Abstract: Aquarium feeding systems are disclosed. In one aspect, a system (10) includes a flotation base (20) adapted to float on water, and a feeding apparatus adapted to be repeatedly inserted into and removed from the flotation base (20). In one approach, the feeding apparatus comprises a flotation insert (30) and a food tray (40). The food tray (40) comprises a plurality of apertures (46) sized to allow passage of aquatic food into an aquarium. In another approach, the feeding apparatus comprises a clip (130) suited to hold seaweed or other food materials. In another approach, the feeding apparatus comprises a basket (230) for holding food materials, the basket (230) having one or more apertures (246) sized to allow passage of aquatic food into an aquarium.

Abstract: An insect larvae rearing system is disclosed. The system comprises a waste management module configured to receive organic waste and to convert the organic waste into a feed for insect larvae and at least one rearing module configured to handle a plurality trays for holding or housing larvae and to provide the feed to the trays. The feed is supplied directly from the waste management module to each of the at least one rearing modules.

Abstract: Continuous insect-based biowaste processing apparatus has a tubular drum; a drive for rotatably driving the drum; a shaftless screw conveyor fixedly connected to an inner surface of the drum; circumferentially spaced cantilevered blades that (a) are connected to the inner drum surface and (b) each longitudinally extends throughout the drum; and a mechanism for introducing a conglomerate portion that includes biowaste and insect larvae into the drum interior. The screw conveyor is subdivided into longitudinally spaced chambers for the introduced insect larvae, each of the chambers being defined by two adjacent flights of the screw conveyor and by the blades. The size of the insect larvae progressively increases within a more distally located rearing chamber. Two or more blades firmly hold and unify the conglomerate portion throughout its residing time within the drum interior while being distally conveyed.

Abstract: As set out in this disclosure, the growing surface of invertebrates is increased and circumstances for the invertebrate are optimized by a growing apparatus that includes a rotatable casing and a growing chamber inside the casing. Inside the casing is at least one growing platform and the growing platform comprises one or more growing plates. The growing platform is configured in such a way that the growing plate can be kept in the same position even when the casing is rotated. This enables mixing the added food and other compounds in the growing chamber and thus prevents the food layers from becoming too thick while at the same time provides an undisturbed environment for the invertebrates.

Abstract: Devices and methods for capturing and imaging a specimen, such as a living organism, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method for imaging a living organism in vivo includes placing at least one specimen into a hydrogel polymer on a substrate, and curing the hydrogel to embed the at least one specimen within the cured hydrogel such that the at least one specimen is kept alive and the movement of the at least one specimen within the cured hydrogel is restricted. The at least one embedded specimen can be imaged.

Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems for cultivating insect larvae and processing organic material. Exemplary systems and methods provide an arrangement of shelves containing trays for larvae cultivation and frass collection. The shelves are maintained in a controlled environment and are adapted to receive a feedstock comprising organic material for conversion into insect biomass. A system for continuous harvesting of larvae and frass is provided.

Abstract: A vermiculture unit comprises structural elements defining an interior fillable with organic substance and through which worms for converting the organic substance to environmentally compatible products migrate; a perforated surface for supporting the organic substance; and fixed walls extending upwardly from the perforated surface to a void area located below an uppermost edge of the structural elements, removal of worms from the interior that is below the void area being prevented by the fixed walls. An extractor is insertable into the interior via the void area, for extracting from the interior, solidified organic substance to which the worms have upwardly migrated, allowing grown worms to be separated from the extracted organic substance and collected. In one embodiment, the extractor is an openwork drawer member. In another embodiment, the structural elements are used for vermicomposting while an inclined surface receives worm processed byproducts downwardly discharged through the perforated surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for producing organic fertilizer from excreta of domestic animal obtained by digesting of larvae belonging to Diptera such as Musca domestica (housefly), Boettcherisca peregrine and Tabanus, and for producing grown larvae which can be used as a feed for cultured fish and chicken raising. In an embodiment, the system for producing organic fertilizer from excreta of domestic animal and for producing grown larvae which can be used as a feed for cultured fish and chicken raising is characterized by arranging a plurality of nurturing-processing storage units for nurturing larvae hatched from eggs, and a means for dislodging only larvae forcibly from a former nurturing-processing storage unit to a later nurturing-processing storage unit successively with the progress of growth of larvae, wherein larvae leave said former nurturing-processing storage unit autonomously.

