Abstract: A system includes a linear carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage positioned on the carriage track such that the robot carriage may move along the carriage track from a first linear position to a second linear position, and a controller. The controller determines a movement of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. The controller further determines the second linear position of the robot carriage on the carriage track corresponding to the movement of the milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The controller also communicates a position signal to a carriage actuator coupled to the robot carriage and the carriage track. The position signal causes the carriage actuator to move the robot carriage along the carriage track from the first linear position to the second linear position in conjunction with the movement of the rotary milking platform.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm on which at least one camera is attached. It further includes a memory and a controller communicatively coupled to the memory. The memory stores historical information associated with a dairy livestock. The historical information include a previously-determined location of a teat of the dairy livestock. The controller moves the camera on the robotic arm toward the previously-determined location of the teat. The camera generates an image of the teat of the dairy livestock from a position to which it is moved, and the controller determines a current location of the teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the image.

Abstract: A portable milking machine is provided. The portable milking machine includes a container, such as a jar. The container includes a rim forming an opening leading into an inside of the container. A cover releasably secures to the rim forming an air tight seal with the container. A first nozzle and a second nozzle forms a fluid connection between the inside of the container and the outside of the container. A vacuum pump powered by a power source is fluidly connected with the first nozzle. A first teat cup sized to receive a teat of an animal within and is fluidly connected to the second nozzle.

Abstract: A method comprising placing curd in a mould comprising a hollow body provided with a first opening and a second opening. Thereafter applying a pressure force on the curd such that the curd is transformed into a cheese and such that the cheese is moved towards the second opening. After pressing, releasing the cheese from the mould via the second opening.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring conditions of a rack of animal cages. An animal caging system including a plurality of animal cages removably connected to an exhaust. Collection media is removably mounted in an exhaust plenum of the rack using a holder. Exhaust air dust clings to the collection media as exhaust from the animal cages flows along the length of the collection media. A door to the exhaust plenum can be opened and the collection media can be removed from the holder.

Abstract: A climate control system for an animal house is operated by determining a minimum ventilation curve for required minimum ventilation. A plurality of ventilation stages is created based on the minimum ventilation curve and the plurality of ventilation fans in the climate control system, each stage providing a percentage of the required minimum ventilation. Creating the stages includes prioritizing the ventilation fans to create a selection hierarchy and determining a minimum stage ventilation and a maximum stage ventilation for each stage. Ventilation fans are selected following the hierarchy that provides the desired percentage of the minimum required ventilation. The system advances from a lower stage a higher stage based on ventilation requirements. When it is determined that a fan is not operating, the system returns to the lower stage to substitute ventilation fans.

Abstract: A cat litter sieving system comprises a litter handler convertible between a flat configuration, an open container configuration, a transport configuration, and a disposal configuration, and sieve. The sieve comprises a riser to retain a frame at a selected distance above a litter box, said frame supporting a mesh member having a perimeter and defining a plurality of holes therethrough of sufficient size to permit granules of cat litter to pass through while retaining clumps of cat litter.

Abstract: A deployable pet carrier assembly for a vehicle includes a sliding rail guide system configured to attach the pet carrier to a vehicle seat back and collapsible front, rear, and side walls defining a box structure when deployed. An actuator is provided, configured to retain or release the pet carrier walls for transitioning the pet carrier between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration. The sliding guide rail system includes front and rear guide rails configured to slidingly hold the pet carrier front wall and rear wall. A tray may be included to define a floor of the pet carrier.

Abstract: An assembly of shaped components of firm but compressible materials that create an elevated platform within the passenger areas of a vehicle that provides a dog or dogs with enhanced comfort, safety and external views through the vehicle's windows from the down resting position. The assembly generally includes a horizontally placed component that delivers a level elevated surface and two or more vertical components placed in the leg-room area that support the horizontal component. The components are attached and detached in various combinations for quick placement, removal, storage and portability.

Abstract: The device for determining movements of an animal comprises a housing, at least one G-sensor for detecting movements of the housing and for generating signals representing the detected movements. The device further comprises an electronic circuit connected to the G-sensor for processing signals received from the G-sensor so as to obtain processing results, transmitting means connected to the electronic circuit for transmitting the processing results and a power supply for at least feeding energy to the G-sensor and the electronic circuit wherein the G-sensor, the electronic circuit, the transmitter means and the power supply are located within the housing. The electronic circuit may be arranged for switching the G-sensor on and off according to a predetermined time pattern so as to save energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant, wherein a characteristic value of carbon dioxide inside the rumen and/or reticulum is determined.

