Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an agglomerated/granulated mulch product as a seed carrier that is produced by an agglomeration technology. The mulch agglomerates used as a carrier for the seeds reduces segregation (unmixing) tendencies of seeds from the carrier product.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy that can assembled from a flat, planar sheet to a 3-deminsional decoy that is capable of stacking while assembled. Decoy comprises a sheet and an anchor. The sheet has an outer periphery shaped to resemble a waterfowl when the sheet is assembled in a 3-dimensional state, with a head, body and shoulder. The sheet is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, except for a bifurcated head. The head has a pair of members that are specifically asymmetrical to appear more realistic. The sheet also has a pair of shoulder segments that are aligned by flexing the sheet along the longitudinal axis and securing using an anchor. A plurality of decoys may be stacked, while in a fully assembled state and with anchors intact. While stacked, the anchors may be moved to a position that locks the stack so that individual decoys cannot be removed until the anchors are moved to a position that releases the stack.

Abstract: A protective winter turf cover is formed with a layered polyethylene laminated sheet with each layer having force striations running at an angle to the edge of the sheet and with the force striations of one layer at an angle to the force striations of the adjacent layer, the resulting turf cover being lightweight, compactly foldable, and substantially impermeable to water.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder comprising a two-part housing and a vessel unit supported by the housing. The vessel unit may be prefilled with a sugar and water solution. Once the sugar and water solution has been emptied from the vessel unit, the two housing pieces may be separated, the empty vessel unit removed, and a full new vessel unit placed inside the housing. Alternatively, the vessel unit may be refilled.

Abstract: A main structure that can be constructed using either solid steel assembly (32) or reinforced concrete assembly (33) acts as the main structural component for new and remodel construction. The main structure whether it uses reinforced concrete assembly (33) or steel assembly is comprised of cells of equilateral size and each cell has a passage between inner and outer wall created using this method of construction. The inner wall uses the passages to secure accompanying structures and systems to a wall that use this structural system. The outer wall uses the passages to secure retaining assembly (34) to the structure. Retaining assembly (34) holds a strata of soil to the wall and creates plateaus along face of outer wall. The plateaus created by securing retaining assembly (34) to main assembly's (32) or (33) give vegetation a place to be planted and secured to a wall that incorporate the construction method of this invention.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an animal includes a motorized and programmable actuator unit that is coupled to a bridle on the horse. The actuator unit includes a motor and a pulley to control tension on lines leading to the horse, the tension providing a control stimulus to the animal. A clutch coupling the motor and pulley provides a release function to automatically release tension on the lines once the motor is deactivated. A remote signal unit sends control signals to a controller in the actuator unit for controlling the animal remotely from the horse.

Abstract: An improved poult box for transportation of newly hatched turkey poults. The box has an open top, a bottom joined by opposing sidewalls and at least one box divider. Positioned on the box divider is a removable poult feed tray which rests over the divider and presents feed at approximately eye level of turkey poults.

Abstract: Seed tape (1) for a controlled germinating process is made of at least two paper layers (1′ and 1″) and is intended to be used while placed edgewise. Each germinating unit includes a seed (5), additives (6) and a carrier (8). Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is formed as a planar member. The longitudinal axis of each planar member extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The additives are places in discrete locations around the seed. The seed, the additives and the carrier are adhered to the inner face of at least one paper layer (1′), which is air-permeable. A narrow stripe (10) of water-absorbing, super-absorbing polymer (SAP) is placed on the adhesive layer of at least one paper layer (1′ or 1″). The resulting seed tape is particularly suited for providing a controlled moist microclimate around the seeds during a two-step germinating process.

Abstract: A self-cleaning cat litter box apparatus comprises a litter tray for containing a quantity of cat litter, a waste bin, and a mesh basket sized for having lower regions received into the litter. A supporting frame and the basket form a basket assembly that is hinged relative to the litter tray for pivotal movement between a lowered position in which the lower regions of the basket are immersed in cat litter contained in the litter tray and an upright position in which cat waste-containing clumped litter picked up from the tray by the basket is gravity dumped into the waste bin. A basket motor is connected for causing the pivoting of the basket assembly between the lowered and upright positions and for simultaneously opening and closing a waste bin door. Operation of the basket motor is responsive to a cat entering and subsequently leaving the litter tray.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for cultivating and consuming fresh Spirulina at home. The method comprises species selection of Spirulina for cultivation at home, cultivation environment and apparatus conditions, cultivation and maintenance of Spirulina, collection of fresh Spirulina, consumption and storage of fresh Spirulina. The invention changes the situations that Spirulina are only produced in plants and the finished products of Spirulina are bought in stores or hospitals. The invention not only enables the nutrients of Spirulina to be stored and utilized much completely, but also comprehensively utilizes this original biological resource and characteristics of Spirulina (such as absorption of carbon dioxide, release of fresh oxygen and production of high-protein nutrient source) and thus develops and popularizes much quickly the edible Spirulina to meet the needs of the public to health foods.

