Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal identification system comprising an animal identification device and a sampling member. The animal identification device comprises a male part comprising a shank (12) extending from a support (11) and ending in a locking head (122) intended to be inserted into a female part so as to fix said identification device to an animal, said shank having passing through it a longitudinal canal that allows the passage of said animal tissue sampling member. The shank (12) comprises stiffening means comprising at least one abutment element (13) protruding into the canal, located between the middle of the shank and the distal end of the head (124), said at least one abutment element defining a bearing zone against which at least one bearing element of the sampling member can bear while animal tissue is being sampled. The sampling member comprises at least one bearing element that complements said at least one abutment element of said male part.

Abstract: A dryer attachment for use to dry an animal comprising: an attachment end, where the attachment connects to a dryer; a vent opening, where the vent opening enables flow of air from the dryer; a plurality of top bristles arranged above the vent opening; and a plurality of bottom bristles arranged below the vent opening. The plurality of top bristles and plurality of bottom bristles may be arranged in a series of rows.

Abstract: A pet comb is disclosed that includes a handle and a comb blade coupled to the handle, the comb blade having a plurality of resilient tines, wherein at least one of the plurality of tines is blunt-ended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collar (10) for mounting around the neck (8) of an animal (1), such as a dog, said collar (10) including i) a first part (20) with an inside for receiving the head (5) of said animal (1), said first part (20) having a flared shape, such as the shape of a truncated cone, and including a peripheral flexible wall (W) de-fining said flared shape, said wall (W) extending between a first opening (22) leading into said inside and an opposite second opening (24) leading into said inside, and ii) a second part (40) joined to said first part at said second opening (24), said second part (40) defining a sleeve for extending around said neck (8), wherein said peripheral flexible wall (W) including a recess (R) extending towards said first opening (22) and defining an enlargement of said second opening (24).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for guiding a target object with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in an environment. The UAV may be able to recognize and locate the target object. The UAV can be configured to communicate the actions and behavior of the target object to a user through a user device in communication with the UAV. The UAV can provide positive and negative stimuli to the target object to encourage an action or behavior. The UAV can be configured to recognize and manage waste generated by the target object.

Abstract: Position and proximity detection systems and methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device may include a processor configured to determine a position coordinate of a first movable device. Further, the processor is configured to determine whether the position coordinate of the first movable device is a predetermined distance from a second movable device. The processor is also configured to signal the second movable device in response to determining that the position coordinate of the first movable device is a predetermined distance from a second movable device.

Abstract: A pet headgear comprises two halves operable in “clamshell” fashion to surround the head, nose and mouth of a pet, to facilitate handling of the pet in familiar or especially unfamiliar environments, such as veterinary offices, groomers, kennels or during transporting. The clamshell hinges at one end, preferably a caudal end, so it may be applied from behind the pet and the two halves biased medially to close the shell about the pet's head, prior to latching the halves closed. Openings may be provided for access to the pet's ears, nose, teeth, and/or mouth. A pleasant sensory zone (PSZ) or module may be added to quiet and appease the pet and habituate them to the headgear through positive reinforcement.

Abstract: Pack assemblies for dog walking are disclosed herein. Such assebmlies can include, for example, an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can include a first strap and a second strap. The lower portion can include a leash assembly having a slider and a leash clip configured to be detachably coupled to a dog leash. In some embodiments, the leash clip can slide along the slider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet harness and pack for comfortably harnessing a dog and providing a dispenser for waste bags one on side of the harness and a storage pouch on the opposite side. The pouches are colorfully decorated with character faces and the bags will dispense out of a portion of the character's face. A metal loop is provided beneath a cross-stitched reinforced section of fabric wherein a leash may be attached to the harness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for providing light to and around a companion or service animal. The device allows for the illumination of an area immediately surrounding the animal that is wearing said device. The device includes a harness which allows for the directed illumination of the area immediately surrounding the animal in order to allow both better visibility for the animal and for a handler. The harness is adjustable and positionable upon the animal to allow for optimal illumination at the discretion of the handler.

Abstract: An animal collar including a tag housing with a transparent cover. The tag housing is affixed to the collar and adapted to house one or more tags associated with the animal. The transparent cover is adapted to secure the tags against the collar while enabling viewing of information on the tags. A fastener ensures that the tags do not fall out of the tag housing.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting the performance of an animal under training is disclosed. A centralized hub may be provided for coordinating and aggregating data from a plurality of sensors attached to an animal. A mobile computing device in communication with a centralized hub may further gather data and transmit the data to a remote server where reporting and analytics may be performed.

Abstract: A breather cap assembly is configured to be connected to a stand-tube used in a watering system. When the watering system is in normal operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to allow for air to flow between the outside the assembly and the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to minimize the introduction of foreign material from outside the breather cap assembly into the stand-tube. When the watering system is in flushing operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to seal off the stand-tube in order to minimize the possibility of water leaving the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly further also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to collect and retain a majority of any water that does leave the stand-tube during a flushing operation.

