Patents Issued in August 31, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170245416
    Abstract: A working vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a quick hitch, a working implement connected to the vehicle body via the quick hitch, and a linkage interposed between the quick hitch and the vehicle body. The linkage is movable to raise and lower the quick hitch so as to locate the quick hitch at an optional height. The quick hitch can be inclined to a certain degree in a pitching direction of the vehicle body at the optional height defined by the linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jarrod HYDER
  • Publication number: 20170245417
    Abstract: A towing apparatus for agricultural machines of the type of balers and round balers, which comprise at least one device for gathering previously-cut agricultural products, of the type of grass, wheat, maize, hay, forage, and the like, and a chamber for the accommodation and compression of the agricultural products, which are received from the gathering device, for the formation of a bale; the towing apparatus comprises at least one first member, which can be coupled to the agricultural machine and is associated with a second member; the second member is in turn associated with a third member, which can be coupled to a tractor for towing the agricultural machine; either or both of the first member and the second member is controlled by at least one respective actuator, for the movement of the agricultural machine at least partially independently of the advancement of the tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: KVERNELAND GROUP RAVENNA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Cosimo FRASCELLA
  • Publication number: 20170245418
    Abstract: A plow bottom is configured to be easily reset when striking a rock while plowing. The plow operator may set the force required for the plow bottom to disengage using the adjustment switch. Once the shank strikes an object, the plow bottom will disengage. The plow operator then lifts the plow assembly using the tractor to raise the plow bottoms out of the ground. A spring then forces the disengaged plow bottom to reengage. Once the plow bottom is reengaged, the plow operator lowers the plow assembly and continues plowing the land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: John Fehr
  • Publication number: 20170245419
    Abstract: An agricultural material application management system includes an automated agricultural data collection vehicle including a location sensor. The automated agricultural data collection vehicle includes a receiver that receives sensor data including crop information, a memory that stores the plurality of locations and the sensor data, and a processor that generates a mapping correlating the crop information with the plurality of locations in the agricultural area, and generates an agricultural material application recommendation for each of the plurality of locations based on the mapping. The agricultural material application management system includes an agricultural vehicle including an interface unit that interfaces with the automated agricultural data collection vehicle and receives the agricultural material application recommendations from the agricultural data collection vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: LUCIANO De ANDRADE BARBOSA, MATTHIAS KORMAKSSON, CICERO NOGUEIRA DOS SANTOS, MARCELO NERY DOS SANTOS, BIANCA ZADROZNY
  • Publication number: 20170245420
    Abstract: A seed meter includes a seed disc rotatable in a direction of rotation. The seed disc has a plurality of seed apertures defining a circular path as the seed disc rotates and on which seeds from a seed source are entrained. A singulator is disposed along to the circular path. The singulator has a plurality of outer lobes and a first orientation lobe located downstream of the outer lobes. As the entrained seeds rotate along the circular path, the first orientation lobe contacts the entrained seeds to change their orientation. In some embodiments, the first orientation lobe may be disposed to remove excess seeds from the apertures and a second orientation lobe may change the orientation of the entrained seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Tim Schaefer, Ian Radtke
  • Publication number: 20170245421
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single seed dispenser (10) for a precision automatic sower comprising a cover (11) for seeds to be distributed joined to a body (12) containing a cavity (24) in communication with an aspirator of the seeds via a conduit (22) inserted in a hole (23) realised on the body (12), a distribution disc (13) with holes (38, 54) contained in a compartment delimited by said body (12) and by said cover (11); a driving disc (31) joined through pins (53) to the distribution disc (13), both discs being put into rotation by means of a shaft (29) actuated by an actuator for commanding rotation of the discs (13, 31); and a selector device (14) for the seeds pivoted on the edge of the body (12), where the selector device (14) comprises a plate (142) which presents, on a side facing the centre of the distribution disc (13), at least two toothed portions (143, 144), having teeth of different sizes and a curved sector (59) mounted against the surface of the distribution disc (13) opposite to the plate (1
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: MATERMACC S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Luigi DONOLO, Gastone TRACANELLI
  • Publication number: 20170245422
    Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. The seed meters are connected to a controller for actuation of a seed meter. The seed meters are actuated and controlled to plant a variety of seed based, in part, on the location of the planter in a field. The controller can be in communication with a mapping system, such as GPS, to provide updated location of the planter to determine a variety of seed to plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: James E. Straeter
