Abstract: Systems for using one or more rotating roofs on a building to track the sun or for other reasons such as for changing the lighting, or views, or for using the rotating roofs as a mobile sculptures are disclosed.

Abstract: Protection system for the mechanized covering of plant crops which are usually planted in rows, of the type in which vertical poles (1) are arranged along the rows and have heights greater than those of the crowns of the plants to be protected, the poles being interconnected by longitudinal (3) and transverse (2) cables to form an overhead supporting lattice roof structure, the system comprising means for mechanizing the steps of extending flexible protective sheets (4) over the roof structure and removing them therefrom, characterized in that: the poles (1) are in a staggered or grid arrangement such that they are transversely aligned in even-numbered rows (F2, F4, etc.) only and in odd-numbered rows (F1, F3, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring animal interaction with woody plants is provided, including a wire mesh cage. The wire mesh cage is formed from one of a sheet of steel wire mesh and a stake cage. The sheet of wire mesh may be formed into a tubular configuration to surround a plant in need of the protection. The stake cage may be formed from a plurality of uprights arranged around a periphery of a plant, and at least one filament wound around the plurality of uprights to form the wire mesh. The wire mesh cage may further include a protective covering, in the form of a cap or coating applied to a top surface of the wire mesh cage. The protective covering militates against damage to a plant surrounded by the wire mesh cage. The protective covering may be formed from a polymeric compound having an animal detracting additive and an ultraviolet inhibitor.

Abstract: An improved landscape edging system is described. The landscape edging system includes an edge piece having a first end and a second end, the edge piece having a substantially vertical wall and a base, the base comprising a first footing at the first end and a second footing at the second end, the first footing being spaced apart from the second footing, the first and second footings having a stake opening, the first end having an inwardly stepped section on the wall and a stepped up section on the base. A method of installing the landscape edging system is also described.

Abstract: A tree stand is described that secures a tree while monitoring and replenishing a water supply for sustaining the tree. The tree stand includes a tree stand base having a reservoir configured to receive a trunk of a tree and contain water for nourishing the tree, and a water supply monitoring system configured to asses a level of the water in the reservoir. The water supply monitoring system includes a funnel insertable within the reservoir for supplying water to the reservoir, a water level monitoring system physically coupled to the tree stand base that is configured to assess a first water level indicative of a low water level in the reservoir and assess a second water level indicative of an optimal water level in the reservoir, an indicating system electrically coupled to the water level monitoring system that provides a water level indication, and a power system coupled to the water level monitoring system and the indicating system.

Abstract: There is at least one embodiment that comprises a system for harvesting plants comprising at least one container for receiving and growing plants; at least one irrigation system configured to feed water to at least one of said plurality of containers; and at least one microprocessor configured to calculate a time until reaching a harvest point based upon a position of the plants. The at least one container can comprise a plurality of containers. The at least one irrigation system comprises at least one level valve configured to close when fluid in at least one container of said plurality of containers reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: Methods for manipulating yield and generation time of short day plants grown in a field environment are provided. The methods comprise manipulating external signals such as photoperiod in order to increase the per plant seed yield. Also provided are methods for synchronizing the flowering times of plants in different maturity groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bead comprising: i) an external zone comprising a super absorbent polymer (SAP) that is capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its weight in water, surrounding ii) at least one internal zone comprising a core that contains at least one agrochemical, wherein the external zone is permeable to oxygen when hydrated, or the internal zone is formulated to release the at least one agrochemical into the external zone over a period of at least about one week when the hydrogel of the external zone is hydrated. The present invention also provides methods of using beads of the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are described. In one embodiment, the system is generates ions for use in treating vegetation to optimize growth of the vegetation. The system includes an ion generation region having a pair of dissimilar metal plates. The ion generation chamber receives a liquid and routes the liquid past the dissimilar metal plates to capture ion transfer between the dissimilar metal plates. The ions form a charged solution. The system also includes a collection region having a collection bed for storing the charged solution, and a fertigation region for dispersing the liquid. Other embodiments of the system are also described.

Abstract: A modular hydroponic growth system and method for applying the system having a central nutrient solution and nutrient reservoir that feeds nutrient solution and nutrients to one or more growth modules. A wall of the growth module is adapted to be removed to allow unimpeded access along a side of the box whereby trays may be inserted and removed without raising the bottom of the tray higher than required to clear an interior bottom surface of a cultivation chamber growth module. An additional germination compartment of the growth module supports simultaneous germination of seeds while another growth compartment of a same box supports growth in a second vessel, whereby ambient light is received by plants in the second vessel. An optional light filter screen provides varying filtering of the second vessel by selectively positioning a unified screen having two or more sections of varying strengths of light.

