Abstract: One possible system may include a detector, a food scale, a water scale, a facial camera, and a processor. The detector may recognize a presence or absence the animal. The food scale may determine a weight of food in a food tray. The water scale may determine a weight of water in a water tray. The facial camera may observe a face of the animal when the animal is feeding or drinking. The processor may determine, upon an indication that the animal is present, and the face of the animal observed by the facial camera, an identity of the animal. The processor may additionally determine via the food scale, upon an indication that the animal is absent, an amount of food consumed by the animal. The processor may moreover determine via the water scale, upon an indication that the animal is absent, an amount of water consumed by the animal.

Abstract: An animal bathing system is provided which mixes an injectant from a fluid container with water for bating an animal, where the injectant can be a shampoo conditioner, de-flea agent, or other similar type. The animal bathing system can include a support structure having a plurality of fluid containers each including an injectant and a fluid control system, wherein the plurality of fluid containers are in fluid communication with the fluid control system. The plurality of fluid containers can be supporting on the support structure in a vertical orientation. The fluid control system include a system for cleaning the component to prevent cross contamination without the need for back flushing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticidal control device that includes at least one pesticidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers, and a polymer or polymer matrix. The combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer allows for a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients within the pesticidal control device, maintains the active ingredient within the control device during transportation, storage and handling, and provides higher efficacy or control of pests during treatment. The pesticidal control device may be an ear tag, collar, or bee strip.

Abstract: A pet vest adapted to safely secure weights to a pet to improve the health benefits of exercise and a method for using same.

Abstract: A leash training device embodying a non-invasive and non-threatening method of using the same to train a dog is provided. The leash training device may include a liquid sprayer having a housing forming a handle portion and a leash assembly. While grasping the handle portion so as to manage the dog on the other end of the leash assembly, the liquid sprayer is adapted so that the user may discharge a jet of liquid from a reservoir secured within the housing. The method includes discharging the jet at or on the dog engaged in bad behavior.

Abstract: A pet chew product includes an edible casing having a hollow cavity with an edible treat disposed therein. The casing has an opening that militates against a removal of the edible treat from the cavity until the opening or the casing is opened further by a pet. The opening permits an olfactory detection and visual detection of the edible treat by the pet. An open volume of the cavity is greater than a size of the edible treat, and allows the edible treat to strike an inner surface of the cavity when the casing is manipulated by the pet. The striking of the edible treat with the inner surface of the cavity permits an audible detection of the edible treat by the pet.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for acquiring data from and communicating with a wearable device (e.g., a collar) affixed to animal are described. A wearable device affixed to a dog, for example, may acquire data and transmit the data to mobile devices or servers using one or several wireless technologies. The wearable device may also receive signaling, which may be indicative of commands to or feedback for the animal wearing the wearable device. The data acquired from the wireless device may be used for monitoring and communicating with an animal by, for example, generating reports, developing training or feeding schedules, or conveying relevant information to animal owners. Likewise, signaling sent to the device may facilitate interaction between an animal and the animal's owner, between the animal and its surroundings, or between multiple animals.

Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Water treatment equipment for recirculating aquaculture contains: at least one aquaculture tank, an aeration unit, at least one water circulating tank, a plurality of membrane filtering units and a water returning unit. Each aquaculture tank includes plural connecting plate units and a flowing cup; the aeration unit includes a plurality of air supply pipes. Each water circulating tank includes a nitration reacting chamber and an accommodating chamber, and the nitration reacting chamber has a flow tube outwardly extending to the flowing cup and a nitrifying bacteria layer fixed therein. Each membrane filtering unit is a circularly flat membrane and includes a water pipe and plural disc-shaped film bags, wherein each film bag has two filtering films communicating with the water pipe; and the water returning unit is fixed outside each aquaculture tank and includes a pump and a water return tube.

