Abstract: A front attachment lift mechanism includes a front hitch weldment connectable to a lawn tractor frame and having a pair of side plates for supporting a front attachment. A hitch arm extends upwardly and rearwardly on each side of the frame. A rear weldment includes a pair of rear brackets connected by support bars to each other. Each rear bracket has an upper portion connectable to one of a pair of lift arms on a lawn tractor, and a forward end extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper portion. A wireform assembly is connected between each of the hitch arms and the forward end of one of the rear brackets.

Abstract: A harrow attachment for a tillage implement has a harrow drawbar, configured to mount to a frame member of the tillage implement, and at least one harrow rank having a rank bar supporting a plurality of harrowing tools oriented to extend away from the rank bar. An anti-tangle bracket assembly has a first pivot link coupled to the harrow drawbar and a second pivot link pivotally coupled to the at least one harrow rank. The first and second pivot links pivot about pivot axes with respect to one another within a pivotal range of movement of the at least one harrow rank from a first, extended position to a second, tripped position.

Abstract: A harrow attachment for a tillage implement includes a harrow drawbar mounting at least one rank of harrowing tools. A pivot link pivotally couples the harrow rank to the drawbar so it can trip by pivoting upward toward the drawbar from a home position in which the harrow rank is farthest away from the drawbar. A downforce spring is coupled to the drawbar and in a variable length state when the harrow rank is tripped to apply a return biasing force to the harrow rank. An adjustment mechanism couples the spring to the harrow rank and/or the pivot link in one of a plurality of adjustment locations in each of which the harrow rank is in the home position and the spring is in a fixed length state in which the biasing force is removed.

Abstract: The adjustable hitch assembly of the present invention is mounted to the 3 point hitch system or quick attach frame on the rear of a tractor, and allows equipment, tools and implements to be hitched thereto. The hitch assembly includes a frame for mounting to the tractor, a carriage slidably mounted to the frame, and a hitch plate extending rearwardly from the carriage. The hitch assembly also includes an actuator for adjusting the lateral position of the hitch plate relative to the tractor. The actuator is coupled to the hydraulic system of the tractor. The actuator can be controlled remotely from the cab of the tractor.

Abstract: A finishing attachment for a tillage implement has a support arm configured to mount to the frame so that a long dimension of the support arm extends in a fore-aft direction of the implement. A cross-bar having a long dimension extending transverse to the fore-aft direction is coupled to a free end of the support arm. A roller basket is mounted to the cross-bar for rotation with respect to the cross-bar. A pivot bracket couples the free end of the support arm to the cross-bar. The pivot bracket forms a pivot axis extending substantially in the fore-aft direction of travel about which the roller basket pivots.

Abstract: An agricultural disc opener is operable to be advanced in a forward direction along the ground to plant seed. The disc opener includes a suspension, a disc blade, a seed firming wheel, and a closing wheel. The suspension includes an elongated closer/firmer walking beam pivotally mounted relative to a suspension for pivoting about a lateral beam pivot axis. The wheels are rotatably mounted on the walking beam on opposite forward and aft sides of the beam pivot axis, with the walking beam configured to pivot as the wheels travel over the ground.

Abstract: A compact tillage implement has a frame supported by front and rear frame wheels. A front rank is mounted to the frame between the wheels with respect to a direction of travel to move a front plurality of tools with respect to the frame from a retracted orientation to an extended orientation. A rear rank is mounted to the frame between the wheels with respect to the direction travel to move a rear plurality of tools with respect to the frame from a retracted orientation to an extended orientation. The rear rank is spaced behind the front rank along a reference line. The front and rear plurality of tools are movable with respect to the frame independently of the other of the front and rear plurality of tools while the frame is in working orientation in which the frame is at a substantially fixed pitch with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A parallel operation work vehicle for enabling operation of an autonomous work vehicle by a long distance operating device installed in an accompanying work vehicle for performing work while accompanying the autonomous work vehicle, wherein the accompanying work vehicle is provided with a display and a speaker as notification means, the notification means is capable of communicating with the autonomous work vehicle through a communication device, and, when a distance to the edge of the cultivated field from the autonomous work vehicle approaches a set distance, a control device transmits a signal to a control device of the accompanying work vehicle through the communication device and issues a warning through the notification means.

