Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with clear nesting material for animals. According to one embodiment, the clear nesting material comprises a clear polymer material such that an animal inside of a nest constructed of the clear nesting material is visible.

Abstract: A livestock feed wagon includes a moving frame, a feed container which is fitted on the frame for accommodating animal feed, in particular provided with feed mixer, and a movable arm construction having an operable gripper fitted thereto for grabbing an amount of animal feed. The arm construction is configured in such a way that the arm construction can pivot the gripper only in one plane from a first position for grabbing animal feed next to the livestock feed wagon to a second position for releasing the animal feed above the feed container. This makes it possible to provide a very simple and compact construction.

Abstract: A pet food bowl for preventing insects from gaining access to the pet's food. The pet food bowl includes a bowl having a base and upstanding sidewalls defining an interior volume in which food or water can be positioned. The bowl is removably securable to a dish having a base, an exterior sidewall around the perimeter thereof, and an interior sidewall that defines a central interior volume in which the bowl can be positioned. Liquid can be used to fill the space between the exterior and interior sidewall, such that the central interior volume is surrounded by liquid. The height of the interior sidewall is greater than the height of the exterior sidewalls of the dish, so as to prevent wliquidater from entering the bowl. Thus, crawling insects are prevented from gaining access to the food or liquid within the bowl due to the liquid in the dish.

Abstract: An animal grooming assembly includes a housing structured to resemble an animal. The housing is further structured to have a front section removably coupled to a rear section to access an interior of the housing. A vacuum is positioned within the interior of the housing. The vacuum generates suction. An actuator is coupled to the housing. The actuator is electrically coupled to the vacuum to actuate and de-actuate the vacuum. A hose is coupled to the housing to engage a mammal's fur. The hose is fluidly coupled to the vacuum to suck parasites from the mammal' fur. A brush is coupled to the hose to engage the mammal's fur. Thus, the parasites may be dislodged from the mammal's fur.

Abstract: A novel protective shield to prevent an animal from licking or biting at wounds or stitches is disclosed. Unlike the common Elizabethan collar, the disclosed shield is open at the top to reduce stress and anxiety which may be caused by Elizabethan collars. Further, the shield is substantially in contact with the animal's ventral jaw so that it does not block the animal's range of sight. The lower profile of the shield also reduces the occurrence of the animal hitting the shield against an object but does not interfere with the use of the animal's collar. The shield is adjustable and may be easily removed by the animal's caretaker. The shield is sized to accommodate a range of dogs.

Abstract: The invention comprises a novel pet treat dispenser system wherein a transmitter on a pet collar communicates with a frequency matched receiver in the treat dispenser and causes inserted treats to fall out of apertures in the dispenser. The dispenser has a plush exterior for visual stimulation and reacts to the electronic signal by wobbling, rolling or both. Gravity causes a few treats to eject from apertures in the dispenser upon activation by the pet's collar transmitter. Activation occurs in short pulses so that the pet must continually engage with the dispenser to receive treats. On board intelligent proximity sensors control distance response modes and also prevent unwanted activation when the pet is not sufficiently near the toy.

Abstract: A pet waste disposal apparatus comprising a funnel shaped receptacle with a top open end for receiving pet waste and a bottom open end connectable to a sewage line via one or more plumbing adapters for discharging the pet waste. The apparatus further comprises a lid closure removably attached to the top open end of the receptacle and a water inlet on the exterior receptacle to receive from a hose supplying water from a water source and discharge pressurized water into the receptacle for flushing the pet waste.

Abstract: A compression pet collar clasp is a device, thin and elongated in shape, whose purpose is to provide a releasable attachment to an animal collar. A leash, rope, etc . . . is fixed securely to one end, the opposing end has a pivoting latch member that is moveable between a closed and opened position. The closed position is maintained by a compress spring, supported by a stationary base member, exerting upward resistance on the latch member. Opening and thereby allowing animal collar attaching or disengaging is accomplished by applying downward pressure on the latch member with a thumb or finger. The stationary base member, compress spring, latch member and latch member pivot pin are encased within a pair of decorative handles.

