Miscellaneous Patents (Class 47/1.01R)
  • Publication number: 20140235925
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a system for applying magnetic fields to one or more objects is provided. The system may include a one or more neodymium disc magnets for providing magnetic fields. In one embodiment, the system may have up to two neodymium disc magnets. For example, the neodymium disc magnets may be up to 1.5 inches in diameter and up to 0.5 inch thick. For example, the neodymium disc magnets may have strength up to 14500 Gauss. The magnetic fields generated are applied to one or more objects. For example the objects may be a one of a human body, animal body, or plants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: HIRAM Abi PAZ
  • Publication number: 20140199756
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for the administration of a plasma modified field (PMF) to a subject comprising: (a) a non thermal plasma (NTP) emitting source for emitting a plasma beam; (b) a plasma modified field coupling mechanism (PMFCM) comprising a plasma beam dish having at least one opening for the passage of said plasma beam; said plasma beam dish having a first surface and a second opposite surface; and (c) a controller for controlling said PMFCM. In a main aspect of the invention, said first surface of said plasma beam dish is mounted with: (i) at least one coupling element selected from the group consisting of: (1) at least one ferroelectric element for providing said field; (2) at least one ferromagnetic element for providing said field; (3) at least one piezoelectric element for providing said field; and (4) at least one piezomagnetic element for providing said field; and (ii) at least one reflecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ORTERON (T.O) LTD
    Inventors: Orit ISH-YAMINI TOMER, Tamar LEVIN
  • Patent number: 8745918
    Abstract: A garden planting aid including a biodegradable ground cover having a plurality of grid spaces formed by spaced horizontal and vertical lines. A first measure tape having a plurality of first indicia; a second measure tape having a plurality of second indicia. The first indicia are associated with columns of grid spaces and the second indicia are associated with rows of grid spaces such that each grid space has a unique designation that includes a first and second indicia. The aid includes a plan designating garden objects that can be placed at the unique designation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Dyson-Coope, Warren Moore, David Brandon Westlund
  • Publication number: 20140148341
    Abstract: A method is provided for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis, where the method includes contacting the organism with a composition including an effective amount of an oxygen antagonist. Also provided is an apparatus for modulating transpiration in an organism that is capable of photosynthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Patent number: 8701340
    Abstract: A mechanical device including two concentric space frame structures is used to enhance plant growth. Essentially identical in shape but with the inner space frame smaller than the outer by a 4:5 relationship the space frame structures independently rotate about a common axes line. Each space frame consists of a right square pyramid of rods with its apex pointing upward and a second similar pyramid directly below it by a distance approximately two and one half times the length of each rod comprising the pyramid. The second, lower pyramid however has its apex pointing downward and is turned 45-degrees about a line connecting the two apex points. Eight additional rods complete each space frame. They each, respectively connect a corner of the upper pyramid base to a corner of the lower pyramid base in a manner that is symmetric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Arthur Henry Adams
  • Publication number: 20130294656
    Abstract: A seed classification system is provided. The seed classification system includes a seed holding device and a seed spectral analysis system. The seed holding device includes a top surface and a plurality of wells disposed in the top surface. The plurality of wells are configured to hold a plurality of seeds. Each well is defined by at least one wall extending transverse to the top surface. The seed spectral analysis system is configured to obtain image data for one or more of the seeds held in one or more of the wells of the seed holding device and configured to classify the one or more seeds based on the obtained image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Scott Conrad, Xiaolei Hu
  • Publication number: 20130212943
    Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus BERTIN, Eric Nelson, Mark Yelanich
  • Publication number: 20130000193
    Abstract: This manual and localized weeding apparatus (1) comprises a heat generator (4) which is attached to a rod (2). The heat generator (4) comprises a fan and a heating resistor projecting a hot air jet (J1) into an inner volume (V5) of a bell (5) provided with a free edge (551) for supporting the apparatus (1) on the ground. According to the invention, the bell (5) is provided with at least one hole for discharging an air jet (J2) from the inner volume (V5) of the bell (5). The hole is separated from the free edge (551) by a distance of more than 2 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: EXCEL INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: Patrick BALLU
