Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a collar device including a sound masking component, the collar device including one or more collar device sensors for detecting physiological data of an animal. The system includes one or more environmental sensors configured to detect environmental data of the animal's environment and to transmit the environmental data to the collar device. The collar device comprises one or more applications running on at least one processor for detecting an occurrence of one or more events using at least one of the physiological data, the environmental data, and outcome data. The one or more applications are configured to use information of the one or more events to select a sound masking signal for delivery after the occurrence of the one or more events The system includes a sound masking component for delivering the sound masking signal.

Abstract: A birdfeeder apparatus for discouraging squirrels from accessing birdfeed in the birdfeeder apparatus may comprise a feed holder configured to contain a quantity of birdfeed and having a perimeter wall with an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion and the lower portion of the feed holder each having a width. The apparatus may also comprise at least one feed opening being located on the lower portion and extending through the perimeter wall of the feed holder, and a perch configured to support a bird feeding at the at least one feed opening, with the perch being located adjacent to the at least one feed opening on the lower portion of the perimeter wall and extending outwardly from the perimeter wall. The width of the upper portion may be larger than the width of the lower portion.

Abstract: A birdfeeder apparatus for discouraging squirrels from accessing birdfeed in the birdfeeder apparatus may comprise a feed holder configured to contain a quantity of birdfeed and having a perimeter wall with an upper portion and a lower portion, with the upper portion and the lower portion of the feed holder each having a width. The apparatus may also comprise at least one feed opening being located on the lower portion and extending through the perimeter wall of the feed holder, and a perch configured to support a bird feeding at the at least one feed opening, with the perch being located adjacent to the at least one feed opening on the lower portion of the perimeter wall and extending outwardly from the perimeter wall. The width of the upper portion may be larger than the width of the lower portion.

Abstract: An egg-examining device, comprising a sampling device, by which a liquid sample to be taken can be taken from an egg of a rack loaded with eggs, a feeding device for feeding the rack loaded with eggs to the sampling device, and a control unit, by which the feeding device and the sampling device can be controlled. The feeding device feeds the rack to the sampling device at an oblique angle of between 20° and 80° to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity. A lifting-out device is provided, by which the egg can be lifted out of the rack and by which the egg can be put into a sampling position, in which the liquid amount to be taken can be taken from the egg by the sampling device.

Abstract: A wind shield supported by a beehive bottom board prevents directly impinging wind from creating high-pressure differences across the beehive such as promote excessive ventilation. By providing an entry path that opens upward and follows a twisted path, proper ventilation and access to the beehive by the bees may be maintained. The wind shield may be quickly installed on a variety of beehive designs and easily removed during warm weather.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nutritional product comprising a biological material derived from eggs and/or nauplii of stage I of a barnacle and its uses. The invention, especially discloses a feed for early live stages of aquatic animals such as fish or crustaceans comprising isolated eggs and/or nauplii of stage I of a barnacle or a material derived thereof. Methods for harvesting, isolating and preservation of the biological barnacle material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floating fish farming plant including a cage supported by a buoyant body which is configured for floating in a body of water. The farming plant further includes a lifting portion arranged between the buoyant body and the cage and configured for moving the cage between a position at the level of, or below, the buoyant body and a position in which at least a portion of the cage is above the buoyant body. The cage includes at least a lower section, forming a bottom portion of the cage, said lower section having a wall comprising an elastic material and/or being elastically connected to the middle section; whereby transfer of dynamic forces between the lower section and the adjoining section is reduced. An assembly comprises a plurality of fish farming plants.

Abstract: Disclosed is an effluent switching device which includes a water outlet base disposed at an outlet end of a suction pipe and a rotating mechanism inserted into the water outlet base. A water outlet is defined in the rotating mechanism. When the rotating mechanism is moved to a first position relative to the water outlet base, the water outlet communicates with the suction pipe to define a first water outlet channel; and when the rotating mechanism is moved to a second position relative to the water outlet base, the water outlet communicates with the suction pipe to define a second water outlet channel. When the effluent switching device is installed on the suction pipe of a water pump, the water outlet base and the rotating mechanism can work in conjunction to adjust a position of the rotating mechanism, achieving the purpose of switching between the first water outlet channel and the second water outlet channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a chimeric non-human animal comprising human hepatocytes, methods for preparing the chimeric non-human animal comprising human hepatocytes and methods of utilizing the chimeric non-human animal comprising human hepatocytes to screening and identifying metabolites for any type of drugs, typically small molecule drugs, which might affect human liver functions and any other bodily function.

