Abstract: A disk blade having a circular blade body of a first base material of a first hardness and having top and a bottom surfaces and an outer edge extending around the blade body. At least one clad bead extends circumferentially about the blade body on the bottom surface adjacent the outer edge of a second hardness greater than the first hardness of the base material. Various bead patterns are possible.

Abstract: A clutch for an agricultural implement including a rotating unit for connection to a powered shaft, a selectively disengageable unit, a zero-backlash torque limiter operable in an engaged position where a biased plunger is housed in a seat to angularly connect the rotating unit and the selectively disengageable unit for torque transfer until a maximum torque level is reached; and in a disengaged position where the plunger is retracted outside the seat. Further, a safety occlusion mechanism having an obstructing element selectively movable in an obstructing position to hinder the seat from housing the plunger and in a release position to allow shape coupling when the plunger and the seat overlap. The occlusion mechanism is biased to switch in the obstructing position and the release position is instated by an operator.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having an auxiliary control station located outside of the tractor cab. The auxiliary control station is used for the actuation of tractor components, e.g. hydraulic cylinders, when an operator is outside of the cab. The auxiliary control station has a user interface which allows the external controls of the auxiliary control station to be reassigned to operate different actuatable elements of the tractor, thereby providing for increased ease-of-use of the tractor when an operator is outside of the cab.

Abstract: A large field cultivator has forward and rear wing frames that are articulated to a main frame between a field position in which they extend laterally and a transport position in which they pivot forward and rearward about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frames in the field position. A pair of flip up frames secured to the aft frames pivot out of the way so that the rear wing frame assemblies may be pivoted inward to the transport position.

Abstract: Microbe combinations, a seed coated with one of the combinations and a plant protected from corn on corn yield penalties by one of the combinations. Further provided as a microbe combination applied to the seed, stalk or leaf that results in an increase in plant yield.

Abstract: A residue clearing apparatus for a seeding implement includes a plurality of ground driven residue wheel pairs, each movably and rotatably mounted to the seeding implement with right and left residue wheels on corresponding right and left sides of one of the shanks such that each residue wheel pair moves vertically independent of the shanks. Residue contact members connected to each residue wheel engage the ground surface adjacent to one of the shanks to rotate the residue wheel. Outer ends of the residue contact members pass forward of the shank above the furrow opener. A raising system operative to raise the residue wheel pairs to a wheel transport position.

Abstract: A granular material handling apparatus has a metering assembly comprises a metering module removably mounted in an opening in a hopper. The metering module comprises a meter roller and a front metering member with a metering edge parallel to and at a fixed metering gap distance from the meter roller. A removable flow structure receives granular material flowing over the metering edge and directs same into a distribution assembly mounted under the material metering assembly and comprising venturi devices spaced along the hopper under the metering module and an air supply conduit. Each venturi device is connected to the air supply conduit and is adapted at an output end thereof for connection to a distribution conduit, and defines a product input opening. The flow structure is operative to direct the received granular material substantially equally into each of the product input openings.

Abstract: A port interface for a pneumatic distribution system includes a first flow passage configured to receive fluidized particulate material from an outlet port of a header and to output the fluidized particulate material to an outlet line. The port interface also includes a second flow passage configured to receive a purging airflow and to output the purging airflow to the outlet line. In addition, the port interface includes a knife valve having a blade with a first opening and a second opening. The blade is configured to move between a first position in which the first opening is substantially aligned with the first flow passage and the second opening is substantially aligned with the second flow passage, and a second position in which the first opening is substantially aligned with the second flow passage and a solid portion of the blade is substantially aligned with the first flow passage.

Abstract: A port interface for a pneumatic distribution system includes a first flow passage configured to receive fluidized particulate material from an outlet port of a header and to output the fluidized particulate material to an outlet line. The port interface also includes a second flow passage configured to receive a balancing airflow and to output the balancing airflow to an external environment. In addition, the port interface includes a knife valve having a blade with an opening. The blade is configured to move between a first position in which the opening is substantially aligned with the first flow passage and a solid portion of the blade is substantially aligned with the second flow passage, and a second position in which the opening is substantially aligned with the second flow passage and the solid portion of the blade is substantially aligned with the first flow passage.