Abstract: A media reactor aquarium filter incorporates a simple design and allows simple media replacement. The filter includes co-axial inner and outer tubes. The outer tube includes a mounting feature and the inner tube holds the media and is removable without disturbing the outer tube. A pump at the base of the filter pumps water into the inner tube through ports at the base of the inner tube and up through the inner tube, and thus through the media. The filtered water then flows through the top wall of the inner tube and down between the inner and outer tubes, and back into the aquarium. The inner tube is rotatable to vary the alignment of the ports to adjust the water flow rate through the filter.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and systems for transforming silkworms to produce spider silk and analogs of spider silk. In certain embodiments, the method may include inserting a DNA sequence coding for at least a portion of a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, or an analog of a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, positioned between at least a portion of the 5? and 3? ends of a silkworm fibroin gene to generate a fusion gene construct having a sequence that encodes for a polypeptide comprising both spider silk fibroin and silkworm silk fibroin sequences. In certain embodiments, the fused gene is able to replace a native gene present in the silkworm such that the transformed silkworm expresses a polypeptide comprising a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, or an analog thereof, and expresses significantly less of the native silkworm silk.

Abstract: A bubbling fishing lure is a device that produces bubbles upon coming into contact with water, attracting nearby fish. The device features a vessel that holds a replaceable at least one effervescent pill that produces bubbles upon coming into contact with water. The bubbles are able to escape from the vessel through a first set of bubble-releasing holes, providing auditory and visual stimulation to the fish. The device may be inserted into or attached to an existing fishing lure. Various embodiments of the device may include an adhesive, a ripple-inducing hinge, a dissolvable coating, a plurality of dissolvable plugs, and a second set of bubble-releasing holes. The device may also include an at least one quantity of scent-emitting attractant material in order to provide olfactory stimulation to fish in addition to auditory and visual stimulation.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a head portion and a plurality of flow-through appendage cavity portions which are removably secured to the head portion, each cavity portion including an open front end, a closed tail end, and a substantially rigid sidewall between the front and tail ends, the sidewall having a plurality of sidewall openings disposed to permit flow-through of fluid while preventing pass-through of solids dimensioned greater than the widest sidewall opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a fishing hook delivery device for attaching a fishing lure and allowing it to hover above the water such as a dragonfly or other insect would hover over a body of water. A flotation body with a steel or carbon fiber wire attached flexible enough for the wire to sway but not dip into the water from the weight of the lure.

Abstract: A fishing rod to enhance casting power is provided. The fishing rod includes a handle and a rod engaged with the handle, in which a back end of the rod is inserted into the handle, defining a space between an outer circumference of the back end of the rod and an inner circumference of the handle, and a bearing formed on the outer circumference of the back end of the rod, supported in contact with the inner circumference of the handle. The fishing rod according to the present disclosure can advantageously allow remote distance casing with less force, as the resilience from the bending of the rod is enhanced during casting, because the rod engaged inside the handle is bent and the stress is maximized at the bearing.

Abstract: Provided is a fishing spinning reel in which biting or entanglement of a fishing line in components disposed inside a rotor can be prevented and with which a fine fishing operability can be provided. A fishing spinning reel includes a reel body 1, a rotor 3 rotated in accordance with a rotational operation of a handle 5 provided on the reel body 1, a spool 4 around which a fishing line is wound through a line guide 35 provided on an arm portion 32 of the rotor 3, a cylindrical protection cover 20 disposed on a front portion of the reel body 1 inside the rotor 3 to house components disposed inside the rotor 3, and a fishing line stopper protruding out from an outer periphery of the protection cover 20 in a radial direction.

Abstract: A leader rig for use in fishing includes a leader line having a distal end and a proximate end with a central line portion located there between. One or more spoons or spinners can be attached to the central line portion. The spoons or spinners are movable along the central line portion and are removable from the central line portion. As such, the leader rig is strong, customizable and capable of use in fishing for a wide variety of target fish.

Abstract: A tackle box comprising a body and lid configured such that when the body and lid are closed, the combination forms a cavity sized and shaped for housing one or more rollers or spindles. The rollers have one or more compartments for storing fishing equipment, and a user can manipulate user controls to rotate the spindles and thereby cause different compartments to become accessible to the user when the tackle box is open.

