Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame; a shank mounted to the frame and including at least one clip edge; a retaining clip press fitted to the at least one clip edge and including a movable lock biased in a locking direction; and a ground working tool with a locking opening at least partially filled by the movable lock to resist the tool being removed from the shank

Abstract: An aerator device. The aerator device includes a manifold including an interior channel, a connector aperture, and a plurality of nozzles configured to discharge a pressurized fluid stream. A cover plate is disposed on an upper side of the manifold. A first connector includes a first open end in fluid communication with the interior channel and a second end extending through a connector aperture disposed on an upper side of the cover plate. A second connector is configured to receive a hose connection to a pressurized fluid supply. A wheel including a wheel height adjustment mechanism is affixed to each side portion of the cover plate. In one embodiment, the manifold is configured to rotate when the wheels of the device rotate via a drive roller. A handle extending rearwardly from the cover plate includes a trigger mechanism configured to activate the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: A cultivator assembly having multiple interchangeable implements and adapted to be towed behind an ATV type (off-road) vehicle so that food plots or other land working tasks can be quickly accomplished. The cultivator assembly generally includes an implement trailer adapted to be towed behind an off-road vehicle, a transport trailer for moving the implement trailer to a cultivation site, and a hitch assembly for attaching the implement trailer to either an on-road vehicle or an off-road vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus unit that adjusts the dispersion from a compartment to an aqueous solution in response to an independent variable such as an environmental factor, in order to optimize seeding, marking, warning or treatment. The compartment enables any selection of solids, liquids or gasses to be contained and mixed when ready for dispersion. A preferred embodiment is a solar powered pump, self-contained within a buoy over a shallow tidal pool, for the purpose of distributing seeds for marine vegetation under ideal conditions for propagation. The unit provides for sensing and measurement of the environment, then adapting the dispersion for optimum effect.

Abstract: An adjustable planter bar for a multi-row planter generally comprises a horizontal support bar, a first plate member coupled to a trailing side of the support bar, and a second plate member coupled to a leading side of the support bar. The first plate member can form an upper, trailing rail extending above the trailing side of the support bar.

Abstract: An improved yard rake that can be pulled or pushed in a back and forth one-stroke motion to move yard debris, without altering the orientation of the rake. The rake permits usage that is less tiring and requires less effort to collect yard debris.

Abstract: A mobile machine is described. In one example, the machine includes a first subsystem comprising propulsion components configured to propel the mobile machine, a second subsystem, a first drive mechanism, a second drive mechanism, a coupling mechanism, and a controller configured to actuate the coupling mechanism to selectively couple one of the first or second drive mechanisms to drive one or more components of the second subsystem with variable speed and direction.

Abstract: A robotic work tool system (200) comprising further comprising a charging station (210) and a robotic work tool (100), the robotic work tool system (200) being configured to determine a change in weather and to take preservation action. The robotic work tool may detect the change in weather by detecting an electrical charge buildup in the boundary wire. The robotic work tool may take the preservative action by the robotic work tool (100) distancing itself from the charging station (210).

Abstract: A traveling control section of a traveling vehicle is configured to effect a normal operation to control an output of an engine when a vehicle speed is below a set vehicle speed, such that the engine output may correspond to an operation amount of an accelerator operating tool and to effect an output suppressing operation when the vehicle speed is equals to or more than the set vehicle speed, such that the vehicle speed may stay below the set vehicle speed, irrespectively of the operation amount of the accelerator operating tool. A fuel ratio in an air-fuel ratio in the output suppressing operation is set smaller than a fuel ratio in an air-fuel ratio in the normal operation.

Abstract: A doorway system for a robotic vehicle that accesses a separated area through a barrier that has a doorway formed through it. The system includes a wireless transmitter that transmits an electronic signal from the robotic vehicle, and a door movably disposed within the doorway, between a closed position and an open position. A doorway device with a wireless receiver that is coupled to a locking mechanism is configured to selectively engage and lock the door at the closed position, and unlock the door upon receipt of the electronic signal by the wireless receiver. Movement of the robotic vehicle toward the doorway device enables communication of the electronic signal from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver. Upon passage of the robotic vehicle through the doorway to the separated area, and return of the door to the closed position, the controller controls the locking mechanism to engage and lock the door.

