Abstract: Device for use in an agricultural livestock feed gripping jaw, including a drivable cable and a frame with a guide element, in particular a winding drum or a disc which is rotatable in the frame, around which guide element said cable is passed in such a way that when the cable is driven, the cable is guided over the guide element, wherein the cable comprises a core and a sheath, wherein the core comprises a plurality of first strands of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethene fibres, in particular Dyneema® or an equivalent thereof, and includes a plurality of second strands of fibres of a polyester which are interwoven with the former, wherein the sheath includes a combination of a plurality of interwoven strands, containing 75-100% of third strands of fibres of extended polyamide, in particular Nylon 6,6, and 0-25% of fourth strands of fibres of polyester, and wherein the guide element, at least on the outer side thereof, inlcudes ultrahigh molecular weight polyethene, in particular HMPE 1000.

Abstract: A pet feeding device is provided. The pet feeding device includes a tapered rectangular housing having a hollow interior volume and a raised upper surface. A pair of opposing circular cutouts is disposed on the raised upper surface of the rectangular housing. The cutouts are adapted to receive a pair of bowls therein. An elongated handle is integrally attached to the upper surface. The handle includes a pair of arms extending vertically to an arched handle portion. The elongated handle allows a user to lift the housing so as to dispose the housing on a tabletop or countertop for filling or emptying the bowls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dog bowl having an indented area to permit a rubber covering to removably attach. In one aspect, the dog bowl includes a container area and the indented area below the container area formed of a ceramic material. A base of the dog bowl beneath the indented area is also formed of the ceramic material. A covering is removably attached to the base of the dog bowl by physically clasping into the indented area when pulled over a base region into the indented area such that the covering fully encapsulates a bottom of the base of the dog bowl.

Abstract: A container assembly for carrying a consumable material which includes a container with a sidewall and a bottom connected together. The sidewall defines an opening and at least one of, one of a bead and a recess. A receptacle member configured to receive a portion of the container wherein the receptacle member includes a sidewall and a bottom connected together. The sidewall of the receptacle member defines at least one of, the other of the one of the bead and the recess and defines a depth of the receptacle member such that with a portion of the container positioned within the receptacle member and releasably secured together, the bottom of the container and the bottom of the receptacle member are spaced apart and at least a portion of the sidewall of the receptacle member is positioned spaced apart from the sidewall of the container.

Abstract: An animal water holding tank and trough is described, that allows multiple animals to drink from opposite sides of the tank simultaneously. The tank and trough interconnect together and water is gravity fed to the trough without requiring a shutoff float. The trough may be positioned under the tank to extend out opposite sides of the tank or just one side of the tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coat grooming device and a method for grooming a coat. The device according to the invention comprises: a frame; a grooming unit (10) connected to the frame and provided with a rotatable brush belt (12); and a drive (28) operatively connected to the brush belt for rotating the brush belt.

Abstract: An impact action cat toy with a rigid tube, an elastic cord, an elastic cord retainer, an elastic and non elastic cord retainer and a cat toy play member. The elastic cord is retained inside the rigid tube. The elastic cord terminates on one side in the elastic cord retaining member and on the opposite side in the elastic and non-elastic cord retaining member. The non elastic cord terminates on one side in the elastic and non elastic cord retaining member and on the opposite side in the cat toy play member. The cat toy play member is caused to quickly and erratically fly into the air while tethered on the non elastic cord when a user holds onto the rigid tube with one hand and stretches the elastic cord member from the elastic and non elastic cord retaining member with the other hand and releases the retaining member causing it to snap back and impact the end of the rigid tube.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy with a braided exterior and a flexible core. In one preferred embodiment, the flexible core has an elongated shape and a generally tubular configuration with a hollow interior or chamber. The flexible core is covered with a braided material that may be selected from a resilient and relatively strong fabric material. A noisemaking device or “squeaker” may be incorporated within the pet toy in a protected configuration thereby making it difficult for an animal to gain access to the squeaker. The squeaker can be embedded in one end of the flexible core, and may be fully or partially encapsulated by the core material thereby providing additional protection for the squeaker, yet enabling the squeaker to function in order to produce sound. According to another aspect of the invention, a braiding technique provides an aesthetically pleasing yet functional covering for the flexible core.

