Abstract: A method of making a pet bed includes providing a rigid base, attaching a support member to the rigid base and attaching a cushion to the rigid base over the support member. The support member is configured to be removable. The cushion is configured to be removable. A tension of the support member is adjustable. The rigid base is washable. The support member is washable. The cushion is reversible. The cushion is washable. The rigid base is stackable. The pet bed includes a sleek, contemporary styling inspired by mid-century modern furnishings. The cushion functions as a crate cushion when traveling, providing the pet with familiar smells and reducing the stress of traveling on the pet. The pet owner adjusts the softness or firmness of the pet bed for the comfort of the individual pet by adjusting the tension of the support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion device for supporting a large animal such as a cow, a horse, a buffalo, a sheep, a goat, a pig and so forth. The cushioning device includes a top and bottom surface interconnected by a ‘drop stitch’ structure and a chamber. Contained within the chamber of the cushioning device is a filling material. The filling material includes a gaseous compound, a liquid or a mixture of a gaseous compound and a liquid. Additionally, the present invention also relates to the methods of transporting and installing the cushioning device. The device is shipped to the installation site absent the filling material. During installation a controlled mixture of dual phase fluids such as water and inert gas are disposed into the cushioning device, creating a gelatinous and gaseous filling material.

Abstract: A milking stall that houses one animal at a time. The milking stall includes a fence arrangement defining an interior space of the milking stall and made up of i) a stationary first long side, ii) a second long side extending along the first long side and having a central fence portion supporting a first entrance gate and a first exit gate, iii) a first short side attached to the first long side as a second entrance gate (5), and iv) a second short side attached to the first long side as a second exit gate.

Abstract: A Multi-Level Pet Table has a lower plate, a lower cover upon the lower plate, four legs upon corners of the lower plate, an upper plate connecting to the four legs upon its corners, an upper cover upon the upper plate opposite the legs, and two junior tables. A felt joins to the lower plate opposite the lower cover thus preventing scratches. The lower plate and the upper plate have generally rectangular flat, planar forms and a generally mutually parallel orientation. The four legs also have a generally mutually parallel and spaced apart orientation. Each of the legs has a firm mechanical connection to the lower plate and the upper plate. And a cushion adheres between the lower plate and the felt limiting the mechanical connection abrading a supporting surface. The junior tables then provide platforms for bowls so pets eat simultaneously while separated vertically.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for safely and securely holding and supporting an animal while it is being groomed. The disclosed apparatus can have multiple support members that wrap around an animal, passing under the animal's belly, around the hips and shoulders, and up over the back where it can be secured to a frame or post to keep the animal stable and supported, without restraining the animal by the neck, while undergoing a grooming procedure. The cutouts and support members that make up the leg holes in the apparatus can be lined with a soft material, such as fleece, to provide comfort and prevent chafing to the animal's skin during the procedure.

Abstract: A pet garment having a coat and an integrated harness that is placed on the pet without the garment going over the pet's head. The integrated harness cording is in channels within the coat. The coat has a lengthwise opening with a fastener that extends from the hemline to the neckline of the coat, the opening over a pet's dorsal side. The coat has a protective outer layer, an inner lining layer and leg openings. The integrated harness cording merges together when the opening closes and the leash easily attaches to the harness cording ends gathered together adjacent to the closed opening. The coat covers the underbelly, leaving a concave scallop for the pet's genitals. The pet merely steps into the coat with the opening open without the coat going over the pet's head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for examining eggs, in particular for determining eggshell characteristics of eggs, the method comprising, positioning the eggs to be examined, with a deformer, deforming a part of such an egg at least once, at least determining deformation contact time, and determining the shell stiffness and/or the eggshell strength of such an egg. Such a manner of detection can be suitably applied to sorting machines for eggs. With this methodology, in a short time, for a very large number of products, such as eggs in the present case, a quality parameter such as the strength and/or stiffness can be determined. With such determinations, in an advantageous manner, high requirements set in many fields of technology and industry can be met.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the sex of at least one embryo in an egg (12), in which the sex of the embryo is determined by means of at least one detection method which is noninvasive at least with regard to the egg (12), wherein at least one oestradiol value which characterizes the concentration of oestradiol in the egg (12) is determined by means of the noninvasive detection method and the sex is determined as a function of the oestradiol value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transgenic non-human mammal retaining, in a specifically expressible state, a DNA encoding IL-33 in the skin, and having one or more features selected from the group consisting of (1) spontaneous onset of dermatitis, (2) increase in the number of inflammatory cells, (3) increase in total IgE concentration, histamine concentration, cytokine concentration and/or chemokine concentration, and (4) increase in scratching time, under SPF (specific pathogen free) breeding conditions, as compared to a corresponding non-transgenic non-human mammal, and the like.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice are provided that express human ? variable (hV?) sequences, including mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, mice that express hV? sequences from an endogenous mouse ? light chain locus, and mice that express hV? sequences from a transgene or an episome wherein the hV? sequence is linked to a mouse constant sequence. Mice are provided that are a source of somatically mutated human ? variable sequences useful for making antigen-binding proteins. Compositions and methods for making antigen-binding proteins that comprise human ? variable sequences, including human antibodies, are provided.

