Terrarium Patents (Class 47/69)
  • Patent number: 11547098
    Abstract: An (aqua)terrarium, in particular for ectothermic animals, has a container serving as living space. The (aqua)terrarium is provided with a climate control device that comprises a flow machine, in particular a fan, and an electrothermal converter, in particular a Peltier element. It is provided that the climate control device sucks in air from the container, conditions the sucked-in air by guiding it along a first side of the electrothermal converter, and conveys the conditioned air back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: OASE Holding U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Thorsten Muck
  • Patent number: 11304384
    Abstract: A horticultural plant growing assembly includes a pair of casings, each with a bottom and a side wall. Each side wall includes an upper edge configured to engage one another to define a cavity between the casings. The plant growing assembly further includes a light system, and a plurality of frame members that are connectable together to form a frame, with the light system being attachable to the frame. The plant growing assembly is configurable into a packaged configuration and an assembled configuration. In the packaged configuration, the frame members and the light system are contained within the cavity, and in the assembled configuration the frame members are connected together to form the frame with the light system attached to the frame. One of the casings includes a shelf adapted to support a plant with the light system disposed above the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Borroughs, LLC
    Inventors: Dale W. Voelz, Adam J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 11299344
    Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers (10) and the containers (10) are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The containers (10) may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing means, and data logging means. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Paul Clarke, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak
  • Patent number: 11235909
    Abstract: A display container for displaying an aromatic botanical specimen includes: (a) a container body for enclosing the botanical specimen and scented air having a scent of the botanical specimen; (b) at least one scent discharge port in the container body; and (c) an air pump coupled to the container body and operable to discharge the scented air from within the container body to the environment through the scent discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: ALL PLASTIC, INC.
    Inventors: William Thomas Smith, Cheryl Ann Smith
  • Patent number: 11214405
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a multisensory examination jar for botanical specimens. Embodiments of the disclosed jar may have a body portion with an integrated LED array for illuminating the contents of the jar. The jar may have a removable lid with an integrated magnifying lens, and an opening or port to enable a user to smell the contents of the jar. The opening may have a removable plug to establish a substantially air tight seal on the lid of the jar, to trap odors within the jar. The removable plug can be selectively removed to enable the user to smell the contents of the jar. The jar may have an electronics module and power source operable for wireless charging. The jar may also be configured to interface with a charging dock or base for wireless charging of integrated batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Inventors: Sam Whetsel, Daniel Einhorn
  • Patent number: 11134619
    Abstract: A ventilated plant propagation assembly provides a propagation tray that supports plant life, and a dome that covers the plants. The assembly allows for selective control between a ventilated position that allows aeration inside the dome, and a sealed position that restricts aeration inside dome. The dome laterally slides, so that depressions at the dome edges selectively interlock with ribs at the tray edges. Thus, when the dome edge slides offset from the tray edge, the dome depression engages the tray ribs, creating a seal at the junction of tray and dome. Conversely, slidably aligning the dome with the tray urges the tray ribs against the dome flange. This pushes the dome up to create a gap between the tray flange and the flat surface of the dome flange. The gap enables aeration inside dome by creating a passageway for air to flow through the edges between dome and tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventor: Aaron Marshall
  • Patent number: 11044894
    Abstract: A terrarium including a base, a support column, a top, and one or more panels with a closure is provided. The base can include a base channel, and the top can include a top channel. The top can be supported by the support column above the base. A panel can extend between the top and the base, being disposed in the top channel and the base channel, and forming an opening. Another panel can form a closure over the opening, with that panel optionally slidable to selectively access an internal compartment of the terrarium. A floater projection can be included on the closure panel and can engage a support rim on the base channel so as to support the panel and reduce friction of the panel moving relative to the base channel, for example, by supporting the panel above a channel bottom wall. Related methods of use are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Michael W. Capodice
