Abstract: Described herein are implements, systems, and methods for applying stress to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an agricultural implement comprises a frame transverse to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement and a stress mechanism disposed on the frame in operation such that the stress mechanism applies a force to the row of plants as the agricultural implement moves through the field.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing apparatus, system, and method is provided. The hydroponic grower includes one or more seed beds each having a length and a width operably supported by a framework. A seed belt is rotatable around each of the one or more seed beds between loading and offloading positions to and from a seed growing position. Seed is discharged onto the seed belt for hydroponically growing a seed atop of the one or more seed beds. Seed growth can be offloaded through the path of a stream of liquid exiting a liquid nozzle for cutting through offloaded seed growth in at least one direction.

Abstract: The development is a pet grooming loop that includes a hook and at least one slide. The hook has been modified to allow for single-handed control of the lever and is further adapted so different types of loop materials may be used with a single hook. The slide has an easy latch mechanism so that it can be closed and opened with one hand.

Abstract: A vertical farming structure having vertical grow towers and associated conveyance mechanisms for moving the vertical grow towers through a controlled environment, while being exposed to controlled conditions, such as lighting, airflow, humidity and nutritional support. The present disclosure describes a reciprocating cam mechanism that provides a cost-efficient mechanism for conveying vertical grow towers in the controlled environment. The reciprocating cam mechanism can be arranged to increase the spacing of the grow towers as they are conveyed through the controlled environment to index the crops growing on the towers. The present disclosure also describes a tower shuttle mechanism that provides operational flexibility by decoupling the loading and unloading operations of the grow towers from the vertical farming structure and, therefore, allowing multiple grow towers to be extracted for harvesting in a batch process before loading new grow towers into the vertical farming structure in a separate process.

Abstract: A lightweight, simple and comfortable pet harness with waste bag dispensing and storage pockets, and reflective piping on the harness edges and zipper pockets. The harness has only two single buckle straps which are designed to tuck into sections of the harness to avoid poking or sticking the pet.

Abstract: A safety valve arrangement and method, having an upstream block valve, a downstream block valve, and a pressure monitored galley between the upstream valve and the downstream valve.

Abstract: A horticulture tray support system including a plurality of horticulture trays. Each one of the plurality of horticulture trays defines a plurality of growing cells. A stand includes a plurality of vertical supports spaced apart along a length of the stand. A horizontal support extends along the length of the stand between at least two of the plurality of vertical supports. The stand is configured to support the plurality of horticulture trays above a surface that the plurality of vertical supports are seated on.

Abstract: A solution for illuminating plants can include: a set of visible light sources configured to emit visible radiation directed at the plant; a set of infrared radiation sources configured to emit ultraviolet radiation directed at the plant; a feedback component configured to acquire data regarding the plant; and a control unit configured to control and adjust radiation directed at the plant based on the data.

Abstract: A grow system. The system includes growing plants in grow modules that are individually moveable. The plants grow in trays where roots never touch the water supply. The plumbing to the grow modules is a low flow, one way flow continual drip system that is hands free. A mobile robot can navigate around a growspace, bring any grow module from one location to another, and perform growspace operations. The growspace is a control space with data source zones and a control space manager. The control space manager can collect data and control different variables across different data source zones in order to determine optimal policies and conditions for data source growth and generation.

Abstract: A light up buckle for use with a dog collar. The buckle design comprises a Plastic Computer Board (PCB) which incorporates LED's, a mini-USB port, a switch and a rechargeable battery. The entire assembly is water-resistant, by means of two rubber components that interlock when the buckle is closed. The buckle is intended for illumination at night to aid the visibility of an owner's canine that wears the buckle on the collar.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a seed support that comprises a biodegradable polymer film having a plurality of seeds at least partially embedded therein, the process comprising the steps of (a) providing a hydrophobic release liner (18); (b) applying a coating of an aqueous dispersion or solution comprising a biodegradable polymer on the hydrophobic release liner (18), wherein the dispersion or solution has a viscosity of from 2000 to 16000 mPa·s and a water content of from 58% to 90% by weight of the coating; (c) depositing a plurality of seeds onto the coating so that the seeds become at least partially embedded in the coating; (d) drying the coating to give a final water content of 1.5% to 15% by weight and thereby form the biodegradable polymer film; and (e) detaching the hydrophobic release liner from the biodegradable polymer film to give the seed support.