Abstract: A treat dispensing device and method are provided that enables treats to be dispensed for multiple different types of treats simultaneously, but at selected different rates. The treat dispensing device has a plurality of treat dispensing openings or holes, and a plurality of chambers within the device separated by respective internal partitions. Each chamber may be loaded with desired types of treats. The size, shape, and number of treat dispensing openings may differ between openings that communicate with respective chambers. The different sized and shaped treat dispensing openings, as well as the number of openings in the device, provide different levels of difficulty for treat extraction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to hold and stabilize canine conditioning balls. This apparatus is independent of the trainer, and secures the ball to the support. Use of multiple balls and holders is possible and supports a wide variety of canine conditioning exercises.

Abstract: An animal excrement receiving device, comprising a body having a receiving member, and a long binding strip. The receiving member includes a receiving space, an inner side and an outer side. The binding strip is for surrounding the outer side of the receiving member, and includes two end portions and an elastic portion between the two end portions. The end portions are for connecting to the body, and at least one of the end portions is detachable. By applying a single-point force on the detachable end portion, the detachable end portion is controlled to connect to the body to deform the elastic portion, such that the binding strip generates a clamping force towards the receiving member. Alternatively, the detachable end portion is controlled to disengage from the body to restore the elastic portion to eliminate the clamping force from the binding strip.

Abstract: A tether apparatus for connecting a dog to a bike for running with the bike. The tether comprises a continuously flexible wand with a bow-like curvature in a vertical plane and an S-curvature in a horizontal plane. The wand is attached to a bike frame at front and mid-points, and a tail end is spaced to the rear and side of the bike. The tail end includes a short vertical harness connector hanging freely from the tail end for vertical attachment to a dog's collar or harness from above. A dog is accordingly tethered under the tail end of the wand, spaced to the rear and side of the bike, with the flexible wand absorbing shock and load when the dog's position and speed differ relative to the bike.

Abstract: A leash and method of securing an animal or person to an object using a leash are disclosed. Embodiments provide a leash that includes a handle portion having a handle portion fastening system, the handle portion being formed in a loop while the handle portion fastening system is releasably secured. The loop has a length which may be adjustable via an adjustment device. The adjustments to the loop length may be made via the adjustment device while the animal or person is secured to the object. Embodiments foster easy and quick restraint of an animal or human to an object without having to disconnect the leash from the animal's or human's collar or harness.

Abstract: A connector for an animal has a stopper mechanism for enabling or disabling a slide bar to be pushed back. The connector for an animal includes a hook member; a stem portion extending from an end of the hook member in a first direction; a slide bar for being reciprocated in the first direction to open or close the hook member; a lock member for being installed around the stem portion to rotate therearound with the first direction as a rotation axis; and an operating member for being connected to the slide bar so as to protrude in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the lock member including a cylindrical member with a cylindrical space formed therein for housing the stem portion rotatably and projection extending from a part of the hook member side end of the cylindrical member toward the hook member by a predetermined length.

Abstract: A device (5) attached to the neck (6) of an animal (2) comprises an accelerometer (28) which produces first and second signals indicative of movement of the animal (2) and the raised and lowered states of the head of the animal. A microprocessor (30) in the device (5) processes the first and second signals to detect ruminating, resting, feeding and three activity states of the animal during respective second predefined time periods of approximately 15 minutes duration. Data indicative of the states of the animal is stored by the microprocessor (30) in the device (5) and periodically transmitted to a cloud computer server which further processes the data to determine various health states and other issues of the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of an animal using multiple sensors is described. The wearable device may include one or more sensors whose resultant signal levels may be analyzed in the wearable device or uploaded to a data management server for additional analysis. One or more embodiments include variations of the sensor system to determine whether the wearable device is being worn properly by the animal so that the resultant signal levels are of optimal quality.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the health of an animal using multiple sensors is described. The wearable device may include one or more sensors whose resultant signal levels may be analyzed in the wearable device or uploaded to a data management server for additional analysis. One or more embodiments include variations of the sensor system to accommodate differences in animals, including tracking vital signs over a period of time and comparing recorded values with an individual or species-based trendline. A deviation from the trendline may be signaled by alerting a user associated with the device about the deviation.

Abstract: A bird feeder system includes a tray, a packaging system, and a housing. The tray defines a receptacle configured to hold a consumable, such as bird seed. The packaging system is configured to retain the consumable in the receptacle of the tray. At least part of the packaging system is configured to open to allow access to the consumable in the receptacle. The housing has a tray engagement structure configured to secure the tray to the housing.