Abstract: A method of producing earthworm castings by feeding earthworms with feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth and to an earthworm bed for producing earthworm castings, comprises the steps of: grinding solid fuel ash; washing shells and crab shells to remove salt, and then removing 80% or more of water therefrom; grinding the washed shells and crab shells; mixing 60-70 wt % of yellow earth, 20-30 wt % of the solid fuel ash and 10-20 wt % of the ground shells and crab shells; fermenting and maturing the mixture; and feeding the matured mixture to earthworms to allow the earthworms to produce earthworm castings. The earthworm bed (50) comprises: a feeding unit (52) through which feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth is fed; a breeding chamber (51) in which earthworms are bred to produce earthworm castings; and a discharge unit (53) through which the earthworm castings produced in the breeding chamber (51) are discharged.

Abstract: A structural cell system is disclosed for supporting hardscape areas in a way that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage. The system includes a plurality of structural cells capable of being positioned below a hardscape. The structural cells are designed to have openings that are sized to accept tree roots. The system has one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells with a way for water to flow into the plurality of structural cells flow out of the structural cells.

Abstract: A composition and method for biological control of common greenhouse, nursery, and mushroom house pests using entomopathogenic nematodes. The method contains kits for rearing nematodes at the end user facility. Unlike the current temperature limited nematode applications only using one species, multiple genera and species of nematodes will be used.

Abstract: Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one biodegradative living organism are disclosed. The kits and assemblies include at least one additional living organism that enhances and/or expedites consumption of the article by the at least one biodegradative living organism. Methods of producing and using same are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one living organism are disclosed. Methods of producing and using same are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one living organism are disclosed. Methods of producing and using same are also provided.

Abstract: A method for continuous vermiculture is provided. The method includes providing a continuous vermiculture culture system. The continuous vermiculture culture system includes at least one culture member that is fluidly connected to an irrigation system. After preparing a feeding solution, a volume of the feeding solution is then infused into the at least one culture member via the irrigation system. The steps of providing a feeding solution and infusing a volume of the feeding solution into the at least one culture member via the irrigation system are optionally repeated to promote formation of culture-grade soil and plant growth within the at least one culture member.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for transferring heat from decomposing manure to a worm growth zone. A shelter contains manure in a first area and a worm growth bed in a second area. The worm growth bed supports a plurality of worms substantively covered by a layer of manure. Vermicast passes through a supporting grid of the worm growth bed and deposits on a floor or a bottom of the second area. Heat generated by the manure is transferred to the worm growth bed by radiant heat transfer and/or by air convection. The manure is transferred portion by portion over time from the first area to the worm growth bed. The shelter may include a battery, a solar power converter, a microcontroller, dynamic memory, a real-time clock, a wireless transponder, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, water pumps, and/or springs or motors used to open or close apertures of walls of the shelter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active ingredient combinations which are composed of a known dihydrofuranone derivative on the one hand and of other known active pesticidal ingredients on the other hand, and are suitable for controlling animal pests from the families of the Aleyrodidae, Thripidae, Psyllidae and Agromyzidae, and also, more particularly, from the order of the Acari. The invention also relates to combinations which consist of the abovementioned active ingredient combinations on the one hand and of beneficial species on the other hand and which are suitable for controlling animal pests.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and composting methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composting apparatus includes a housing having walls defining an interior working chamber. The working chamber is separated vertically from a second, lower collection chamber by a grid floor. Immediately below the grid floor is an agitator shaft with perpendicularly disposed agitator arms. Rotation of the agitator shaft extends the agitator arms through the horizontal spaces in the grid floor into the underside of vermicompost material in the working chamber. Horizontal movement of the agitator mechanism disrupts the underside of vermicompost to cause material to fall into a drawer in the lower collection chamber.

Abstract: The system produces beneficial parasites by depositing parasite-infected cadavers adjacent to a filtering device inside an enclosed package. The parasites are then allowed to migrate from the infected cadavers, through the filtering device, and into a parasite-sustaining medium. After the migration is complete, the spent cadavers and the filtering device are removed and the package is closed. In the preferred embodiment, beneficial nematodes migrate through a screen matrix into polyacrylamide gel to create a package of beneficial nematodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquaponics system and method. There is provided an aquaponics system including a tank (10) for housing at least one aquatic animal species; a plant growing apparatus (18) for housing one or more plant species growing in an aqueous environment; and a biofilter module including a solids removal means (12) and a biological waste digestion unit (14) including a biological species for digesting solids to produce plant nutrients. Plant nutrients are transferred to the plant growing apparatus (18) and at least a portion of the water is returned to the tank (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of organic matter with worms, includes a receptacle with a side wall at least a portion of which is downwardly tapering to facilitate compression of organic matter as organic matter is processed, an upper entry aperture for loading the receptacle with the organic matter and worms, a lower discharge aperture for discharging compressed material including castings and organic matter, and a base lid adapted to releasably close the discharge aperture and to permit removal of the compressed material from the receptacle.

