Abstract: A gardening apparatus is provided for which may be used for cultivating, as well as weed and other nuisance plant removal. The gardening apparatus includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a recurved hook, and wherein the recurved hook includes two prongs separated by a distance configured to grip onto at least a portion of a weed. The gardening apparatus may further include a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: An agricultural rock collection and rock rowing machine and method is disclosed for collecting rocks in fields and then for dumping these rocks in a row for easier pickup or for storage. The machine includes one or more rock collectors for receiving rocks along with soil, smaller rocks and field debris that may accompany the rocks, and for screening out soil, field debris and smaller rocks that are small enough to pass through gaps between the grates of the rock collectors. The machine also includes rock lifter plates that assist the lifting of rocks from the field up onto the rock collectors for screening and collection. A further embodiment of the machine includes a rock collector unloader mechanism for raising the rock collectors thereby unloading the collected rocks roughly in rows. These rows may be formed off the field, or picked up more easily by hand or with a conventional row-collecting rock picker, and then removed from the field.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a symmetrical chassis hydraulically transformable between a folded transport configuration and two unfolded configurations, using articulated beams. An air seeder example has a primary beam linking a tractor to a hopper-carrying trailer, also locating the chassis. Machinery such as seed openers is held in frames pivoted from the tertiary beams. In all configurations except completely folded, lateral chains that are maintained tight with a hydraulically powered tensioning system having sideways compliance maintain the tertiary beams and frame-supported machinery in a symmetrical configuration to each side of the primary beam, when working.

Abstract: An agricultural system can include an agricultural machine having an in-situ sampling of samples for analysis and determination of preferred courses of action based on characteristics of the samples. Options regarding the preferred courses of action can be communicated to a user for selection.

Abstract: An agricultural sowing implement that, when moved by a drive unit, distributes seeds in the ground with regular, uniform spacing. The agricultural sowing implement comprises a rocker system placed behind the chassis of the implement where a seed dispenser is positioned. The rocker system may include a beam connected to two depth-limiting wheels on the ends of the beam. In one embodiment of the disclosure, provision is made for two interlinked smaller wheels connected to a central lower extension of the beam, the set of wheels being encircled by a rolling band. In addition, provision is made for two dampers, one for each of the depth-limiting wheels.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism is provided for a multi-row seed planter to provide infinite adjustability of the seed discs to allow precision planting with staggered seed rows. The adjustment mechanism comprises an idler roller on the end of a pivotal arm about which the drive chain is trained. The position of the roller can be adjusted to modify the chain path, and thereby rotate the seed metering sprocket and associated seed disc to a desired angular position before planting begins.

Abstract: The present invention involves a seed firmer with a pusher attachment that extends the life of the seed firmer and improved brackets for mounting the same to a planter. The improved brackets allow for different mechanisms of mounting seed firmers to different locations on a planter. The brackets have portions for attaching and mounting to the planter, and a housing for accepting and securing the firmers. The brackets allow for better positioning of firmers on a planter, ease of mounting and/or replacement of firmers, and improved firmer functionality.

Abstract: A mobile turf sprayer operates to spray a product onto a turf site. In some embodiments the mobile turf sprayer identifies a plurality of regions of the turf site to be sprayed and automatically sprays product onto those regions as the mobile turf sprayer moves about the turf site.

Abstract: A root crop harvester apparatus includes a transverse frame, supported to move above ground in a harvesting direction and oriented generally perpendicular to the harvesting direction. A plurality of pairs of generally upright, spaced apart puller wheels are connected to the transverse frame in a trailing orientation, having a substantially common rotational axis, and configured to contact the ground, each pair having a pinch point therebetween. The transverse frame is pivotal about an axis that is substantially aligned with the substantially common rotational axis, whereby rotation of the transverse frame collectively rotates all of the pairs of puller wheels about the common rotational axis and thereby adjusts a location of all of the pinch points with respect to the harvesting direction.

Abstract: Ergonomic gripping mechanisms of battery-operated electric cutting apparatus are provided. The electric cutting apparatus may include a cantilevered cutting head, an adjustable telescoping shaft, a rear grip portion, a pistol grip, and a forearm shaft. The adjustable telescoping shaft may be pivotally connected to the cantilevered cutting head. The rear grip portion may have a first end connected to the adjustable telescoping shaft. The pistol grip may have a first end extending at a first angle from the second end of the rear grip portion. The forearm shaft may extend from the second end of the pistol grip at a second angle. The forearm shaft may have a top side comprising a forearm pad having an exterior surface configured to receive a forearm of a user. The exterior surface of the forearm pad may be parallel to an axis defined by a longitudinal extension of the adjustable telescoping shaft.