Abstract: A cantilever perch for a bird feeder is made from a thin strip or ribbon of springy material, such as a stainless steel. Being convex in cross section, the perch is inherently rigid and able to bear load and remain straight. When over-loaded however, as by a large bird or rodent, the perch suddenly flattens, kinks or buckles in a narrow zone across its width causing the cantilever portion to bend sharply with a snap. The unwanted intruder experiences a sudden and terrifying free-fall to the ground. Now unloaded, the perch automatically snaps back to its original straight rigid shape without damage.

Abstract: A platform bird feeder is provided including a base platform with a seed tray, a baffle and a center pole having a bottom end connected the tray, the baffle being tiltably and adjustably mounted to the pole above the base. Preferably, the seed tray has a seed protecting grate to hinder squirrels from accessing the seed in the tray. The height of the baffle above the seed tray may be adjusted up and down to allow the user to increase and decrease the seed access space, respectively, between the baffle and the tray. When the baffle is at a desired height, it is secured in place by an adjustable securing mechanism that, while holding the baffle at the desired height, allows the baffle to tilt or wobble when sufficient weight is placed on one side of the baffle.

Abstract: A portable poultry waterer is provided having a manifold with a connector placed on the back surface to attach the manifold to a water storage vessel. The connector extends outward in a substantially perpendicular fashion to the manifold. Holes are placed into the manifold to accept a plurality of longitudinally spaced poultry nipples. One or more holes are placed into the manifold to accept a clean out plug(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing eggs based upon a characteristic such as gender are provided. Material is extracted from each of a plurality of live eggs, the extracted material is assayed to identify eggs having the characteristic, and then eggs identified as having the characteristic are processed accordingly.

Abstract: The sex of embryos in eggs is influenced or controlled through the application of light having selected wavelengths in order to promote the development of embryos of a selected sex. An incubating device is provided having an interior cavity that can be sealed from an outside, and having a plurality of lighting elements disposed on each of a plurality of trays disposed in the interior cavity. Eggs are disposed on the trays, and pre-determined environmental conditions are applied to the interior cavity to promote hatching of the eggs. Concurrently with the application of the environmental conditions, the eggs are irradiated according to pre-determined lighting conditions. The lighting conditions include applying light having wavelengths substantially concentrated in selected ranges, such as light wavelengths within the 390-419 nm, 410-450 nm, 420-450 nm, 450-495 nm, or other narrow range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for the prevention and/or treatment of PRRS in animals, typically domestic pigs. The invention relates to proteins which comprise fragments of CD163, nucleic acid constructs encoding such proteins, and methods of modifying expression or activity of CD163 in vivo.

Abstract: Genetically modified cells, tissues, and organs for treating or preventing diseases are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the genetically modified cells and non-human animals.

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

Abstract: A lobster trap stabilization system having one or more hinged fins, each fin enclosed in a containment structure located in a lobster trap opposite the weighted side of the trap, whereby the fins provide increased drag to a trap descending to the ocean floor while the trap is in an improper orientation relative to the ocean floor, thus facilitating trap rotation to achieve proper trap orientation, and provide little to no drag to a descending trap while it is in its proper orientation.

Abstract: A fishing lure retainer is disclosed which includes a base and a carrier. The base is configured to be removeably coupled to a fishing rod and has an elongated body. The carrier is configured to be removably coupled to the base and includes a bottom a first elongated side extending upward from the bottom of the carrier and a second elongated side extending upward from the bottom of the carrier such that the first and second elongated sides define a region for retaining a fishing lure.

Abstract: A fish attractant material is provided. The fish attractant includes a fibrous material and a coating. The coating includes a polymer combined with a solvent. The coating is embedded and attached within the fibrous material. A coloring or a glow powder may be added to the coating to add additional effect. Multi-colors can be created, such as striping or the like, by double coating or by adding colors prior to drying.

Abstract: A customizable fishing lure having an inner shell and an outer shell. The inner shell includes a first section removably securable to a second section, and defines an interior volume in which beads, weights, or other objects can be positioned. The interior volume of the inner shell includes one or more compartments for storing the beads and weights so as to adjust the distribution of weight within the inner shell. In some embodiments, the inner shell further includes hooks or a bill thereon. The outer shell includes a first section removably securable to a second section, wherein the outer shell includes a decorative appearance resembling a fish or bait. The outer shell encloses the inner shell therein and may be removably secured to the inner shell.