  • Patent number: 10836537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a multisensory examination jar for botanical specimens. Embodiments of the disclosed jar may have a body portion with an integrated LED array for illuminating the contents of the jar. The jar may have a removable lid with an integrated magnifying lens, and an opening or port to enable a user to smell the contents of the jar. The opening may have a removable plug to establish a substantially air tight seal on the lid of the jar, to trap odors within the jar. The removable plug can be selectively removed to enable the user to smell the contents of the jar. The jar may have an electronics module and power source operable for wireless charging. The jar may also be configured to interface with a charging dock or base for wireless charging of integrated batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventors: Sam Whetsel, Daniel Einhorn
  • Patent number: 10830745
    Abstract: A growth chamber chip includes a base surrounding a growth chamber; a growth medium within the growth chamber; a sensor package within the growth chamber; a sensor feedthrough extending from the sensor package through a portion of the base to an outer surface of the base; and a transparent seal covering the growth chamber. In one or more embodiments, the base includes a nutrient channel connected in fluid communication with the growth medium and exposed to an outer surface of the base. One or more embodiments provide an array of growth chamber chips, with a movable arm that is movable across the array to individually scan each of the growth chamber chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS (UFMG)
    Inventors: Michael Engel, Ademir Ferreira da Silva, Ado Jorio de Vasconcelos, Ricardo L. Ohta, Mathias B. Steiner
  • Patent number: 10426144
    Abstract: A terrarium including a base, a support column, a top, and one or more arcuate panels with a closure is provided. The base can include one or more base channels, and the top can include one or more top channels. The top can be supported entirely by the support column at a first preselected distance from the base. One or more arcuate panels can extend between the top and the base, being disposed in the top channel and the base channel, and forming an opening. Another arcuate panel can form a closure over the opening, with that panel optionally slidable to selectively access an internal compartment of the terrarium. The support column can support the top and assist in holding the arcuate panels, as well as form a ventilation chimney associated with the internal compartment. Related methods of use are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Michael W. Capodice
  • Patent number: 10196209
    Abstract: A storage system is described where goods are stored in containers and the containers are stored in stacks. Above the stacks runs a grid network of tracks on which load handling devices run. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit then at alternative locations in the stacks or deposit then at stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage while reducing cost and inefficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Lars Sverker Ture Lindbo, Paul Clarke, Andrew John Ingram-Tedd, Pawel Karolinczak
  • Patent number: 9301462
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to an automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus, more particularly to an automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus to provide a thin mist for watering the roots of plants. In one example embodiment, the automatic hydroponic cloning apparatus is configured to: circulate mist to provide humidity to the leaves of plants, to control water temperature, to control humidity levels, to be notified of low water levels, and to measure pH levels of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Sidney S. Azoulay
  • Patent number: 8965564
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention comprises associating a marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, exciting the seeds using an photonic emitting device, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence or absence of the marker, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence or absence of the marker. In various other embodiments, the method may comprise associating a red fluorescent protein marker with at least some of the seeds containing a genetic element of interest of the bulk sample, evaluating at least some of the seeds of the bulk sample for the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker using an evaluating device, and sorting the seeds containing a genetic element of interest based on the presence of the red fluorescent protein marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: Steven M. Becker, Steven J. Corak, James L. Hunter, Gary L. Jaehnel, Hugh Lu, James W. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8950111
    Abstract: There are provided a device for fixing biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas with a similarity to containerized culture having high crop productivity, which is capable of fixing carbon dioxide gas highly efficiently, while being compact and easily managed, and a house equipped with the fixing device having an energy circulation system. The fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is configured to include an air intake unit which takes air into a box, a mesh-like air and water flow-through unit laid in the bottom of the box that is configured to be open to the atmosphere, a water reservoir tray on which the box is mounted, and cultivation soil which is held inside the box. Further, in the house relating to the present invention, the fixing device for biomass-based solar heat and carbon dioxide gas is arranged in an area that gets a lot of sunshine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Plus Kaken Innovate Labo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasumasa Soejima
  • Patent number: 8938911