Abstract: A crop loss inhibiting device directs air flow upwardly into cut plants to prevent crops from falling to the ground prior to being collected by a combine. The device includes a combine having a head including a skid plate and a plurality of spaced cutting projections extending forwardly from the skid plate. The combine has a collector positioned rearwardly from the spaced cutting projections wherein the collector receives and collects plants cut by the spaced cutting projections. Each of a pair of manifold tubes is coupled to the combine rearwardly of the spaced cutting projections. Each of the manifold tubes has a plurality of holes facing upwardly away from the spaced cutting projections. A blower is coupled to the manifold tubes creating air flow out through the holes such that the air flow inhibits crops from falling to the ground prior to being collected by the collector.

Abstract: A thresher for a combine harvester has a concave cage and a rotor disposed within the concave cage. The rotor carries material manipulators that extend outward from the rotor toward the cage to manipulate material in the concave cage as the rotor rotates. One or more air nozzles are provided that direct air outward from the rotor and toward the concave cage. A source of forced air circulates air through the one or more air nozzles.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for aseptically culturing fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea, including: inoculating Antrodia cinnamomea strains in a sterilized agar medium, and performing a subculture to generate secondary mycelia and fruiting bodies of Antrodia cinnamomea.

Abstract: A gardening barrier system and associated methods is disclosed. The system may include molded panels made from an aggregate material. Each panel may have a display side with a façade resembling a wall of vertically stacked and offset pieces of wall building materials and a protrusion at an end of the panel resembling an offset piece of the wall and the wall building materials. The protrusion can include a rounded end to allow adjacent panels to be assembled at an infinitely adjustable angle relative to one another. The protrusion can be sized to minimize a gap between adjacent panels and the rounded end can be sized to approximate a size of a rounded edge of the wall building materials of the façade to minimize an appearance of a transition between adjacent panels.

Abstract: A debris collector and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The debris collector is configured to receive and process debris, such as lawn debris, by way of a variety of intake systems, such as a basket and vacuum tube. After intake, the debris collector is configured to process the debris by way of an auger and agitators, so as to be passed through a blower fan for disposal.

Abstract: Electric light sources typically exhibit temporal variations in luminous flux output, commonly referred to as “flicker.” Flicker, or temporal modulation, is known to influence the growth, health and behavior patterns of humans, and is also linked to growth, health and behavior patterns throughout the growth cycle of plants and animals. Control of peak radiant flux emitted by a light source to temporally modulate a light source will allow for the control of plants and animals for sustainable farming including but not limited to horticultural, agricultural, or aquacultural endeavors.

Abstract: A planter includes an interior surface and a riser extending from a bottom of the interior surface and including a space between the riser and lateral walls of the planter. A top portion of the riser is configured to receive and support a plant therein.

Abstract: Waterproof and UV (ultraviolet) radiation blocking protective cover (1) for hanging fruit, CHARACTERIZED by a sheet (10) made of an expanded polyethylene material that blocks ultraviolet radiation (EPE-UV), whose shape is a flat geometric figure, with a main straight cut (11) running from the midpoint to the edge of the sheet and an arrangement of cuts and grooves that make up the attachment system when the cover is fitted on the fruit.

Abstract: An irrigation system with an alignment detector uses a plurality of discrete sensors to detect and measure each irrigator span's misalignment when moving in either direction. In particular, this sensor alignment detector utilizes a first sensor for the forward movement direction and a second sensor for the reverse movement direction, which provides a significant improvement in alignment optimization and sensitivity.

Abstract: A fluid conditioning and treatment system generally comprising an electronic controller component in communication with an energy delivery module (“energy chamber”) through an interconnecting cable. The electronic controller can be housed in a fiberglass enclosure and develops and transmits preprogrammed high-energy electronic signals to the energy chamber through the interconnecting cable. The energy chamber can have a series of computer designated, matched, electrodes placed through its walls. The electrodes contact the fluid flowing through the energy chamber. Each of the controllers circuit boards are programmed to produce precisely a given range of electronic output signals that when applied to the fluid accomplishes specific functions. The controller can be programmed to supply a number of electronic hits that are applied to the water as the water passes through the energy chamber.

