Abstract: A fishing lure including a generally V-shaped frame with an eye at the vertex of the V, a hook fixed at each end of the V, a heavier weighted member encircling the junction of one of the hooks with one end of the V and a lighter weighted member encircling the junction of the other hook with the other end of the V. The hooks are rigidly connected to the ends of and are coplanar with the V. The lure is configured so that with a fishing line tethered to the eye, the heavier weight tends to remain at the bottom and cause the plain of the lure to remain vertical. With the lure in this position, the shanks of both hooks are about horizontal and the points are directly above the shanks.

Abstract: An agricultural wrap includes a continuous planar main body formed of a flexible and permeable material, an amount of growing matter, and at least one irrigation tube. The body has first and second sides, first and second ends, an inner surface, an outer surface disposed against a base surface, and at least one aperture. With the growing matter disposed against the inner surface, the first and second sides are positioned around the growing matter to define a holding pocket. An irrigation tube being disposed against the main body and above the base surface leaks water that permeates through the main body and saturates the growing matter.

Abstract: A device for trapping insects that includes a roof or cover and a trap or cage that are disposed at opposite ends of a housing. One or more solar cell(s) that convert UV rays into solar energy for powering one or more trap components is/are attached to the cover. The cover preferably has two panels that adjustably cooperate with the housing to improve capture of UV rays by the solar cell(s). A fan is disposed in the housing and oriented to direct an airstream through the housing and toward the trap. A damper is disposed in the airstream proximate the trap and includes two independently operable doors. Each door is biased toward a closed position and opens during operation of the fan. The trap removably cooperates with the housing to facilitate disposal of insects captured therein.

Abstract: A method for introducing a substance into a plant, in particular a pot plant, includes forming a hole into a stem of the plant to get access to a transportation system of the plant; arranging a container around the stem of the plant, such that substances held by the container are able to enter the transportation system of the plant through the hole in the stem; and filling the container with the substance. A container, the combination of a plant and container, and a container fabrication method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pet barrier includes a housing containing a barrier having a first end attached to a holding structure. The holding structure rotates with respect to the housing and the barrier is furled around the holding structure. The second end of the barrier is exposed from the housing and includes an elongated bar hook. The pet barrier also includes a tensioning mechanism including a spring assembly operably associated with the holding structure. An adjustment structure is provided for adjusting the tension of the spring assembly by rotational action and thereby adjusting tension in the barrier. To set the tension of the spring assembly, a brake is provided that locks the adjustment structure to with a portion of the housing and/or a portion fixed with respect to the housing. Constant retraction forces act upon the barrier as it is unfurled from around the holding structure.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing hair from a furry pet by a grooming tool. The tool is formed with an elongate handle portion having a neck area. A blade guiding portion is positioned at the neck area and a blade assembly is pivotably connected to the blade guiding portion. The blade assembly consists of a blade with a front part having a set of teeth. The method comprising the steps of placing the blade in engagement with the pet, so that the front part with the teeth is positioned at an acute angle to the coat; and maintaining engagement of the blade with the pet to cause the blade to glide over a contour of the pet's body to engage and pull out hair from the pet.

Abstract: An improved head and horn protector having a unitary left side head pad and left rear horn pad as well as a unitary right side head pad and right rear horn pad. A left bridging pad has a left bridging pad linear segment of protective material attached to the pad, with a first end connected to the left rear horn pad near an inner edge of the left rear horn pad and a second end preferably attached only to a rear end of the left bridging pad. A right bridging pad is constructed similarly. On each rear horn pad a looped keeper is preferably attached to and angled across each rear horn pad in order to facilitate maintaining a desired length of the bridging pad within such looped keeper. And the lower portion of each horn pad linear segment is used to protect side head pad linear segments and guides.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel pet puzzle toy and food dispenser in which treats are located in receptacles wherein retrieval requires the pet to both spin and rock the puzzle in order to obtain the food. Much like a child's teeter totter, the food will end up in the receptacle with the greater weight as a result of pressure applied by a pet. The pet is both rewarded and entertained.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: An apparatus to fish having a body with exterior and interior faces extending from a first edge to a first end. The body further has a handle fixed to the interior face. A housing assembly has a clasp and is removably mounted from within the body, whereby the clasp receives the handle. The body further has a lip assembly. The lip assembly has a second edge and a first sidewall. The lip assembly further has at least one aperture and at least one through hole. The lip assembly is defined at the first end. The first sidewall has at least one indent. Each aperture securely receives a tip of a respective fishing hook that is tied to a distal end of fishing line. A proximal end of the fishing line is tied to the at least one through hole.

