Abstract: A new pepper hybrid designated as ‘VP18090009’ is disclosed. ‘VP18090009’ is a pepper variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato hybrid SVTH3532 and tomato line FDR-A818-0411. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTH3532 and tomato line FDR-A818-0411 and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTH3532 and tomato line FDR-A818-0411 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A control unit (240) and configuration tag (125) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) includes a first wireless communication device (310), for communication with a memory device (330) of the configuration tag. The configuration tag is applicable to the milk analysis apparatus and includes a reference sign (115) of a milk extracting arrangement (110) to which the milk analysis apparatus is intended to work in conjunction with. The communication is made via a second wireless communication device (320) comprised in the configuration tag. The control unit (340) is configured to retrieve, via the first wireless communication device, configuration data of the milk extracting arrangement that the milk analysis apparatus is intended to operate in conjunction with, from the memory device of the configuration tag; and to configure the control unit, based on the retrieved configuration data of the milk extracting arrangement.

Abstract: A cleaning system, in particular for a milking cluster, comprising a basket with a base and with a circumferential structure, the said basket receiving an object to be cleaned, wherein the basket circumferential structure has a plurality of cleaning nozzles arranged thereon, which are directed towards the inside of the basket and fluidly connected with the source of a cleaning agent. A cleaning method is also disclosed, in particular for a milking cluster, performed in this cleaning system.

Abstract: A habitat for living creatures includes a top member, side members, and a bottom member. In implementations a separation member separates the habitat into first and second compartments and a through hole provides access between the two. In implementations an opaque member or closure selectively prevents light from entering the second compartment or selectively prevents light from entering the habitat from one or more directions. In implementations a habitat may be installed through an open window and one or more closure members may be used to provide a seal between the window and the lower window frame or wall to the sides of the habitat (or a window screen may be included and an opening cut through it only at an opening of the habitat). Front and rear transparent closures may selectively keep creatures within the habitat and a rear opaque member may be selectively removed to view the creatures.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for providing conditioned air to a room for rearing insect larvae. The system comprises crates for storing the insect larvae, wherein the crates are stackable to form a vertical column and wherein the crates comprise lateral cutouts disposed on opposite sides. An air inlet duct for providing conditioned air to the crates is disposed in a vertical direction and comprises at least one nozzle for each crate in a column. The position of the at least one nozzle corresponds to the position of the lateral cutout of the respective crate. The system further comprises an air outlet duct, wherein the air outlet duct is disposed in a vertical direction and wherein the air outlet duct is disposed on a side of the stacked crates opposite to the air inlet duct.

Abstract: An excrement treatment material is composed of a grain that has a water-repellent property. The grain contains a water-absorbent material as a first main material, and contains gypsum as a second main material.

Abstract: A pet carrier for securing and transporting a pet in a vehicle having seat with a lower seat anchor. The pet carrier includes a base, a cover extending upwardly from the base, an entryway formed through the cover, and a handle secured to the carrier. An extendible/retractable rail assembly is fixedly attached to the base of the pet carrier. The rail assembly includes a clamp at a distal rear end of the rail assembly, a securement mechanism and a release mechanism. The clamp is configured to attach and lock onto the lower seat anchor of the vehicle. The clamp is selectively extendible from and retractable into the rail assembly to facilitate attachment and release of the pet carrier to the seat.

Abstract: A hay bale feeding device that is configured to be surroundably mounted a hay bale and provide access thereto for feeding by animals in order to assist in controlling the rate of consumption of the hay by the animals. The present invention includes a support ring member wherein the support ring member is configured to encircle a hay bale proximate the bottom thereof. A body is secured to the support ring member wherein the body is nylon netting having a plurality of apertures. The support ring member further includes a coupler wherein the coupler has a first portion and second portion that are releasably secured. The coupler provides access to the hollow passage of the support ring member so as to facilitate the ability for a material to be deposited therein so as to increase the weight of the support ring member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least one access controller device 100, comprising: a controller 104 configured to deliver access signals according to an access schedule based on data entered into the controller by an operator; and a movable barrier 108 configured to be positioned in a home cage 102 between a storage area 116 and a living area 114 and configured to be movable between an access position 112 where there is unrestricted access to an item in the food storage area from the living area and a restricted position 110 where the access is denied. The movable barrier is moved between the access position and the restricted position in response to the access signals. The movable barrier is configured to fit entirely within the home cage and a food hopper of the home cage without making any modifications to the home cage or the food hopper.