Abstract: A net reeling drum apparatus has a base support frame; a rotating arm assembly rotatably connected to the base support frame defining a first axis of rotation; a rotating arm motor attached to the base support frame and mechanically connected to the rotating arm assembly for rotating the rotating arm assembly around the first axis of rotation; a drum member rotatably connected to the rotating arm assembly defining a second axis of rotation; a drum motor mechanically connected to the drum member for rotating the drum member around the axis of rotation, such that when reeling in a net line connected to a net around the drum member, the net reeling drum apparatus includes two degrees of freedom of motion that increases the ease and efficiency of reeling in the net line around the drum member.

Abstract: Fishermen lose their fishing gear when they hook onto an obstruction. This invention minimizes the loss of the gear. The hook is the last element on most fishing lines. Having it fail first can save the rest of the gear. This invention selectively reduces the cross section of the shaft or the eyelet of the hook or the split ring connecting device. Using the strength of the materials, appropriate yield strengths can be calculated for either tensile or shear breakage. Reducing the overall cross section of the fish hook will cause the hook to straighten out when a fish strikes the hook. Reducing selectively the cross section of the shaft or the eyelet or the split ring maintains the strength of the hooking area while providing a lower breakage point for the overall hook.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising a solid, banana-shaped lure body of buoyant urethane with a bait chamber in a recess of the lure body, the bait chamber covered by a hatch coupled to the lure body with a hinge. Scent producing material may be placed in the bait chamber. A blowhole tunnel passes through the lure body from the lure body head to the bait chamber. Motion of the lure forces water through the blowhole into the bait chamber and carries scent from scent producing material through holes in the hatch. A first groove in the lure body tail is configured such that an O-ring in the first groove holds the hatch against the lure body. A second groove in the lure body tail is configured such that when the O-ring is in the second groove, the hatch is free to open and close.

Abstract: One object is to provide a fish collecting device having a simple structure whereby free rotation of a propeller is prevented in casting, and the propeller can rotate freely under water. The propeller body is formed of one metal plate or an integral resin mold; a front end stopper and a rear end stopper are formed of bent or projected parts of the propeller body at the front end and rear end of the propeller body, and a rotary shaft, inserted through holes formed in the front end stopper and the rear end stopper, has a rotation restricting portion for contacting the propeller body. Free rotation of the propeller body in casting can be restricted by a simple structure wherein the rotation restricting portion contacts the propeller body and the rotary shaft engages with the propeller body such that the propeller body is unrotatable with respect to the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A multi-segmented, soft-bodied, artificial fishing lure or swim bait with a natural profile includes plastic control planes in each body segment to generate a lure that is stable in the water, and demonstrates realistic swimming motions in a range of retrieve speeds and even when allowed to sink. At least one clear, stiff plastic control plane is inserted in each body segment to generate a lifelike swimming motion when the lure is retrieved. Each control plane may be moved within a range of positions to provide realistic motions for specific fishing techniques. The control planes inserted into and sometimes through the lure body are invisible in the water and are adjustable to accommodate a range of water conditions, densities and temperatures. The placement of control planes create the ability to limit unnatural/undesirable movements and expand or accentuate natural and desirable movements in each segment of the body of the lure.

Abstract: A tangle catching device is configured to prevent a tangle of fishing line from entering a fishing reel of a fishing rod. The device includes a tangle catcher that defines at least in part a line opening through which the fishing line from the fishing reel extends. The tangle catcher has one or more teeth extending radially inward into the line opening from the tangle catcher. The teeth are hook shaped to catch the tangled fishing line.