  • Publication number: 20120247013
    Abstract: A plant-growing device with light emitting diode comprises a darkroom, a generator, a gas collecting device and a water supplying device. The darkroom comprises an accommodating space and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed in the accommodating space for producing a light beam irradiating the accommodating space. The generator is disposed outside the darkroom. The generator is configured to receive sunlight from the atmospheric environment and convert it into an electric energy and provide the electric energy for the light emitting diodes. The gas collecting device connected between the accommodating space and the atmospheric environment is configured to transfer carbon dioxide from the atmospheric environment into the accommodating space and discharge oxygen from the accommodating space into the atmospheric environment. The water supplying device connected to the darkroom is configured to transport water outside the darkroom into the accommodating space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Chien-Min SUNG
  • Publication number: 20120216459
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for optimal CO2 enrichment for plant production by suspending CO2 tubing in a secured position between both the plant canopy and lighting system within an indoor garden. The method provides for CO2 tubing to be secured to the lighting system of an indoor garden, thus allowing for the CO2 to be evenly dispersed directly over the optimal upper third portion of the plant canopy. By securing the CO2 tubing in the optimal distribution point, the invention also provides a method for users of the CO2 tank “timed release” system of CO2 enrichment to maximize the amount of CO2 over the upper third portion of the plant canopy during the limited time it is released in the indoor garden during the “lights on” portion of the grow cycle. The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: DAVID FREDERICK CURRIER
  • Publication number: 20120210640
    Abstract: An embodiment includes an enclosure having a nutrient bed for retaining and providing nutrients to plants grown therein. An adjustment mechanism provided for adjusting the level of one or more environmental variables therein so as to at least partially simulate the growing conditions found at a specific altitude. Exemplary environmental variables include water levels, broad-spectrum light intensity, UV light intensity, pH, nutrients, air temperature, soil temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide, atmospheric oxygen, atmospheric pressure and combinations thereof. The adjustment mechanism may include one or more broad-spectrum/full spectrum lights, UV generating lights, skylights, vacuum/pressure pumps, hypoxicators, oxygen generators, carbon dioxide regulators, heaters, air conditioning units and so forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: David Ivanovic
  • Publication number: 20120198762
    Abstract: A device would be desirable if it reflected directional light, and if it could stimulate the phenomena of horticulture efficiently in a place where sunlight may not be readily available. Then it could be possible to harvest desirable crops in any season. Given that the climate is right and plants are properly fed with both micro and primary nutrients; this device would propagate the best growth in green photosynthetic plants by simulating a band of magnetic frequencies that enhance the photoperiodism states. This device will use wavelengths approaching the UV and IR spectrum but will stay within the bounds of beneficial frequencies. Desired growth being: biomass gain, yield, and the metabolic integrity of the plant. The device ought to aid in biomass gain by achieving desirable light cycles, color band ratios and aid in air circulation in the vicinity of the plants (in turn affecting respiration and transpiration).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: RICKY LEE
  • Publication number: 20120202279
    Abstract: An onsite integrated production factory having an electrolytic plant, an ethanol plant, a vegetable plant, a culturing plant, and a power generation unit. The onsite integrated production facility is arranged so that fresh water, sulfuric acid or caustic soda produced by and received from the electrolytic plant is used in the ethanol plant to produce and output oxalic acid, sodium oxalate, fuel bioethanol. The oxalic acid or sodium oxalate produced in and received from the ethanol plant is used for removing calcium contained in the sea water in the electrolytic plant. The vegetable plant produces vegetables for generation and outputting of oxygen by receiving the carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation process in the ethanol plant and fresh water from the electrolytic plant. The culturing plant has a fishery farm or reef for using the oxygen generated in the vegetable plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: M HIKARI & ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masataka MURAHARA
  • Publication number: 20120066798
    Abstract: A desired geometry of a plant is achieved in a simple way by means of a method for shaping one or more plants, whereby a dimensionally stable shaping device is used to delimit a growth space for the plant. The shaping device comprises at least one light permeable shaping element. Once shaping is complete the shaping device is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Norbert Wielgosch
