Abstract: A bed for dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals having a top layer and a bottom layer filled with flexible stuffing material. The top layer of the pet bed comprises of an internal padded foam.

Abstract: A neck rail (142, 242, 42) system is provided for an animal stall. The neck rail (142, 242, 42) has first and second end segments (152, 52) defining a common axis (58) and a middle segment having a neck-receiving portion which is offset from the common axis (58) and which accommodates the neck of an animal. First and second receivers (44) are mounted on the sides of a stall In and are adapted to receive the first and second end segments (152, 52) of the neck rail (142, 242, 42). At least the first receiver (144, 44, 46) and the first end (150, 154, 50, 54) segment of the rail are provided with complementary locking formations which can be brought into and out of engagement by axial displacement, and which locking formations prevent angular rotation of the neck rail (142, 242, 42) relative to the first receiver (144, 44, 46) when engaged with one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for electrolessly sprinkling animal feed. The apparatus comprises a housing, a mount for a liquid reservoir with a mechanically actuatable spray head, and a transmission element. The transmission element is movably mounted in the housings and configured to be moved by a conveying system. The transmission element comprises a section actuating the spray head, said section being configured to transmit movement of the transmission element to the spray head. The invention further relates to a liquid reservoir, a system, and a use of the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for determining geolocation exclusion zones of animals. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring device to track geolocation information associated with an animal from the unmanned aerial vehicle, an identification device mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to identify the animal and to track a position of the animal over time, and a mapping device coupled to the monitoring device to determine locations where the animal has traversed and to identify where an encounter with the animal is reduced.

Abstract: An automatic wet washing and dry brushing apparatus for dogs comprises an elongated container, a tub placed inside the container at one end, a movable brush panel on each side of the tub and a mechanical device that drives the brush panels. The mechanical device is installed in the space between the container walls and the tub walls. The tub has two sidewalls, a floor with a drain, and a door at one end. Each brush panel is suspended on a sidewall and supported by a rail affixed inside the sidewall through a slot on the sidewall. The brush panels are used to brush a dog by sliding in a reciprocating motion. The brushes are made of spaced long and flexible bristles that accommodate the dog's body shape. The tub is equipped with water sprayers and a drain system. The container is movable with 4 wheels.

Abstract: A system for training animals includes a hand-held device and a remote device, where the remote device applies a stimulus when a user presses a button or trigger on the hand-held device. The amount of pressure applied is measured by a pressure sensitive transducer and transformed into proportional transducer signals. These transducer signals are transmitted to the remote device, which then applies a stimulus to an animal being trained. The amplitude of the applied stimulus corresponds to the amplitude of the transducer signals; a trainer can thus precisely control the intensity of the stimulus by applying and relieving pressure on the button. The type of stimulus applied is controlled based on the position of a rotary switch on the hand-held device. Sensor data generated by specialized sensors in the remote device may be transmitted to the hand-held device to provide the user with sensory feedback.

Abstract: An invisible leash electronic dog collar system and mobile device user interface for training a pet dog to stay within a user-defined space, distance or radius from the user, or predetermined home space or local area map. Additional configuration settings and functionality is provided through a mobile device or smartphone application based user interface. An electronic dog collar or collar attachment is provided for the dog with electrical, vibrational, mechanical, and audible stimulus modalities. A mobile device or smartphone based application is provided for the dog owner to configure and adjust settings and functionality of the dog collar. The mobile device application user interface allows setting the maximum allowable defined distance or radius the dog is able to travel away from the owner or other defined location point. Multiple dogs may be trained and controlled with the system.

Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering sanitized drinking water to a poultry or other animal husbandry facility with water supplied from either a potable or non-potable source. In the case of a non-potable water source, ozone and antimicrobial copper or copper alloy are employed as primary and secondary sanitizing agents to eliminate chemical and biological drinking water contaminants. Ozone gas is generated onsite and serves as the primary sanitation agent prior to distribution of water to nipple drinker conduits within the facility. In the case of a potable water source, water is delivered directly to the drinking water distribution system. In either case, at least one conduit is filled with a woven mesh of antimicrobial copper to perform as a passive sanitation agent to inhibit microbial propagation and prevent development of biofilm within a nipple drinker system during periods of low flow and high temperatures.

