Abstract: An animal feeding apparatus can include a container shaped to hold food or water and a support to which the container can be removably mounted and releasably locked. The support can be configured to prevent the container from tipping while enabling easy removal of the container from the support for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A bathing apparatus for a pet, comprising a top section comprising walls to hold a pet; a bottom section adapted to support and seat the apparatus on a surface; and a bathing section situated between the top and bottom sections comprising a bathing floor configured for the pet to sit or stand on; wherein the bathing section is adapted to allow bathing water to flow away from the pet. The bathing section may comprise a bathing floor and an outer section adapted to allow water to flow through. The apparatus may be used as a bath or a shower.

Abstract: A device is described comprising at least one processor, a storage component, a power source, a switch, a primary electrode, and a secondary electrode, the at least one processor for directing the power source to charge the storage component, for controlling a switch to provide an electrical pathway from the storage component to a resistive load at the earliest when the voltage reaches a first value, and for controlling the switch to disable the electrical pathway from the storage component to the resistive load. The device includes the at least one processor for directing the power source to recharge the storage component, for determining a time of recharge, wherein the time of recharge is the time required to restore the voltage to the first value, for comparing the time of recharge with time values, and for using information of the comparing to adjust the first value.

Abstract: A device is described comprising a microcontroller coupled to a transformer, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the microcontroller is connected to a secondary circuit at a first location. The microcontroller is configured to provide a voltage at a first value to the primary winding for a period of time, wherein ceasing the delivery of the voltage induces a flow of current through the secondary winding and the secondary circuit, wherein the secondary circuit comprises at least one resistor and a resistive load, wherein the resistive load is variable. The microcontroller is configured to measure and/or compute voltage, time constant and peak current values with respect to the secondary circuit. The microcontroller is configured to monitor the intensity level at the resistive load using peak current and time constant values.

Abstract: A device and a method for learning behavior of a pet in response to instructions provided to the pet are disclosed. The device comprises at least one image capturing unit, at least one speaker, and a controller. The at least one speaker announces pre-determined instructions to the pet. The pre-determined instructions are associated with a plurality of pre-defined postures of the pet. The at least one image capturing unit captures postures of the pet in response to announcement of the pre-determined instructions. The controller compares the postures of the pet captured with each of the plurality of pre-defined postures determined to learn behavior of the pet in response to the pre-determined instructions announced.

Abstract: An open or enclosed training and rehabilitation environment of a treadmill and stimuli introducing devices or the introduction of stimuli while the dog is attending to walking/running on the treadmill. A method of introducing a dog to a treadmill or other attention getting activity (e.g., having the dog walk or run on the treadmill), and introducing stimuli such as sounds, people, other animals/dogs, bangs, claps, etc., the introduced stimuli preferably being the same or similar to the kind of stimuli which the dog is known to react negatively when in the real world.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting to a system user, operational information pertaining to a base station and one or more collar modules of an animal control and activity level and behavior information pertaining to one or more monitored pets. Information regarding the base station and the one or more collar modules is communicated to the system user via a communications portal and a web application executing on a web server. System users interface with the web application via a computer network, e.g. the Internet, and may access information from a location remote from the animal control system through the web application. System users may also modify the operation of the base station, collar modules and/or communications portal by issuing commands to such devices through the web application. The web application also issues alerts and/or notifications to one or more system users.

Abstract: A bovine monitoring system may include a rumination sensor, a motion sensor, a posture sensor. The rumination sensor may detect chewing by sensing jaw motion. The motion sensor may detect motion. The posture sensor may detect orientation of the bovine asset through detection of gravitational acceleration, detection of gyroscopic rotation, or a combination of gravitational acceleration and gyroscopic rotation. Using the recorded rumination, motion, arid posture sensors, the bovine asset monitoring system may identify aberrations in the estrous cycle or physical or mental health of the bovine assets. A bovine monitoring system may include a thermal scanning device to detect localized heating of the vulva area of the bovine asset, which may he used to identify aberrations in the estrous cycle or physical or mental health of the bovine assets.

