Abstract: A machine for cutting the tips of the leaves off agave plants to prepare the plants for the subsequent removal of the core. The machine includes a chassis defining a platform having: a rear end having a structural frame supporting arms that project rearwards, wheel rims that rest on the ground being secured to said arms; a front end having a structural frame having arms extending frontwards, a tractor-coupled drawbar being secured to said arms; and an arm that connects to the power take-off and is secured in the upper part of the structural frame. The machine includes a supporting base which can slide under the action of hydraulic elements, and is mounted on a pair of parallel rails and is arranged transversely across the platform. Additionally, the machine includes a hydraulic system with control inputs, actuated by the operator.

Abstract: A pet bed includes a base and a reversible cover. The base includes a case. The reversible cover is attached to the base, and includes a first side defining a first external surface of the reversible cover, and a second side opposite the first side and defining a second external surface of the reversible cover. The reversible cover is configured to switchably cover the case, such that the first side of the reversible cover contacts the case in a first configuration of the reversible cover to externally expose the second surface from the pet bed, and the second side of the reversible cover contacts the first and second sides of the case in a second configuration of the reversible cover to externally expose the first surface from the pet bed.

Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank inerting system for a fixed wing aircraft having at least one main fuel tank in the wing and an associated surge tank includes a source of inerting fluid and a flow passage for supplying said inerting fluid to the main fuel tank and discharging it into the main filet tank through at least one discharge outlet. The flow passage includes a pressure relief arrangement adapted to discharge into the surge tank if a pressure in the main fuel tank exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present invention relates a plant cultivation apparatus using an up-down system enabling mass production of plants by allowing the entire area of a greenhouse to be used as a cultivation space.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an external structure to an aircraft includes a plurality of first mounting structures coupled to the aircraft and at least one link coupled to each first mounting structure of the plurality of mounting structures. The mounting system also includes a second mounting structure positioned proximate the at least one link, wherein the second mounting structure includes at least one aperture defined therein. An eccentric bearing is positioned in the at least one aperture and is configured to couple the second mounting structure to the at least one link. The eccentric bearing includes a bore extending therethrough that is offset from an axial center of the eccentric bearing.

Abstract: A capsule (1) for insertion into a bore of a porous element to apply treatment substance to the interior of the element and having a container (2), with at least one internal cavity (3) for receiving treatment substance and an outer stop flange (8), and a plug (4) received in and fixed to the container through a common interconnecting land (5). A first container shank portion (6) that extends from a first insertion end (1A) of the capsule and up to the area of the interconnecting land has a uniform, generally cylindrical shape, a second container shank portion (7) extending away from said container first shank portion, from the area of the inter-connecting land towards the outer stop flange, at least at an inner surface (7B) thereof has an outwardly slightly diverging, conical shape and at an outer surface (7A) thereof, separated a short distance from the outer stop flange has a first circumferential beveled edge (9) serving as a transition to an outer increased diameter section (7C).

Abstract: A feeder for dispensing feed to livestock includes a trough and a hopper mounted above the trough. The hopper includes a sidewall, a bottom, a central feed discharge hole through the bottom, and a plurality of gravity flow feed openings arranged around the central feed discharge hole. A deflector is mounted in the hopper above and vertically spaced from the hopper bottom to cover the central feed discharge hole to restrict gravity flow of feed from the hopper through the central feed discharge hole. A sweep member is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis for sweeping feed under the deflector to the central feed discharge hole for discharge into the trough. A closure system is associated with the gravity flow feed openings to automatically close the gravity flow feed openings once animals start moving the sweep member to sweep feed to the central feed discharge hole.

Abstract: In order to reduce engine deformation, the subject matter disclosed herein provides an assembly for an aircraft, comprising an aircraft rear section, an engine, a nacelle, and a mounting strut for mounting the engine on the rear section, the assembly also comprising mounting for mounting the engine on a rigid structure of the strut, the mounting comprising two engine mounts designed to react the axial thrust forces generated by the engine. According to the subject matter disclosed herein, the rigid structure of the strut comprises a first portion partially enveloping the engine, this first portion comprising an external skin forming part of an external aerodynamic surface of the nacelle, and the two engine mounts are arranged diametrically opposite each other at the rear of the rigid structure, being attached to the first portion.

Abstract: A restraint device is for an animal. The restraint device may include a base attached to a ground, a shaft supported in the base, and a rotatable attachment point on the shaft for a leash for the animal. The shaft is flexible so that it is able to absorb force from the leash. The restraint device may include a platform configured to wrap around the base to provide stability for the base.