Abstract: A potato seed planting apparatus has: a frame configured to be advanced over a subjacent field into which potato seed is planted; at least one container on the frame for a supply of potato seed; and a plurality of laterally spaced planting units on the frame. Each of the planting units is configured to cause potato seed from the at least one container to be discharged to the subjacent field at controlled time intervals as the potato seed planting apparatus is advanced in a travel path. First and second of the planting units are configured so that the discharge time intervals for potato seeds from the first planting unit are different than the discharge time intervals for potato seeds from the second planting unit with the potato seed planting apparatus advanced at a first speed in the travel path.

Abstract: A seed firmer for pressing seeds into soil during planting. The seed firmer includes a mount for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. An arm defines a ground-facing surface having at least one point of contact with the ground, including a rearmost ground contact point with respect to a direction of forward travel during planting operation. The ground-facing surface has a transition section directly trailing a rearmost ground contact point, the transition section can extending upwardly from the rearmost ground contact point with a radius no less than 25 mm.

Abstract: A controller for a harvester. The controller is configured to receive crop flow information representative of how crop is flowing through the harvester and generate display information for providing a visual display to an operator of the harvester. The visual display includes an animation of crop flowing through the harvester. The controller is further configured to set one or more properties of the animation of the crop flowing through the harvester based on the received crop flow information.

Abstract: A header system includes a frame; a cutter carried by the frame; a cutter sensor associated with the cutter which outputs a cutter height signal; a gauge wheel carried by the frame behind the cutter; a wheel sensor associated with the gauge wheel which outputs a wheel position signal; and a controller electrically coupled to the cutter height sensor and the wheel sensor. The controller is configured to: receive the cutter height signal; receive the wheel position signal; compare the cutter height signal and the wheel position signal to determine a terrain irregularity is present; and activate one or more actuators to adjust the frame in response to determining the terrain irregularity is present.

Abstract: A grass trimmer includes a trimming head, a driving device for driving the trimming head to rotate so as to cut vegetation and an operating device for a user to operate so as to control the driving device. The trimming head includes a spool and a line holding element, the spool is used to wind a trimming line, and the line holding element is formed with a line holding structure. The driving device includes a motor. The grass trimmer has an auto-winding mode. In the auto-winding mode, the motor drives at least one of the spool and the line holding element to make the spool and the line holding element rotate relatively so that the trimming line is wound on the spool automatically.

Abstract: A string trimmer having a cutting head with a spool, where replacement cutting line can be wound onto the spool. The trimmer includes a powered winding button that rotates a motor in a reverse direction from its operation direction, and at a slower speed to wind the replacement cutting line.

Abstract: In a grain unloading system for a combine harvester a grain bin includes a frame, the frame has a floor with a trough disposed therein. An unloading auger is disposed at least partially within the trough. An auger cover at least partially covers the auger. The auger cover has a hat for a top portion of the auger cover and a pair of gates movable between the hat and locations on the floor that are proximal to the trough. A gate adjustment structure is coupled to the pair of gates to move the pair of gates relative to the auger. A control system is coupled to the gate adjustment structure and controls the gate adjustment structure. The gates are each provided with a plurality of external projections.

Abstract: A conveying device of an agricultural processing machine conveys loose material along a window which is inserted into a wall. A sensor measures in a contactless manner a characteristic of the conveyed loose material. A fluid ejector ejects a fluid jet onto a surface formed in the interior of the processing machine. The fluid is thereby provided in a space between the window and the conveyed loose material.

Abstract: A combine has a feeder house extending forward from the front of the combine, with the front of the feeder house defining a rectangular frame for supporting a harvesting head. A gauge wheel arrangement is supported on the rectangular frame and in turn supports the harvesting head. The gauge wheel arrangement includes a center frame that abuts the rectangular frame and pivots with respect to it. A left side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. A right side frame with gauge wheels is hinged to the center frame. The center, left, and right frames can support the harvesting head and permit the harvesting head to pivot with respect to the feeder house, as well as supporting a part of the weight of the harvesting head on the gauge wheels.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and system for economically and efficiently harvesting and controlling the growth of aquatic vegetation.

