Abstract: A growing system is described where plants are grown in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit them at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, data logging means, growing means, water and nutrients.

Abstract: A moving decoy support system for easy placement of decoys on stakes, and natural motion. The moving decoy support system generally includes a motion cone for the decoy, in which the motion cone has a first end, a second end, and a cavity extending into the first end toward the second end. The cavity has an opening at the first end and an upper surface at the second end which supports the decoy on a stake. The motion cone is mountable in the bottom of the decoy body. The motion cone may also have an upper, cylindrical portion and a funnel-shaped portion at the opening, so that the opening is larger than the inside, top of the cone. This allows for easier placement of the decoy on the stake. The motion cone allows the decoy to rotate and rock on the stake, giving the appearance of natural motion.

Abstract: A flying insect light trap monitoring device and related methods and systems. The flying insect light trap monitoring device includes a housing, camera, controller, and communications module. The housing includes a mounting structure configured to couple with a flying insect light trap. The camera generally includes a wide angle lens. The camera and wide angle lens are secured to the housing and take a digital photograph image of a glue board in the flying insect light trap. The controller, including a processor and a memory, is secured within the housing and is communicatively coupled to the camera. The controller receives the digital photograph image. The communications module is operatively coupled with the controller and sends data packets, including the digital photograph image, to a remote server. Further, an image processing engine that processes the image and generates an insect count can be included.

Abstract: A live bait zip tie is an apparatus used to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish. The apparatus is configured to hold the hook in position, so that the hook cannot rotate or swivel. The apparatus includes a prong, a ratchet band, a hook-bracing fixture, a band-receiving head, and a pawl. The prong allows the user to puncture through a bait fish. The ratchet band engages with the pawl to tighten the apparatus against a bait fish. The hook-bracing fixture allows a hook to secure against the body of a bait fish. The band-receiving head allows for connection of the prong and ratchet band. The pawl is a unidirectionally biased protrusion that allows for tightening engagement with the ratchet band. This configuration allows the apparatus to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish so that the hook does not move during fishing activity.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal house comprising an impermeable hollow-moulded structure 210 having at least one convex surface 219. The structure comprises a first flat surface 214 extending in a first direction and a second flat surface 213 extending in a second direction. The convex surface 219 connects the first flat surface 214 to the second flat surface 213. The structure 210 further comprises a rib 230 defining a sharp edge. The rib 320 is configured to be releasably attached proximate to or on the convex surface 219 such that the rib 230 diverts a liquid flowing over the convex surface 219 away from the structure 210. The invention also provides an impermeable hollow-moulded panel 810 with protruding ridges 800, 801 to prevent water ingress.

Abstract: One variation of a method for autonomously training animals to respond to oral commands includes: prompting a user to select a training protocol; prompting the user to record a first audio clip of the user reciting a voice command associated with a target pose within the training protocol, the user affiliated with the animal; accessing a video feed recorded by an optical sensor during a first training session; in the video feed, detecting the animal within a working field; while the animal is detected in the working field, playing back the first audio clip; in the video feed, detecting a current pose of the animal; calculating a deviation between the current pose of the animal and the target pose; in response to the deviation falling within a threshold: playing an audio clip of a secondary reinforcer; and dispensing a unit of a primary reinforcer via an integrated dispenser.

Abstract: A planting pot and tray system comprises a plurality of pots and a tray having multiple receptacles configured to receive the pots. Each pot includes at least one rounded side, and at least one generally flat side, with each receptacle including at least one curved wall and at least one generally straight wall. The receptacles are configured to receive the pots with the rounded and flat sides of the pot engaging with respective walls of the receptacle to whereby the respective shapes of the receptacles and pots orient the pots within the receptacles. A front wall of the receptacle is shorter than the pot whereby a portion of side of the pot is exposed and directed outwardly from the tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved movable footbaths for the treatment of hooved animals. The footbaths include a watertight basin with sidewalls and end walls. The footbaths are movable for use in temporary or permanent locations. The footbaths include a cleat in the lower surface of the basin adjacent to a removable and replaceable ramp, and the ramp has a rough upper surface that provides friction for hooved animals allowing them to easily exit the footbath. After wear and tear, the ramp may be pried out or otherwise removed and replaced with a new ramp. Embodiments of the present footbath may be used to repair existing permanent footbaths, instead of destroying and rebuilding them, by inserting the movable footbath into the permanent footbath.

Abstract: A combined adjustable pet ball-throwing rod includes a rod body. A front ball socket is fixed to a first end of the rod body. The front ball socket has a hollow connecting tube. A rear ball socket is detachable and slidably sleeved on the connecting tube. The front ball socket and the rear ball socket form an elastic ball socket. The connecting tube is provided with a retaining portion, the first end of the rod body is provided with a buckling portion, and the buckling portion is buckled in the retaining portion. The quantity of the retaining portions is two, and the two retaining portions are respectively located on two opposite side walls of the connecting tube. The quantity of the buckling portions is two, and one buckling portion is buckled in one retaining portion.

