Abstract: A shading device for a greenhouse includes a shading element and at least one lighting element, wherein the shading element comprises an outer side and an inner side. The shading element is formed from interwoven electrically conductive first thread elements and electrically insulating second thread elements. The first and/or second thread elements each may be adapted for reflecting an ambient light. The lighting element(s) may be arranged at the inner side of the shading element and connected with the first thread elements, and the lighting element(s) may be driven by an electrical current, conducted by the first thread elements, resulting in the emission of an artificial light, which may illuminate a plant growing in the greenhouse.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder that is easier to maintain and reduces food spoilage includes a feed pod support adapted to hold a hummingbird feed pod that proportionally resembles the thickening part of the stem of an actual-size flower, a flower top or cover for the pod, an elongated stem that is attached to the feed pod support, a ‘feeding’ perch adapted to provide a hummingbird with a place to rest while extending its beak through a feeding hole in the flower top, a ‘high’ perch to provide a hummingbird with a place to perch while not feeding, and wherein the feed pod can be either of the type that allows for a single-use or, with refilling, multiple uses.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having a disposable, single-use feed pod containing a liquid hummingbird food and a feeder assembly including a feed pod support for positioning the feed pod in a desired orientation. The feed pod is supported and oriented in the feed pod support and keeps liquid food for touching the hummingbird feeder other that the feed pod. The hummingbird feeder can include an access cover with a port located generally in the center thereof through which the hummingbird can access the hummingbird food. The access cover engages the feed pod and includes a projection that can pierce the top of the feed pod where access can be had to the food by a hummingbird through the port. The feeder can also have no access cover, in which case a port is provided in the top of the feed pod. Multiple feeder assemblies and feed pods can be configured together.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an improved rod holder, particularly a gunwale rod holder, particularly for use in sports fishing.

Abstract: A vibrating lure for amateur fishing predatory fish, including an elongated holder with a hole (holes) for attaching a fishing line, a load at its front portion, a hook at its rear portion, and a plate movably attached longitudinally to the holder. The holder is in the form of a curved metal rod, having front and rear portions bent downwardly and threaded with a gap into two holes in the plate, formed in a front portion and in a rear portion on a longitudinal axis of the plate, and ends of curved portions of the holder are diverged apart. An alternate narrow holder has projections at the front portion and at the rear portion, with ends diverged apart or brought together (consolidated). The plate is formed to rotate around its longitudinal axis in both directions and to approach the raised lateral portions of the plate at the same distance relative to the vertical plane passing through the axis of rotation of the plate and the longitudinal axis of the holder.

Abstract: An above-ground termite station includes a container having a base, a side, and a lid together defining an interior space of the container. The side has at least two peripheral openings in spaced relationship with each other about a periphery of the container. Each of the peripheral openings is at least partially closed by a respective access closure that can be selectively removed to provide access to the interior space of the container through the peripheral opening. The container is mountable on an above-ground mounting surface with the base in generally opposed relationship with and abutting against the mounting surface. The lid is positionable between a closed position and an open position to permit access to the interior space of the container. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container.

Abstract: A sachet assembly, includes a closed bag which is formed from water-permeable filter paper, and a solid substance which is contained in the bag and is at least partially water-soluble. The water-soluble solid substance comprises a preparation for cut flowers. In particular, the preparation comprises a foodstuff and/or conditioning agent and/or disinfectant and/or biocide and/or growth inhibitor. The packaging assembly includes a waterproof, or at least moisture-proof, outer packaging containing a large number of sachets. The invention also relates to the use of a sachet made from water-permeable filter paper for administering a preparation to cut flowers which are standing in water.

Abstract: A water inlet system for an aquarium is disclosed along with a siphon stopper and a method of attaching the system to an aquarium. The water inlet system is designed to pass through an aperture formed in a sidewall of the aquarium. A tubular member is connected to a pump which can supply water from a reservoir to the aquarium. The tubular member passes through the aperture and into the aquarium. An adapter having a spout is connected to one end of the tubular member. In addition, a siphon stopper is secured to the adapter, above the spout, and serves to break any back siphon that may develop should the water line in the aquarium drop below a predetermined point. The method includes the steps of attaching the water inlet system to the aquarium.

Abstract: In an above-ground termite station for detecting and controlling termites above ground in an operating configuration of the termite station, a container of the termite station defines an interior space and is at least in part configured for abutting against and being mounted on an above-ground mounting surface. The container is configurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration in which the interior space of the container is accessible while the container is mounted on the mounting surface. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container and is generally an aggregation member, a bait matrix separate from the aggregation member, and a holder at least in part holding the aggregation member and bait matrix in assembly with the holder for positioning of the cartridge relative to the interior space of the container as a single unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat there from and an apparatus and an alternative apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder; cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extend of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and each of the apparatuses perform the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle.

