Abstract: Description and specification of a new and distinct nectarine tree cultivar named ‘Bowden’ which originated from a hand-pollinated cross of Ark. 699N×Ark. 663CN made in 2001. This new nectarine cultivar can be distinguished by its very firm, non-melting white flesh, early-mid season ripening, medium-sized fruits, excellent fruit quality with distinct white nectarine flavor, and resistance to bacterial spot disease.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of clingstone nectarine tree denominated ‘Andes Nec-1’ that is similar to the nectarine ‘Venus’ in terms of its high postharvest potential, and firm in texture. The variety is distinguished from ‘Venus’ by producing fruit that is clingstone instead of freestone, has skin completely covered by red blush, and matures about two weeks earlier. The variety's harvest period is a week before the ‘Fantasy’ nectarine variety. Its fruit is solid red to red-purple blush over yellow flesh, with a round, symmetrical fruit shape.

Abstract: A new and distinct nectarine tree variety, Prunus persica var. nucipersica, cv. ‘Sunectwentythree’ is characterized by early ripening, and large sized fruit with a mildly tart-sweet flavor.

Abstract: Description and specifications of a new and distinct blackberry cultivar named ‘A-1960’ which originated from seed produced by a hand pollinated cross of Ark. Selection Ark.-1583 (non-patented, unreleased genotype; female)×Ark.-1482 (non-patented, unreleased genotype; male) is provided. This new blackberry cultivar can be distinguished by its very firm fruit with long shape, medium-large size, attractive fruit appearance, very good flavor, excellent plant health, and cane erectness.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Mandevilla plant named ‘Lansouthcarolina’, characterized by its upright plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; freely flowering habit; and large pink-colored flowers.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named ‘BCHY-11.033’ originated as a controlled cross between varieties. The variety ‘BCHY-11.033’ has attractive inflorescences with relatively large sepalous florets, attractive, nonuniform sepal pigmentation and good commercial characteristics. Many non-sepalous florets in the center of the inforescence make the new variety look similar to a lace-cap variety.

Abstract: A new plant variety of the Zingerberacae family resulting from a discovery of a mutant attached to a stool (mat) of lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum) in a cultivated field and subsequently asexually reproduced from stem cuttings. The most distinguishing characteristics of this new variety are the pungent cinnamon fragrance and flavor of its leaves (tea) and its physical differences with the parent plant. The new variety has valuable commercial potential and excellent post harvest prospects.

Abstract: ‘Duraant’ is a distinctive variety of Tillandsia hybrid which is characterized by the combination of dark green foliage, striking pink bracts and highly branched inflorescences, as well as the stability and uniformity of traits through successive cycles of asexual propagation.

Abstract: A new and distinct form of Agastache plant characterized by light yellow orange flowers in large inflorescences, a long bloom time, a short, compact habit, good winter hardiness, and excellent vigor.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the solderability of a metallic surface is disclosed where the metallic surface is plated with an immersion silver plate prior to soldering, which immersion silver plate is treated with an additive selected from the group consisting of fatty amines, fatty amides, quaternary salts, amphateric salts, resinous amines, resinous amides, fatty acids, resinous acids, ethoxylated derivatives of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. The immersion silver deposits created are resistant electromigration.

Abstract: A computer-based ordering system for ordering goods and services includes a plurality of self-service client terminals and a server. Each self-service client terminal runs a self-order application including a set of interactive menu screens having buttons that allow the customer to select and customize products for the order. An administration tool application communicates with the server to administer the self-service client terminals. The administration tool application including a menu editor that enables the administrator to create and edit the interactive menu screens provided by the self-order application at the self-service client terminals. The menu editor accesses a library of menu templates containing predefined groupings of buttons, and uses the menu templates, as directed by the administrator, during creation and editing of the interactive menu screens.