Abstract: A growth substrate for plants including polylactic acid, wherein the polylactic acid is particulate polylactic acid foam. A method for preparing a growth substrate for plants including polylactic acid foam, the method including providing particulate expandable polylactic acid and exposing the particulate expandable polylactic acid to predetermined temperature and pressure conditions to obtain particulate polylactic acid foam.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a seedling container having seedling compartment(s). Frangible tear-off strip(s) divide seedling compartment(s) into top portion(s) and bottom portion(s). Pulling on pull tab(s) of frangible strip(s) permits removal of frangible strip(s) from seedling compartment(s) so as to permit bottom portion(s) to be conveniently removed from top portion(s). Seedling plug(s) retained by rim-like top portion(s) may thus be conveniently transplanted without creating excessive mess or damage to seedling(s).

Abstract: Provided is a low stress plant training receptacle including a container having a closed bottom and an open top, the later having a rim, and a plurality of pairs of branch training means formed and positioned about the rim to accept and retain the lower plant branches of a plant placed in the container to spread the branches apart from one another substantially horizontally to stimulate the plant to produce interior growth, increasing the plant strength, diameter, canopy and yield.

Abstract: The invention provides improved compositions and methods for growing and cultivating plants, wherein the compositions and methods comprise placing phase change materials (PCMs) close to, in contact with, or substantially in contact with, a plant root system, a plant pot or a plant soil (containing plant roots) to absorb the heat from the day and release it at night.

Abstract: A stackable elevated planter has a rectangular or oval body that holds potting soil. Two or four legs sockets are attached to and extend away from the bottom of the planter body to define a rectangle. Legs are provided such that each leg has one end sized to fit within one of the leg sockets. The legs have a length less that the length of the rectangle and an average width which is less than one fourth of the width of the rectangle such that the four legs can be laid next to one another within the planter body and a similar second planter will fit within that planter. The body of the second planter may be positioned over the four legs such that the leg sockets of the second planter body extend beyond the four legs and the leg sockets of the second planter may rest on the top surface of the base of the first planter. An optional shelf that fits within the planter body for storage and is attached to the legs when the planter is assembled may also be provided.

Abstract: A hollow pot includes a pot unit and a hollow tube. The hollow tube is a hollow unit and installed to inner surface of a mold set before pressurized air is introduced in the mold set and before the mold set is closed. A probe is inserted into the mold set and blows the plastic material in the mold set. The plastic material expands and contacts against the inner surface of the mold set, and seals the connection holes of the hollow tube. The plastic material is extended and broken to match upon the connection holes of the hollow tube. The plastic material is solidified to form the pot unit. The pot unit is air-tightly connected to the hollow tube, and the conjunction area of the hollow tube communicates with the space in the pot unit.

Abstract: Vegetative systems are described. In one embodiment, a vegetative system has substantially distinct or separate zones or layers in which each zone or layer performs primarily one of the functions of water retention, a growth medium for vegetation, and weed suppression. An upper may comprise coarse aggregate and serve the primary function of weed suppression; a middle layer may comprise a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and fine organic material and serve primarily as a growth medium for vegetation; and a lower layer may comprise high-density hygroscopic material and serve the primary function of water retention.

Abstract: An agriculture production system includes a plurality of plant housings interconnected by conduit portions of a conduit assembly. Each plant housing has an upper housing portion that supports a plant in a growing media therein and a lower housing portion defining a chamber cavity below the upper housing portion so that roots of the plant extend into the chamber, said conduit portions fluidly interconnecting the chambers of the plant housings. A conditioned air unit is coupled to the conduit assembly and conditions air that flows through the conduit assembly into the chambers of the plant housings. A water supply assembly has a plurality of irrigation units, each associated with one of the plant housings and delivering water to the plant housing from a water supply source. The plant housings are arranged in a circuit allowing conditioned air to flow through the chambers of the plant housings to control a temperature and/or humidity in said chambers to promote root development and plant growth.