  • Publication number: 20170245423
    Abstract: A chemical granule metering system, for use on a row crop planter, allows for control of chemical granule drop rate. The chemical granule metering system also includes a motor permitting control of chemical granule drop rate by adjusting the rotational speed of the motor. An impeller for a chemical granule meter system having a plurality of apertures is optimized to allow a broad range of chemical granule flow rates, reduce or mitigate clogging, and reduce pulsing characteristics of the metering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Vaughan Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20170245424
    Abstract: A fertilization system may include a flow diverter to divert a portion of water from a ground irrigation system through a tank containing fertilizer and back into the ground irrigation system by creating a high pressure region up stream of the flow diverter and a low pressure region down stream of the flow diverter to provide hydraulic operation of the fertilization system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Edgar LEE
  • Publication number: 20170245425
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a container defining an interior space for holding a fluid. The container is configured to separate the fluid into a liquid and a vapor such that at least a portion of the vapor is disposed above the liquid. The container includes a sidewall and a top wall connected to the sidewall. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are disposed in the sidewall. A plurality of vapor valves are releasably connected to the top wall. The top wall includes a plurality of recesses and a plurality of passageways connecting the plurality of recesses to at least one outlet in the top wall. Each of the plurality of vapor valves is disposed within one of the plurality of recesses, and the plurality of vapor valves is configured to regulate the flow of fluid through the plurality of passageways and exhaust vapor disposed above the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey John Grimm, Andrew Boyd, Kale Schrader
  • Publication number: 20170245426
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a drive source for driving a cutter blade, flaps, a grass clippings container, a grass clippings container weight detection unit, a travel distance detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit determines a change amount of weight of the grass clippings container detected by the grass clippings container weight detection unit over the elapsed time period from the time when detection of travel distance of the lawn mower is started by the travel distance detection unit to the time when travel of predetermined distance is completed, and implements control in a manner that the rotation speed of the drive source and the flap angle of the flaps are adjusted in accordance with the change amount of the weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170245427
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing having an opened bottom, a drive source for driving the cutter blade in the housing, a flap provided for the cutter blade in a manner that the flap has a changeable flap angle, a grass clippings container storing cut lawn grass, a grass clippings container weight detection unit for detecting weight of the grass clippings container, and a control unit. The control unit controls at least one of the rotational speed of the drive source and the flap angle of the flap in correspondence with the weight detected by the grass clippings container weight detection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170245428
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a drive source for driving a cutter blade through a rotation shaft, a flap provided for the cutter blade in a manner that the flaps have a flap angle changeable along a horizontal line which is perpendicular to the rotation shaft, an actuator for controlling the flap angle of the flaps, a control unit for controlling the actuator, and a blade switching unit for switching the cutter blade between an operation state and a stop state. When the control unit determines that a stop switch signal has been received from the blade switching unit, the control unit controls the actuator to increase the flap angle of the flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170245429
    Abstract: A control unit of a lawn mower performs switching control for switching operation between a first control mode and a second mode. In the first control mode, during rotation of an engine at a first reference rotation speed, in the case where a change amount of rotation speed of the engine per unit time has exceeded a reference speed change amount, the rotation speed is maintained at a second reference rotation speed, and an flap angle is increased. In the second control mode, during rotation of the engine at a second reference rotation speed, in the case where an opening angle of a throttle valve has fallen below a reference opening angle, the rotation speed is maintained at the first reference rotation speed, and the flap angle is decreased. The second reference rotation speed is higher than the first reference rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170245430
    Abstract: A bag assembly for a utility machine includes a bag for collecting lawn debris and a frame supporting the bag. The frame defines a mouth configured to receive the lawn debris from the utility machine. The frame is expandable to vary a size of the mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Anne Jarvey, Alex Huss, Paul Ferrier, Thomas E. Phillip
  • Publication number: 20170245431
