Abstract: A nest box or birdhouse wherein a removable roof panel provides easy physical access to a nest cavity and also secures an interchangeable entrance panel in multiple positions—for both active-breeding-season use and off-season storage. All vertical enclosure components can remain in place during activity monitoring, avoiding harm to eggs or hatchlings when the nest box is opened. In the off-season-storage configuration, the enclosed nest cavity is eliminated to prevent infestation. The nest box utilizes a hollow roof-locking pin for increased ventilation. Furthermore, an adjustable-height mounting mechanism helps prevent predator attacks and allows the nest box to be accessed at safe heights during physical monitoring and maintenance.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for converting the output of a pressure sensitive mat into an image and processing the image to identify the products present on the mat. An example system includes a processor configured to read pressure values from the plurality of pressure sensors on the pressure sensitive mat and generate an image with each pixel in the image encoding a value corresponding to a pressure value read from the pressure sensitive mat. A server may be configured to receive the image from the processor and process the image to identify one or more types of products that may be present on the pressure sensitive mat for each product package detected to be present on the pressure sensitive mat based on a combination of two or more of a shape of the product package, one or more dimensions of the product package, or a weight of the product package.

Abstract: A standardized nesting material for use in laboratory environments for rodents includes a latrining substrate, and at least one bale unit formed to include a fibrous scaffolding material, and an insulating material. The bale units are of standardized size and can be packaged and sterilized to provide improved wellbeing of the animals; reduced feed and labor costs; and improved scientific quality of the studies conducted on the animals.

Abstract: An aviary is provided having a floor and a first aviary cage including a first outside surface enclosing a first inside area. The aviary further comprises a second aviary cage similar to the first aviary cage and including a second outside surface enclosing a second inside area. An aisle extends between the first aviary cage and the second aviary cage. A first perch extends from the first outside surface of the first aviary cage and into the aisle at a first vertical distance from the floor. A second perch extends from the second outside surface of the second aviary cage and into the aisle at a second vertical distance from the floor. The first and second vertical distances from the floor are not equal.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a cage tower and an egg collector. A cover is positioned over the egg collector and includes an inner end and an outer end. A cover adjustment member is coupled to the cover to reversibly raise one of the inner end and the outer end to a higher position than the other of the inner end and the outer end to facilitate movement of a deposit disposed on the cover toward the lower positioned end. The present embodiments also provide a method of operating an adjustable balcony in an aviary, which aviary includes a cage tower, an egg collector, a cover including an inner end and an outer end, and a deposit. The method includes disposing the cage tower in the aviary, disposing the egg collector on the cage tower, disposing the cover above the egg collector, and disposing the deposit on the cover.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a floor, a roof, and at least one wall having a plenum to draw air adjacent the roof down the plenum toward the floor. At least one cage tower is disposed on the floor. At least one walkway is disposed adjacent the at least one cage tower and is configured to facilitate bird access to the at least one cage tower. A fan is disposed in flow communication with the plenum to circulate air in the aviary.

Abstract: An apparatus for a nest box includes an outer box for establishing a nesting enclosure. The outer box is molded from a plastic material impregnated with a heat-reflective pigment. The outer box includes a generally rectangular shape with an open end, a closed end, sides, a top and a bottom. The sides have a plurality of vent holes. The bottom has a plurality of drain holes. The top has vent slots. An inner liner is contained within the outer box with an air space between the inner liner and the outer box. The inner liner includes an open end, a closed end, sides and a bottom. The sides have a plurality of vent holes. The top has a plurality of vent holes. The bottom has a plurality of drain holes. A radiant barrier foil is joined to an interior surface of the outer box. A faceplate covers the open end.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: A plastic artificial gourd for use as a nesting place for purple martins. An outer shell has a neck and an inspection hole and is formed in halves. The front half has an entrance hole for the martins. An inner core is provided with an inspection hole and entrance hole in registry with those in the outer shell. Drainage holes are provided in the bottom of the outer shell and the inner core and the neck is provided with ribs forming an air space when a cap is attached to the neck. The gourd is ventilated though the drainage holes and out the air space under the cap. The inside of the outer shell and inner core may be textured to provide the martins a good footing.

Abstract: A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Abstract: A floating habitat designed to be renewably buoyant, self-sustaining and optionally specialized for waterfowl nesting. The first embodiment comprises one or more flotation units, a source of compressed air, and a means for connecting the source of compressed air to the flotation units. Each flotation unit comprises an individual supply hose, an inflatable bladder, a relief valve, a diffusing manifold, bottom mesh, top mesh, and buoyant growth medium. An alternative embodiment comprises a self-compensating buoyancy system. In the waterfowl nesting embodiment, the floating habitat includes one or more waterfowl nesting structures and construction material selected to optimize the nesting habitat. The floating habitat can be comprised of scrap pieces or layers of polyester mesh material. The floating habitats can be combined to provide safe habitat for juvenile waterfowl, encourage colony nesting, or allow a variety of waterfowl or shore bird species to enjoy suitable habitat on the same floating habitat.