Abstract: A sieving method for separating insect pupae is described. The method may include causing an actuation system of a sieving apparatus to cycle between a first elevation and a second elevation to cyclically submerge a sieve surface of a sieving device in a liquid held within a basin so as to separate a population of insect pupae present in the sieving device with respect to size. The method may also include causing actuation of one or more valves to drain the liquid from the basin in order to retrieve a first part of the population of insect pupae. Corresponding computer-readable devices and systems that perform the sieving method are also described.

Abstract: A technological line for rearing and/or breeding of flightless insects and/or larval forms of insects includes at least one level, being an autonomous conveyor belt with lateral sidewalls on both sides. The sidewalls have upper edges curved inwardly at least once, with a bending angle not less than 30°. Transverse brackets extend generally perpendicularly to and connect the sidewalls, and support the belt. The sidewalls are structural elements supporting edges of the belt, so that both the conveyor belt and the lateral sidewalls form a trough profile, and the pressure of the mass of the insects, which are on the surface of the belt and potentially additionally of the feed and/or excrement of insects press down on the edges of the belt against the sidewalls. The brackets and the sidewalls are made of a material with efficient heat conducting properties. A modular system and a method utilize the technological line.

Abstract: A spinnerbait fishing lure having an ellipsoidal weighted body with a molded-in hook, transverse spinner assembly, and V-shaped vertical spinner assembly. The eye of the hook protrudes from the top front part of the body. The longitudinal axis of the body is perpendicular to the shank of the hook. The transverse spinner assembly has a horizontal crossbar that passes through and is rigidly attached to the eye and that is oriented perpendicular to a plane formed by the bend of the hook. First and second side spinner blades are connected to the crossbar to form rotatable connections between the blades and the crossbar. The V-shaped vertical spinner assembly has a lower leg that is molded into and extends from the front of the body, an upper leg, and an attachment loop that is formed into a vertex of a V-shaped bend between the lower leg and the upper leg.

Abstract: A fishing lure and linking system in the general shape of a lizard includes a body portion, a head, and a tail. One or more appendages can be attached to the body portion, wherein a linking system can be molded into the head, and body portion. A linking system can include a forward pivot, and aft pivot with a middle rod connecting the two creating the connection rod. One or more connection rods can create the complete linking system wherein the forward pivot and the aft pivot can connect additional connection rods forming a chain wherein at each pivot section the fishing lure can move, and fluctuate as the species it is trying to emulate. A wobble device can be incorporated either before the molded fishing lure, or within the fishing lure's mold. Alternatively, the linking system can be incorporated into other species types such as a fish, frog, or worm.

Abstract: A fishing rod butt and reel seat assembly for use with a fishing reel and a rod blank. The fishing rod butt and reel seat assembly generally includes a cylindrical shaped rod having a first open end, a second open end, and a main length extending between the first and second open ends. The main length includes a handle section and a real seat section, wherein the handle section has a first outer diameter and the reel seat section has a second outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter thereby forming a shoulder at a transition between the handle section and reel seat section. The handle section includes a plurality of grooves longitudinally extending and equally spaced about a circumference of at least a portion of the handle section. The reel seat section includes retaining means for securing a fishing reel therein.

Abstract: Provided is a reel seat including a cylindrical reel seat main body attached to a predetermined position of a rod main body. The reel seat main body includes fixed members 12, 13 fixed to the rod main body and including, on an upper surface, a reel leg mounting surface 5 configured to mount a reel leg, and a lower member 11 that is formed separately from the fixed members 12, 13, forms a lower region on an opposite side of the reel leg mounting surface 5, and can be detachably attached to the fixed members 12, 13 in a state where the fixed members 12, 13 are attached to the rod main body. A holding-use nut 3 is provided for holding the lower member 11 attached to the fixed members 12, 13.