Abstract: Systems directed to the art of setting a hook in a fish mouth. The systems have a sleeve substantially housing a plunger assembly and a biasing member, and an activation member assembly with a rotatable finger. The biasing member applies force between the plunger assembly engages and the activation member assembly when the system is engaged. A fish hook is attached via fishing lines to both the activation member assembly and the plunger assembly. Pulling the hook releases the plunger assembly from the activation member assembly and pulls the line attached to the plunger assembly, setting the hook in the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A method for killing pests in an affected area of a structure, comprises positioning a heat pump unit within an affected area of the structure, coupling a first end of an inlet hose to a faucet, and coupling a second end of the inlet hose to an inlet port of the heat pump unit. The inlet port supplies a flow of water received from the faucet to an evaporator component of the heat pump unit. The evaporator component transfers heat from the flow of water to a refrigerant and communicate the refrigerant to a condenser component of the heat pump unit. The condenser component generates heated air by transferring heat from the refrigerant fluid to air flowing through the condenser component. The heated air i emitted into the affected area in order to raise the temperature of the affected area to a target temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A cage type animal trap having an enclosure with an animal access opening into a vacant interior sized to receive an animal to be trapped. The access opening is closed by a door that is movable from a closed to an opened position by an actuating mechanism having a flexible actuating member with one end secured to the door and the other end releasably held by a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is configured to move the door to the opened position by tensioning the actuating member and, in response to a trigger mechanism, to release the second end of the actuating member and allow the door to move from the opened position to the closed position thereby trapping the animal in the animal enclosure. A door lock in abutment with the outer surface of the door prevents the door from being opened by a trapped animal. A part of the actuating mechanism is in engagement with the door lock when the door is closed such that the door lock is automatically disengaged when the actuating member is tensioned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tracking system comprising: a data receiver arranged to: i) receive work data indicative of at least a location of an infestation or other item of interest from a data provider, and ii) receive property data indicative of an address or location from a client device; a module arranged to: i) update an existing record in a database according to the received work data upon determining the record corresponds to the location based on a geographical matching process, ii) create a new record in the database according to the received work data upon determining that no record corresponding to the location exists based on a geographical matching process, and iii) retrieve a record from the database corresponding to the location upon determining that the record corresponds to the address based on a geographical matching process; and a data transmitter arranged to transmit the retrieved record to the client device for output to a user. A tracking method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tree stand assembly for engaging a tree and supporting a person above ground. The tree stand assembly has a tree stand member and a tree climber member configured for frictional engagement with a tree trunk. The tree stand member has a foot platform, a flexible seat and a tree engaging portion with teeth. The tree climber member is positioned below the tree stand member and is provided with a V-shaped tree engaging member. Detachable locking bars on the tree stand member and the tree climber member allow adjustment of the assembly to different diameter trees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jig for vitrification cryopreservation of cell or tissue, having a metallic support, and a vitrification solution absorber including an adhesion layer and a vitrification solution-absorbing layer on the metallic support in the order from the side closer to the metallic support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological sample vitrification carrier and a method for freezing a biological sample rapidly, simply, conveniently, closely and sterilely. Specifically, the carrier comprises a main body and a sealing cap. A near end of the main body and an inner bottom surface of the sealing cap are mutually sealed to form a sealed frozen sample placing region. The frozen sample placing region is provided with a frozen sample placing platform, the main body is provided with a frozen liquid circulating channel, and the sealing cap is provided with a guide hole corresponding to the frozen liquid circulating channel, so that, when the biological sample is frozen, frozen liquid circulating in the channel contacts with an outer surface of the frozen sample placing region and cools the biological sample in the frozen sample placing region.

Abstract: A decontamination gel is provided consisting of a colloidal solution comprising 0.1% to 30% by mass, preferably 0.1% to 25% by mass, still more preferably from 5% to 25% by mass, even more preferably 8% to 20% by mass, based on the mass of the gel, of at least one inorganic viscosifying agent; 0.1 to 10 mol/L of gel, preferably 0.5 to 10 mol/L of gel, still more preferably 1 to 10 mol/L of gel of at least one active decontamination agent; 0.01% to 10% by mass, preferably 0.1% to 5% by mass based on the mass of the gel of at least one mineral pigment; optionally, 0.1% to 2% by mass based on the mass of the gel, of at least one surfactant; optionally, 0.05% to 5% by mass, preferably 0.05% to 2% by mass, based on the mass of the gel, of at least one super-absorbent polymer; and the balance of solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming an active control ingredient that controls target living species over an extended period of time commences by providing a clay material that has a structure substantially depleted of platelets (“aplatelet”). The aplatelet clay material is heated with a solid active control agent to a temperature of at least about 10° C. above the melting point of the solid active control agent. The aplatelet clay material then is loaded with the heated solid active control agent.