    Abstract: A device for sprouting includes an element (1; 101; 201) with opposing first and second openings (2, 7; 102, 7; 202, 7), a water and air-permeable material layer (15; 215), wherein the material layer (15; 215) can be removably mounted on the element (1; 101; 201) so that it covers the first opening (2; 102; 202) of the element (1; 101; 201). The device is characterized in that the element (1; 101; 201) is shell-shaped and extends continuously between the first and second openings (2, 7; 102, 7; 202, 7), and the second opening (7) can be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Tina Schuler
  • Patent number: 8839555
    Abstract: An integrated environmental sustaining apparatus for maintaining a terrarium is adapted to simultaneously regulate temperature and deliver water droplets. The apparatus includes three major systems; a thermoelectric device, a water droplet delivery system, and a thermostat. The thermoelectric device is used to release heat or absorb heat. The water droplet delivery system includes a water pump, a water pipe and at least one water droplet dispersing device connected to the water pipe. A section of the water pipe is coupled to the thermoelectric device such that water flowing inside the water pipe will thermally communicate with the thermoelectric device. The thermostat is used to power on or off the thermoelectric device and the water pump in response to the temperature measurement inside the terrarium in relation to a predetermined temperature range determined by a low-temperature setting and a high temperature setting that can be programmed into the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Neil Shumeng Wang
  • Publication number: 20140150340
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, which makes it easier to implement bottle based terrariums using a grow light, by employing multiple side clip pairs, ideally shaped to interface with the curvature of the bottle, that join the upper and lower sides of a cut bottle, and a cable feeding mechanism that allows the grow light's height to be adjusted, while blocking moisture from dissipating through the mouth of the bottle, comprised of a slitted plug with a channel for the cable. The grow light also features control circuitry to set and adjust automatic lighting thresholds and methods to determine ambient lighting levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Metin A. Gunsay
  • Patent number: 8544208
    Abstract: A plant culture apparatus includes: a culture container including a transparent surrounding wall, a top opening, and a cover to close the top opening; a liquid culture medium disposed inside the culture container and having a liquid surface distal from the cover; a plant support fixed inside the culture container; a plant supported by the plant support; and a solid culture medium disposed within the culture container above the liquid surface. The solid culture medium is dissolvable in the liquid culture medium when the liquid culture medium is caused to contact the solid culture medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Yii-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 8251017
    Abstract: A biome in a box system comprising a transparent external container having a first size and a top edge and a transparent internal container having a second size configured to fit within the external container. The internal container is for placement of a habitat and has at least one handle configured to hang over and suspend from the top edge of the external container. The system further includes a hinged lid having a side wall extending over the at least one handle and the top edge and a drain assembly under the transparent internal container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Regina S. Ridgway, Richard V. Bundy
  • Patent number: 7921600
    Abstract: A container includes a top having downwardly extending walls adapted to releasably attach to upwardly extending walls of a bottom of a planter, the top of the container further adapted to releasably attach to the bottom of the planter so that when the downwardly extending walls of the container are attached to the upwardly extending walls of the planter the container functions as a terrarium enclosure and when the top of the container is attached to the bottom of the planter the container functions as a pedestal to support the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Grant Cleveland
  • Patent number: 7788849
    Abstract: A container includes a top having downwardly extending walls adapted to releasably attach to upwardly extending walls of a bottom of a planter, the top of the container further adapted to releasably attach to the bottom of the planter so that when the downwardly extending walls of the container are attached to the upwardly extending walls of the planter the container functions as a terrarium enclosure and when the top of the container is attached to the bottom of the planter the container functions as a pedestal to support the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Grant Cleveland
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7481183
    Abstract: A terrarium having a ventilation system for preventing condensation and moisture build up is provided. The terrarium includes a bottom wall and at least one side wall coupled together to form an animal enclosure therein. A ventilation system is disposed on a portion of the side wall configured to allow air to enter into the enclosure. The ventilation system has at least one opening positioned to allow communication between the inside and the outside of the terrarium. The opening is arranged such that air entering into the enclosure through the ventilation system is directed onto the inside surface of the side wall. The terrarium may include at least one side door to access the inside of the terrarium from the side. Further, the terrarium may include a bottom frame that raises the bottom of the terrarium from the lower edge of the bottom frame so that a heater may easily be placed underneath the terrarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp
    Inventor: Emmanuel Van Heygen
  • Patent number: 7234271
    Abstract: A pot cover that is comprised of detachable components and which can be used in combination with any conventional garden pot or any other suitable container, for purposes of facilitating the propagation of seedlings or seed germination, and which also resembles a novel animalian figure appearing to be living in the pot. The sections (02) and (04) of the pot cover connect together via clips (06) or other conventional connecting device to enable the sections to be easily connected and disconnected from each other and from the pot as required. The user would fill a pot with soil medium, and add seeds and water. Then connect the sections of the pot cover together, and then insert the connected sections of the pot cover into the upper rim of the pot, so that the pot cover sits securely on top of the pot, with the outside bottom edge (08) and (09) of the pot cover abutting the inner top rim of the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Andrew M. Tolley, George H. Reekie
  • Patent number: 7044081
    Abstract: A bifurcated habitat includes a bifurcated frame having a divider traversing the frame and a plurality of compartments defined on opposed sides of the divider. One compartment is isolated from the remaining compartments for maintaining a predetermined volume of water therein. Another one of the compartments includes a cage and a lower section in fluid communication therewith. The cage further includes a pivoting door situated adjacent to one end portion thereof. The habitat further includes a cover positioned onto a top portion of the frame and includes a plurality of pivotally connected doors. Each of the cover doors is independently movable between open and closed positions and includes a light-emitting source connected to one of the cover doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Peggy L. Bridges
  • Patent number: 6923339
    Abstract: A sealing plug for a liquid-filled container having a lower opening therein with an extended skirt thereon. The plug comprises a peripheral cylindrical wall for sealingly engaging the skirt of the container. The plug further has a flanged annular base extending inward from the peripheral wall and has two or more supports extended upward therefrom, the supports each have an upper end for collectively supporting an ornament within the container. The plug further has a flexible inner wall extending upward from the annular base, to a height lower than the height of the supports, and contoured around and inboard of the supports. The plug finally has a flexible diaphragm extending across the upper end of the inner wall for compensating for changes in volume and pressure of the liquid within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Lay (Frank) Lu
  • Patent number: 6748696
    Abstract: A self-automated mushroom growing apparatus and method for providing a continuous water and air supply for growing mushrooms on a small-scale. The apparatus is an enclosed, terrarium-like Grow Space including a porous Wicking Medium substrate, and an Air Diffuser rod situated within or below the porous Wicking Medium. An Air Diffuser is situated within the apparatus and is connected to an air supply to provide fresh air to the Grow Space. The porous Wicking Medium is saturated with water. The saturated Wicking Medium provides a continuous supply of water to a Cake Culture in contact with the Wicking Medium. The Air Supply mixes stale air that settles near the surface of the porous Wicking Medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Tony F. Davidson
  • Patent number: 6618989
    Abstract: A method for growing ornamental plants by hydroponic cultivation, includes the steps of arranging a piece of a tree in a water tank, adhering support members to the tree, the support members being water permeable which are free to deform, placing plants on the support members, the roots of the plants being integrated with the soil, and supplying water to the support members so as to implement hydroponic cultivation of the plants on the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hirose Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Hirose
  • Patent number: 6553713
    Abstract: Plastic bags are continuously formed and filled with sand, soil and gravel to fabricate flexible soft bricks of various shapes and configurations which may be laid on the ground to stabilize sand for growing vegetation or to prevent soil depletion due to water erosion or to grow vegetation in them. Protective housings made of plastic membrane material may be erected in dry or desert regions for growing trees and vegetation. The lower portion of the housing may be located below ground into a trench. Self operating knives are located in the housing to sever the plastic membrane material when the tree grown in the housing has reached a predetermined maturity. Tree planting bullets are provided to facilitate forestation by airplane to land inaccessible regions. The tree seedling is located in supported in an embryonic sack located in a depression formed in the rear portion of the bullet head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Chui-Wen Chiu
  • Patent number: 6540099
    Abstract: A sealing plug, for a water globe having a lower opening therein with an extended skirt thereon, having a fixed peripheral portion for sealing the container and supporting an object within the container and having a flexible diaphragm adapted to adjust for changes in volume and pressure of the water within the globe. The plug comprises a peripheral wall adapted to sealingly engage the skirt of the globe having an upper end thereof with two or more supports extended upward therefrom for supporting an object within the container; and a flexible diaphragm having an upper surface and a recessed channel around the periphery thereof connected to the wall and extending across the upper end of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Lay Lu