Abstract: A self-propelled harvester such as a combine harvester including a frame having a main frame assembly and a pair of secondary frame members attached thereto. The main frame assembly supports crop processing apparatus. A feederhouse and a tangential-flow crop impelling rotor are journaled between the secondary frame members. The secondary frame members are conveniently removable from the main frame assembly for accessing the processing apparatus from a front end of the harvester.

Abstract: A drive system for a harvesting header of a harvester includes a drive motor, and a drive train connected between the drive motor and one or more driven elements of the harvesting header. The drive train has a variable-displacement hydraulic pump arranged on board the harvester and a hydraulic motor connected in a closed circuit to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic motor is mounted on the harvesting header and detachably connected by hydraulic coupling connections to the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The Multipurpose Leaf Crop Harvesting Apparatus and Processing Method will accomplish seven steps in one pass of the combine harvester. This apparatus and processing method harvests leaf crops and is configured to perform multiple processing operations, including fractionation of the leaf crop, leaf maceration, leaf sizing, elevating the leaf fraction to a transport vehicle, and stem conditioning, cutting and windrowing, in a single pass through the crop field. These steps are accomplished using a header unit, an adapter feeder macerator and a forage harvester vehicle, expeditiously removing the leaf fraction from the field. Following leaf fraction harvesting, the leaf fraction is processed by densification into forage feed products. The processed leaf fraction can be combined with other feeds to make up customized feed rations. The stem fraction is also processed. The present invention can also be used to harvest grass crops.

Abstract: An agricultural machine including a frame, at least one operating unit connected to the frame, at least one wheel or crawler track rotatably attached to the frame to allow the movement of the machine on a supporting surface and a lifting unit operatively interposed between the frame and the wheel or between the frame and the operating unit, configured to vary the height of the operating unit with respect to the supporting surface of the machine. The lifting unit includes at least one hydraulic cylinder provided with a liner, a first and a second piston both slidingly housed inside the liner and arranged in series to define at least a first and a second chamber inside the liner, wherein the first and the second piston can be controlled independently of each other.

Abstract: An agricultural baler comprising a baling chamber and a pre-compression chamber, wherein the pre-compression chamber is adapted to gather crop material and to periodically form a slice of said crop material and introduce it in a first segment of the baling chamber, the baling chamber comprising a plunger and a movable top wall, wherein the first segment is provided with at least one sensor for outputting a first signal relating to a height of the slice in the first segment, a second signal relating to a speed of introduction of the slice in the first segment, and a third signal relating to a position of the movable top wall, wherein the baler further comprises a processor adapted to receive the signals and to adjust baler operation parameters of the agricultural baler based on the received signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual layer planter liner having: (a) a first fibrous layer having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the first fibrous layer is formed into a pot for emplacing a planting medium and/or plant therein. The first fibrous layer is formed from a first fibrous material; and a second fibrous material adhered onto the exterior surface of the first fibrous layer. The adhered second fibrous material forms a second fibrous layer. The present invention, also, provides a method for making the dual layer planter liner hereof.

Abstract: A ready-to-sell unplanted plant vessel includes an accommodation space in which an amount of substrate sufficient for planting at least one plant in the vessel is arranged. The plant vessel offers improved protection against spilling of the contained substrate and is simple and cost-effective to produce. A foil-like cover is fastened to the plant vessel and covers the accommodation space so that the substrate is prevented from exiting the accommodation space.

Abstract: A growing trough is provided. The growing trough comprises a fabric bottom, a fabric outer wall, and a fabric partition. The fabric outer wall extends upward from the peripheral edge of the fabric bottom. The fabric partition is attached only at opposed edges thereof to the fabric outer wall preventing buckling of the fabric outer wall and equal load distribution when growing media is dumped into the growing trough. The fabric is a porous fabric that catches plant roots and directs the roots into the growing trough thereby preventing root circulation and inducing root branching within the growing trough.

Abstract: A number of planter base attachments are disclosed which can be fitted to an open-ended product, such as a plastic drainage pipe, to create a planter. The planter base attachment incorporates a base with raised sidewalls which fit into an open end of an open-ended product. The raised sidewalls engage the interior sidewalls of the open-ended product to create a tight fitting. Despite this tight fit, the planter base attachment allows excess moisture to drain through drainage routes disposed in the raised sidewalls. These drainage routes direct moisture to a catchment lip or tray connected to the base. A shelf sits transverse to the raise sidewalls and serves as the bottom side of the planter, which holds in growth media and adds rigidity to the attachment's overall structure.