Abstract: A water filtering pet bowl assembly includes a bowl including a raised drinking water location, a bottom to-be-pumped water location having a raised platform, and a central channel between the raised drinking water location and the bottom to-be-pumped water location, such that, in an in-use operation of the water filtering pet bowl assembly, water flows by gravity flow from the raised drinking water location, through the central channel, and to the bottom to-be-pumped water location; a filter assembly positioned above the bottom to-be-pumped water location; and a pump coupled with the filter assembly and positioned in the bottom to-be-pumped water location; wherein, in the in-use operation of the water filtering pet bowl assembly, a base of the filter assembly is positioned on the raised platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a virtual reality simulator (10) for small laboratory animals (100), in particular rodents, which comprises a head clamping mechanism (20) for securing the laboratory animal (100) and virtual reality glasses (40) with two wings (30), each of the wings (30) having a display (34) and a lens system (36) spaced therefrom and connected together by a light barrier cover (32), and the virtual reality glasses (40) are configured to allow the two wings (30) to align with each of the eyes (101) of the laboratory animal (100), respectively. The invention further relates to a method applying such a simulator (10).

Abstract: A pet toy includes a core body and a coating layer. The core body is made of a first material. The core body includes a first core body member and a second core body member that are mated together to have a space therebetween. The coating layer covers the core body. The coating layer is made of a second material that is different from the first material.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a first deformable member and a second deformable member. The first deformable member has a first receiving opening and a second receiving opening. The second deformable member has a first end that is received in the first receiving opening. The second deformable member has a second end that is received in the second receiving opening of the first deformable member. The second deformable member is more deformable than the first deformable member.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a main body and a noise producing device. The main body has an outer surface and an interior chamber with at least one opening extending from the interior chamber to the outer surface. The noise producing device is located within the interior chamber. The noise producing device has a hollow interior with a movable member disposed therein. The movable member is free to randomly move in three dimensions within the hollow interior.

Abstract: An animal treadwheel includes a plurality of platforms, each having a curved surface opposite a bottom side, a first end opposite a second end and a left side opposite a right side. The curved surface is delimited by the first end, left side, second end and right side. A platform extension is disposed at the first end and a platform recess is disposed at the second end. A left curved roller surface is disposed at the left side and a right curved roller surface is disposed at the right side. The platform extension of one platform attaches to the platform recess of an adjacent platform in a repeatable manner. Accordingly, a singular and continuous cylindrical inner surface is formed from the plurality of curved surfaces and a singular and continuous cylindrical left and right outer surface is formed from the plurality of left and right curved roller surfaces.

Abstract: Collar devices including interlinking collar components that have a hollow portion and a securing portion connected by a flexible portion have increased strength and security. The number of collar components included in a collar device may be adjusted in order to properly fit a collar to a particular animal. Such collar devices generally include a plurality of interlinking collar components, as well as first and second loop attachment components, which couple to respective ends of interlinked collar components. A loop with a fastening element is then inserted into openings of the first and second loop attachment components.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel waste collection harness secured to the dog's body using Velcro straps that run under the dog's abdomen until secured using a Velcro latch. The harness starts at the base of the dog's neck and wraps around the dog's rear and is secured under the abdomen immediately before the hind legs. The invention embodies an elliptical opening, through which the dog's tail and anus is exposed. Directly beneath the tail is a coiled waste disposable bag that is secured to the elliptical opening and collects excreted waste. Once fecal matter is collected, the disposable waste bag can be quickly unsecured, sealed and discarded.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically monitoring a ruminant animal. The system includes a 3D camera system that obtains images from a region of interest, in particular the paralumbar fossa. An image processor determines the surface curvature in the region of interest, as a function of time. Based on the frequency with which this function attains local maxima, a health indication for the animal is generated.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a companion pet food is provided. The method comprises providing at least a first and a second pet food to a companion animal, taking one or more noncontact thermal measurements of the companion animal while interacting with the first and second pet foods, and comparing the measurements. Kits, systems and/or computer media for carrying out the method form further aspects of the invention.