Abstract: A system for automating the growing of crops, such as grapevines. Combinations of data from sensors local to a vineyard, and from optional remote stations and sensors, is combined with a control system to accurately control the dispensing of water and chemicals such as insecticides, disease prevention fungicides and fertilizers. The materials are dispensed through a multiple channel conduit which allows conflicting, or incompatible, types of materials to be transported through a common assembly. Sensors are attached to the conduit so that the placement of sensors can occur simultaneously with the laying of the conduit. This approach also ensures correct placement and spacing of the sensors with respect to each plant, or plant area, to be monitored and treated.

Abstract: A plant watering collar for reducing wastage of water includes a panel that has a first end and a second end. The panel is resilient and elongated rectangularly shaped. A first connector is coupled to the panel proximate to the first end. A second connector is coupled to the panel proximate to the second end. The second connector is complementary to the first connector. The second connector is positioned to couple to the first connector such that the panel defines a ring. The panel is configured for positioning around a soil bed housing at least one plant. The first connector is positioned to couple to the second connector such that the ring is formed. A bottom edge of the panel is configured to insert into the soil bed. The ring is configured to retain water directed within a perimeter of the ring.

Abstract: The invention features a bioreactor for the growth of macroalgae and methods for using the bioreactor to maintain optimal nutrient levels for the organisms in an aquarium or aquaculture system. The devices and methods of the invention provide for the bioremediation of excess nutrients in order to maintain nutrient balance in an aquarium or aquaculture system that facilitates growth and/or health of one or more of the organisms that reside therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes improved methods of plant breeding using rapid seed sorting processes. More particularly, it relates to the application of automated systems and methods that rapidly and nondestructively measure, classify, and sort seeds to improve the rate, efficiency, and accuracy of selection decisions and other processes related to improving crop genetics.

Abstract: Provided herein are double flowered New Guinea Impatiens cultivars comprising rippled, twisted, incurved petals. Methods for breeding the disclosed Impatiens are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated DP 348 RF PIMA. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety DP 348 RF PIMA. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety DP 348 RF PIMA and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety DP 348 RF PIMA with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: A barley plant including a mutant LOX-1 protein and that is deficient in lipoxygenase activity.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CC1415432 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CC1415432 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CC1415432 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CC1415400 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CC1415400 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CC1415400 in a breeding program.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Canola hybrid variety designated 1CN0152, essentially derived variants of that Canola hybrid variety, to the seeds, plants, and plant parts of this Canola hybrid variety 1CN0152. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 1CN0152 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the Canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a new and distinct Cannabis Sativa L. plant named ‘Midnight’, having an almost equal ratio of Cannabidiol (CBD) concentration to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration, (e.g., substantially close to 1), as illustrated and described herein.

Abstract: A fluid measurement device and methods of manufacturing and using the same are disclosed. The fluid measurement device includes a conduit configured to transport a fluid, a conductivity sensor in the conduit, and a voltage sensor in the conduit and having first and second rings, probes, or plates. The conductivity sensor is configured to determine the conductivity of the fluid. The voltage sensor is configured to receive a first voltage on the first ring, probe, or plate and detect a capacitance or a second voltage on the second ring, probe, or plate. A value of the capacitance or second voltage corresponds to the amount of fluid in the voltage sensor. The total amount of fluid through the conduit may be determined from amount of fluid in the voltage sensor, the fluid flow rate, the fluid velocity, and the number of samples or the sampling rate.

Abstract: A robotic attacher retrieves first and second cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching the first cup to the right front teat and a second cup to the left front teat of the dairy livestock. The robotic attacher retrieves third and fourth cups from the right side of the equipment area and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching the third cup to the right rear teat and the fourth cup to the left rear teat.