Abstract: A weed enclosure device has a main body with a first enclosure half hingedly connected to a second enclosure half. Each of the first enclosure half and the second enclosure half may be movable about a hinge between a closed position and an opened position. The main body may have a top end and a bottom end. A first aperture may be formed in the top end of the main body. A second aperture may be formed in the bottom end of the main body. At least one divider may be disposed in the main body. The divider may have a plurality of flexible holders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a colony system for growing poultry includes a rack system including vertically and horizontally oriented support members, where the support members can be beams that are structurally interconnected forming multiple vertically tiered channels through which a poultry basket can be conveyed, and where each channel formed by the support members has an entry end and an exit end. The system further includes an entry end pulley having multiple side-by-side entry end pulley grooves around an entry end circumference of the pulley. The system further includes an exit end pulley, and the exit end pulley has multiple side-by-side exit end pulley grooves around an exit end circumference of the exit end pulley, where the exit end pulley is rotatably mounted on an exit end bearing axle where the exit end bearing axle has opposing ends fixedly positioned.

Abstract: An air movement system for plant cultivation. An air conditioner receives a gas mixture of air and carbon dioxide, regulates a temperature of the gas mixture, and outputs the gas mixture at the regulated temperature. A first bladeless fan receives the gas mixture output by the air conditioner and supplies the gas mixture as an air flow to a first crop area at a velocity towards an air intake. At least one second bladeless fan assists the air flow from the first crop area to a second crop area so as to maintain the velocity towards the air intake.

Abstract: A system for exterminating insects includes a housing, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing that includes one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned to receive heat from the one or more burners, a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly connectable to a residential hose bib, the fluid inlet line fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line.

Abstract: A durable feral cat shelter adapted to be inviting to feral cats year-round by having two entrances/exits for each compartment or sub-compartment, wherein each entrance/exit has a conduit of a predefined cross-section that protrudes a predefined length from the body of the shelter, thereby inviting feral cats while deterring most would be predators of the feral cats. Two or more feral cat shelters can be connected by a coupler that allows access to the connected plurality of feral cat shelters.

Abstract: A lid that loosely connects to the rim of a bucket and converts the bucket into an effective insect trap. To allow the lid to move atop the bucket but remain attached thereto without creating an airtight seal, insets and tabs are provided along the outer and inner sidewalls of the groove in the rim and respectively engage the bucket rim. In operation, ventilation is provided between the rim of the bucket and groove of the lid which draws insects trapped therein towards the rim of the bucket and away from funnels in the top of the lid through which they insects may enter the container. However, the groove is sized such that the space between the sidewalls and land of the groove and the rim of the bucket is too small for an insect to escape.

Abstract: In one configuration, an animal habitat assembly is disclosed having a plurality of connectors that include a body and a plurality of coupling-holes formed therein and a plurality of rods configured to couple the rod with the connector. Accordingly, the plurality of connectors and rods are coupled to create a structure.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled aquaculture apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a lift vessel that lifts containers holding shellfish out of the water when the lift vessel is floating in order to allow air desiccation to prevent bio-fouling of the equipment and shellfish. The apparatus also has a buoy bladder positioned above the containers holding shellfish. The buoy bladder is retained in a centered position of the apparatus. The apparatus may be deployed in a suspended position with the buoy bladder floating on the water surface and the containers holding shellfish suspended below the buoy bladder. In addition, the apparatus may be deployed in a submerged position in which the buoy bladder is deflated and the apparatus is either resting on the water bottom or retained in a desired position in the water column.

Abstract: An operating device creating a rising heated vapor which passes through a grill having a concave surface enabling the condensate formed on the grill to migrate towards the center of the grill and away from the periphery of the grill which prevents condensate from dropping onto the operating device interfering with its operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling plant pests includes a portable case and a light source held in the case. The light source emits ultraviolet light in a predetermined direction. The case includes an installation assembly configured to be installed in a culture medium of the plant so that the predetermined direction is upward. An optical component that removes a wavelength component larger than 340 nm from the ultraviolet light emitted by the light source may also be provided.

Abstract: A vertical hydroponic plant production apparatus for allowing vertical hydroponic greenhouse crop production is provided. The apparatus comprises a hollow grow tube having a front face, a back face, an open first end, and an open second end. A slot is formed in the front face of the grow tube with the slot having a width equal to only a portion of a width of the front face. A media material is insertable into the grow tube. The slot allows the front face to expand outward during insertion of the media material and biased inward against the media material once the media material is inserted. The grow tube is positionable in either a horizontal position, vertical position, or any position between the horizontal position and the vertical position allowing inclined, multi-angled crop production and multi-storied conveyor style crop production.