Abstract: A shovel with a fulcrum projection is disclosed. The shovel has a blade with a front, a back, a proximate end, and a pointed distal end, a handle joined to the proximal end of the blade, and a fulcrum member projecting behind the back of the blade. In some embodiments, the fulcrum member's vertical position is adjustable; in additional embodiments, the blade is serrated or the shovel has footrests.

Abstract: A soil cultivation device, which is movable relative to the soil in a direction of movement, for the deep loosening of soils, comprises perforating tools guided on supporting arms that move up and down, and a damping device having an elastomeric body, for damping a returning movement of the perforating tools pivoting relative to the supporting arm during withdrawal from the soil. For smoother and faster operation, a first side of the elastomeric body is firmly connected to a retaining member, resting flat on a retaining surface of the retaining member, and a second side of the elastomeric body opposite the first side is firmly connected to an input member in a firmly attached manner, resting flat on a retaining surface of the input member, and the body of elastomeric material is elastically biased by a separate biasing device acting against the body.

Abstract: A cylindrical turf treatment rotor (10) adapted to be driven in rotation about a horizontal axis (10a), and provided with wear-resistant teeth (13) extending along one or more helical tracks (14a-14d) on the rotor, the teeth being individually attacked to the rotor so as to be capable of individual removal for replacement or refurbishing or for reconfiguring the rotor.

Abstract: A pull-type crop engaging machine such as a rotary mower comprises a frame mounted on transversely spaced field ground wheels for movement with a hitch arm extending to a tractor and a transport assembly attached behind the frame for moving downwardly to a transport position so that in the transport position the hitch arm extends from one end of the frame generally in the transverse direction for towing the machine in the transverse direction. The transport includes a transport ground wheel which acts to raise the frame to pass underneath the crop engaging system to support the machine on the wheel, on a second wheel behind the frame and on the hitch. The movement of the hitch and the wheel is connected and started at a position of the hitch so that the machine remains balanced. A shield behind the frame includes a portion which moves with the transport wheel.

Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters in seed meter housings for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed meter, such as at the housing, is an electric pressure source dedicated for providing a pressure differential for the seed meter or meters at a particular location on the planter. The pressure source can be positive or negative to temporarily adhere seed to the seed disc of the meter. A single pressure source can provide the pressure differential to a single meter or to multiple meters or discs at a row unit.

Abstract: An activated-release, water-insoluble or slowly-soluble coating is utilized on fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, medicine, and other granules to precisely time the release of the active ingredient of the granules, for purposes such as fertilizer and pesticide release as well as to initiate seed germination. An external stimulus, activating means or agent, including, but not limited to, microwaves, ultrasonic waves, X-rays, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, radar waves, sonar waves, magnetic induction, (or pulses of any of the foregoing), specific chemical, bacteria, or fungus organism (such as ionic or non ionic surfactants, organic solvents, specifically cultured bacteria, fungi or catalytic agents) is used to break the coating, thus allowing for the release or germination.

Abstract: A lawn mowing vehicle (1) mows a lawn along the travel path of the vehicle. The lawn mowing vehicle (1) includes: at least one electric reel unit having an electric reel (22) raised and lowered by an electric cylinder (26a-26c).

