Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for tapping and collecting rubber. The system includes a tapping apparatus for tapping rubber and a collecting apparatus for collecting tapped rubber. The tapping apparatus includes a rail directing a drill bit or blade to move between one end of the rail to another end of the rail and to remove tree bark during the movement and a mounting structure configured to hold the rail and connect the tapping apparatus to a tree or plant. The collecting apparatus is positioned below the tapping apparatus for collecting rubber that exudes from a cut tree or plant. The collecting apparatus includes a slide and a tube having an opening and a divider that separates the tube into multiple sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover assembly for a poultry feeder including a pivotal cover member that engages a peak of the cover assembly. The peak is formed by an elongated portion of a plurality of support members that are connected to one or more support rings. Extending upwardly from the peak is an elongated member that also engages the pivotal cover member.

Abstract: An outlet basin for a fish pen is provided with at least one outlet hose extending from the outlet basin to a surface. The outlet basin includes a cylinder-shaped housing which is provided, at its upper portion, with a mounting collar arranged to be attached to a bottom portion of the fish pen, and which is provided, at its lower portion, with a through opening. The outlet basin further includes a cylinder-shaped outlet channel which, in a portion, is housed in the housing, the outlet channel is provided, at its upper portion, with a strainer covering the cross section of the outlet channel, an elongated annular space between the housing and the outlet channel, a slanted grating covering the entire annular space, the lowermost portion of the slanted grating being positioned just below the opening of the housing, a slanted bottom plate sealingly covering the entire annular space, and a lower through opening at the lowermost portion of the bottom plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding animals with a feedstuff, in particular with a liquid feedstuff from an automatic feeder, wherein the feedstuff is suppliable optionally via a component (7.1 to 7.3) of an output device (1.1, 1.2), wherein the component (7.1 to 7.3) and/or the output device (1.1, 1.2) include means for temperature control.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic watering device which is self-contained, free standing, portable and easy to install. The automatic water device has at least one reservoir, at least one float, at least one conduit, and at least one base spike and enables the automatic watering device to dispense liquid at a regulated and constant rate by the principle of capillary action or wicking.

Abstract: A method and system for continuous automated growing of plants utilizes production lines each comprising a number of growth sections, each growth section comprising multiple horizontal transport levels, each level of each section having a source of light and liquid nutrient, and plant growing trays which move horizontally into, along and out of each transport level; whereby each subsequent growth section has a greater length than the previous section to receive a greater number of growing trays than the previous section so that as plants grow, the number of plants per growing tray is decreased but the number of plants per growth section remains constant. A group of plants is thereby broken out into an ever greater number of trays as it proceeds through the growing sections from germination to harvest, with the ability to simultaneously start the growth cycle for additional crops.

Abstract: An animal deterrent spiked-strip assembly having a strip body that defines a plurality of substantially planar, unitary, and flexible body sections, wherein each body section hingedly couples to one another about a joint and includes an upper surface, a bottom surface opposing the upper surface, a front end, a rear end, a left side, and a right side. The strip assembly also includes a plurality of polymer-based spikes, each with a base coupled to the upper surface of each of the body sections, a rounded tip opposing the base, and of a conical shape, the plurality of polymer-based spikes arranged on the respective body sections in a uniform and tightly spaced configuration.