Abstract: An animal monitoring device includes memory circuitry, interface circuitry configured to communicate via short-range wireless communication to a second animal monitoring device and via cellular communication, and processor circuitry configured to obtain, from a first sensor, sensor data having a first transmission deadline and provide the sensor data into a sensor data set.

Abstract: An improved feeding system is provided to permit sequential entry to animals, one at a time, into a feeding station that weighs the animal, and then provides or prevents access to a single feed or feed blend based on body weight or other criteria. It exits each animal if no feed is to be provided, or after feeding for a specified period of time. The system accommodates animals housed in groups and allows individual animals to be fed precisely with minimal labour input. Feed consumption by individual animals is limited by the amount of time they remain in the feeding area of the station and the amount of feed provided to them. The system provides for the ongoing collection of data about the animals' growth, and controls and monitors feed intake and body weight.

Abstract: An elastomeric feed port and a bird feeder having a seed reservoir with a seed opening fitted with such an elastomeric feed port is provided. The feed port has an elastomeric seed control membrane with a cutout that forms at least one aperture through which birds can access seed in the reservoir. The cutout is shaped to create flexible flaps or fingers adjacent the aperture in the membrane that partially cover the seed opening to reduce seed spillage but that can be pushed aside or temporarily deformed by a bird when the bird inserts its beak into the cutout aperture to access seed therethrough.

Abstract: A combined birdseed feeder and scooper having its scooper removeably fixed to a valve assembly which enables the scooper to be removeably fixed thereto. Portals are registerable between the bottom of the scooper and the valve assembly to regulate the flow of seed therethrough. The valve assembly is in communication with a bottom disk which maintains a volume of seed therein. The disk has an outer edge which enables a bird to seat thereon and access the seed contained within the base or directly into the valve assembly.

Abstract: A modular bird feeder assembly includes a bird feeder that has the ornamental appearance of a log. The bird feeder has a plurality of protrusions each extending outwardly therefrom to simulate the appearance of branches extending away from the log. Additionally, the bird feeder has an axe integrated therein to enhance the ornamental appearance of the log. A chain is coupled to the bird feeder and a dish is removably attachable to the chain such that the bird feeder is suspended from the dish. The dish can be suspended from a support thereby facilitating the bird feeder to be elevated. A pole is provided that is removably attachable to the plate and the pole can be inserted into a support surface. In this way the bird feeder can be supported above the support surface rather than being suspended from the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple, inexpensive and easy to use design which assists in filling the bird or hummingbird feeders which are nested on poles. The assembly provides tubes of varying lengths which are nested within each other and when the filling operation is required, the smaller tube nested within the larger tube can slide together, lowering the height to facilitate an easy feed filling process for users.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a nectar container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the nectar 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 float valve includes a float having a frame with a buoyant member mounted thereon, the buoyant member being made of a closed-cell foam.

Abstract: An attachable entrance bee feeder affixes to man-made bee hive boxes used by apiarists to raise and manage bees. The feeder attaches to the hive box landing board with screws through holes manufactured into the feeder. The feeder has an inner section which slides into the bee box entrance, plus an outer section that remains outside the bee box. A feeding cavity accepts an inverted fruit jar with lid and cap that holds viscous sugar syrup; plus, a cylindrical plug that can be installed into the feeding cavity in place of the fruit jar. The fruit jar lid contains holes that allow sugar syrup droplets to be consumed by honey bees. Bees enter the feeding cavity through feeding tubes to consume sugar syrup in the feeding cavity. The feeder may be secured to the bee box permanently or semi-permanently, and it accommodate feeding reservoirs of one quart and larger.

