Abstract: A shovel accessory features a main longitudinal beam having opposing front and rear ends for supporting the handle shaft of a shovel thereon, an undercarriage depending downward from the beam to define a fulcrum point when in contact with the ground, and front and rear handle arrangements residing above the main beam at locations respectively nearer to the opposing ends thereof. The front and rear handles provide gripping points for respective hands of the user for pivoting of the main beam and shovel about the fulcrum in a direction lifting the shovel head under rearward pulling of the front handle arrangement. The dual elevated handle arrangement is particularly well suited for a rearward throwing action of material from the shovel head compared to prior fulcrum/lever shovel solutions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earth working tool (20), in particular to a cultivator bar for agriculture, having a mounting segment (21) and having a working part (22) directly or indirectly adjoining it. A wear-optimized design for the earth working tool (20) is achieved according to the present invention by the fact the mounting segment (21) comprises two support surfaces (21.6, 21.8), spaced apart from one another, that are part of a hook-in connection.

Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for coupling an agricultural implement to an agricultural tractor (1), comprising two frames (10) each provided with two base plates (11a) arranged such that each base plate (11a) of the frame (10) carried by the agricultural tractor (1) is brought into position under the base plate of the frame carried by the agricultural implement, in such a way as to form, with the latter, a pair of base plates consisting of a base plate pierced by a hole of predefined cross-section and dimensions and a base plate (11) comprising a centering member (18, 19) of decreasing cross-section starting from a base section of dimensions and cross-section matching those of the hole of the other base plate. In addition, tilting means are designed to cause, in a position where the centering members (18, 19) are partially engaged with the facing holes, a relative tilting of the two frames during which said centering members serve as the pivot for said tilting.

Abstract: The invention refers to centrally adjustable actuators for devices for piling up, collecting or handling earth or mulch, which, depending on the weight of the device, can be used geared up, reduced or linearly. The actuators each have toothed segments with several teeth, which are connected with chain link type pinions fixed in the direction of adjustment but yielding and pivoted. The chain link type pinions are designed to pivot, slide or swivel in such a way that on a turn of the chain link type pinion by 180° the toothed segment and this the devices are changed in their working position displaced by a tooth distance and the chain link type pinions are moved backwards and forwards during this by a half tooth distance. FIG. 1 is to be provided for publication.

Abstract: The invention relates to agricultural device (2) comprising a first element (1) and a plurality of second elements (6, 6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???); wherein said first element has an elongated extension; wherein one or more of said second elements (6, 6?, 6?, 6??, 6??, 6???) are adapted to be movable in relation to said first element in a direction along said elongated extension of said first element; wherein each said second element comprises an agricultural activity providing system (9); wherein said agricultural device (2) comprises means for remotely and/or automatically adjusting the position of one or more of the second elements individually relative to the first element; wherein said agricultural activity providing system (9) is selected from the group comprising: seeding devices (10), weeding devices (10), fertilizing devices (10), cultivation devices (10) and tillage devices (10).

Abstract: A planting system including a plurality of seeding row assemblies, each having components maintained at a controlled elevation. The seeding row assembly includes a tillage row unit controlled to maintain a desired elevation relative to a seeding row unit, the seeding row unit being configured to passively follow the local terrain. Each seeding row assembly can include two position sensors that generate signals corresponding to the elevation of the seeding row unit and the ground engagement attachment, respectively, or a differential position sensor that generates signals corresponding to the difference in the elevations. Various embodiments include a local closed loop controller that adjusts elevation of the tillage row unit relative to the seeding row unit to a desired set point. In some embodiments, the down force of the seeding row unit is actively controlled.

Abstract: Gauge wheels control the depth at which seeds are placed during planting operations. Planter gauge wheels are mounted on gauge wheel arms which become dusted with soil during normal operation. An improved gauge wheel arm described herein includes first and second hubs extending from either end of a shaft. Each hub forms a cylindrical body between first and second faces. The first hub has a central channel through the cylindrical body, and a bearing is press-fit within the central channel. A retaining ring is fitted over the bearing, within an interior groove formed proximate the first face of the central channel, to retain the bearing within the central channel. The improved gauge wheel arm described herein reduces build-up of dirt and frictional wear, thus increasing both the life span of the arm and its associated parts, and decreasing time spent greasing and adjusting gauge wheel arms.

