Abstract: The invention relates to a guide element for an agricultural soil-cultivation machine comprising a connection region for arranging the guide element on a share tip, and comprising a first screw connection for attaching the guide element on a holder, in particular on a tine of the soil-cultivation machine. The guide element has varying thickness, at least in regions along the longitudinal extension thereof running from the connection region to a turned-away end region. The invention further relates to a corresponding tool combination comprising capacity of the guide element to be conformed to the loads in the tool insert, and thus conforming of the maintenance interval to that of the share tip.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of turf (11) comprising grass (12) growing in a matrix (15, 16) comprising removing matrix (15, 16) including any thatch and other infestation by blading (18) moving through the matrix (15, 16) to a predetermined depth (d). The method may be used to treat turf (11) reinforced with artificial grass (13). Equipment for carrying out the treatment comprises a bladed rotor (17) rotating about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural implement has a linear actuator connected between a frame assembly and an opener assembly. A mounting structure for connecting the linear actuator to the opener assembly includes a bushing and an alignment member attached to the linear actuator. The bushing has protrusions extending transversely from opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator. Each protrusion has a curved engagement surface for engaging a flat surface on the opener assembly to prevent bending stresses on the linear actuator when the opener assembly is raised and lowered. The alignment member is arranged to lock the bushing into a predetermined rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator relative to the opener assembly. The alignment member comprises a first structure that mates with a corresponding structure on the bushing, and a second structure that engages opposite sides of the opener assembly.

Abstract: A row unit, including a frame with an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a parallel linkage, the lower portion having a gauge wheel depth control linkage, the gauge wheel depth control linkage coupled to plural gauge wheels; a first device coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide an adjustable down force; and an electric actuator coupled to the gauge wheel depth control linkage, the electric actuator configured to provide adjustable positioning of the gauge wheels.

Abstract: A travel support system for a work vehicle including a vehicle body and a work device provided on the vehicle body includes a first calculator to calculate a vehicle body occupied area including the vehicle body in a plan view. A second calculator is to calculate a work device occupied area including the work device in the plan view. A third calculator is to calculate a work vehicle occupied area including the work vehicle in the plan view, the work vehicle occupied area including the vehicle body occupied area and the work device occupied area. A position calculator is to calculate a position of the work vehicle in a work field based on positioning data. A controller is to control the work vehicle to move in the work field based on the position of the work vehicle and the work vehicle occupied area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural delivery system which may selectively deliver agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field, the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: A planting system and method for planting multiple seed varieties is provided. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. The seed meters are aligned in a non-horizontal configuration within each row unit, and one of the plurality of meters is operated at a time to plant a seed variety associated with the meter being operated.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.

Abstract: A lawnmower with a plurality of blade holding elements in a horizontally rotating blade assembly holds a plurality of blades in a blade channel. The blade assembly is covered by a blade assembly guard that is only open underneath at a point where blades in the blade assembly would cut grass during normal operation. A blade assembly access panel in the upper portion of the blade assembly guard allows blades or a blade assembly to be easily replaced.

Abstract: A high-efficiency cutting system for an autonomous mower provides a multiple blade tip cutting radius for a cleaner cut, and more complete mow. The system includes a spinning blade disk provided within a housing including a vertical standoff. The blade disk includes a first pair of cutting blades located between the center of the blade disk and the circumference of the blade disk, and a second pair of cutting blades located radially inward from the first pair of cutting blades. The cutting blades extend downward and away from the blade disk at an angle.

Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by front and rear wheels. The mower includes a biased handle that permits the handle to be pivotally displaced downwardly, against an upward bias force, during operation. The bias force may be provided by a resilient member that compresses as the handle is displaced downwardly. The compression of the resilient member allows downward movement of the handle without initially producing corresponding upward movement of the front wheels of the mower during rearward pulling of the handle.