Abstract: An apparatus used for maintaining bait or bait fish at a more level attitude when trolling includes a non-stranded wire attached to a hook. A first end of the wire is threaded through an eye of the hook and wrapped around a shank of the hook. A main loop is provided at an opposite second end. The main loop can be modified to include a first upper loop and a second upper loop. The second upper loop is attached to a fishing line and a pin is inserted into a head of the bait fish, through the first upper loop, and through a bottom of a mouth of the bait fish to secure the bait fish to the apparatus. An elastic band maintains the mouth in a closed position. If desired, a single thicker non-stranded wire may be used or an optional trailer hook may be added to any version.

Abstract: An irrigation system that includes a carriage may move along a predetermined path in a reciprocal manner. The carriage supports one or more exit ports that are fed plant growth material by a pressurized delivery arrangement. One or more plant stands are configured and arranged to straddle the carriage as it moves along the predetermined path. The one or more plant stands form a chamber into which plant roots may extend, and into which the one or more exit ports are able to discharge their plant growth material. The one or more plant stands may include side panels and a cap to reduce infiltration of light and contaminants, and to enhance the plant root-plant growth material interface and absorption rates. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may include friction reducing elements that facilitate transverse movement. The carriage and/or the plant stand(s) may be supported by a modular framework.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for stunning poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) stunning the poultry via the suspended and positioned poultry head, and to obtainable debleeded poultry.

Abstract: A cat scratching device for residing upon a substantially horizontal surface. The device includes three scratching posts each having first and second ends, the scratching posts being separated from one another at their first ends and joined to one another at their second ends resulting in a three-legged self supporting device. Each of the three scratching posts have scratching surfaces applied thereto.

Abstract: The invention is a method of training grapevines comprising dividing fruiting canes into three horizontal zones and two vertical zones. One aspect of the present invention is a method of training grapevines having a plurality of fruiting canes comprising: separating the fruiting canes into an upper canopy and a lower canopy, then dividing the upper canopy into a first upper cane section and a second upper cane section, restraining the first upper cane section to grow along a substantially horizontal first upper wire and restraining the second upper section to grow along a substantially horizontal second upper wire, and tying the lower canopy to grow along a substantially horizontal low wire. The method of training grapevines may also comprise defining a plurality of renewal canes. The renewal canes may be down to renewal spurs. The renewal spurs may have two buds. Each of the renewal spurs may be about 2.5 cm long.

Abstract: Methods for growing living organisms in a series of growing units, including delivering a fluid by continuous horizontal flow from a source of fluid to each growing unit.

Abstract: Transfer sheets on which an image quite closely resembling an external appearance of a bait fish is color printed on the surface of a hologram sheet are adhered to back sides of bilaterally symmetrical body-half segments made of a flexible transparent thermoplastic resin in a state that the image can be viewed perspectively from the surface side. Only front head sides which occupy at least half in both the body-half segments are adhered and remaining rear end sides are kept open, by which a line equipped with a hook is guided out and wired to the front from the rear end sides via an interior hollow of a lure body.

Abstract: An animated duck decoy including a decoy base, and a shell removably connected to the base. The shell defining a chamber. An upper bracket attached to an upper surface of the chamber, a tail member connected to an end of a horizontal rod that outwardly extends from a rear of the shell, and an opposite end of the rod connected to a torsion spring, the torsion spring also connected to the upper bracket, the rod further defining an open end. A lower bracket attached to a top surface of the base. The lower bracket having a motor attached thereto, the motor having a drive shaft extending vertically upward from the lower bracket, and the drive shaft having a hub fixed at the top end thereof. The hub having a horizontal arm including a first elastomeric bumper affixed at one end.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing living organisms having at least one growing unit adapted to receive at least one living organism, a source of fluid, a conduit operably connecting the source of fluid and the growing unit in fluid supplying relation, and at least one system for supplying the requirements by which the living organism can grow in the growing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating infestation in a wooden body is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one transducer configured to deliver High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) signals to at least one region of the wooden body. The method comprises scanning at least one part of the wooden body to identify at least one region of the wooden body infested with one or more pests. The method further comprises delivering HIFU signals to the at least one region of the wooden body infested with the one or more pests.