Abstract: A fishing reel having a line type marker. The fishing reel includes a frame, a spool fitted on the frame, and a handle fitted on a side of the frame to turn the spool, and further includes a line type marker including: a rotary member coupled to a mounting portion, which is provided at some or all of the frame, the spool, and the handle; a scale indication section on the rotary member; and a scale section around the rotary member.

Abstract: An umbrella fishing rig can include a head piece, a cap, and at least one dual teaser arm piece. The head piece can include an arm retention portion. The at least one dual teaser arm piece can have two arms extending from the bent central portion. The cap can be removably coupled to the head piece. The arm retention portion can be configured to receive the bent central portion and the cap can retain the bent central portion in the arm retention portion.

Abstract: A fishing hook setter to carry a fishing pole has a pole holder pivotally coupled to a base. A biasing member biases the pole holder between a raised set position, and a lowered fishing position. A trip mechanism is coupled between the base and the pole holder to hold the pole holder in the lowered fishing position and is engaged by a fishing line to release the pole holder. The trip mechanism has a trigger post affixed to the pole holder and a trigger pivotally coupled to the base and releasably engaging a distal free end of the trigger post. The trigger has a stop positioned in front of the distal free end of the trigger post and an armature oriented in a raised orientation in the cocked position of the trigger. The trigger can have a wheel coupled the distal free end of the trigger post.

Abstract: An automatic hook setting rod holder is comprised of a flat base supporting a rod holder that rotates vertically upward when a fish strikes a hook, thereby setting the hook. A torsion spring and bar assembly lies under the rod holder and is held in a pre-strike position by a trigger rod. The trigger rod is connected to the base and has a bearing surface to hold the loaded torsion spring and bar assembly in a pre-strike position. The trigger rod has a bent end to receive and hold the fishing line before a fish strike. Once a fish strikes, tension on the fishing line pulls and rotates the trigger rod away from the torsion spring and bar assembly, thereby releasing it and causing it to contact the rod holder, which in turn causes it to rotate upward and sets the hook in the fish's mouth.

Abstract: An easily attachable and detachable equine shoe that is made up of a solid member with fabric straps extending from at least two sides that can be secured to an equine hoof. The straps may be folded upward in a plane perpendicular to the top face of the solid member to attach to an equine hoof.

Abstract: Dual action lethal containers, systems and methods and novel compositions and formulas which are used to kill mosquitoes and their larvae. Generally pyramid shaped containers can have combined interior larvacidal and adultacidal coatings above and below a side opening in the container. A removable inclined grate cap can also allow for mosquitoes to enter into the container. Inclined stacked walls inside the container form attractive surfaces for mosquitoes to breed. Water-holding containers, such as flower pots, water holding dishes used under plant pots, vases, bird baths, and fountains and storm water inlets, can be coated with novel larvicide and/or adulticide coatings. Small objects can be coated with larvicide or larvicide and adulticide combination, which can be dropped in water-holding containers which can leach out pesticide over time which prevents mosquitoes from breeding in the water-holding containers.

Abstract: A fluid distribution assembly includes a vehicle that has a tank coupled thereto. The tank may contain a fluid. A control circuit is coupled to the vehicle. The control circuit is electrically coupled to a power source. A heating element is in thermal communication with the tank to heat the fluid to a temperature greater than 185° Fahrenheit. The heating element comprises a plurality coils distributed along the tank. The heating element is electrically coupled to the control circuit. A pump is coupled to the vehicle. The pump is in fluid communication with the tank to urge the fluid out of the tank. The pump is electrically coupled to the control circuit. A fluid dispensing unit is in fluid communication with the pump and the tank.

Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.

Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.

Abstract: A trap for snakes and small animals includes an enclosure with a holding area. A hollow tube is pivotally mounted in the enclosure. The hollow tube pivots between a first tilted position which allows a snake or a small animal to enter a first end of the tube, and a second tilted position which allows the snake or small animal to exit a second end of the tube. The weight of the snake or small animal moving along the hollow tube from the first to the second end causes the tube to pivot between the first and second tilted positions. Once the snake or small animal has exited the second end of the tube and entered a holding area within the trap, the hollow tube pivots back to the first tilted position, which prevents the snake or small animal from escaping the holding area.