Abstract: A hanging basket cover including a body having a first, open end and an opposing second end, and at least two flexible arms transversely extending from the first end of the body. The arms are movable between a rest position and a flexed position, where a hanging basket is inserted in the first end of the body and against the flexible arms causing the flexible arms to move to the flexed position for allowing the hanging basket to move into the body until the flexible arms extend over a top edge of the hanging basket to secure the body to the hanging basket.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a hanging gardening and watering apparatus comprising: a set of trellises pivotally connected to each other and to opposing sides in a vertical scissor arrangement allowing for the frame to expand and contract varying the volume occupied by the frame; a fertilizing system carried by the frame and disposed at the top of the frame; a set of compartments included in the fertilizing system for holding additives taken from the group consisting of: fertilizer, weed killer, pre-emergent, fragrance and any combination thereof; and, a tube for directing water from a water supply to siphon additives from selected compartments so that the water and additive are mixed in the water stream and directed to a delivery system so that the mixture is delivered to plants disposed in the frame.

Abstract: A modular hydroponic growth system and method for roof top farming. The system includes a nutrient solution reservoir and preferably at least one plant growth module. Each module may be repositioned upon a roof top to distribute higher weight-density components over strong points or legally specified areas of the roof. A frame preferably using industry standard components is joined with the system modules to increase the stability of a resulting aggregated structure. The water reservoir may alternatively be configured to circulate water through one or more growth modules or to simply deliver water through channels to the growth modules. The frame may optionally be affixed or attached to the roof top.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high growth, high density, closed environment growing system and methods thereof. A method of accelerating plant cell growth in a growing system may include adjusting the lighting in accordance with an identified plant growth stage.

Abstract: An aquaponic system for growing organic materials and farming fish comprising a grow bed, a piping system, and a tank. The grow bed is filled with media. Water fills the grow bed via a water-in piping system. Water drains from the grow bed via a water-out piping system. Water drained from the grow bed will be directed into a tank filled with aquatic organisms. The aquatic organisms with create nutrient-rich organic waste that mixes with the water in the tank. The nutrient-rich water is directed from the tank, through a filter, and into the water-in piping system. The water-in piping system directs the water into the grow bed. The organic materials in the grow bed absorb the nutrients and naturally filter the organic waste from the water. The filtered water is directed back into the fish tank. The circulation of water through the system is then repeated as many times as desired.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for the creation of parahydrogen and atomic hydrogen, and for mixing of atomic hydrogen with gas for fuel are disclosed.

Abstract: A refinery system is provided. The refinery system includes a feedstock supply line, a first endothermic chamber that receives feedstock from the feedstock supply and processes the feedstock under elevated heat during a first time period, a second endothermic chamber that receives feedstock from the feedstock supply under elevated heat during a second time period, and a refining processor downstream and in communication with each of the first chamber and the second chamber. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifier system are provided. The system includes a two-stage particulate separator having a side draw-off connector configured as a first virtual impactor, the first virtual impactor configured to separate a substantially particulate free flow of a reaction product from a particulate laden flow of the reaction product. The two-stage particulate separator also includes a transfer line coupled downstream of said draw-off connector, a second virtual impactor coupled downstream of the transfer line, and a quench chamber coupled downstream from the second virtual impactor, such that the quench chamber is configured to receive at least the particulate laden flow of the reaction product.

Abstract: A gasification system including: a casing defining: a solid material inlet; a fixed bed drying zone proximal the solid material inlet; a fixed bed pyrolysis zone arranged below the drying zone along a gravity vector, distal the solid material inlet across the pyrolysis zone; a kinetic bed combustion zone surrounded by the pyrolysis zone; and a fluidization channel extending through the drying zone and pyrolysis zone and fluidly connected to the combustion zone, the fluidization channel defining a kinetic bed reduction zone fluidly isolated from and thermally connected to the pyrolysis zone and the drying zone by the fluidization channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical technology and equipment, in particular to apparatuses of processing of solid household and industrial waste, as well as other carbon-containing feedstock into combustible gasification gas and methods for pyrolysis and downdraft gasification process.