Abstract: A cat scratcher and activity center is in the form of a rectangular box having a top, bottom and four sidewalls creating an interior space, the top being detachable and completely removable from the rectangular box. A rectangular block of corrugated cardboard is sized to fit within and occupy the interior space, the cardboard block having an open fluted surface which is exposed upon removal of the top. A planar cardboard toy kit is sized to reside within the interior space atop the open fluted surface of the rectangular block of corrugated cardboard, the planar cardboard toy kit being convertible to a three-dimensional configuration appendable to one of the four sidewalls.

Abstract: A decorative tree stand that can include a support base and a tree support pivotally coupled to an upwardly facing surface of the support base is disclosed and described. The tree support can selectively pivot to allow the decorative tree to move from a display position to a storage position.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for growing marijuana plants, particularly for regulated purposes, for example medical purposes or in some jurisdictions recreational purposes, have automated subsystems with sensors to provide feedback information about system, apparatus and plant growth parameters to one or more controllers so that the one or more controllers can alter one or more parameters to provide optimal conditions for the growing and harvesting of the marijuana plants. In particular aspects, the systems, apparatuses and methods provide for control of odors produced during the growing of marijuana, root management of the marijuana plants and control over important levels of chemicals provided to the plants, for example enzymes and flavor additives.

Abstract: A birthing chamber assembly includes a housing. The housing is positioned at an intersection between a pair of vertical support surfaces. Thus, a feline may reside in the housing when the feline is birthing kittens. A lid is removably positioned on the housing to shelter the feline. The lid has an aperture extending therethrough to facilitate the feline to enter the housing. The aperture is spaced from the housing when the lid is positioned on the housing. Thus, the aperture inhibits the kittens from exiting the housing.

Abstract: A method and configuration to optimize an entire traction system available on a helicopter including an auxiliary engine by allowing the engine to provide non-propulsive and/or propulsive power during flight. The auxiliary engine is coupled to participate directly in providing mechanical or electrical propulsive power and electrical non-propulsive power to the aircraft. An architecture configuration includes an on-board power supply network, two main engines, and a system for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy between a main gearbox to the propulsion members and a mechanism receiving electrical energy including the on-board network and power electronics in conjunction with starters of the main engines. An auxiliary power engine provides electrical energy to the mechanism for receiving electrical energy via the energy conversion system and a mechanism for mechanical coupling between the auxiliary engine and at least one propulsion member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a hydro planter comprising an inner container which can accommodate a substrate, an absorption medium and an outer container. The inner container has one or more grids that enable liquid to filter from the inner container to the outer container. The absorption medium has at least one conductive element that is located in the substrate within the inner container and the conductive element is also located in the outer container, and the absorption medium also has a flattened portion which extends with the inner container. Finally, the outer container has two or more legs which enable the outer container to be supported on a surface and which form a gap through which air or water can flow, and the hollow interior of each leg forms a tank for storing a liquid, inside of which the lower portion of the conductive element is received.

Abstract: A system for deterring pinnipeds comprising a plurality of connected tracks interspersed with expansion joints, wherein the tracks and expansion joints are operatively coupled via connector keys that fit into a recessed channel running underneath the tracks and expansion joints, the tracks and expansion joints having electrically insulated recessed channels allowing for conductive wire to run throughout the tracks and expansion joints, the expansion joints further comprising two wells allowing for excess wire to be coiled and housed, acting as a spring and allowing for expansion, and the wire is connected to a power source.

Abstract: An automated irrigation and/or fertigation apparatus, including a container, a plurality of pumps in the container, and a controller operably connected to each of the plurality of pumps is disclosed. Each of the pumps is configured to provide a unique fertilizer, nutrient and/or micronutrient to irrigation water. The controller is configured to control settings of each of the pumps to provide a predetermined amount of each unique fertilizer, nutrient and/or micronutrient to the irrigation water over a predetermined period of time. Corresponding methods of fertilizing a field and of making the automated irrigation and/or fertigation apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Protective blankets include a plurality of sheets of material operatively coupled together to define the protective blanket. The plurality of sheets includes at least one sheet composed of carbon nanotube reinforced composite material and at least one sheet composed of a different material. Methods of assembling protective blankets include layering the plurality of sheets and operatively coupling together the plurality of sheets. Spacecraft include a body and a protective blanket operatively coupled to the body. Methods of assembling spacecraft include coupling a protective blanket to the body of a spacecraft.

Abstract: An apparatus for staking a tree is provided that includes a rigid body defining an outer surface, an inner surface, and opposed guides, the inner surface having a conformal curvature and the opposed guides being disposed along a longitudinal periphery of the rigid body, wherein the conformal curvature is sized to conform to an outer profile geometry of the tree.