Abstract: An unloader for a poultry inspection and vaccination transporter. The unloader has a horizontally disposed unloader bar that is operable between a carry position, in which the poultry is carried on a hanger of the transporter, and an unload position, in which vertical displacement of the unloader bar between the poultry and the hanger urges the poultry from its suspended position in the hanger to release the poultry from the hanger. The unloader bar may be operated by cooperative engagement of a vertically disposed shaft to which the unloader bar is connected, with an ramp assembly disposed in a traversal path of the transporter.

Abstract: Method and system for underwater hyperspectral imaging of fish comprising hyperspectral imaging of a fish freely moving in an observation area and identifying and classifying physiological properties of fish or identifying and classifying on identified fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a dynamic decision-making process in relation to feeding animals in water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving feeding and/or farming strategies used in a fish farm.

Abstract: An aquarium façade assembly with encased faux human head creates an animated visual effect through use of a transparent sidewalls; a base with a mirror finish; LEDs shining on the mirror finish; a front façade chamber containing an aerated, bubbling liquid; and a suspended, yet moving faux human head. An aerator, an air tube, and a liquid fill-drain aperture enhance aeration, circulation, and drainage for the liquid contained in the front façade chamber, to enhance the visual effect of the faux human head. A passive infrared sensor detects motion near the front sidewall, and actuates motion of the faux human head through a cable, pulley, and shaft mechanism. Magnets in the base and cover of the aquarium assembly generate a magnetic field throughout the aquarium cavity. The magnetic field causes metallic materials integrated in the faux human head to gyrate, causing the head to gyrate accordingly.

Abstract: A method of modulating some or all copies of a gene in a cell is provided including introducing into a cell one or more ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences that comprise a portion that is complementary to all or a portion of each of the one or more target nucleic acid sequences, and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Cas protein and maintaining the cells under conditions in which the Cas protein is expressed and the Cas protein binds and modulates the one or more target nucleic acid sequences in the cell.

Abstract: A fishing tackle bait keeper for a fishing hook includes an anchor and an extension member. The anchor has a sleeve with first and second ends, and plural ribs coupled to the first end. The ribs project in a diverging arrangement from the first end of the sleeve in a direction opposite of the sleeve first end. The ribs each have a free end. The ribs move from a deployed position to a retracted position, wherein when the ribs are in the retracted position, the ribs are oriented with the sleeve to allow insertion of the bait keeper into a bait, and wherein when the ribs are in the deployed position, the ribs extend out from the sleeve to resist being removed from the bait, the ribs are normally in the deployed position. The extension member is coupled to the sleeve and having an attachment portion for coupling with the hook.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods relating to Anaconda Rattler tackle, a new type of lure that includes an audible generator (such as a rattle) attached to a bent blade to form wings and a lift surface, the wings may be formed in a direction generally the same as a direction of the lift surface or an opposite direction to the lift surface. The audible generator has some freedom of movement relative to the blade, allowing various noise profiles to be produced depending upon the type of audible generator chosen and the degree of bend in the blade. The blade may also have various holes to secure it to a wire and to change its hydrodynamic profile.

Abstract: A bait holder includes a multi-purpose lid that has a sliding portion operable to both cut and enclose bait within a bait container.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder system for easily transporting, storing, and/or using fishing rods, including one or more rod holding members releasably mountable to receiving member affixed to a separate structure. The one or more rod holding members can be attachable/detachable and swivelable/rotatable about the receiving member. In some embodiments, the positions of the one or more rod holding members can be fixed or adjustable with respect to the receiving member. Further, the rod holding members are substantially hollow tubes for receiving the handle of a fishing rod, wherein the rod holding members may include various configurations of notches and/or slots for engaging with the fishing rod/reel.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for monitoring disease vectors is disclosed. A vector sensor obtains vector data relating to disease vectors in a monitored area. An environmental data obtaining component obtains environmental data relating to the monitored area. Based on at least one of the vector data and the environmental data, a population characteristic component may estimate or determine a vector population characteristic associated with the monitored area. A structural data obtaining component may obtain structural data relating to the monitored area. A vector travel estimation component may estimate or determine a vector travel characteristic. The vector characteristic may be indicative of predicted disease vector movement from outdoors to indoors in the monitored area and may allow for or facilitate a vector control action based at least partially on the vector travel characteristic. A device and a system for monitoring disease vectors are also disclosed.