Abstract: An earthworm collecting device that is highly effective in causing earthworms to surface from their holes during the day time or at night and come to the surface. The device generates a rasping noise and a series of vibrations that resonate through the ground. These resonating vibrations cause the earthworms to surface which then allows for easy and rapid collection.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and method utilizing a vessel for receiving organic material which is rotatably supported. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel has a two corrugated conduits of different diameters and the one of smaller diameter is axially aligned inside the larger conduit to move and agitate the material in two different lateral directions. The worm vermicompositing takes place in the inside of the smaller diameter conduit, dropped into the outlet larger conduit where it is dried and collected. In another embodiment, the vessel is fabricated from secured end-to-end at their top ends. The vessel is rotated by an electric motor with a gear reduction drive sprocket engaging a peripheral track on the exterior of the larger diameter conduit. Water can be added during the vermicompositing to make and collect worm tea.

Abstract: A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and composting methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composting apparatus includes a housing having walls defining an interior working chamber. The working chamber is separated vertically from a second, lower collection chamber by a grid floor. Immediately below the grid floor is an agitator shaft with perpendicularly disposed agitator arms. Rotation of the agitator shaft extends the agitator arms through the horizontal spaces in the grid floor into the underside of vermicompost material in the working chamber. Horizontal movement of the agitator mechanism disrupts the underside of vermicompost to cause material to fall into a drawer in the lower collection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring an electropharyngeogram (EPG) in living organisms. In some embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein include an array for sorting and immobilizing an organism (such as a nematode) for measurement of an EPG and/or optical imaging. Also disclosed are methods for identifying therapeutic or toxic compounds utilizing the disclosed devices and systems. In some embodiments, the methods include screening for compounds with anthelmintic activity, toxicity (for example HERG channel blockers), or candidate drugs for treatment of a variety of human and/or animal diseases.

Abstract: A tetra vermi bed and a process for composting agricultural waste The conventional composting apparatus are mostly bulky, posing problems in transportation to sites, storing agricultural waste. This invention addresses the shortcomings by construction of composting bed of multiple layers of LDPE and HDPE substrate. The tetra vermin bed propagates production of worms and yields manure, which is easy to handle and to transport in bags. The tetra vermin bed is easy to install and to dismantle for operation at multiple sites, storing agricultural waste.

Abstract: Compositions for nematode growth and methods for using the same for nematode viability are described. The compositions contain a solid matrix material that is dispersed in a liquid medium. The solid matrix can be immersed, bathed, and/or interspersed in a liquid medium to form a composite culture that is capable of maintaining or growing nematodes at unexpectedly high densities and/or with nominal stress pathway activity. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A method of producing earthworm castings by feeding earthworms with feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth and to an earthworm bed for producing earthworm castings, comprises the steps of: grinding solid fuel ash; washing shells and crab shells to remove salt, and then removing 80% or more of water therefrom; grinding the washed shells and crab shells; mixing 60-70 wt % of yellow earth, 20-30 wt % of the solid fuel ash and 10-20 wt % of the ground shells and crab shells; fermenting and maturing the mixture; and feeding the matured mixture to earthworms to allow the earthworms to produce earthworm castings. The earthworm bed (50) comprises: a feeding unit (52) through which feed prepared by mixing solid fuel ash with shells, crab shells and yellow earth is fed; a breeding chamber (51) in which earthworms are bred to produce earthworm castings; and a discharge unit (53) through which the earthworm castings produced in the breeding chamber (51) are discharged.

Abstract: A method for continuous vermiculture is provided. The method includes providing a continuous vermiculture culture system. The continuous vermiculture culture system includes at least one culture member that is fluidly connected to an irrigation system. After preparing a feeding solution, a volume of the feeding solution is then infused into the at least one culture member via the irrigation system. The steps of providing a feeding solution and infusing a volume of the feeding solution into the at least one culture member via the irrigation system are optionally repeated to promote formation of culture-grade soil and plant growth within the at least one culture member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the containment and culture of worms, and the preparation of composts, vermicomposts, and castings from organic and inorganic wastes.