Abstract: A seed treating apparatus used to inoculate and treat seeds, which consists of a portable tank, pump, valve and nozzle system. This system can be mounted on any agricultural hauling vehicle or seeding implement to apply inoculant to seeds before or during the planting process. On a seeder having a transfer duct with a feed hopper at one end for receiving seed from a supply, the spray nozzle is mounted above the duct for spraying the material into the seed as it enters the hopper.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a pigment form or pigment concentrate comprising of an organic pigment, and optionally an inorganic filler and/or an organic additive for coloring of seeds. Seeds colored by the dry pigment forms or pigment concentrates show an homogeneous color and in some cases growth promotion effects.

Abstract: A method of delivering cultivated plant embryos including the step of orientating a plurality of plant embryos in a predetermined orientation. Analyzing each of the plurality of embryos according to a predetermined quality criteria to identify qualified embryos. Determining positional measurements of the qualified embryos and positioning a first seed coat relative to the qualified embryos. The method also includes the step of inserting one of the qualified embryos in the seed coat according to the positional measurements of the qualified embryos to minimize damage to and contamination of the qualified embryos.

Abstract: A self-clamping Christmas tree stand provides a stable platform for a Christmas tree that allows simple installation and adjustment of the tree angle without having to be positioned under the tree to perform the adjustments. The tree stand uses the weight of the tree to firmly clamp the tree's trunk. A clamping mechanism provides a constant grip that will not loosen unless an upward force is provided by the user. The adjustment range of the tree trunk angle with respect to the vertical plane may be varied to accommodate tree trunks of different shapes. Lastly, the tree stand includes a large liquid reservoir to maintain the tree's moisture content.

Abstract: A flower box having posts and wall elements connected by first reversible anchoring devices, the wall elements being in turn reversibly associated with at least one corresponding bottom so as to provide, as a whole, full vertical and horizontal flexibility in assembling the flower box.

Abstract: A method for serving animals, such as milking dairy animals, allowed to go loose in an enclosed area, with animal stalls with a robot. The stalls have entrance and exit gates that are controlled. A service area includes at least three stationary animals stalls around a robot to form a central robot inner area. The robot is associated with the controller for the gates and is capable of moving to and serving each one of the animal stalls. A strolling area is arranged between the outer border of the enclosed area and the central robot area with animal stalls that is divided into subareas in various ways by the use of separators that may include controlled one-way passing gates for the animals.

Abstract: A device for safely tagging and releasing large fish includes a long pole to which is attached at its distal end a holder body for retaining therewithin an axially extending cutting blade and, at its tip portion, a tag applicator.

Abstract: Water storage device for use with potted plants is disclosed. This water storage device is a liquid nutrient reservoir usable with a wick regulating element inserted into and extending from the bottom of the planting pot to the storage device for control of liquid nutrient delivery rate. The water storage device accommodates some sizing variance in potted plants and securely holds the potted plant as a coupled modular unit. The water storage device is provided with structure for hanging the coupling. Additional structure is provided for contiguous alignment of a plurality of the water storage devices with secured potted plants as well as structure for elevation of the coupling to prevent moisture damage to a setting surface.

Abstract: New and improved molded magnetic geometrical components are used as underwater ornamentation to form the scenery in aquariums and other aquatic displays. These modular imitation rocks and/or other shapes, when added to an aquarium will create a natural setting for the fish. These rocks, gravel, reefs, and other water icons are constructed, in various shapes, sizes, and colors, out of magnetizable materials, having north and south magnetic poles. To form the display, a two-dimensional background structure of the display is constructed from a ferromagnetic material. A first layer of the shaped molded magnetic components are then placed on the background structure, with the magnetic component's north and south poles properly aligning to firmly hold the components on the background structure. Then the various molded magnetic components are stacked on to the first layer of molded magnetic components to construct a three-dimensional scene.