Abstract: A plant surface structure includes an array of plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements. The deck is provided with at least a number of the pillar elements having an open top end in the deck. A membrane is placed over the deck and is provided with slits or cut-outs or water permeable elements, such that they open into at least some of the open top ends of the pillar elements. A growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in the pillar elements, the growing medium in the pillar elements preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on the membrane.

Abstract: A rainwater distribution system for storing and distributing rainwater includes a first container configured to store rainwater and having a bottom wall and a side wall; a planting container being elevated off of the bottom wall and within the first container, and having a planting container bottom wall and a side wall; a planting container support configured to elevate the planting container off of the bottom wall and within the first container; a cascade aperture having a cascade filter, the cascade aperture positioned on the side wall of the planting container, and allows the rainwater that enters the planting container to exit the planting container into the first container; and an outlet aperture positioned on the side wall of the first container and configured to allow the rainwater to exit the first container at a controlled rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for sorting undesired marine species during trawling, provides a pliable grid when the trawl net is pulled from the water and wound tightly on the net reel, and when the trawl is deployed in the water, the apparatus is fixed into place inside the trawl and holding its shape with consistent grid spacing. Marine species sorting apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes grid, back straps, and lead ring. Grid includes a plurality of bars surrounded by grid frame. Grid frame is attached to lead ring at an angle using terminal couplers. Lead ring supports grid and secures marine species sorting apparatus in trawl webbing referred to as the extension.

Abstract: A belt drive that has a transmission element that transmits a drive force to a drive element, which then sets a belt roller into rotational motion. The transmission element is a shaft and the drive element is an angular gear which has an input that is connected to the transmission element and an output that transmits the rotational motion from the gear to the belt roller. The belt drive is particularly suited for use in a belt system that is used in multi-tier poultry facilities. This belt system according to the invention includes a common drive motor that provides the drive force and a plurality of belt drives, one belt drive for each tier. One or more drive shafts transmit the drive force from the drive motor to each of the belt drives.

Abstract: A game calming assembly for calming game into danger includes a mount that engages and extends away from a support surface. The mount comprises a first arm that has a first end and a second end. A second arm is pivotally coupled to the second end and has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the first arm. A coupler releasably couples the second end of the first arm to the proximal end of the second arm wherein an angle between the first arm and the second arm is adjustable when the coupler is released. A foot is attached to and extends outwardly from the first end. The foot is extends through and engages the support surface. A support is attached to and extends upwardly from the distal end of the second arm. A decoy is mounted on the support.

Abstract: A pet-monitoring system including at least one of a wearable component, base station and user device. The system utilizes data collected from each of these components as well as the state of any connections between the devices to: (i) make various determinations about the pet's health and environment; (ii) notify the user of substantial changes in the pet's health and environment; (iii) determine how to efficiently utilize communication, monitoring or interaction modules within the wearable component, base station and user device; and (iv) automate interactions with the pet using interaction modules within the wearable component, base station and user device.

Abstract: The application discloses a spray applicator system attachable to a poultry feeder for accurately and precisely dosing liquid formulations, including vaccines and probiotic formulations, to caged avian animals. The application discloses spray applicators, having improved acceptance by the avian animals, relative to more disruptive prior spray applicators. The disclosed automated caged spray applicator system is designed to attach to and function with automated poultry feeding systems, routinely used in poultry house settings.

Abstract: The system includes a feeding vessel having an inlet, an outlet, and a membrane positioned across an opening in the vessel. Parasites (preferably ticks) are allowed to attach themselves to the membrane so that as a feeding fluid (preferably blood) is circulated through the vessel, the parasites feed on the feeding fluid through the membrane.

Abstract: A branching position having two supporting legs of a fishing rod guide having two supporting legs formed by three sets of fiber-reinforced resin layers disposed in a fishing rod is sealed by a thermoset resin member or a prepreg.

Abstract: An animal enclosure includes a kennel body including a rotational molded wall formed from a plastic material. The kennel body defines an interior space shaped to accommodate one or more animals, and defines a door opening shaped to allow the animal to enter and exit the kennel body. A hoop-shaped door frame is disposed on the kennel body proximate the door opening. A door is disposed on the door frame, and the door is pivotally moveable relative to the door frame between an open position and a closed position. A latch is disposed on the door. The enclosure includes first, second, third and fourth attachment members disposed on the kennel body, each positioned to receive a strap to secure the kennel body to a structure such as a truck bed.

Abstract: Compacting expanded perlite fines in the presence of a small amount of binder (starch and/or clay) and water, followed by drying, produces particles with low density, good integrity, and surprisingly higher absorption by volume than non-compacted expanded perlite or non-swelling clay. Furthermore, addition of a small amount of clumping agent (e.g., guar gum) to the compacted granules results in a clumping litter with low density, good integrity and comparable clumping ability to traditional clay clumping litter.