Abstract: A food production system having improved heat and nutrient recovery is disclosed. The system employs waste biomass and comprises a composter that partially composts the waste biomass, an invertebrate (e.g. worms) culture unit, a delivery subsystem to deliver partially composted waste biomass from the composter to the invertebrate culture unit in a temperature range suitable for the invertebrate culture, a food (e.g. fish or crustaceans) culture unit for producing the food operating in a temperature range suitable for the food culture, a delivery subsystem to deliver invertebrates from the invertebrate culture unit to the food culture unit, and a heat exchange subsystem providing for exchange of heat from the composter to the food culture unit. The subsystem comprises a controller for controlling the exchange of heat such that the food culture unit is maintained in the temperature range selected for the food culture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for storage and development of eggs from helminthic parasites, where the composition further comprises a liquid carrier having a pH value of below 7 at a temperature of from 10C to ambient temperature. The liquid carrier can be sulphuric acid, H2SO4 with a pH in the range of from 0 to 2, and antibiotics can be added. The invention further relates to a method for treating, ameliorating, prophylactic or curative, an autoimmune or allergic disease in an individual, animal or man, using eggs being separated from the composition. The present invention also relates to methods for isolation, embryonation and preservation of eggs of helminthic parasite, and to a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a helminthic parasite preparation. The helminthic parasite eggs may be from the pig whipworm; Trichuris suis ova (TSO).

Abstract: The automated insect separation system processes an aggregate mixture of insects and other materials so that selected insects are separated from the other components of the mix. Specifically, the aggregate mix is directed into a separator apparatus so that the mix flows vertically through a series of vibrating screens. In the preferred embodiment, the screening process separates two different sizes of mealworm larvae from the aggregate mixture. The mix includes the mealworm larvae, unconsumed food materials (usually wheat bran), and insect frass.

Abstract: Multiple Tray Vermicomposter with Thermal Siphon Airflow is a vermiculture composting device that uses earthworms to create compost where worms eat and digest food to excrete compost. It is a multiple tray system with a base and a lid. New compost trays with freshly loaded food and bedding are stacked on top of older trays containing worms and compost to instigate a continuous upward migration of the worms thereby creating continuous compost production. Compost trays have permeable bottoms to allow worms to pass through. Compost production is accelerated from thermal siphon airflow to provide ample airflow to the worms without the requirement of a power source. Light-tight air-permeable connections between trays, lid, and base, also accelerate compost production by keeping the worms completely dark. If worms fall through the bottom compost tray, there exists a ramp to enable the fallen worms to climb back into the bottom compost tray.

Abstract: The insect inoculation system and method optimizes the conditions wherein host insect cadavers are infected by a selected parasite. Host insect cadavers are exposed to the selected parasite within the inoculation chamber. The inoculation chamber is configured to optimize the parasite infection and reproduction process. The insect parasites produce multiple offspring which remain in the infected insect cadavers. At the end of the inoculation process, the infected cadavers are removed from the chamber and the insect parasites are harvested and used in bio-pest control processes.

Abstract: A method of treating bio waste including the steps of (1) fermenting substantially raw biowaste in a pathogen reduction stage under anaerobic conditions for a predetermined period at a temperature in the mesophillic temperature range and (2) subsequently separating the solid and liquid phases to produce a fermented cake and fermented liquor. The fermented cake has at least 15% solids on dry basis and contains over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L total Volatile Fatty Acids (tVFA) and Escherichia coli less than 100,000 cfu per g dry solids. The fermented liquor contains over 10,000 mg/L COD, over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L tVFA and less than 5,000 mg/L of suspended solids.

Abstract: Distinctive components that enable high-throughput, whole-animal screening are described. These components can be used individually or in various combinations. A staging chip strains off the excess fluid that the input animals are immersed in, increasing their density (number of animals in a given volume) and rapidly bringing them close to other fluidic components. A microfluidic sorter is adapted to isolate and immobilize a single, physiologically active animal in a selected geometry. A multiplexed micro-chamber chip receives single animals and the microchamber chip includes individually addressable screening chambers for imaging, incubation and exposure of individual animals to selected chemical compounds. An imaging structure generates sub-cellular, high-resolution images of the physiologically active animals. A well-plate interface chip is used to deliver elements from a compound library to a single output of the chip.

