Abstract: An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatus for providing down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to provide and maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a chassis and a header carried by the chassis. The header includes: a center section supporting at least one center cutter and having a pair of lateral ends; a wing section linked to one of the lateral ends of the center section and supporting at least one wing cutter, the wing section being vertically moveable relative to the center section between a harvesting position and a transport position, the wing section being pivotable about a generally vertical pivot axis in the transport position and substantially prevented from pivoting about the pivot axis in the harvesting position; and an actuator linked to the wing section and configured to vertically move the wing section from the harvesting position to the transport position.

Abstract: A farm vehicle includes a seat that converts between sitting and kneeling positions. The seat has three cushions: a first one to support a user's chest and head, a second to supports his knees, and a central cushion that pivots transversely between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lower position, the third cushion supports the user's pelvis in the kneeling position. In the raised position, the third cushion forms a sitting part in a sitting position. The slide-way comprises a supporting slide-way that allows translation of the seat in a direction of travel. The seat is mounted on a base that pivots on the slide-way to allow the first, second, and third cushions to pivot about a vertical pivot axis of the farm vehicle.

Abstract: A soil cutting head for a mount of an agricultural implement includes a head having a leading extremity for cutting into soil ahead of the mount, and a fertilizer tube extending through the head to a discharge end for discharging a stream of fertilizer into the soil from the head.

Abstract: A paired row furrow opener can include a seed boot body, a fertilizer passageway, a seed passageway, at least one soil deflecting edge, and at least one row soil deflecting surface. The seed boot body can extend along a longitudinal axis between a forward end and a rearward end. The fertilizer passageway can extend through the seed boot body between an outlet and an inlet elevated from the outlet. The seed passageway can extend through the seed boot body between an outlet and an inlet. The at least one soil deflecting edge can be integral with the seed boot body. The at least one row soil deflecting surface can extend aft from the at least one soil deflecting edge along the longitudinal axis and can face upward.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box having output ports and row units configured to receive an agricultural product and airflow from the output ports. A conduit system extends between the output ports of the inductor box and the row units. The conduit system is configured to direct the agricultural product and the airflow from each output port to a respective row unit. The conduit system includes a first conduit assembly extending between a first output port and a first row unit. The conduit system also includes a second conduit assembly extending between a second output port and a second row unit. A first average diameter of the first conduit assembly is smaller than a second average diameter of the second conduit assembly by at least approximately one percent.

Abstract: An arrangement for detection of the amount of material in a supply container of a machine for application of material to a field comprises a data entry device for receiving fill level data concerning an amount of material present in the supply container at a specific time point and an outflow sensor for detection of the amount of material that has flowed out of the supply container. A computer device connected to the data entry device and outflow sensor, the computing device is programmed to calculate the current amount of material in the supply container using the obtained fill level data and the signals of the outflow sensor obtained after the specific time point, and to issue a warning signal if the amount of material in the supply container goes below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The; shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: In an approach, hyperspectral and/or multispectral remote sensing images are automatically analyzed by a nitrogen analysis subsystem to estimate the value of nitrogen variables of crops or other plant life located within the images. For example, the nitrogen analysis subsystem may contain a data collector module, a function generator module, and a nitrogen estimator module. The data collector module prepares training data which is used by the function generator module to train a mapping function. The mapping function is then used by the nitrogen estimator module to estimate the values of nitrogen variables for a new remote sensing image that is not included in the training set. The values may then be reported and/or used to determine an optimal amount of fertilizer to add to a field of crops to promote plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent interactive apparatus, system and method that aligns with property trimming and cutting tools such as pole saws, lawnmowers or unmanned aerial drones. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pole saw or autonomous lawnmower with attached functional accessories such as autonomously operated line trimmer or lawn edging devices operating on a 360 degree axis obtaining power and motion on a electro magnetic levitation system and having an attached imaging apparatus assembly that is linked to a display output device allowing for more intelligent and consistent tree, grass, and hedge views and overall control. The tree trimming imaging apparatus assembly of the present invention allows for an intelligent interactive system wherein the method used makes a user capable of a more accurate and safe tree, hedge, or property trimming experience.