Abstract: A method and system for assisting a human in detecting an exception animal, for which an abnormal measurement value has been detected, wherein a geographical position is obtained of the exception animal, a geographical position if obtained of a user equipment of the human, a distance is determined between the obtained geographical position of the exception animal and the obtained geographical position of the user equipment, and when the determined distance is smaller than a threshold limit, an indication is sent to the user equipment confirming the proximate presence of the exception animal.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide apparatuses and methods for facilitating filling and cleaning of bird feeders that are aesthetically pleasing and adaptable for attracting different types of birds. In one implementation, a bird feeder includes a proximal edge extending around a central line and defining a plane. An outer surface and an inner surface each extends distally from the plane. The inner surface is connected to the outer surface by the proximal edge. An opening is formed by the proximal edge and positioned on the plane. A hanger is disposed distal to and not intersecting the plane, and the hanger assembly has a hanging portion positioned on the central line.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A system for determining the gender and/or fertility status of avian eggs including a sampling apparatus and an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and detector. In certain embodiments, the transmitter operates in the terahertz range. The sampling apparatus can be coupled to an avian egg. The sampling apparatus includes a vacuum source, a gas collection device, and a membrane that can be positioned in the passageway coupling the vacuum source to the gas collection device. The membrane is capable of capturing volatile organic compounds. The sampling apparatus applies a vacuum from the vacuum source to the gas proximate to the avian egg and directs the gas captured from the vicinity of the egg toward the membrane. Subsequently, the membrane is positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter, generating a spectrum which can be analyzed to determine whether the egg is fertile or infertile, and if fertile, whether the egg is male or female.

Abstract: A collapsible beehive assembly is comprised of a bottom assembly having a plurality of collapsible boxes stacked thereon. Each of the plurality of collapsible boxes is configured to house a plurality of beehive frames. Each of the plurality of collapsible boxes is further configured to receive one or more insulation components to winterize the collapsible beehive assembly. An inner cover is positioned on top of the plurality of collapsible boxes and a hive cover positioned on top of the inner cover to enclose the beehive frames within the collapsible boxes. A weight is positioned on top of the hive cover to retain the hive cover in a suitable position.

Abstract: A method for producing a new deafness model animal and a new deafness model animal produced by the method, enabling research that can also be applied to clinical application to a human. The present invention provides a method for producing an acoustic trauma deafness model animal, the method including exposing a non-human primate animal to a sound having a frequency of 1 kHz to 32 kHz and a sound pressure level of 100 dB to 150 dB for 10 minutes to 360 minutes. In addition, the present invention provides an acoustic trauma deafness model animal provided by the method for producing an acoustic trauma deafness model animal.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human-non-human antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanised antibodies; compositions comprising said antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in said methods.

Abstract: Provided herein are transgenic non-human animals whose genomes comprise two or more human genes selected from TREM1, TREML1, TREM2, TREML2, and TREML4, to methods of screening candidate agents that bind to and/or modulate the function and/or activity of at least one of the human genes in the transgenic non-human animals, and to methods of screening candidate agents to determine their effect on one or more activities and/or functions associated with expression of at least one of the human genes in the transgenic non-human animals. Further provided herein are methods of recapitulating a human TREM immune system in a non-human animal, and methods of generating a non-human animal disease model comprising a human TREM repertoire.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals which are deficient in expression of an endogenous GPC3 polypeptide and express a human GPC3 polypeptide at a physiologically adequate level; methods for producing the non-human animals; and methods for evaluating test substances using the non-human animals. Furthermore, methods for evaluating test substances regarding their safety, therapeutic effects on diseases, pharmacokinetics, in vivo distribution, and such, using the non-human animals as models.

Abstract: A bait holder to promote humane treatment of live bait having a plurality of ribs that extended from a spring and at least one clip at least one leader connected to a fish line and a hook. The spring may be longer for better hook placement. The leader maybe hollow for buoyancy so the bait stays alive causing better results. At least one attachment sight is connected to the leader. At least one hook attachment is connected to the leader.

