Abstract: Proposed are a functional improvement evaluation apparatus and a nerve cell culture apparatus of model animals capable of performing feedback control, even to mammalian model animals, based on biosignals in the same manner has humans based on a relatively simple configuration.

Abstract: A system, of the present invention, for restraining a mouse includes: at least one home cage (10); a passage (20) through which the mouse (60) moves, the passage (20) having at least one first open end (21a); and a restraining device (50) which restrains the mouse by physically fixing the mouse (60), the at least one first open end of the passage (21a) being connected to the at least one home cage (10), the restraining device (50) being provided at a location on the passage (20) which location is different from the at least one first open end (21a) of the passage (20).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a photodental device that can deliver specific light wavelengths to animal oral cavities, particularly dogs. The device may be provided in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, for breeds from under 2 kg (4.4 lbs) to over 115 kg (254 lbs). The device has a container which may protect light sources and may be used to receive light transmission, comprising an illuminating member. The device can further include replaceable housings with photoactivated compounds. The device may be configured for untethered use by an animal. Alternatively, the electro-optical components can be placed in a separate body and transmit light through a tethered connection to a member used by an animal. Sensor components may activate light generation components in predetermined conditions. Alternatively, humans may control activation. The present disclosure also relates to methods of photodentistry using the photodental device as bactericidal treatment and periodontal treatment.

Abstract: A system for eradication of insects, insect larvae, and insect eggs includes an applicator, a plurality of nozzles, a gas source, and a cold plasma generator. The applicator is adapted to be moved by the user over an area to be treated. The plurality of nozzles are disposed on the applicator. The cold plasma generator is in electrical communication with a power supply. The cold plasma generator is in fluid communication with the plurality of nozzles and the gas source. The cold plasma generator is configured to generate cold plasma from the gas source and configured to expel a plurality of cold plasma plumes through the plurality of nozzles that forms a cold plasma field. The cold plasma field is generated at a power and a volumetric flow sufficient for the eradication of the insects, the insect larvae and the incents eggs from the area to be treated.

Abstract: A device (1) for separating segments (2) in a tank. The tank system includes a circular tank system with water flow for the farming of fish, said device being movable and comprising a plurality of preferably two element units, which are joined so as to form a V-shape seen from above. Further, the invention comprises the use of the device for the farming of edible fish.

Abstract: A retractable pet traction rope is provided. The retractable pet traction rope includes a leash, whose two ends are respectively a pet connection end for connecting a pet and a holding end for a tractor to hold for control, wherein the retractable pet traction rope further includes an elastic leash winding device, into which the leash is wound, with both ends of the leash respectively extending out of the elastic leash winding device. The retractable pet traction rope has the advantage of quick retractable speed, high structural strength, small body size, and convenient carriage.

Abstract: A pet toy holds another item that can be chewed upon by a pet. The pet toy holds the item with a flexible retainer disposed within and protected by a central hub. The central hub can be provided with different external shapes including a round ball shape, an oval football shape, a flattened frisbee shape, an elongated bone shape, or a star shape with a plurality of arms. The central hub is configured to secure the retainer and protect the retainer from damage from the pet during use. The retainer can be a plurality of flexible fingers. The pet toy can have a plurality of arms projecting from the central hub. The central hub extends both above and below the arms to allow the pet to firmly hold the toy against the ground in a secure arrangement for both chewing on an arm of the pet toy and for chewing on a chew toy or edible item held by the pet toy.

Abstract: The leash assembly includes a leash mechanism with a body, a cord, a clip and a handle that extends from the body. The body presents two spaced apart circular sides with outer peripheral edges. The cord extends from an interior of the body between the circular sides to a free end. The clip is attached with the free end of the cord for attaching the cord with the collar of the animal. The leash assembly further includes a cover with first and second portions which at least partially cover the circular sides of the body of the leash mechanism. The first and second portions of the cover has outer peripheries which generally follow at least a portion of each of the outer peripheral edges of the generally circular sides of the body. The cover contains a high density material for increasing a mass of the leash assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for reducing ammonia levels in animal bedding or litter, comprising 0.015-40% citric acid and one or more of a clay-based particulate, diatomaceous earth or an organic material. The composition can also comprise an anti-microbial agent. A method of treating animal bedding or litter to reduce ammonia is also provided.