Abstract: Microcapsules comprising a core (a) and a shell (b), wherein the core comprises a salt of an anionic pesticide (a1) and optionally a water immiscible solvent (a2), wherein the cation of the salt of the anionic pesticide is an ammonium, phosphonium or sulfonium cation, wherein the groups on the ammonium, phosphonium or sulfonium cation, taken together contain at least 12 and no more than 50 cation atoms and wherein the ratio of the number of carbon atoms in the group with the largest number of carbon atoms to the average number of carbon atoms of all groups on the N, P or S-atom is less than 3.0.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an improved formulation comprising at least one water soluble active ingredient and at least one penetration enhancer. The present disclosure also relates to a use of an improved formulation comprising at least one water soluble active ingredient and at least one penetration enhancer for preventing, combating or controlling pests, particularly insect infestations, by tree injection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidal compositions comprising an aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salt, particularly to herbicidal compositions comprising a relatively high amount of aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salt and a betaine-based surfactant composition of mater.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an antimicrobial mixture of at least two volatile compounds derived from essential oils, at least one of which is a bactericide selected from cinnamaldehyde, diacetyl, and acetic acid with another being a fungicide selected from allyl isothiocyanate, hexanal, thymol, and 2-nonane. The antimicrobial mixture inhibits both bacterial and fungal pathogens that negatively impact the shelf-life of perishable agricultural commodities, and at concentrations sufficiently low to avoid phytotoxic effects to agricultural commodities held in closed shipping and storage systems.

Abstract: To provide a technology for controlling weeds and the like.

Abstract: To provide a technology for controlling weeds and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the utilization of the production potential of transgenic plants by treating the plant with an effective amount of at least one compound of the formula (I) as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which X, R1 to R4, A, n, Y, and m are as defined in the description, and at least one further known active compound from the class of the of tetronic and tetramic acid derivatives, diacylhydrazines, benzoylureas and further classes, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which X, R1 to R4, A, n, Y, and m are as defined in the description, and at least one further known active compound from the class of the pyrethroids, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids.

Abstract: The present technology relates to biocidal compositions and methods that contain and utilize at least one biocidal agent and at least one potentiator system wherein the resultant combination has an enhanced biocidal efficacy. The present technology also discloses a rapid screening assay for determining biocidal compositions with enhanced efficacy, e.g., a microbial contact kill time of 5 minutes or less. Further, the present technology provides a method of determining biocidally effective concentrations of biocidal compositions comprising at least one biocidal agent and at least one potentiator system.

Abstract: Home care formulation comprising a formulation of a sulfonic acid derivative and a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for attracting stink bugs (e.g., Halyomorpha halys). The compositions include at least one pheromone and at least one synergist. The synergist/attractant is preferably at least one of an alkyl or alkenyl ester of (2E,4Z)-decadienoic acid such as ethyl (2E,4Z)-decadienoate; an alkyl or alkenyl ester of (2Z,4E)-decadienoic acid such as ethyl (2Z,4E)-decadienoate; an alkyl or alkenyl ester of (2E,4E)-decadienoic acid such as ethyl (2E,4E)-decadienoate; an alkyl or alkenyl ester of (2E,4E,6Z)-decatrienoic acid such as ethyl (2E,4E,6Z)-decatrienoate; and any stereoisomers thereof, and any combinations thereof. The pheromone is preferably murgantiol. This disclosure provides traps containing the composition for attracting stink bugs, and methods for attracting, capturing, killing or sterilizing stink bugs using the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising at least one known compound of the formula (I) in which X, R1 to R4, A, n, Y, and m are as defined in the description, and at least one further known active compound from the class of the fiproles, which combinations are highly suitable for controlling animal pests such as insects and unwanted acarids.

