101 results about "Living tree" patented technology

A water amusement system may include a composite tree and an elevated structure. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. The base may be coupled to the surface. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The system may include at least one structure coupled to the base. At least one of the structures may function to contain one or more persons above the surface. The water amusement system may include a water amusement ride coupled to the base. The water amusement ride may include an access point configured to allow participants to access the water amusement ride from the structure.

A system may include a tree and a covering apparatus. The tree may include a composite tree. A composite tree may include a base having an artificial trunk portion. Living plants may be coupled to the base. Portions of the living plants may form branches of the composite tree. In some embodiments, the living plants are living trees. The base may include one or more openings. A first portion of at least one of the living plants may be coupled in one of the openings such that a second portion of the living plant extends from the opening to form a branch of the composite tree. The covering apparatus may function to cover at least a portion of the tree. The covering apparatus may be coupled to the tree. At least a portion of the covering apparatus may be positioned in or above the tree.

A method and system for detecting the presence of subterranean termites, involving use of a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure before installation of an acoustic sensor in order to quickly locate potential areas of subterranean termite infestation, and an acoustic sensor in the form of an accelerometer or the disclosed innovative acoustic sensors having a bandwidth of at least 100 Hz to 15 kHz to detect noises made by the subterranean termites. Information collected by the acoustic sensor may be transmitted to a portable mini-computer (pocket PC) for confirmation and to a central operations center for inclusion in a comprehensive database of termite data and information. A method and system for detecting the presence of dry-wood termites concealed in a structure, involving use of a heat source to warm up the wooden structure of interest and then using a thermal imaging camera to scan the structure for suspicious dry-wood infestation, followed by the use of an acoustic sensor and pattern recognition software to more precisely and accurately locate potential area of dry-wood termite infestation. Additionally, structural damage can be evaluated by the methods discussed herein, including live trees. Additionally, the method can be used to manipulate termite infestation behavior.

The invention provides a calibration method for measuring the tree trunk moisture content by a time domain reflectometry (TDR). According to the method, the TDR and a scale are respectively utilized for continuously measuring the tree trunk section moisture content (moisture content measuring value) and the wet weight, in addition, a baking method is adopted for obtaining the dry weight of the tree truck section, the measured dry weight and wet weight data of the tree truck section can be utilized for calculating the corresponding moisture containing weight during the tree trunk moisture content measurement by using the TDR in each time, the corresponding moisture content (real value) can be calculated according to the timber water content definition, and the quantitative relationship between the real water content and the corresponding moisture content measuring value data according to the obtained real water content of the tree trunk section and the corresponding moisture content measuring value data, so a calibration model for measuring the tree trunk moisture content by using the TDR is obtained. According to the calibration model, the TDR can be utilized for carrying out in-situ dynamic monitoring on the moisture content of the live tree trunk, so the tree trunk moisture content measuring process is simplified, and in addition, the measuring precision is improved.

A method of preserving fruit-bearing cut-limbs from cutting at an orchard to receiving by a remote consumer includes cutting a live, fruit-bearing limb off a fruit tree in an orchard; and bagging the cut limb with perforated film substantially to seal the limb therein substantially continuously from the time of cutting at the orchard to the time of receiving by the remote consumer. After the cutting and before the bagging, the method can include dipping the cut end of the limb in a solution of water substantially continuously from cutting at the orchard to receiving by the remote consumer and / or coating the cut limb including the fruit and leaves thereon using a moisture-retentive agent. A perishable-fruit distribution method includes cutting an intact fruit- and leaf-bearing limb from a live tree in an orchard; treating the cut-limb to extend the useful life of the intact fruit and leaf thereon; placing the treated cut-limb with the intact fruit and leaf thereon in a shipping container; and delivering the treated, containerized cut-limb with the intact fruit and leaf thereon within the shipping container to a consumer remote from the orchard. A coating and a shipping container also are described and claimed.