Abstract: Insert (10) is formed from sheet (12) which is slidably held in slit (16) formed in compressible resilient covering (14). Stiffening member (22) is contained in the core of material (14) and has a slit (24) also slidably holding sheet (12). A compressible resilient insert (90) is contained in stiffening member (22). Corner members (26) slidably engage adjacent stiffening member (22) and sheet (12). Insert (90) and covering (14) compressibly hold sheet material (12) in frame (60). Fasteners (30) are used to urge members (22) toward frame (60) thereby further compressing member (14) to close any gaps with frame (60). A quadruple sealing effect is achieved as a result of: 1) the insert (90) between edge (15) and member (22); 2) the clamping action of member (22) on sheet (12); 3) the clamping action of covering (14) on sheet (12); and 4) the compression of covering (14) between frame (60) and member (22).

Abstract: A system for aqua farming comprises at least one land mass; typically a plurality of approximately rectangular land masses with their sides typically at least about an order of magnitude longer than their ends and defining approximately parallel channels between them in an adjacent body of water. The water moves into the channels and, in a substantial region of each land mass, also moves through it from the channel on one side to the channel on the other side thereof. Filtering means such as sand, gravel, or a mixture of sand and gravel, block the movement through the land masses of most of the pieces of solid matter that may be present in the water, whose smallest cross section is larger than a predetermined size.

Abstract: A method of farming in which plants are grown on a land mass adjacent to a body of water so that separated plant parts such as apples fall into the water and are harvested from the water. The land mass is sloped so that the plant parts are encouraged to enter the water. The body of water is contained in uniform canals and can be used for raising aquatic food products such as fish. Locks or a flow tube are used to interconnect water at different levels. Food products are harvested from the water using a boat, a conveyor or a water elevator which has a tube for receiving food product from the water and lifting it to a fluid displacement container using a pressurized fluid. The fluid displacement container reduces the length of fall of food product by providing a liquid surface near the top of the container. As the liquid is displaced by the food product, it leaves the container through a drain located near the top of the container.