Abstract: A tillage implement has a main frame, a hinged wing and a plurality of gangs each having tools along its length. The plurality of gangs includes a main frame gang mounted to the main frame and inner and outer wing gangs mounted to the wing. The inner and outer wing gangs have inner ends that are forward or rearward with respect to the direction of travel of outer ends, and the lengths of the inner and outer wing gangs are offset from each other in the direction of travel.

Abstract: A drawbar for finishing attachments is arranged to attach to a fore-aft frame member of a tillage implement. The drawbar has a saddle with spaced apart side walls defining a channel configured to receive the frame member. When the frame member is received in the channel, the side walls of the saddle overlap side walls of the frame member and extend in the fore-aft direction rearward of an end of the frame member. The side walls of the saddle and the frame member have mounting openings that align along a lateral direction transverse to the fore-aft direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for pneumatically distributing material in an agricultural vehicle is described. In one example, the pneumatic distribution system comprises an air source having an outlet with different air pressures defining a pressure gradient across the outlet, and a plurality of inlet ports configured to receive air from the outlet for a plurality of distribution streams, comprising at least a first distribution stream with a first pressure loss value and a second distribution stream with a second pressure loss value that is greater than the first pressure loss value. The inlet ports for the first and second distribution streams are located relative to the pressure gradient such that the second distribution stream receives a higher air pressure than the first distribution stream.

Abstract: A volumetric metering system for metering a product in an agricultural machine is presented. In one example, the volumetric metering system comprises a roller element, a drive mechanism configured to rotationally drive the roller element to convey the product along a conveyance path to a product receiving component, and a guide element disposed on a side of the roller element. The guide element is configured to guide the product along the conveyance path, and is biased towards the roller element.

Abstract: By injecting a chemical fluid and a carrier fluid directly at each nozzle, and by then mixing the fluids at each nozzle to produce a mixed fluid, an improved spray system may be provided which does not contaminate the tank or distribution system with chemical fluid and which allows improved spraying with minimal delay. Accordingly, a system is provided on a field sprayer for independently controlling the flow rate of concentrated chemical fluid to individual spray nozzles using a high pressure chemical distribution rail or loop routed to each nozzle and solenoid injection valves to control the flow of chemical fluid to each nozzle independently.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle may include a power module and a working module. The power module may include control circuitry configured to execute stored instructions to direct operation of the robotic vehicle on a defmed area, and a drive motor for propelling the robotic vehicle responsive to control by the control circuitry. The working module may be configured to perform a function with respect to the defmed area responsive to being propelled by the power module. The working module may be one of a plurality of interchangeable working modules that are attachable to the power module. At least one of the interchangeable working modules may have a different function than the working module.

Abstract: A method of mowing multiple areas includes training a robotic mower to mow at least two areas separated by a space, including moving the robotic mower about the areas while storing data indicative of location of boundaries of each area relative to boundary markers, training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas, and initiating a mowing operation. Training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas includes moving the robotic mower to a traversal launch point of a first of the areas and moving the robotic mower to a traversal landing point of a second of the areas. The mowing operation causes the robotic mower to move to the traversal launch point, move from the traversal launch point across the space to the traversal landing point, and then mow the second of the areas.

Abstract: Cutter bar (10) of the type applicable to motor mowers or mowers comprising: a supporting bar (11); a lower blade or comb (12) sliding along the major axis with respect to the supporting bar (11) comprising a plurality of lower small blades or teeth (13); an upper blade (14) sliding along the major axis with respect to the supporting bar (11) arranged superimposed on the lower blade or comb and comprising a plurality of upper small blades (15); a control group (16) configured for imparting an opposite reciprocating motion to the blades (12, 14); bladeholder devices (17) acting on the upper surface of the upper blade (14); wherein the lower small blades or teeth (13) have a thickness or mass greater than the upper small blades (15) and wherein the upper blade (14) comprises an upper supporting strip (20), to which the upper small blades (15) are constrained through rivets (21), the lower cylinder head (22) of the rivets (21) being housed in lowered seats (23) obtained on the upper face of the lower small b

Abstract: A rotating assembly for a grass trimmer includes a cutting element, a cutting head for mounting the cutting element and driving the cutting element to rotate about a rotating axis and a cover mounted on the cutting head. The cutting head includes a cutting head body and fan blades for generating an air flow when the cutting head being rotated, which are disposed on a top of the cutting head. The cover includes a cover body and protecting ribs for preventing the fan blades from wearing.