Abstract: A gear mechanism for a fishing reel includes a drive gear, a handle, and a vibration damper. The drive gear includes a gear having a prescribed gear diameter, and a drive gear shaft rotated together with the gear and having a smaller dimension than the prescribed gear diameter. The handle rotates the drive gear shaft. The vibration damper is disposed between the drive gear shaft and the handle, and dampens the transmission of the vibration of the drive gear.

Abstract: A solid structure, multi-stratum, hoof shaped structure to cover substantially the entire underside of a hoof. The shoe has a convex bottom to allow center loading of the hoof during a broader range of movement than with typical equine shoes. Various configurations provide filler material between the shoe and the hoof, which may be applied before the shoe is attached, or the shoe may have at least one relatively small port to allow insertion of filler material after the shoe is attached.

Abstract: Hoof care kits suitable for treating an animal's hoof are disclosed. Methods of making and using hoof care kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A carpenter bee trap includes a plurality of walls surrounding a trap cavity, at least one entrance opening formed through at least one of the plurality of walls, a bottom wall coupled to a bottom of the plurality of walls, an exit opening formed through the bottom wall, a container disposed within the trap cavity and extending through the exit opening and beyond a bottom of the trap, and a funnel disposed within the cavity to direct carpenter bees into the container.

Abstract: A trap for exterminating pests, preferably rats in sewers, said trap comprising: a trap housing and a bait mechanism. The trap also has a trigger mechanism capable of detecting the presence of a rat and releasing a killer mechanism when the rat is within the total range of the killer mechanism; and a trapper mechanism capable of detaining an animal. The trap may also convey a killed animal from a first position, in which discharge of the killed animal will not entail that it is conveyed away by water running through the sewer, to a second position, in which discharge of the killed rat will entail that it is conveyed away by water running through the sewer.

Abstract: A system and device for capturing or entrapping pests, such as rodents, is described herein. In some embodiments, the device includes an opening in the bottom of the device which allows the pest to enter the device. In some embodiments, the device may include a kill trap. In other embodiments, the device may be used to live capture the pest.

Abstract: A method and a system provide an animal trap that records digital images of animals with a camera, convolves the digital image with a kernel to create convolved feature maps that are used as input to a classifier algorithm, producing classification confidence scores that identify the animals. An algorithm categorizes the classified animal and selects an action based on the categorization. The trap has actions to deter the benign or beneficial animals and actions to detain or kill the pest animals. With this method and system, the trap is able to target pest animals with minimal harm to benign or beneficial animals.

Abstract: A game call includes an elongated cage portion having an open side and a plurality of sides wherein each of the plurality of sides includes at least one laterally positioned rib portion. A plate is movably coupled to the elongated cage portion on the open side wherein the plate includes at least one laterally positioned step. A first plurality of flaps is coupled to the at least one laterally positioned rib portion of the elongated cage portion. A second plurality of flaps is coupled to the at least one laterally positioned step of the plate. At least one cloth loop couples the elongated cage portion to the plate so the first plurality of flaps and the second plurality of flaps may pass over each other to simulate a rustling foliage sound.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy having oscillating wings includes an oscillation mechanism in the interior cavity of a waterfowl decoy body, a pair of wings attached to the oscillation mechanism and extending outwardly from the decoy body, each wing including a wing strut having a proximal portion for attachment to the oscillation mechanism, a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the proximal and distal portions including an elongated band disposed in a wing plane aligned parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the decoy body, the proximal portion comprising reinforcing ribs oriented perpendicularly to the band, such that reciprocating movement of the wing gears causes the wings to oscillate in a motion resembling that of the flapping wings of a bird in flight.

Abstract: A cryopreservation device for biological material comprises an outer tube (11) closed in both ends, an inner tube (12) arranged to be filled with the biological material, closed in both ends, and located in the outer tube, and at least one weight element (14) arranged inside the outer tube and outside the inner tube.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for cryopreserving tissue, particularly cartilage tissue and osteochondral tissue. Also provided are tissue products made using such systems and methods. Certain methods involve combining tissue with a cryopreservation solution in a processing vessel and applying resonant acoustic energy thereto prior to freezing the tissue. The resonant acoustic energy rapidly agitates the tissue with the cryopreservation solution by vibration. By applying resonant acoustic energy to the tissue during processing, the rate or efficiency of processing, or both, may be improved. Certain methods involve soaking tissue in a cryopreservation solution prior to freezing the tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a biocidal composition formed by a reaction or combination of electrolyzed water and an amine, and methods for using same to kill or control microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae.

