Abstract: A plant support system includes a support ring having at least one wall portion, and at least one support beam coupled to the at least one wall portion and configured to increase rigidity of the at least one wall portion. Further, the plant support system also includes a base coupled to the at least one wall portion and having at least one stationary clamping surface; a clamp spine having a movable clamping surface situated opposite the at least one stationary clamping surface; and a plurality of spring leaves coupled to the clamp spine and configured to bias the clamp spine.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle, including: a fuselage; a battery accommodation cavity, disposed on the fuselage; a battery pack, including at least two battery blocks and mounted inside the battery accommodation cavity; a battery circuit board, electrically connected to the battery blocks in the battery pack; and a functional module, electrically connected to the battery circuit board, the battery blocks in the battery pack supplying power to the functional module via the battery circuit board at the same time. By using the solution of the present invention, endurance of the unmanned aerial vehicle is increased.

Abstract: A device for assisting the application of medicaments to pets includes first and second elongated members. Each elongated member includes a proximal end and a distal end, a handle portion extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and comb teeth extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end of the second elongated member and the proximal end of the first elongated member are pivotally attached to one another. The comb teeth of the first and second elongated members extend in the same direction perpendicular to a plane in which the first and second members pivot relative to each other. The handle portions extend in the same or parallel plane in which the first and second members pivot relative to one another. The device is used to part the hair of the pet so that the medicament can be applied directly to the pet's skin.

Abstract: A pet carrier assembly, including: a cage housing adapted to selectively contain a pet; and a lower litter pan adapted to be selectively coupled to and removed from a bottom portion of the cage housing; wherein bottom portion of the cage housing includes a waste grate that forms at least a portion of a floor of the cage housing and is selectively disposed within or adjacent to an interior portion of the lower litter pan with the bottom portion of the cage housing. The pet carrier assembly includes a solid removable floor disposed in the bottom portion of the cage housing and adapted to cover the waste grate, and a seal disposed about a periphery of the removable floor. Optionally, the lower litter pan includes a cut away operable for providing access to an interior portion of the lower litter pan.

Abstract: An insulated passive house, building, or skyscrapers system and method with integrated aquaponics, greenhouse, and mushroom cultivation, includes a glazing on a sun facing side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight, and housing a fish tank; a plant growing area; a mushroom growing area; a shop, apartment or office area; a water wall thermal mass that divides the plant growing area from the mushroom growing and the shop, apartment or office areas, and the fish tank; and a natural air ventilation (NAV) system that provides misted air to the mushroom growing and the shop, apartment or office areas, and the fish tank from O2 generated by the plant growing area, and CO2 generated by the mushroom growing and the shop, apartment or office areas, and the fish tank to the plant growing area.

Abstract: The hay shaker and livestock feeder is configured for use with livestock. The hay shaker and livestock feeder is configured for use with livestock feed. The hay shaker and livestock feeder removes detritus, such as dust, from the livestock feed. The hay shaker and livestock feeder comprises a separating chamber, a plurality of stanchions, a vacuum system, and one or more vibration motors. The plurality of stanchions elevates the separating chamber above the ground. The vacuum system and the one or more vibration motors attach to the separating chamber. The separating chamber contains the livestock feed. The vacuum system and the one or more vibration motors combine to remove the detritus from the livestock feed contained within the separating chamber.

Abstract: The present application provides: a microbial material for agricultural use characterized by containing, as an active ingredient, Bacillus subtilis C-3102 strain (FERM BP-1096) that is capable of promoting the growth of crops and/or increasing the yield of crops, or a variant thereof that has an ability equivalent thereto; and a method for cultivating crops characterized by comprising cultivating the crops using a soil or medium that contains the microbial material.

Abstract: A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. A generally planar stimulation unit and impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. One or more of a voltage, current, oscillation frequency, extent of modulation, or other output characteristic of the stimulation unit output is varied responsive to the detected fur impedance to protect and benefit both the body and mind of the animal.

Abstract: A turkey decoy system wherein the tail of the decoy can be moved from a lowered position to a raised and fanned position by a pair of control lines, wherein a fanned tail of the decoy can be oscillated by the control lines, wherein the decoy can be moved forward and backward by the pair of control lines, and wherein the decoy can be oscillated by the control lines.

Abstract: Fabrics suitable for a wide variety of uses, including coverage of crops, crop planting sites, or both, are disclosed. The fabrics may comprise at least one spunbond layer comprising filaments including a filler. The at least one spunbond layer may comprise a basis weight of least about 12 grams-per-meter-squared and the at least one spunbond layer may comprise an average transmittance value within the photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) across wavelengths 400 nm to 700 nm comprising about 37% or less. Methods of enhancing crop growth are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ratcheted “Pipe and Strap Operating Drive System” (PSODS) is disclosed which efficiently and accurately positions a blocker, or door mechanism, over an opening which is of similar profile and dimensions as the door mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, PSODS is used to vary the position of a poultry house ventilation blocker or door mechanism from a tightly-closed position against the opening, or when required, within a certain range of door mechanism open positions, as dictated by weather conditions or internal air quality. At least two ratcheted reels are co-axially connected to the exterior of a tubular “pipe drive.” Each reel is connected, at its core, to the first end of a strap, with the second end of the strap being connected to the door mechanism. Upon axial rotation of the pipe drive in either direction, the reels simultaneously rotate, straps move correspondingly so as to position the entire door mechanism within a desired range relative to the opening.