Abstract: A pet waste collection device that allows a user to store clean disposable bags and used disposable bags within a container while walking a pet. The pet waste collection device includes a container having a first compartment accessible via a first opening and a second compartment accessible via a second opening. Each opening is selectively covered via a lid. The container further includes a handle thereon for a user to hold while walking a pet. In some embodiments, the container includes a leash fastener for removably engaging a conventional pet leash. In alternate embodiments, the container includes an integrated and extendable leash that is stored in a wound configuration within the container.

Abstract: An egg transfer system is provided. Such an egg transfer system includes a controller configured to receive a classification signal indicative of an egg classification status for each of a plurality of eggs carried by a flat. A transfer head assembly is in communication with the controller and is configured to remove a plurality of eggs from the flat. The eggs are grouped into at least a first and second subset based on the egg classification status. The controller is configured to direct the transfer head assembly to selectively release the first and second subsets separately based on the respective egg classification status of the eggs. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A pellet and flake aquarium fish feeder allows a fish keeper to conveniently feed aquarium fish. The pellet and flake feeder includes a body having separable upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a cavity for storing the pellet and flake food and a plunger shaft including indented rings. When the pellet and flake feeder is filled with pellet and flake food and assembled, the plunger may be depressed forcing the pellet and flake food through a conical passage between the upper and the lower portions, grinding the pellet and flake food and releasing the ground food through an angled bottom of the lower portion and into aquarium water.

Abstract: A seaweed aquarium feeder allows fish to feed on seaweed aquarium food while preventing escape of the food into the aquarium water. The feeder includes a base and hinged lid which closes against the base. The lid includes a recessed seaweed holding windowed area which fits over a protruding area of the base. The food is captured between the recessed seaweed holding windowed area of the lid and the protruding area of the base. Windows in the recessed seaweed holding windowed area allow the fish access to the food. A magnet pocket in the base holds a first magnet the feeder is held against an aquarium wall by cooperation of the first magnet with a second magnet outside the aquarium.

Abstract: A frozen food aquarium feeder controls the melting and dispersion of frozen aquarium food. The feeder includes a rotatable first cylindrical column having a floor/ceiling including a set of passages and a rotatable second cylindrical column having a ceiling/floor including a matching set of passages. The cylindrical columns are assembled with an interference fit to a round bracket allowing each cylindrical column to be rotated with respect to the round bracket. The floor/ceiling of the first cylindrical column may reside against the ceiling/floor of the lower column, and the cylindrical columns may be positioned to provide a desired overlap between the passages to control the passage of melted food from the first cylindrical column to the second cylindrical column. The feeder may be positioned with the first cylindrical column extending above the aquarium water line, and ports in walls of the cylindrical columns may be positioned to intercept aquarium currents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the generation of a permissive murine strain (NSGW) that exhibits enhanced levels of human chimerism without pre-conditioning.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transgenic non-human mammal whose genome comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a T cell receptor that is specific to a fluorescent protein, where the T cell of the non-human mammal comprises the T cell receptor. The present invention also relates to an isolated T cell from the transgenic non-human mammal of the present invention, an isolated T cell comprising an expression construct comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a T cell receptor that is specific to a fluorescent protein, methods of making transgenic non-human mammals comprising T cell receptors that are specific to a fluorescent protein, a method of depleting cells in a non-human mammal using isolated T cells that encode a T cell receptor that is specific to a target protein, and a method of characterizing a T cell response to an agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides, recombinant materials, and transgenic mice, as well as methods for their production. The polypeptides and polynucleotides are useful, for example, in methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds (e.g., agonists or antagonists) using the GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention, and for treating conditions associated with GPCR dysfunction with the GPCR polypeptides, polynucleotides, or identified compounds. The invention also provides diagnostic assays for detecting diseases or disorders associated with inappropriate GPCR activity or levels.