Abstract: An apparatus for subcortical injection of a substance into a plant includes a body, a first force sensor measuring bearing force of the apparatus on the plant, a hollow needle to penetrate the plant, a reservoir communicating with the needle and containing the substance, a first actuator moving the needle to insert it into the plant, a second force sensor measuring the force of insertion of the needle, a second actuator compressing the substance in the reservoir, a third actuator measuring pressurization force of the substance, and a microcontroller activating the first actuator only if the first force sensor detects a bearing force, modulating the activation of the first actuator, and thus the injection of the needle into the plant, depending on the measured insertion force, and which modulates compression in the reservoir, and thus injection into the plant, depending on the force measured by the third force sensor.

Abstract: Biodegradable planter pots constructed from starch and an outer silicon layer. The starch provides a biodegradable and/or compostable characteristic to the pot, allowing it to be broken down into the soil after the pot has been planted. The outer silicon layer provides durability to the pots, allowing them to retain their shape for an additional period of time and withstand handling, while also retaining the biodegradable characteristics of the pots. Advantageously, the pots allow seedlings and seeds to be directly deposited into the soil, while also providing structure to the plant for the initial growth period. Advantageously, the pots provide a stable structural support that is hardy and/or water-resistant but can also being broken down as the plant grows.

Abstract: A rotational sprouter system, is disclosed including: a chamber comprising an opening; a porous end cap that is configured to engage the opening of the chamber; a reservoir; wherein the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the reservoir such that an interior of the chamber is in communication with the reservoir via the porous end cap; and wherein the porous end cap is adapted to engage a drive mechanism that is configured to rotate the chamber and the porous end cap while the chamber and the porous end cap are at least partially submerged in the reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a connecting belt, a dog vest, and a wearable product. The connecting belt includes a plurality of position marks, an interval is defined between each two adjacent position marks, and the intervals are arranged along a length direction of the connecting belt and configured to mark a length of the connecting belt when adjusting.

Abstract: An Internet-of-Things management and control system for an intelligent orchard includes a server, agricultural machinery equipment, an image acquisition apparatus disposed on the site, and various sensors. The agricultural machinery equipment, the image acquisition apparatus and the various sensors are in communication connection with the server. The server includes an orchard management subsystem and an information monitoring subsystem. The orchard management subsystem includes a fruit tree planting planning module, a task management module and various information management modules, and the information monitoring subsystem includes a meteorological environment monitoring module, a soil moisture monitoring module and a disease and pest monitoring module. According to the Internet-of-Things management and control system, all-round management for an orchard from planning to picking can be achieved.

Abstract: A releasable pet leash includes an elongated cord or strap having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a foam-encapsulated loop that a user grasps when walking a pet. The distal end includes a metallic bobbin removably coupled with a linkage assembly that is adapted to fasten to a pet collar. The linkage assembly includes a mechanism that automatically releases the bobbin if the leash is trapped between closed elevator doors allowing a pet to escape unharmed.

Abstract: A container for growing plants includes a bottom wall, a first side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall, and a second side wall extending perpendicular to the bottom wall and parallel to the first side wall such that the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall at least partially define a plant growing chamber. Furthermore, the container includes a lid configured to selectively occlude access to the plant growing chamber. Additionally, one of the bottom wall, the first or second side walls, or the lid includes a rail and another of the bottom wall, the first or second side walls, or the lid defines a groove such that the rail of the container is configured to be received within a groove of a first adjacent container and the groove of the container is configured to receive a rail of a second adjacent container.

Abstract: A modular weed barrier mat comprised of a double layer of tire tread sections cut from used tires arranged so that the lengths of the upper sections are perpendicular to those of the lower sections. A pair of upper sections are positioned in spaced apart relationship so as to form a gap, with a central slit array cut into two immediately adjacent lower sections accessible within the gap. A slit cut through a width of one lower section directly below one of the upper sections on either side of the central slit array allows a post to be moved into the slit and then positioned in the central slit array. Corrosion resistant fasteners are removed and replaced as needed to allow the mat to be installed or removed as desired. One embodiment features lower and upper lap portions on opposite sides of the mat for modular installation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an animal leash that includes a strap including first and second strap portions stacked one over the other, the strap having a first end and a second end. The leash includes a first coupling link attached to the first end of the strap, and a second coupling link attached to the second end of the strap. Along a middle section of the strap, the first and second strap portions form loops. The first coupling link is operable for attachment to any one of the loops. The disclosure also describes a storage attachment for use with an animal leash.