Abstract: A fixed-line trimmer head for a rotary trimmer device includes a housing operatively attachable to the rotary trimmer device. The housing is rotatable when in use around a central axis of rotation and has a top surface extending outwardly from the central axis and facing upward when in use, a bottom surface extending outwardly from the central axis and facing the ground when in use, and a periphery connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The present invention includes at least one line channel defined within the housing of the trimmer head having an entrance recessed within the periphery and an exit disposed on one of the top and bottom surfaces, wherein the entrance and the exit are each located an equal distance from the axis of rotation. Such as trimmer head is particular suited for preventing dirt and debris from entering a line channel of a fixed-line trimmer head of a rotary trimmer device.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for forage harvesting, including a frame supporting a work unit able to occupy a work position in which it can pick up plants lying on the ground and shift them sideways, a side deflector being connected to the frame by a connecting device allowing the deflector to occupy an operation position relative to the work unit, in which the deflector can receive a flow of plants shifted sideways by the work unit. The connecting device is designed so that, while the machine moves in a direction and the work unit is in the work position, the deflector can perform a movement relative to the work unit from the operation position, longitudinally in a direction opposite the movement direction, when a resultant of a force exerted on the deflector exceeds a determined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a harvesting header; a harvesting header carrier; at least one retractor and at least one tension link coupled to the at least one retractor, said at least one retractor and said at least one tension link connected to the harvesting header and the harvesting header carrier; wherein the at least one retractor is operable to retract the at least one tension link to shorten the at least one tension link and cause the harvesting header carrier to be lifted towards and engage with the harvesting header. Further apparatuses, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.

Abstract: A block baling press has a bale chamber and a baling ram moveable in the bale chamber in an oscillating manner to compress bale material. An end face of the baling ram facing the bale material is divided into ram segments separated from one another by needle slots. At least a first needle slot is flanked by ram segments with a profiling transverse to the first needle slot. The profiling brings about a weaker compression of the bale material in an edge region of the ram segments adjacent to the first needle slot than in a region of the ram segments spaced apart from the first needle slot. Bales are obtained in which zones of high compression and low compression alternate across the width of the bale chamber. The bales are held together by twine placed around the zones having low compression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as a round baler, waste baler, combine, sugarcane harvester or cotton harvester. More particularly, the conveyor system utilizes at least a first and a second conveyor belt of which at least one of the conveyor belts is independently movable in the forward and backward directions. The speed and direction of the conveyor belts can be controlled to optimize continuous baling of harvested crop in the agricultural baler.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for recovering planting material and planting miscanthus in which at least one rhizome of the miscanthus plant is introduced into a field and at least one miscanthus plant shoots from said at least one rhizome. In order to introduce the at least one rhizome into the field, a shaped member that includes the at least one rhizome and dirt surrounding the at least one rhizome is planted in the field.

Abstract: A noninvasive method of source-sink regulation in rice belongs to the technical field of rice production. In this method, the source-sink relationship is regulated by a rice sterile line and its identical type of maintaining line being subjected to mixed-planting and insulated pollination, or sowing and transplanting at different times and insulated pollination, so as to construct rice plant samples with gradient difference of source-sink levels. The present invention is a kind of native, natural noninvasive method of source-sink regulation, which could broaden the traditional thinking of source-sink theoretical research, especially overcome the deficiency in conventional methods such as leaf-cutting, spikelet-thinning that lead to physical injury or physiological interference.

Abstract: A modular tray is provided for covering a portion of a surface with vegetation in a growth medium. The tray includes a pair of sidewalls, and a lower end wall and an upper end wall extending between and interconnecting the ends of the sidewalls such that the walls define a perimeter of the tray. A bottom wall extends between and interconnects the ends of the sidewalls and the lower end wall and extends in a plane disposed at an angle with the respect to the longitudinal axis of the sidewalls. Each of a plurality of platforms extends between and interconnects the sidewalls and are disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sidewalls. Each of a plurality of risers extends between the rear edge of a platform to the front edge of an adjacent platform. The tray is water impermeable for accommodating the growth medium and vegetation.

Abstract: There is provided a curb for landscaping having a base portion, a cover portion, a curb front end and a curb rear end. The base portion has a top surface and a flat bottom surface. The cover portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The base portion and the cover portion have front and rear edges, and these front edges are attached to define the curb front end. The cover portion overlies and extends above the base portion such that the rear edges are spaced apart. The curb rear end has one or more drainage openings above the top surface of the base portion, and the curb front end has one or more drainage outlets adjacent to and above the front edge of the base portion, the drainage outlets being in fluid communication with the drainage openings and permitting water to drain through the curb body.