Abstract: A method for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock comprises moving a robotic arm along a track in relation to a rotary milking platform housing a dairy livestock and independent of any physical coupling between the robotic arm and the rotary milking platform. The rotary milking platform has a substantially circular perimeter. The track is positioned outside the perimeter of the rotary milking platform. At least a portion of the track is straight and offset in relation to the rotary milking platform. The robotic arm comprises an arm member operable to pivot about an axis that is parallel to the track, and a spray tool attached to one end of the arm member. The method further comprises extending the robotic arm between the hind legs of the dairy livestock while the rotary milking platform rotates such that the spray tool is located at a spray position from which it may discharge disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A connector includes a cube, a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The cube includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth faces. The cube includes a first bore therein, the first bore having a first longitudinal axis. The first cylinder extends from the first face; the first cylinder includes a first hole therein, the first hole having a second longitudinal axis. The second cylinder extends from the second face; the second cylinder includes a second hole therein, the second hole having a third longitudinal axis. The first, second and third longitudinal axes are parallel to each other. In another aspect, a vent element includes a first piece and a second piece that is a mirror image of the first piece, each of the pieces having upper, middle and lower portions. In yet another aspect, a system is configured for removable attachment of an elongated tube to a surface.

Abstract: The door system disclosed herein includes a frame and a door fabricated from a plurality of horizontal and vertical wire rods. The door may have an inverted hook which is aligned to a horizontal wire rod of the frame when the door is pivoted to the closed position. To close the door, the door is dropped so that the horizontal wire rod of the frame is traversed into the inverted hook. At this point, the animal inside of the pet crate cannot open the door by pushing the door. Rather, the door must be raised so that the inverted hook clears the horizontal wire rod of the frame to pivot the door to the opened position.

Abstract: A cage has a front, a rear, a first side, a second side, a top, and a bottom panel and at least one door formed through and operatively coupled to one of the panels. The cage further has an integrated handle and lock mechanism coupled to the at least one door. The lock has one or more catches that engage one of a plurality of horizontal bars or a plurality of vertical bars that form the panel containing the door. The integrated handle and the lock is rotatable between (1) a first locked position where the handle is parallel to the door and the catches engage with one of the horizontal or vertical bars that form the panel coupled to the door, and (2) second open position where the handle is no longer parallel to the surface and catches disengage from the horizontal or vertical bar.

Abstract: A system includes a first milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a first dairy livestock and a second milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a second dairy livestock. The first and second milking box stalls face opposite directions. An equipment portion is located between the first milking box stall and the second milking box stall. A robotic attacher is housed in the equipment portion and configured to service both stalls at different times. The robotic attacher comprises a gripping portion having a spray nozzle. The gripping portion is operable to rotate around a longitudinal axis such that during a milking operation the spray nozzle is positioned on the bottom of the gripping portion, and after the milking operation the spray nozzle is positioned on the top of the gripping portion.

Abstract: A device for sequentially dispensing individual objects includes a housing having a first housing portion which is conically-shaped. The first housing portion has a first end proximate a supply of objects and a second end proximate a location where the objects are to be dispensed. There is a spiral race, disposed on an interior surface of the first housing portion and extending from the first end to the second end of the first housing portion, along which the objects to be dispensed travel.

Abstract: Disposable water bottle and bowl combination with water bottle having a cylindrical shape that transitions into a threaded neck at the top. The bowl has a round shape with a cylindrical, threaded, protrusion at its base. These units attach to one another by way of these threaded parts. A valve is present at the top of the threaded protrusion in the base of the bowl. This valve serves as a barrier to the water in the bowl when upright; and opens to allow liquid passage when the bowl is inverted. The bowl has a lid that can act as a flying disc toy when detached. The bottle and bowl may be used as a singular unit to offer water from the bowl, or the bottle and bowl may be used individually by detaching the bowl and using the bottle to fill, and replenish, the water in the bowl.

Abstract: An animal nursing system for feeding orphaned baby animals is provided. The baby animals having a mother animal with a particular torso shape, The animal nursing system comprises an outer cover having an inner surface and an outer surface with the outer cover molded to the torso shape of the mother animal. A liquid holding main bladder is enclosed within the outer cover. At least one teat is mounted to the outer surface of the cover with the at least one teat in fluid communication with the main bladder. Upon the main bladder being filled with the liquid, the main bladder expands against the inner surface of the outer cover causing the outer cover to expand to a maximum expansion size and upon the liquid emptying from the main bladder, the main bladder contracts to a minimum contraction size. The outer cover maintains the torso shape of the mother animal at both the maximum and minimum sizes.