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing with an opened bottom, a hollow shaft extending in a vertical direction of the housing and including a lower end positioned within the housing, a cutter blade, flaps provided for at least part of the cutter blade in a manner that the flaps have a flap angle changeable along a horizontal line, an actuator for outputting an output to control the flap angle of the flap, and a transmission mechanism accommodated in the hollow shaft for transmitting the output of the actuator to the flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170245432
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a hollow shaft, a cutter blade, flaps, a belt type continuously variable transmission, and a transmission mechanism. The cutter blade extends along a horizontal line which is perpendicular to the hollow shaft. The flaps are provided for the cutter blade. Each of the flaps has a flap angle changeable along the horizontal line. A control force converter unit of the belt type continuously variable transmission converts a displacement force of the movable sheave relative to the fixed sheave in an axial direction into a control force that controls the flap angle of the flaps. The transmission mechanism is accommodated inside the hollow shaft, and transmits the control force to the flaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Yoshimura, Koji Kuriyagawa, Satoshi Onodera
  • Publication number: 20170245433
    Abstract: A mower comprises a deck comprising an underside cavity with a first interior profile; and a deck insert mounted within the underside cavity. The deck insert has a deck insert interior with a second interior profile different than the first interior profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Derra, Scott A. Funke, David W. Procknow, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Rodney J. Balzar
  • Publication number: 20170245434
    Abstract: An arrangement for the control of an actuator (48) for the adjustment of an adjustable element (16) of an agricultural work machine (10) is equipped with a control unit (50) to produce adjustment signals for the adjustable element (16) in the sense of moving to a theoretical position, a control arrangement (62) of the actuator (48), coupled with the adjustable element (16), which receives the adjustment signals of the control unit (50), and a determination device (54) to make available at least one parameter (0), determined with the aid of recorded vibration characteristics of the system consisting of the adjustable element (16) and the work machine (10). The determination device (54) can be operated so as to determine at least one parameter (0) at the successively following time points and to supply it to the control unit (50). The parameter (0) serves to optimize the regulating behavior of the control unit (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Benedikt Jung, Byron K. Miller, Philipp Muench
  • Publication number: 20170245435
    Abstract: A transport vehicle arrangement includes a transport vehicle, a transport implement coupled with the transport vehicle, a sensor arrangement for establishing an angular orientation of the transport implement relative to the transport vehicle, a wireless receiver for receiving harvester information related at least to the speed and direction of an agricultural harvester vehicle, and an electrical processing circuit coupled with the sensor arrangement and the wireless receiver. The electrical processing circuit is configured for steering the transport vehicle arrangement in a reverse direction such that the transport implement is positioned at a desired position relative to an unloading conveyance of the agricultural harvester vehicle, based upon the sensed angular orientation of the transport implement and the harvester information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Adam R. Rusciolelli, Tyson Dollinger, Brian R. Ray
  • Publication number: 20170245436
    Abstract: A lawn mower includes a housing, a drive source, flaps, a grass clippings container, a grass clippings container weight detection unit, an internal pressure detection unit, and a control unit. If it is determined that a first condition where a change amount per predetermined fixed time of the weight detected by the grass clippings container weight detection unit is below a weight change amount reference value and a second condition where a change amount per predetermined fixed time of the internal pressure detected by the internal pressure detection unit has increased to a internal pressure change amount reference value, are satisfied, the control unit implements control to place the flaps in a substantially horizontal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20170245437
    Abstract: A conveyor belt has one or more conveyor belt segments made of an elastomeric material layer and a reinforcement layer of steel ropes disposed in the elastomeric material layer and oriented in a longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt segment. The conveyor belt segments each have a first segment end provided with a first transverse lock bar and a second segment end provided with a second transverse lock bar, wherein ends of the steel ropes are locked frictionally or with form fit in the first and second transverse lock bars, respectively. One or more detachable closure members couple the first and second transverse lock bars of a single one or of adjacently positioned ones of the conveyor belt segments to each other in a rigid correlation relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Simon Hülsmann, Marco Lehmann, Klaus Martensen, Henrik Wermes
  • Publication number: 20170245438
    Abstract: A method for processing raw coconut coir pith into fine particles and the use of such fine particles directly or in formulated form in agricultural, industrial and commercial applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jeff Limbaugh
  • Publication number: 20170245439
    Abstract: A pruner comprises a pair of handles held in cooperative movement relation by a pivot lubrication bolt. A bearing such as a needle roller bearing is employed to provide superior operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Barnel International, Inc.
