Abstract: Provided is a safety apparatus for a cultivator. A driving cylinder includes a body wherein a rod having a pressurizing plate at a front end of the rod is inserted into the body; a first inlet hole and a second outlet hole which are formed at one side of the body; a first inlet hole and a second outlet hole formed at a rear portion of the pressurizing plate when the rod extends from the body; a first outlet hole and a second inlet hole formed at the other side of the body; a relief valve at the first outlet hole; a first hydraulic line to connect the relief valve and the first inlet hole; a second hydraulic line to connect the second outlet hole and the second inlet hole; and a check valve at any of the second outlet hole, the second inlet hole and the second hydraulic line.

Abstract: An agricultural system including a vehicle, a product delivery system, a controller and a display mounted in the vehicle, the controller is in controlling communication with the product delivery system. The controller is configured to interact with a user by way of the display. The controller being configured to display product delivery information on the display and to allow the user to modify product delivery rates, product selections and/or sources for product by way of a continuously linked selection process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method with which in the dressing of seed stock the one specific degree of drying of the dressed seed stock can be set The invention also relates to a device with which the method according to the invention can be carried out, and to the use of this device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating seeds which may be used, in particular, for coating grains. The treatment process of the invention is a process for treating, in particular for coating, seeds, comprising at least: a step of dispersing, in an aqueous medium, a hydratable compound, the hydratable compound being present in the dispersion at a concentration of at least 4.5% by weight relative to the total weight of the dispersion, and a step of bringing the dispersion thus obtained into contact with seeds.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making the same, are provided. The superabsorbent polymer is used in a seed coating along with an active ingredient, and optionally a singulating substance, to improve seed germination and/or blooming; improve germination under dry conditions; decrease irrigation requirements; increase propagation, crop growth, and crop production; and improve the efficacy of the active ingredient.

Abstract: An air cart for an agricultural air seeding system includes a frame; at least one tank for holding a material, and a metering system associated with the at least one tank. The metering system is configured for metering the material from the at least one tank at an output rate. A sensor senses a parameter associated with an angular orientation of the air cart relative to a reference plane, and provides an output signal indicative of the angular orientation. An actuator adjusts an output rate of the metering system and moves at least one of the at least one tank and the metering system relative to the frame. A controller is coupled with each of the actuator and the sensor and receives the output signal from the sensor. The controller is configured for controlling the actuator and adjusting the output rate of the metering system, dependent upon the output signal.

Abstract: A row crop planter has a pneumatic system for conveying seeds to individual row units employing three-way splitters above certain master row units for supplying seed to each master row unit and a pair of associated slave row units. Each three-row splitter has an upper inlet chamber of annular shape with an offset inlet coupled to a conveying hose for receiving an air entrained seed flow, and an annular passageway extending downwardly from the inlet chamber to an outlet for delivering seeds to the master unit below. A pair of laterally extending slave outlet conduits extend obliquely upward and each has a jumper hose connecting with an adjacent slave unit. The flow circulating within the annular region allows seeds to fall downwardly and air to spiral upwardly into a supplemental air conduit. An air bypass passageway conveys air flow from the supplemental air conduit toward the slave outlet conduits.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural seeder includes single-action hydraulic cylinders connected between a rockshaft assembly and respective opener assemblies. The single-action hydraulic cylinders are connected to a pressure-regulated hydraulic circuit. The regulated pressure from the hydraulic circuit operates to bias the hydraulic cylinders in an extended direction to apply downforce to the opener assemblies when the rockshaft assembly is in its lowered condition with the opener assemblies engaging the soil. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is provided for rotating the rockshaft assembly between a raised transport position and a lowered field working position. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder and the single-action hydraulic cylinders for applying down-pressure to the opener assemblies can be operated on the same hydraulic circuit, or on separate circuits.

Abstract: A variable speed control system and method for a walk-behind working machine includes a control system base, a control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between two operating positions, a mode actuator positioned on the control system base for toggling between a plurality of control modes, and a control unit in communication with the control lever, the mode actuator, and a machine component. The control unit selectively controls the operation of the machine component between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed. The control unit applies a different acceleration profile to accelerate from the minimum operating speed to the variable maximum operating speed depending on the control mode selected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a grain harvesting articulated combine of a forward PPU, a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint that connects the forward PPU with the rear grain cart. The rear grain cart includes an ascending lift auger assembly that receives clean grain from the forward PPU and transports it upwardly for dumping into the rear grain cart. A generally horizontal drag auger assembly moves clean grain to a lower a lift auger assembly. A clean grain off-loading auger assembly is connected to the lower lift auger assembly by a slew bearing. The clean grain off-loading auger is retractable about its upper end and its upper end assembly is terminated with a spout adapted to direct clean grain generally downwardly. The clean grain off-loading auger assembly is rotatable from a grain off-loading position to a home position.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a combine harvester having a header with a header width for harvesting a crop. The monitoring system includes a plurality of sensors, configured to provide a plurality of measurement waves to a discharge area for crop residue, and receive a plurality of response waves reflected from the discharge area. The system further includes a processing unit comprising an input terminal configured to receive a response signal of the plurality of sensors, the response signal representative of the plurality of response waves reflected from the discharge area. The processing unit is configured to process the response signal and determine, based on the response signal, a distribution of the crop residue over the discharge area. The processing unit further comprises an output terminal configured to output a distribution signal representative of the distribution of the crop residue over the discharge area.