  • Publication number: 20120054918
    Abstract: The present invention relates to excision of explant material comprising meristematic tissue from cotton seeds. Methods for tissue preparation, storage, transformation, and selection or identification of transformed plants are disclosed, as are transformable meristem tissues and plants produced by such methods, and apparati for tissue preparation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Erik Dersch, Richard J. Heinzen, Brian Martinell, Anatoly Rivlin, Yuechun Wan, Xudong Ye
  • Patent number: 8091272
    Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kamterter II, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Alvin Eastin, David Vu
  • Publication number: 20110277636
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recovering moisture present in the atmosphere. The device comprises a collection structure with a water recovery surface which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. Further, the collection structure is detachably couplable to a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture. In addition, the collection structure is nestable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: P.M.M. Hoff Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Hoff
  • Publication number: 20110277384
    Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus BERTIN, Eric Nelson, Mark Yelanich
  • Publication number: 20110225881
    Abstract: A device and method for exposing vegetative biomaterial to the quantum resonance interference process to enhance at least one desired attribute of the treated vegetative material. The method includes the steps of subjecting vegetative biomaterial to a quantum interference field for an interval sufficient to interact with at least a portion of the biomaterial contained therein, and allowing the treated vegetative biomaterial to remain dormant for an interval prior to subsequent vegetative action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: William Levengood
  • Publication number: 20110219685
    Abstract: A vacuum regulated fluid delivery system is disclosed. The fluid delivery system may have a cap configured to receive a closed reservoir of fluid. The cap may have first and second openings extending from the cap. The first opening may have a first external nozzle for carrying water or other fluid from the closed reservoir to an open reservoir. The second opening may have a second external nozzle for allowing air to flow into and out of the first reservoir. The fluid delivery system may also have a tube terminal unit having first and second openings. The first tube terminal opening may have a first nozzle connected to the first external nozzle of the cap by a flexible tube for receiving water or other fluid from the closed reservoir and delivering it to an open reservoir out a fluid delivery outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: John Thomas Goldman
  • Publication number: 20110126711
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for recovering moisture present in the atmosphere. The device comprises a collection structure with a water recovery surface which during use at least partly makes an angle with respect to the orientation of gravity. Further, the collection structure is detachably couplable to a reservoir for storing the recovered moisture. In addition, the collection structure is nestable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: P.M.M. Hoff Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Mattheus Maria Hoff
  • Publication number: 20110088317
    Abstract: A retractable high-reflectivity wall provides improved lighting conditions for growing plants. The wall is retractable, so that it does not get in the way when the user wishes to work in the grow area. The wall can also be retracted so that it is easier to move, carry, reposition, resize, and/or remove as needed. The wall may be implemented as a sheet including a reflective surface adhered or otherwise mounted onto a flexible backing such as a vinyl surface for additional support/reinforcement. The resulting flexible reflective wall is mounted onto a roller assembly which allows the wall to be extended or retracted. A support bar can be affixed to the roller assembly via brackets or other hardware. The entire apparatus can be suspended from or affixed to a ceiling, wall, fixture, or other object, or it can be supported by a stand or other assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20110083363
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a capsule (1) enclosing an agrochemical (7), a method for producing the said capsule (1), a packing method of any biological form of a vegetative source (4), such as seed and/or embryo and/or spore and/or callose and/or meristem and/or a combination of these of at least one culture, for the use of a capsule (1) enclosing any biological material of a vegetative source (4) and a cultivation method of a culture employing the said capsules (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Jose Trias Vila, Livio Kuninagui Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20110041400
    Abstract: In intensive agriculture it is important to provide high-quality seeds with a good, rapid and uniform germination. The invention relates to a method for treating plant seeds. The invention also relates to a device for treating plant seeds by applying such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: SYNTHESIS B.V.