Abstract: A liquid cleaning composition including: at least 80 wt. % liquid solvent; a cationic quaternary amine biocide; and a non-cationic moisturizing agent, wherein the composition reduces bacteria by at least 2.0 log 10 when assessed using ASTM E1174 and reduces drying of the stratum corneum compared with a water control between 30 and 180 minutes after application.

Abstract: The invention is directed to ovicidal compositions comprising at least 2-undecanone and/or 2-tridecanone, and methods for the use of the compositions for the killing of insect pest eggs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of pelargonic acid and one or more nonionic surfactants for inhibiting the growth of suckers on plants. It also relates to a composition comprising pelargonic acid and one or more nonionic surfactants in an amount effective for inhibiting the growth of suckers in plants. Preferably, the composition comprises pelargonic acid in an amount between 50 and 90 w/w % and one or more polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters or sorbitan alkyl esters in an amount between 10 and 50 w/w %, in which 100 w/w % is the total amount of pelargonic acid and one or more polyoxyethylene glycol sorbitan alkyl esters or sorbitan alkyl ester. It also relates to a method of applying pelargonic acid or the composition in an amount effective to inhibit for inhibiting the growth of suckers on plants.

Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agricultural methods and the use of an insecticidal active carboxamide derivative in seed treatment and soil application methods. The insecticidal carboxamide derivative is highly suitable alone or in combination with other active agricultural ingredients for controlling animal pests such as insects and/or spider mites and/or nematodes by treating the soil/growth substrate by drenching or drip application or dipping or soil injection.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions providing synergistic antimicrobial effects against a variety of bacterial, viral and fungal organisms are described. Methods for using the antimicrobial compositions and products containing the antimicrobial compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: Fungal trisaccharide ester compounds and agents containing the fungal trisaccharide ester compounds as active ingredients for preventing and controlling plant fungal diseases. A Pezicula sp. strain SC1337 was isolated from endophytes of a branch of bald cypress. The strain SC1337 is capable of producing five compounds exhibiting significant inhibitory activities against twelve common plant pathogenic fungi and preservative effect on fruits. Thus, the strain SC1337 can be used to prepare the five compounds exhibiting significant inhibitory activities against twelve common plant pathogenic fungi and preservative effect on fruits and used for preventing and controlling plant pathogenic fungi and fruit preservation.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing an alcoholic solution of a polyvinylpyridine polymer having biocidal and biocompatibility properties. The alcoholic solution is ready-to-graft in order to confer biocidal properties to various surfaces and to prevent biofilm formation on such surfaces. Also provided are methods of using the alcoholic solution, such as for controlling the growth of bacteria, fungi and/or viruses, and/or for preventing digestion of wood cellulose by wood-boring insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) in which Q, V, T, W, Y, X and A have the meanings given in the description—and to a process for preparation thereof and to the use thereof for controlling animal pests.

Abstract: A method for controlling PPO resistant weeds, wherein compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined as given in the description and claims; are applied to the PPO inhibitor herbicide resistant weed, parts of it or its propagation material.

Abstract: A method for controlling PPO resistant weeds, wherein compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined as given in the description and claims; are applied to the PPO inhibitor herbicide resistant weed, parts of it or its propagation material.

Abstract: Primarily, the present invention relates to certain substituted pyrazolinylpyrrolones and pyrazolinylhydantoins of the formula (I) defined below or salts thereof and to their use as herbicides, in particular for controlling broad-leaved weeds and/or weed grasses in crops of useful plants and/or as plant growth regulators for influencing the growth of crops of useful plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to herbicidal and/or plant growth-regulating compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula (I) and to processes for preparing the compounds of the formula (I).

