Abstract: A sow stimulation saddle system for stimulating a sow during artificial insemination is disclosed, and comprises a saddle for placing over a section of the loin of a sow for encompassing a portion of the loin. The saddle has a medial section between a pair of side sections, and each of the side sections has a lower end. The system also includes an actuation structure on the saddle for moving the lower ends of the side sections of the saddle inwardly and outwardly with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a practical process for the preparation of an enamide (II) by palladium catalyzed coupling of a primary amide (IV) with a compound of structural formula (III), as shown below: As well as to crystalline forms of a compound produced by this process, in particular, an anhydrous crystal form, Form B, and crystalline solvates falling into three patterns, Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3, and crystalline intermediate compounds produced in the process. Still further, the present invention relates to the stereoselective reduction of the tetrasubstituted enamide (II) to the corresponding amide (I).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing optically active ?-amino acid substrates which are used to make potent lethal factor (LF) inhibitors for the treatment of anthrax. This invention further relates to a process for synthesis of potent LF-inhibitors for the treatment of anthrax. Specifically, the invention concerns a novel, high-yielding and highly enantioselective asymmetric hydrogenation reaction of a tetrasubstituted ene-sulfonamide acid or ester.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for the preparation of 3-chloromethyl-1,2,4-triazolin-5-one. This compound is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of compounds which possess pharmacological activity. Also disclosed are novel semicarbazide salts and the preparation thereof, which are intermediates for the preparation of 3-chloromethyl-1,2,4-triazolin-5-one.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a system and method for cleaning inkjet cartridges. The system includes a fixture configured to mount an inkjet cartridge where a printhead of the inkjet cartridge is mounted to a cleaning plate. The cleaning plate includes one or more orifices connected to a vacuum source and one or more orifices connected to a wash solution source. The vacuum source can be used to extract ink from within the cartridge through nozzles in the printhead. The wash solution source can supply a pressurized wash solution through the nozzles of the printhead. The vacuum source can also be use to extract the wash solution from within the cartridge through the nozzles.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method of refilling an inkjet printer cartridge. The method includes providing an inkjet printer cartridge and lowering the pressure surrounding the cartridge below atmospheric level. A first volume of ink is directed into the cartridge at the reduced pressure. The method further includes at least partially raising the pressure surrounding the cartridge and subsequently at least partially lowering the pressure surrounding the cartridge. A second volume of ink is then directed into the cartridge at the second reduced pressure.

Abstract: A composite camouflage composition includes a substrate and a plurality of individual strips of camouflage material being spaced apart and adhered to the substrate along a bonding axis, each strip of the plurality of individual strips of camouflage material presenting a plurality of lobes adjacent the bonding axis, each strip of the plurality of individual strips of camouflage material being gathered at points along the bonding axis such that more than one layer of each strip of the plurality of individual strips of camouflage material is adhered to the substrate at such points. A garment and a method of forming the camouflage composition is further included.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for wildlife, particularly squirrels, is shown. One embodiment of the feeding apparatus includes a generally vertical, suspended flexible assembly of materials for holding a self-contained food unit. One embodiment of the feeding apparatus further includes a resilient biasing device mountable within the length of the apparatus. One end of one embodiment of the feeding apparatus includes an adjustable device for suspending the apparatus. The opposite end of one embodiment includes a device for securing the self-contained food unit. When an animal leaps up and grasps the food unit, the resilient biasing device lengthens and contracts, causing the animal to rise and fall while swinging to and fro spinning around on the apparatus. To the amusement of an observer, the animal is in effect, “bungee jumping.