Abstract: A light assembly (10) for installation in a greenhouse comprises a light unit (30) and at least one light fixture (20) mounted thereto. The light unit (30) comprises a light unit body comprising a light mounting structure (200), and a plurality of light sources mounted to the light unit body along a row. The light fixture (20) comprises a light fixture body comprising a light mounting structure (100) for mounting a light unit (30) thereto with thermal connection therebetween, a first passage (140) comprising an entry port (142) and an exit port (144) for a cooling fluid to circulate to dissipate heat conducted from the light unit (30) into the light fixture (20), a second passage (150) comprising an entry port (152) for receiving vaporizable compounds, and vaporization ports (160) fluidly connected to the second passage (150).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a bio-polymer mulch film is provided. The process comprises coating at least parts of a surface of a bio-polymer film with a functional material. The functional material may comprise a light absorber material, a light reflector material and/or a pigment.

Abstract: Some example embodiments may provide a capability for intelligent control or management of a number of assets in connection with yard maintenance with the assistance or inclusion of a management unit having distributed properties. Thus, for example, sensor equipment and task performance equipment operation may be coordinated between local management and remote management entities for efficient monitoring and maintaining of lawn wellness.

Abstract: A pressure compensation member, an irrigation drip emitter, drip lines and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The pressure compensation member being suitable for use in conventional emitters or alternate emitters being provided having either a uniform elastomeric emitter body configuration or a poly-material emitter body utilizing an elastomeric pressure compensation member. Various methods are also disclosed herein relating to the pressure compensation member, emitters and/or drip line using such pressure compensating members and/or emitters.

Abstract: A hydroponic system may include a fluid reservoir configured to carry a nutrient solution. The hydroponic system may also include a fluid pump coupled to the fluid reservoir for pumping the nutrient solution and a Venturi aerator coupled to the fluid pump for generating air bubbles within the nutrient solution. A vortex generator may be coupled to the Venturi aerator and provide rotation to the air bubbles. The vortex generator may include a rounded chamber body having a sidewall and opposing first and second flat ends coupled to the sidewall, the first end being closed and the second end having an outlet passageway therethrough, and the sidewall having an enlarged diameter medial portion and reduced diameter end portions adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. The vortex generator may also include an inlet conduit extending through the sidewall.

Abstract: A hydroponic plant display is provided that allows consumers to select and harvest fresh produce while shopping at their local market. The display system maintains the health and vitality of the produce until it is selected by the end consumer for harvesting. As such, the display system includes (i) a plant display, (ii) plant growth media that provides a suitable support system for each plant's root structure, and (iii) a moisture and nutrient transport system.

Abstract: A high-density horticultural system having a lighting system is provided. The horticultural system comprises a lower shelving component that is attached to a first bracket within a vertical racking system. The horticultural system also comprises an upper shelving component. The upper shelving component is attached to a second bracket within the vertical racking system, wherein the second bracket is vertically displaced 11 inches from the first bracket. Additionally, the horticultural system comprises a lighting system that extends down from the upper shelving component. The lighting system component has a lighting fixture that extends from the top portion of the lighting system, a bottom cover that is at the bottom portion of the lighting portion, and a duct between the lighting fixture and the bottom cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing haploid, dihaploid, polyhaploid and/or doubled haploid plants of the family Cucurbitaceae from isolated microspores, wherein said method comprises a) culturing isolated microspores to obtain embryos competent for plant regeneration, wherein the microspores have been isolated from plant material of a donor plant of the family Cucurbitaceae; and b) regenerating plants from the embryos; wherein step (a) comprises contacting the microspores with one or more inhibitor of histone deacetylase (HDACi) and one or more polyamine. The present invention also relates to a method for producing haploid, dihaploid, polyhaploid and/or doubled haploid embryos, to related kits and compositions, and to plants obtained according to the methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DRTX3907 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DRTX3907 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR5800TJ and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR5800TJ and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR0159TX and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR0159TX and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: New soybean varieties designated ‘2441083’, ‘2441085’, and ‘2441246’ are described. ‘2441083’, ‘2441085’, and ‘2441246’ are soybean varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interspecific Helianthus plant comprising a genetic determinant responsible for an indeterminate phenotype. Methods of making said plant are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically placing teat cups (7) onto teats of a milk-producing animal, in particular a cow, comprising the following steps: producing a two-dimensional image of teats of the animal, wherein distance information is present for at least a plurality of pixels of the two-dimensional image; evaluating the two-dimensional image and the distance information and establishing at least one position of at least one of the teats in a predetermined coordinate system; determining a further position of further one of the teats on the basis of the at least one previously ascertained position using the stored relative position information relating to a relative position of the teats of the animal in relation to one another; and applying one of the teat cups (7) to the further teat using the further position.