Abstract: A communicating apparatus comprises a base unit connected to a door operator, the base unit including a processor, a display coupled to the processor, a user input device coupled to the processor to allow the processor to read the state of the input device, the state of the input device being selected by the user, and a memory module coupled to the processor, the memory module storing code executed by the processor. The processor code displays to the user various menu items, enables the user to scroll among the menu items using the input device, and enables the user to select the menu item such that the processor derives a control signal. A circuitry is configured to receive the control signal from the processor and to carry the control signal to the door operator.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for reducing the force required to close a vehicle door. The apparatus may release trapped air in a vehicle to atmosphere, or may otherwise accommodate for a pressure spike in a vehicle as a closing door nears a fully closed position. The apparatus may be active or passive. The vehicle door may be any door on a vehicle, including a trunk door.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly is provided comprising a first door having a tortuous leading edge, a door frame, a guide track, and a member having a complementary tortuous edge to that of the door. The drive assembly includes magnets to drive the door between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An example portable gate includes a platform. A frame is mounted to the platform, the platform configured to support a portable weight. A gate is movably supported by the frame. A drive system is configured to open and close the gate in both right-hand operation and left-hand operation based only on direction of travel of the drive system without other modification. A control panel may be operatively associated with the drive system to operate and/or configure operation of the portable gate.

Abstract: Glazing units including a cartridge cavity outside of a seal that is located between the first and second panes to form a closed interior volume within the glazing unit are described herein, along with sashes, panels, window assemblies, and/or doors that may incorporate the glazing units. A control unit provided in a cartridge housing located in the cartridge cavity may be operably connected to one or more connected devices to provide any number of a variety of functions such as, e.g., sound control/production, optical effects, thermal effects, etc.

Abstract: Wide span louvers including elongated oval bodies with a thickness to width ratio between 0.14 to 0.25, and a pivot/attachment point offset below the horizontal axis, and other improvements to improve resistance to weight and/or thermal sag in long span shutter assemblies and the like.

Abstract: An accessory mounting bracket for securing door accessories to a door coordinator. The accessory mounting bracket has stepped portions that define a channel that is sized to receive a door coordinator. A recess is disposed below the channel and provides an offset for fasteners that mount the door coordinator to a door frame and may protrude from the door coordinator. A set of bores are used to attach the accessory mounting bracket to the door coordinator and a soffit of the door, while a second bores, which are threaded, allows for attachment of a door accessory to the accessory mounting bracket. The second bores are formed in the accessory mounting bracket so as to be spaced apart from the door coordinator.

Abstract: A trim panel system includes a vehicle trim panel movably coupled to a vehicle body. The vehicle body defines a vehicle body opening. The vehicle trim panel is configured to move between an open position and a closed position wherein the vehicle trim panel covers the vehicle body opening. The trim panel system further includes an arm movably coupled to the vehicle body and a cable coupled between the vehicle trim panel and the arm. As such, the vehicle trim panel is configured to move from the closed position toward the open position in conjunction with a corresponding movement of the arm relative to the vehicle body and through the vehicle body opening.

Abstract: An aircraft (1) with jettison mechanism, particularly a helicopter, comprising an airframe (2), at least one door (5) movably mounted to the airframe (2), at least one door lock mechanism (9) at an interface of said at least one door (5) with the airframe (2) to releasable mount the at least one door (5) relative to the airframe (2) and actuation means (11) for the at least one door lock mechanism (9). An emergency jettison button (20, 38) is integrated into handles (11, 12) of said actuation means.

Abstract: A window balance assembly for a tilt-in window comprising a bracket, a spring and a carrier. The first spring has a first portion engaging the bracket. The carrier has a vertical portion including a first slot, a first projection extending outwardly from a first side of the vertical portion, and a second attachment projection extending outwardly from a second side of the vertical portion. The first slot receives a pivot bar of the tilt-in window via a vertical drop-in installation. One of the first and second attachment protrusions engages the first portion of the spring. The horizontal portion includes an aperture rotatably engaging a cam between a first position and a second position. The cam has a second slot aligned with the first slot when the cam is in the first position allowing for the pivot bar to move between the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved pet doors, systems and related methods that may be used or installed on the fixed panel of a new or existing sliding door, such as a patio door, without interfering with the sliding movement of the companion door by providing a low profile closing panel and latch.

Abstract: An invisible sliding door link structure includes a door bracket disposed at an inner surface of a door sliding part of a vehicle body to open or close, a body bracket provided in an invisible slider to slide the door, a main arm with one end connected to one side of the door bracket and the other end connected to one side of the body bracket, a first link having one end rotatably connected to the other side of the body bracket, a second link having one end rotatably connected to the other end of the first link and the other end connected to the other side of the door bracket, and a third link having one end rotatably connected to one side of the main arm and the other end connected to a hinge point at which the first and second links are connected to each other.