Abstract: Decisive modifications are proposed to a cutting system reducing cutting losses and having a floating disk, in order to improve the efficiency of the system. The lower finger (1) cuts at the lower level and has a tip pointing upwards to prevent the finger from entering the ground; weeds passing past the lower finger pass over the upper finger (3), the accumulation of branches between the fingers being thus prevented. The upper finger (3) has a guard (4) that prevents grains from dropping out of the cutting platform, and the guard is also used to mount two bearings which act to orient the cutter bar (2).

Abstract: A device for fastening a tool member on an output shaft of a power tool has a support plate supporting the tool member and a clamping element embodied as a connecting hub. The connecting hub is penetrated by the output shaft and is rotationally fixed on the output shaft. A rider plate is secured on the connecting hub and rotatable relative to the connecting hub. Support plate, tool member, rider plate, and connecting hub are arranged such that the output shaft projects through support plate, tool member, rider plate, and connecting hub. A clamping device is carried on an end of the output shaft. The clamping device acts on a support surface of the connecting hub and fixes through the connecting hub the tool member on the support plate. Connecting hub, rider plate, and pressure plate together form preferably a conjoint, connected component assembly.

Abstract: A harvest analysis system, intended to be used in a machine (2, 3) for harvesting agricultural products, e.g. combine (2), forage harvester (3) or the like, comprising at least one image acquisition device (4, 40) and at least one processing unit (1), connected to said acquisition device (4, 40) and in turn comprising: at least one memory module (10) in which at least a first reference image is stored; and at least one comparison module (11, 12) configured to perform a comparison between the images of the harvested products, acquired by said device (4, 40) and said reference image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for harvesting plants belonging to the family of hemp plants (Cannabaceae), in particular of the genus Hemp, with which the harvesting and separation of the individual plant parts is made possible without damaging the individual plant parts.

Abstract: An example apparatus embodiment includes a support frame; a cut and lift mechanism coupled to the support frame; a tool carrying platform coupled to the cut and lift mechanism; an outer leaf removal device coupled to the tool carrying platform; a cutting tool coupled to the tool carrying platform; a controller in data communication with the cut and lift robot; and a plant center locator in data communication with the controller.

Abstract: A bale collection system for use with a baler having an outlet through which a finished bale is ejected, the bale collection system including a holder coupled to the baler, the holder defining a support surface configured to support the finished bale, an operating barrier, and a holdback arm in operable communication with the holder and configured to 1) permit the finished bale to pass through the operating barrier in a first direction and 2) restrict movement of the finished bale through the operating barrier in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An airflow system that has a fan spacer within a fan assembly is provided for use with equipment such as work vehicles, which may include agricultural implements or other agricultural equipment. The fan spacer influences a width dimension of a fan housing interior and airflow characteristics of the fan assembly, such as output pressure and flow rate, to optimize fan performance for a particular implementation. In this way, the fan spacer allows for highly customizable fan performances by using housing spacers to modify fan housing dimensions and provide performance characteristics that correspond to what is needed for particular implementations while using common fan housing segments.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting plants based on climate data and plant data. The system receives climate data and plant data and selects plants for a geographical division based on the climate data and plant data. The system generates durable plant tags with for the plants that have an icon that identifies the lighting level and watering level of the plants using a color and a number.

Abstract: A debris collection system utilizing a vacuum to collect debris in a container. The system includes a bottom-mounted motor and an airflow pathway containing the vacuum generated by the motor for collecting the debris. A portion of the airflow pathway passes through a top into the container for depositing the debris and another portion of the airflow pathway after depositing the debris then passes to the exterior of the container to the motor.