Abstract: Pet litter box cleaning system including a base structure, sieve member, and, optionally, trash receptacle is provided. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) extending upward from the bottom wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. In a first embodiment, the sieve member includes a back wall for extending across the open side, a sifter and handle. In a second embodiment, a door serves to close the open side and the sieve member does not include a back wall. The trash receptacle may extend from an upraised wall of the base structure. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure to clean litter of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter passes through the sifter and waste collects on the sifter which then is disposed of into a trash receptacle.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, including: a first end that screws into a light bulb socket; an internal light source; an electric insect control mechanism disposed around and proximate to the internal light source; and a visible light source disposed at an opposite end with respect to the first end. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A leash-with-variable-anchor may have two opposing fastener structures, one for removable attachment to a collar or to a harness; and another for fastening back onto a portion of leash-with-variable-anchor, forming a closed looped structure, an anchor. The anchor may function as a handle. The anchor may also be quickly, easily, and safely attached to various articles, such as, but not limited to, posts; and without a need of detaching from the collar or from the harness. In some embodiments, the loop structure of the anchor may be variable (i.e., adjustable) in size. In some embodiments, at least portions of loop structure of the anchor may elastic.

Abstract: A retractable leash device for animal control is disclosed, having a multitude of settable maximum leash line extensions providing leash line retraction at each set extension length. The device includes a leash line connectable to an animal, a housing having an axle and an outlet aperture, a reel having a hub and mounted on the axle, a reel biasing spring to retract the leash line, a maximum extension brake having an arresting member and a brake control. The leash line is wound on the reel and exits the housing through the aperture. The arresting member crosses the leash line thereinbetween the hub and the aperture. Upon engagement of the brake therewith the reel and extension of the leash line, an eventual interaction of the arresting member therewith the leash line prevents further extension of the leash line. The brake control engages and disengages the brake with respect to the reel.

Abstract: An agricultural stake to support plant includes a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) elongated member comprising a top end and a bottom end, and an exterior coating impregnated with an aggregate covering an exterior surface of the elongated member. The exterior coating is configured to provide purchase to a line attached to the elongated member. A cap may be secured over the top end of the elongated member and is configured to withstand a force used to drive the elongated member into a ground surface.

Abstract: A computer implemented system for a vertical farming system comprising at least a first crop growth module and operating in an environmentally-controlled growing chamber, the control system comprising sensors for measuring environmental growing conditions in the environmentally-controlled growing chamber over time to generate environmental condition data, a device configured for measuring a crop characteristic of a crop grown in the crop growth module of the environmentally-controlled growing chamber to generate crop growth data and a processing device comprising software modules for receiving the environmental condition data and the crop growth data; applying an algorithm to the environmental condition data and the crop growth data to generate an improved environmental growing condition and generating instructions for adjustment of the environmental growing conditions in or around the growth module in the environmentally-controlled growing chamber to the improved environmental growing condition.

Abstract: A plant surface structure includes an array of plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements. The deck is provided with at least a number of the pillar elements having an open top end in the deck. A membrane is placed over the deck and is provided with slits or cut-outs or water permeable elements, such that they open into at least some of the open top ends of the pillar elements. A growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in the pillar elements, the growing medium in the pillar elements preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on the membrane.

Abstract: A belt drive that has a transmission element that transmits a drive force to a drive element, which then sets a belt roller into rotational motion. The transmission element is a shaft and the drive element is an angular gear which has an input that is connected to the transmission element and an output that transmits the rotational motion from the gear to the belt roller. The belt drive is particularly suited for use in a belt system that is used in multi-tier poultry facilities. This belt system according to the invention includes a common drive motor that provides the drive force and a plurality of belt drives, one belt drive for each tier. One or more drive shafts transmit the drive force from the drive motor to each of the belt drives.

Abstract: A game calming assembly for calming game into danger includes a mount that engages and extends away from a support surface. The mount comprises a first arm that has a first end and a second end. A second arm is pivotally coupled to the second end and has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the first arm. A coupler releasably couples the second end of the first arm to the proximal end of the second arm wherein an angle between the first arm and the second arm is adjustable when the coupler is released. A foot is attached to and extends outwardly from the first end. The foot is extends through and engages the support surface. A support is attached to and extends upwardly from the distal end of the second arm. A decoy is mounted on the support.

Abstract: The system includes a feeding vessel having an inlet, an outlet, and a membrane positioned across an opening in the vessel. Parasites (preferably ticks) are allowed to attach themselves to the membrane so that as a feeding fluid (preferably blood) is circulated through the vessel, the parasites feed on the feeding fluid through the membrane.

Abstract: A branching position having two supporting legs of a fishing rod guide having two supporting legs formed by three sets of fiber-reinforced resin layers disposed in a fishing rod is sealed by a thermoset resin member or a prepreg.