Abstract: A foldable panel gate includes an inner panel section and an outer panel section foldable relative to one another between open and closed positions of the gate. An operating linkage controls displacement of the outer panel section relative to the inner panel section as the inner panel section is driven by a suitable drive between the open and closed positions. The linkage includes a pivotal body coupled to the inner panel section, a first connecting link pivotally coupled between the gate post and the pivotal body, and a second connecting link pivotally coupled between the pivotal body and the outer panel section to fold the outer panel section relative to the inner panel section through a range of 180 degrees as the inner panel section is driven through a range of 90 degrees between the open and closed position.

Abstract: A key lockable window operator, including a crank handle that is shiftable between a folded storage position and an unfolded operating position and a lock cylinder operably engaged to a rack and a sliding pin. The rack and the sliding pin are shiftable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the locked position, at least a portion of the sliding pin is engaged into a cavity in the crank handle whereby the crank handle is secured in the folded storage position.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle closure panel is provided. The support mechanism includes a connection rod and a counterbalancing device. The connection rod is configured to secure the closure panel in a second position and control the speed of the closure panel as it moves between a first position and a second position. The counter balancing device includes a connection rod base structure, at least one guide block, of a first material, at least one resistance member, of a second material, and at least one spring element. The guide block interacts with the resistance member. The interaction of the first material of the guide block and the second material of the resistance member creates a resistance force of variable force output to counterbalance the weight of the closure panel as the closure panel moves between the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A frame for a window intended to serve either as a stationary frame or as a sash frame according to the invention comprises an insulating abutment list on aside surface of at least one of the top, bottom or side members intended to face a side surface of another frame of the window. The insulating abutment list is made from a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 0.08 W/(m·K), preferably less than 0.04 W/(m·K). Preferred materials for the insulating abutment list are expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS). In a window with such a frame, an insulating abutment list on the sash frame preferably extends from a hinge part to the bottom member of the sash frame and an insulating abutment list on the stationary frame preferably extends from a hinge part to the top member of the stationary frame.

Abstract: A door construction made of panel sections hinged to one another at end faces so as to be folded to overlie one another for transport and unfolded to a co-planar configuration at a point of assembly. After unfolding, braces are applied to the end faces to maintain the co-planar configuration. Gaskets are provided between facing surfaces of the two door sections, and a gasket may be provided around the perimeter of the door and the gaskets span the seam. A wire may also be provided that spans the seam and remains intact before, during, and after unfolding.

Abstract: A fenestration unit, such as a window, having an upper sash and a lower sash can be configured to permit separate and independent movement of the upper sash and the lower sash when desired, while restraining the upper sash from movement caused by movement of the lower sash. A fenestration unit having a single movable sash can also be configured to provide securement of the single movable sash against undesired vertical movement.

Abstract: A window lock assembly accomplishing FER manipulation protection against unintended window opening without using additional components in the typical FER lock assembly by using a passive barrier system to help prevent access to both the lock cam and lock lever handle. The device can include at least one lock assembly mounted on the interior side of the window's inner sash and having a locked and unlocked position. The lock assembly engages with at least one keeper mounted on the outer sash to secure the window. The lock assembly housing has a barrier extending outward from the bottom surface which effectively helps to block access to the cam. The lock assembly housing also has a shroud which extends from the top and side edges which partially or completely covers the keeper and effectively helps to block access to the lever handle.

Abstract: A window assembly includes a first sash having a first rail having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and an opposite second end. A continuous handle extends along the length of the first rail and is pivotally connected to the first rail between a lowered first position and a second raised position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering an end of a housing for an engine. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a structure, a flange, and a retaining feature. The structure is configured to cover an opening of a housing for an engine. The flange is comprised of a deformable material and is configured to extend from the structure around a circumference of the structure. The retaining feature is configured to extend from a middle portion of the structure such that the retaining feature and the flange form a channel configured to receive an end of the housing. The retaining feature is configured to extend into an inlet of the engine through the opening of the housing to form an interference fit with a portion of an interior surface of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insert holding system, a kit, and a method of installing the same. In several embodiments, the kit and/or system is constructed so that it can be installed in a standard interior door by modifying the existing door. In other embodiments, the insert holding system is installed in a door during the manufacturing of the door. The system and kit can also be configured to be installed in a wall, furniture, or another item or fixture. In several embodiments, the insert is constructed in a modular frame for easy replacement and exchange of the insert, if damaged, or if a different functionality is desired. For example, the insert could include a screen, a window, a mirror, a poster frame, a picture frame, a poster, a chalk board, a dry erase board, a cork board, or any combination thereof.