    Inventors: Linn E. Nelson, Karl H. Zeller
  • Publication number: 20170245440
    Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination module array for a plant factory, the array comprising: first blue LED chips; second blue LED chips; a first combination of RGY phosphors applied on the first chip to form a first RGY phosphors-applied LED chip; a second combination of RGY phosphors applied on the second chip to form a second RGY phosphors-applied LED chip, wherein the first combination is configured by combining red, green, and yellow phosphors that light emission from the first RGY phosphors-applied LED chip has a spectrum having a relatively higher intensity in a red wavelength range; wherein the second combination is configured by combining red, green, and yellow phosphors that light emission from the second RGY phosphors-applied LED chip and has a spectrum having a relatively shaper change of an intensity thereof in a blue wavelength range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: FUTUREGREEN AGRICULTURAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Bin CHO, Ji-Dong KIM, Ki-Biak KWON
  • Publication number: 20170245441
    Abstract: A system for growing plants in an urban setting is provided. The system includes a container. The container is made of a watertight material. The container includes a base and a sidewall extending from the base forming a receptacle within. The present invention further includes a cell layer. The cell layer includes a horizontal base and a plurality of vertical extending cell walls forming a plurality of water cells therebetween. A porous layer covers the cell layer. The porous layer includes a plurality of pores permitting molecules the size of water and smaller to pass through. The cell layer covered with the porous layer are disposed within the receptacle. The cell layer is then covered with soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Marcia Kirkley
  • Publication number: 20170245442
    Abstract: A self-watering portable greenhouse is disclosed having a tubular frame constructed of light-weight, water-tight tubular members which serves as a combined structural skeleton for external walls, a platform for plant containers, and a reservoir for liquid nutrients provided to plants in plant containers by self-watering through a wick connecting the reservoir and the plant containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Michael A Stewart
  • Publication number: 20170245443
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a modular green roof tray, house plant growth media and horticulture growth media, and a tree protection mat for weed and moisture control made from recycled disposable diapers. The growth medium and tree protection mat contain superabsorbent materials from diaper that can absorb waters and greatly reduce irrigation so to provide a drought resistant feature. One embodiment also provides a manufacturing process to perform 100% recycling of disposed diapers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: ZYNNOVATION LLC
    Inventors: Wei ZHANG, Hailing YANG
  • Publication number: 20170245444
    Abstract: A solution for presenting information describing an operation of a forest work unit includes identifying a change affecting the operation of the forest work unit and storing information relating to the change, determining at least one key indicator describing the operation of the forest work unit, and presenting the key indicator describing the operation of the forest work unit and the changes taking place during a monitoring period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: PONSSE OYJ
    Inventors: Jani SAVUOJA, Niko RANTA, Jarmo HILJANEN
  • Publication number: 20170245445
    Abstract: A method for utilizing a tool for installing drip tubes to main drip lines with a coupler. The tool may have an integral body which serves several functions in installing drip tubes to main drip lines with a coupler. The tool has a needle which punctures holes in the main drip line for insertion of one end of the coupler. The tool has a slotted head which grasps the coupler facilitating the insertion of the coupler into the hole in the main line. Embodiments of the tool may also have apertures in the tool which fit around the coupler for facilitating the insertion of an end of the coupler into the open end of the drip tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Hernstedt
  • Publication number: 20170245446
    Abstract: Improved molecular breeding methods include a method in which an association data set is developed by associating the phenotypes of a broad population of individuals with the individual genotypes. The association data set is used in conjunction with a growth model in order to select breeding pairs likely to generate offspring with one or more desirable traits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: MARK COOPER, CARLOS MESSINA, FRANK TECHNOW, LIVIU RADU TOTIR
  • Publication number: 20170245447
    Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of pepper, NUN 70039 PPH or NUN 70041 PPH or NUN 70042 PPH.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jesus Saldivar Davila
  • Publication number: 20170245448