  • Publication number: 20030005626
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide plant cultivator for research purposes for finding the optimum cultivation environment for plants, using LEDs as light source and a control system therefor. An illumination window 6 is provided in top face 5a of a cabinet body 2 surrounded by thermally insulating walls. In addition, an LED illumination element 16 is arranged in this illumination window 6 and in the vicinity of LED illumination element 16, there is provided LED control means that controls the LED illumination element 16. In addition, in cabinet body 2, there are provided at least some of a growth detection sensor that detects the state of growth of the plants, cultivation environment monitoring means that monitors the cultivation environment of the plants and cultivation environment generating means that generates the cultivation environment; and cultivation environment control means is provided that controls the cultivation environment generating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: CCS Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Yoneda, Yoshio Sugishima
  • Publication number: 20020081354
    Abstract: The present invention involves a glow-in-the-dark edible terrarium substrate for a terrarium animal such as a reptile, an amphibian, or an arachnid. The substrate is a glow-in-the-dark calciferous sand including a calciferous sand with a glow-in-the-dark coating. The glow-in-the-dark calciferous sand is healthy, ingestible, and digestible by the terrarium animal and provides lighting for observing the nocturnal behavior of the terrarium animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Alan Mark Botterman, David Jack Hanono
  • Patent number: 6009838
    Abstract: A hibernation enclosure comprising an insulated cabinet and a cooling device to effect cooling and maintain temperature therein at selected temperature values. A control unit is operatively connected to the cooling device having a thermostat for selectively switching the cooling device on and off according to preselected temperature values and the current temperature within the hibernation enclosure. The control unit is programmable, having a control panel to allow a user to program the hibernation length, and to program temperature values that may vary throughout the duration of the hibernation period in accordance with the needs of the particular caged reptile. The hibernation enclosure further comprises a humidifier to maintain optimal humidity for the hibernating reptile and a motion sensor located within the walls of the cabinet to detect movement by the caged animal in order to alert a caretaker that the hibernating reptile is withdrawing prematurely from the hibernation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventors: Jae Carver, Kenneth Carver
  • Patent number: 6006471
    Abstract: An air-cleaning ecosystem apparatus includes: an ecosystem container having green plants, pollutant-absorbable plants and aromatic plants selectively planted in the ecosystem container; at least an illuminator installed in the ecosystem container; a blower having filters connected to the ecosystem container for delivering input air as primarily filtered into the ecosystem container; and an irrigation device for delivering water into the container for watering the plants; whereby upon light exposure by the illuminator, the green plants will conduct photosynthesis for absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and giving off oxygen into the air; the pollutant-absorbable plants will absorb some pollutants existing in the air; and the aromatic plants will release fragrant smell into the air, thereby outputting clean, fragrant air rich in oxygen beneficial for human and animal breathing for completing a gaseous cycle of ecosystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: En-Jang Sun
  • Patent number: 5950563
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple oriented two piece terrarium enclosure system which utilizes a base member for engagement with a shell structure having a slanted frontal viewing surface for improved viewing capabilities. The present invention also provides unique lateral access to the interior of the terrarium. Specifically, the shell structure has a cutout portion for providing a fully enclosed system when the shell structure is positioned in a first orientation, and alternatively providing a means for accessing the interior of the terrarium when the shell structure is positioned in a second orientation. This dual orientation capability allows improved access for feeding and cleaning the terrarium with minimal disturbance to the habitat or its inhabitants. The shell structure utilizes a securing mechanism for maintaining positioning of the shell structure with respect to the base while in either a first orientation or a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Robert R. Adcock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5865141
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a sealed ecological system that is self-sustaining, remains in dynamic equilibrium over successive generations of organisms. The wastes generated by one set of organisms are consumed entirely by other organisms as nutrients. This nutrient-waste balance is achieved by limiting the amounts of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium present at the start-up of the system. Further stability and water clarity is achieved by the use of aquatic plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Paragon Space Development Corp.