Abstract: A method for pest control in a confined space using flue gas from a biomass power plant. The method includes: treating flue gas from a biomass power plant to yield treated flue gas having a volume concentration of carbon dioxide exceeding 85 volume %, and conducting pest control in a confined space according to the following steps: continuously aerating the confined space with the treated flue gas during a fallow period to allow a gas pressure in the confined space to reach between 0.110 and 0.140 megapascal of absolute pressure and the volume concentration of carbon dioxide in the confined space to reach between 50 and 90 volume %.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool formed with an elongated handle extending generally along a longitudinal axis thereof. A blade assembly pivotably connected to the guiding portions and formed with a blade and connecting arms extending outwardly on both sides of the blade. A pivotal arrangement provides pivotal motion of the blade assembly relative the handle. Upon pivotal motion of the connecting arms within the pivotal arrangement, while the connecting arms movably engage the guiding portions, the generated forces acting against ends of the arms act to return the connecting arms and the blade to their initial position along a longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly device for trapping animals comprising a collection container (3) comprising an upper opening (3a), an intermediate supporting frame (4), forming a drop duct (8) and such that it at least partly closes the opening (3a) of said collection container (3), a closing guard (5), which can be superposed on the intermediate supporting frame (4), comprising an inlet (6) and a compartment forming a trapping corridor (7), a trapping mechanism (9) supported by the frame (4) and positioned over the drop duct (8), comprising a rotary surface (10) having a main direction of extension (X) extending along a longitudinal axis (10a) coinciding with the direction of entry into the trapping corridor (7), being designed to close the top of the drop duct (8) and to form the treadable surface of the trapping corridor (7). The trapping mechanism (9) comprises two plates (14a, 14b) connected to each other by the rotary surface (10), which is positioned orthogonally to each of them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking unit comprising a milk collection part and at least two milk tubes that are connected to the milk collection part. At least one end of the milk tube has an essentially spherical clamping body, the central point of the clamping body being offset in relation to the longitudinal axis (S) of the milk tube and/or the clamping body having a channel with a mouth. The longitudinal axis (S) penetrates a plane, on which the cross-sectional surface of the mouth lies at an angle that is not equal to 90°.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: A spray tool coupled to a robotic arm that extends between the legs of dairy livestock, comprises a linear member and a plurality of spray nozzles. The linear member rotates about an axis that is perpendicular to the robotic arm, and has a perimeter that lies within an outer perimeter of the robotic arm when the robotic arm extends between the legs of a dairy livestock. The plurality of spray nozzles are coupled to the linear member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a dairy harvesting facility including valves and valve assemblies that prevent contaminants from reaching a central milk collection system.

Abstract: A heated spray system for frost protection and prevention is described. Heated water, such as groundwater, is delivered through a spray system to the area surrounding the irrigated crops, thus increasing the temperature near the crops and preventing frost damage. Surface water is provided, by a drip irrigation line. The crops are protected from excessive irrigation with the addition of protective covers, a protective curtain, and a drainage system. When spraying groundwater for temperature control, the covers, curtain, and drainage system prevent the water from reaching the roots of the crops, and thus prevent the groundwater from damaging the roots due to contaminants and pollutants in the groundwater.

Abstract: A process for creating a shaped seed wafer is described. Ingredients for a growth medium are selected and mixed together. Pulverized remains or cremains from a pet or human are added. One or more varieties of perennial and/or annual seeds are added to the mixture. Water may be added during processing to get the mixture to stick together. The mixture with seeds is sheeted and shaped into a silhouette shape with a cutting tool before drying the shape to a final product. The product is a memorial flower or plant generating seed wafer that may be packaged and distributed for placing and germinating of plants at a desired location in memory of the deceased.

Abstract: For indoor mushroom cultivation, a method of irrigating the mushrooms includes drip irrigation pipes in the bed. The drip irrigation pipes can be disposed in a casing layer that overlies a substrate layer, and irrigation can be according to measurements taken in the environment outside of the bed.

Abstract: A game feeder includes a housing having a plurality of support legs that elevated it above an underlying surface. Superimposed on the housing is a pivotal lid that selectively exposes a battery-powered winch mounted on the upper surface of the cap. Depending from the lower end of the housing is a feed hopper having an automated dispenser that projects feed to the surrounding area at desired times and for a desired duration. Using the winch, a hunter can easily reload the hopper by lowering it to ground level.

Abstract: An improved rodent trap having a base, hammer bar, hold down bar, spring for the hammer bar, a latch member for the hold down bar and a bait member for holding the bait thereon just as a conventional rodent trap, and, also containing a glue area on either end of the trap wherein the platform has a cut-out area or receptacle area therein so that glue can be placed throughout the area of the base so that if a rodent comes near the trap he will either be killed by the hammer bar in a conventional manner or caught in the glue area. An optional string, which may contain disinfectant, may also be attached to the platform and used to pick-up the trap.

Abstract: A system for raising and lowering objects includes a carriage subsystem with a tubular body having an interior central channel an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of an elongated tubular support structure. A plurality of guides facilitate linear translation of the carriage on the vertical structure without marring. At least one hook on the carriage pivots to engage a slot on the support structure for locking the carriage in a raised position. Objects are attached to a flange on the carriage. A winch and cable control motion of the carriage.