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1210538 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1210538 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AR1210538 in a breeding program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Donald Bruce McClure, David Scott Lee, Kurt Milan Lindenbaum
  • Publication number: 20170245449
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1310246 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1310246 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AR1310246 in a breeding program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Donald Bruce McClure, David Scott Lee
  • Publication number: 20170245450
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1102956 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1102956 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using AR1102956 in a breeding program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Donald Bruce McClure, David Scott Lee
  • Publication number: 20170245451
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety CE1313253 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety CE1313253 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using CE1313253 in a breeding program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS AG
    Inventors: Jose Aponte-Rivera, Kevin Threlkeld
  • Publication number: 20170245452
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety NE1316433 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety NE1316433 and its seed, cells, germplasm, plant parts, and progeny, and methods of using NE1316433 in a breeding program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: SYNGENTA PARTICIPATIONS AG
    Inventors: Keith Merle Bilyeu, Kevin Threlkeld, Daniela Dvorjak
  • Publication number: 20170245453
    Abstract: The invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated BZ9W09-2075. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2075. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2075 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar BZ9W09-2075 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Dale R. Clark
  • Publication number: 20170245454
    Abstract: A method comprises positioning a robotic attacher under a dairy livestock located in a milking stall, wherein the robotic attacher comprises a nozzle. The method continues by rotating the robotic attacher such that the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the robotic attacher and performing a spraying operation using the nozzle. The method concludes by retracting the robotic attacher from under the dairy livestock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
  • Publication number: 20170245455
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik VAN HALSEMA, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Hélèna Geralda Maria VIJVERBERG
  • Publication number: 20170245456
    Abstract: A system includes a controller and a robotic arm. The controller accesses an image signal of an udder of a dairy livestock, and determines a spray position by processing the accessed image signal to determine a tangent at the rear of the udder and a tangent at the bottom of the udder. The spray position is a position relative to the intersection of the two tangents. A robotic arm communicatively coupled to the controller positions a spray tool at the spray position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
  • Publication number: 20170245457
    Abstract: A method and system for homogenizing a fibrous, viscous food mass 1, in particular pasta filata, such as mozzarella, for example, wherein a feed quantity of the food mass 1 is initially fed continuously to a homogenizing device comprising a container, wherein in a subsequent step the food mass 1 exiting an outlet gap of the container is fed to a shaping and/or cooling device disposed underneath the container, wherein the shaping and/or cooling device forms a filling gap between two rollers, each of which, in particular, is equipped with a belt, and shapes the food mass 1 into a food strip, wherein the outlet gap of the container is oriented at least substantially parallel to the filling gap, wherein the opening width of the outlet gap 5 and/or the feed quantity are set such that the food mass located in the container can settle for the purpose of homogenization, wherein the fibers of the food mass entering the filling gap are aligned substantially in the processing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Hochland SE
    Inventors: Dieter Kuhn, Oskar Milz, Andreas Mueller
  • Publication number: 20170245458
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting agricultural manure in a confined animal feeding operation includes a separator which receives heavy manure removing particulate from suspension to produce light manure. Heavy manure is collected to a volume of heavy manure sufficient to substantially fill the first tank. Within the first tank, particulate migrates, due to the influence of gravity to form a layer containing manure comprising a lesser density of particulate than is present in the volume of heavy manure. Additional heavy manure buoys the layer such that the upper surface exceeds a height of a weir. The weir is situated in a channel communicating between the first tank and a second tank configured to receive light manure from the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: David DeWaard
  • Publication number: 20170245459