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 genetically modified mouse is provided, wherein the mouse expresses an immunoglobulin light chain repertoire characterized by a limited number of light chain variable domains. Mice are provided that express just one or a few immunoglobulin light chain variable domains from a limited repertoire in their germline. Methods for making bispecific antibodies having universal light chains using mice as described herein, including human light chain variable regions, are provided. Methods for making human variable regions suitable for use in multispecific binding proteins, e.g., bispecific antibodies, and host cells are provided. Bispecific antibodies capable of binding first and second antigens are provided, wherein the first and second antigens are separate epitopes of a single protein or separate epitopes on two different proteins are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides knock-in non-human cells and mammals having a genome encoding chimeric antibodies and methods of producing knock-in cells and mammals. Certain aspects of the invention include chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions and kits. Certain aspects of the invention also relate to diagnostic and treatment methods using the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides knock-in non-human cells and mammals having a genome encoding chimeric antibodies and methods of producing knock-in cells and mammals. Certain aspects of the invention include chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions and kits. Certain aspects of the invention also relate to diagnostic and treatment methods using the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides knock-in non-human cells and mammals having a genome encoding chimeric antibodies and methods of producing knock-in cells and mammals. Certain aspects of the invention include chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions and kits. Certain aspects of the invention also relate to diagnostic and treatment methods using the antibodies of the invention.

Abstract: A flexible flap is secured to the perimeter of a conventional cast net and is configured to be grasped by a human user's mouth and teeth. The device includes mating jaw portions configured to accept and be secured to a perimeter cord of a cast net.

Abstract: A fishing lure (214) for use in water (18) includes a lure body (220), a mover assembly (226) and a selector assembly (224). The mover assembly (226) is coupled to the lure body (220). The mover assembly (226) includes a mover (228) that selectively moves the lure body (220) through the water (18). The selector assembly (224) is electrically connected to the mover assembly (226). The selector assembly (224) includes a plurality of preset speed settings that activate the mover assembly (226) to move the lure body (220) through the water (18). The plurality of preset speed settings can include (i) a first preset speed setting for moving the mover (228) at a first preset speed, and (ii) a second preset speed setting for moving the mover (228) at a second preset speed that is different than the first preset speed.

Abstract: An engagement pin of a fishing reel for engaging a worm shaft of the fishing reel, the worm shaft having intersecting spiral grooves, the engagement pin includes a shaft portion and an engagement portion. The shaft portion has an end. The engagement portion is integrally and turnably disposed on the end of the shaft portion and is configured to engage the intersecting spiral grooves. At least the engagement portion is formed from synthetic resin.

Abstract: A fishing line entanglement prevention device for preventing entanglement of weight line and bait lines includes a splitting member having a tubular vertical arm defining a vertical arm channel and a tubular lateral arm defining a lateral arm channel. The lateral arm channel is in communication with the vertical arm channel. A weight line bracing member includes an arm portion having a top end coupled to the splitting member and a bottom end, the arm portion defining an opening adjacent the bottom that is capable of receiving the bait line. The weight line bracing member is configured for selective insertion into the lateral arm channel. The bottom end of the arm portion of the bracing member defines a slot capable of engaging the weight line when the bracing member is inserted into the lateral arm channel.

Abstract: A fishing rod alert device is provided that monitors the motion of a fishing rod and sends a wireless alert to a user's handheld device when the lure of the fishing rod is struck by a fish. The device comprises an elongated member with a series of attachments that secure the device along the length of a fishing rod. The device includes a processor, a motion sensor, and a radio frequency transmitter. Motion of the fishing rod is detected by the motion detector, which sends signals to the processor. Upon determining that a fish has struck the line based on the motion signals, the processor directs the transmitter to send radio frequency signals over a network or directly to a user's handheld electronic device. The handheld electronic device receives the signals and alerts the user though one or more means.