Abstract: A grain harvesting articulated combine includes of a crop processing power unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint that connects the PPU with the rear grain cart. The articulation joint includes a transverse drawbar attached to the PPU about its rear, which has an aperture facing the rear grain cart and is located underneath the PPU forwardly of the rear of the powered PPU. An arcuate beam is attached to the rear of the powered PPU. A grain auger assembly runs from the PPU to the rear grain cart. The grain auger assembly has a forward end and a rear end and is formed from an outer tube and an inner tube rotatingly carried within the outer tube. A pin runs through the transverse drawbar aperture and a bracket aperture. A pair of articulation cylinders is affixed to the transverse drawbar and to the outer tube.

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: An agricultural harvester includes a straw walker arrangement positioned downstream from a threshing and separating system. The straw walker arrangement includes a first straw walker positioned to receive crop material from the threshing and separating system, a second straw walker positioned downstream from the first straw walker, and a rotatable drum positioned between the first straw walker and the second straw walker. The rotatable drum is operable to convey crop material from the first straw walker to the second straw walker.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a combine harvester. The cleaning system includes a sieve assembly, a sieve drive, and a louver drive. The sieve assembly includes at least one sieve for receiving a flow of harvested and threshed crop. The sieve includes a plurality of spaced apart louvers forming apertures for separating grain from the flow of the harvested crop, the louvers extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow of the harvested crop. The sieve drive is arranged to apply a reciprocating back and forth sieve movement, at a first frequency f1, to the sieve for propagating the flow of crop from a front end of the sieve to a back end of the sieve. The louver drive is configured to apply a reciprocating louver movement to the louvers at a second frequency f2, whereby f2>f.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a main bale chamber, a plunger reciprocally movable within the main bale chamber through a compression cycle, a flywheel associated with the movement of the plunger, and a driveline associated with the flywheel and couplable with a power take-off of a traction unit. The baler has an auxiliary power system coupled with the driveline. The auxiliary power system includes a power indicator providing an output signal representing a parameter associated with power usage during the compression cycle of the plunger, a power device for at least one of receiving power from and transferring power to the driveline, and an electrical processing circuit coupled with the power indicator and the power device. The electrical processing circuit is operable for receiving the output signal(s) and controlling operation of the power device, dependent upon the output signal(s).

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a chassis, a flywheel carried by the chassis, and a driveline associated with the flywheel and couplable with a PTO of a traction unit. The baler is characterized by an auxiliary power system coupled with the driveline. The auxiliary power system is configured for receiving power from the driveline, storing the power, and utilizing the stored power to power at least one functional component onboard the baler.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a lawn debris collection assembly having a plenum assembly configured to be positioned in close proximate relationship with a lawn surface having lawn debris lodged between lawn blades of a lawn. The plenum assembly is movable along the lawn surface. The plenum assembly is also configured to house a positive air-pressure stream in such a way that the positive air-pressure stream is directed toward the lawn debris, and the positive air-pressure stream, in use, dislodges the lawn debris from between the lawn blades. The plenum assembly is also configured to house a negative air-pressure airstream in such a way that the negative air-pressure airstream, in use, flows from the plenum assembly to a debris-collection bag. The negative air-pressure airstream, in use, urges the lawn debris to move from the plenum assembly to the debris-collection bag.

Abstract: A debris blower includes an engine mounted to an engine mount and connected to a turbine. The engine mount and housing of the turbine are respectively mounted between a second side of a frame and first and second longitudinal supports connected to and between first and second sides of the frame. A screen guard is secured utilizing bolts extending in a non-rotatable manner from a top plate connected between the second longitudinal support and the second side. Due to the frame and engine mount having a parallelism and flatness tolerance, the engine and turbine can be aligned without shimming. A sensor senses first and second trip devices positioned at circumferential locations on the exit nozzle to rotate the exit nozzle to preset angles. Remote and hard wire controls each include direction and speed switches. A resume switch throttles the engine between idle and operating speeds.