Abstract: An agricultural machine with an implement for working a row culture of working rows arranged parallel to one another, interference rows arranged at an angle to the working rows or both includes at least one controllably moveably working section with activatable working devices for working the row culture. The implement has a control unit for controlling the working section and working device relative to a working row and an optical sensor unit connected to the control unit for generating an image of at least part of the row culture, from which a sensor signal (S) is generated for controlling the controllably working section, working device or both. The control unit evaluates a validity of the sensor signal (S) to determine whether the sensor signal (S) is used for controlling the working section or working device based on at least one evaluation parameter.

Abstract: A feed mechanism (22) for feeding plants (24) into a chopper, including a loading mechanism (26) that uses gravity to feed plants into a chopper feed mechanism, and a chopper feed mechanism including a drive wheel (36) and a belt (38) for feeding plants to a chopper (48). A mechanical planter may include the feed mechanism. The feed mechanism may also be used in a method of planting energy cane.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biodegrading mulching film seed attachment automating device having a cutting open and adhesive coating means, and a seed attachment method using said device.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.

Abstract: A pair of leaf scoopers for lifting piles of leaves and other debris. Each scooper is of the same construction and includes a scooper body having a handle on an upper end thereof and multiple elongated tines on a lower end thereof. The handle is formed by an opening through the scooper body in which a user's hand may be inserted so that the user may grasp the handle on the upper end of the scooper body. The elongated tines are arranged parallel to one another and have a curved end. The tines curve towards the direction in which leaves will be scooped. In operation, a user can hold a leaf scooper in each hand on opposite sides of a pile of leaves, and can then move the scoopers towards one another so as to grasp the pile of leaves therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting head (1) for a vegetation cutting machine, such as a border trimmer or a brush cutter, designed to accommodate a coil (2) consisting of a plurality of temporarily bonded turns (21) of at least one cutting filament (20) and exhibiting a central void (22), said cutting head including: a body (10) defining an inner recess (11) for the coil (2) and provided with a peripheral opening (12) for the emergence of a cutting filament separated from the coil, and capable of being driven in rotation by a motor, a central mandrel (13) adapted to support said at least one coil, said mandrel comprising at least one arrangement adapted to cooperate with the coil so as to provide for rotational engagement between the mandrel (13) and the coil (2), the mandrel (13) being able to selectively rotate relative to the body (10).

Abstract: A weed trimmer extension device for cutting and collecting, or dispersing weeds includes a cutting enclosure, to which can be attached a collecting bag or a cutting disperser; a replacement cutting implement; and enclosure fasteners, for attaching the weed trimmer extension device to a weed trimmer. The cutting implement can further include a cutting blade and a perpendicular fin, which pushes air in a circular direction of motion, thereby creating a vortex of air, which rotates in the plane spanned out by the rotating cutting blade. The cutting enclosure covers the replacement cutting implement, which propels the cuttings, contained and directed by the cutting enclosure, into either the collecting bag or the cutting disperser, which disperses the weed cuttings over an area to the side.

Abstract: An arrangement for triggering an actuator for adjusting an adjustable element of an agricultural working machine comprises: a specifying device for generating adjustment commands for the adjustable element; a control arrangement for the actuator; and a signal-shaping unit which, upon receipt of an adjustment command, initially applies a first signal dependent on the adjustment command to the control arrangement, and then applies a second signal, which is dependent on the adjustment command and delayed in time relative to the first signal, the second signal leading to a reduction or cancellation of a natural oscillation generated by the first signal in the system consisting of working machine and element.