Abstract: A bioreactor comprising: an upper container with transparent walls for the material being propagated, the container being provided with gas exchange diffuser to the external environment, humidifier, and artificial illumination; a lower container with transparent walls, having an aluminum tray and a point of water entry and/or nutrient medium, located in the bottom of the container; points of injection/removal of air/oxygen/carbon dioxide located in the lid; point of additional injection of carbon dioxide, close to the bottom of the upper container; hermetic connection device between the upper and lower containers for supply/drainage of the nutrient medium; a screen support for the material to be propagated; locking devices to hermetically close the upper container; and the lower container; and pneumatic drivers of the liquid nutrient medium between the upper container and the lower container.

Abstract: A fish bite indicator utilizes a line retainer coupled to a pivot arm and configured to rotate to bring a pair of electrical contacts into contact with a circuit contact to complete a circuit and activate an indicator light and/or indicator speaker. An indicator speaker may produce a factory set alert sound or a recorded alert sound that a user records to distinguish one fishing pole from another. A user may insert the fishing line a desired amount down into the line wedge seam and the depth of insertion may change when the line is released upon the pivoting of the pivot arm. The fish bite indicator may have a drag knob to change how much line tension is required to move the pivot arm and may have a sensitivity knob that adjusts how far the pivot arm has to rotate before the indicator is activated.

Abstract: A pet toy apparatus that includes a suction cup, a support apparatus and a toy apparatus that are configured to be selectively coupled to one another to form a structure which can be hung from a supporting surface such as a window pane, a wall, etc. to attract a pet into play. The suction cup is configured to maintain the support apparatus at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane in order to increase the strength of the selective connection between the suction cup and the support apparatus.

Abstract: An animal litter box apparatus includes a main body having a base and vertical sides. A main body front side has a dual-walled construction including an exterior wall, a spaced-apart interior wall, and an upper edge adjoining upper ends of the interior and exterior walls to define an interior storage space. A compound opening is defined by respective cut-out portions of the interior wall, exterior wall, and the upper edge. A magnetic coupling element within the interior storage space cooperates with a corresponding magnet on a litter-sifting basket of a litter scoop to selectively retain the litter scoop basket therein. A recessed portion of the exterior surface of the exterior wall accommodates a proximal end portion of the litter scoop handle. An inverted U-shaped cover member disposed about the front side is slidable from an open position to a closed position to discreetly house the entire litter scoop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a testing chamber are provided herein. One embodiment of a testing chamber includes a chamber environment affecter and a chamber computing device that includes a processor and a memory component. The memory component may store logic that causes the testing chamber to receive a recipe program, where the recipe program defines a grow recipe for a grow pod. The logic may further cause the testing chamber to determine a difference between operation of the testing chamber and operation of the grow pod, adapt the recipe program for operation by the testing chamber, and execute the recipe program in the testing chamber. The logic may further cause the testing chamber to monitor operation of the testing chamber executing the recipe program to determine a malfunction in the recipe program and provide an indication of the malfunction of the recipe program.

Abstract: An invalid dog lift and support device employs a lever mounted on spread wheels supported by retractable legs with a tanslatable harness mount received on the lever. A telescoping handle is received in an end of the lever distal from the legs. The harness mount is rotatable to position a dog, supported in harnesses suspended form the harness mount, parallel to or transvers to the lever. The harness mount is translatable on the lever from a position proximate the legs to a position distal from the legs.

Abstract: A moving wing waterfowl or migratory bird decoy including a decoy body constructed of a predetermined material with exterior ornamentation to simulate a live waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body being arranged in a predetermined orientation to simulate a waterfowl or migratory bird, the decoy body having a top and a bottom. The decoy has at least one decoy wing connected to the decoy body, the decoy wing being constructed and arranged to simulate the wing of a waterfowl or migratory bird. The decoy body is constructed and arranged of a particular plastic material to hyper-realistically resemble a waterfowl or migratory bird. The control and power module is plug and play software controllable. The decoy is mountable on a male type member post via a female type receptacle on the decoy body. The decoy has a biased stabilizer cord that also mimics the legs of the waterfowl or migratory bird.

Abstract: A system and method for cultivating plants is described. The system may include a tower structure having a vertical series of vessels for holding a netted pot or other container. The system may have a pressurized irrigation system that is in fluid communication with each vessel. The system may further include lamps to provide an adequate light source. The system may also include sensors, monitors and controls to establish and maintain environmental conditions suitable for proper plant growth. The system may further be implemented as a scalable system in which multiple tower structures may be installed into a scaffold system. Sets of towers may be slidably affixed to a scaffold such that the towers may be slid along a track thereby creating easy access to the plants, vessels, lights and the irrigation system. The system may be expanded to include multiple scaffolds affixed to a skeletal frame or compartment interior.

Abstract: A combined litter box and cleaning sieve is provided including a base structure and a sieve member. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) which extend upward from the base wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. The sieve member includes a back wall section for extending across the open side of the base structure, a screen portion and upstanding handle. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure and litter filled on top thereof. The litter can be cleaned of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter sifts through the screen portion and waste is collected on the screen which can then be disposed of. Afterward, the empty sieve member is placed back into position through the receiving side of the base structure for further use.