Abstract: A container for effecting at least one non-lethal change in inherent properties of a non-human biological system, such as a plant or a fungus, under the influence of zero gravity, comprising a carrier plate configured to receive two capacitor plates of a plate capacitor, wherein the plates are situated parallel to one another and in each case perpendicularly on the carrier plate, at least one sample container arranged horizontally on the carrier plate, adjacent to each of the two capacitor plates and configured to receive the biological system, and an electromagnet arranged substantially half way between the capacitor plates and, when seen from the carrier plate, arranged horizontally above the at least one sample container. Additionally, a European modular cultivation system for use in the International Space Station comprises a centrifuge, wherein the container is received in the centrifuge.

Abstract: Provided herein are optical reflectors having a plurality of specially designed reflective surfaces and geometrical arrangement to provide improved illumination of a target area. Also provided are related methods for growing plants with the optical reflectors described herein. The reflective surfaces provide substantially normally aligned light over the entire target area, thereby minimizing shading issues of conventional optical reflectors. Also disclosed herein are efficient cooling by air and/or fluid that can substantially reduce cooling requirements by conventional air conditioning with attendant power savings.

Abstract: An above ground garden system and method utilizing: (i) a garden bed structure that is consistently sloped, curved inwardly toward the bottom of the bed (e.g, barrel shaped) which facilitates uniform water and air flow to the lowest region of the bed and avoids corners that will otherwise isolate regions of soil from aeration, water flow, and general gardening accessibility; (ii) a simple stand to elevate the entire bed of the garden off of a ground surface, particularly a single leg or pole stand that increases accessibility, and minimizes obstruction, to the area below the bed (e.g.

Abstract: A plant growing system comprising a growing panel and a porous air hose coupled to the growing panel. The growing panel includes a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of plant receptacles. The plurality of openings are arranged in a plurality of parallel lines on the growing panel, and the porous air hose extends along the growing panel between at least two of the parallel lines.

Abstract: An irrigation system for hanging plants in a hanging plant carousel system that includes a frame and a measuring assembly. The frame is fixedly coupled to a substantially stationary structure, such as the building or a portion of a truss system supporting the carousel system. The measuring assembly includes a movable arm, a sensor and a controller. The movable arm has a contact surface with a measuring start and end point, which extends into the path of the basket hook coupled to the cable of the carousel system. The movable arm is displaceable by at least one of the basket hook or a plant pot structure coupled thereto. The sensor coupled to the movable arm and is configured to provide data from which the weight of a plant pot structure can be determined. The controller is configured to control a watering system to provide water to the plant pot structure.

Abstract: A plant holder having an elongated base body several passages extending transversely to the base body for receiving wire-shaped fasteners for plants, and a clamping device disposed on one end of the base body for affixing the plant holder on a holder to be fastened in the floor or on a wall. The base body has latching protrusions associated with the passages for detachably fastening an end of the wire-shaped fastening means that is bent away and extends substantially parallel to the base body. The wire-shaped fastener for the plant can thus be easily and very rapidly attached to the base body and detached again, without requiring a tool or other resources. With the clamping device, the base body of the plant holder can be quickly attached to a rod or tube with a large holding force and just as easily detached again, also without the use of tools.

Abstract: A cutting wheel for use with a stump cutting apparatus. A plurality of tool holders are secured to the cutting wheel, and there are a plurality of apertures in each tool holder. Each aperture has a cutting tool or tooth mounted therein so that each tool holder supports more than one cutting tool or tooth. In some embodiments, the cutting wheel includes first and second sections. The first and second sections including a support member, with a tool holder attached to the support member. Each of the first and second sections having a notch therein, the respective notches cooperating to form a joint between the first and second sections.

Abstract: Pressure-compensating emitter. The emitter includes an inlet connected to a source of pressurized water and an orifice in fluid communication with the inlet and extending into a channel including a raised land surrounding an outlet. A compliant membrane is positioned above the land in the chamber wherein pressurized water will cause the membrane to deform into contact with the land to alter flow through the outlet so as to provide a constant flow rate. Parameters of the emitter are selected so that the emitter has a large operating range and an activation pressure of 0.15 bar or below.