Abstract: An ergonomic harvesting bag is provided for attachment to a user's body via an adjustable strap around the waist and/or neck. It allows the user to comfortably trim in a reclined or standing position. The advantage of using the ergonomic harvesting bag is that the user does not need to reach with their arms or body to approach the work, or perform the task of trimming over a table or receptacle, or on the lap or floor because the receptacle is attached and close to the body. The ergonomic harvesting bag includes an upper section, a lower section, an opening and a cavity within which items of interest may be inserted, the adjustable strap coupled to the upper section of the harvesting bag and a filter mechanism removably positioned within the cavity of the harvesting bag.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically removing undesirable vegetation is provided. The method includes receiving by a first vehicle, data describing a specified geographical area for scanning. The specified geographical area is divided into a plurality of sectors and a second vehicle is directed to a first sector of the plurality of sectors. First geographical coordinates associated with areas of undesirable vegetation growth located within the first sector are receiving from the second vehicle and an optimal travel path from a current location of the first vehicle to the areas of undesirable vegetation growth located within first sector are determined based on analysis of the first geographical coordinates. The first vehicle is directed to the areas of undesirable vegetation growth via the optimal travel path and a process for eliminating the areas of undesirable vegetation growth is executed.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine for crop material including a crank arm connected to a rotational power source, a plunger having an extended position which is located further rearward in a compression chamber than a retracted position, and a connecting link connected between the plunger and the crank arm. One of the connecting link and the crank arm has a variable length. The plunger moves between the retracted and extended positions during a run mode as the crank arm rotates. The plunger changes speeds during an event phase based upon one of the connecting link and the crank arm varying lengths.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine for crop material may include a pre-compression chamber having an accumulation phase in which crop material accumulates until a pre-determined fill condition and a loading phase in which crop material transfers from the pre-compression chamber into a compression chamber when the pre-determined fill condition has been attained. The agricultural harvesting machine may include a crank arm connected to a rotational power source. The agricultural harvesting machine may include a plunger having an extended position which is located further rearward in a compression chamber than a retracted position. The movement of the plunger can be decoupled from the movement of the crank arm during the accumulation phase and can be moved to the extended position following the loading phase. The agricultural harvesting machine may also include a connecting link connected between the plunger and a rotational power source, with one of the connecting link and the crank arm having a variable length.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine for crop material may include a crank arm connected to a rotational power source, a plunger having an extended position which is located further rearward in a compression chamber than a retracted position, and a connecting link connected between the plunger and the crank arm, with one of the connecting link and the crank arm having a variable length. The agricultural harvesting machine may include a startup mode and a run mode. The movement of the plunger can be decoupled from the movement of the crank arm at the beginning of the startup mode. The plunger can move to a predetermined position during the startup mode. The movement of the plunger can be coupled to the movement of the crank arm during the run mode.

Abstract: An agricultural baler includes a pre-compression chamber having an outlet, and a main bale chamber adapted to receive crop from the pre-compression chamber. A plunger is reciprocally disposed within the main bale chamber, and includes a plurality of plunger slots which are structured and arranged to allow a plurality of needles to intermittently pass therethrough. The baler is characterized by a plunger cleaner which is structured and arranged to provide the dual functionality of: 1) cleaning the plunger slots , and 2) opening and closing the outlet of the pre-compression chamber.

Abstract: A baler having a frame, a feed system coupled to the frame, and a compression assembly in operable communication with the feed system. Where the compression assembly includes a baling chamber, a gearbox having an output shaft, and a crank arm defining a first mounting point and a second mounting point spaced a distance from the first mounting point, where the first mounting point of the crank arm is coupled to and rotatable with the output shaft of the gearbox. The compression assembly also includes a plunger positioned within and reciprocally movable with respect to the baling chamber, where the plunger defines a third mounting point thereon, and where the distance between the second mounting point and the third mounting point is variable during a baling process.