Abstract: A fishing lure retriever that is used to be attached to a plurality of sized fishing line for the purpose of retrieving a snagged lure(s) underneath the surface of water. The fishing lure retriever can be used for fresh or saltwater fishing applications. Once the apparatus is correctly attached onto a plurality of sized fishing line by a plurality of attachment methods, the plurality of sized fishing line is stretched tight with the tip of the rod raised vertical to the water's surface. The lure retriever is released on the plurality of sized fishing line in a free fall descent, descending beneath the surface of the water and freeing the snagged lure. The fishing lure retriever has a bullet like shape, made of metal, light weight, small and can be easily stored in small compartments including comfortably secured in the anglers shirt and or pants pocket.

Abstract: A horseshoe includes a blank that is shapeable to substantially conform to a contour of a hoof. The blank includes a plurality of webs each having a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of an adjacent region of the blank. Metal clips are each shaped to attach to one of the webs such that opposite plates of each clip sandwiches at least a portion of the web. Each of the opposite plates includes a hole. Each web is adaptable to enable the attachment of a clip such that when the horseshoe is aligned to the hoof, the nail holes on the opposite plates are substantially aligned with one another and with a white line of the hoof to enable driving of a nail through the holes and into the hoof at the white line.

Abstract: In a pest monitoring system (21) and method, a monitoring device (111) is located in proximity to a structure and includes a bait product (113) and a sensor (116) disposed within the bait product. The sensor includes a filament (118) encased within an encasement (119) and reactive to exposure to the environment exterior of the encasement such that at least one electrical characteristic of the sensor changes in response to such exposure. A communication member (121) is connected to the bait product in communication with the sensor to determine the at least one electrical characteristic and send a signal indicative of the at least one electrical characteristic. Based on a plurality of the signals received from of infestation of pests at the at least one monitoring device and a level of degradation of the bait product is determined.

Abstract: Pest control in an enclosed area, such as a room of a building, by positioning an ozone producing device in an area to be treated. Ozone generating ultraviolet lamps emit ozone around the entire perimeter of the device, generating ozone from the atmosphere within the enclosed area. A concentration of ozone in the area is measured by a sensor. Production of ozone by the ozone generating ultraviolet lamps is terminated upon the ozone concentration reaching a predetermined concentration of ozone or by time of exposure. Pests that are subject to treatment include invertebrates, such as insects and arachnids, or small mammals, such as mice and rats.

Abstract: An improved insect trapping and barrier adhesive compound having a significantly enhanced mechanical insecticide and insect repelling action. The improved insect trapping and barrier compound is supplied in bulk to be used outdoors for the spot control of insect pests. Alternatively it may be supplied already applied to a disposable media for indoor or very localized outdoor insect control applications.

Abstract: A method for applying a chemical to a plant includes peeling a protective cover sheet from a pad and from an adhesive surface of a bandage strip. The pad is impregnated with the chemical and is attached to or adhered to the bandage strip between the bandage strip and the cover sheet. The pad and the adhesive surface of the bandage strip are applied to a plant such that the bandage strip substantially seals the pad in contact with the plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a chemical to a plant includes a substantially hollow container having a re-sealable first opening for allowing the chemical to enter the container and a second opening for allowing the plant to enter the container. Sealing means substantially seals the second opening such that the chemical cannot escape from the container and enter an ambient environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a herbicide to a plant includes two half-shells biased together to define a chamber therebetween in a closed position. The half-shells are manually separable into an open position. An absorbent material is impregnated with the herbicide and disposed in the chamber. The absorbent material is exposed in the open position.

Abstract: A Portable, Manually operated Pest Killing Device is provided for rodents such as Moles and Chip Monks. This device is capable of killing them where they nest and travel. The striking head has 15 sharp spikes. 2 Compression Springs are located on opposite sides of the main frame. When pressure is applied to the steel Foot Rail the striking head and 15 Spikes are pressed deep into the ground. When pressure on Foot Rail is released, both Springs automatically lift the Striking Head with 15 spikes from the ground. Moles and Chip Monks leave fresh mounds and tunnel trails telling you where they are and where they are headed. All you have to do is repeat the above procedure and work these areas. The Protection Plate covers all of the spikes.

