Abstract: The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a mite composition comprising a predatory mite and a prey. Such a mite composition is suitable for rearing the predatory mite and/or for crop protection using the predatory mite. The prey in the composition comprises individuals of at least one Astigmatid mite species, wherein at least a fraction of the Astigmatid individuals is immobilized. The composition is characterized in that immobilized Astigmatid individuals are contacted with a fungus reducing agent.

Abstract: A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an emitter configured to transmit a beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound. The beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound is configured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to produce a specified audible sound for a bird at a selected distance away from the emitter.

Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.

Abstract: A method for precisely applying chemicals targeted by digital maps developed from remotely sensed data, including: obtaining EOS data through a growing season of a crop growing in a field; processing the EOS data to reflectance values; removing error-inducing effects of atmospheric alteration from the processed EOS data; calculating from the processed EOS data a crop performance index that indicates one or more poor performing areas of the field; generating one or more maps of the crop performance index to allow a user to determine whether each of the one or more poor performing areas of the field are due to biological pests instead of topographic or soil constraints in discrete locations of the field; guiding the user to the one or more poor performing areas of the field using the one or more maps to allow the user to scout the one or more poor performing areas of the field to confirm and identify the biological pests; and providing guidance for a chemical application at the one or more poor performing areas

Abstract: Protection system for the mechanized covering of plant crops which are usually planted in rows, of the type in which vertical poles (1) are arranged along the rows and have heights greater than those of the crowns of the plants to be protected, the poles being interconnected by longitudinal (3) and transverse (2) cables to form an overhead supporting lattice roof structure, the system comprising means for mechanizing the steps of extending flexible protective sheets (4) over the roof structure and removing them therefrom, characterized in that: the poles (1) are in a staggered or grid arrangement such that they are transversely aligned in even-numbered rows (F2, F4, etc.) only and in odd-numbered rows (F1, F3, etc.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a milking process by a milking apparatus that includes a teatcup with a pulsation space and an airline to deliver varying levels of pressure to the pulsation space. The method includes: measuring airflow within the airline to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the pulsation space; comparing the volume with a reference value; and determining a connection parameter, indicating how the teatcup is connected to the teat, based on the comparison. The displaced air volume correlates to the extent the teat protrudes into the teatcup, thus providing information on how the teatcup is connected. Also provided is a milking system incorporating the method.

Abstract: Provided is a modular growing panel system for attaching vegetation to a surface of a structure. In one aspect, the modular growing panel system includes a growing substrate with a plurality of layers formed into a tile that is rigid and self-supportive of vegetation being grown in the growing substrate. A binder attaches one or more of the tiles to each other and forming the modular growing panel system. In another aspect, the modular growing panel system includes a growing substrate with a plurality of layers formed into a tile that is rigid and self-supportive of vegetation being grown in the growing substrate. A framework for holding and attaching one or more tiles to the structure includes an upper channel having a slot that corresponds to the depth of the tile and a lower channel also having a slot corresponding to the depth of the tile.

Abstract: Enhanced methods and systems for human-pet communication are described. Example embodiments provide an Internet Canine Communication System (“ICCS”). The ICCS facilitates remote communication and interaction with between a dog and its owner, caretaker, trainer, family member, or the like. The ICCS may include a base station or similar device that is configured to deliver treats to a dog and to transmit audio/visual communication between the dog and a remote client device operated by a human user. The ICCS may also facilitate training the dog to utilize the ICCS to communicate with the user, such as by answering calls from or initiating calls to the remote client device of the user.

Abstract: Enhanced methods and systems for human-pet communication are described. Example embodiments provide an Internet Canine Communication System (“ICCS”). The ICCS facilitates remote communication and interaction with between a dog and its owner, caretaker, trainer, family member, or the like. The ICCS may include a base station or similar device that is configured to deliver treats to a dog and to transmit audio/visual communication between the dog and a remote client device operated by a human user. The ICCS may also facilitate training the dog to utilize the ICCS to communicate with the user, such as by answering calls from or initiating calls to the remote client device of the user.

Abstract: A pet feeder includes an assembly base and a feeder body. The assembly base includes a base body having an annular external rim provided with a plurality of pluggable fins. The feeder body includes an annular surrounding wall and a feeding trough defined inside the surrounding wall. The surrounding wall of the feeder body is provided with several sets of slots arranged in a circumferential direction about a central axis thereof and annularly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. Each of the several sets of slots extends a distinct depth and has a plurality of slots matching the pluggable fins of the assembly base. As such, a height of the feeding trough of the feeder body can be conveniently adjusted when one of the several sets of slots with a specific depth is coupled with the pluggable fins of the assembly base.