Abstract: A walk power mower having a cutting deck supported upon the ground by a front and rear wheel(s). The mower includes a traction drive system incorporating a bidirectional transmission adapted to propel the mower alternatively in both forward and reverse directions. In some embodiments, the mower may include a single bidirectional transmission (e.g., powering only rear wheel(s) or only front wheel(s) of the mower), while in other embodiments, two bidirectional transmissions may be provided to power both the front and the rear wheel(s). In other embodiments, the mower may include a bidirectional transmission powering the rear wheel(s), while the front wheel(s) may be attached to the deck via a caster assembly.

Abstract: A cutting blade replacement jig for replacing a cutting blade of a utility unit, the cutting blade being attached to a peripheral edge part of a disk by a first fastening member and a second fastening member fastened to the first fastening member, the first fastening member passing through a disk through hole formed in the peripheral edge part and a cutting blade through hole formed in the cutting blade. The cutting blade replacement jig includes: a fastening member holder configured to hold the second fastening member; and a cutting blade holder configured to hold the cutting blade on the second fasting member held in the fastening member holder in a state where a center line of the cutting blade through hole and a center line of the second fasting member are aligned.

Abstract: A grain harvesting articulated combine of a forward crop processing power unit (PPU), a rear grain cart, and an articulation joint that connects the PPU with the rear grain cart and includes an auger assembly that moves clean grain from the PPU to the rear grain cart. Two pump circuits deliver power to a pair of hydrostatic motors located in the rear grain cart, one pump circuit hydrostatic motor driving the grain unloader assembly, the other pump circuit hydrostatic motor driving the ascending fill lift auger assembly, the drag auger assemblies, and the articular joint auger assembly. Power (inertia) can be harvested from auger assemblies not moving grain for startup or clog clearing of the other auger assemblies.

Abstract: A corn harvesting header (24) includes a powered row unit (38) and a gathering hood (98). The row unit (38) defines a longitudinal crop row path that extends in a generally rearward crop travel direction and receives a corn row as the header (24) is advanced along the corn row. The gathering hood (98) partly overlies the row unit (38) and includes a laterally extending dam (132) that restricts corn from moving forwardly. The dam (132) at least partly defines a gutter to receive corn kernels and direct the corn kernels rearwardly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating harvested crop product from twigs, dirt, dust, and other debris. A disk to be used in a harvester includes a first segment and a second segment and is configured to cooperate with adjacent disks axially mounted on a common rotational shaft, and radially cooperate with disks mounted on a parallel rotational shaft. The disks are used in a roller assembly or a harvester, and gaps between cooperating disks remain effectively constant during operation.

Abstract: A harvesting unit with a combine, having a user cab. A harvesting apparatus, advanced by the combine, has a frame and a harvesting assembly on the frame configured to process severed crop over a width between spaced sides of the frame. A fluid delivery system discharges pressurized fluid in discrete streams each directed to at least one of: a) facilitate severance of crop by the harvesting assembly; and b) facilitate advancement of severed crop rearwardly in relationship to the frame for further processing. A user can selectively vary at least one of: a) a volume of pressurized fluid; and b) a direction of pressurized fluid in the discrete streams. A control system has at least one actuator accessible and operable from outside of the cab through a user input to cause the at least one of the volume of pressurized fluid discharged, and direction of the pressurized fluid, in the discrete streams to be varied.

Abstract: A walk power mower has a traction drive system that includes a front transmission powering a pair of front wheels and a rear transmission powering a pair of rear wheels. A first one of the transmissions provides forward motion of the mower when it is active and a second one of the transmissions provides rearward motion of the mower when it is active. A slidable handle grip on the handle having a cross bar long enough to be gripped by both hands of the user activates the first one of the transmission when it is slid downwardly on a handle out of a neutral position thereof. The slidable handle grip activates the second one of the transmissions when it is slid upwardly on the handle out of the neutral position.

Abstract: A header support for supporting a header during road transport of an agricultural harvester. The header support has a header mounted to it in order to reduce a front axle load of the agricultural harvester. During harvesting, a support wheel of the header support is folded upwardly so it does not touch the ground during harvesting. The rotation axis of the support wheel extends in a substantially vertical plane during harvesting. This allows for a simple construction of the header support and reduces the vibration loads on the bearing of the support wheel during harvesting.