Abstract: A rotary blade lawnmower grass ejection chute device having a capability of folding up from a fully open and operating position to a partially closed or a fully closed position when the leading edge comes in contact with a fixed object. This grass ejection chute device then has the capability of re-opening up to a full operating position when the lawnmower has cleared the fixed object. This grass ejection chute device also has the capability of being fully closed and in a locked position blocking cut grass from being ejected through the lawnmower deck ejection port to allow a mulching process of cut grass clippings to take place.

Abstract: A mower blade assembly includes a member that may be rotatably coupled to an output shaft of a lawn mower and the member has a first coupling section and a second coupling section. A pair of blades is provided and each of the blades is removably attached to the member such that each of the blades may cut a lawn. A pair of clips is provided and each of the clips is removably coupled to the member such that each of the clips prevents the blades from being removed from the member.

Abstract: A system of chopping and spreading residue for an agricultural combine comprises a chopper disposed in front of a residue accelerator at the rear of an agricultural combine. The chopper is disposed to receive crop residue from a threshing and separating section of the combine and to chop that residue into smaller portions, the residue accelerator is disposed behind the chopper to receive the chopped crop residue from the chopper, and to accelerate it.

Abstract: A combine harvester includes a residue management system having a chaff spreader mounted to a straw chopper and coupled by a mechanical linkage. Movement of the straw chopper from an operating position to the non-operating position is translated into pivoting of the chaff spreader from a spreading position to a non-spreading position.

Abstract: A pull-type mower conditioner includes a crop cutting assembly that severs crop material from the ground and a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the crop cutting assembly to a desired height having at least one lift cylinder and a hydraulic lift circuit supplying hydraulic fluid to the at least one lift cylinder. The mower conditioner also includes a conditioning mechanism receiving the severed crop material from the crop cutting assembly. The conditioning mechanism includes a pair of counter-rotating conditioning rolls to condition the crop material and a tensioning assembly that urges the conditioning rolls relatively toward one another and resists their separation. The tensioning assembly includes a pair of hydraulic tension cylinders and a hydraulic conditioner circuit configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the tension cylinders. The hydraulic tension circuit has a supply line leading to a supply valve, wherein the supply line connects to the lift circuit.

Abstract: A mower includes an engine which is a power source for a drive wheel and a mowing mechanism. A drive system for the mower includes: a first control unit that controls operation and stop of the engine; a first power transmitting mechanism that performs transmission of power between the engine and the drive wheel; a second power transmitting mechanism that performs transmission of power between the engine and the mowing mechanism; and a second control unit that controls the second power transmitting mechanism. The first control unit also controls the first power transmitting mechanism. A signal transmitter is provided which transmits a control signal between the first control unit and the second control unit.

Abstract: A merger apparatus including a pick-up header; a conveyor with a conveyor belt; a skid shoe disposed below the pick-up header and the conveyor; and an operative connection between the pick-up header and the skid shoe that enables the merger apparatus to articulate independently of an external frame underneath the conveyor, such that loose material transported by the conveyor belt that lags beneath the return side may fall to the ground keeping the return side of the conveyor belt free from obstructions.

Abstract: A liner panel for a transition cone of a farm combine is provided. The liner panel is configured to absorb abrasive forces caused by crop cuttings moving across an inner surface of the transition cone. The liner panel includes an upper edge having a length. A lower edge is positioned opposite the upper edge and has a length that is smaller than the length of the upper edge. Opposing side edges are connected to the upper edge and lower edge. The upper edge, lower edge and opposing edges cooperate such that the liner panel has a tapered shape.