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a pet toilet are provided. A pet toilet is provided having a base, a standing surface provided on the base configured to allow a pet to stand on the standing surface, a first flush mechanism to provide water for flushing the standing surface, a rim tube connected to the first flush mechanism configured to provide water from the first flush mechanism to the standing surface, and at least one water outlet disposed on the rim tube for providing water from the first flush mechanism to the standing surface. The flush mechanism can be an automatic flush mechanism triggered by one or more motion sensors. The standing surface can have a concave surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventor: Jeni Ellis Halliday
  • Publication number: 20170245460
    Abstract: A multicomponent granular absorbent blend formed of at least a plurality of components with at least one of the components formed of smectite-containing, preferably bentonite-containing, absorbent granules, and at least one other of its components formed of absorbent granules comprised of an extrudate. Such an extruded-containing absorbent granule component can be a component formed of extruded pellets covered with an outer absorbent coating preferably composed of smectite, more preferably bentonite, and/or can be a component formed of extruded pellets used without any such smectite, preferably bentonite, outer coating producing uncoated absorbent granules which also are dust-adhering thereby reducing airborne dust in the multicomponent blend. Such a component composed of uncoated dust-adhering absorbent granules can be formed of extruded splayed pellets having at least one lobe and/or fibrillated tendrils enhancing both absorption and dust pickup in the multicomponent blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: John M. Lipscomb, Omar I. Rodriguez, Chad C. Berge
  • Publication number: 20170245461
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: GEORGE S. GABRIEL, Neil E. Campbell, Rodney E. Gerringer, Lynn B. Irwin, Edward K. Eldreth
  • Publication number: 20170245462
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a flexible, non-metal, hose-type manifold line having a plurality of circular apertures and a plurality of injection molded plastic saddle fittings each configured to fit into an aperture. Each cage location may comprise two apertures opposite one other and two saddle fittings fit thereto. The saddle fittings may further comprise a U-shaped portion configured to fit around the flexible manifold line, an inward-facing protrusion sized and configured to penetrate and seal to an aperture, and one or more ribs to seal the aperture and/or grip the flexible manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: GEORGE S. GABRIEL, Neil E. Campbell, Rodney E. Gerringer, Lynn B. Irwin, Edward K. Eldreth
  • Publication number: 20170245463
    Abstract: A foldable animal sustenance receptacle apparatus comprising a wall mountable structure having a front face and a back face, and at least one receptacle platform, wherein the receptacle platform is operably attached to the front face of the wall mountable structure and extends out perpendicularly from the front face of the wall mountable structure when in the unfolded, horizontal position, is disclosed. The platform can fold upward or downward to be partially flush or fully flush with the front face, and the receptacle platform comprises at least one receptacle for food or water. The receptacles may sit on top of the platform, or the platform may be designed so that receptacles sit within the platform and may be removable or fixed. The present disclosure also provides a system and method for feeding a domesticated animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: CleanFeed, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph S. Wold
  • Publication number: 20170245464
    Abstract: A pet feeding bowl may include a main body and an inner portion. In one embodiment, the main body is bowl-shaped with a receiving space. The main body also includes a holding portion at the bottom thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner portion is also bowl-shaped with a receiving space. The inner portion is configured to dispose in the receiving space of the main body. The inner portion can be further secured at the main body when a predetermined amount of liquid is placed on a back side of the inner portion, so when the back side of the inner portion is in contact with the bottom portion of the receiving space, a surface tension will hold the inner portion to the receiving space to further secure it thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Taizhou Sunup Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Xianpeng Chen
  • Publication number: 20170245465
    Abstract: A pet fountain comprises an upper bowl, a base including a lower bowl. The upper bowl can be secured to the base so that it is elevated above the level of the base. The lower bowl is sufficiently large to accommodate the upper bowl when the upper bowl is not secured to the base. The internal space of the lower bowl has at least one span that is slightly greater than the longest measurement across the upper bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: PET MATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Jeremy Oates, Christopher Peter Kirk