Abstract: A copper-zinc alloy that is particularly suitable as a material for a horseshoe includes at least the following components, in percent by weight: 59-73% of copper, 2.7-8.5% of manganese, 1.5-6.3% of aluminum, 0.2-4% of silicon, 0.2-3% of iron, 0-2% of lead, 0-2% of nickel, 0-0.4% of tin, balance zinc and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: The invention is directed at to a pest entrapment device for attracting and trapping flying pests around the head of a person. The apparatus includes an attachable device having at least one member, which member contains at least one cavity to hold a pest attractant. The attachable device is affixed to a head covering on the underside of a bill, brim, visor or the like. The pest attractant can be of a combination of grease, carbon dioxide, sweetener, and a sticky, viscid matter. The pest attractant also acts as a trapping substance to capture the flying insects. The pest entrapment device can be removed for cleaning and reapplication of the pest attractant.

Abstract: A unit for dispensing repellant having a heating element powered by hydrocarbon combustion. A tank connection assembly within the unit attaches a fuel cartridge and a valve activator controls fuel flowing from the cartridge. A lever that is communication with the fuel activator is independently controllable by a user to initiate and terminate flow of fuel and also is controllable by the unit's cover to terminate fuel flow.

Abstract: Methods of determining the health of an organ, such as a transplant organ, by measuring the ex-situ oxygen consumption rate of the organ. Systems for preserving and transporting organs while monitoring viability by measuring oxygen consumption rates.

Abstract: Ice recrystallization inhibitor (IRI) compounds and methods for cryopreserving umbilical cord blood are provided. The compounds are unsubstituted, mono-substituted, or di-substituted aryl-adlonamides. The methods include fractionating whole umbilical cord blood to generate a fraction comprising hematopoietic stem cells, mixing the hematopoietic stem cells with at least one IRI compound to form an IRI suspension, and freezing the IRI suspension.

Abstract: An agrichemical-containing composition that exhibits excellent agrichemical efficacy is provided. The agrichemical-containing composition comprises hydroxypropyl cellulose, an agrichemical, an organic solvent having a saturated vapor pressure of 50 mmHg or higher at 25° C., and water. When the composition as a whole is taken as 100 wt %, the content of the organic solvent is 0.02 to 1 wt %, and the weight ratio of the hydroxypropyl cellulose to the organic solvent (hydroxypropyl cellulose/organic solvent) is in a range of 0.1 to 2.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions including an antimicrobial lipid, such as a fatty acid ester, fatty ether, or alkoxide derivative thereof, an enhancer, a surfactant, water, and an optional hydrophilic co-solvent. Such compositions provide effective topical antimicrobial activity and are accordingly useful in cleaning surfaces.

Abstract: Pest controlling compositions exhibiting enhanced pesticidal activity levels and methods for preparing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a liquid composition that includes at least one pesticide and at least one co-ingredient that enhances pesticidal activity of the composition compared to a composition dissimilar only in not having the at least one co-ingredient. The at least one co-ingredient may include at least one metal oxide, a combination of at least transition metal salt and at least one proteinaceous material or a combination of at least one proteinaceous material and at least one polymeric material. The method further includes spray drying the liquid composition to provide a solid composition. In one aspect of this embodiment, the solid composition provided by the spray drying exhibits enhanced pesticidal activity compared to the liquid composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are synergistic herbicidal compositions containing (a) a compound of formula (I): or an agriculturally acceptable salt or carbendazim, difenoconazole, flutolanil, hexaconazole, iprobenfos, isoprothiolane, isotianil, kasugamycin, mancozeb, myclobutanil, phthalide, probenazole, propiconazole, pyroquilon, tebuconazole, thifluzamide, tricyclazole, trifloxystrobin, validamycin, or a compound of formula (II) The compositions and methods provided herein control undesirable vegetation, e.g., in direct-seeded, water-seeded and transplanted rice, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, corn/maize, sugarcane, sunflower, oilseed rape, canola, sugar beet, soybean, cotton, pineapple, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallowland, turf, tree and vine orchards, plantation crops, vegetables, industrial vegetation management (IVM) and rights-of-way (ROW).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) isolated gougerotin b) at least one biological control agent selected from specific microorganisms and/or a mutant of it having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Abstract: The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the novel use of Prothioconazole for inducing host defence responses in a plant. In particular, the present invention relates the use of Prothioconazole for inducing systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in a plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active compound combinations, in particular within a fungicide composition, which comprises (A) prothioconazole and (B) fluxapyroxad and optionally (C) a further fungicidally active compound. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops (e.g. cereals such as wheat, barley, rye, oats, millet and triticale; soya beans; rice; corn/maize; oil seed rape including canola; beans, peas, peanuts; sugar beet, fodder beet, beetroot; potatoes; cotton), and to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and not at least to the treated seed.

