The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to methods and systems for deriving odor- and moisture-absorbing products from a microcrop (e.g., photosynthetic aquatic species). More specifically, the present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to forming an absorptive product from Lemna, including an animal litter, an animal bedding, a diaper product, a spill clean-up product, and any combination thereof. A process for forming an absorbent product from a microcrop may comprise the actions of (a) lysing the microcrop to generate a lysed microcrop; (b) separating the lysed microcrop into a solid fraction and a juice fraction; (c) processing the solid fraction to generate an absorbent solid; and/or (d) forming, by a shaping unit, the absorbent solid into pellets or granules that may be incorporated into the absorptive product. An absorptive product may have odor-reducing properties that are due in part to chlorophyll (e.g., from a microcrop).

A loader bucket has material spreaders on opposing sides of the loader bucket to spread material from within the loader bucket received through discharge openings in the rear wall of the bucket from an auger located in the bottom of the bucket. Each material spreader includes a spinner formed with blades to spread the material received through the discharge openings. The material spreaders are positioned below the apex of the V-shaped bucket and operable within a path of distribution that includes an interior boundary member oriented with a forward end closer to the center of the bucket than the rearward end to provide a distribution forwardly and laterally of the bucket. A low baffle mounted at the bottom periphery of the spinner blades forces material upwardly into a fluffy pattern. A high baffle provides a second boundary limit for the distribution of material.

A loader bucket has material spreaders on opposing sides of the loader bucket to spread material from within the loader bucket received through discharge openings in the rear wall of the bucket from an auger located in the bottom of the bucket. Each material spreader includes a spinner formed with blades to spread the material received through the discharge openings. The material spreaders are positioned below the apex of the V-shaped bucket and operable within a path of distribution that includes an interior boundary member oriented with a forward end closer to the center of the bucket than the rearward end to provide a distribution forwardly and laterally of the bucket. A low baffle mounted at the bottom periphery of the spinner blades forces material upwardly into a fluffy pattern. A high baffle provides a second boundary limit for the distribution of material.

The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to support transport of a pet in a self-contained expandable carrier. In some examples, the carrier may be worn by a user to support the pet in a proximate location. A pet carrier which may be worn may provide comfort to pet owners while they travel.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for sanitization or sterilization of, or reduction or elimination of microbes from, PFR material, in particular material for use as an animal bedding. In another aspect, the invention provides sanitized or sterilized material, and especially animal bedding material, prepared using the described compositions and methods.

Animal litter compositions having relatively low densities are described herein. Methods of manufacturing such litter compositions are also described.

A water absorption treatment material includes a first grain and a second grain that absorb a liquid. The first grain includes a first core portion and a first coating portion. The first core portion has a grain-like shape. The first coating portion contains an adhesive material, and entirely covers the first core portion. The second grain includes a second core portion and a second coating portion. The second core portion has a grain-like shape. The second coating portion contains an adhesive material, and partially covers the second core portion.

A water absorption treatment material includes a first grain and a second grain that absorb a liquid. The first grain includes a first core portion and a first coating portion. The first core portion has a grain-like shape. The first coating portion contains an adhesive material, and entirely covers the first core portion. The second grain includes a second core portion and a second coating portion. The second core portion has a grain-like shape. The second coating portion contains an adhesive material, and partially covers the second core portion.

A water absorption treatment material includes a first grain and a second grain that absorb a liquid. The first grain includes a first core portion and a first coating portion. The first core portion has a grain-like shape. The first coating portion contains an adhesive material, and covers the first core portion. The second grain includes a second core portion and a second coating portion. The second core portion has a grain-like shape. The second coating portion contains an adhesive material, and covers the second core portion. The thickness of the second coating portion is smaller than the thickness of the first coating portion.

A water absorption treatment material includes a first grain and a second grain that absorb a liquid. The first grain includes a first core portion and a first coating portion. The first core portion has a grain-like shape. The first coating portion contains an adhesive material, and covers the first core portion. The second grain includes a second core portion and a second coating portion. The second core portion has a grain-like shape. The second coating portion contains an adhesive material, and covers the second core portion. The thickness of the second coating portion is smaller than the thickness of the first coating portion.