Abstract: Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass an expandable pet tunnel. It is envisioned that embodiments of the solution for an expandable pet tunnel may be constructed from any material suitable for a given application, although a preferred embodiment may be constructed from kraft paper. An exemplary embodiment may be constructed of a relatively thick paper and reside in either a collapsed state or an expanded state. When in the collapsed state, the exemplary embodiment may take the shape of a square. When in the expanded state, the exemplary embodiment may take the shape of a rectangular tube or tunnel that is open at either or both of its ends. When transitioning from the collapsed state to the expanded state, the exemplary embodiment may expand “accordion-like” according to a series of gussets or folds in the side walls of the embodiment.

Abstract: A plastic receptacle is designed to be used to collect urine specimens from animals for testing. It solves the problem of how to easily collect an uncontaminated urine sample from an animal, in a sanitary manner. The invention allows for collection of the urine sample from a short distance without bending over, so as not to startle the animal causing it to move or stop urinating before a sample can be collected. The device allows commonly available household items to suffice for a handle and for a specimen bottle.

Abstract: A beak trimming device is provided. A chain feeding system is also provided. The system includes a trough operative to receive an avian attractant. A feeder chain is disposed in the trough. The feeder chain includes at least one link and/or coupling that includes one or more abrasive surfaces configured to contact and trim a beak of a bird accessing the attractant. In some embodiments, the attractant is feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal top-bar beehive consisting of a hive box, supporting structures, a hinged insulated top, a hinged top support structure, and a top and bottom ventilation system that provides ambient temperature and moisture control. The beehive contains top-bars reinforced to reduce comb breakage during comb removal. The insulated hinged top is metal cladded to protect the hive from elements and its insulation prevents condensation in winter. The insulated top and advanced ventilation system reduces or eliminates beehive winter mortality and the need for extensive wrapping or insulating of the hive in preparation for winter. The top support structure facilitates top removal and prevents hive contamination and infestation by preventing the top from resting on the ground.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure include a system for providing non-contact, computer-vision based monitoring of the health and pollination activity of a beehive. The system may include camera positioned proximate to a beehive. The camera may include an onboard processor that analyzes video of the beehive captured by the camera and calculates an activity value that estimates a number of bees moving about the beehive. The video calculated activity values may be uploaded to a server where they can be accessed via a user device. The user device may allow the user to display interactive plots of the activity values over a variety of time bases. The disclosed beehive monitoring system relies on relatively lost-cost hardware and requires neither modification to the hive nor special constraints on the placement of the camera.

Abstract: A fish lighting system has an input interface (10) which receives instructions corresponding to a desired fish behavioral and/or physiological response (12). This is converted into a lighting control signal (RGB, t) for driving a lighting arrangement (18), with the intensity and color of the output from the lighting arrangement selected to obtain the desired fish behavioral and/or physiological response.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a polyethylene glycol-modified feline-derived protein which is obtained by chemically modifying a feline-derived protein with polyethylene glycol. The feline-derived protein is produced by a method comprising any or a combination of extracting the protein from somatic cells of a transgenic bird and/or an egg laid thereby, purifying and activating the same. The transgenic bird has a foreign gene containing a sequence encoding a feline-derived protein.

Abstract: A transgenic avian containing in its genome an exogenous nucleotide sequence which includes a promoter component and a vector with reduced promoter interference wherein the exogenous nucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome and the avian.

Abstract: The present invention relates inter alia to fertile non-human vertebrates such as mice and rats useful for producing antibodies bearing human variable regions, in which endogenous antibody chain expression has been inactivated.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper4) are disclosed. The CatSper4 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper4 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper4 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper4, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper4-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper3) are disclosed. The CatSper3 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper3 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper3 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper3, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper3-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand-held underwater net assembly with a snare closure that easily and rapidly closes the netting to prevent fish and crustaceans from escaping. The net assembly ideally includes a brightly colored net closure cord which serves to draw the netting together and close the netting when the snare handle and telescopic draw stem are proximally pulled outward and retracted by a user. The extension of the handle of the net assembly, pulls the netting into a closed position. The brightly colored net closure cord makes it easy for the underwater user to determine when the net is in the closed position and the catch is securely contained within the netting.

Abstract: A fishing rod comprises a hollow tubular rod blank having a plurality of prepreg layers, where each prepreg layer includes a graphene-resin mixture comprising a resin and a graphene preparation evenly disposed throughout the resin. The rod blank further includes a fiber cloth impregnated with the graphene-resin mixture. The plurality of prepreg layers are applied and pressed together in alternate layers of graphene-resin mixture and fiber cloth to form the rod blank.