Abstract: A device comprises a collection bin and a stationary front plate pivotably coupled with the bin via a hinge mechanism. The bin is rotatable relative to the front plate between a first position, wherein the bin's front end is closed by the front plate, and a second position, wherein the front end is spaced from the front plate for releasing debris out of the bin. An actuator is operatively connected to the hinge mechanism, which includes a bar interconnected between the bin and front plate. The bar is attached to the front plate and the bin. Actuator actuation rotates the bar and the bin in an arcuate motion from the first to the second position, and retraction of the actuator returns the bar and bin to the first position. Rotation of the bin defines a center of rotation on the opposite side of the front plate from the bin.

Abstract: A mowing implement includes an improved crop and forage material converging arrangement for a wide mowing implement equipped with a rotary cutter bar and powered converging drums. One or more stripper elements are mounted for rotation with one or more converging drums so as to limit the tendency for cut material to wrap around the converging drums, and to more consistently transfer the cut material to the material discharge zone. Each stripper element can be located and dimensioned to sweep a path a near an adjacent converging drum and pass in close proximity to an auger of the mowing implement to effectively guide and converge material. Each stripper elements can be an oblong plate configured and arranged to strip cut material from an adjacent converging drum and deflect the stripped material towards a material discharge zone of the implement.

Abstract: A material processing machine includes a rotary conveyer for delivering material to a material conditioner. The conveyer has a rotatable body and a paddle is mounted on the body. The paddle includes a support portion having a radially outer end and a radially inner end which is attached to the body. The outer end is not ahead of the inner end with respect to a direction of rotation of the body. The paddle also includes a lip portion which is supported by the support portion. The lip portion is forward or advanced with respect to the outer end of the support portion, with respect to the direction of rotation of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collector (10) for harvested material having at least three movement devices (12) and at least one yoke (16) interconnecting the movement devices (12). Supporting elements (18) are additionally provided which are connected to the yoke (16) and/or the movement devices (12) and which have a shaft bushing (20) within which a shaft (22) is guided on which pick-up tools (24) for picking up harvested material are mounted. At least one additional movement device (12) is provided between two outer movement devices (12), the yoke (16) being elastically deformed so as to allow a vertical movement—with respect to the yolk axis—of the additional movement device (12) relative to said outer movement devices (12).

Abstract: A residue chopping and distribution arrangement (48) for a combine harvester (10) comprises a first straw chopper (50) and a second straw chopper (52) arranged side by side and expelling the chopped straw laterally. A first chaff spreader (106) located in front of the first straw chopper (50) is driven by a first drive shaft (68) that also drives a first rotor (66) of the first straw chopper (50). A second chaff spreader (108) located in front of the second straw chopper (52) is driven by a second drive shaft (100) that also drives a second rotor (92) of the second straw chopper (52).

Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system comprising (i) a lighting device comprising a plurality of light sources for application in a horticulture production facility, wherein the light sources are configured to illuminate with horticulture light crops, wherein the lighting system further comprises (ii) a control unit configured to control the light intensity of local light at a location, wherein the local light is the sum of the horticulture light and light at the location originating from an optional other light source, and wherein the control unit is configured to prevent a change in the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of the local light at the location of on average more than 50 ?mol/sec/m2 over a predetermined period of time selected from the range of equal to or smaller than 5 minutes by controlling the contribution of the horticulture light to the local light.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel planter to enhance plant growth.

Abstract: A ready-to-sell unplanted plant vessel includes an accommodation space in which an amount of substrate sufficient for planting at least one plant in the vessel is arranged. The plant vessel offers improved protection against spilling of the contained substrate and is simple and cost-effective to produce. A foil-like cover is fastened to the plant vessel and covers the accommodation space so that the substrate is prevented from exiting the accommodation space.

Abstract: The present invention is a wall-surface flower bed structure, wherein work efficiency is better, root damage when plants are transferred is prevented, and the designability of the wall-surface flower bed is improving. This wall-surface flower bed structure (1) is provided with: a plant-holding pot (4) for holding a plant, a plurality of through holes for water passage being formed in a bottom surface and side surface thereof, and the root section of the plant being covered with a water-permeable material (3) that allows permeation of water; and a box body (2) that has an opened upper surface and has an inclined section (2a) for the placement of a plurality of the plant-holding pot (4), a water-collecting section (2b) for collecting water at the lower end side of the inclined section (2a), and a water outlet for discharging water that is not collected in the water-collecting section (2b).