Abstract: An LED grow system is disclosed. The LED grow system comprises: a wireless network; a red LED; a blue LED; a light controller coupled with the red LED and the blue LED and in communication with wireless network; and a mobile device in communication with the wireless network. The mobile device may include: a database having a plurality of grow profiles, where each of the grow profiles specify at least a relative intensity for the red LED, a relative intensity for the blue light, and an illumination time period; and an application executing on the mobile device that controls the illumination of the red LED and the blue LED via the light controller according to the plurality of grow profiles specified within the database.

Abstract: An air cooled horticulture lamp fixture for growing plants in confined indoor spaces. The fixture substantially seals the lamp and heat generated thereby to a reflector interior. A flow disruptor diverts moving air away from an aperture in the reflector through which a lamp bulb socket protrudes into the reflector interior, and the flow disruptor creates turbulence in a cooling chamber thereby enhancing thermal transfer into a cooling air stream that flows over and around the reflector's exterior side thereby convectively cooling the fixture using the reflector as a heat sink.

Abstract: A double walled holder is provided. The double-walled holder provides a floor and walls capable of attachment of various hooks to the walls of the holder. The double-walled holder has an interior cavity to receive an insert. The double-walled holder holds images and momentoes as well as receiving an insert capable of holding a plant.

Abstract: An illumination system includes: a light-emitting module including a blue LED light source that emits blue light having a light emission peak in a blue range of from 400 nm to 470 nm and a red LED light source that emits red light having a light emission peak in a red range of from 610 nm to 680 nm; a light regulator that controls a first light intensity, which is light intensity at the light emission peak in the blue range, and a second light intensity, which is light intensity at the light emission peak in the red range, in a light emission spectrum of light emitted by the light-emitting module; and a clock that measures a time. The light regulator causes the second light intensity to change in conjunction with a change in the first light intensity, in accordance with the time measured by the clock.

Abstract: A grow light includes a plurality of cool white LEDs, a plurality of warm white LEDs, and a driver electrically coupled to the cool white LEDs and the warm white LEDs. An intensity level and spectral composition of the radiant energy emitted by the grow light may be tuned or configured by varying a ratio of the quantity of cool white LEDs to the quantity of warm white LEDs, by varying a spatial arrangement among the cool white LEDs and the warm white LEDs, or by varying a level of current provided to some or all of the cool white LEDs and the warm white LEDs.

Abstract: A target watering an irrigation apparatus comprising an elongated tube and a cap member. The elongated tube has an outer surface and an inner bore. The cap member is positioned over the upper end of the inner bore. The cap member has at least one opening in communication with the inner bore.

Abstract: A computer unit calculates an operating parameter for a machine for application of agricultural material to a field using data concerning a plant growth affecting property of the location to be supplied with the material and data concerning the property and/or an operating parameter of the machine derived therefrom for an adjacent location in the field in the sense of an optimization of a horticultural result.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for an aquaponics, and greenhouse system, includes a solar greenhouse with north, east and west sides insulted and with glazing on a south side angled to maximize winter sunlight, and housing a fish tank with grow beds, and a hard filter filtering water from the fish tank coupled thereto, and including a stilling well inside of a solids collection chamber receiving water from a hard filter geyser pump, and with filter media sections of varying coarseness for providing mechanical filtration therearound, including coarser and finer media section from a bottom to a top of the solids collection chamber, a with air stones on top, and with aquatic plants including algae, and/or Duckweed, providing biological filtration growing on a water surface thereabove. A sponge filter receives overflow water from the aquatic plants and with an output thereof provided to the fish tank.

Abstract: Provided is a plant cultivation device where installation work, repair, partial improvement or remodeling work can be performed easily. A plurality of seedling growing units 2 are connected to each other in series. The seedling growing unit 2 has a case which has both ends thereof opened and can cover a peripheral surface of the seedling growing unit 2. A tray mounting base, a conveyance device, an illumination unit, and a water supply/discharge facility are disposed inside the case. The cases of the seedling growing units 2 are connected to each other thus forming a continuous cylindrical space. A series of conveyance units are formed by the conveyance devices inside the cases. Cultivation trays are disposed in the continuous cylindrical space formed by the cases, and the cultivation trays are movable toward a downstream side by the conveyance unit in a state where the cultivation tray strides over the case.

Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, data logging, growing, water and nutrients. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency and enables multiple crops to be grown in a single area.

Abstract: A hydroponic irrigation system reduces the time spent actively circulating a nutrient solution through one or more growing beds to provide an ebb-and-flow irrigation cycle. Nutrient solution is pumped from a nutrient tank to each growing bed via a liquid transport unit, having a liquid tube connected to a pump located in the nutrient tank at one end, with the other end anchored in the growing medium in the growing bed. A controller coordinates the operation of the pumps, selectively operating each pump to supply nutrient solution until the growing bed is saturated to a specified depth, after which the pump returns the nutrient to the tank, either passively via gravity or by actively pumping, to drain the nutrient solution from the growing bed back into the nutrient tank. The pumps can be activated sequentially, with the sequence initiated at selected time intervals to suit the plants being grown.

Abstract: A growing system for providing fluids to a plurality of growing assemblies using only a single pump and fluid source. The growing system generally includes a single fluid source such as a reservoir from which fluids are drawn by a single pump. A main manifold connected to the pump outlet splits the fluids drawn from the fluid source into a plurality of feeder pipes. Each of the feeder pipes provides fluid to a separate growing assembly; with the present invention providing support for a plurality of growing assemblies. Each growing assembly comprises an inlet manifold for receiving the fluids, a plurality of growing pipes for providing the fluids to a plurality of planters, and a drainage device for discharging fluids back into the fluid source for further use.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR1908PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR1908PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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 pepper hybrid DR6138PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR6138PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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 pepper hybrid DR8261PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR8261PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cucumis melo seed designated 34-749 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Cucumis melo plant produced by growing the 34-749 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the melon cultivar, represented by melon variety 34-749 RZ.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1538’ is described. The ‘H1538’ tomato variety is a field-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1541’ is described. The ‘H1541’ tomato variety is a field-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1546’ is described. The ‘H1546’ tomato variety is a field-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: A rail system for a modular reptile and small animal cage comprises a plurality of squared elongate channels, each channel having an X-shaped cross-section that includes: four arrowhead tips pointing to the corners of a square with a gap between adjacent arrowhead tips defining a slot for holding a cage side panel or a cage accessory. When combined with a plurality of side panels, bottom and top panel, these slotted elongate channels can be used to make an expandable, modular reptile/small animal cage. A method for making such cages is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a therapeutic bed for use by an animal where recovery is promoted or accelerated by a prolonged retention or increase in the animal's body temperature. The bed comprises a matrix of fibres between a sealed top and a sealed bottom surface where the arrangement of the fibres gradually increases from an upper, less dense region adjacent the top surface to a lower, denser region in the matrix. The matrix arrangement is adapted to absorb the animal's body heat through the top surface and to transfer the body heat absorbed by the less compacted fibres of the upper, less dense region to the denser lower compacted fibres. The heat stored by the denser lower compacted fibres is gradually released and returned to the less dense fibres of the upper, less dense region to be slowly reradiated back to the animal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the Working Chute are comprised of A working livestock chute comprised of an adjustable width alleyway from 18 inches wide to 36 inches wide; one or more double hinges; one or more catwalks; one or more pins; a plurality of chains; a stabilizer bar; support straps; one or more palpation gate assemblies; a hydraulic gooseneck; a hydraulic gooseneck lifting means; an underslung torsion tube; and a plurality of free floating gates.

Abstract: Provided herein are mechanisms and methods for the automated distribution of active ingredients (whether oral or contact based) to wild and domestic animal populations as well as a method for monitoring animal activity and estimating consumption and/or application of such ingredients within the population through the utilization of the mechanisms themselves. The inventive device pertains to a manner of delivering either an active oral ingredient or active contact ingredient within a bait pellet or like substrate for ingestion or external contact and/or coating of a target population. The device allows for controlled access of such a bait pellet (or like substrate) for such a target population coupled with the ability to retain freshness thereof for multiple timed access events without the need for human involvement. A properly sized, configured, and automated delivery device is thus provided to meet these needs. Delivery components are also encompassed herein.