    Inventors: Jose Trias Vila, Barthelomeus Johannes Theodorus Smit, Wilhelmus Antonius Maria Van Lith
  • Publication number: 20110041395
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for the production of high yield agricultural and aquaculture products using separate, discrete and scalable production units that cooperate to provide a low carbon food production facility. A combination of greenhouses, hydroponic farms, fish hatcheries and on-site pyrolysis-gasification generators is used to produce and consume almost all the necessary materials from a feed stock of municipal waste, and other forms of carbon-containing waste feed stocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: BioSynEnergy LLC
    Inventors: Richard Newbold, Janusz Kozinski
  • Publication number: 20110035999
    Abstract: Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise (a) a germinateable seed having a germinating end and an apparent germination polarity; or alternatively a germinateable seed having a hole formed therein; and (b) a cage or, respectively alternatively, a member securing the germinateable seed; the cage having a structure such that when securing the germinateable seed, the cage not inhibiting or slowing a germination process of the germinateable seed; the member is secured to the hole. Seedlings which comprise the cage or member engaged therewith. Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise the seed or seedling, the cage or member and a display article attached to the cage or member. Methods of making same and of displaying the display article in context of the seedling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Eyal ITER
  • Publication number: 20100313469
    Abstract: A ground cover or landscaping material that includes a plurality of loose particles that are combined with a water activated adhesive component. When the water activated adhesive component is activated by contacting the ground cover or landscaping material with water the adhesive cures and secures the loose particles together. The water activated adhesive allows for the use of light weight particles that would be easily displaced when exposed to wind and rain or blow by lawn mowers or leaf blowers, absent being fixed together by the adhesive. Suitable particles include mulch, wood chips and synthetic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Karen Nixon-Lane
  • Publication number: 20100281771
    Abstract: A disease control device has light emitting diodes (D1 to Dn) emitting green light and a controller (2) controlling a drive circuit (1) for turning on the light emitting diodes (D1 to Dn). The drive circuit (1) is controlled by the controller (2) to cause the light emitting diodes (D1 to Dn) to emit green light to irradiate plants with the light. The irradiation with the green light enhances resistance of the plants against diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Rika Kudo, Yutaka Ishida, Keiji Yamamoto, Kazumasa Kakibuchi, Ayako Suekane
  • Publication number: 20100210893
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic treatment of plants, animals, and humans comprising: configuring at least one waveform according to a mathematical model having at least one waveform parameter, said at least one waveform to be coupled to a target pathway structure; choosing a value of said at least one waveform parameter so that said at least waveform is configured to be detectable in said target pathway structure above background activity in said target pathway structure; generating an electromagnetic signal from said configured at least one waveform; and coupling said electromagnetic signal to said target pathway structure using a coupling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Arthur A. Pilla
  • Publication number: 20100147781
    Abstract: Apparatus for extracting a material from a body of liquid and methods therefore are disclosed. A transport member comprises at least one continuous loop configured to pass through a continuous orbit. The material sufficiently adheres to at least a portion of the at least one continuous loop. A scraping member urges against at least a portion of the continuous loop for removing at least some of any of the material adhered to the continuous loop. Such an apparatus can be a harvester that includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A first conveyor drum can be supported by the frame adjacent the first end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member. A second conveyor drum can be supported adjacent the second end and can have an outer surface for engaging the transport member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Howard W. Newman, John Lowell Bowers, Jordan D. Jones
  • Publication number: 20100133154
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Kryzak
  • Patent number: 7665243
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and media for facilitating somatic embryogenesis and for collecting, conditioning, and transferring the washed embryos onto a substrate and into an environment suitable for conditioning the embryos for a desired period of time so they become germination-competent for plant production. The described plant embryo cleaning apparatus and method are used for preparing multiple plant embryos for plant production. The apparatus and method can use a cleaning fluid source, a fluid-conditioning system, a fluid-delivery structure, a cleaning station, an outlet mechanism, a negative pressure source, and a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: ArborGen, LLC
    Inventors: Narender Singh Nehra, Mark Russell Rutter, John Joseph Clark, Jessica S. Sage, Sydney Keith Seymour, Timothy Joel Stout, Ronald W. Winkles, George W. Surritte
  • Patent number: 7647724
    Abstract: An irrigation mat is comprised of a water impermeable base sheet, a water permeable top sheet and a capillary mat disposed between the base sheet and the top sheet. One or more flat pliable optional drip tapes are loosely disposed between the top sheet and the capillary mat and displaceable therebetween to any desirable position. The drip tape is a hollow flat tube constructed of perforated plastics material and extends at least a full length of the irrigation mat. The irrigation mat with the drip tapes is capable of being rolled up upon itself to form a roll. The top sheet is also heat fused to the folded edges of the back sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Universite Laval