Abstract: A baling system for baling crop material includes a baling chamber. Moveable doors partly define the chamber and the shape of the bale. Hydraulic tension cylinders extend and retract to apply a force to the moveable doors and the growing bale, and transducers measure the lengths of the tension cylinders. An electronic control unit receives the lengths from the transducers, and communicates via a display at least a relative difference between the lengths for consideration in steering the baling system. In particular, the lengths being equal indicates the growing bale is substantially straight and the baling system should be steered straight, and the lengths being unequal indicates the growing bale is developing a curvature and the baling system should be steered in the direction of the cylinder having the shorter length. The transducers may be located external or internal to the cylinders, and may measure the lengths continuously or periodically.

Abstract: A baler having a compression system for forming a bale includes a plunger that reciprocates within a baling chamber between an extended position and a retracted position. The baler also includes a controller configured to detect and calculate the amount of work exerted by the plunger as it reciprocates within the baling chamber. The controller generally calculates the work exerted by the plunger by determining the force applied to the plunger and the distance the plunger has traveled with respect to the baling chamber.

Abstract: A residue handling system of an agricultural harvester includes a straw beater for receiving material other than grain from a threshing and separating system. A subsequent residue treatment device receives the material from the straw beater and breaks down larger parts of the material prior to discharge from the agricultural harvester. At least one wind generating system is located at an end of the straw beater and directs a flow of air from the vicinity of the straw beater to the subsequent residue treatment device. The flow of air is directed to pass substantially through an upper rearward part of the residue handling system. The flow of air operates to further entrain, render airborne, and transport material other than grain proceeding from the straw beater to the subsequent residue treatment device.

Abstract: A method of stacking sod rolls can include the steps of: a) moving a head of a sod handling apparatus into a sod pickup location containing a plurality of sod rolls; b) picking-up a first sod roll with a first sod carrier, picking-up a second sod roll with a second sod carrier, and picking-up a third sod roll with a third sod carrier; c) moving the head to a sod drop-off location; d) releasing the first sod roll from the first sod carrier at the sod drop-off location; e) after releasing the first sod roll, moving the second sod carrier toward the first sod carrier and moving the third sod carrier toward the first sod carrier to reduce the spacing between the second and third rolls of sod; and f) depositing the second sod roll and third sod roll at the drop-off location.

Abstract: A hedgetrimmer having a blade assembly that includes a sawblade for cutting through larger branches and other vegetative foliage. The blade assembly includes a reciprocating blade having an integrally formed sawblade portion that moves back and forth cutting motion. The other blade is fixed and includes a bevelled interior edge that helps debris being cut to pass over the blade and prevent getting stuck.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for use in the shipment, delivery, and display of flowers. The apparatus comprises a preferably translucent enclosure with a lid, housing a removable tray assembly. The removable trays have aligned openings for the insertion of flower stems. The enclosure itself is configured to be stacked conveniently on a pallet for bulk shipment and delivery. The system and method comprise providing an interface for users to order flowers contained in the enclosure and delivering the enclosure with a customized multimedia electronic greeting.

Abstract: A plant illumination device may include an elongate body comprising: a light propagating section, a light quenching section coupled to a first end of the light propagating section, and, optionally, a light conducting apex coupled to a second end of the light propagating section. In some embodiments, the light conducting apex acquires light which propagates to the light propagating section. The light propagating section may be positioned in proximity to a non-root portion of a plant and the light quenching section in proximity to a root system of the plant. In some embodiments, the light is prevented from reaching the root system of the plant by the light quenching section. In some embodiments, the light includes sunlight, green light, or red light.

Abstract: A system for heat and light management for indoor horticulture is described. More particularly, a system including light sources, a light distribution chamber, and circulating water is described.