Abstract: An applicator for animal identification tags comprises a tag magazine receiver configured to receive a tag magazine comprising a reservoir for holding a plurality of discrete animal identification tags, each comprising a male and female engagement portion, and an opening, wherein the identification tags are displaceable along the reservoir to be sequentially dispensed through the opening. A pair of jaws engage male and female portions of a dispensed identification tag through the ear of an animal placed between the jaws. A motorized tag dispenser displaces the identification tags along the reservoir of a received tag magazine to sequentially dispense the identification tags through the opening. A sensor senses information indicative that an identification tag has been dispensed through the opening and received by the pair of jaws. A controller stops operation of the motorized tag dispenser based on an output of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of identifying and assisting an animal comprises: transmitting a unique identification and serial number from an identification tag coupled to the animal to a first portable electronic device; inputting owner information from the first portable electronic device; receiving the unique identification and serial number from an identification tag by a second electronic device; and receiving the owner information on the second portable electronic device.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning an animal's paw and related methods are described herein. Devices include a container having a handle and an opening area adapted to receive the paw. A flexible insertion piece substantially covers the opening area, and a trigger mechanism is connected to the handle. Devices also include an inner container having a plurality of cleaning elements extending radially inward therefrom. Rotation of the inner container to clean the animal's paw is effectuated by engaging the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A method of grooming a horse including selecting a grooming kit according to a horse attribute. The method involves selecting a grooming kit according to a horse attribute, the horse attribute being categorized according to a categorization scheme. The categorization scheme has a plurality of categories including: a first category corresponding to a gray or white horse coat type; a second category corresponding to a light bay or chestnut horse coat type; and a third category corresponding to a black or dark bay horse coat type. A prescribed sequential grooming regime is followed according to the categorization of horse and the selected grooming kit. Each of the grooming kits has a specific combination of brush types for a sequential order of brushing steps.

Abstract: A pet mat having a bottom for contacting a support surface, the bottom having a bottom peripheral edge and a top having a top peripheral edge. The bottom peripheral edge and top peripheral edge are joined to define the shape of the pet mat and to enclose a fill material therein, the top facing away from the bottom for receiving a pet utilizing the pet mat. The top includes a backing layer joined to the top peripheral edge and a plurality of fabric layers, each being at least partially joined to the top peripheral edge, a first of the fabric layers having an edge unattached to the top peripheral edge creating a flap sized to enable a domestic cat to be received between the first fabric layer and backing layer and at least one of the fabric layers being a scratcher surface.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a first member and a second member. The first member is at least partially formed by a plurality of interconnecting elements and defining an interior space. The interior space has a first predetermined shape. The plurality of interconnecting elements form a plurality of openings. The second member has a first part and a second part. The second part has a second predetermined shape. The second predetermined shape has a similar shape to the first predetermined shape. The second part is configured to be disposed within the interior space and the first part is configured to be disposed outside the interior space of the outer covering.

Abstract: A pet chew comprises a casing having a cylindrical cross section and defining a first end and a second end, the casing comprising a first section and a second section having edges running along the length of the casing joined to one another, wherein the first section has a different appearance than the second section, wherein the first section comprises an edible plant material and the second section comprises a meat material, and wherein the casing is knotted at the first end and the second end.

Abstract: Reconfigurable pet toy products and releasable twist-locking interfaces which may be used in connection with the reconfigurable pet toy products are disclosed. Some example reconfigurable pet toy products may comprise at least one middle piece, a first end piece, and a second end piece. The different pieces may couple with one another in multiple different configurations. The middle piece may include an internal cavity and a chew access window. The end pieces, when coupled with the middle piece according to one configuration, may provide closures for the internal cavity. In another configuration, the first and second end pieces may be coupled directly together, without the middle piece. In still further configurations, multiple middle pieces may be coupled together, and a variety of different middle pieces and/or end pieces may be mixed and matched.