Abstract: A cage free nest has nest bottoms that have raised/rounded portions proximate to the entranceways into the cage free nest. A ramp extends from a surface to connect to the nest bottoms proximate to the entranceway. Both the nest bottoms and the ramp are formed of a non-slip, woven galvanized steel wire. The cage free nest also has upper and lower top panels that make up a roof assembly of the cage free nest. The lower top panels can be moved relative to the upper top panels to an opened/raised position by a cable assembly to allow for visual inspection into the cage free nest through the entranceways. The upper top panels can be moved relative to the lower top panels to an opened/raised position to allow for visual inspection into the cage free nest through the roof assembly.

Abstract: Birds carry many parasites and other diseases, which pose a health risk to humans which come into contact with their habitat. However, ultrasonic waves agitate and deter birds and other pests from roosting in nearby areas. The disclosed device utilizes solar energy to power a battery pack, which in turn activates both a tone generator and its adjoining amplifier to create and emit the annoying ultrasound. In this way, birds are dissuaded from gathering in particular areas where the ultrasonic device is in use, and humans are provided a more healthy and disease-free environment.

Abstract: A fowl retention system is used to passively retain fowl in a preselected natural habitat or a preselected created habitat and to compress the fowl territory. The fowl retention system includes a food/water station contained within a barrier assembly, a protective structure, and a man-made field strip. The fowl retention system provides for the compression of fowl territories, thereby increasing the fowl population per unit area. Further compression of the fowl territory locations provides an additional level of compression by propagating the high density population of the fowl. The protective structure is designed to shield the fowl from the elements and predators. The field strip is planted with native vegetation for both cover and the production of food. The food and water station provides a continuous food and water supply for the fowl.

Abstract: The Bird Nesting Box is one of the most innovative products of its kind. It allows clear visibility of the bird's, their eggs, and young while permitting the owner or caregiver to view and monitor the nesting process without disturbing the birds. This can be exciting and also very educational. This improved design is constructed of durable plexiglas versus the standard wooden nesting box. It is very easy to maintain and inexpensive.

Abstract: A man-made nesting structure for northern rough-winged swallows for mounting on a wall having a substantially upright surface, such nesting structure being substantially elongated and mounted parallel on the wall surface with an entrance defined at one end and a nesting area defined at the opposite end.

Abstract: A birdhouse entrance is provided with an entrance opening having two posts projecting vertically from the bottom edge of the opening toward the top edge. The two posts are spaced apart such that a bird of selected size cannot pass between them without opening its wings. Sufficient clearance for the wings is provided between the outer edges of the posts and the side edges of the entrance opening.

Abstract: A plastic poultry nest cover that covers the entrance to a nesting bed. The protective cover has a flat middle portion, a hook shaped upper portion projecting to the front of the middle portion, and a flat, rearward sloping lower portion which supports the anterior portion of the wire mesh floor of the nesting bed. The plastic cover is preferably sunshine red in color, which attracts breeder hens to the nesting beds.

Abstract: A nest pad for poultry and animals is provided having a plurality of inclined projections extending from its lower surface to register with openings in the support surface of the nest enclosure and removably engage a portion of the support surface via a clamping fit. The inclined projections are arranged in at least two sets, and the direction of inclination of the projections of each such set is opposing and outwardly directed.

Abstract: A man-made nesting structure for northern rough-winged swallows for mounting on a wall having a substantially upright surface, such nesting structure being substantially elongated and mounted parallel on the wall surface with an entrance defined at one end and a nesting area defined at the opposite end.

Abstract: A nesting structure for earth-burrowing birds is disclosed which provides spaces above ground for multiple pairs of these colonial underground nesting birds to build their nests in. The structure provides an extensive upright face of earthen color and texture, suggestive of the natural exposed vertical riverbanks and similar upright earth forms which attract these birds. Openings in the upright face allow birds to pass through ready-made protective artificial nesting tunnels, leading back from the front face, into enlarged artificial nesting chambers at the rear of the nesting structure. These individual nesting chambers, arranged in orderly fashion, are accessible through resealable doors. This access permits convenient, effortless, non-disruptive inspection, management and research of the nestings of those birds whose nests have been, until now, inaccessibly and randomly dug underground.

Abstract: A nesting structure for cliff swallows is disclosed which provides spaces for multiple pairs of these colonial nesting birds to build their nearly enclosed mud nests. The self-contained structure independently provides the shape, size, rough surface texture and multiple nesting opportunities preferred by this species, and is conveniently attached to, or removed from, buildings, bridges or freestanding posts. The structure provides a wide roof overhang along its length to protect all underlying nests from sun and rain. A back wall establishes a uniform ideal height for all nests to be built by the birds. A narrow floor provides a solid footing for cliff swallows to anchor their adhesive mud nests without providing a sufficient base for undesirable species to build their loose, unattached grass nests. The compartmentalization of nests permits the inclusion of roof or back wall access doors away from the front which the swallows will nearly enclose with mud.

Abstract: A bird arbor having a span member supported above the ground by a pair of vertically oriented support members. The span member and support members comprise a free-standing architectural structure forming a through-way. One or more birdhouse are integrally formed within the span member, which can have a shape, such as an arch, for example.