Abstract: A low-flow emitter includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes a first thread portion, and a first passage defined in the first thread portion. The second housing includes a second thread portion, and a second passage defined in the second thread portion corresponding with the first thread portion in a thread connection. Part of the thread connection between the first and second housings is a loose fitting thread connection. A spiral passage is formed along the loose fitting thread connection between the first and second housings. Water flow rate is able to be controlled by a rotation of the first housing with respect to the second housing.

Abstract: A system and method for image-based irrigation system management. The method includes continuously obtaining sensor signals, wherein the sensor signals include at least one first image showing at least one crop; analyzing the obtained sensor signals, wherein the analysis includes performing machine vision on the at least one first image; determining, based on the analysis, at least one current crop identifier of the at least one crop; and determining, in real-time, a dispersal route for an irrigation system based on the at least one current crop identifier.

Abstract: A method for watering plants using a self-contained high pressure distribution system with a water reservoir. A mini gear pump is used for pumping water to pressure compensated drip emitters at individual plants. A method for monitoring soil moisture content and programming of individual watering of plants through an energy efficient wireless networking system. The high-pressure water in the plant watering system is used as a communication physical channel for the wireless networking for improving wireless communication range and battery life of wireless terminals. Chip-level Differential Encoding based Spread Spectrum signaling is used for reducing wireless networking solution cost, improving wireless link budget, improving immunity to interference, and increasing battery life of wireless terminals.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing seeds in watermelon. In one embodiment methods are provided comprising grafting of a seed parent onto a stress tolerant rootstock, pollinating the seed parent with pollen from a pollen donor, and cultivating the seed parent until seed is formed. In specific embodiments, triploid seeds produced by a method of the invention are rendered conspicuously distinguishable from tetraploid seeds, and thus readily selected manually or by an automated machine. Methods for increasing seed yield and/or quality are also provided.

Abstract: Molecular markers useful for identifying, selecting, and/or providing soybean plants displaying tolerance, improved tolerance, or susceptibility to iron deficiency, methods of their use, and compositions having one or more marker loci are provided. Methods comprise detecting at least one marker locus, detecting a haplotype, and/or detecting a marker profile. Methods may further comprise crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Isolated polynucleotides, primers, probes, kits, systems, as well as soybean plants, seeds, and parts thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Argonaute systems in plants for genome engineering, and compositions used in such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an altered Gypsophila plant comprising a flower having an altered phenotype, wherein the flower having an altered phenotype comprises an elevated amount of Beta-Carotene, wherein the elevated amount of Beta-Carotene is at least twice the concentration of Beta-Carotene compared to the concentration of Beta-Carotene in a control Gypsophila flower and to methods for selecting altered Gypsophila plants.

Abstract: A Gypsophila paniculata plant comprising an exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding PAP1 is provided. Alternatively or additionally there is provided a Gypsophila paniculata plant comprising a flower producing a non-thermally induced red, pink, purple or green pigmentation or a combination of same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a celery plant (Apium graveolens L. dulce) carrying a genetic trait that leads to a shorter petiole and a shorter total plant length at mature harvest stage as compared to a celery plant not carrying the said genetic trait, wherein said genetic trait is as present in the genome of plants grown from seed of which a representative sample was deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41902.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB8415 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8415 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 SV0628PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV0628PB 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 tomato hybrid DR0147TX and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR0147TX 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 pepper hybrid SVPB8193 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8193 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 methods and compositions for breeding pepper (Capsicum sp. such as Capsicum annuum) lines, including isogenic and nearly isogenic lines, displaying one or more mature fruit color(s) of interest. Predictive genetic markers and associated sequences and primers, associated with phenotypic diversity at the Ccs locus encoding Capsanthin-Capsorubin Synthase, and the Ze locus encoding Zeaxanthin Epoxidase are also provided, as well as methods for breeding pepper lines. Further provided are pepper plants, and plant parts including seeds, seed mixtures, fruit, and packaged fruit, which display mature fruit color(s) of interest.