Abstract: A catamaran-shaped floatation device wherein an oyster basket can be attached to the upside of the device for elevation of the oysters above the water level, and then inverted to submerge the oysters below the water level.

Abstract: An aquaculture environment control system comprising a plurality of discharge conduits positioned in a vessel, the discharge conduits including one or more orifices; a fluid source in fluid communication with the plurality of discharge conduits; a gas supply source in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of discharge conduits; wherein discharging fluid from the plurality of discharge conduits into the vessel creates or maintains a current throughout fluid present within the vessel. A method of controlling an aquaculture environment comprising supplying one or more of a fluid and a gas to a plurality of discharge conduits positioned in a vessel; and discharging the one or more of the fluid and the gas from at least one of the plurality of discharge conduits to the vessel, the discharging creating or maintaining a current within the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for perturbing gene expression in hematopoietic cell lineages in vivo.

Abstract: Modified non-human mammalian hepatoma cell lines that express hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens and which are capable of generating tumours in a syngeneic animal model are provided. The cell lines are generated by genomic integration of an expression construct that comprises one or more HCV antigen-encoding sequences under the control of a constitutive promoter. The expression construct further comprises a selectable marker and a reporter gene under the control of the same promoter. The cell lines are useful for testing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against HCV either in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection of an inflammatory reaction, which comprises using a transformant or transgenic non-human animal transfected with a vector comprising a promoter for a gene encoding an inflammatory cytokine, a gene encoding a reporter protein, a gene encoding the inflammatory cytokine, and a gene encoding a proteolytic signal sequence to thereby detect an inflammatory reaction induced upon inflammatory stimulation in the transformant or in the transgenic non-human animal.

Abstract: An expandable fish hook assembly includes a central shaft having one end attached to a fishing line and a plurality of arms or hook members pivotably coupled at or near the other end of the central shaft. The plurality of arms or hooks pivot between a collapsed position, with each arm or hook generally adjacent the central shaft, and a deployed position, with each arm or hook generally angled away from the central shaft. A sliding member engages the central shaft and moves along the central shaft, whereby the sliding member also operatively engages and moves along each of the plurality of arms to support and move the arms between the collapsed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A functional ornamentation manufactured from a stamped metal plate which is twisted by a specified number of degrees to result in a shape that allows for unique reactions to flowing fluids such as air and water. Due to the shape and twist of the device, the device will spin along with the flowing fluid or when pulled through that fluid, such that it retains a straight trajectory. In a preferred embodiment, such as part of a fishing lure, the ornamentation is connected to a ball bearing swivel which allows for near frictionless rotation. The lure when drawn through the water travels in a straight path, rather than an arced path of the prior art. This results in a more natural travel path producing greater flash and rotation for attacking fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lure (1), especially for fishing. An elongated body (5) includes attachment means (2) provided at a first end (51) of the body (5) for attaching the lure (1) to a fishing line or the like. a second end (52) of the body (5) is provided with a holder portion (5a) for keeping at least one hook (6a) stationary relative to the body (5). The lure (1) includes an elastic shell (4), which is provided with an installation chamber (4a) capable of accommodating the body (5) as well as the at least one hook (6a). The holder portion (5a) consists of a slot type hook saddle (5a). The shell (4) is provided with an aperture (4c) across which a tip portion of the hook (6a) is adapted to proceed from the installation chamber (4a) to a position external of the shell while the hook (6a) is stationary in the hook saddle (5a) at the same time as the shell (4) has its surface subjected to a pressure force compressing the shell (4).

Abstract: A multi-segmented, soft-bodied, artificial fishing lure or swim bait with a natural profile includes plastic control planes in each body segment to generate a lure that is stable in the water, and demonstrates realistic swimming motions in a range of retrieve speeds and even when allowed to sink. At least one clear, stiff plastic control plane is inserted in each body segment to generate a lifelike swimming motion when the lure is retrieved. Each control plane may be moved within a range of positions to provide realistic motions for specific fishing techniques. The control planes inserted into and sometimes through the lure body are invisible in the water and are adjustable to accommodate a range of water conditions, densities and temperatures. The placement of control planes create the ability to limit unnatural/undesirable movements and expand or accentuate natural and desirable movements in each segment of the body of the lure.