Abstract: A poultry feeder for feeding birds in their early stages of growth, having a rectangular-rounded shape, comprising: a clamp for embracing a food supply tube; a holding throat for holding the clamp; a shutter for limiting the food supply; a hopper coupled to the holding throat for distributing the food; a food receiving plate integrally coupled to said hopper; wherein the holding throat is bifurcated and surrounds the clamp; wherein the hopper extends from the holding throat; wherein the clamp, which has a cylindrical shape, comprises three sections: a left lateral section; a central section and a right lateral section, and is formed by an upper half and a lower half, wherein said upper and lower halves are symmetrical and semi-cylindrical; wherein the upper half of the clamp comprises: an upper left lateral section, an upper central section and an upper right lateral section; and the lower half of the clamp comprises a lower left lateral section; lower central section, and a lower right lateral section; where

Abstract: In a process for the dual use of packaging for a fish-related product such as fish food or a fish-related consumable product normally dispensed into an aquarium, a package including a compartment is filled with the fish-related product which is then dispensed until depleted. The dual use package is then placed within the aquarium and utilized as a decorative ornament. In this regard, the dual use package may be reconfigured for use as a decorative feature within the aquarium, and ballast may be added to the ornamental container before being submerged.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a recirculating aquaculture system for aquatic life. The system includes a culture tank, a sensor configured to measure a carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, a variable speed pump configured to circulate water through the culture tank, and a controller in communication with the sensor and the variable speed pump. The controller is configured to retrieve a maximum carbon dioxide concentration in the culture tank, retrieve a current carbon dioxide concentration, and compare the current carbon dioxide concentration to the maximum carbon dioxide concentration. When the current carbon dioxide concentration is greater than the maximum carbon dioxide concentration, the controller is configured to automatically increase the current water flow rate or automatically increase the current air flow rate based on the current gas to liquid ratio in the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a pump in an aquaculture system including a water tank that houses aquatic life. The method includes monitoring a dissolved oxygen level in the culture tank, determining a flow rate threshold based on the dissolved oxygen level, and changing a speed of the pump to maintain a current flow rate through the culture tank above the flow rate threshold.

Abstract: An animal feed dispenser includes a feeding tube for receiving a predetermined amount of animal feed from a hopper. The feeding tube includes at least one opening through which animals may access the interior of the feeding tube. The opening may be closed by a movable closure flap so as to restrict access to the animal feed located within the feeding tube.

Abstract: A crowd gate control system includes a holding pen for dairy livestock, wherein the holding pen is adjacent to an entrance to a milking parlor. The system further includes a crowd gate positioned at a side of the holding pen. The crowd gate moves in relation to the entrance to the milking parlor. A controller is initiates a first mode of operation of the crowd gate prior to the crowd gate reaching the entrance to the milking parlor. The first mode of operation is a pre-forward reverse step. The crowd gate moves away from the entrance to the milking parlor prior to initiating movement towards the entrance.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory and a processor. The memory stores information about a milking stall where a dairy livestock is located at a first time, and a coordinate location of the dairy livestock at a second time. The processor is communicatively coupled to the memory and determines if the coordinate location of the dairy livestock at the second time is different than the milking stall where the dairy livestock is located at the first time. If the coordinate location where the dairy livestock is located at the second time is not the milking stall, the processor generates an error flag associated with the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A rotary parlor arranged to house animals to be milked includes an annular rotary platform (1), at least one milking stall (3) defined by at least one side wall element (2) and a storing device (8) adapted to hold teat cups (9) in a parking position, and a restricting element (8a, 13a, 16a) adapted to restrict the mobility of the animal (4) in the milking stall in a manner such that a free space (12) is created between the animal (4) and a side wall element (2) in a part of the milking stall (3), where the free space (12) is used by a robot arm (10) when fetching a teat cup in the storing device to attach to a teat of the animal (4) in the milking stall (3).

Abstract: A floor cleaning system and method for use thereof is disclosed for facilitating removal of waste materials. The system includes and the method relies upon use of a floor base, a floor covering, a substrate spacing the floor base and the artificial grass surfacing apart from one another, and at least one fluid-carrying structure. The floor base receives the waste materials. The floor covering is spaced above the floor base, and is at least in part permeable to the waste materials and in liquid communication with the floor base. The fluid-carrying structure is adapted to provide cleaning fluid to the floor base to rinse the waste materials received thereon. The cleaning fluid and waste materials flow along the floor base under the floor covering to facilitate evacuation thereof.

Abstract: A biodegradable litter kit to be used for the collection and disposal of animal waste. The kit includes a litter box having a tray portion and a retractable lid. The tray has a bottom and at least one protruding side to which the lid is connected. The box includes a perforated false bottom positioned within the tray for holding a layer of fresh litter above the bottom of the tray. The perforated false bottom permits for the passage of soiled litter but prevents the passage of fresh litter to the bottom of the tray thus keeping a layer of fresh litter accessible for use by an animal.