Abstract: NWB-CMS Brassica oleracea has cytoplasmic male sterility. It relates to NWB-CMS cabbage plant having cytoplasmic male sterility derived from NWB-CMS cabbage line produced by fusion between protoplast of NWB-CMS radish line plant derived from callus of NWB-CMS radish line having cytoplasmic male sterility with inactivated nucleus and protoplast of male fertile cabbage plant with inactivated cytoplasm and a seed thereof, a plant of NWB-CMS Brassica oleracea line having cytoplasmic male sterility produced by breeding of a male fertile Brassica oleracea as a subject for introduction with the NWB-CMS cabbage plant as a breeding line and a seed thereof, a method for producing a hybrid seed of NWB-CMS Brassica oleracea line having cytoplasmic male sterility comprising breeding of a male fertile Brassica oleracea as a subject for introduction with the NWB-CMS cabbage plant as a breeding line, and a hybrid seed of NWB-CMS Brassica oleracea line produced by the method.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated PV 581 GC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety PV 581 GC with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PV 581 GC through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety PV 581 GC, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety PV 581 GC are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated 45M35 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety 45M35 with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 45M35 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety 45M35, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety 45M35 are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a canola variety designated PV 560 GM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof produced from a cross of inbred varieties. Methods for producing a canola variety comprise crossing canola variety PV 560 GM with another canola plant. Methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PV 560 GM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Canola variety PV 560 GM, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, plant parts and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of canola variety PV 560 GM are disclosed.

Abstract: An identified 90 bp sequence insertion in the GB0331 genome disrupts the coding sequence of the FAD2-1D gene near the 3? end of the protein coding region. This sequence is not found in reference genomes of other Gossypium species. This DNA segment can be used to track the high oleic fad-2-1D mutant allele for introgression into cotton varieties such as Pima and upland cotton varieties. This enables a non-GMO strategy to elevate the oleic acid content of commercial cottonseed oil.

Abstract: An animal toilet has a front-rear direction, a right-left direction and an up-down direction that intersect each other. The animal toilet is provided with an upper container that is provided with a plurality of holes through which urine passes below, a lower container that is positioned below the upper container and has formed an insert hole on a front face, and a tray that is housed from the insert hole into the lower container in a manner being allowed to be pulled out forward, and made to receive and store the urine that falls through the holes of the upper container. A front part of the tray is not protruding in front of the front face of the lower container when seen from the right-left direction. The front part of the tray has an exposed portion. An upside and a downside of the exposed portion are exposed to an outside space. An upper part and a lower part of the exposed portion are respectively provided with a geometrically deformed portion having a shape changed from a surrounding portion.

Abstract: An animal toilet includes: a front-rear direction, a right-left direction, and a height direction; an upper container that is to be placed with excrement treating material on a bottom portion having a plurality of holes through which urine passes, the bottom portion being a part positioned lowest inside the upper container, in a state where an absorbent body has been placed in a tray, a central position of the bottom portion of the upper container being arranged nearer to a rear side than a central position of the absorbent body, in the front-rear direction; the tray that is to be placed with the absorbent body that absorbs urine that has passed through the holes; and a lower container put below the upper container, the lower container storing the tray.

Abstract: An animal littler container enclosure system includes an access chute, a housing, and a drawer. The access chute has a first access, a second access, and an exterior surface, and is configured to be inserted through a wall between a first space and a second space such that the first access is located in the first space and the second access is located in the second space. The housing has a back access aperture; an interior top surface adjacent the back access aperture, a mounting flange adjacent the back access aperture, a front wall with a front wall exterior surface, and a front drawer aperture. The housing is configured to be mounted to the wall in the second space through attaching the mounting flange to the wall and resting the interior top surface on the exterior surface of the access chute.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fingertip toothbrush for a pet, and more particularly, to a fingertip toothbrush for a pet that is configured to allow bristles to vibrate and reciprocally slide up and down, so that toothbrushing can be carefully and precisely achieved, which is effective in improving the teeth health of the pet.