Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to modular grow boxes for growing microgreens and other plants. The modular grow boxes generally include a first modular element having a plate and one or more walls extending therefrom to form a chamber, a second modular element having a platform for supporting a growth medium, and a third modular element that can act as a cover and/or base. The first, second, and third modular elements can be assembled in a first configuration that provides a generally enclosed area for growing plants during a germination phase. The first, second, and third modular elements can also be assembled in a second configuration that provides a partially exposed area for growing plants during a post-germination phase. In some embodiments, the modular grow boxes provide a self-contained, self-watering apparatus that is expected to simplify the process of growing microgreens and other plants.

Abstract: A bed system is disclosed. The bed system may include a perimeter support and associated bedding and may be used by a person or an animal. The bedding may include an upper cavity to receive the support and a lower portion configured with a perimeter zipper. By closing the zipper, the support transitions from a linear configuration to an arc-shaped configuration defining the perimeter of the bed. The inner region of the bed comprises soft ruffled material formed by the gathered lower portion.

Abstract: A protective head cover for an animal has a first cover portion adjustably fastenable around the neck of the animal and a second closed curvilinear cover portion with a tangential edge which attaches to the first cover portion, and tapering outward sections on either side of the tangential edge. A first fastener part is located on the first cover portion and near the tangential edge of the second cover portion. The first fastener part being can be attached to a second fastener part on the second cover portion. The first and the second fastener parts can be adjustably fastened to each other so as to vary an amount of overlap between the first and the second cover portions.

Abstract: A system of decorating a housing that includes a base and a plurality of decorative elements. The decorative elements are irremovably disposed on or partially in the base. The width and depth of the base is less than or equal to the width and depth of the bottom inner surface dimensions of the housing such that the bottom inner surface area of the housing is entirely covered by one or more bases.

Abstract: In an agricultural product, a seed is contained within a composite coating. The composite coating has successive layers, and one or more of the layers can include fertilizer, a binder, and/or lime.

Abstract: Training devices and methods are disclosed herein for training animals on a lead against excessive pulling by delivery escalating stimuli to the animal. The training devices described herein are coupled to a collar and include a housing with portions that can be moved toward one another against a force provided by a biasing device, such that when the collar is pulled against the neck of the animal, the compression of the training device between the collar and the neck of the animal causes the housing portions to move together. This configuration can be utilized to determine an amount of force imparted to a lead by an animal and/or to expose electrodes of a shock assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are an intelligent separation and drying system for maggots and a method of operating the same. The intelligent separation and drying system includes an intelligent light control unit, an intelligent scraping unit, a separation unit, a drying unit, a travelling unit and a central control unit. The central control unit is connected to other units through signals. Multidisciplinary techniques, including spectrum analysis, machine learning algorithm and artificial neural network, are combined to automatically, systematically, intelligently and continuously separate maggots and maggot feed as well as dry the maggots with high efficiency in a clean manner.

Abstract: A method of providing an anti-torque force in a rotorcraft with an anti-torque system comprised of a primary ducted tail rotor system mechanically connected to an engine, and a secondary ducted tail rotor system electrically connected to an electric power supply. The method includes receiving an indication of a change in the operating condition of the anti-torque system based upon a change in a rotorcraft condition input, a feedback input associated with a primary ducted tail rotor system and/or a secondary ducted tail rotor system, and/or a pilot input; responsive to the indication of the change, determining, by a control system, an anti-torque control input including at least a secondary output command for controlling the secondary ducted tail rotor system; and transmitting the secondary output command to the secondary ducted tail rotor system to energize at least one ducted tail rotor assembly therein to provide the second anti-torque force.

Abstract: A spreading device, a powder-like mixture composition and a method for spreading the composition for control or prevent forest pathogens on tree stumps are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for detecting and recording animal behavior may include at least one corral that defines a contained field, the base surface of the at least one corral being sensitive to the animal's footprint. The device also includes an image capturing device that cooperates with the base surface to capture both a profile of the animal's full footprint and a profile of the animal's toe print when the animal is standing on its toes. In some embodiments, the device is capable of providing a stimulus to the animal and observing the resulting behavior of the animal via the image capturing device.