Abstract: A system including: a plurality of bee frames releasably mounted within at least one hive chamber; a mechanism that extracts a bee frame from a hive chamber and inserts a bee frame into a hive chamber; an imaging system that acquires an image of a frame; and a processing unit which: determines, based on processing the image, the specific content of each of a plurality of cells in the frame, and predicts a possibility of swarming based on identifying, in the image, at least one cell including a queen larva.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cultivating or accumulating climate-focused marine target products are described herein. The target product may be microalgae, macroalgae, plankton, marine bacteria or archaea, filter feeders (such as oysters or clams), or crustaceans either for the purpose of bioremediation, eventual cultivation or for sequestering carbon dioxide; or the target product may be direct chemical or biological accumulation of carbon or carbon containing organisms. The system is primarily a floating apparatus designed to hold the target product in a region of the water column and in a spatial region of the water where it will best accumulate target product mass. In some embodiments the system is designed to achieve eventual passive sinking (transformation from a floating to sinking apparatus) into the deep ocean. In some embodiments, the system is equipped with purpose-chosen sensors to instrument and quantify the various biological and mechanical processes occurring onboard.

Abstract: A vivaria assembly for separating aquatic animals and plants from terrestrial animals and plants includes a container and a set of panels. The panels are engaged to the container and positioned in an interior space defined by the container. Each panel extends from a bottom to proximate to a top of the container so that the container and the panels define a plurality of compartments within the interior space. The panels and at least a portion of a wall of the container are substantially transparent. A plurality of cutouts is positioned in the container so that each compartment has at least one cutout permitting access to the compartment. A respective habitat element and at least one of an animal and a plant can be inserted into each compartment to create a respective vivarium within the compartment.

Abstract: An exemplary water circulation pump pre-filter unit (PFU) comprises a backwash pipe in fluid communication with an outer nozzle outside a screen cage and an inner nozzle within the screen cage. The PFU may simultaneously spray inside and outside the screen cage using an inner nozzle and an outer nozzle configured with an axial jet perpendicular to a plurality of radial jets. The inner nozzle may have a restriction chamber with diameter decreasing in flow direction to a full cone nozzle outlet, concentrating dual streams from a plurality of inlets swirled through a plurality of helical channels. Pairs of inner nozzles may be angled to each other, increasing the inner surface area cleaned. Exemplary implementations may simultaneously clean the screen cage bottom and top using the outer nozzle and inner nozzles in backwash mode and in a separate pre-filter mode ingest water through multiple filter pipe inlet apertures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a first farming plant including a central tank and one or more surrounding tanks, where the central tank is used for water treatment and the one or more surrounding tanks are used for the farming of fish. The fish farming plan may also include one or more flow applicators, whereby the flow rate of the water in the surrounding tanks are individually independent of the water exchange rate. The fish farming plant may include several movable permeable section walls in each of the surrounding tanks dividing each surrounding tank into tank sections. Each surrounding tank is equipped with one or more outlets and one or two inlets, and a substantially horizontal/laminar flow structure of the water in each one of the surrounding tanks is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to humanisation of antibodies in vivo. The invention provides non-human vertebrates, cells, populations and methods useful for humanising chimaeric antibodies in vivo. Using the present invention, it is possible straightforwardly and rapidly to obtain antigen-specific antibodies that are fully human (i.e., comprising human variable and constant regions) and have undergone recombination, junctional diversification, affinity maturation and isotype switching in vivo in a non-human vertebrate system. Furthermore, such antibodies are humanised (e.g., totally human)—and selected—totally in vivo, and as such the present invention harnesses in vivo filtering for expressibility, affinity and biophysical characteristics in the context of the desired human variable and constant region pairings. This avoids problems of down-grading antibody characteristics when humanising the constant region of chimaeric antibodies in vitro.