Abstract: A weight sensor includes a deformable body, a first strain resistor provided on an outer side surface of the deformable body, and a pressing member applying a load to the deformable body. The deformable body includes a tubular portion having a tubular shape extending along a center axis and surrounding the center axis, and a projection projecting from an inner surface of the tubular portion. The pressing member moves along the center axis so as to apply a moment to the tubular portion. The resistances of the strain resistors change greatly, allowing the weight sensor to measure a load with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A chat interface allowing a user to exchange haptic chat messages with other users in a chat session over a computer network. A chat interface can be displayed by a local computer and receives input data from a user of the local computer, such as text characters or speech input. The input data provides an outgoing chat message that can include sent force information. The outgoing chat message is sent to a remote computer that is connected to the local host computer via a computer network. The remote computer can display a chat interface and output a haptic sensation to a user of the remote computer based at least in part on the force information in the outgoing chat message. An incoming message from the remote computer can also be received at the chat interface, which may also include received force information. The incoming chat message is displayed on a display device to the user of the local computer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electronic device, the device including a plurality of layers on a substrate, the layers including an upper conductive layer and at least one patterned underlying layer between said conductive layer and said substrate. The method includes patterning said underlying layer, and patterning said upper conductive layer by laser ablation using a stepwise process in which successive areas of said upper conductive layer are ablated by successively applied laser patterns. The successively applied laser patterns overlap one another in an overlap region. The method further includes configuring a said laser pattern and said patterned underlying layer with respect to one another such that in a said overlap region said patterned underlying layer is substantially undamaged by said stepwise laser ablation.

Abstract: An information signal transmission system and a remote control device for such a system for allowing a viewer to continuously watch, for example, in a bedroom a program the viewer has watched in a living room. A recipient of information is detected referring to identification information set in a remote command device, and monitor devices are alternately switched for continuously providing the viewer with an information signal.

Abstract: An enhanced VSB receiver includes a tuner which tunes an RF signal and converts it into an IF signal, an IF mixer which converts the IF signal into a baseband signal, and a demodulator which demodulates the baseband signal into a VSB signal. The enhanced VSB receiver further includes a map recovery unit which recovers VSB map information of the VSB signal, an enhanced equalizer for compensating channel distortion of the VSB signal and outputting an equalized symbol, and an enhanced Viterbi decoder for estimating whether polarity inversion occurred during a symbol period of the equalized symbol and Viterbi-decoding the equalized symbol based on the polarity estimation.

Abstract: A towed agricultural machine for tillage purposes and/or for sowing seeds is disclosed. The machine comprises a running gear, tillage tools, and a packer unit, the latter being coupled to the running gear and forming a constructional and/or functional unit therewith. In a first operating position, the running gear is in an active position for road traffic and the packer tools are brought outside the engagement range with the ground. In a second operating position, the running gear, or at least parts thereof, are in an inactive position out of contact range with the ground, while the packer tools are in an active mode in engagement with the ground.

Abstract: A leveling and tillage implement for attachment to another vehicle for tilling and leveling a ground surface. The implement utilizes a row of hydraulically controlled discs to provide an angular adjustment of the discs to achieve effective tilling of the soil. Further, the implement includes a box scraper that can be raised up and lowered down to pull dirt forward to fill holes, level off high spots or build a mound.

Abstract: A method of coating seeds is provided using observations of coating and coated seeds to modify the coating of yet-to-be coated seeds.

Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port, to prevent excess accumulation of seed in the seed chamber.

Abstract: Dry yield for baled forage crop materials may be obtained for specific cut locations in the field by allocating the overall average baled dry yield for the entire field to the specific cut locations in accordance with the cut yield at such locations. Information obtained from a position sensor and one or more crop volume sensors on the windrower or mower is later combined with information obtained from a weight sensor on the baler to arrive at a specific location dry yield report for the baled product.

Abstract: An automatic-feed trimmer head for a vegetation trimming machine. A spool is positioned within the interior of a housing. A cam guide formation is disposed atop the top flange of the spool. The cam guide formation defines a pathway. A cam arm is provided that is mounted to the housing with a pivot connection. The cam arm has a cam projection that extends into the pathway. A spring is provided that biases the cam arm into a first orientation. In the first orientation, the shape of the pathway enables the cam projection to move only in a first direction. The cam arm moves about the pivot connection from its first orientation to a second orientation when the trimmer head assembly is rotated above a predetermined rotational speed. When the cam arm is in its second orientation trimmer line is unwound from the spool.

