The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.

An agricultural yield apparatus with a container made of a material that is impermeable to water and inert without leaching impurities to the surrounding natural environment and thereby is effective in segregating contents of the container from the surrounding natural environment and blocking seepage of the contents to the surrounding natural environment. The container encloses nutrients, water and a growth medium such as soil. The top of the container is closed except for at least one water and nutrition port and at least one vegetation growth port (or neck). The trunk of the vegetation passes through the at least one vegetation growth port (or neck). The container may be closed by a root membrane overlay having holes. The trunk of the vegetation passes through the holes in the holed root membrane overlay. Root direction channels may be beneath the overlay.

A method includes receiving first sensor data pertaining to plant-related parameters of each of one or more first plants that performed well over time. The method also includes analyzing at least some of the first sensor data to generate a predictive model associated with the one or more first plants. The method further includes receiving second sensor data pertaining to plant-related parameters of each of multiple second plants. In addition, the method includes identifying at least one of the second plants to receive one or more interventions by applying the predictive model to the second sensor data. Identifying the at least one of the second plants includes identifying the at least one of the second plants as having at least one of the plant-related parameters that deviates from at least one of the plant-related parameters of the one or more first plants.

A method includes receiving first sensor data pertaining to plant-related parameters of each of one or more first plants that performed well over time. The method also includes analyzing at least some of the first sensor data to generate a predictive model associated with the one or more first plants. The method further includes receiving second sensor data pertaining to plant-related parameters of each of multiple second plants. In addition, the method includes identifying at least one of the second plants to receive one or more interventions by applying the predictive model to the second sensor data. Identifying the at least one of the second plants includes identifying the at least one of the second plants as having at least one of the plant-related parameters that deviates from at least one of the plant-related parameters of the one or more first plants.

A valve includes an inlet and an outlet; a body including a first seat and a second seat; a cavity in the body; a piston positioned in the cavity; and a pilot ball adjacent the piston and that is disposed in a pilot seat, and a rear surface of the piston butts against the pilot seat at a maximum open position of the piston. Each of the first seat and the second seat is a seat that is a mechanical stop that prevents the piston from extending further than the closed position. The piston includes a flat front face that contacts the first seat when in the closed position, and a nose extension that extends outward and away from a center portion of the front face, and the nose extension has an opening through a center of a front surface thereof.

A valve includes an inlet and an outlet; a body including a first seat and a second seat; a cavity in the body; a piston positioned in the cavity; and a pilot ball adjacent the piston and that is disposed in a pilot seat, and a rear surface of the piston butts against the pilot seat at a maximum open position of the piston. Each of the first seat and the second seat is a seat that is a mechanical stop that prevents the piston from extending further than the closed position. The piston includes a flat front face that contacts the first seat when in the closed position, and a nose extension that extends outward and away from a center portion of the front face, and the nose extension has an opening through a center of a front surface thereof.

Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for generating and delivering an inhalable vapor or aerosol. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are used to generate and deliver a vapor or aerosol containing tobacco for use in, for example, traditional smoking or, for example, to deliver a smoking cessation therapy. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are used for generating and delivering a vapor or aerosol comprising a medicament. For example, in some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein are used to deliver an inhalable medicament to the lungs of a patient.

The disclosure provides systems and methods of use pertaining to irrigating and thermally protecting a field of crops. One embodiment provides a semi-closed circuit irrigation and thermal-protection system that circulates heated irrigation fluid from a storage reservoir, through a fluid distribution system associated with each crop in the field, and back to the reservoir. The fluid distribution system incorporates a number of expandable, porous vessels associated with the crops. The vessels receive a large volume of irrigation fluid and, while slowly releasing the fluid into the soil to raise soil-saturation levels, transfer heat from the fluid directly to the crops and to the ambient environment. The system may be activated in discrete bursts to irrigate the crops or activated over a prolonged duration to heat the crops during a freeze or frost event. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

The disclosure provides systems and methods of use pertaining to irrigating and thermally protecting a field of crops. One embodiment provides a semi-closed circuit irrigation and thermal-protection system that circulates heated irrigation fluid from a storage reservoir, through a fluid distribution system associated with each crop in the field, and back to the reservoir. The fluid distribution system incorporates a number of expandable, porous vessels associated with the crops. The vessels receive a large volume of irrigation fluid and, while slowly releasing the fluid into the soil to raise soil-saturation levels, transfer heat from the fluid directly to the crops and to the ambient environment. The system may be activated in discrete bursts to irrigate the crops or activated over a prolonged duration to heat the crops during a freeze or frost event. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

A method to stimulate tree sap self-ejection from a tree through a plurality of spouts by wrapping a tree with a metal liner and a flexible tube, adding an insulation shell then heating or chilling a portion of a tree trunk by flowing heated or chilled a freeze resistant fluid through the flexible tube. At least one fluid pump, heat exchanger and controller are used to modulate temperature based on forest information and weather historical information to create a more efficient sap collection and processing method.