Abstract: An illumination system for cultivation of aquatic animals is disclosed for cultivation of aquatic animals in a volume of water, the cultivation using a feeding system defining a feeding axis in the volume of water. The system comprises at least a first illumination surface positioned in the volume of water and arranged for illuminating the feeding axis. The system also comprises a second illumination surface positioned in the volume of water and arranged for illuminating the feeding axis. The first illumination surface and second illumination surface are different surfaces arranged to illuminate the feeding axis from substantially different directions.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article suitable for bedridden pet animals. An absorbent article (10) for pet animals has a longitudinal direction (Y) and a width direction (X) crossing each other and includes: a body-facing surface and a non-body-facing surface opposite to each other; a first edge and a second edge (10a, 10b) opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y); a tail facing area (13) facing a tail of the pet (5); a first section (11) extending from the tail facing area (13) toward the first edge (10a) and covering one of buttocks of the pet (5); a second section (12) extending from the tail facing area (13) toward the second edge (12b) and covering another one of the buttocks of the pet (5); an absorbent core (15) positioned between the first section (11) and the second section (12); and an attachment (21) positioned on the first section (11) and capable of attaching to an attachment target part (22) on the second section (12).

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method configured for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, installing a support system for a green wall, the support system comprising a plurality of trays that are configured to interface with a securement system.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant seedling is provided, which is based on microwave radiation in order to efficiently facilitate the plant growth. In the method, microwave radiation is started at any timing during a period ranging from appearance of a first true leaf to a timing provided before appearance of a second true leaf in a growth process of a plant. The radiation time of the microwave may be within 1 hour, and the output of the microwave may be 2 to 25 W per 1 to 20 seedling or seedlings.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system including an elongated trough. The trough includes at least a first side wall, an opposite second side wall, and a bottom wall, which all extend in the longitudinal direction of the trough and delimit a space in the centre of the trough, open at the top. The trough also includes a partition wall structure extending in the longitudinal direction of the trough and dividing said central space into two adjacent elongated grooves which are open at the top and into which one or more substrates can be placed for the cultivation of plants. In an example, the partition wall structure includes an elongated overflow channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove and guides the irrigation water past the grooves. The overflow channel may be arranged in an elevated position with respect to the bottom wall.

Abstract: In order to avoid negative changes in the teat ends of a cow, in particular to avoid hyperkeratoses, the invention proposes a method for operating a milking system in which at least one of the parameters from total pressure per cycle, minimum total pressure per cycle or the ratio of total suction to total pressure is determined for at least one animal of a herd during at least one part of a milking process, and is compared with at least one reference value.

Abstract: A poultry feeder system and method provides a mobile or movable feeder system which incorporates the functions and features necessary to provide poultry (for example) with essential and/or non-essential food and provisions for living and thriving. The poultry feeder system and method includes a body or (the cart) in which compartments are installed to divide various feeds or to provide storage of feed so the user can store and replenish the feed bins as needed. The feeder system may include wheels and handles, making the feeder system easy to move across terrain so that the user can move the feeder system to various locations in a field or property. The system includes an optional removable scratch spreader system that can be used to throw feed of various types.

Abstract: An aerification system for controlling moisture content and gas exchange below a surface of one or more plant growing areas includes at least first and second sub-systems installed below the surface of the one or more plant growing areas. The first and second sub-systems each having a water permeable layer overlying a respective water impermeable layer, where the water impermeable layer defines a respective boundary of each of the first and second sub-systems. The system also includes at least one conduit connecting the water permeable layer of the first sub-system to the water permeable layer of the second sub-system, and at least one pumping system for pumping water therebetween. The pumping system is configured to alternate between pumping water to the first sub-system and the second sub-system in order to periodically raise and lower a water level in the water permeable layer of each of the first and second sub-systems.

Abstract: A powered jigging device has a support frame, and a rod carrier that pivots in a first working plane while holding a fishing rod. A motor carrier is movably coupled to the support frame in a manner allowing constrained motion of the motor carrier in a parallel second working plane. A motor on the motor carrier drives an eccentric about a rotational axis of the motor. The eccentric is engaged with a mating feature the rod carrier at a position radially spaced from the pivot axis such that said driven revolution of the eccentric normally pivots the rod carrier upward and downward about said pivot axis, while the available constrained motion between the motor carrier and the support frame accommodates freewheeling operation of the motor when a caught fish pulls a front end of the rod carrier into a lowered position via tension in the fishing line.