Abstract: A component comprises a hollow component having a plurality of prepreg layers, where each prepreg layer includes a graphene-resin mixture comprising a resin and a graphene preparation evenly disposed throughout the resin. The component further includes a fiber cloth impregnated with the graphene-resin mixture. The plurality of prepreg layers are applied and pressed together in alternate layers of graphene-resin mixture and fiber cloth to form the hollow component.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and system for detecting fishing related events and providing notifications to a fisher regarding those events. When a fishing related event, such as a fish on line event occurs, it results in a fishing rod flexing or moving in particular directions. The described implementations include sensors located on or in the fishing rod that provide position data that is utilized to monitor a movement of the fishing rod and determine a type of fishing related event that has occurred.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a beamer board for measuring length and comparing weight of two identical objects including fishes. The beamer board acting as a culling system comprises an elongated beam, a first attachment, a slot and a pair of notches. The elongated beam comprises several measurement marks along a length direction for measuring a length of the fishes. The first attachment extending from the beam acts as a starting point for measuring the length. The slot is provided at center for hanging the beam on a holder. The slot act as a fulcrum balance point for balancing the beam. The pair of notches is configured for hanging the objects for comparing the weight of the fishes. The fishes are hanged on the pair of notches using any cull markers available in the markets.

Abstract: A fold out fishing chair for providing an easily portable seating and rod holding apparatus that provides shade for daytime fishing and illumination for nighttime fishing. The fold out fishing chair includes a base seat with an integral holder assembly and an integral shade assembly, each of which can be selectively moved into a deployed position. The holder assembly defines a fold out fishing rod holding structure that can hold fishing rods at a desirable angle without requiring ongoing user attention. The shade assembly includes a roll out shade having integrated lighting elements so as to improve comfort in direct sunlight and low lighting conditions. The holder assembly and shade assembly can both be moved to a retracted position in which the base seat can be folded into a closed configuration sized substantially the same as a folded conventional fold out chair.

Abstract: A heating chamber system for heat-treating items infested by insects, and methods for manufacturing and using same. The heating chamber system includes an enclosed heating chamber; a bottom portion defining a portion of the enclosed heating chamber and includes a floor skirt and a floor; a top portion defining a portion of the enclosed heating chamber and including a plurality of sidewalls and a roof; and a collapsible architecture configured to support the top portion.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly for discretely applying an herbicide to a plant includes a dispenser that may selectively release a fluid. The dispenser may be positioned proximate a plant such that the fluid is dispensed onto the plant. A container is removably coupled to the dispenser. The container contains a fluid such that the dispenser selectively releases the fluid.

Abstract: Designs of improved canisters for animal semen storage in Dewars are described.

Abstract: Herbicide delivery systems comprising a potassium salt of a herbicidal carboxylic acid coated onto a solid carrier.

Abstract: The invention proposes a container further extending the shelf life of foods, particularly berries, by including an active agent having antifungal capability into the container surface so that when the fruit is packaged inside the container it is permanently exerted an antifungal effect over the surface, which is the place on the longer determinants occurs, but also contributing to preserve the general environment. Also it proposes a preparation process and its use.

Abstract: A method for removing airborne bacteria and airborne mycetes from indoor air comprises imparting microbiocidal and microbiostatic properties to fabric by treating the fabric with one or more naturally occurring biocides, positioning the treated fabric in a sheet-like orientation, and blowing indoor air through the fabric.

Abstract: Disclosed are hypersensitive-response eliciting peptides that exhibit improved solubility, stability, resistance to chemical degradation, or a combination of these properties. Use of these peptides or fusion polypeptides, or DNA constructs encoding the same, for modulating plant biochemical signaling, imparting disease resistance to plants, enhancing plant growth, imparting tolerance to biotic stress, imparting tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress, imparting desiccation resistance to cuttings removed from ornamental plants, imparting post-harvest disease or post-harvest desiccation resistance to a fruit or vegetable, or enhancing the longevity of fruit or vegetable ripeness are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that induce an active plant response, but not a hypersensitive response, when applied to plant tissue. These peptides also preferably exhibit improved solubility, stability, resistance to chemical degradation, or a combination of these properties. Use of these peptides or fusion polypeptides, or DNA constructs encoding the same, for modulating plant biochemical signaling, imparting disease resistance to plants, enhancing plant growth, imparting tolerance to biotic stress, imparting tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress, imparting desiccation resistance to cuttings removed from ornamental plants, imparting post-harvest disease or post-harvest desiccation resistance to a fruit or vegetable, or enhancing the longevity of fruit or vegetable ripeness are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that induce an active plant response, but not a hypersensitive response, when applied to plant tissue. These peptides also preferably exhibit improved solubility, stability, resistance to chemical degradation, or a combination of these properties. Use of these peptides or fusion polypeptides, or DNA constructs encoding the same, for modulating plant biochemical signaling, imparting disease resistance to plants, enhancing plant growth, imparting tolerance to biotic stress, imparting tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress, imparting desiccation resistance to cuttings removed from ornamental plants, imparting post-harvest disease or post-harvest desiccation resistance to a fruit or vegetable, or enhancing the longevity of fruit or vegetable ripeness are also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a fungicidal composition having stable and high fungicidal effects against cultivated crops infected with plant diseases resulting from plant diseases. A fungicidal composition containing, as active ingredients, (a) a benzoylpyridine derivative represented by the formula (I) or its salt: wherein when A is —N?, B is —CX4?; when A is —CH?, B is —N?; each of X1 and X2 which are independent of each other, is a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, a CF3 group or an alkylthio group; X3 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, a CF3 group or an alkylthio group; X4 is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, a CF3 group or an alkylthio group; R1 is an alkyl group; R2? is an alkoxy group; p is 0, 1 or 2; and each of R2? and R2?? is an alkoxy group, and (b) at least one additional fungicide.