Abstract: A shock leader swivel according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a shock leader portion, one end of which is coupled to a fishing line of a fishing rod, and which exhibits a tensile force; a swivel portion, one end of which is rotatably coupled to the other end of the shock leader portion so as to prevent the fishing line and the shock leader portion from being twisted; and a clip portion, one end of which is coupled to the swivel portion.

Abstract: A rod holding device comprises an elongate low strut, an elongate pivot strut, a first range plate, and a second range plate. The first range plate is spaced from the second range plate and both plates are fixed to a superior end of the low strut which is positioned between the range plates. A pivot joint provides pivoting motion between the pivot strut and low strut for various storage and operational configurations. A clamp assembly engages the first range plate, second range plate and pivot strut for angular locking between the pivot strut and the low strut. A holder assembly comprising an upper rod holder and a lower rod holder is fixed to the pivot strut for holding rods therein. The rod holding device is releasable from an anchor fixed to a base panel.

Abstract: In order to control pine beetles, olfactory smell and sound frequency are used. Optics is used to observe the pine beetles when they are being controlled with smell and sound. An apparatus is also disclosed which includes fans that draw pine beetles into the fans cutting them up and recirculating a continuous scent thus ensuring a steady supply of pine beetles for eradication.

Abstract: An insect trapping cartridge is provided. The cartridge has a proximal end receivable into a base of an insect trapping device. The proximal end has a substantially planar, longitudinally extending tab that activates a switch in the base. The tab of the cartridge is laterally offset from a centerline of the cartridge.

Abstract: A front-boom sprayer is provided that includes a boom center section and lift arm arrangement that provides a field of view below the boom when the boom is in a raised state that is substantially free of view obstructions from torque tube or other crosswise-extending components. The lift arm arrangement may provide different link tube geometries so that the respective left and right pairs of upper and lower lift arms align with each other in the line of sight of the in-cab operator.

Abstract: A framework for validating resistance traits in seed varieties in planted crops and monitoring crop treatments applied in planted fields ensures that an herbicide is not used on a non herbicide-resistant crop. A user provides a recommendation for a selected herbicide, and the framework performs seed trait analytics by gathering seed variety information in planting data and seed resistance traits in the planted seed variety, as well as active ingredients and any specific amounts thereof in the selected herbicide. If the seed variety is resistant to the proposed herbicide, the verification framework outputs a recommendation to proceed with the application. If the seed variety is not resistant to the proposed herbicide, then the verification framework outputs a warning to the user of a risk with proceeding with the application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the control of harmful organisms which may appear during the cultivation of crop plants. The control is effected on the basis of the prediction of subarea-specific infestation risks.

Abstract: An Invasive Weed Seed Removal System, and a method for making an Invasive Weed Seed Removal System are disclosed. More particularly, an invasive weed seed removal device is provided including a weed seed removal nozzle which works in conjunction with a combination vacuum and a venturi effect cutting blade configuration, to cut and vacuum invasive weed seed pods, thereby effectively and economically removing them from the environment before the weed seeds reach the ground, whereby the annual cycle of invasive weeds is broken, and areas of land are cleared for native plants to grow and thrive. The Invasive Weed Seed Removal System can be configured as a hand-held unit, a backpack weed whacker type unit, a lawn mower type unit and a heavy equipment type tractor attachment, to enable several methods of controlled cutting and removal of the seed pods of invasive weeds and noxious imported grasses and other plants, by adjusting the height of a unique cutting and vacuum nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing voltage to a metal layer of an optical cable are provided. The metal layer may be configured to provide an electric shock to an animal upon contact.