Abstract: A mechanized cultivation system for large scale production of various species of edible mushrooms with controlled CO2 and humidity and temperature. The system uses a main cultivation cabin which eliminates the need for humans to enter the cabin during cultivation. The produced mushrooms are sterilized and pasteurized inside the cultivation chamber.

Abstract: A method for cultivating mushrooms, comprising mixing culture material with an enzyme for degrading or converting cellulosic material; a method for improving the yield of mushrooms and/or biological efficiency of mushroom cultivation and an enzyme composition for mushroom cultivation and uses thereof.

Abstract: An extension rod for a power tool may include a plurality of rod portions, with a first connector and a second connector connecting two of the rod portions. The second connector has a sleeve and a primary fastener. The first connector has a guide rod sized for insertion into the sleeve. The first connector also has a secondary fastener engaging with the primary fastener. A first guide ring, a second guide ring, and a third guide ring are located between the guide rod and the sleeve. The first guide ring, the second guide ring, and the third guide ring each include respective conical faces. At least one of the first, second, and third guide rings defines a notch.

Abstract: An improved ceramic discharge vertical lamp tower is designed for growing plants. A plurality of daisy chained ballast boxes are mounted between a pair of vertical frame members. Each ballast box powers a ceramic discharge lamp or any chosen alternative. Each ballast box may also power auxiliary LED lights. A controller can vary the cycle times of each augmented LED light panel and/or the ceramic discharge lamp. Various cooling heatsink designs include air and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a terrarium of the closed type which includes a base for holding a plant (typically tropical plant varieties such as moss) and any excess moisture, and a removable lid which together with the base forms an enclosure around the plant and creates a humid and sheltered environment. The terrarium may include a removable lid which has an internal upper surface that is shaped to direct condensate forming on the upper surface of the lid to a particular area of the plant. The terrarium may include a base and lid having overlapping portions wherein the overlapping portions include edge deviations or apertures that may be brought into co-alignment to provide for no, partial or full aeration.

Abstract: A plant growing system includes a base component; and a container disposed on top of the base component. The container includes a container body having a floor surface at a lower end, and a wall having a lower edge coupled to the floor surface and extending upward from the perimeter of the floor surface to an upper edge. A drainage port is disposed through the wall near the lower edge of the wall.

Abstract: A bite control ring assembly includes a depth control ring having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a gap disposed between the first and second ends; a tool holder having a capture joint and a tool holder interface opposite the capture joint, wherein the first end of the depth control ring is received within the capture joint; and a cutting tool having a cutting tool interface and a cutting surface disposed on a side of the cutting tool opposite the cutting tool interface, wherein the tool holder interface includes a V-shaped surface and the cutting tool interface includes a V-shaped surface that has a reciprocal shape to the tool holder interface such that the tool holder interface receives the cutting tool interface.

Abstract: A double cut control system and method are disclosed for a felling head having a saw disc. The felling head may be positioned by a knuckle boom, which includes a hoist boom and a stick boom coupled by a knuckle and positioned by hydraulic cylinders actuated by a hydraulic pump and hydraulic control valves. The control system has an operator input device for input of operator commands including a double cut control input command. Position sensors provide position values for the knuckle boom and the felling head. At least one controller receives the operator commands and position values. After receiving the double cut control input command, the controller generates a first cut control signal to direct flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders to position the knuckle boom to advance the felling head in a single fore-aft direction a set distance corresponding to a partial depth cut.

Abstract: A bracket for hanging drip irrigation system water supply tubing and micro-tubing having a wire hanger portion for attachment to a drip irrigation system suspension wire; a micro-irrigation tube hanging portion adapted for releasably capturing and securing micro-irrigation tubing in fluid communication; and a water supply tube portion disposed between said wire hanger portion and said micro-irrigation tube hanging portion, said water supply tube portion for releasably and slidingly clamping onto a drip irrigation water supply tube.

Abstract: A miniature irrigation tow line for use in irrigating average to small sized acreages includes a modified hose defining a conventionally sized hose having water regulator valves sequentially disposed thereon, with a miniature skid attached to the hose at the location of each water regulator valve. The regulator valves are each connected to a water sprinkler nozzle and attached to the modified hose over an aperture in the hose, thereby enabling fluid passing through the length of the hose to be selectively dispersed from the sprinkler nozzle(s). The miniature skids permit the miniature irrigation tow line to be pulled along a ground surface with the regulator value and sprinkler nozzles kept in a desired orientation and without damaging the modified hose.