Abstract: This involves a box, a box stack and a packaging for storage boxes for bloodworms, made of substantially parallelepipedal plastic. Each box comprises a container for retaining the bloodworms and their medium of isosceles trapezoidal section and having a surround the periphery of which is perpendicular to the bottom at a distance from the outer face of the lateral walls and with a height of between ¼ and ? of the height of said container. The surround comprises stiffening lugs with a length greater than its height, arranged so that, when the upper container is fitted onto a lower container, the resting of the lugs of the upper surround on the top of the lower surround provides on the one hand a space for retaining the worms and their medium between the lower face of the upper container and the upper face of the lower container and, on the other hand, a zigzag empty space between the volume of air trapped between said faces and the outside of the containers.

Abstract: An isolated Steinernematid nematode of the species Steinernema scarabaei (ATCC accession No. PTA-6988) is provided which is entomopathogenic to the larvae of scarab beetles, e.g., Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), oriental beetles (Exomala (=Anomala) orientalis), European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis), Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera castanea), masked chafers (Cyclocephala spp.), and May/June beetles (Phyllophagaspp). A biopesticide composition is provided which comprises an insecticidally effective amount of Steinernema scarabaei. Biopesticide compositions are described which, in addition to Steinernema scarabaei, further comprise at least one neonicotinoid insecticide, e.g., imidacloprid. Methods are provided for controlling the larvae of at least one species of scarab beetle comprising applying a biopesticide composition to the locus of the larvae wherein the composition comprises an insecticidally effective amount of an isolated entomopathogenic nematode of the species Steinernema scarabaei.

Abstract: A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing gamete maturation in marine worms of the family arenicolidae and which exhibit epidemic spawning. In the method, male and/or female worms in a housing substrate (such as sand) in sea water are maintained at a temperature of 4 to 8° C. for 14 to 24 days, preferably 5 to 7° C. for 20 to 22 days. Spawning of the worms can them be induced either by exposure to suitable spawning promoting hormones or by raising the temperature of the sea water to 12 to 14° C.

Abstract: A system is provided for thermophilically conditioning organic wastes of a substantially predetermined composition to form a feedstock which is applied to an upper surface of a worm bed. The worm bed is maintained in a dominantly mesophilic regime, wherein vermicastings and vermicompost are selective removed from the bottom of the worm bed.

Abstract: Pesticidal and/or antimicrobial biological agent-infected hard-bodied arthropod cadavers, such as from the family Tenebrionidae are used to control pest and/or microbial infestations in agriculture, commercial and urban environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method comprises providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.

Abstract: A system for processing sewage into vermicompost includes a holding tank for receiving and initially processing the sewage. A treatment tank, connected to the holding tank by a first pipe, is used for treating the initially processed sewage from the holding tank to ensure optimal pH, percent of solids, and electrical conductivity of the sewage. A distribution tank, connected to the treatment tank by a second pipe, is used for heating or cooling the sewage from the treatment tank as necessary. A distribution apparatus, connected to the distribution tank by a third pipe, distributes the sewage to a vermicular environment, wherein the vermicular environment contains a plurality of worms which digest the distributed treated sewage into vermicompost.

Abstract: Composting apparatuses and composting methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composting apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of composting drawers in the housing. The plurality of composting drawers is in a stacked relationship when in the housing, and each drawer includes a bottom region having a plurality of apertures. A plurality of receiving structures is in the housing, and the receiving structures are respectively disposed under the plurality of composting drawers to receive composted material.

Abstract: An isolated Steinernematid nematode of the species Steinernema scarabaei (ATCC accession No. PTA-6988 is provided which is entomopathogenic to the larvae of scarab beetles, e.g., Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), oriental beetles (Exomala (=Anomala) orientalis), European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis), Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera castanea), masked chafers (Cyclocephala spp.), and May/June beetles (Phyllophaga spp.). A biopesticide composition is provided which comprises an insecticidally effective amount of Steinernema scarabaei. Biopesticide compositions are described which, in addition to Steinernema scarabaei, further comprise at least one neonicotinoid insecticide, e.g., imidacloprid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the aquaculture of marine deposit feeders, such as Arenicola marina and Arenicola defodiens. The method includes providing a foodstuff such as brewery yeast or waste from fish farms within the substrate housing the worms. The foodstuff is conveniently particulate or microparticulate to aid intimate admixture with a substrate, which is typically sand.

Abstract: A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.