Abstract: Provided are a vehicle body assembling method and a vehicle body assembling apparatus which allow a simple configuration in the vicinity of the connecting portion between an upper jig and a lower jig and allow an increase in the efficiency of assembling work (welding work). A vehicle body assembling apparatus is equipped with a jig for supporting vehicle body components in a preassembled position, the jig comprising an upper jig and a lower jig which are connected to each other in at least two places. Each of the connection places is provided with a connecting means for fixing a three-dimensional coordinate position while allowing uniaxial turning. The vehicle body assembling apparatus is also equipped with a conveying means for conveying the upper jig which supports the vehicle body components, and reduces the load applied to the lower jig from the upper jig when connecting the upper jig to the lower jig.

Abstract: An apparatus for micromanipulation of biological material, includes a vessel (1) having a reservoir (2) wherein the vessel has a channel (3) formed in a portion of the reservoir, the channel including an intermediate restriction (4) dimensioned to resist passage of the biological material but allow passage of liquid treatment solutions.

Abstract: A gel-based and sprayable animal attractant composition is provided that comprises at least one synthetic scent. Generally, the gel-based animal attractant composition can be applied through the use of an aerosol spray can and can be formulated to attract specific types of animals, in particular ruminants. More specifically, the animal attractant can comprise a synthetic scent designed to mimic the urine of a doe in estrus.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing bacterial contamination or infection in plants, animals, fabrics, and products therefrom. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for reducing human infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. In particular, the invention provides magnetic nanoparticles comprising bactericidal or bacteriostatic enzymes in one component, substrates for the enzymes in a second component, and a bactericidal chemical agent that works in combination or synergistically with the enzymes. The compositions are dormant and become active upon exposure to hydration, oxygen, or mixing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing microbial and nematodal contamination or infection in plants, animals, fabrics, and products therefrom. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for reducing human infections and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In particular, the invention provides magnetic nanoparticles comprising biocidal or biostatic enzymes in one component, substrates for the enzymes in a second component, and a biocidal chemical agent that works in combination or synergistically with the enzymes. The compositions are dormant and become active upon exposure to hydration, oxygen, or mixing.

Abstract: Techniques regarding chemical compounds with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments describe herein can comprise a monomer that can comprise a molecular backbone. The molecular backbone can comprise a bis(urea)guanidinium structure covalently bonded to a functional group, which can comprise a radical. Also, the monomer can have supramolecular assembly functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for delivering an active agent to an animal, comprising an active agent, a first coating, a second coating and a third coating. The active agent is coated with the first coating, the first coating is coated with the second coating, and the second coating is coated with the third coating. The active agent is in contact with the first coating, not the second or third coating. The first coating separates the active agent from the second coating while the second coating separates the first and third coatings. The first, second and third coatings are different from each other. Also provided are methods for making and using the compositions.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for antimicrobial and anti-biofouling coating comprising: a hollow round colloidal structure, comprising: an active polymer shell; and an active or inert core; wherein the active polymer shell comprises one and more polymers with antimicrobial and anti-biofouling activities selected from the group consisting of polyethylenimine (PEI), functionalized chitosan (CHI), polyquaternium, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMD); wherein the active or inert core contains one and more disinfectants, biocides, fragrances or inert solvent; and wherein the hollow round colloidal structure is stable for at least 3 months.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising in the aqueous phase microcapsules which comprise a shell and a core, where the core contains a pesticide; and a codispersant of the formula R—X, in which R has 6 to 10 carbon atoms and is alkyl, arylalkyl, or alkylaryl; X is —O—PO3H2, —CO2H, —O—SO3H, —SO3H, or salts thereof. The invention further relates to a method of preparing the composition by synthesizing the microcapsules in the aqueous phase in the presence of the codispersant; and to a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired plant growth and/or undesired insect or mite attack and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or the crop plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or on the crop plants and/or on their environment.

Abstract: Described are agricultural adjuvants that include oil, surfactant, and emulsifier, well as methods of preparing these adjuvants and methods of using these adjuvants in combination with a herbicide composition.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer film (34A) having a surface which has a plurality of raised portions (34Ap), (34Bp), wherein a two-dimensional size of the plurality of raised portions (34Ap), (34Bp) is in a range of more than 20 nm and less than 500 nm when viewed in a normal direction of the synthetic polymer film (34A), (34B), the surface having a microbicidal effect, and a concentration of a nitrogen element included in the surface is not less than 0.7 at %.