Abstract: A rotating disc type continuous automated biological breeding apparatus includes a plurality of rotating disc type breeding boxes and a central rotating shaft. The rotating disc type breeding boxes are stacked on each other in a longitudinal direction to form a breeding tank. Each of the rotating disc type breeding boxes includes at least one pushing plate and a lower feeding port, and the at least one pushing plate is configured to divide one of the rotating disc type breeding boxes that corresponds to the at least one pushing plate into at least one breeding compartment. The central rotating shaft penetrates through the rotating disc type breeding boxes along the longitudinal direction. The pushing plate of each of the rotating disc type breeding boxes is fixedly connected to the central rotating shaft, and the central rotating shaft is configured to drive the pushing plate to rotate.

Abstract: A trawl door used for trawl fishing, and more particularly, a trawl door adapted for stable and efficient operation. The door is equipped with moveable plate members (44) mounted on an outer panel (18) of the trawl door, hereby controlling an opening (42) in the outer panel and as a result controlling the lift of the trawl door.

Abstract: A modularized spinnerbait rig includes an embedded fork system to change a spinnerbait head in real time and includes a pivoting assembly to cause the spinnerbait head to pivot.

Abstract: A modularized spinnerbait rig includes an embedded fork system to change a spinnerbait head in real time and includes a pivoting assembly to cause the spinnerbait head to pivot.

Abstract: A fishing aid includes a housing with a hollow interior, an actuator being coupled to the housing, and an elevator. The elevator being in a pivotal connection with the housing and being in a coupling connection with the actuator, such that the elevator is configured, through the actuator, for a reciprocally pivotal movement in a vertical direction when the fishing aid is being pulled in a linear direction through a body of water by a line connected to the housing. The reciprocal pivotal movement of the elevator causes a movement of the fishing aid in a non-linear pattern through the body of water. The fishing aid can be used on a surface of the body of water or can be fully submerged with an aid of a downrigger.

Abstract: The fishing lure includes a jig body, a blade, and a pin structure. The jig body includes a longitudinal axis, a connector, and at least one hook including a shank and a hook end, the shank being surrounded by and protruding rearwardly from the jig body. The blade has an edge proximal to the jig body, wherein the blade includes first and second members on the edge proximal to the jig body, each member defining a chamber. The pin structure is coupled to the blade via the first and second members, the pin structure including a midsection between opposing first and second pin ends, wherein the midsection of the pin structure engages the connector of the jig body while the pin structure passes through the first and second members of the blade. Retrieval of the fishing lure causes the blade to oscillate.

Abstract: Fishing reel system embodiments herein include an extendable arm assembly and a reel assembly rotatably attached thereto. Certain reel assembly embodiments include an adjustable drag washer stack that can be adjustably compressed to adjust the amount of friction within the washer stack. Other implementations include solely a reel assembly with such an adjustable drag washer stack.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting fishing rods in closed tonneau cover of pickup truck. Apparatus includes holes in front panel of tonneau cover. Each hole is angled from vertical opposite to truck cab. Plate is attached to underside of front panel and truck. Rod holders are positioned through holes in front panel so collar of rod holder rests atop front panel. Length of rod holder is disposed below front. Removable cargo bar spans width of truck bed, disposed beneath tonneau cover in front of rod holders. Removable security cable spans width of truck bed above tonneau cover securing fishing rods to truck bed. Rod holder has liner having closed bottom and open top having hinged cap to cover end of rod holder. User opens cap of tube liner to insert fishing rod into rod holder, which supports fishing rod angled at about 15 degrees from vertical opposite to truck cab.

Abstract: An arthropod lure or repellent (10), an arthropod trap (60) and a lighting device (140) are provided. The arthropod lure or repellent (10) includes a substrate (12), a fluorescent material (14) attached to the substrate (12), and an ultraviolet light source (16) arranged to illuminate the fluorescent material (14) with light of a first wavelength (18). The fluorescent material (14) is arranged to absorb the light of the first wavelength (18) and re-emit the light at a second wavelength (20), the second wavelength being longer than the first wavelength.