Abstract: A motion activated water repellant sprinkler device for repelling animals that can be remotely controlled is provided. When the device is in on mode, the user can remotely adjust the sensitivity setting of the motion detector, set a time period for which the sprinkler will continually spray, and turn off the device so that the user can approach the device without being sprayed. The ability to set a particular time period for continuous sprinkler activity allows the motion activated water repellant sprinkler device to be used not only as an animal deterring device but also as a watering device for grass and other plants.

Abstract: Directional rattles for imitating the sound of sparring dominate game animals. In one embodiment, the directional rattle has a whorled portion, on the rod that makes contact with concentric rings within the housing of the rattle. In a second embodiment, the directional rattle has intermittent, fixed, raised, shelf-like projections on the surface that make contact with concentric rings within the housing of the rattle. The manipulation of the rod within the housing results in a more authentic sound that resonates out of the bell shaped or tapered portion at the bottom that gives the sound a directional flow out and away from the device, attracting game animals.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy device provides remote control to raise and lower decoys attached to a moving hub such that the decoys simulate flight. The device includes a hub and a support arm coupled to the hub. The support arm is movable relative to the hub such that a distal end of the support arm relative to the hub is selectively raised and lowered relative to a position of the hub. A decoy is coupled to the distal end of the support arm wherein raising and lowering of the distal end of the support arm imparts elevation and descent motion to the decoy. The hub is further structured to rotate the support arm imparting motion to the decoy simulating flight.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for enhancing the quality and survival of red blood cells during storage by depleting the red blood cells of both carbon dioxide and oxygen and maintaining 2,3-diphosphoglycerate acid levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for the optimization of the cryopreservation of various types of cells, including but not limited to hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells, and endothelial progenitor cells found in normal blood, placental/cord blood, bone marrow or the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue. The apparatus for cryopreservation of biological materials in a sterile environment comprises a cryopreservation workstation, a rigid disposable cartridge, and a freezing bag assembly. The apparatus and related method provide for the precise, temperature controlled, homogenously distributed introduction of a cryoprotectant containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) into a solution containing nucleated cells in a manner that provides a safe increase in osmotic pressure and a controlled release of exothermic heat within the cells as the DMSO penetrates the cell membrane and replaces water molecules prior to the freezing of the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a specimen collection container assembly for stabilizing a pH of a biological specimen including a specimen collection container assembly comprising a carbon dioxide absorbent material disposed in a gas-permeable enclosure in an amount sufficient to absorb carbon dioxide from the biological specimen, thereby stabilizing the pH thereof, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Seed coatings may be used in agriculture to prevent desiccation and provide protection from fungus, insects and enhance nutrient availability. Seeds coated with a coating of hydrophilic polymer materials, such as cross-linked polyacrylate and cellulose materials, and methods for preparation thereof are described. Seed coatings including hydrophilic polymer materials may also include fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and pesticides.

Abstract: Ready-to-use foamable pesticide compositions that contain a pesticide dispersed in a composition containing water, a co-solvent, surfactant and propellant. Methods for treating pests such as arthropods by contacting pests with such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose using low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance surfactants as spray drift reduction agents and methods of using such agents.

Abstract: A plant wound dressing composed of a blend of polymers and methods for their manufacture and use are described.

Abstract: An aqueous microbicidal composition having two components. The first component is a nonionic surfactant with structure: R1O(CH2CH(CH3)O)5(CH2CH2O)9H, where R1 is a C8 alkyl group. The second component is phenoxyethanol. The weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to phenoxyethanol is from 1:1 to 1:18.2766.

Abstract: Bacteriophage are provided, and methods of making and using the bacteriophage also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel use of D-Napropamide and a method comprising the use of D-Napropamide and combinations comprising the same.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions suitable for influencing arthropod behavior. In one aspect, the invention provides arthropod-repellent compositions of different compounds. Such compositions are useful in masking arthropod-attractant compounds or blends associated with host body odors. Accordingly, such compounds and compositions are useful in controlling arthropod behavior and in controlling the spread of arthropod-borne diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a combination of components A) and B), wherein component A) is a compound of formula (I) and the component (B) is a further fungicide, insecticide or herbicide.