Abstract: A crimper for managing the growth of a plant by controlling the position of a branch of the plant over the course of the plant's growth. The crimper includes a shaping tool and a growth control member. The shaping tool includes a gripping section and may also include a handle section, wherein the gripping section includes a first member and a second member, wherein the first member and the second member are curved in the same direction. The growth control member is arranged for placement about the branch of the plant, wherein actuation of the shaping tool causes the first member and the second member to squeeze the growth control member into a fixed curved shape about the branch of the plant.

Abstract: An ergonomic cutting tool configured to improve convenience and reduce pain and fatigue from repetitive cutting or trimming over an extended period of time. The tool includes a cutting component and a handle component joined to the cutting component, the handle component including a first handle and a second handle. The tool also includes a spring component coupled to the handle component and arranged to bias the handle component to an open position and a flexible member joined to an exterior surface of either of the first handle and the second handle to form a space therebetween, wherein the flexible member is arranged to enable removable retention of one or more of a user's fingers between the flexible member and the handle to which it is joined. An optional flip release section of the handle with the flexible member allows for expansion of the space therebetween.

Abstract: An ergonomic harvesting bag is provided for attachment to a user's body via an adjustable strap around the waist and/or neck. It allows the user to comfortably trim in a reclined or standing position. The advantage of using the ergonomic harvesting bag is that the user does not need to reach with their arms or body to approach the work, or perform the task of trimming over a table or receptacle, or on the lap or floor because the receptacle is attached and close to the body. The ergonomic harvesting bag includes an upper section, a lower section, an opening and a cavity within which items of interest may be inserted, the adjustable strap coupled to the upper section of the harvesting bag and a filter mechanism removably positioned within the cavity of the harvesting bag.

Abstract: A system to improve plant growth including a building having an interior and an interior ceiling. The system also includes a series of tiered structures configured in a stepped manner within the building interior and a plurality of lights hung from the ceiling of the building in a stepped manner to mirror the stepped manner of the tiered structures. A series of shelves is positioned on the tiered structures and arranged to place a plurality of horticulture products thereon. The lighting may include solar cells and a solar recycling system associated with the lighting.

Abstract: According to embodiments described in the specification, systems and methods are provided for natural language processing. A method in a server includes receiving, at the network interface device, an input for response from an electronic device, parsing the input to identify one or more entity data values and one or more relationship data values, populating a graph data structure with the identified entity data values, and the relationship data values, wherein the populating includes applying evaluation criteria-rating pair values, traversing the graph data structure to identify one or more problems indicated by the evaluation criteria-rating pair values, in response to the traversing, determining one or more changes to the graph data structure to satisfy one or more identified problems, if the determination is affirmative, populating a solution graph data structure that satisfies one or more identified problems, and transmitting, to the electronic device, a response to the input.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for natural language processing. A method in a server includes storing a graph data structure (GDS) of nodes, each node associated with an entity data value, and links, wherein each link connects two nodes and is associated with a relationship data value and evaluation criteria-rating pair values, receiving an input for response from an electronic device, parsing the input to identify entity data values and relationship data values, populating the GDS with the identified entity data values, and the relationship data values, wherein the populating includes applying evaluation criteria-rating pair values, traversing the GDS to identify problems indicated by the evaluation criteria-rating pair values, in response to the traversing, determining changes to the GDS to satisfy identified problems, if the determination is affirmative, populating a solution GDS that satisfies identified problems, and transmitting, to the electronic device, a response to the input.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for facilitating secure payments to a payee. In accordance with the invention, a payee can enroll and/or register with a customized account processing center (CAPC). The CAPC can include payment information about the payee, such as the payee's account number and the payee's preferred payment format. When a payee is registered and elects payment via electronic funds transfer, the CAPC issues instructions to the bank to transfer funds from the payer's bank account to the payee's bank account which may be at the same bank or at a different bank. The CAPC can also create a detailed record of payment histories which are accessible to the payee. The CAPC also can send a notification to the payee when a payment is made.