Abstract: A method for operating a robotic arm comprises determining a speed of rotation of a rotary milking platform, the rotary milking platform having a stall for a dairy livestock. The method further includes moving a carriage along a track positioned adjacent to the rotary milking platform at a rate that is based at least in part upon the determined speed of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The method further includes extending a robotic arm that is coupled to the carriage between the legs of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: Dual action lethal containers, systems, methods, compositions and formulas used to kill mosquitoes and their larvae. The containers can have separate interior larvicidal and adulticidal coatings separated from each other by horizontal water line holes in the container. Another container can use a novel combined coating of a larvicidal and adulticidal coating. Unique compositions of adulticidal coatings, larvicidal coatings and combined adulticidal and larvicidal coatings can be used as liners.

Abstract: A reversible lure and method of making in which a cam lever from a nail clipper is removed and suitable hook and line are attached to opposing ends thereof. The elongate body has opposing first and second ends and a central section with the first end having an angled section extending from the central section, an opening formed in the angled section, and a raised scoop formed on a first side of the central section adjacent the angled section with an interior in fluid communication with the opening in the angled section. A second end has an opening to accommodate a hook or fishing line. Preferably the lure is formed of metal having a polished finish that reflects light.

Abstract: An illuminated animal restraint includes a leash having an elongated body; a plurality of light sources positioned along the elongated body; the light sources are connected by wiring which has a configuration to accommodate pull and sideway forces applied to the leash without damage to the wiring and light sources.

Abstract: The foot snare triggering device of the present invention is designed to be used with a foot snare, and comprises a trigger plate assembly, having a tension adjustment means which allows the trigger plate assembly to pivotally yield to vertical pressure. A trigger mechanism has a trigger end set within said plate assembly and is attached to an extension mechanism providing a tandem extension spring configuration attached to a pair of pulleys, and a snare attachment port located within the trigger mechanism for releasably securing a foot snare by moving longitudinally when the trigger mechanism is engaged by pressure to said plate assembly allowing a foot snare to be released from the snare attachment port after triggering said device. A pan, pivotally connected to the plate underside distal to the pan tension adjustment means, has a trigger mount to engagingly receive the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a marine infrastructure comprising a concrete matrix having a pH of less than 12 for use in promoting the growth of fauna and flora in aquatic environment, and methods for promoting the growth of fauna and flora in aquatic environment, including endolitic and epilitic flora and endolitic and epilitic anaerobic and aerobic flora and fauna.

Abstract: A urine pad has a foundation layer and a target structure. The foundation layer has a first horizontal fold line to divide the foundation layer into a first and second part, an impermeable backing, and an absorbent covering affixed to the impermeable backing. The target structure has an open length centered on and extending across the first horizontal fold line and first and second attachment points. The first attachment point is attached to the first part at a first anchor point essentially one half the open length from the first horizontal fold line and the second attachment point is attached to the second part at a second anchor point disposed essentially the open length away from the first anchor point. The target structure is configured to be placed in a storage position when the foundation layer is folded configuration in a functional position when the foundation layer is opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing poultry or a part thereof in a processing line, including the step of detaching and/or collecting a cartilage of the poultry's keel bone, whereby during transport of the poultry's carcass in the processing line, a cut is made in the cartilage of the keel bone. The cut is made initially transverse to the transport direction of the poultry and towards the poultry's backbone. The cut develops from the transverse direction to eventually a direction opposed to the transport direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating plant roots, comprising (i) growing a plant in a substantially transparent container charged with a particulate, non-transparent growing medium; and (ii) evaluating plant roots through the transparent container by digital imaging. An apparatus for evaluating plant roots in a high throughput manner is also provided.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprising a tee pipe having a long cylinder and a short cylinder, a snap clamp element, a rotatable connection and an effective length. The long cylinder has a length and inside diameter for holding a fishing rod handle. The short cylinder is at right angles from the long cylinder, with a threaded inside surface and a long axis. The snap clamp element is screwably attached to the short cylinder and has a head with a width and a curvature adapted to securely fit around a support member, a body with a length and an end threaded to affix to the short cylinder of the tee pipe. The rotatable connection comprises a release surface on a threaded end to permit stable rotation of the snap clamp of up to 90 degrees about the axis of the short cylinder. The effective length is from the long cylinder curvature.