Abstract: A plant holder having a simple configuration, whereby the root of a plant can be made to pass through to below a holding hole without damaging, leaves are prevented from hanging down and becoming damaged, and the workability in the case of automation can be improved. The plant holder 110 which fits into the holding hole 121 of a cultivation panel 120 and has a supporting hole 114 supporting a plant 101 includes: a fitting part 111, an outer peripheral part of which fits into the holding hole 121 of the cultivation panel 120; a flange part 112 provided in an uppermost part; and an engaging part 113 which is provided between the flange part 112 and the engaging part 111; wherein the external diameter of the engaging part 113 is formed to be smaller than the external diameter of the fitting part 111 and the flange part 112.

Abstract: A method for modifying environmental conditions is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of deploying a magnetic climate control material to a local area in one of the thermosphere and the exosphere. The magnetic climate control material deflects and absorbs rays of the sun. The magnetic climate control material affects temperature of a local area below the magnetic climate control material and also global temperatures. The method also includes the ability for moving, manipulating, or removal of this ring.

Abstract: A method for modifying environmental conditions comprises deploying a material having an albedo of at least 0.15 over a surface of a body of water associated with a man-made structure. The deployed material increases an albedo of the surface, increases an evaporation rate at the surface for a given temperature, and decreases a temperature characterizing the man-made structure.

Abstract: A multi-filtration auto-drainage/irrigation pipe includes a pipe body, which includes a first drainage and irrigation channel, a second drainage and irrigation channel, a third drainage and irrigation channel, a first drainage and irrigation port, a second drainage and irrigation port and a third drainage and irrigation port. The first drainage and irrigation port is a first filtering layer having first filtering holes uniformly distributed. The second drainage and irrigation port is a second filtering layer having second filtering holes uniformly distributed. The third drainage and irrigation port is a third filtering layer having third filtering holes uniformly distributed. The first drainage and irrigation port is arranged on a pipe wall of the pipe body. The second drainage and irrigation port is arranged between the second and the third drainage and irrigation channels. The third drainage and irrigation port is arranged between the second and the first drainage and irrigation channels.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation. In one implementation, a method comprises: receiving, from a user via a user interface of an irrigation control unit and at a time after an initial commercial sale, a region identifier corresponding to a region of the irrigation controller; identifying a set of historical values from a plurality of sets of historical values pre-stored in a memory of the irrigation control unit; receiving a current value of at least one other environmental variable from at least one sensor; receiving at least one historical value from the identified set of historical values from the memory; determining the plant water requirements using the at least one historical value and the current value; outputting an adjustment control message to the irrigation controller; and adjusting execution of the irrigation schedule, the irrigation schedule defined for a peak irrigation period.

Abstract: A feature module includes an RFID tag and a landscape controller includes an RFID reader. The RFID reader provides communication between the feature module and the processor of the landscape controller to provide additional functionality such as feature unlocking, user privileges, new features, module identification, module inventory, and health/history log.

Abstract: A high-quality and easy-to-handle artificial soil particle is provided which can exhibit well-balanced basic soil functions. In the artificial soil particle 10, a plurality of fillers 1 having a small hole 2 ranging from the subnanometer to the submicrometer scale are clustered together. A communication hole 3 ranging from the submicrometer to the submillimeter scale is formed between the fillers 1. The small holes 2 are distributed and arranged around the communication hole 3 so that the communication hole 3 is allowed to take in water W and nutrients K, N, and P from the outside and the small holes 2 are allowed to receive the nutrients K, N, and P from the communication hole 3. The fillers 1 are joined together into a three-dimensional network so that the total volume of the communication holes 3 is greater than the total volume of the small holes 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photobioreactor for the cultivation of phototrophic organisms, particularly algae, an arrangement of a supporting member in a photobioreactor, as well as to a biogas unit equipped with such a photobioreactor. According to the invention, a transparent pipe system for the flow-through of a culture suspension, in particular algae substrate, is provided. In this case, the transparent pipe system is configured in the form of levels in order to enable a particularly efficient cultivation over several levels.