Abstract: A removable substrate for an insect attractant device includes a body having front and rear faces. The body includes a grip portion with a slot and a lower portion disposed below the grip portion. The lower portion includes a retention aperture, a first lateral portion, and a second lateral, with a gap extending between the first lateral portion and the second lateral portion. An adhesive is applied to the front face and the rear face, the adhesive being positioned between the grip portion and the lower portion, and being surrounded by an adhesive-free border on the front face and the rear face.

Abstract: A product applicator system for dispensing various products onto a ground surface is provided. The system provides an assembly of a protective tube and applicator that protects the product as it travels from the boom to the ground surface. The assembly may include a swivel connection facilitating a rotational movement of the hose assembly to the supporting boom. The protective tube assembly is designed with bending properties that enable the applicator to self-center itself during use.

Abstract: A pest trap comprising a pest-trapping portion (4) and a holder (14) for a bait for attracting a pest. The pest-trapping portion (4) is arranged between a first opening (6) through which the pest may enter the pest-trapping portion (4) and a second opening (8) which is closable. The trap is arrangeable in either of two modes. In a first mode, for familiarising pests to the trap, the second opening (8) is open and the pest can approach bait in the holder (14) without entering the pest-trapping portion (4). In a second mode, for trapping or killing pests, the second opening (8) is closed and the pest can approach the bait by entering the pest-trapping portion (4) through the first opening (6). A method is provided for trapping the pest using the pest trap, by placing the trap in a position for trapping the pest, setting the trap in the first mode, and then switching the trap to the second mode.

Abstract: A rodent trap is disclosed comprising a base and a kill bar, wherein the kill bar is pivotably connected to the base, a trigger member pivotably connected to the base and arranged between the base and the kill bar such that when the trigger member is activated the kill bar is released and traps or kills a rodent, the rodent trap further comprises a sensor configured to detect at least three different distances between the trigger member and the base. A rodent trap system is disclosed and a related method for determining a ready state, a sprung empty state and a caught state of a rodent trap.

Abstract: Systems, devices, apparatus and methods for deterring birds and other animals from structures such as but not limited to cell towers, communications towers, buildings and areas to be protected. A broken wing effigy of the species to be deterred is suspended from an upper suspending structure and a lower suspending structure. The effigy body and wing appendage can each be molded or otherwise produced from rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. Hangers can be attached to structures such as towers, buildings and the like. A C shaped hanger can be used for hanging an effigy which allows for the effigy to be able to move, such as rotate and simulate a live bird. Hanging linkages between the hanger and a molded bird body, can allow for a plurality of rotation movements there between. Wing linkages between the molded bird body and a molded wing can allow for an additional plurality of rotation movements there between.

Abstract: A live tissue storage solution is formed of an aqueous culture medium including additives, inorganic salts and nutrients. The additives preferably include amino acids including but not limited to L-Arg, L-Cys, Gly, L-His, L-Ile, L-Lys, L-Leu, L-Met, L-Phe, L-Ser, L-Try, L-Try, and L-Val. The inorganic salts preferably include calcium chloride, sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate. The nutrients preferably include glucose, choline, folic acid, nicinamide, riboflavin, which are known to maintain cell culture. Examples include Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium DMEM or Minimal Essential Medium MEM with or without serum. The culture medium contains additives to reduce, inhibit, or mitigate lipid oxidation, lipotoxicy, lipid-induced responses, and lipid inflammation.

Abstract: The present inventive concept provides non-toxic compositions including ethanol, a polymer, and a polar aprotic solvent and methods of using the same in the field of preservation of plant, human and non-human animal tissue and anatomic pathology disciplines (e.g., surgical pathology, histopathology, cytopathology, forensic pathology). In particular, the compositions provide a safer alternative to aldehyde-based compositions.