Abstract: A synergistic composition containing penoxsulam, triclopyr, and bispyribac for controlling weeds in crops, especially rice, sugarcane, cereal and grain crops, pastures, rangelands, industrial vegetation management (IVM), aquatics and turf is described herein. These compositions provide improved post-emergence herbicidal weed control and reduce herbicidal injury by concomitant application of the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosure is provided for methods of preventing, removing or inhibiting microbial biofilm formation or microbial infection in a plant or plant part thereof, including applying thereto a treatment effective amount of an aryl carbamate as described herein, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Methods of enhancing a microbicide (e.g., including a copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or plant defense activator are also provided, including applying an active compound as described herein. Compositions comprising an aryl carbamate compound as described herein in an agriculturally acceptable carrier are also provided, and in some embodiments the compositions further include a microbicide (e.g., including copper, antibiotic, bacteriophage, etc.) and/or a plant defense activator.

Abstract: Water-based formulations (EW) are provided containing no VOC's or alternatively are low in VOC's for wide area space spray to control mosquitoes, flies, and other public health pests. Application via ULV, these formulations have been observed to provide significantly superior control of pests when compared to competitive adulticides. The present formulations provide exceptional preservation of both droplet density in the spray cloud and droplet size as measured by volume mean diameter (VmD). The present formulations provide superior bio-efficacy as measured by both mortality and knockdown of target organisms. The present formulations provide superior biological control, droplet density, and droplet size when applied at concentrations 20-80× less than competitive formulations.

Abstract: Solutions for killing weeds include a herbicide admixed with a buffered amine oxide. The synergism between the two components reduces the amount of herbicide which must be employed to achieve an effective weed kill. Related methods involve application of the solution to the weeds to be killed.

Abstract: A biocide resin composition that includes one or more solutions of selected melamine-formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, melamine-urea-formaldehyde, and phenolic resins, and more than one copper salt soluble in aqueous systems and melamine-formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde, and phenolic solutions. Copper salts are of the copper citrate, copper lysinate, copper gluconate, copper salicylate, copper phthalocyanine, copper chelate, copper oxalate, copper acetate, copper methionine, copper tartrate, copper glycinate, copper picolinate, copper aspartate, ammoniacal copper complexes, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)-copper complexes, copper glycolate, copper glycerate, copper ascorbate type and, in general, copper salts of the organic type, R—Cu, R1-Cu—R2, where R, R1, and R2 can be alkyl chains (C3-C18) with one or more acid, aldehyde, ester, ether, hydroxyls, amino, or others groups in its structure.

Abstract: Effective delivery of an insecticide to a growing plant can sometimes be problematic. Topical delivery of an insecticide at the post-emergence stage of growth can sometimes be ineffective. It can also be difficult to deliver an insecticide to the roots of a growing plant, such as to combat a subsurface insect infestation. Accordingly, soil blends having insecticidal activity can comprise a soil medium, a porous soil additive, and an insecticide dispersed within the soil medium. Such soil blends may be used in conjunction with cultivating a variety of plants. Methods for producing the soil blends can comprise providing a soil medium and a porous soil additive, and dispersing the porous soil additive and an insecticide within the soil medium.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: The present specification discloses plant agent compositions, articles of manufacture, containers or kits comprising such compositions, and methods and uses to control a causal agent of a plant disease or increasing plant growth and/or fruit production.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are used to degrade; decay; kill; stunt; decompose; slow, stop, prevent growth or regrowth of; compost; wound; or break down vegetation or lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: A blade member has a shaft portion connected to a rotating shaft, and a blade plate portion projecting from the shaft portion toward an outer peripheral wall of a container. The blade plate portion has a plane-like configuration without being formed with a through-out portion, and extends in an up-and-down direction along the shaft portion. The blade plate portion has a projection portion, at a tip end side apart from the shaft portion, projecting upwardly. A top portion of the projection portion is non-edge surface without being formed with an angled portion.

Abstract: A mixing paddle for mixing dough and for cutting and mixing dense ingredients such as butter and shortening into dry ingredients such as flour has roughened cutting blades oriented at many angles. Some blades are attached between a central blade support shaft and a symmetrical rim. Blades near the apex of the rim rotate in concentric double cone paths. The blades may have roughed cutting edges to increase variety in fat chunk size and to improve mixing.