    Inventors: Jane Poynter, Grant A. Anderson, Taber MacCallum
  • Patent number: 5855982
    Abstract: An article anchoring accessory includes a support element for reception within an enclosure, such as for example an aquarium, serving as an anchoring structure to which objects can be secured. The support element will conveniently be of relatively widened expanse presenting an upper surface area, and will advantageously be of flattened shape, at least over portions thereof. The support element may optionally be of a configuration presenting a series of flattened regions arranged in stepped fashion, the upper surfaces of which are each in spaced-apart relation with the enclosure bottom by varying degrees, for inclusion below a sloped gravel bed. Means are provided for fastening the article to the support element at a selected position along its expanse, conveniently, by use of coupling members designed to grasp the article, and also for firmly engaging the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 5775529
    Abstract: A decorating glass vessel is disclosed. In particular, It relates to a spherical shape decorating vessel filled with water. The glass vessel is disposed with an opening which has extended with a circular wall upward to a preset height. A soft cover can be inserted into the circular wall such that a frictional engagement is attained between the circular wall and the cover. The water facing surface of the cover is provided with an elevated surface. The other portion of the water facing surface except the elevated surface is provided with at least one thinner portion with thinner thickness. The thinner portion can be readily deformed to absorb the increased hydraulic pressure resulted from temperature gradient. Consequently, the water or air leakage resulted therefrom can be therefore avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 5618428
    Abstract: A filtration system for an aquarium having water and fish. A container is mounted in juxtaposition to the aquarium and a porous filter is disposed in the container. The top of the filter is connected to the bottom of a pot in which is growing a terrestrial plant in soil. A pump circulates water from the aquarium into the container and through the filter. The filter removes solid and dissolved pollutants from the water and roots of the plant grow into the filter, utilizing the pollutants retained in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: Arthur D. Oslund
  • Patent number: 5561946
    Abstract: A culture vase comprises generally a transparent cylindrical body having an introversively spherical portion on the top and a less diameter opening on the bottom, a culture seat disposed into the opening and a cover having threads thereon coupled to a neck of the opening. Furthermore, both of the culture seat and the cover have at least an air inlet thereon in cooperation with a circular filter disposed thereinbetween, thereby, permitting the entrance of the fresh air and preventing the germs or bacteria from entering into the cultured explant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Ching-chi Hsien, Yeh Shen-lei, Lai S. Yen
  • Patent number: 5548924
    Abstract: A method of growing tissue culture callus on a nutrient substrate comprises the steps of preparing a semi-solid slab of the nutrient substrate and placing it on top of a honeycomb-like forming plate, which defines a plurality of hollow passages surrounded by thin walls. A series of the callus is deployed on the slab, so that each callus is located in alignment with one of the passages. The callus are allowed to grow to a desired extent under conventional conditions. A pneumatic pressure is then applied to the slab so that it becomes pushed through and sliced by the walls of the forming plate into a respective number of blocks, each carrying a single plant, and ejected out of the bottom side of the forming plate for further plantation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Dan Mekler
  • Patent number: 5451443
    Abstract: An accessory for firmly anchoring plants and the like at the bottom of an aquarium. A generally planar member is sized to fit within the aquarium, and rests in close proximity and parallel with the bottom of the aquarium. A means for removably fastening articles to the planar member is provided, enabling the positioning and attachment of articles, such as live and artificial plants, anywhere along the surface of the planar member. In a preferred embodiment, the planar member comprises a grid having rectangular openings adapted to receive coupling members which fasten to the grid, and also firmly grip the article to be anchored. As part of an under-gravel filtration system, a slotted planar member adapted to receive similar coupling members enables articles to be firmly anchored while at the same time providing filtration of the water within the aquarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
  • Patent number: 5404839
    Abstract: The terrarium includes at least one glass sidewall serving as a viewing window, and a chassis formed of rigid plastic providing a bottom wall and a rear side wall. In one embodiment, the chassis includes a bottom channel formed in the bottom wall of the chassis, for mounting the glass viewing wall. In another embodiment, the glass wall is mounted to the chassis by a plastic frame member bonded to the plastic sidewalls of the chassis. The terrarium also includes a top screened closure member. In one embodiment, a channel for the closure member is formed in the upper portions of the sidewalls of the chassis, and in another embodiment, a channel for the closure member is provided by opposing F-shaped molding members fitted over opposing glass sidewalls of the terrarium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Mancuso's Exotic Tropical Fish, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Mancuso
