A feeding apparatus includes an inner compartment having a first opening; and an outer compartment having a second opening. At least one of the inner compartment and the outer compartment is configured to be movable relative to the other one of the inner compartment and the outer compartment from a first position in which the first opening is out of alignment with the second opening to a second position in which the first opening is aligned with the second opening.

A movable aquafarming system is provided, including a vessel and a plurality of connected fish pens. The plurality of fish pens are arranged in a line, with a first fish pen of the plurality of fish pens being disposed closest to the vessel. The vessel is configured to be moored, and when moored the first fish pen is attached proximate to the vessel, and when the vessel is not moored the first fish pen is configured to attach to the vessel with a length of a tow line, whereby the vessel can tow the plurality of fish pens to a different location.

A movable aquafarming system is provided, including a vessel and a plurality of connected fish pens. The plurality of fish pens are arranged in a line, with a first fish pen of the plurality of fish pens being disposed closest to the vessel. The vessel is configured to be moored, and when moored the first fish pen is attached proximate to the vessel, and when the vessel is not moored the first fish pen is configured to attach to the vessel with a length of a tow line, whereby the vessel can tow the plurality of fish pens to a different location.

Apparatus is provided for estimating a flow rate of a fluent solid material in a generally horizontal pipe having a movable transportation element such as an auger in the pipe for transporting the material along the pipe including distance sensors mounted in the pipe in an upper part of the pipe and arranged to detect the distance of the material in a lower part of the pipe from the sensor. Another sensor is provided to detect the rate of movement of the transportation element for example by detecting the metal of the auger flight. The output from the sensors is fed to a control system for analyzing the output signals from the sensors over time to provide the estimate of flow rate. The sensors can be mounted in a pressurized enclosure to prevent escape of dust though openings for the sensors.

A distribution device automates and meters distribution of feed in a commercial shrimp production facility utilizing a stacked shallow tank configuration. The device includes an elongated support surface positioned over and extending along an elongated tank having an open top. A shuttle moves along the support surface to move along a length of the tank. A hopper to hold feed is coupled to the shuttle. A spreader is in environmental communication with the hopper to distribute feed from the hopper and a meter is operationally coupled between the hopper and the spreader for controlling an amount of the feed delivered to and distributed by the spreader.

A distribution device automates and meters distribution of feed in a commercial shrimp production facility utilizing a stacked shallow tank configuration. The device includes an elongated support surface positioned over and extending along an elongated tank having an open top. A shuttle moves along the support surface to move along a length of the tank. A hopper to hold feed is coupled to the shuttle. A spreader is in environmental communication with the hopper to distribute feed from the hopper and a meter is operationally coupled between the hopper and the spreader for controlling an amount of the feed delivered to and distributed by the spreader.

The invention provides an animal feeder augmentation apparatus, system and method of operation thereof. The apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder including a controller coupled to an actuator, where the controller provides power access from a battery to at least two communication modules, namely a low-power communications module and at least a first higher-power communications module. The low-power communication module includes a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used. The first higher-power communications module includes a cellular telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module. The controller is coupled to the low-power communications module, and to the first higher-power communications module.

The invention provides an animal feeder augmentation apparatus, system and method of operation thereof. The apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder including a controller coupled to an actuator, where the controller provides power access from a battery to at least two communication modules, namely a low-power communications module and at least a first higher-power communications module. The low-power communication module includes a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used. The first higher-power communications module includes a cellular telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module. The controller is coupled to the low-power communications module, and to the first higher-power communications module.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for underwater feed movement detection. In one aspect, the method may include the actions of obtaining images captured at different time points, where the images are captured by a camera and indicate feed that has been dispersed by a feeder for aquatic livestock inside an enclosure; determining, for each image, respective locations of the feed indicated by the image; determining, from the respective locations of the feed, a respective movement of the feed over the different time points; determining, based on the respective feed movement of the feed over the different time points, water current movement within the enclosure for the aquatic livestock; and outputting an indication of the water current movement.

A shipping container that includes a greenhouse mounted above an aqueous tank or tanks. Aquaponics fruits and vegetables grow in greenhouse in vertical and horizontal grow systems, while fish are grown in the tanks. Water flows between all plants and fish with no soil. The system is run by a computer automation system which operates on data obtained by various sensors and control components that include automated control valves, fish feeders, temperature and water flow measurements. The container can be operated from an established grid or can run off-grid with solar or other renewable energy sources. Part of the water needed for the system can be collected from rainfall. All necessary components except for the water, fish and plant seedlings are delivered in the shipping container.