    Inventors: Jean Caron, François Pepin, Richard Théoret
  • Patent number: 7644536
    Abstract: Sanitizing container and display is a sealed but ventable container for removably placing demonstrable objects such as plants, cut flowers, inside the container, living creatures and the like in hospitals, home or other environments where immunocompromised or allergic patients live. This sealed container and display is provided with a ventilation system that establishes adequate air circulation to the inside the container while clearing the outflow air from any potentially harmful microbes, allergens (small particles that cause allergy) or chemical fumes that would be dangerous for those patients who lack normal immune protection or are allergic. This enclosed chamber can optionally be provided with an artificial light source for illumination of the displayed object if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Ashkan Farhadi
  • Publication number: 20090300981
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of growing plants in a non-fibrous growth substrate, the method comprises providing at least one non-fibrous growth substrate comprising wetting agent, positioning one or more plants for growth in the growth substrate, characterised in that the wetting agent comprises ionic surfactant and the non-fibrous growth substrate is selected from the group consisting of urea formaldehyde foam, perlite, vermiculite, expanded clay, coco chips, coco dust, lava, pumice and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Jean Marie Wilhelmus Cuypers, Daan De Kubber, Paul Bouwens
  • Patent number: 7624532
    Abstract: A figurine shaped from coir base material compressed with a combination of fertilizer, paper and sawdust. The figurine includes a self-watering wick that allows water to be drawn from a reservoir to provide continuous water to the coir material. The figurine is further covered with grass seeds and nylon net to retain the seeds on the coir figurine. When water is added to the figurine, the seeds sprout grass that resembles hair. The grass can further be trimmed or grown to a desired length. Figurines or shapes can be human, animal or other shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Randy Slater
  • Patent number: 7594355
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus for irrigating container-grown plants suitable for use as a nursery irrigation system has a remote water storage tank, which utilizes the same overhead pipe to deliver and remove the water to a plant tray to base of the plant without contacting the leaves of the plant under an automatically controlled system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Midwest GROmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Finn Aagaard
  • Patent number: 7587856
    Abstract: A growing medium includes a bulking agent compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 7:1 to about 10:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material. The compressed bulking agent is then reground while substantially maintaining the volume-to-volume ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Patti Donner Rubin, Jay Gee
  • Publication number: 20090145368
    Abstract: A system and method provide an intensive aquaculture system for producing caviar or other goods. The system has a photosynthetic subsystem to consume waste from a production species, a food production subsystem to consume the photosynthetic species and be eaten by the production species. Optionally, the food production species may be pelletized or otherwise refined before being consumed by the production species. While each subsystem may have its own water chemistry, gas scrubbers may be used to control gas levels among the subsystems. In one implementation, an enclosure is used with a sensor to measure the gas above the water in the photosynthetic species. Water and species may be transferred among the subsystems as desired. Multiple aquaculture systems may be used in combination to provide age-specific systems operating in conjunction with one another and distribute risk of disease or failure across multiple systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Richard S. Brauman
  • Publication number: 20090132132
    Abstract: A method controlling an agricultural sprayer includes identifying an herbicide to be sprayed using the agricultural sprayer, determining a geoposition associated with the agricultural sprayer within a field, determining if crop planted at the geoposition is tolerant to the herbicide using as-planted data, and if the crop is not tolerant of the herbicide, preventing herbicide spraying operations while the agricultural sprayer is at the geoposition. An agricultural sprayer adapted for performing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: TODD A. PETERSON, DOUGLAS L. GARDNER, DOUGLAS J. HOUSER
  • Patent number: 7513077
    Abstract: A method and a system for soil disinfection and aeration by generating shock waves and a flow of detonation products on soil particles. The system includes a combustion chamber having an input port for supplying a predetermined air-fuel mixture to the combustion chamber. An igniter for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Means for shifting soil particles into an internal space where shock waves propagate. Rotovator which has rotary blades crumbles soil and shifts soil particles into the internal space of the rotovator. A flame arrester is attached between an air-fuel supply line and the input port. An outlet nozzle increases pressure of the detonation wave and thereby increases the pressure of shock waves and the velocity of detonation products A reflecting plate operates to reflect shock waves after the shock waves pass the soil particles Soil particles receive an additional impact during collision with the reflector plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Igor Fridman