Abstract: A method for operating a self-propelled harvesting machine with a plurality of working assemblies for processing picked-up crop, includes controlling the working assemblies using a control device assigned to the harvesting machine. At least one working assembly of the working assemblies is controlled by an input mechanism operatively connected to the control device and having a specific first function (F1) in the harvesting mode. A second function (F2), which deviates from the first function (F1) is assigned to the input mechanism by the control device depending on an operating state change. The second function (F2) is specific for the working assembly in an operating state that deviates from the harvesting mode.

Abstract: Adjustment of snout height and tension is provided for a combine harvester. The combine harvester includes a header having a plurality of row unit divider assemblies. The row unit divider assemblies include a bonnet portion, a snout portion, and a height and tension adjustment device. The height and tension adjustment device is coupled between the bonnet portion and the snout portion and is operable to adjust an angle and tension of the snout portion with respect to the bonnet portion.

Abstract: A feeder assembly for an agricultural harvester, including a first shaft, a second shaft opposite the first shaft, a chain extending around the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the chain is configured to convey agricultural through the agricultural harvester, and a self-adjusting object deflector assembly positioned between the first shaft and the second shaft, wherein the self-adjusting object deflector assembly comprises a deflector biased against the chain and configured to block the agricultural material from interfering with a connection between the chain and the first shaft.

Abstract: A bale accumulator system that includes a bale accumulator that has a platform with a plurality of centrally located rollers that extend from a first end of the platform to a second end of the platform. First and second pivot racks are provided that have L-shaped support members that are used so that once the plurality of rollers are full of bales the first or second pivot racks can be pivoted in order to place the bales at a different storage location on the platform.

Abstract: An easily transportable cotton module builder includes a side mounted dump basket for receiving a load of cotton bolls from a cotton picker or stripper. The module builder is sized to form a module of half standard size, which enables the unit to be readily transportable on fields and roads. The basket expands outwardly, is lightweight and is sized to receive a full load dump from a cotton picker or stripper, then the basket swings up and over a module builder compression chamber. A compression bridge extends across the top of the compression chamber and supports a tamper bar assembly which compresses the cotton dumped in the chamber. The module builder compression chamber takes two to three loads from a cotton picker or stripper before it reaches capacity.

Abstract: A continuous round baler system has a baler and an accumulating system. The accumulating system includes a conveyor configured to convey crop material extending from a pickup mechanism to a bale formation chamber in the baler. A screed is positioned adjacent the end of the conveyor and is configured to be movable by a lifting mechanism between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the first conveyor. In the raised position, a gap is formed between the screed and the first conveyor so that crop material passes into the bale formation chamber. In the lowered position, the gap is closed thereby preventing the crop material from passing to the baler causing the crop material to remain on the conveyor.

Abstract: A plant cultivating pot is disclosed. The pot has top and bottom wall spaced apart by a sidewall or panel. The cross-section of the top is larger than the bottom wall so that the sidewall is inwardly sloped from the bottom wall to the top. Openings in the sidewall provide points for planting a plant in media for supporting plant growth from within the interior volume of the body of the pot. The increasing cross-section of the pot from the top to the bottom maximizes exposure of each plant to sunlight. A frusto-pyramidal shaped, non-woven geotextile material provides an optimal shape and material for the body of the pot for growing strawberries.