Abstract: A hydroponic cultivation apparatus with detachable cultivation tray is provided in that each cultivation tray is magnetically mounted to an expansion socket of a main aqueduct so that a replaceable cultivation room may be independently provided. Each cultivation tray is equipped with a light source plate at the bottom. The light source plate is provided with power via a wireless receiver connected with a wireless transmitter at the socket. Multiple drain slots are aligning along a direction perpendicular to a horizontal level on each cultivation tray with some of them plugged with insulation pieces so that each cultivation tray may have the water level controlled independently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing hybrid seeds, in particular hybrid cereal seeds, comprising crossing a stand of shorter female (male sterile) plants (shorter than the fertile plants) with a stand of taller male fertile plants (taller than the sterile plants). The method comprises limiting the proportion of self-fertilized male seed in the final produced seed stock. In particular, the method limits the seed development on male plants after pollination to reduce or eliminate the proportion of self-fertilized male seed in the final produced seed stock. The method limits this proportion of self-fertilized male seed in the final produced seed stock, under a threshold value, preferably under a value to be compliant with a regulatory hybridity level. Limiting the seed stock of male plant comprises passing, at least once, a tool extending above the height of the shorter female plants, but below the level of the height of the taller male fertile plants, between anthesis, preferably end of anthesis, and harvest.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV8011TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV8011TM 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: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV6133TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV6133TM 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: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SV2493TM and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV2493TM 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: The present invention is a novel method which results in the production of small seedless watermelon fruit having an average fruit weight of less than 12.0 pounds. The novel method involves using small tetraploid parental lines to produce small triploid hybrid seed.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 00242 TOP.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of cucumber, NUN 53028 CUP.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of cucumber, NUN 53031 CUP.

Abstract: Novel lettuce, such as lettuce designated DESERT EAGLE is disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the seeds of lettuce DESERT EAGLE, to the plants and plant parts of lettuce DESERT EAGLE, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce DESERT EAGLE with itself or another lettuce plant. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other lettuce plants derived from the lettuce DESERT EAGLE.

Abstract: A method of operating a robotic attacher, includes suspending a robotic attacher from a rail and extending the robotic attacher between the legs of a dairy livestock. The method continues by attaching milking equipment to the dairy livestock using a gripping portion of the robotic attacher during a milking operation, wherein the gripping portion has a nozzle that is positioned away from a teat of the dairy livestock during the milking operation. The method concludes by rotating the gripping portion of the robotic attacher so that the nozzle is positioned to face a teat of the dairy livestock during a spraying operation.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: A spray tool coupled to a robotic arm that extends between the legs of dairy livestock, comprises a linear member and a plurality of spray nozzles. The linear member rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to the robotic arm, and has a perimeter that lies within an outer perimeter of the robotic arm when the robotic arm extends between the legs of a dairy livestock. The plurality of spray nozzles are coupled to the linear member.

Abstract: A system for remote care of an animal includes a water-tight housing with a hardened structural shell defining a chamber for accommodating the animal, a door disposed in the housing providing entry into and exit from the chamber by the animal, a wireless data communication system disposed within the housing and wirelessly communicatively coupled with a global computer network, a mobility portion coupled to the housing and operable to move the housing, and a microprocessor disposed within the housing and in communication with the wireless data communication system and operable to control the mobility portion and the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible cage assembly including an outer covering and a support frame for supporting the outer covering in an upright position. The outer covering can have a top, bottom, front, back, first side, and second side. The support frame can include a top frame body and a bottom frame body, a first side member and a second side member each being pivotably coupled to the top frame body and bottom frame body, and a top support member coupled to the top frame body. The top support member can define a V-shaped portion. The frame can also include a U-shaped member have a first end and a second end, each of the first end and second end slidably and pivotably coupled to the bottom frame body. The U-shaped member is removably coupled to the V-shaped portion of the top support member in the upright position.