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 method for applying a spray agent is described, in particular, a plant protection product, onto an agricultural area to be treated with the aid of a spraying device, including a spray agent tank and at least one fluidic connecting line from the spray agent tank to a nozzle. The method includes the following steps: selectively applying the spray agent onto an initial section of the agricultural area, and subsequently extensively applying a residual amount of spray agent onto a residual section of the agricultural area using a predefined application amount in such a way that, upon completion of the treatment of the agricultural area, essentially the entire residual amount of spray agent has been applied.

Abstract: An enclosure-type mouse trap having a compact footprint with a curved or U-shaped mouse pathway leading to a guillotine killing mechanism is provided. The trap has a bottom assembly, a top assembly, and a removable disposal door. The bottom assembly includes a pivoting link element operatively engaged with the top and bottom assemblies to set the trap and control the position of an entrance door that provides access to the trap interior.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal performing a mosquito repelling function. The mobile terminal with the mosquito repelling function comprises: a frame forming a full length part to minimize the thickness of a mosquito repelling device and ensure sufficient rigidity; a battery provided on the back surface of the frame; a rear cover detachably coupled to the back surface of the frame; and a mosquito repelling device coupled to the inner surface of the rear cover.

Abstract: A scent distribution device having a spherical housing and having one or more internal cavities in communication with a plurality of wicking members. The wicking members dispersed across the exterior of the housing for the distribution of a scent agent. The device including a harness engaged with an axis of the housing, wherein the housing rotates along the axis for rolling across a surface. The device further including a lead line and segregated and compartmentalized storage container.

Abstract: A decoy is configured of a body portion, a neck portion and a head portion wherein a rod may be inserted in the head for connecting the decoy to a ground surface such as water or dry land. The decoy is relatively flat; however, the neck and head portions may be bent down to emulate a fowl or bird eating. A low glare coating may be applied to the painted image to reduce any reflection and/or flocking applied for reduced glare. The decoy is advantageous and useful as it is designed for effective hunting and for convenient storage and transportation due to being stackable and light weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for cryopreserving a population of cells with improved cell viability. In some aspects, the method comprises contacting a population of cells with a peptoid polymer comprising one or more polar peptoid monomers, e.g., formulated in a cryoprotectant solution, and cooling the population of cells at a temperature of from 0° C. to about ?20° C. for a time period of at least about 3 hours to produce a population of supercooled cells. The supercooling methods of the present invention provide excellent post-thaw cell survival and recovery. In certain embodiments, the population of cells is present in a tissue or an organ that is cryopreserved by performing the supercooling methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of a cell cryopreservation formulation convenient for clinical use. In particular, provided is a cell cryopreservation (freezing) formulation, comprising: (1) a cell; (2) a cryopreservation diluent; the cryopreservation diluent comprising: an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, protective proteins, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The invention also relates to a corresponding cell resuscitation method. The invention adopts a no-wash cryopreservation solution for preparation of a cell frozen preparation, and the cell resuscitation and dilution for clinical use can be carried out by a simple formulating operation.

Abstract: The invention provides an ex-vivo method, i.e. an in vitro method, for genetically modifying cells of a vascularised tissue, which can be anorgan, during normothermic or subnormothermic perfusion without damaging the tissue or its cells due to oxygen undersupply. The method enables keeping the vascularised tissue at normothermic or subnormothermic conditions over a sufficient period of time to genetically modify the cells e.g. with viral vectors.

Abstract: Methods for preserving, transporting and/or storing natural and bioengineered living biological materials represent significant improvements over traditional compositions and methods for preservation, transport and/or storage of biological material by the virtue of their ability to significantly prevent and minimize loss of functional and physical (cell, tissue, and/or organ) integrity to occur in the biological material being preserved, transported and/or stored, particularly at temperatures above freezing point. The methods are also highly suitable for use in cosmetic procedures, in particular in transplantation of biological materials, especially for transplantation of autologous or allogeneic biological materials.