Abstract: Plants are grown in grow trays. The grow trays are placed on a shelf that has rollers mounted on a top side of the shelf and a first stop at a first end of the first shelf. The first shelf is tilted so that grow trays placed on the first shelf will tend to roll towards the first stop at the first end of the first shelf. A plurality of light panels is mounted on the light support system at various locations over the shelf so that a first subsection of the grow trays will be illuminated by the light panels and a second subsection of the grow trays will not be illuminated by the light panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a trap for catching or killing insects, and a method of attracting flying insects to an insect trap. The trap includes a back housing, an insect capture or killing mechanism, an insect attracting light source including light emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit ultra violet radiation, and a cover with openings that allow insects to enter the trap. The light source is directed immediately inwardly through plus or minor 45 degrees towards the insect capture or killing mechanism and is precluded from being directed immediately outwardly through the cover.

Abstract: A system for milking a group of animals, in particular cows, comprising an accommodation space in which the animals roam freely, and a plurality of fixed milking stations. A milk storage tank is placed outside the accommodation space. An automatic milking system for automated milking of the animals comprises at least one autonomous self-propelled trolley with milking cups. The milking system automatically connects the milking cups of the trolley to the teats of the animal. A milk discharge system connects the milking cups to the milk storage tank. The milk discharge system comprises flexible milk lines which are connected to the trolley. The trolley is connected to each milking station through a connection in an animal-free space adjacent to the milking stations. The flexible milk line is configured so the trolley can travel from the animal-free space into each of the milking stations while connected to the trolley.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can deliver a package to a delivery destination. Packages delivered by a UAV may be lowered towards the ground while the UAV continues to fly rather than the UAV landing on the ground and releasing the package. Packages may sway during lowering as a result of wind or movement of the UAV. A package sway may be monitored and mitigated by rapidly paying out a tether, when using a winch mechanism, to dissipate the energy of the sway as downward energy. Further, the UAV may navigate in the direction of the sway or reduce the altitude of the UAV to dissipate the energy of the sway. Open-loop and/or closed loop drop techniques may be utilized to lower a package from the UAV, and the package may be released in the air or on the ground.

Abstract: A wall outlet connectable insect trap for drawing in insects and trapping them within the trap is provided. The insect trap provides an aesthetically pleasing faceplate having a curved back with vented openings hidden from view such that insects may fly into the trap on a back end whereby sticky paper retaining the flies is also hidden from view.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a food product having a cover and a removable liner are discussed. The cover has a top and bottom opening and a sidewall that extends at least partially between the top and bottom opening. At least one aperture is disposed on the sidewall. The removable liner can be inserted within the cover to form the apparatus for receiving the food product. After use of the removable liner, a user can dispose the removable liner by using the aperture to lift the cover with the removable liner inside, and dropping the removable liner into a waste receptacle.

Abstract: A water distribution assembly includes a water capture cup adapted to hold a volume of water, the capture cup including an open recess disposed centrally thereon extending upward into the internal volume thereof, a location spike having a fin configuration, the location spike having a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion culminating at a central stem, the bottom and top portion separated by a flange, the location spike fitted into the recess of the capture cup extending orthogonally below and above the bottom of the capture cup, and a water regulator with a central emitter valve disposed centrally above the capture cup, the regulator cup connected to a water inlet line via a feed stem and to a vertical feeder tube below center, the feeder tube extending downward and connected at the remaining end over the central stem of the location spike.

Abstract: A method of achieving orbital rendezvous with a target satellite includes launching a spacecraft with a launch vehicle at an optimal time; steering the launch vehicle out-of-plane based on the orbital elements of the target satellite's orbit; and entering a predetermined rendezvous envelope of the target satellite before the target satellite completes one complete orbit from the target satellite's position at the optimal time.

Abstract: A lure having a body with a line tie and one or more hooks attached to the body. The body may be formed by a head portion and a tail portion that is removably attached to and from the head portion. The lure may also include one or more noisemaking elements.

Abstract: The feed leveler on a poultry feeder has a plurality of feet provided on an inward facing surface of the feed skirt. A feed pan has a pedestal extending up from a pan floor configured to engage with one of the plurality of feet. Each foot is positioned at a different vertical position along a longitudinal axis of the feed leveler. The pan floor has a central core, wherein a lower portion of a drop tube extends through the central core and a retainer is fastened to a bottom end of the drop tube to mount the feed pan and feed leveler on the drop tube such that the feed pan and the feed leveler can slide along a vertical axis of the drop tube so the poultry feeder engages a ground surface on which the feed pan is received in a telescoping manner.