Abstract: A drip emitter for subsurface irrigation includes a valve chamber defining a hollow interior, an entry port and at least one exit port. A flexible diaphragm is mounted in the hollow interior of the valve chamber for movement in response to pressurized water being supplied to the hollow interior through the entry port. The drip emitter further includes a tortuous path water flow channel that limits the flow of water from the hollow interior of the valve chamber to the at least one exit port. A closure member is moved by the flexible diaphragm to open the at least one exit port when pressurized water enters the hollow interior to allow water to be discharged through the at least one exit port. A spring moves the closure member to close the at least one exit port when the supply of pressurized water is shut OFF.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a device for assisting fluid distribution that includes a ring having an inner surface disposed over an emitter tube and an engagement portion to secure the ring to the emitter tube. Another embodiment provides a flow-control system that includes an emitter tube having spaced orifices therein, emitters positioned within the emitter tube adjacent the spaced orifices, and spaced clips positioned on the emitter tube, the clips having an inner surface disposed over the emitter tube and an engagement portion to secure the ring to the emitter tube. Another embodiment provides a method for assisting fluid distribution that includes the following steps: selecting an emitter tube; installing emitters within the emitter tube; and mounting, to the emitter tube, rings, each having an inner surface disposed over the emitter tube and an engagement portion to secure each ring to the emitter tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure embraces Kalanchoë interspecific hybrid plants, and considers rol transformation in Kalanchoë species and hybrids. Disclosed herein are methodology and the like for producing rol-transformed Kalanchoë interspecific hybrid plants, as well as resultant rol-transformed Kalanchoë interspecific hybrid plants with novel phenotypes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pepper plant showing the trait fruit formation in the absence of fertilization wherein said trait is obtainable by introgression from a plant grown from seed that was deposited with the NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41678, NCIMB 41680, or NCIMB 41684. The invention further relates to progeny of the plant, propagation material for producing the plant, to fruits of the plant and to a food product comprising the fruit or parts thereof.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1DCW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1DCW with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1DCW through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1DCW or a locus conversion of PH1DCW with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1VY6 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1VY6 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1VY6 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1VY6 or a locus conversion of PH1VY6 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1V69 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1V69 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1V69 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1V69 or a locus conversion of PH1V69 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH1M77 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1M77 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1M77 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1M77 or a locus conversion of PH1M77 with another maize variety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-93 RZ, which exhibits resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1-28, Ca-I to Ca-VIII, and strain BE240, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), and intensely red deeply incised leaves having a shallowly dentate margin. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-93 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-93 RZ.

Abstract: A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the left side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the left front teat, a second cup to the right front teat, a third cup to the left rear teat, and a fourth cup to the right rear teat.

Abstract: A milking unit is proposed, comprising at least one milk hose, having a first end section and a second end section, and a milk collecting component, which is connected to the first end section of the milk hose. The milk collecting component has at least one coupling element, which cooperates with the first end section of the milk hose. A clamping element is provided, which cooperates with the coupling element so that an essentially fluid-tight connection is generated between the milk hose and the milk collecting component.

Abstract: Composite particles and methods for making the same. An absorbent material is formed into a particle. An optional performance-enhancing active is coupled to the absorbent material before, during, or after the particle-forming process, homogeneously and/or in layers. Additionally, the composite absorbent particle may include a core material. Preferred methods for creating the absorbent particles include a pan agglomeration process, a high shear agglomeration process, a low shear agglomeration process, a high pressure agglomeration process, a low pressure agglomeration process, a rotary drum agglomeration process, a mix muller process, a roll press compaction process, a pin mixer process, a batch tumble blending mixer process, an extrusion process, and a fluid bed process.

Abstract: A pet pocket bed/pad comprising of a hollow flexible shell, top wall, bottom wall, surrounding walls which interconnect the top and bottom wall, fill material is disposed inside, to create a pet bed/pad. Additional compartment is added underneath comprising of three side walls, bottom wall, interconnecting the bottom wall of the upper pet bed, to create a pocket compartment, which is equal or greater, with an opening on one end or side, to allow a solid planar flat surface to be inserted inside, working in combination with the bed/pad, secured with closure to keep the flat surface inside the pocket, which prevents bunching up. Padded inserts comprising of a top and bottom wall, surrounding walls interconnected, will create a pillow of similar size and perimeter, to be inserted inside the interior underneath pocket of the bed/pad, to customize the plushness for additional comfort.