Abstract: A method for controlling PPO resistant weeds, wherein compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined as given in the description and claims; are applied to the PPO inhibitor herbicide resistant weed, parts of it or its propagation material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, G1, L, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in claim 1; or a salt or N-oxide thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode and mollusc pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising as active compounds 1) at least one isoaxazoline compound I of the formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and A are defined in the description; and 2) at least one active compound II selected from a group A comprising acteylcholine esterase inhibitors, GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists, sodium channel modulators, nicotinic acteylcholine receptor agonists/antagonists, chloride channel activators, juvenile hormone mimics, compounds affecting the oxidative phosphorylation, inhibitors of the chitin biosynthesis, moulting disruptors, inhibitors of the MET, voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, inhibitors of the lipid synthesis and other compounds as defined in the description, in synergistically effective amounts.

Abstract: An avermectin-based topical formulation is disclosed which is useful for prevention and treatment of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). This topical formulation may be formulated as a shampoo-condition which comprises an effective amount of avermectin, solubilizers, suspending agents, preservatives, nonionic surfactants, humectants, a silicone compound, and water. Also disclosed are methods of using the topical formulations disclosed within this specification to treat either a susceptible or treatment-resistant strain of lice, as well as uses in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a lice infestation from a susceptible or treatment-resistant strain in a human patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating Phaeosphaeria leaf spot (PLS) or White spot. The method comprises treating the host crop with a combination of a dithiocarbamate and a Qo inhibitor fungicide and optionally a third fungicide selected from a contact or systemic fungicide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic solution comprising 0.00001 to 10.0 weight percent of a simple saccharide, at least 0.00001 weight percent of a preservative, and not more than about 0.2 percent by weight chloride. The simple saccharide is chosen from the group consisting of: inositol; mannitol; sorbitol; sucrose; dextrose; glycerin; propylene glycol; ribose; triose; tetrose; erythrose; threose; pentose; arabinose; ribulose; xylose; xylulose; lyxose; hexose; allose; altrose; fructose; galactose; glucose; gulose; idose; mannose; sorbose; talose; tagatose; adlose; ketose; heptose; sedoheptulose; monosaccharides; disaccharides; sugar alcohols; xylitol; and polyol.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of molecules having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Nematoda, processes to produce such molecules, intermediates used in such processes, pesticidal compositions containing such molecules, and processes of using such pesticidal compositions against such pests. These pesticidal compositions may be used, for example, as acaricides, insecticides, miticides, molluscicides, and nematicides. This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”).

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials and methods for conferring improved plant traits or benefits on plants. The materials can include a formulation comprising an exogenous endophytic bacterial population, which can be disposed on an exterior surface of a seed or seedling, typically in an amount effective to colonize the plant. The formulations can include at least one member selected from the group consisting of an agriculturally compatible carrier, a tackifier, a microbial stabilizer, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a rodenticide, and a nutrient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Bacillus methylotrophicus strain DR-08 which produces a natural volatile compound and has antimicrobial activity, and a use thereof. The Bacillus methylotrophicus strain DR-08 according to the present invention, which is an antagonistic microorganism for controlling phytopathogenic microorganisms, and secondary metabolites produced by the strain, which include antibacterially- and antifungally-active non-volatile and volatile materials, are harmless to humans and domestic animals, and exhibit excellent control activity against various phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi while not causing environmental pollution. Thus, the strain and the secondary metabolites can be very usefully used for controlling various plant diseases in an environmentally-friendly manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food articles comprises a casing having an interior having a plurality of cooking locations therein, a processor and a plurality of heat supply units adapted to provide a plurality of heated fluids to the interior of the casing wherein the processor is adapted to independently distribute the plurality of heated fluids to each of the plurality of cooking locations so as to not substantially effect adjacent cooking locations.

Abstract: A precision baking system includes a baking vessel that defines a vertical direction. The baking vessel includes a base wall and at least one sidewall. An aperture is formed in one of the base wall and the sidewall. The precision baking system also includes a temperature probe. The temperature probe includes a tip and a temperature sensor within the tip. The temperature probe is sized to extend through the aperture such that the tip of the temperature probe is spaced from the base wall and the sidewall of the baking vessel when the temperature probe is fully inserted into the baking vessel through the aperture.