Abstract: A farming method may be shown and described. In an exemplary embodiment, plants may begin in a germination phase. Next, plants are brought to a nursery for a period of time before optionally being transplanted to one or more subsequent nurseries. Finally, plants are transplanted to a greenhouse where they may grow until they are ready for harvest. In an exemplary embodiment, the nursery phases may be vertical farms while the greenhouse phase may be a traditional, hydroponic, or other type of farm which may receive sunlight. AI may be implemented to optimize environmental conditions and robotics may be used to harvest the plants. Plants may be indexed to efficiently expedite plant growth and optimize the time and plant density/spacing in each phase.

Abstract: A water collection, storage, and distribution system includes one or more individual water storage tanks. Each water storage tank has its own microprocessor that controls the operation of the storage tank so that each storage tank can operate either as a stand-alone storage tank or can be integrated into a series or a daisy chain of storage tanks. Each individual storage tank monitors its water level, its temperature, and its flow rate. When a risk of freezing exists, based on time and temperature, the storage tank can dump water. When the water in the storage tank is approaching stagnation, based on flow rate and time, the storage tank can dump water. When a storage tank is part of a daisy chain of storage tanks, each individual tank monitors not only its own water level but also the water level of the next downstream storage tank and pumps water to the downstream storage tank as required.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing the loading of a shipping container, optimizing freight costs, communicating ordering and shipping constraints to a customer, and continuously updating shipping costs while an order is being built by a customer.

Abstract: A tie for insulated concrete forms that has a Z-bend configuration so that the tie is nestable with similar Z-bend ties in order to optimize the cubic volume and the weight of a container of nested ties for shipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite of an exfoliated clay pillared in a carbonized matrix. A substantially complete exfoliation of the clay can easily be achieved by first dispersing the in a viscous, high dielectric organic matrix to form a precursor composite, which can then be carbonized to form the composite of the exfoliated clay pillared in a carbonized matrix. The composite is useful as a filler, for example, to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymers.

Abstract: A multi-piece lightweight pre-formed equipment base wherein each piece, i.e., the outer shell of the pad and the support ribbing, may be constructed from materials having the desired properties for that piece's function, and wherein each piece is capable of nesting with like pieces.

Abstract: An AC disconnect switch having a first embodiment with an enclosure with portions of its side walls removed for easier access. The first embodiment of the AC disconnect switch also has a cover that is hinged at the top of the case and opens at an angle greater than 180 degrees to further enhance access. In a second embodiment, the cover is reversibly hinged on the side of the case of the enclosure for enhance access. Both embodiments of the AC disconnect switch have the terminal lugs with roughened surfaces on the terminal block aligned in the transverse direction of the enclosure to accommodate precut and prestripped wiring harnesses. The terminal block is mounted to the case by a tab arrangement which requires only a single screw. The AC disconnect switch also has a locking mechanism with retractable hasp to minimize shipping volume.