Abstract: A driving sprocket for a marine-type chain whose links have a section of diameter between 8 and 20 millimeters, intended to be used in the agricultural field. The sprocket includes a main cylindrical recess between two lateral flanges and a plurality of regularly spaced forks projecting radially from the recess, delineating housings intended for receiving every other link of the substantially flat chain. The flanges extend beyond the recess over a height substantially equal to the width of a link of the chain.

Abstract: A device for translating a scraper of droppings covering a corridor of a livestock building. The device includes a chain secured to the scraper, a first sprocket secured to a first end of the chain and a second sprocket secured to a second end of the chain. The first sprocket is rotated by a first motor and the second sprocket is rotated by a second motor in the opposite direction of the first sprocket. A controller controls power supply to the motors and takes states including: a driving state of the scraper in a first direction, wherein the first motor is supplied with power and the power supply of the second motor is cut off; and a driving state of the scraper in a direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second motor is supplied with power and the power supply of the first motor is cut off.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible modular calf housing system featuring at least one pen comprising a front panel and two side panels and optionally a rear panel forming a pen. The side panels include channels in which the front panel can slide vertically to adjust the height of a feeding pail attached thereto. The channels are disposed on either face of each side panel to enable a front panel from each one of adjacent pens to be joined to form a plurality of interconnected pens.

Abstract: A mountable feed bucket suitable for securing to a fence rail, having a receptacle and affixation means for securing the mountable feed bucket to the fence rail. The receptacle includes one or more brackets forming a vacuous area being suitable for receiving the fence rail, with apertures for receiving affixation means. Further, a removable secondary mount is provided to facilitate affixation to other structures, such as stall walls and doors, bars or girders of portable horse stalls, and like structures. Methods for mounting feed buckets are also provided.

Abstract: A feed distribution system distributes feed from a distribution vessel directly to a conveyor assembly having a belt forming a trough from which animals are fed. The system includes a distribution vessel. The distribution vessel has an output opening for distributing animal feed from the distribution vessel. A conveyor assembly extends from the distribution vessel to receive the animal feed. The conveyor assembly includes a trough conveyor which has an upper surface defining the trough from which animals may feed directly.

Abstract: An animal housebreaking system is provided. The animal housebreaking system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an animal housebreaking device including a defecation sensing unit for sensing whether an animal defecates on the animal housebreaking device; and a feeding machine for receiving, from the animal housebreaking device, information on whether the animal defecates, and providing predetermined rewards when the animal defecates on the animal housebreaking device.

Abstract: A leash attachable portage and storage apparatus includes an upper portion securable to a reservoir portion and at least one bowl member. The reservoir portion is disposed to nest into the upper portion and the at least one bowl member is secures to the upper portion around the reservoir portion to contain the reservoir portion therein. Fluids are storable and portable within the reservoir portion and decantable into the at least one bowl member. The at least one bowl member may include a first bowl and a second bowl. Additional items, such as foodstuffs and treats for reward, are portable in the second bowl. Additional bowls may be attached to the device and portage of personal effects and accouterments is thereby enabled in a compact array manually wieldable to control an animal tethered to the apparatus.