Abstract: A synergistic combined treatment for plant, insect, and rodent-vermin pests system and method addressing the combination problem of overproliferating plants harboring blood-feeding insects, rodents, and other vermin animals, providing a pest-control combination solution comprising a stabilized glyphosate solution, a sequestered manganese solution, a stabilized progestin solution, and a carrier solution, applied as a spray, where, after application, the various components and the breakdown products of the various components increase the efficacy and promote the safe breakdown in the environment of the other components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling nematode populations, particularly soil nematode populations. Certain embodiments comprise applying 4-hydroxybenzylalcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or a combination thereof, to soil, optionally in the presence of a trap crop. A hatching factor and/or a nematicide may also be applied to the soil, either substantially simultaneously with the 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, Sinapis alba plant extract, Sinapis alba seed meal, or combination thereof, or sequentially in any order. Certain embodiments concern applying 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol to soil that contains potato cyst nematode eggs. The 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol may be obtained by an aqueous extraction of Sinapis alba plant material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of hand disinfectants to disinfect hands without the negative effects of ethanol-based hand disinfectants. The hand disinfectants contain at least 40 weight percent of water and at least one dissolving ether, wherein the at least one dissolving ether is an ether that has a molecular weight greater than 107 daltons, a melting point less than 303 K, and a boiling point greater than 373 K, the solubility in water of the ether being at least 50%, wherein the ether reduces the solubility of calcium adducts and magnesium adducts of proteins and of amino sugars in water at least to a half, preferably to a third, especially preferably to a fourth, in particular to a fifth. Said hand disinfectants can be used as monoalcohol-free hand disinfectants.

Abstract: A composition for and methods of preserving a topical cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation against microbiological contamination or growth are described in which the compositions used herein include at least one hydroxamic acid, salt or complex thereof, and the methods include addition of an effective amount of such compounds to a cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation. Compositions further including alkanediols and/or solubilizing agents in blends with hydroxamic acid are also described.

Abstract: The present invention, therefore, is directed to an antimicrobial compositions that decreases the bioavailability of iron by introducing a higher-affinity iron-selective chelating agent capable of competing with microbial siderophores. In one aspect, the present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition including a potentiating antimicrobial composition including one or more antimicrobial agents and a chelator having a weight ratio of the antimicrobial agent to the chelator from about 1:1000 to about 1000:1.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to agrochemical compositions which comprise compounds of formula (I), to preparation of these compositions, and to the use of the compounds or compositions in agriculture or horticulture for combating, preventing or controlling infestation of plants, harvested food crops, seeds or non-living materials by phytopathogenic microorganisms, in particular fungi.

Abstract: A combination comprising a multi-site contact fungicide, a first systemic fungicide and optionally a second systemic fungicide and a method using the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling undesired vegetation in animal grazelands.

Abstract: Insecticide composition wherein the active ingredient includes the combination of at least one synthetic insecticidal molecule from the neonicotinoid family, and at least one synergistic agent, which is chosen among the insect repellent agents and present in said composition at a molar ratio of said synergistic agent to the synthetic insecticidal molecule in the composition comprised between 0.001 and 0.2. A Synergistic combination of DEET or IR3535® with thiacloprid or thiamethoxam are more effective at low doses is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (I) (in formula (I), R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group, R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-8 alkyl group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted o-phenylene group, a substituted or unsubstituted bezylene group, or the like, B represents an oxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted oxymethylene group, or the like, and Q represents a substituted or unsubstituted o-phenylene group), or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling abiotic stress on turfgrass using an effective non-phytotoxic amount of acibenzolar-s-methyl.

Abstract: The invention is an ammonia-based piscicide compound, method of use and dispenser apparatus which enables eradication of invasive gill-breathing species in a bounded body of water and which prepares the area for subsequent repopulation by native species or other desirable species. The claimed compositions and method of use enable cost effective, large-scale eradication of gill-breathing aquatic species in water conveyance systems, bounded ponds and tributaries.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatment of a plant with one or more microorganisms for inhibiting a plant pathogen. More particularly, the invention relates to isolated Bacillus strains, and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, and combinations thereof, for a use comprising the above-mentioned use.