Abstract: A new and distinct Guzmania hybrid named ‘BLITZ’ characterized by solid growth habit; funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 20 cm to 25 cm in height (above the pot when flowering); numerous, green color foliage (measuring about 25 to 30 cm length and about 3.0 to 3.5 cm in width) Superior floral bract production; bracts are red in color (closest to RHS 45A), singular head inflorescence, measuring about 8 cm in height and about 18 cm in diameter; and long-lasting habit.

Abstract: A wild rice cultivar designated KC-755 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of wild rice cultivar KC-755, to the plants of wild rice KC-755 and to methods for producing a wild rice plant produced by crossing the cultivar KC-755 with itself or another wild rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid wild rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the cultivar KC-755 with another wild rice cultivar.

Abstract: A method where a continuous flow of an oil-in-water emulsion is fed to a cavitator (10), the oil-in-water emulsion is tempered and then reversed or broken in the cavitator (10) and a continuous flow of water-in-oil emulsion or broken oil-in-water emulsion is discharged out of the cavitator (10). The oil-in-water emulsion can contain water, milk, cream, and/or recombined liquids. The reversed emulsion can be a low-fat butter or a low-fat margarine. The broken oil-in-water emulation can leave the cavitator as butter fat and butter milk. Use of cavitation or of a cavitator (10) to reverse or break an oil-in-water emulsion. An apparatus (1) with a feed pump (5) and a cavitator (10), a first heat exchanger (7) for tempering a flow of an oil-in-water emulsion pumped by the feed pump (5) to the cavitator (10) and a second heat exchanger (15) for cooling a water-in-oil emulsion or for cooling a broken oil-in-water emulsion that is pumped from the cavitator (10) through the second heat exchanger (15).

Abstract: An adjustable pet carrier restraint is configured to accept various sizes, shapes, and configurations of pet carriers. The pet carrier restraint is tethered to a vehicle's child seat restraint system anchors to secure the pet carrier at up to three points. The pet carrier restraint is collapsible and may be positioned against a seat back when no pet carrier is secured therein to allow human passengers to comfortably be seated in the same seat without removal of the pet carrier restraint.

Abstract: A wildlife exclusion system for railway tracks is provided which includes an exclusion arrangement positioned to span across the railway tracks at a location along a length of the railway tracks. The exclusion arrangement extends generally perpendicular to the railway tracks and has a series of conductive elements spaced apart from each other to form an exclusion are configured to provide an electric shock to wild animals when particular conductive elements within the exclusion area are bridged thereby. Methods of installing a wildlife exclusion system and methods of discouraging wild animals from traveling along railway tracks are also provided.

Abstract: Feed-mixing device comprising a container with a side wall having a dispensing opening which can be closed off with a slide in front of which a removing device is placed which, for example, comprises a roller with teeth. When the roller rotates, the teeth extend inside the side wall. On a first peripheral section of the roller, the teeth are placed in such a manner that they do not extend inside the side wall. Thus, the slide can be positioned in such a manner that it runs in a fluent and continuous manner with respect to the side wall, while the assembly still forms a compact arrangement.

Abstract: A system for performing an animal-related action includes a self-propelled vehicle with a regulating unit including a transmitting and receiving device. The regulating unit is connected to a drive and control system of the vehicle, including an electric drive motor and a battery system. The system includes a central operating system provided with a transmitting and receiving device designed to communicate with the transmitting and receiving device of the vehicle. The central operating system includes a memory in which data are stored comprising navigation data, on the basis of which the vehicle is able to travel a predetermined route from a charging station, through at least a part of the operating area, and then back to the charging station. The central operating system transmits a packet of data including these navigation data to the regulating unit of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for spraying and treatment of livestock has a frame with adjustable side sprayer nozzles, adjustable overhead spray nozzles, and bottom sprayer nozzles. Sensors attached to adjustable sensor bars determine actuation of the sprayer nozzles as animals enter a chute. A combination of side guide rails and spring rods keep animals centered while passing through the chute. A trailer tongue and wheels are attachable to the frame for transport of the apparatus as a trailer. Gates are hinged to the frame for use of the apparatus with an opening in a fenced area.

