C. to 250° C.

Abstract: A dog feces collecting device, comprising: four crescent arms, arranged in a line of two pairs in such a way that in the middle of the line is generated a cylindrical space in which a cylindrical feces collecting container can be placed; a longitudinal axle, for pivotally connecting each of the pair of arms from a top side thereof, thereby allowing rotationally drawing away the arms of each of the pairs from each other, and vice versa linearly drawing away each of the pair of arms from each other, and vice versa mechanism for carrying out the rotational movement; a mechanism for carrying out the linear movement; a mechanism in the arms for grasping the container; wherein the cylindrical container has a longitudinal cut or separatable lane. The container may be based on a cardboard kernel tube of a toilet roller.

Abstract: A device for rolling up and unwinding a leash, comprising a housing, a leash, a coil within the housing and embodied for rolling up the leash around the coil, an opening for guiding the leash in and out of the housing, a spring acting upon the coil for rolling up the leash by means of spring force and for unwinding the leash against the spring force. The device further comprises a retaining means coupled to the leash within the housing that is adjustable between a leash coupling state and a disconnected state, wherein the device comprises a catch means near the opening for catching the retaining means when unwinding the leash.

Abstract: One embodiment of a universally attachable leash bag having an interior chamber for temporary storage of retrieved pet waste secured in waste bags and exterior pockets for supplies or personal belongings. Bag is formed of a single piece of material fitted with a zipper along the lower edges and partially up the side edges. When engaged, zipper creates a bag form with interior chamber. Zipper is utilized when emptying the chamber to prevent pet owner from direct handling of waste. The vertically extended sides of the bag, fitted with corresponding members of hook-and-loop tape, feed through the pet leash handle forming a secure method of attachment. The front edge of leash bag is fitted with a reinforcing device to create an opening for the extended end of the leash to pass through creating a secondary means of attachment and a utility hook for carrying items or tertiary means of attachment.

Abstract: A multiple compartment bird feeder comprising a seed tube having a side wall with a plurality of side wall openings therein, a plurality of seed ports with one of the seed ports being located at each of the side wall openings, and a plurality of seed support members spaced from each other within the seed tube, at least one of the seed support members being retained in position by at least one of the seed ports.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder that is easier to maintain and reduces food spoilage includes a feed pod support adapted to hold a hummingbird feed pod that proportionally resembles the thickening part of the stem of an actual-size flower, a flower top or cover for the pod, an elongated stem that is attached to the feed pod support, a ‘feeding’ perch adapted to provide a hummingbird with a place to rest while extending its beak through a feeding hole in the flower top, a ‘high’ perch to provide a hummingbird with a place to perch while not feeding, and wherein the feed pod can be either of the type that allows for a single-use or, with refilling, multiple uses.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses an aquarium with a fresh water replenishing system comprising an upper tank, a connecting cavity, a lower cabinet and a fresh water replenishing system, with the said upper tank fixed on the lower cabinet, and the said connecting cavity fixed at an inner corner of the upper tank. It effectively utilizes space to store a fresh water replenishing box with a small space occupied. It is provided with a salt water and fresh water circulating system, making it easy to keep salt water and fresh water fish. It is provided with a water baffle to reduce water velocity, reducing noise. All components of its upper tank are provided on the same wall and cover this wall, contributing to good visual effects, safety and aesthetics.