Abstract: A wall cap that can be positioned on the upper end of a wall so as to prevent animals from climbing over the wall. The wall cap includes an elongated cover composed of a rigid material having a smooth outer surface. The elongated cover preferably includes a triangular cross sectional area so that the elongated cover forms a pointed upper end and slopes downwardly towards the front and rear sides thereof. The front and rear sides of the elongated cover each include a flange thereon, wherein the flanges can be positioned on opposing sides of the wall so as to secure the wall cap on the wall. The wall cap is secured to the wall using any suitable fastening method, such as by use of caulking or adhesives, among others.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seminal plasma complex quality control serum, which is freeze-dried powders prepared by mixing a quality control serum preservation solution and a seminal plasma stock solution; wherein the quality control serum preservation solution is an aqueous solution containing 0.47% to 0.67% saccharides, 0.07% to 0.17% salts and 0.63% to 0.83% enzyme stabilizers; the seminal plasma stock solution is the seminal plasma obtained after the direct centrifugation of completely liquefied fresh human semen; and a mixing ratio by volume of the quality control serum preservation solution to the seminal plasma stock solution is 1:100 to 100:1. According to the present invention, a specific quality control serum preservation solution is used, then mixed with the seminal plasma at a suitable ratio by volume and finally subjected to freeze-drying treatment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions including a sugar and a choline hydrogen phosphate salt for preservation and stabilization of materials in the amorphous state. The compositions and methods suppress the formation of crystals in materials in the amorphous state.

Abstract: A pseudo human body device includes, an animal-derived organ having a living tissue and a blood vessel extending from the living tissue, a blood collecting unit which collects blood to be sent to the blood vessel, a tube which connects the blood vessel to the blood collecting unit, a pump unit which is provided along the tube and which sends the blood to the blood vessel from the blood collecting unit, and a housing unit which houses the organ and which sends steam of a temperature higher than a room temperature to the organ to humidify the organ and bring the organ to a temperature of 20° C. to 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recovery assembly for a cooling agent in a cryopreservation device, the recovery assembly comprises a cone-shaped funnel assembly comprising a support for mounting the funnel assembly to an access opening of a container to be at least partially filled with a cooling agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides natural and/or simulated, synthetic, synergistic pesticidal compositions comprising terpenes, such as extracts from Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides, or compositions based on those found in Chenopodium ambrosioides near ambrosioides. The present invention also provides methods of using said compositions to kill, inhibit, prevent and/or repel plant pests from contacting and/or damaging plants.

Abstract: The biocidal textile support includes bronopol in the dry state present on the surface of the support and having a contact biocidal action, the bronopol being linked to the support by a photo-crosslinkable or photo-polymerizable binder, and its use as an element of a device for protecting against biological risks. A biocidal suit or garment and a mask, preferably antibacterial or antiviral, including such a biocidal support, are also described.

Abstract: A biocidal composition comprising 2,2-dibromomalonamide and an electrophile containing biocide, and its use for the control of microorganisms in aqueous and water-containing systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid dispersion comprising (i) at least one growth regulator which has a solubility in vegetable oil of about 0.1 wt % or less; (ii) an organic hydrophobic carrier, preferably a vegetable oil, hydrocarbon oil or paraffin oil, or a derivative thereof; wherein the at least one growth regulator which is insoluble or unstable in water, is present in the liquid dispersion in an amount exceeding 0.1 wt %; and wherein more than 90% of the particles of said growth regulator has a particle size of between 1-7 ?m; wherein the dispersion further comprises (iii) an emulsifier which stabilizes the dispersion in the organic carrier, and which causes the concentrate to be water miscible and self-emulsifying when diluted in water in a suitable dilution, such as for example a 1:50 dilution or higher dilution; wherein the dispersion is essentially water free.

Abstract: Chromene derivatives based on a chromene amide isolated from Amyris texana. Also disclosed are compositions containing chromene derivatives (synthetic or natural) based on a chromene amide isolated from Amyris texana. Also methods for repelling blood-sucking and biting insects, ticks and mites involving treating (or exposing) an object (e.g., mammals such as humans) or area (e.g., a surface such as human skin) with a blood-sucking and biting insects, ticks and mites repelling effective amount of at least one compound selected from chromene derivatives (synthetic or natural) based on a chromene amide isolated from Amyris texana.