Abstract: A pet toy has an integral noisemaking module or assembly. The module is located within an interior cavity of the pet toy. The module defines an internal protective housing with at least one noisemaking element mounted within the module, such as a squeaker. The squeaker is mounted to a position in the module that results in the squeaker being placed in a protected and offset location as compared to the exterior surface of the toy. Multiple noisemaking elements can be mounted in the module to produce different types of sounds and volumes of sounds. Variable forces placed on the pet toy result in different sounds produced by the noisemaking elements. For example, each noisemaking element may have a different threshold air flow requirement in order to produce sound.

Abstract: A method for non-surgical neutering or castration of a non-human mammal for AAV-mediated delivery of an anti-GnRH polypeptide to a non-human animal is described. More particularly, the animal is administered an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector having an AAV capsid having packaged therein nucleic acid sequences comprising an AAV 5? inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a sequence encoding a polypeptide which specifically binds gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) under control of regulatory sequences which direct expression of the polypeptide, and an AAV 3? ITR. A composition comprising the AAV-anti-GnRH may also be used for inhibiting tumor growth in a mammal with a cancer responsive to gonadal steroid hormones.

Abstract: A pet leash accessory and storage bag which attaches to various leases on the market. The bag includes a front upper pocket for storing hand sanitizer. The bag provides a front lower storage pocket with an opening at the top of the pocket for placement and storage of a roll of disposable unused pet waste bags and a vertical opening in the center of the front lower pocket for dispensing the perforated unused pet waste bags individually. Additionally, this leash bag contains a hollow interior housing which stores a nylon waste containment pouch. The nylon waste bag can be extracted from the housing for temporary storage of the used pet waste bags. The nylon waste containment pouch is attached by its upper corner to the main housing to provide hands-free containment of pet waste.

Abstract: An aviary is provided having a floor and a first aviary cage including a first outside surface enclosing a first inside area. The aviary further comprises a second aviary cage similar to the first aviary cage and including a second outside surface enclosing a second inside area. An aisle extends between the first aviary cage and the second aviary cage. A first perch extends from the first outside surface of the first aviary cage and into the aisle at a first vertical distance from the floor. A second perch extends from the second outside surface of the second aviary cage and into the aisle at a second vertical distance from the floor. The first and second vertical distances from the floor are not equal.

Abstract: An aviary is provided having a floor and a first aviary cage including a first outside surface enclosing a first inside area. The aviary further comprises a second aviary cage substantially similar to the first aviary cage and including a second outside surface enclosing a second inside area. The second aviary cage is positioned at a height from the floor greater than a height from the floor at which the first aviary cage is positioned. An aisle extends between the first aviary cage and the second aviary cage. A first perch extends from the first outside surface of the first aviary cage and into the aisle at a first vertical distance from the floor. A second perch extends from the second outside surface of the second aviary cage and into the aisle at a second vertical distance from the floor. The first and second vertical distances from the floor are not equal.

Abstract: Artificial reefs serve a useful purpose to promote the growth of sessile marine organisms such as bacteria, algae, corals, and bryozoans as well as providing a habitat and food source for species such as fish, crabs, lobsters, and some marine invertebrates. This invention applies the United States Environmental Protection Agencies' Twelve Principles of Green Technology to provide a cellulose based surface that is coated in nutrients to promote the rapid growth of marine microbes, the base of the marine food chain. This rapid growth, which begins days after being submerged, starts the food chain. The mineral based substrate attached to the cellulose based material is denser than water to allow the entire structure to sink; both the cellulose and mineral based materials will degrade rapidly leaving behind nucleation sites for microbes, corals, invertebrate collections, and more. The reef is constructed entirely from biodegradable materials and production costs are economical.