Abstract: Techniques regarding ionene and/or polyionene compositions with antimicrobial functionalities are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can comprise a chemical compound, which can comprise an ionene unit. The ionene unit can comprise a cation distributed along a degradable backbone. The degradable backbone can comprise a norspermidine structure having a carbonyl group. Also, the ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

Abstract: Techniques regarding amine monomers that can form ionene compositions with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a monomer, which can comprise a molecular backbone. The molecular backbone can comprise a norspermidine structure. The norspermidine structure can comprise a tertiary amino group. Also, the tertiary amino group can comprise a functional group, and an amino group of the norspermidine structure can be capable of being ionized.

Abstract: Techniques regarding ionene and/or polyionene compositions with antimicrobial functionality and enhanced hydrophilicity are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can regard a chemical compound that can comprise an ionene unit, which can comprise a cation distributed along a degradable backbone. The degradable backbone can comprise a terephthalamide structure. The ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality. Further, the chemical compound can comprise a hydrophilic functional group covalently bonded to the ionene unit. Also, the chemical compound can have carbohydrate mimetic functionality.

Abstract: Techniques regarding polymers with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can regard a polymer, which can comprise a repeating ionene unit. The repeating ionene unit can comprise a cation distributed along a degradable backbone. The degradable backbone can comprise a terephthalamide structure. Further, the repeating ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

Abstract: Techniques regarding ionene compositions with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can comprise a monomer, which can comprise a single ionene unit. The single ionene unit can comprise a cation distributed along a molecular backbone. Also, a hydrophobic functional group can be covalently bonded to the molecular backbone, and the single ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel effective alkynyl-substituted N-phenylpyrrolidine-2,4-diones according to the general formula (I) or agrochemically acceptable salts thereof, where X=C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl or C3-C6-cycloalkyl, Y=C1-C4-alkyl or C3-C6-cycloalkyl, R1=hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, or C3-C6-cycloalkyl, R2=hydrogen or methyl, R3=C1-C6-alkyl or C1-C6-alkoxy-C2-C6-alkyl, G=hydrogen, a cleavable group L or a cation E. The invention further relates to a herbicidal composition comprising a compound of the general formula (I) and to the use of the compounds according to the invention for controlling weeds and weed grasses in crops of useful plants.

Abstract: Safeners for herbicides are suitable for increasing the microbicidal activity of fungicides.

Abstract: In crop production in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and the like, the damage caused by insect pests etc. is still immense, and insect pests resistant to existing insecticides have emerged. Under such circumstances, the development of novel agricultural and horticultural insecticides is desired. The present invention provides a condensed heterocyclic compound represented by the general formula (1): {wherein R1 represents a (C1-C6) alkyl group, R2 represents a halo (C1-C6) alkyl group, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7 and G8 each represent CH or N, and m represents an integer of 0 to 2} or a salt thereof; an agricultural and horticultural insecticide comprising the compound or the salt as an active ingredient; and a method for using the insecticide.

Abstract: Formulations comprising compounds obtainable from a neem extract and/or biomass and at least one water-soluble organosilicone surfactant, and methods of making and using such formulations are provided.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (1) is described: The compound has an excellent efficacy for controlling weeds, and is thus useful as an active ingredient for an agent for controlling weeds.

Abstract: Herbicide combinations comprising an effective amount of components (A), (B) and (C) wherein (A) denotes one or more herbicides selected from the group of compounds of the formula (I) and salts thereof (B) denotes one or more herbicides selected from the group of the compounds of the formula (II) and their salts (C) denotes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of (C-1) thienecarbazone-methyl; (C-2) pyroxsulam; (C-3) halauxifen; (C-4) pinoxaden; (C-5) pyroxasulfone; and/or salts thereof.