Abstract: Described herein is a marking system for marking animals. The marking system comprises a restraining device, a controller, and a robot assembly wherein the robot assembly comprises a robotic arm, a marking device attached thereto, and one or more actuators for manipulating the robotic arm and marking with the marking device; the robot assembly and the restraining device are positioned in a fixed manner relative to one another; the restraining device is sized and configured for restraining an animal or animal body part thereof and oriented such that the marking device can make a mark on a substrate portion of the animal body part; and the controller is configured to control the position of the marking device and to make a mark on the substrate portion of the animal body part by actuating the one or more actuators. Also described herein are media transfer assemblies and animal restraints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant human alpha-synuclein with increased toxicity compared to wild-type alpha-synuclein, or a homologue thereof, wherein the mutant alpha-synuclein or homologue thereof comprises at least one amino acid substitution selected from the group consisting of a substitution at the alanine at position 56 (A56), at the alanine at position 76 (A76), at the methionine at position 127 (M127) and/or at the valine at position 118 (V118), as defined in the claims. Further, the invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding the mutant alpha-synuclein or homologue thereof, or an expression vector comprising said polynucleotide, a cell comprising the polynucleotide or expression vector, as defined in the claims. Also, a non-human animal comprising the cell of the invention is provided, as defined in the claims. Finally, the invention provides methods for identifying a substance that prevents or reduces toxicity of alpha-synuclein, as defined in the claims.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human-nonhuman antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanised antibodies; compositions comprising the disclosed antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: An improved fishing jig for connecting a lure body to a fishing line is disclosed. A rivet is insertable into the lure body and can function as a conduit to the fishing line. The rivet can be connected to a jig weight and can be formed with a single twisted wire forming an eye for engaging a hook barb. A lure attachment can be connected to the rivet, or between the rivet and lure body, to modify the shape, movement, or sensory attributes of the fishing jig. The rivet permits attachment of the line and of jig weights and hooks at selected locations along the length of a soft lure body, significantly extending the operating life of the jig body and by changing the functional operation of the jig when cast into, resting in, or retrieved through the water.

Abstract: The snag-resistant fishing lure is designed to minimize the chances of the lure becoming ensnared. The lure has a jig and a blade attached to the blade in a configuration that limits the side-to-side movement of the blade, thereby preventing the jig from rolling to a hook-downward position prone to snagging. A centrally aligned hole is positioned close to the front edge of the blade member. An eyelet extending from the jig body is attached through an aperture in the blade. The blade is limited in its side-to-side movement by contact between the blade edge and either the jig body or the eyelet. The limited side-to-side movement of the blade creates a quick, controlled, oscillating blade action that imparts a natural swimming motion to the lure, emulating prey species movements.

Abstract: A fishing rod foundation and methods for constructing and adjusting a fishing rig. The fishing rod foundation may include a cylindrical element inserted in a tubular, the tubular having at least three portions. The first portion and second portions may be configured to receive a rod blank. The third portion may be configured to provide a stop for fishing rod parts to be added to the fishing rod foundation exterior. The third portion may include a threaded section that engages a locking nut for locking and unlocking the position of the cylindrical element relative to the tubular. The method may include construction of a fishing rod by adding a rod blank and other parts to the fishing rod foundation. Another method may include adjusting the fishing rig using the locking/unlocking feature of the fishing rod foundation.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel spool braking device is configured to brake a spool that is rotatably mounted on a reel body by centrifugal force. The dual-bearing reel spool includes at least one brake shoe, a rotating member and a brake drum. The brake shoe is arranged to apply a braking force to the spool. The rotating member is configured to rotate in conjunction with the spool. The rotating member includes a pivot shaft portion and a fixing portion. The pivot shaft portion pivotally supports the brake shoe and that movably supports the brake shoe in an axial direction of the pivot shaft portion. The fixing portion engages the brake shoe and non-pivotally fixes the brake shoe. The brake drum is arranged to selectively contact the brake shoe.

Abstract: A portable, multi-functional fishing accessory formed of a rigid plate member having a flat work surface and a side wall formed around a periphery of the work surface, and wherein the work surface is slanted relative to the side wall. The fishing accessory has one or more magnets positioned opposite from the work surface of the plate member and secured thereto. A stanchion mount is adapted to rotatably mount on a cylindrical stanchion for maintaining the plate member in a substantially upright position.