Abstract: A precipitation sensor control for automatic sprinkler systems assesses precipitation in the atmosphere in order to prevent the use of excess water. The precipitation sensor control includes a translucent prism, at least one light generation source, at least one photo-sensor, and a sprinkler system actuator. A light emission from the at least one light generation source. The at least one light generation source is in optical communication with the at least one photo-sensor where the light emission is directed across and through a first base surface of the translucent prism then reflects through the translucent prism. The light emission is reflected into the at least one photo-sensor. As precipitation collects onto the first base surface, the light emission is obscured from the at least one photo-sensor. When the light emission is obscured, the sprinkler system actuator deactivates the automatic sprinkler system, preventing a waste for drinking water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydro planter comprising an inner container which can accommodate a substrate, an absorption medium and an outer container. The inner container has one or more grids that enable liquid to filter from the inner container to the outer container. The absorption medium has at least one conductive element that is located in the substrate within the inner container and the conductive element is also located in the outer container, and the absorption medium also has a flattened portion which extends with the inner container. Finally, the outer container has two or more legs which enable the outer container to be supported on a surface and which form a gap through which air or water can flow, and the hollow interior of each leg forms a tank for storing a liquid, inside of which the lower portion of the conductive element is received.

Abstract: The invention provides a plant cell, part, tissue culture or whole plant comprising at least one disrupted KRP gene of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods of increasing weight, size, and/or number of one or more organs, and/or yield of a plant by utilizing the disrupted KRP genes of the present invention. Furthermore, methods of breeding plants to produce new plants having increased weight, size, and/or number of one or more organs, and/or yield are provided. The present invention provides isolated Kinase inhibitor Protein (KIP) Related Protein (KRP) polynucleotide sequences and isolated KRP polypeptide sequences and methods of their use. Exemplary plants include wheat, rice and soy bean.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to materials and methods for plant grafting. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides materials and methods for efficient large scale grafting of potato rootstock with scion from the Solanaceae family. Certain embodiments involve grafting methods that significantly increase the yield of grafted plants produced. Given the commercial, nutritional, and horticultural advantages of grafted plants, embodiments of the present disclosure address the need for the development of improved methods for producing grafted plants and grafted plant products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Daucus carota, in particular to a new variety of carrot designated NUN 85933 CAC as well as plants, seeds and carrot roots thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of onion, NUN 7206 ON.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.) which may comprise a genetic determinant that confers resistance to Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV), wherein the resistance is characterised by the presence of at least QTL1 and/or QTL2. The invention also relates to sources for obtaining said genetic determinant, representative seed of which were deposited with the NCIMB under accession numbers NCIMB 41927, NCIMB 41928, NCIMB 42068, and NCIMB 42069. The invention further relates to seeds and progeny of the plant and to its fruits and processed fruits. In addition the invention relates to molecular markers linked to PepMV resistance conferring QTLs and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spinach plant which may comprise an allele conferring resistance to downy mildew, propagation material of said spinach plant, a cell of said spinach plant, seed of said spinach plant, and to harvested leaves of said spinach plant. The invention further relates to use of a spinach plant in breeding to confer resistance against downy mildew.

Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Mezquite’ and ‘Clouny’ are described. ‘Mezquite’ and ‘Clouny’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A method for pressing out whey from curd is presented. The method comprises receiving a closed casing holding a mould filled with curd, pumping out air from the closed casing such that a pressure force onto the curd can be formed, establishing a connection between a system controller and a casing controller provided in the casing, uploading instructions from the system controller to the casing controller on how to change the pressure during a pressing cycle by opening a valve on the casing, de-establishing the connection between the system controller and the casing controller, and storing the closed casing and executing the instructions uploaded to the closed casing such that whey is pressed out from the curd and a cheese is formed from the curd.

Abstract: An animal enclosure including a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure. The plurality of members includes a first member having a frame and a door formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. The door is pivotable with respect to the frame and a latch maintains the door in a closed position when latched. At least one of the wires of the door assembly is configured to include one of an access portion and a tab, and at least one of the wires of the frame assembly includes the other of the access portion and the tab, The latch, when moved to an open position, enables sliding movement of the door with respect to the frame. Alignment of the access portion and tab provides for opening of the door and pivoting movement of the door with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An animal feeder device is provided. The animal feeder device provides a net integrated with an expandable frame along a peripheral opening of the net. The frame selectively moves between a retracted condition and an extended condition effectively holding the net open, making it easy for one person to fit feed therein, and wherein the retracted condition can make the peripheral opening selectively small enough to prevent the feeding animal from reaching into the opening of the net.

Abstract: A selective access system for permitting selective access to ingestible matter disposed within a feeder, and methods of making and using such a selective access system, whereby the selective access system includes a cover having opposing cover first and second ends, the cover first end configured to rotatably couple to the feeder to allow the cover to rotate about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover overlays a feeder opening in which the ingestible matter is disposed. In the second position, the cover disposes away from the feeder opening to permit access to the ingestible matter. The selective access system further includes a force generator coupled to the cover, wherein the force generator generates a pre-selected force amount which when unopposed, provides the first position of the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic feeder and a feeding pipe thereof.