Abstract: Universal arbors mountable on tapered fishing rod blanks as non-degradable self-centering collars to which a reel seat may be mounted. The inventive cylinder-shaped arbor comprises a flexible thermoplastic resin formed as an outer cylinder, closed at one end with an integral end wall or separate disc/washer, which included a cylindrical hole to receive a rod blank. The annulus between the cylinder inner wall and the hole margin includes curved or straight centering fins secured to the cylinder inner wall that are free to flex. Flexing of the centering fins permits accommodating a wide range of blank tapers at the proper place of location of a reel seat making the arbor universal and positionally forgiving. Once the arbor is located on the blank and oriented properly, the cylinder is filled with a fluid epoxy resin, which when cured permanently secures the arbor to the blank and to the reel seat tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a fish hook and chuck combination. Said fish hook having a barbed tip on its distal end leading to a hooked portion. Said hooked portion leading to a substantially shank at a proximal end of said fish hook. Said proximal end removably clasped between at least two collets of a chuck, wherein said at least two collets being separated by evenly spaced longitudinal slits in said chuck. Wherein said proximal end is held between said at least two collets, wherein an axial force for retaining said proximal end within said at least two collets may be enhanced or reduced by varying a width of said slits using a reciprocally moving sleeve, said sleeve encircling an exterior of said at least two collets.

Abstract: A live well oxygen and temperature level alert and control apparatus including a temperature sensor and oxygen sensor con figured to sense the temperature and oxygen level of a live well. The sensed signal is seat to a controlling and monitoring apparatus. The controlling and monitoring apparatus is linked to a heating or cooling control system of the live well. Further, the alert apparatus may be configured to control the supply of the fresh or salt replacement water to the live well by controlling a valve supplying such water. The controlling and monitoring apparatus is configured to alert a user about the oxygen and temperature level of the water inside the live-well and control these levels via a user interface. The further inventive aspects can be embodied in one or more of a display screen, a speaker, and an alarm for communicating oxygen and temperature level to a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of trapping a pest, said method comprising providing ferromagnetic particles for ingestion by the pest, and trapping the pest using one or more magnets, wherein a trapped pest has ingested and internally accumulated an amount of the ferromagnetic particles sufficient to permit immobilization of the pest using said one or more magnets. Devices for use with the methods of the instant invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: A benthic barrier in which a polygonal shaped mat having straight sides is mounted on a similarly polygonal frame, but in which the frame sides bow out slightly between corners, causing the mat to stretch slightly and become taut. The frame comprises a plurality of straight leg members and a number of corner members as required by said polygonal shape. The corner members encompass interior angles which are from about 1 to about 5 degrees greater than the interior angle of the polygon defined by the straight sides of the mat. The frame member legs are rigid, but slightly flexible such that when assembled into the mat as an assembled frame, the straight legs are forced to bow out slightly between the corners, pulling the mat taut.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a desired amount of mechanical abrasion to plants and selective cutting of undesirable plant material is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a brush and an elevation device for maintaining the base at desirable height. The base has a first longitudinal axis and a plurality of grooves, the grooves being oriented approximately perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The brush has a second longitudinal axis and a plurality of bristles and/or blades extending outwardly from the second longitudinal axis. The brush is attached to the apparatus such that the second longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis and the brush is rotatable about the second longitudinal axis. The brush is spaced from the base such that the plurality of bristles engage the plurality of grooves. The base is adjustable enabling the operator to move the base closer or further from the rotating brush/blades.

Abstract: An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system. A housing has a downwardly facing chamber. At least one electrically powered infrared heating element is mounted within the chamber. A source of electrical power is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical power to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired vegetation there adjacent using targeted infrared radiation emitted by the electrically powered infrared heating element.

Abstract: The bird deterrent comprises a substantially flat tilting surface, having a substantially elongated shape and a substantially curvilinear profile, which can be positioned in a balancing position and oscillating, as a consequence of a bird or the like perching on it, around at least an axis of rotation substantially horizontal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tilting surface, and support means associable with a perching surface and supporting the tilting surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a trap monitor. The trap monitor can detect when a trap is triggered using a magnetic interlock attached to the trap and a magnetic flux sensor. The trap monitors may forward trap events and other information to a central hub for communication to a server. The trap monitors and hub can be configured using infrared transmissions from a mobile device.

Abstract: Apparatuses, devices and methods for covering a tree stand are disclosed. The methods include placing a collapsible cover in the size and shape of an artificial or simulated hunter in position on a tree stand for a period of time to allow game to become accustom to the artificial hunter; and removing the cover and replacing the cover with an actual hunter. The apparatuses include a cover having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a body portion extending between the top and bottom portions. A generally horizontally oriented support member is located above the top portion of the cover and extends between a first end and a distal end. A height adjustment mechanism is disposed on the distal end of the support member and attached to the top portion of the cover.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lamellar cornea preservation solution, comprising the following components: 200-500 g/L of glycerol, 5-50 g/L of hyaluronic acid, 10-25 g/L chondroitin sulfate, 1-10 g/L of an antioxidant, and 10-40 mmol/L of a buffer salt solution, the pH value being 6.0-8.0. The present disclosure is suitable for the preservation of lamellar cornea materials, maintains the original collagen fiber structure and the transparency of a cornea, and prevents the collagen fibers of the cornea from being damaged due to irradiation sterilization treatments.