Abstract: The present invention includes multifunctional compositions, methods and binding systems to provide disinfecting and deodorizing coatings for hard and soft surfaces, inorganic and organic solid surfaces and particulate media and other related substrates, including human and animal skin and skin lesions; to provide neutralizing functions for malodors generated by both human, animal and industrial fluids and solid wastes; and to provide neutralizing and degrading functions for nuisance and noxious chemicals. The present invention provides compositions and methods for producing disinfecting, oxidizing and enzyme-inhibiting fluids enabling preparation of durable, stable biocidal and deodorizing coatings and media which can be widely used for biological agent control, prevention and elimination of odors, and degradation of noxious agents susceptible to chemical oxidation, and which take forms that are inoffensive to users and offer high convenience.

Abstract: Substituted pyrimidinium compounds of the general formula (I) and their uses for combating animal pests The present invention relates to substituted pyrimidinium compounds of formula (I), to the stereoisomers, salts, tautomers and N-oxides thereof and to compositions comprising such compounds. The invention also relates to methods and uses of these substituted pyrimidinium compounds and of compositions thereof, for combating and controlling animal pests. Furthermore the invention relates also to pesticidal methods of applying such substituted pyrimidinium compounds. The substituted pyrimidinium compounds of the present invention are defined by the following general formula (I): wherein X, Y, Z, R1, R2, A and Het are defined as in the description.

Abstract: This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”): and processes associated therewith.

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing flurochloridone and 3-Iodo-2-propynyl-butylcarbamate is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.

Abstract: Anti-microbial compositions comprising (a) a quaternary ammonium compound and (b) a cationic biocide. Applicant has discovered a synergistic combination of the two components with the ration of cationic biocide to quaternary ammonium being less than 1:10 or with a single quaternary compound in a ratio of less than 1.6 to 1 provide a film forming coating that has residual anti-bacterial activity and improved durability with strong resistance to general wear between applications.

Abstract: The present invention is for extremely pure solutions of chlorine dioxide, methods for making such solutions and to compositions and methods for storing, shipping and using such solutions. Generally, the chlorine dioxide solutions of the invention are aqueous solutions containing about 2500 ppm or less of total impurities. The chlorine dioxide solution can be prepared by passing dilute highly pure chlorine gas through a bed of substantially solid sodium chloride and contacting the resulting chlorine dioxide gas with a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to a method of improving the tolerance of a plant, which has been genetically engineered to over express a p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), to a HPPD inhibiting herbicide, said method comprising applying to said plant a water-soluble iron-containing compound. The present invention further relates to a method of selectively controlling weeds at a locus, the locus comprising weeds and crop plants, the crop plants having been genetically engineered to overexpress a HPPD which confers tolerance to a HPPD-inhibiting herbicide, the method comprising application to the locus of (i) a weed controlling amount of a HPPD-inhibiting herbicide and (ii) a water-soluble iron-containing compound. The present invention further relates to herbicidal compositions comprising a HPPD-inhibiting herbicide and a water-soluble iron-containing compound.

Abstract: To provide a technology for controlling weeds and the like.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process designed to increase the production of plant growth-promoting microorganisms of the Bacillus genus, using a culture medium poor in nutrients and with specific environmental conditions, allowing to obtain a greater amount of biomass and/or spores, which can be used to prepare solid or liquid compositions to be applied to plants, aiming to promote their growth and/or counteract the effect of phytopathogenic agents.

Abstract: DIG-17 insecticidal toxins, polynucleotides encoding such toxins, use of such toxins to control pests, and transgenic plants that produce such toxins are disclosed.

Abstract: A filled snack product includes a first sheet having a first surface. A plurality of filling lines are disposed upon the first surface of the first sheet. Each of the plurality of filling lines are spaced to define a void between each of the adjacent filling lines. A second sheet is disposed over the first sheet and secured to at least a portion of the first sheet to sandwich the plurality of spaced filling lines between the first and second sheets. A plurality of docking holes are disposed upon the first and second sheets. The plurality of docking holes and the plurality of spaced filling lines allow for the pinning of the first and second sheets at the voids disposed between the spaced filling lines and further for the release to steam and/or gas from the filled snack product during heating to minimize puffing of the filled snack product.

Abstract: Meat processing equipment is disclosed that includes a first element having a first face; a second element having a second face. The first and second faces extend parallel to one another and define a common plane between the first and second faces. The first and second elements are relatively movable with respect to one another. Yieldable arresting features are included for yieldably arresting the first and second elements in at least one predetermined position of relative movement, the yieldable arresting features include cooperating first and second permanent magnets, associated with at least one of the first and second elements.