Abstract: A baler including a frame, a feed system coupled to the frame, a baling chamber, a gearbox, a crank arm driven by the gearbox, a plunger at least partially positioned within and reciprocally movable with respect to the baling chamber, and a connecting rod extending between and coupled to both the crank arm and the plunger, where the connecting rod defines a connector length, and where the connecting rod defines a fluid volume therein. The baler also including a hydraulic system in operable communication with the connecting rod, a pump, a first feed line extending between and in fluid communication with the fluid volume of the connecting rod and the pump, and a lockout valve adjustable between a first configuration in which the fluid volume is in fluid communication with the pump, and a second configuration in which the fluid volume is not in fluid communication with the pump.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine for crop material including a crank arm connected to a rotational power source, a plunger having an extended position which is located further rearward in a compression chamber than a retracted position, and a connecting link connected between the crank arm and the plunger. The movement plunger is decoupled from the movement of the crank arm during a startup mode of the agricultural harvesting machine. The movement plunger is coupled to the movement of the crank arm during a run mode of the agricultural harvesting machine. The connecting link, crank arm, or both have a variable length.

Abstract: A baler including a frame, a feed system coupled to the frame, a baling chamber, a plunger at least partially positioned within and reciprocally movable with respect to the baling chamber, a connecting rod coupled to the plunger, where the connecting rod defines a fluid volume therein, a sensor in fluid communication with and configured to send signals indicating the fluid pressure within the fluid volume of the connecting rod, and a controller in operable communication with the sensor and configured to determine the magnitude of a force being applied to the plunger at least partially based on a signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: A baler including a frame, a feed system coupled to the frame, a baling chamber defining an axis therethrough, a crank arm, and a plunger being at least partially positioned within and movable with respect to the baling chamber. Where the plunger includes a compression surface and defines a compression plane and fixed with respect to the compression surface, where the compression plane defines a compression angle with respect to the axis of the baling chamber, and wherein the compression angle is adjustable independently of the rotation of the crank arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods suitable for growing, identifying, and tracking plugs and plants using radio-frequency identification (RFID) devices, as well as methods for making such systems. Such a method includes providing a biodegradable pot assembly and a non-biodegradable RFID module. The pot assembly has an assembly basewall and assembly sidewalls contiguous with the assembly basewall to define a cavity within the pot assembly. The RFID module is embedded within the assembly basewall, has openings therethrough, and comprises an RFID device configured to communicate with an RFID reader and store information identifying the pot assembly. The roots of a seedling grown in a growing medium within the pot assembly grow through and entangle the RFID module. Data is stored on the RFID device to identify the seedling, and an RFID reader is used to communicate with the RFID device to receive the data from the RFID device and identify the seedling.

Abstract: A method for growing cruciferous sprout uses light emitted diode (LED) as a light source in growing the cruciferous sprout, which consequently increases the amount of the glucosinolates of the cruciferous sprout. The cruciferous sprout with increased anticancer activity can be grown with the easy light-controllable, eco-friendly and economical method.

Abstract: A method of delivering at least one nucleic acid to a plant, comprising: applying a light energy to a surface of the plant to create a pore; and applying at least one nucleic acid to the pore, wherein the at least one nucleic acid comprises RNA, wherein the at least one nucleic acid comprises at least one of a RNA interference (RNAi), an antisense RNA (asRNA), a micro RNA (miRNA), a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a non-coding RNA (ncRNA), mitochondrial RNA (mtDNA), and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A garden ring system includes a planting apparatus having a bottom-less pot including an outer wall, an inner cavity, a first-opening, and a second-opening. The bottom-less pot is able to be placed around a garden plant or tree to promote growth. The device keeps moisture in the immediate area of the tree or plant to ensure that water surrounds the plant and keeps the ground moist for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A system to improve plant growth including a building having an interior and an interior ceiling. The system also includes a series of tiered structures configured in a stepped manner within the building interior and a plurality of lights hung from the ceiling of the building in a stepped manner to mirror the stepped manner of the tiered structures. A series of shelves is positioned on the tiered structures and arranged to place a plurality of horticulture products thereon. The lighting may include solar cells and a solar recycling system associated with the lighting.

Abstract: A drip emitter includes a frame, that can be made of plastic, and a membrane, that can be elastomeric; and both the frame and the membrane are formed by injection molding and are attached to each other.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an irrigation system may include a carriage that may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage may support one or more exit ports that may be fed nutrient supply by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands may be configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands may form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports may discharge their nutrient supply. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants and to enhance the plant root/nutrient supply interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planter (10) forming part of a hydroponic system. The planter (10) includes a longitudinal body (12) defining at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels (14.1,14.2) and at least two plant holders (16,18) defined in the body (12), the plant holders (16,18) spaced on the outer circumference of the longitudinal body (12), each one of the at least two plant holders (16,18) in fluid flow communication with one of the at least two longitudinally extending liquid channels (14.1,14.2).