Abstract: Bioactive priming polypeptides are provided that are useful when applied to plants in agricultural formulations. Methods of using the formulations containing the bioactive priming polypeptides are also provided which are applied exogenously to the surface of a plant or a plant cell membrane or endogenously to the interior of a plant or to a plant cell. The bioactive priming polypeptides when applied to a plant, a plant part, or a plant growth medium or a rhizosphere in an area surrounding the plant or the plant part increase growth, yield, health, longevity, productivity, and/or vigor of a plant or a plant part and/or decrease abiotic stress in the plant or the plant part and/or protect the plant or the plant part from disease, insects and/or nematodes, and/or increase the innate immune response of the plant or the plant part and/or change plant architecture.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods entailing one or more microbial treatments being applied to crop plants such that changes in plant gene expression and microbiome alteration are induced that stabilize the performance of the treated plant. The present disclosure allows for the use of non-GMO plants in combination with microbial agents or derivatives that signal the plant to upregulate certain gene expression. Thus, reduction of field variability, reduction of plant microbiome diversity, stabilization of plant gene expression, stabilization of yields and stabilization of harvest quality are achieved.

Abstract: The invention discloses a synergist for improving crop resistance and fertilizer absorption capacity. The synergist includes the following components by weight: 20-30 parts of an oyster shell powder, 20-30 parts of a water chestnut skin powder, 10-20 parts of a chinaberry bark powder, 10-20 parts of a magnetic material, 10-20 parts of an illite powder, 5-10 parts of a shiitake mushroom polysaccharide extract. The synergist can, on one hand, improve the resistance of crops, especially reducing the pests and diseases significantly, improving waterlogging and drought resistance; and, on the other hand, greatly reduce the use of fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers, preventing soil compaction. It can also significantly increase the content of active polysaccharides, especially ?-glucan in crops. In addition, the raw materials are readily available, the cost is low, and there are significant economic benefits.

Abstract: A grain and flour supply apparatus is provided, including a holding bin provided above a container and having an exhaust port from which gas is discharged, an introduction port into which grain and flour are introduced, and a supply port which supplies the grain and flour to the container; a first vacuum breaker valve opening and closing the exhaust port; a second vacuum breaker valve opening and closing the introduction port; a third vacuum breaker valve opening and closing the supply port; a temperature sensor measuring the temperature in the holding bin; a vacuum device drawing a vacuum in the holding bin; and a control device configured to control the first vacuum breaker valve, the second vacuum breaker valve, the third vacuum breaker valve, and the vacuum device, and set with a target temperature.

Abstract: A baked snack food product is prepared by a method comprising preparation of a composition comprising (i) 75 wt % to about 95 wt % egg white, (ii) from about 5 wt % to about 15 wt % cook-up starch, and (iii) from about 2 wt % to about 6 wt % instant starch; the composition having a viscosity of from about 200 to about 1700 cPs. This composition is deposited on a baking surface, baked, and dried to a moisture content of from about 2% to about 10%. Baked snack food products are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pizza product that is prepared separately utilizing two types of doughs that are combined after heating. The doughs have different characteristics and are heated in combination with different ingredients. The heating process for both doughs is performed under different humidity conditions and may be performed simply with a conventional microwave oven. The present invention also includes an apparatus and method for the preparation of such pizzas, as well as an innovative delivery process, which allows delivery of the pizzas from a central delivery station—without the need of having one or more processing locations (e.g., a chain of physical stores) to prepare and/or cook the pizza product.

Abstract: A food safety quality and performance monitoring system is provided, which is part of Industry 4.0 factory monitoring, including: a slaughter production line monitoring module recording a first monitoring information including quantity, voltage, temperature and humidity, time, and the like; a processing line monitoring module recording a second monitoring information including quantity, temperature and humidity, time, metal detection, and the like; an intelligent central monitoring server storing the first monitoring information and the second monitoring information and allowing a user to register and log in; and a human-machine interface facilitating the security and performance monitoring of the food production line. A food safety quality and performance monitoring method is further provided.

Abstract: Edible tubular casings for meats, such as sausages are described. The casings are comprised of reconstituted collagen combined with natural casing material comprising bovine, porcine or sheep gut, or combinations thereof. Methods for producing the casings by forming a gel consisting of a combination of the natural material and the reconstituted collagen are also described.