Abstract: A glove for grooming an animal may include a first surface having a first nodule, a second surface having a second nodule and a third surface having substantially no nodules.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification device is provided. The device includes a sound or motion sensor that is configured to generate electrical signals in response to an occurrence. The device may include a filter, which is tuned to recognize sound frequencies received by and emitted in proximity to a microphone, and generate an electrical signal in response to recognizing sound frequencies characteristic of a dog's bark. The device further includes a canister that holds a deterrent fluid at substantially ambient pressure. The device additionally comprises a pump configured to draw fluid from the canister in response to the electrical signal from the filter. The pump has a spray nozzle for releasing an emission of the fluid that affects the dog's senses. A method of modifying the behavior of an animal using the device is also provided herein.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for remote interaction with a subject in an environment. The device has audio-visual recording and transmitting functionality to provide an operator at a remote location with an audio-visual feed of the environment near the device. The device also has a light emission component which the operator controls and which projects light onto a surface in the environment in the vicinity of the device. The systems, devices, and methods provide operators with the ability to control the positions of the light emission by tracking movement at a remote device at the remote location.

Abstract: A leash with a non-elastomeric extendable portion; an elastomeric extendable portion; and a storage pouch. The elastomeric extendable portion is connected to the non-elastomeric portion and the non-elastomeric extendable portion is folded or rolled several turns upon itself. The storage pouch holds the non-elastomeric extendable portion in the folded or rolled relationship of its turns.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically retracting a leash for an animal comprises a spool rotatably mounted in a housing for selectively winding and unwinding of a leash. The spool includes a hub defining an axis of rotation and gear teeth disposed about an outer surface of the hub. A gear train includes a plurality of gears operatively engaged with the gear teeth on the hub of the spool for rotation of the gears in the gear train. A carrier linkage defines a cavity for housing a portion of the gear train for rotation of the carrier linkage upon rotation of the gears in the gear train. A lockout pawl in the housing is movable between a first position that enables the spool to freely rotate and a second locked position to lock the spool against rotation. A cam surface on the rotating carrier linkage is configured to engage the pawl for moving the pawl to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus that couples an animal leash and animal collar to form a harness assembly. The apparatus is placed on the back of an animal and contains two separate channels configured to hold and maintain a flat leash in a loop encircling the animal's torso. The elongate and narrow shape of the channels prevents the contained leash from turning or becoming tangled in the around the animal. The apparatus is detachable into two separate components to allow the loop to be removable from the animal. The apparatus also contains a snap bolt connecter for attaching the collar.

Abstract: A living area includes a lying and eating area and a milking area. The living area is connected to a separation area by a selection device. A subgroup of dairy animals to be separated is determined together with a desired end time at which the dairy animals to be separated should be present in the separation area. For each individual dairy animal from the subgroup to be separated, an individual separation period is determined separately which runs from the individually determined start time until the end time. A dairy animal which walks to the selection device is guided by the selection device to the separation area if the dairy animal belongs to the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated and if said dairy animal is present at the selection device during the individual separation period determined for said dairy animal. The activity of each dairy animal in the group of dairy animals is observed by an observation system while the dairy animal is in the lying and eating area.

Abstract: A method of tending to livestock within a livestock confinement facility includes a vehicle having a support frame, a drive unit, and an elevated platform. The support frame extends vertically upward from a base and has a lower portion and an upper portion with the drive unit being operatively attached to the base. The elevated platform is affixed to the upper portion of the support frame and configured to support an operator thereon while moving along the livestock confinement facility. The method includes supporting the operator on the elevated platform within the livestock confinement facility. The method further includes moving the vehicle along a floor of the livestock confinement facility in order to move the operator along the livestock confinement facility from atop the elevated platform such that the operator tends to livestock from atop the elevated platform.

Abstract: A kit for converting a multi-stage egg incubator to a single stage egg incubator. The single-stage egg incubator conversion kit includes an air intake system, an exhaust/ventilation system, a heating source, a cooling source, an environmental control system, and humidity system all being capable of incorporation into an egg incubator. Components of the air intake system, exhaust/ventilation system, heating source, cooling source, and humidity system are operatively connected to the environmental control system to provide environmental control within a setter of the egg incubator, including selective cooling capacity, selective heating capacity, selective air flow between the setter internal environment and an external environment, and selective air flow from the external environment into two or more zones within the setter internal environment.