Abstract: The invention relates to Spathiphyllum plants having reduced pollen content, obtained by a method, comprising the steps of providing a tetraploid Spathiphyllum parent and a diploid Spathiphyllum parent, and crossing these tetraploid and diploid parents to produce the Spathiphyllum plants having reduced pollen content. The invention also relates to a method for producing Spathiphyllum plants having reduced pollen content.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of Spinach, NUN 05004 SPS as well as seeds and plants and leaves thereof.

Abstract: An improved teat cup, teat cup sleeve, milking machine and milking method provides cleaner milk by drawing air into the milk stream from away from the teat cup. The teat cup may include an air duct having a first end in fluid communication with the milk conduit extending outside of the shell to a second end located away from the shell of the teat cup. The air duct may form part of an air passage that extends between the milk conduit and an air inlet which allows control of the source, flow and purity of air entering the milk stream.

Abstract: The invention is directed to cat window structure that has a number of glass attachment devices. A shell is connected to the glass attachment devices. The shell and a section of a window form a housing. An opening is formed in the housing that provides access and egress for a cat. In one embodiment, the shell is made of a fabric covered foamed plastic and the glass attachment devices are suction cups. The shell provides a cradle to hold the cat, is inexpensive to make and ship, and the sling structure does not suffer from sliding when the cat jumps into or out of the structure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an animal earmark which comprises an electric battery. The outer shape of the battery is that of a circular ring. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the animal earmark has a mandrel designed to extend through a through-opening in the outer ear of an animal and to also project into the space enclosed by the circular ring which is defined by the battery.

Abstract: Tag apparatus for attachment to the ear of an animal including a male member with a stem and a penetrating head for penetrating the ear; a portion that abuts against the hack of the ear and cannot be pulled out of the ear, said portion having an end that is not directed towards the head of the animal when the apparatus is fitted to the ear; such that when the apparatus is fitted to the ear, the apparatus has no overhanging material on which the animal can entangle the tag apparatus on a structure.

Abstract: The present patent application is directed to a system for owners of domestic animals whereby a single authorized smart rabies tag immediately and in real-time provides pet information to a mobile device through a QR code located on the rabies tag. These single Smart Rabies Tags provide comprehensive pet information including health care data and allow real-time access for locating lost pets. The system also includes access through an individual pet website. When combined with microchip systems, the multifaceted platform eliminates many of the current problems associated with current tag systems or microchip systems.

Abstract: A double-layer hollow ball, including: an outer hollow ball, inner hollow body, and illuminant. A surface of the outer hollow ball is provided with outer through holes, and a surface of the inner hollow body is provided with inner through holes; the outer hollow ball includes an upper part of the outer hollow ball, a main body of the outer hollow ball, and a lower part of the outer hollow ball; upper and lower end surfaces of the main body of the outer hollow ball are connected to the upper part of the outer hollow ball and the lower part of the outer hollow ball, respectively; and the illuminant is provided within the inner hollow body and the inner hollow body is connected to the outer hollow ball via a support column. The double-layer hollow ball is lightweight, robust, strong and elastic, with a prolonged life for outdoor use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accessory assembly for coupling a unit to an animal band. In one embodiment, the accessory assembly comprises a support frame, the support frame including a locking gap positioned on one end of the support frame, a latch protrusion positioned on the other end of the support frame, a proximally positioned receiving aperture, and a plurality of strap retention structures configured for coupling to at least one strap, the straps configured for coupling to an animal band.

Abstract: A collar primarily designed for use on dogs (although it can be used on humans or other animals) to be used as a method of displaying charms, tags, or other adornments. The method of securing the tags, charms, or other adornments will be separated which prevents the adornments from hitting against each other and making a clanking noise when the animal or person moves while wearing such collar.

Abstract: A swift let breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swift let feeding environment.

Abstract: A weighing module for a nest in a poultry management system comprises a floor for receiving poultry or a nesting pad and a mounting device with which the weighing module can be attached to an animal holding installation, wherein the floor is supported by a weighing element.