Abstract: A head of an animal grooming brush has a manually retractable comb with a handle, a head with a movable lamellar comb, a controller for movement thereof and a device for setting the comb. The comb can be replaced without removing the head and without resorting to tools, the transverse setting thereof can be set in a plurality of positions. The comb is connected, in a removable manner and by transverse sliding, to a cradle connected to a connecting rod and a lever which, supporting a control button, is rigidly connected to lateral cylindrical pawls used for hingedly connecting the connecting rod to the head and engaging with positioning notches arranged in the head, placing the comb in a plurality of longitudinal positions, while allowing movement in a plurality of positions, including a maintenance position allowing the comb to be removed from the cradle for replacement.

Abstract: The present invention is an animal collar (10) that's comprised of an inner flexible bungee (11) that's centrally attached to an inflexible collar (16). An inflexible material (18, 19) is attached to the ends of the flexible bungee (11) and exits the inflexible collar (16) several inches (14, 26) from each end. Rings (22, 23) are attached to the ends of the inflexible material (18, 19) and allows for a leash (31) to be attached. The outer inflexible collar (16) has a buckle (15) and stays static, while the inner bungee (11) ilexes when pressure is applied. A fabric material (17), that is sewn on, covers the inner flexible bungee (11). The collar's (10) ability to flex and stay firmly attached reduces stress on the animal's throat.

Abstract: A retractable leash device (e.g., for pets, children, or the like) having a length control system for limiting the extendable length of a main line is provided. The device includes a cover plate mounted on a wind-up spool and having at least one ridged channel that interacts with a length control switch during line extension to control the extendable length of the main line while simultaneously maintaining the retractability of the main line.

Abstract: A predator proof movable coop has an outdoor caged over section, an adjoining roofed-in section with an adjoining nesting box section and one or more retractable wheels. The coop is especially designed to protect the poultry or hens from predators like fox or raccoon or the like.

Abstract: The feed spraying device contains a casing member, a top cover, a side cover, a number of partitions, a loading wheel, at least a brush, a spraying wheel, a first driving unit, a second driving unit, a controller, and a power supply unit. A feed inlet is configured in the top cover. The partitions separate an inner space of the casing member into three sections. After the feed spraying device is turned on and before it stops, the controller engages the second driving unit to drive the spraying wheel to rotate for a period of time time so as to clear residual feeds in a feed storage room. In addition, the spraying wheel has blades of bended tips so as to increase the distance that the feeds are sprayed. The device therefore resolves the residual feed problem of the prior art and enhances the coverage of feed spray.

Abstract: A device keeps ants out of a feeder for flying creatures, such as hummingbirds. The feeder is adapted to be held above the ground by a supporting member. The device may include an annular vessel, fillable by a fluid, such as water. The annular vessel can surround the supporting member, below the feeder, for instance on the ground. The feeder may thus be disposed to be visible from a window or above a wall, while the annular vessel is below a sill of the window or the top of the wall. The annular vessel is designed to be passed over the supporting member, when the feeder is not attached.

Abstract: This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

Abstract: A method of affixing an overflow system to an aquarium is disclosed. The aquarium has a bottom, at least one sidewall, an open top surrounded by a top edge, and a frame having a bottom edge. The method includes positioning an overflow device in the aquarium. The overflow device has a front wall, a back wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall all secured to a bottom wall and extending upward therefrom to create a chamber having an open top. The front wall, the back wall, and the first and second sidewalls all have a plurality of slots formed therethrough which are configured to receive water from the aquarium into the chamber, and the bottom wall has an enlarged aperture formed therethrough. A first aperture is formed through the sidewall of the aquarium and an attachment mechanism is used to attach the enlarged aperture to the first aperture.

Abstract: A method of operating a variable speed pump in an aquaculture system including a culture tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a dissolved oxygen threshold based on current respiration requirements of the aquatic life in the culture tank, and comparing the dissolved oxygen level to the dissolved oxygen threshold. When the dissolved oxygen level is below the dissolved oxygen threshold, the method further includes increasing a speed of the variable speed pump until a flow rate through the culture tank that maintains the dissolved oxygen level at or above the dissolved oxygen threshold is reached. The method also includes updating the dissolved oxygen threshold based on new respiration requirements of the aquatic life as the aquatic life matures through its growth cycle.