Abstract: A method for controlling harmful plants resistant to active compounds from the group of the inhibitors of acetolactate synthase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, photosynthesis at photosystem II, microtubuli arrangement, cell division or 5-enolpyrovylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, in particular acetolactate synthase, is described.

Abstract: The present application relates to novel heterocyclic compounds, to processes for preparation thereof and to the use thereof for controlling animal pests, which also include arthropods and especially insects.

Abstract: A composition having an active compound contained within a microcapsule, the microcapsule having a wall comprising a polyurea formed by a polyisocyanate and a cross linking agent, the cross linking agent being the product of the reaction of a hydroxide salt with the copolymerization product of styrene and maleic anhydride. The active compound may be an agrochemical, in particular a herbicide or an insecticide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungicidal pyrimidine compounds, to their use and to methods for combating phytopathogenic fungi. The present invention also relates to seeds treated with at least one such compound. Furthermore the invention relates to processes for preparing compounds of formula I.

Abstract: A foliar product for use in agriculture and horticulture comprising heterocyclic nitrogen source, chelating agent and metal salts. The heterocyclic nitrogen source is Hexamine. The chelating agent is disodium salt of Hydroxy Ethylidene Di Phosphonic Acid (Na2HEDP). The metal salts are chelated using the chelating agent Na2HEDP. The foliar product provides complete raw material requirement, which enables plants to synthesize various products. Further, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing the foliar product. Advantageously, the present invention eliminates undesirable side effects in plants and helps plants survive environmental or biological stress conditions.

Abstract: Fused heterocyclic compounds of formula (1): (G1 and G2 represent a nitrogen atom or the like, A1 and A2 represent a nitrogen atom or the like, A3 represents —NR8— or the like, A4 and A5 represent a nitrogen atom or the like, R1 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like optionally having one or more atoms or groups selected from a group X, R2 and R3 are the same or different and represent a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like optionally having one or more atoms or groups selected from the group X, R8 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group or the like optionally having one or more atoms or groups selected from a group W, and n represents 0, 1 or 2), or N-oxides thereof are described. The disclosed compounds are very effective for pest control.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving cold temperature damage recovery of a cereal grain comprising applying an effective amount of at least one gibberellin to the cereal grain during early vegetative growth stage. The present invention is also directed to methods for improving yield of a cereal grain comprising applying an effective amount of at least one gibberellin to a cereal grain suffering from cold temperature damage during the early vegetative growth stage.

Abstract: A chitosan solution is formed from chitin, which is a homopolymer of beta (1-4)- linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Rinsed, dried and ground chitin undergoes a process of deacetylation to convert some N-acetyl glucosamine to glucosamine, a primary component of chitosan. The chitosan solution is prepared by mixing 5chitosan with a alpha-hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid. An aqueous chelated silver solution is prepared by mixing silver oxide with a carboxylic acid such as citric acid. The chitosan solution can then be mixed with the silver solution resulting in a cationic complex. The cationic complex of the present invention may then be electrostatically bonded with generally negatively charged surfaces. In use, citrate promotes uptake of the silver by microbes. The antimicrobial complex can be applied via several methods of application, including an impregnated wipe, a foam, a gel, a spray, a lotion and an ointment.