Abstract: A portable chicken roost has a number of detachable legs. The detachable legs connect to a number of attachment points on a roosting bar. An electrical heater is inside the roosting bar and electrically connected to an interior thermostat inside the roosting bar. An exterior thermostat is also attached to the electrical heater and located outside the roosting bar. The interior thermostat and the exterior thermostat are connected in series electrically, and the temperature setting of the exterior thermostat is different than the interior thermostat. This roosting bar protects chicken's feet from freezing and breaks down for easy shipping and transporting.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides: a liftable nest, configured to serve as a preferable place for birds to lay their eggs in, and facilitate harvest of the eggs, either automatically or manually; a birds feeding device, allowing feeding a flock of birds at the same time, and also allowing feeding different groups of birds, for example, males and females, in separate times, as well as with different types of food; and a poultry farming system configured to facilitate egg laying by birds and control feeding of birds. Embodiments of the liftable nest, the birds feeding device and the poultry farming system are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of flipping floating oyster cages by using a rotating system that lifts one side of the oyster cage while depressing the other side. The resulting rotation torque is able to invert the ouster cage to allow the cage and the oysters to temporarily dry out as a way of controlling marine biofouling. The invention may be mounted on a boat or between two boats and can sequentially flip the oyster cages along an anchored string.

Abstract: Systems and methods for object enumeration in a culture tank. The methods comprise: obtaining an array of two dimensional images of an illuminated scene in a culture tank; correcting non-uniform background illumination in the two dimensional images; improving a color contrast between a background and object edges shown in the two dimensional images; performing a defocus analysis using the two dimensional images to generate a focus map image; generating a modified focus map image by eliminating isolated spots shown in the focus map image and merging relatively small spots with adjacent relatively large objects in the focus map image; classifying each object shown in the modified focus map image as an object of interest or an object of no interest; and counting the number of objects classified as objects of interest.

Abstract: A combination aquarium with an eye-catching design is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bowl that is removably received and supported by a lower receptacle having first sidewalls which curve in a concave-up fashion and are dimensioned to receive and support a lower portion of the body of the bowl, and an upper receptacle dimensioned to be removably positioned over an upper portion of the body of the bowl and having an opening which substantially aligns with an opening at the top of the bowl, where the upper receptacle has second sidewalls which curve in a concave-down fashion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mouse that enables the functions of human NK cell to be studied. A DNA consisting of a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, which is a gene region comprising a DNA in which a cDNA sequence encoding interleukin 15 (IL-15) is operably ligated to a cDNA sequence encoding the signal peptide of human interleukin (IL-2), is inserted to immunodeficient mouse cDNA. In NOD-scid, IL-2r?null-hIL-15 Tg mice thus generated, hCD56+ cell having a concentration sufficient for conducting in vivo study on human mature NK cell are detected for at least 6 months after transplantation.

Abstract: In one aspect, provided herein is an apparatus for mass rearing aquatic arthropod larvae that provides control over the environment in which the larvae are reared. The apparatus comprises an aquatic reservoir, means to supply water to the reservoir, and means to drain water from the reservoir, said drainage means being equipped with a porous barrier, such as a sieve, adapted to prevent said larvae from exiting the reservoir therethrough, while permitting the passage of water.

Abstract: An octopus trap that includes a housing defining an interior containment space; an entrance opening to the interior containment space through which an octopus may enter the interior containment space; a trap door assembly that includes a trap door that is biased toward a first, closed position in which the entrance opening is blocked, the trap door being displaceable between the closed position and a second, open position in which the entrance opening is revealed; a trigger assembly that is capable of retaining the trap door in its open position against its bias, and that is capable of being triggered by an octopus from inside the containment space such that, when triggered, it causes the trap door to displace from its open position to its closed position and wherein the trigger assembly is capable of retaining the trap door in its closed position once triggered.

Abstract: A heated fishing rod guide apparatus is provided to enable fishing in freezing conditions. A circuit strip overlay is positionable upon a fishing rod to situate a plurality of heating elements in heating contact with each of the plurality of guides disposed upon the fishing rod blank. Electrical energy supplied to each guide therefore resistively heats said guides to prevent the fishing line from freezing thereto to prevent snapping of the line as often otherwise occurs. At least one connector is disposed upon the handle of the fishing rod disposed in circuit with the circuit strip overlay. The at least one connector may be adapted for connection with at least one contact disposed upon a cold weather glove, to enable heating of the rod when held in hand, and, alternately, with an attachable contact to enable hands-free heating.

Abstract: A variety of fishing lure assembles are disclosed which can hold a live worm on a skewer or in a clamp. A powerbait and a standard lure embodiment are disclosed, wherein all embodiments can enable the hook to be several inches away from the bait. When the fish bites the bait and swims away, he drags the invention down to the hook and gets hooked. Many options are provided the fisherman to either lock the invention fast to the fishing line or provide for the sliding action.