Abstract: A composition and method for generating reagents and the composition of these reagents for the stabilization and preservation of viability of cancer tissue which has been surgically excised and the suspension and/or termination of apoptosis (cell death) by significant modulation of cell metabolism by low molar concentrations of synergistic chemistries and hormonal growth enhancers while maintaining normal gene expression patterns of the surgically excised tissue.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for monitoring administration of nitric oxide (NO) to ex vivo fluids. Examples of such fluids include blood in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits or perfusion fluids used for preserving ex vivo organs prior to transplanting in a recipient. The systems and methods described herein provide for administering nitric oxide to the fluid, monitoring nitric oxide or a nitric oxide marker in the fluid, and adjusting the nitric oxide administration.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) a hydrogen peroxide source (b) an acetyl source (c) a peracetic acid bleachable dye wherein, in solution, colour generated by said peracetic acid bleachable dye is substantially discharged when a biocidally effective concentration of peracetic acid is achieved.

Abstract: Provided is a sustained release pheromone preparation used for the control of insect pest, which can maintain a high release rate of a pheromone substance during the control period of the insect pest which has, as the pheromone substance, a C20-35 aliphatic hydrocarbon compound having such a melting point that the aliphatic hydrocarbon is in a solid form at normal temperature. More specifically, provided is a sustained release pheromone preparation comprising a membrane of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, and a C20-35 aliphatic hydrocarbon compound which is carried by the membrane, is permeable through the membrane, and has such a melting point that the aliphatic hydrocarbon compound is in a solid form at normal temperature, wherein the preparation targets an insect pest having the aliphatic hydrocarbon compound as a pheromone substance.

Abstract: A biocidal composition including one or more of an ester, a phenylpropanoid, a surfactant, a monoterpenoid, an oil, a preservative, and a carrier is described, the composition being capable to act as a biocide for bedbugs, dust mite, spiders, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, silver fish, and roaches.

Abstract: A composition that is useful for disinfecting surfaces, instruments, or equipment that may comprise an oxidizer precursor, a pH adjusting agent, an acetylating agent, a chelating agent, and a quaternary ammonium salt is described. The composition may be dispensed in a variety of ways, for example, such as a sprayed solution, a fog, or a foam.

Abstract: An antimicrobial and/or antiviral polymer is provided. The polymer is a modified polymer of a precursor polymer that comprises nitrogen atoms. The precursor polymer is modified into the antimicrobial and/or antiviral polymer of the present invention by substituting at least part of the nitrogen atoms with a (C1-C20) alkyl group and quaternizing at least part of the substituted nitrogen atoms. Such antimicrobial and/or antiviral polymers bind strongly and non-covalently to surfaces, rendering the surface antimicrobial and/or antiviral.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition, comprising a chelator (such as EDTA and its salts), and a transport enhancer (such as Methyl Sufonyl Methane; MSM) is provided. Together, the combination of the two substances unexpectedly and beneficially inhibits bacterial or fungal biofilms when administered to an area of microbial infection. Preferred formulations include spray, lotion, solution, gel, cream, ointment, soap, deodorant, surgical rinse, or dental rinse.

Abstract: Methods for controlling weeds in a crop, comprising applying to the weeds a herbicidally effective amount of a composition comprising a p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor are presented.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of increasing crop yields as well as reducing pest damage to crop plants through anthranilamide seed treatment compositions. Chlorantraniliprole combinations with other insecticides, fungicides, nematicides and biological components are disclosed. Cyantraniliprole combinations with other insecticides, fungicides, nematicides and biological components are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biocidal agents with excellent fungicidal and algicidal action, consisting at least of an algicide, propiconazole and an iodopropargyl compound, where preferably at least one of the active ingredients is bound, preferably microencapsulated.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide novel cyclic depsipeptide derivatives and harmful organism control agents including the same as each other. Specifically, the present invention provides compounds represented by formula (1) or stereoisomers thereof, harmful organism control agents containing them, and a process for producing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel active substance combinations consisting of heterocyclic trifluorobutenylen of formula (1), wherein X is halogen and n is 0, 1 or 2, and of known insecticide substances. Said novel active substance combinations are suitable for fighting harmful pests like insects and nematodes.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a compound having the controlling activity on a noxious arthropod, and a noxious arthropod controlling agent containing an amide compound of formula (I): wherein X represents a nitrogen atom or a CH group, p represents 0 or 1, A represents a tetrahydrofuranyl group or the like, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 represent a hydrogen atom or the like, n represents 1 or 2, Y represents an oxygen atom or the like, m represents any integer of 0 to 7, and Q represents a C1-8 chain hydrocarbon group optionally having a phenyl group or the like, has the excellent noxious arthropod controlling effect.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I, wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.