Abstract: Provided is a backpack working machine with excellent operability and durability, the machine having a configuration in which a blower is mounted on a backpack frame with a vibration isolation device interposed therebetween, and a drive source and a fuel tank are attached to the blower. The machine includes a backpack frame with a backrest portion, the backrest portion being adapted to abut an operator's back, a blower mounted on the backrest portion with a vibration isolation device interposed therebetween, an engine attached to the blower for driving the blower, and a fuel tank that stores a fuel to be supplied to the engine. The fuel tank is attached to the blower such that the fuel tank is located at at least one of a position below the engine or on a lateral side of the engine.

Abstract: A stimulating device for enhancing release of negative air ions by a plant includes a plant pot to receive a culture medium for cultivating the plant, and a negative voltage pulse module that outputs a negative voltage pulse to stimulate the plant via a pair of first and second conductive terminals. The first conductive terminal contacts the culture medium. The second conductive terminal is non-contact with the culture medium when the culture medium is placed in the plant pot.

Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus is provided, which can implement automatic spraying on leaf surfaces at any time and any number of times to improve production efficiency while preventing a facility equipped with the apparatus from having complex configuration and causing adverse effects on constituent parts. The apparatus includes a plurality of cultivation shelves 121 that store cultivation trays 110, transport means 130 for transferring the cultivation trays 110, and spraying means 140 for spraying a spray liquid on leaf surfaces of the plants. The spraying means 140 is arranged on a transfer path or at a transfer destination of each of the cultivation trays 110, and includes a separator 141 that forms a partitioned-off space, and a spray nozzle 143 that sprays the spray liquid toward interior of the space.

Abstract: Plant surface structure, comprising plastic base elements, each base element having a deck carried by a series of pillar elements, wherein at least a number of the pillar elements have an open top end in said deck, wherein at least a membrane is placed over said 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 pillars, wherein a growing medium is provided on the membrane and a growing medium is provided in said pillars, the growing medium in said pillars preferably being in fluid contact with the growing medium on said membrane.

Abstract: A plant housing in general and more specifically a system and a method for plant housing for plant growth is provided. An object of the invention is to provide an improved plant housing. The present invention attains the above-described objective by a plant housing being provided with means for setting up an environmental gradient comprising at least one aperture, wherein the plant will adapt to the surrounding environment during the time it takes to grow past said aperture. The environmental gradient can be a temperature gradient and/or a humidity gradient.

Abstract: A greenhouse environment control system generates a CO2-enriched air which is supplied to a greenhouse at a controlled temperature suitable for plant growth. An absorption chiller reduces temperature of a CO2-containing stream of processed gasses from an engine. A mixing and blending unit maintains CO2 at an acceptable concentration for enhanced plant growth and human occupation. An HVAC system modulates temperature and positively pressurizes the greenhouse with the CO2-enriched air to reduce risk of contaminant intrusion. Misting further controls temperature. Retractable shades regulate light supplied to plants and solar gain.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium are disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size configured to be detachable in at least two pieces at first and second sides. Container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. Container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant when first and second sides of container are adjoined together. The plurality of holes are each configured with a dripper for receiving liquid extending therethrough the base portion such that the dripper feeds the plant growing medium at variable flow rates and intervals and provides stability for the apparatus to be secured in the plant growing medium.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. The container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. The base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. The plurality of holes are configured as raised half-circles to block light and receive air, water, and nutrients. The container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. The center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The container is configured with a plurality of geometrically shaped stakes of variable size extending therefrom the base portion for providing stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus and feeding system for dispersing liquid through a plant growing medium are disclosed. The apparatus includes a geometrically shaped container of variable size. Container has an outer wall with an inner surface, an open top, and a base portion configured to cover the plant growing medium. Base portion is configured with a plurality of holes for receiving liquid therethrough. Container is configured with at least one center opening therethrough having an inner wall for receiving a plant. Center opening has at least one longitudinal opening extending therefrom to outer wall to allow placement of container on plant or to allow removal of container from plant. The plurality of holes have at least one dripper for receiving liquid extending therethrough base portion such that the at least one dripper feeds plant growing medium at variable flow rates and intervals and provides stability for apparatus to be secured in plant growing medium.

Abstract: A modular hydroponic flood table arrangement with components that are assembled to create different types of growing arrangements. The arrangement includes a flood table that is typically used as a bottom row flood table from which various frame members are attached. Various accessories are attached to the frame members including a scrog, additional rows of flood tables, lights, tent members, etc. The flood table is also configured to have an aeration channel with an aeration plate from which air bubbles may be passed through the aeration plate in order to aerate the liquid medium contained within the flood table. This helps to promote plant root growth for plants that are placed or growing within the arrangement. An additional feature of the invention includes the attachment of caster wheels to the bottom flood table so that their entire arrangement may be moved around using the wheels.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of marker-assisted selection for high oleic/low linolenic traits in canola and in other oil seed crop species, as well as isolated nucleic acids for use as molecular markers in such methods. In particular, molecular markers and Brassica nucleic acid corresponding to fad2 and fad3 gene mutations are disclosed. The markers of the present invention are highly useful for the direct selection of desirable fad2 and fad3 alleles during marker-assisted trait introgression and breeding. In one aspect of the embodiment, two single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers are provided that correspond to the alleles. Thus, the present invention advantageously permits one of skill in the art to breed for the molecular markers described herein, or derivatives thereof, rather than breeding for a high oleic/low linolenic phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cultivated plant of the species Solanum lycopersicum comprising a acs2 allele having one or more mutations, said mutations resulting in production of a mutant acs2 protein having loss-of-function acs2 protein or reduced function compared to wild type Acs2 protein.

Abstract: Polynucleotides incorporated into nucleic acid constructs have been introduced into plants and were ectopically expressed. The encoded polypeptides of the invention have been shown to confer at least one regulatory activity and confer earlier flowering, longer floral organ retention, increased cold tolerance, greater tolerance to water deprivation, altered carbon-nitrogen balance sensing, increased low nitrogen tolerance, and/or increased tolerance to hyperosmotic stress as compared to a control plant.

Abstract: Inbred corn lines, designated BB202, AB8, AB18, AB19, BB84, BB85, BB95, BB98, BB201, BC106, BC137, CB20, or MN26, are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line BB202, AB8, AB18, AB19, BB84, BB85, BB95, BB98, BB201, BC106, BC137, CB20, or MN26, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line BB202, AB8, AB18, AB19, BB84, BB85, BB95, BB98, BB201, BC106, BC137, CB20, or MN26 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line BB202, AB8, AB18, AB19, BB84, BB85, BB95, BB98, BB201, BC106, BC137, CB20, or MN26 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line BB202, AB8, AB18, AB19, BB84, BB85, BB95, BB98, BB201, BC106, BC137, CB20, or MN26 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent.

Abstract: New parsley variety designated ‘Fidelio’ is described. ‘Fidelio’ is a parsley variety exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-187 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1 to Bl:17, Bl:21, Bl:23 and Ca-I to Ca-VI, currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), and corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens), as well as having a reduced wound-induced surface discoloration. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-187 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-187 RZ.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust air purification device for a livestock stable comprising at least one exhaust air scrubber having a filter body that can be wetted with a scrubbing liquid that can absorb a scrubbing liquid; and a scrubbing liquid container holding a scrubbing liquid; wherein the at least one exhaust air scrubber is arranged on a moving device, the moving device being designed and arranged to immerse the at least one exhaust air scrubber completely or partially into the scrubbing liquid in the scrubbing liquid container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an animal enclosure including a plurality of members defining an interior of the enclosure. One of the plurality of members includes a first member having a frame structure and door assembly formed by a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires. At least two of the horizontal wires of the frame structure form a hook positioned inside the defined opening. The door assembly is coupled to the frame and moves between an open and close positions. The door assembly includes a first door and a second door removably coupled to one another. The enclosure also includes a latch assembly for releasing the door assembly from the frame structure. In the close position, at least one horizontal wire of the first door and at least one horizontal wire of the second door are coupled to the hooks formed by the at least two horizontal wires of the frame structure.

Abstract: A animal drinking assembly includes a base that is positionable in an animal's environment. An interior of the base is exposed to the animal's environment. A container is coupled to the base. The container contains a fluid. A spout is operationally coupled to the container. The spout dispenses the fluid when the animal engages the spout. The spout is positioned proximate the interior of the base so the base captures spilled fluid. A filter is coupled to the base so the filter absorbs the spilled fluid in the base. A fluid tube is operationally coupled between the container and the filter. A pump is operationally coupled to the fluid tube. The pump urges the spilled fluid through the filter and into the container so the spilled fluid is filtered and returned to the container.

Abstract: A pet grooming tool is provided with a fur ejector portion that is at least partially movable relative to the teeth of the pet grooming tool and can be manually moved into engagement with fur that is wedged or lodged between the teeth. The engagement of the fur ejector portion with the fur forces the fur from the gaps between the teeth. Preferably, the fur ejector portion can be manually moved by the same hand a person uses to support and hold the grooming tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick release chest harness with an elastic chest strap, developed for four-legged mammals, comprising a back strap, a leash ring fixed on it for attaching a leash, a belly strap equipped with a quick release buckle, and a chest strap running between the chest bone and the throat area. An element implemented for the chest strap of the chest harness, capable of limited stretching over a given section, is suitable for significantly reducing the risk of injury caused by sudden loads on the chest of the animal during use. Due to the low load-bearing capacity of the elastic portion, the extent of stretching of the chest strap is limited by a separate element, an element limiting the stretching of the elastic portion.

Abstract: A pet care system is disclosed which may include disposable cartridges for storing and dispensing pet care consumable items. The cartridges may be detachably held in a main structure which may also include a retractable leash, and other pet care related items. The cartridges may have machine-readable indicia affixed thereto, that can point the user to information for ordering cartridges and supplies. The pet care system may have additional features to enhance the safety or convenience of the pet or user, including an RFID tag, a radio transmitter, a radio receiver, a GPS locator, a mechanism for generating audible sounds, a light emitting diode, and a flashlight.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, device and process for monitoring physical and physiological features of livestock through a unique monitoring system and device. Basic and Smart tags are placed on livestock to monitor, among other things, temperature, movement, location, posture, pulse rate, and other physical and physiological features. Information is relayed from Basic tags, in one embodiment, to Smart tags that requests the information and receives the information from the basic tags. Smart tags send information to a mobile unit controller and/or home base so that requested information is sent to an end user that monitors the livestock for signs of illness. Potentially ill animals are segregated from the herd for further evaluation and minimization of exposure risk to the rest of the herd. This early detection system saves livestock and ensures a healthier herd for livestock farmers.

Abstract: Flooring challenge systems and processes for culling poultry reared in pens by adding torque, stress and strain on key leg joints in to induce lameness attributable to osteochondrosis and osteomyelitis of the proximal femur and tibia. The flooring challenge systems utilize one or more portable panels or sections that can be constructed in a wide range of sizes and configurations for installation in commercial poultry pens. In addition, the flooring challenge systems may utilize a device suspended a predetermined distance above the apex of the flooring challenge panel to subject the poultry's legs to asymmetric twisting and enhanced instability by forcing the birds to straddle opposing slopes near the apex of the flooring challenge panel. After a suitable incidence of lameness has been induced, the panels or sections of the flooring challenge system can be removed to facilitate cleanout of the rearing pens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immuno-deficient animal useful as an animal model for a human disease associated with a first mutation of a target gene, wherein the animal comprises (a) a first human xenograft comprising the target gene comprising the first mutation; (b) a second human xenograft comprising the target gene but lacking the first mutation, wherein the first human xenograft and second human xenograft are isogenic. Also provided here are methods of producing the animal model and methods of using such animal model.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an immuno-deficient animal useful as an animal model for a human disease, wherein the animal comprises: (a) functional human immune cells; and (b) a human xenograft comprising a pathogenic human cell or tissue, wherein the human immune cells and the human xenograft meet at least one of the following criteria: i) the human xenograft expresses a threshold level of a therapeutic target for the human disease; ii) the human immune cells match with the human xenograft for at least one human leukocyte antigen (HLA) marker; and iii) the human xenograft cells expresses a desired level of the matched HLA marker. Also provides is a method of producing the animal model and use of the animal models.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing biofuel from algae, that use fish which have a high capacity of producing and/or accumulating lipids to harvest algae from an algal culture. The invention also provides methods for growing fish that result in a high lipid content. The invention also provides methods for creating fish that have a high capacity of producing and accumulating lipids by breeding and/or recombinant DNA techniques. Also included are transgenic fish that have a higher lipid content than wild-type fish.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an inducible animal model of stress comprising genetically modifying a non-human vertebrate to express one or more protein(s) that can be activated by light in (a) cell(s) of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, wherein the protein(s) that can be activated by light are capable of inducing the release of (i) corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and/or arginine-vasopressin (A VP) from neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the rostral hypothalamus; (ii) adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from corticotroph cells in the anterior pituitary; and/or (iii) glucocorticoids from cells in the adrenal cortex. The present invention further relates to an animal model of stress obtained by the method of the invention and the use of said animal model for screening for a compound for preventing, ameliorating or treating stress and/or stress-associated diseases.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice and methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises humanization of an Fc?RI protein.

Abstract: An artificial gamefish lure has a negatively buoyant body and a bill attached to a front of the lure body. The bill extends forward and upward of the lure body. The lure is configured to sink in water until a horizontal force pulls the lure forward. The body can be configured to sink in fresh water at a rate of 30.5 cm in 2-5 seconds. The bill can be mounted on an axis on the top front of the lure body at an angle between 25 and 35 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the lure body and extending forward and upward from the front of the lure body. The proportion of a bill width to a lure body width 52 can be in the range of 0.8:1 to 1.3 to 1 and the proportion of a bill length to lure body length can be in the range of 0.2:1 to 0.7 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular chambered fishing lure having an internal spool for providing compact storage for an extendable leader; weighted elements removably attached along various portions of the lure body for providing a desired motion, orientation, and depth in the water; and a plurality of interchangeable tail components to provide a variety of different lure types.

Abstract: Release devices for fishing rigs including a body, a mount, a compression assembly, and a friction member. The body includes a joint a base that extends from the joint, and a clamp vertically spaced from the base and extending from the joint. The mount pivotally mounts to the base at a second end of the body and cooperates with the clamp to pivot the mount between a retaining position and a release position. The compression assembly is configured to selectively adjust how much the clamp compresses the mount when the mount is in the retaining position. The friction member mounts between the clamp and the base about a vertical axis and is configured to selectively engage the fishing line retained the mount to restrict the fishing line from moving relative to the mount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a live bait keeper having a cornerless interior and dynamic flow of ambient water through it for freshening the water and protecting bait against harm when the holder is in water. The holder has a hollow, disc-shaped keeper body having forward and aft ends and cornerless interior space. The keeper is buoyant. A top hatch accesses the interior where bait is held. In use, ports on the top-portion of the keeper vent air and water from the interior, and bottom-ports disposed toward the forward-end of the keeper allow water to enter the interior. A tether attachment is disposed on the bottom-portion at the forward end below the neutral buoyancy plane of the keeper body, and as a tether maintains the forward end into the wind and/or current, the keeper rocks fore and aft forcing water into the bottom-ports to provide dynamic water flow into the bait holder.