Abstract: A biocide, including from about 10 parts per million to about 1,000 parts per million of chlorine dioxide; hypochlorite; chlorite salt; and a buffer; wherein the biocide has a pH of from about 4 to about 10 and an oxidation/reduction potential of from about +700 to about +1,200 millivolts.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous composition and a process for killing spores. The process may comprise contacting the spores with the aqueous composition for a sufficient period of time to effect a desired reduction (e.g., at least a 4 log reduction) in the number of spores capable of returning to vegetative growth. The aqueous composition may comprise water, an antimicrobial agent (e.g., peracetic acid) and a peroxide (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The process may be a two-step process involving the use of a first aqueous composition, which may comprise water and the peroxide, and a second aqueous composition which may comprise water and the antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of heteropolyoxometalates for disinfecting purposes and in antimicrobial surfaces, paints or coatings and intermediates for their preparation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an antimicrobial metal complex surface, and the method includes providing an article, and the article has a first metal complex surface treated by anodization. The first metal complex surface is formed with a first pore. Secondly a silver suspension is provided. The silver suspension also has pore sealing agent. The article is soaked in the suspension to form a pore sealing layer having silver particles on the first metal complex surface such that the silver particles are distributed in the pore sealing layer. The antimicrobial metal complex surface fabricated by the method inhibits microorganism growth on the anodized metal surface.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising an inorganic copper salt which has low water solubility. These types of inorganic salts may also be introduced in porous particles to yield antimicrobial compositions. The compositions may optionally comprise additional antimicrobial agents, salts with high water solubility, organic acids, salts of organic acids and their esters. The compositions may be added to various fluids used in the petroleum extraction industry, or used as coatings on components used in this industry. These antimicrobial materials may be used for reducing both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and are also useful for reducing corrosion of ferrous components caused by anaerobic bacteria. Although such compositions may be used for any antimicrobial application, and some of the other important uses of these compositions are in wound care, personal care and waste processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bacterium Yersinia entomophaga MH96 as deposited at DSMZ on 4 May 2006 and designated accession no. DSM 18238. The present invention also relates to substances obtained or derived from Yersinia entomophaga MH96, which retain biopesticide activity. Methods for protecting a plant from pest infestation which include applying to the plant or its environment an effective amount of Yersinia entomophaga MH96 or a product delivered from the bacterium are also described.

Abstract: Products are provided that improve overall plant vigor and yield by combining agriculturally effective amounts of at least one spore-forming bacterium and at least one optional insect control agent to a genetically modified plant, plant part, or seed. This product is particularly effective in the presence of plant parasitic nematode and fungal species. Use of the product leads to an overall reduction in crop losses caused by either plant parasitic nematodes or fungi and this reduction is much greater than using genetically modified seed with just an insect control agent. According to some embodiments, the use of the product results in about a 2%-10% increase in soybean bushel yield, 3%-6.5% increase in cotton yield, and 3%-8% in corn bushel yield. Methods for utilizing and manufacturing the combination are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials and methods for conferring improved plant traits or benefits on plants. The materials can include a formulation comprising an exogenous endophytic bacterial population, which can be disposed on an exterior surface of a seed or seedling, typically in an amount effective to colonize the plant. The formulations can include at least one member selected from the group consisting of an agriculturally compatible carrier, a tackifier, a microbial stabilizer, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a rodenticide, and a nutrient.

Abstract: Materials and methods for improving plant traits and for providing plant benefits are provided. In some embodiments, the materials, and methods employing the same, can comprise endophytes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pest controlling compositions comprising entomopathogenic fungi which are horizontally transmissible across pest populations and control target pests at various life stages. Further disclosed are methods of using such compositions for controlling pests, including, bed bugs and other invasive parasitic pests.