  • Publication number: 20090082453
    Abstract: Formulations and methods for treating and preventing biotic attack, including disease and insect infestation, in plants are disclosed. The formulations include methyl dihydrojasmonate: Formulations according to embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable for controlling insect infestation and disease in roses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: NEW BIOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Barbara Scheer, Justin Scheer
  • Publication number: 20080236038
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for delaying a plant development process comprising exposing a plant or plant part to one or more bacteria or enzymes. In specific embodiments, the one or more bacteria are selected from the group consisting of Rhodococcus spp., Pseudomonas chloroaphis, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, and a mixture comprising any combination of these bacteria. Apparatuses for delaying a plant development process comprising a catalyst that comprises one or more of the above bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Georgia State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: George E. Pierce, Sangeeta Ganguly, Gene K. Drago
  • Patent number: 7415795
    Abstract: A method for catching shrub or hedge cuttings. The method includes a setup of providing a at least one frame assembly with a first side, a spatially disposed second side, a distal side, and a bottom, which cooperate to form a catching area. The receptacle may be made from two frame assemblies of differing widths so that the assemblies can be telescopically positioned to form a generally continuous receptacle, and for compact storage. The receptacle may have a cutout in the bottom to allow for positioning the receptacle around a trunk of a shrub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Koni J. Butler
  • Publication number: 20080060260
    Abstract: A method of containing a floral grouping or potted plant in a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve has first and second panels, and at least a portion of at least one of the first and second panels is constructed of at least two layers of material. At least a portion of the at least two layers of material may be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Weder
  • Publication number: 20080046277
    Abstract: Compositions, methods and business applications of using new and recycled cardboard infused with a plurality of saprophytic (including endophytic) and mycorrhizal fungi matched with seeds of plants (including trees, vegetables, herbs and grasses) whereby the cardboard can be sprouted by end-users to start ecosystems. Such containers may have carbon-credit value for companies and consumers when planted and grown as a carbon sink or carbon offset for the photosynthetic and mycelial sequestration of carbon dioxide. The relative weight of the Life Box's added seeds and spores does not significantly affect the total weight of the infused cardboard, thus not increasing transportation costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Stamets
  • Patent number: 7278236
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for nondestructively acquiring images of a plant root system is described. The apparatus includes a substrate for supporting the plant root system, a container for holding the substrate, an x-ray radiation source for generating x-ray radiation and directing the radiation to pass through the plant root system, and an x-ray image capture system for receiving the x-ray radiation having passed through the plant root system and for generating an image of the plant root system based on the radiation. The x-ray radiation source generates x-ray radiation having an energy level in the range of about 8 keV to about 20 keV. In this energy range, the attenuation of the x-ray radiation due to air is minimized and the contrast between the root system and the container and substrate is sufficiently high to provide a resolvable image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Phenotype Screening Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel W. McDonald, Ronald B. Michaels
  • Publication number: 20070209274
    Abstract: A plant commercialization system includes a structure that is adapted for growing plants therein, a waste-conversion unit that is adapted to provide energy for the structure, and a production facility that is adapted to produce a product from plants grown in the structure. A plant commercialization method includes providing a structure that is adapted for growing plants therein, converting waste to energy to be used by the structure, growing plants in the structure, and producing a product from the plants grown in the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: Matrix Technology Alliance, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ladd
  • Patent number: 7243459
    Abstract: A method and components for cultivation of plant materials. The components include enhanced berms, a confined irrigation/fertigation system, field and plant sensors, a plant support system, overcovering structure and a protective collar. Each of these components used singularly or in combination with each other enhances the growth and yield of plant material decreases the associated costs of cultivation, and decreases adverse environmental impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: FW Enviro, LLC
    Inventor: Craig L. Kaprielian
  • Publication number: 20070144066
    Abstract: A defensive anti-intrusion vegetal hedge for the protection of a property, incorporating plants having spines or similar, wherein said plants are planted along a line defining the area to be protected, in one or two rows, characterized in that the branches of said plants are linked to neighboring plants by interweaving said branches and/or by binding said branches by the ends thereof, further characterized in that it incorporates framing elements having pointed and/or cutting parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Sinnoveg
    Inventor: Daniel Soupe