  • Patent number: 5375372
    Abstract: A bicomponent tissue and seedling culture bottle includes an upper cover portion having an opening facing downward, and a lower container portion having a closed base and suitable for fitly but detachably connecting to the downward opening of the upper cover portion, characterized in that, a T-shaped air vent consisting of a vertical air passage centered at a top portion of the upper cover and two horizontal air passages symmetrically located at and extending from two opposite sides of the vertical air passage to be communicable with the outside air, so that air or gas produced in the culture bottle during the culture process can escape from the air vent and germs or viruses can be prevented from entering into the culture bottle when the seedlings are matured and/or are transplanted and the survival percent of the bottle cultured seedlings can be raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: Tso-Cheng Lee, Cheng-Hao Wang, Tsun-Thin Huang, Meng-Ta Chen
  • Patent number: 5369978
    Abstract: Described is a process for qualitatively and quantitatively substantially continuously analyzing the aroma emitted and rates of emission of the aroma components thereof from two or more different varieties and/or species of living leaves, living fruits, living trees or living flowers at a given point in time or over a given time period using a multiplicity of enclosures to each contain one or more living leaves, living fruits, living flowers or cover surface portions of living trees or living fruits (one or more per enclosure) and having a single aroma trapping means communicating with all of the enclosures, and apparatus for carrying out such process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Braja D. Mookherjee, Richard A. Wilson, Robert W. Trenkle, Michael J. Zampino, Edward S. Everett
  • Patent number: 5367899
    Abstract: Described is a process for qualitatively and quantitatively substantially continuously analyzing the aroma emitted and rates of emission of the components thereof from a portion of the outer surface of a living fruit and from a living flower located within a specifically enclosed 3-dimensional space proximate said portion of the outer surface of said living fruit, simultaneously, using an aroma trapping device connected to the enclosed 3-dimensional space, and utilizing the resulting analysis for preparation of perfume compositions, perfumed articles and colognes. Also described is apparatus for carrying out such a process. The living fruit may, for example, be a living pineapple or a living nectarine growing on a nectarine tree. The living flower may, for example, be a living rose growing on a rose bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Braja D. Mookherjee, Robert W. Trenkle, Richard A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5363801
    Abstract: An enclosure for animals and plants includes a bottom, first and second end walls, and first and second side walls. The walls and bottom are interconnected to form a unitary structure. A top for the structure extends between the walls. Structure is provided for selectively locking the top to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Oceanic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Watters, Anthony M. Thoes
  • Patent number: 5355718
    Abstract: Described is a process for qualitatively and quantitatively substantially continuously analyzing the aroma emitted and rates of emission of the aroma components thereof from two or more different varieties and/or species of living flowers at a given point in time or over a given time period using a single enclosure to contain the living flowers and having aroma trapping means attached to the single enclosure and apparatus for carrying out such process. Also described is a process for preparing one or more perfume compositions comprising the steps of carrying out the aforementioned analysis or analyses and then, using the results of such analysis or analyses, providing and admixing at least the major components found in the analysis or analyses; apparatus for carrying out such process and perfume compositions prepared using such apparatus and process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Braja D. Mookherjee, Robert W. Trenkle, Subha M. Patel
  • Patent number: 5321908
    Abstract: A plant is cultivated in a nearly sealed transparent receptacle, which comprises air holes through the well thereof and a culture medium at the bottom. Inside of the receptacle is kept such it is humid and suitable atmosphere for cultivating plants, so that a plant is cultivated without much human labor. The plant culture receptacle according to the present invention is effective for decorating and cultivating plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Inventor: Chuji Ushimaru
  • Patent number: RE39379
    Abstract: An article anchoring accessory includes a support element for reception within an enclosure, such as for example an aquarium serving as an anchoring structure to which objects can be secured. The support element will conveniently be of relatively widened expanse presenting an upper surface area, and will be advantageously be of flattened shape, at least over portions thereof. The support element may optionally be of a configuration presenting a series of flattened regions arranged in stepped fashion, the upper surfaces of which are each in spaced-apart relation with the enclosure bottom by varying degrees, for inclusion below a sloped gravel bed. Means are provided for fastening the article to the support element at a selected position along its expanse, conveniently, by use of coupling members designed to grasp the article, and also for firmly engaging the support element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler