Abstract: The invention relates to neutralizing antibodies, and antibody fragments thereof, having high potency in neutralizing hCMV, wherein said antibodies and antibody fragments are specific for one, or a combination of two or more, hCMV gene UL products. The invention also relates to immortalized B cells that produce, and to epitopes that bind to, such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and epitopes in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of disease.

Abstract: A walk-behind lawn mower comprising a body with an engine driving a cutting blade, and a handle assembly which is pivotably connected to the body. The lawn mower furthermore comprises a handle control arrangement for controlling pivotal movement of the handle assembly relative to the body, between a working position and a pivoted position. The handle control arrangement comprises a locking member, selectively displaceable between an open state in which the locking member allows pivotal movement of the handle assembly from the working position to the pivoted position, and a locked state in which the locking member inhibits pivotal movement of the handle assembly from the working position to the pivoted position. The handle control arrangement also comprises an actuating member operatively connected to the locking member and controlling the state of the locking member.

Abstract: A tractor mounted cotton harvester carries at least one mechanized cotton picking unit removably supported beside at least one side of the tractor in a forward facing orientation, outwardly of the tractor wheels. A cotton receptacle is removably mounted to a hitch of the tractor and is lowerable for unloading. The cotton receptacle can include cotton compacting apparatus. At least one duct connects the at least one picking unit with the cotton receptacle, and a fan provides an air flow through the duct or ducts. The fan can be hydraulic, electric or mechanical powered.

Abstract: A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling is described that comprises a first and second bale chamber and a conveyor system in operable communication with the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can comprise at least three bale carriers, at least two serpentine systems to facilitate movement of the bale into and out of the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: Provided is a raised-bed gardening container, including a base, a feeding tube, and a cover frame. The base may include a bottom edge; a top rim at least 36 inches above the bottom edge; an exterior sidewall extending between the bottom edge and the top rim; an interior sidewall extending from the top rim to a bottom interior, the interior sidewall and bottom interior defining an interior volume for containing a gardening media, the interior volume having a diameter of greater than approximately four feet; a feeding tube support generally centrally disposed in the base; and a gardener passage extending to the feeding tube support and having a width configured to allow a gardener to walk through the gardener passage to the feeding tube support.

Abstract: A method for modifying environmental conditions is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of deploying a magnetic climate control material to a local area in one of the thermosphere and the exosphere. The magnetic climate control material deflects and absorbs rays of the sun. The magnetic climate control material affects temperature of a local area below the magnetic climate control material and also global temperatures. The method also includes the ability for moving, manipulating, or removal of this ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hail warning and prevention. An automated method of wide-ranging anti-hail protection including reception of sky proper radiothermal emission in M sites, its comparison with corresponding thresholds, generation command signals to detonate combustible gas and to direct shock waves upwardly to the sky, generation and transmission alert signals, reception of transmitted alert signals in each M sites, comparison with proper code-signals of that site and setting alert operational mode of sonic generator. An automated network of anti-hail protection including M hail preventing sonic set in M sites of anti-hail protection area any of which comprises an antenna, a radiometric receiver, a controlled compensation device, a controlled multi-channel threshold system, a warner a transmitter, a receiver, a code-signal comparison device, a first controlling switcher, a controlled single-channel thresholder and a second controlling switcher.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irrigation system with cheap humidity sensors and cheap automatic faucets preferably by using at the end nodes of the system low water pressure, so that much less force is needed to open and close the local waterway, and then either using simple electrical valves that do not require engines, or using for example mechanical sensors based on a bi-material of two or more materials which expand differently when they become wet, thus converting the difference of the expansion into convenient movement. Another possible variation, instead of mechanical sensors and valves, is to use for example a preferably synthetic material that tends to behave like a normal root preferably at the edge of each side channel, so that the “root” counter-balances the water supply and reaches equilibrium with it when the soil becomes wet enough, based preferably on asymmetric capillary materials.

Abstract: A moisture sensing watering system comprising a central pivot, a water conveyance system, a plurality of wheels, a first at least one moisture sensor coupled with a first wheel, a second at least one moisture sensor coupled with a second wheel, a moisture information converter, and a moisture content provider. The first moisture sensor pierces the ground during each rotation of the first wheel and performs a first moisture sensing as a part of the piercing of the ground. The second moisture sensor pierces the ground during each rotation of the second wheel and performs a second moisture sensing as a part of the second moisture sensor piercing the ground. The moisture information converter receives the moisture sensing information and converts the moisture sensing information into a signal. The moisture content provider provides the signal in a user accessible format.

Abstract: A growing medium for a plant production apparatus utilized in greenhouse crop production is provided. The growing medium comprises a fibrous, non-woven matrix media material wherein the media material is constructed from a plastic material.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel mutant plants and plant parts thereof, derived via mutagenesis, having disease resistance and other useful traits. Particular embodiments provide a wheat genotype ‘RRR Scarlet’ (‘Scarlet-Rz1’), plants and seeds thereof, methods for producing a plant comprising crossing ‘Scarlet-Rz1’ plants with another wheat plant, hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing ‘Scarlet-Rz1’ plants with another line or plant, and creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of ‘Scarlet-Rz1’. Additional aspects provide methods for producing other varieties or breeding lines derived from ‘Scarlet-Rz1’ and to varieties or breeding lines produced thereby. Further aspects provide for mutant plants and plant parts thereof that are resistant and/or tolerant to plant root fungal pathogens such as Rhizoctonia and Pythium. Additional embodiments provide mutant plants and plant parts thereof that exhibit stress tolerance and/or resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV9908PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV9908PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of sweet corn hybrid SV1321SD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a sweet corn plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another sweet corn plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the parts of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 2453837. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 2453837, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 2453837 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety 2453837.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01050862. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01050862. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01050862 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01050862 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A wheat variety designated W050115K1, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W050115K1, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W050115K1 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W050115K1 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W050115K1. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W050115K1 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 45391601 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 45391601, to the plants of soybean cultivar 45391601, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 45391601, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 45391601. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 45391601. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 45391601, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 45391601 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Lactuca sativa, in particular to a new variety of lettuce designated NUN 06524 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a milking box having a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock and a robotic attacher. The robotic attacher comprises a main arm that is suspended vertically from a rail of the milking box, and a supplemental arm that is coupled to and extends horizontally from the main arm along a longitudinal axis. The supplemental arm comprises a pivot assembly that pivots a gripping portion around a vertical axis that is substantially parallel to the main arm of the robotic attacher, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the supplemental arm.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: A granular absorbent and granular absorbent making method producing granular absorbent from a carbohydrate starch-containing cereal grain, e.g., corn, based admixture extruded from a single screw or twin screw extruder forming liquid absorbing pellets having a clumping agent formed during extrusion composed at least in part of carbohydrate polymer binder. Each pellet is extruded under conditions that cause formation of carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent at least some of which is water soluble. One preferred method of extruding granular absorbent causes starch dextrinization to occur such that at least some of the carbohydrate polymer binder clumping agent in each liquid absorbing pellet of the granular absorbent is formed of dextrin. Each pellet can be coated such as with a smectite that preferably is bentonite.

Abstract: A conveyor device comprising a container with a bottom plane and a collection surface extending essentially parallel to the bottom plane, which is rotationally driven in a direction of rotation about an axis of rotation extending essentially vertically to the bottom plane. The collection surface is assigned a scraper that is fixed during conveyance. The scraper which is at a scraping distance above the collection surface, and reaches across the collection surface from the circumference of the collection surface in the direction of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An illuminated scratch post is disclosed comprising a housing and an integrated lighting device. The housing includes a central lighting support with one or more lighting elements disposed thereon from the integrated lighting device. The central lighting support is encased by a light transmissive substrate also comprising the housing. Further, the housing has an outer surface covered, at least in part, by a light transmissive material.

Abstract: A multiple sound-emitting pet toy comprised of at least two compressible, sound-emitting chambers that return to their original shape once the compressed toy is released from a squeeze. Each sound-emitting chamber is equipped with a squeaker, with each squeaker generally emitting a differently-pitched sound. The compressible, sound-emitting chambers can be of the same shape and arranged in tandem to create a substantially symmetrical toy. The positions of the sound-emitting chambers are maintained by a fabric covering that directly surrounds them. Fastening elements can be positioned at the end of each chamber, to further cooperate with one another upon alignment and affixation of the at least two or more compressible chambers.

Abstract: A laser pet toy including a light source with a focused beam of light of a predetermined shape and programmable random travel across an opaque surface such as a floor or wall to create an engaging image for a pet to play with the image for entertainment or exercise.

Abstract: A dog-training method includes a device having a left connector, a right connector, a back strap, a girth strap, and a chest strap. The chest strap at a first end couples to the right connector and a left second end passes through a center portion of the left connector and ends in a left-leash coupler which is larger than the center portion of the left connector so that the left-leash coupler cannot pass through the center portion of the left connector. The chest strap further includes a right free-moving strap coupled to the left connector with a right second end passing through a center portion of the right connector and terminating in a right-leash coupler that is configured larger than the center portion of the right connector so that the right-leash coupler cannot pass through the center portion of the right connector.

Abstract: A dispenser for pet waste disposal bags including a housing formed with an storage compartment and a lid moveable between open and closed positions; an opening formed in the lid providing access to the storage compartment; a plurality of disposable bags stored in the housing and accessible through the opening in the lid when the lid is in the closed position; and a cord attached to the housing. The cord may be engaged with a pet leash or pet collar and be cinched in order to tightly retain a bottom wall of the housing in close contact with an exterior surface of the pet leash or collar.

Abstract: The invention can produce an infected nail of an animal and an infected animal model in which the nail plate and nail bed of the nail are sufficiently infected with a superficial fungus which were difficult to be produced in the past, and provides an evaluation method useful for development of a therapeutic agent for intractable infectious diseases such as tinea unguium using the nail and the infected animal model. For producing the infected nail of an animal and the infected animal model infected with a superficial fungus, an immunosuppressive component is administered to an animal in advance to decrease immunocompetence, and then, a superficial fungus is inoculated into the animal, whereby the infected nail of an animal and the infected animal model reflecting clinical manifestation in which the nail plate and nail bed of the nail are sufficiently infected with the superficial fungus can be produced with good reproducibility in a short period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for modulating expression of endogenous cellular genes using recombinant zinc finger proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of neurological disorders and more particularly to the field of neuropsychiatric disorders. The invention provides non-human, transgenic animal models for brain disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, compulsive disorders, addictive disorders and the like. The animals also have applications in the field of GABA neurotransmission and other disorders in which GABA-dependent gene regulation has a role.

Abstract: The method for manufacturing a fishhook with as fish attractant comprises the following steps: (1) pouring the attractant and clad material into ethanol, then stirring them uniform to form suspension, wherein solid content of the suspension is controlled between 10% and 50%; (2) making the suspension stick to the surface of the fishhook by spraying or soaking, then evaporating the solvent by blowing hot wind so that the attractant acting as solute is coagulated on the surface of the fishhook, covers the whole fishhook. When using the fishhook of the present invention for fishing, there is no need to bring your own bait. The fishhook can be directly put into water, and the attractant enveloping the fishhook will send out scent and attract fish school in water. The combination of fishing bait and fishhook as an organic whole cannot only improve fishing rate but also be easier to carry.

Abstract: A fluid sprayer includes a fluid storage module having at least one fluid tank, and a dispersion module having a rotary spray head assembly in fluid communication with the tank to receive fluid therefrom. The rotary spray head assembly further atomizes the fluid, and the dispersion module further includes a blower assembly positioned upstream of the rotary spray head assembly for dispersing the atomized fluid from the rotary spray head assembly into the surroundings of the fluid sprayer. The fluid storage module is detachably coupled to the dispersion module to effect reconfiguration of the fluid sprayer between a first configuration in which the fluid storage module and the dispersion module are positioned in a side-by-side manner, and a second configuration in which the fluid storage module and the dispersion module are positioned in-line with each other.

Abstract: The application is generally directed towards a drop nozzle for an agricultural sprayer. The drop nozzle can be used to reduce spray drift as liquids are deposited by the sprayer. The drop nozzle includes a valve assembly including a shutoff valve, a tube operably connected to the valve assembly, and an airfoil connected to the tube. The shutoff valve selectively prevents fluid flow from the valve assembly to the tube and the airfoil directs airflow around one or more portions of the drop nozzle.

Abstract: A top motor broadcast spreader having a container for storing material and having an opening at its lower end for releasing material from the container. A closure spreader member below the container covers container opening and is movable downward away from the opening to release and spread material onto a surface. A motor is mounted inside the container and above the opening at the lower end of the container having a motor shaft extending downwardly from the motor through the opening at the lower end of the container and is connected to the closure spreader member to move the closure spreader member downward upon rotation of the motor shaft to release and spread material onto a surface. The closure spreader member comprises a flat horizontal and circular plate having flat rectangular spreader flaps extending vertically up and flat rectangular spreader flaps extending vertically down in an alternating pattern on the circular plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to attractants for game animals. Specifically, the invention relates to a porous, natural shot material that can retain an attractant scent, as well as a related apparatus and method of dispersal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables have the meaning as indicated in the claims; in free form and in salt form; and optionally the enantiomers and geometrical isomers thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful in the control of parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in and on vertebrates.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds useful as insect repellents, compositions comprising such repellents, and methods of repelling an arthropod using such compounds and compositions. The disclosure further provides insect traps and method for identifying ligands and cognates for biological molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioengineering strain for production of novel microorganism-originated fungicides and uses thereof. The bioengineering strain for production of microorganism-originated fungicides of the present invention is obtained by transforming a phzH gene recombination expression plasmid into a strain producing phenazine-1-carboxylic acid, wherein the bioengineering strain produces phenazine-1-carboxamide. The present invention utilizes an existing strain producing phenazine-1-carboxylic acid to carry the phzH gene recombination expression plasmid, thereby achieving efficient expression of the phzH gene and transforming phenazine-1-carboxylic acid into phenazine-1-carboxamide. The present invention further discloses uses of the bioengineering strain, including a microorganism-originated fungicide produced by the bioengineering strain through fermentation, and preparation and application of the microorganism-originated fungicide.

Abstract: A pesticidal composition comprises a pyridine triazole compound of formula I or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Z, and x are as described herein. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions based on the synergistic combination of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone and selected commercial microbicides where the compositions are substantially free of halogenated 3-isothiazolone, are disclosed. Particularly preferred are combinations of 2-methyl-3-isothiazolone together with benzoic acid, citric acid, sorbic acid, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, zinc pyrithione or climbazole, that provide enhanced microbicidal efficacy at a combined active ingredient level lower than that of the combined individual 3-isothiazolone and commercial microbicide effective use levels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to compositions including a silver/silica nanocomposite, methods of making a silver/silica nanocomposite, methods of using a silver/silica nanocomposite, and the like.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing nanoparticles using a plant extract can include providing a first solution comprising a metal salt or a metal oxide, providing a second solution including extract from orange peel, and combining the first solution and the second solution to produce a nanoparticle solution including metal nanoparticles or metal oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticle solution can be used to produce a crystal nanoparticle powder, a non-crystal nanoparticle powder, and/or a metal-polymer nanocomposite wherein the polymer is polystyrene (PS) or poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition containing a novel strain Streptomyces scopuliridis KR-001 strain or a culture broth thereof as an active ingredient for weed control. More particularly, the Streptomyces scopuliridis KR-001 strain of the present invention, culture broth thereof, or culture fraction shows an excellent weed-killing ability on grass weeds, broadleaf weeds, and hard-to-control weeds, and a medium composition containing a carbon source and a nitrogen source in an optimal condition may significantly increase yield of an active material produced by the strain with low cost. Therefore, the strain can be usefully employed to a herbicide composition for weed control and a method for weed control.

Abstract: To provide a method for raising plants that have great vitality and that are strongly resistant to pests and can successfully compete against weeds. The invention provides a method for raising plants with enhanced immunity and biological activity to external and internal stresses. The present invention is characterized by the following: the method includes a step of applying to the target plants a plant immunopotentiating composition containing an immunostimulatory substance produced by the cytolysis that accompanies spore formation in aerobic endospore-forming bacteria; the immunostimulatory substance is obtained by culturing the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria, causing the bacteria to form endospores by placing the resulting culture liquid in starvation conditions, and then removing impurities including the bacterial cells that are formed into endospores from the culture liquid; and the aerobic endospore-forming bacteria belong to the MRE symbiotic bacteria group.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time a biological system which provides the dual function of killing termites and other wood damaging insects while also producing a by-product substance having the capability of repairing damage by termites and other insects to wood and related cellulosic products. The present invention, a biological system, toxic to termites, is provided which produces a means by which damage caused by termites is repaired, said means comprising a by-product produced by a modification of the bacteria of the genus Gluconacetobacter. Preferably, the biological system is in the form of toxic bait.

Abstract: A cooking device may include a refractory oven and a housing. The refractory oven may define a cooking chamber that may be configured to receive thermal energy from an external heat source. The refractory oven may further define an opening configured to allow foodstuffs to be introduced into the cooking chamber. The refractory oven may be further configured to substantially surround the foodstuffs while the foodstuffs are positioned inside the cooking chamber. The housing may at least partially surround the refractory oven. The housing and the refractory oven may define a heated volume between an external surface of the refractory oven and an internal surface of the housing. The heated volume may be configured to receive thermal energy from the external heat source and to reduce transfer of thermal energy from the cooking chamber through refractory oven.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for separating a viscera set eviscerated from slaughtered poultry and held by a viscera holder of a viscera conveyer in manner whereby at least the liver, the intestines and the gallbladder are suspended below the viscera holder. The method comprises the steps of: arranging the viscera set in an elongate opening of a guide member and separating the intestines and the gallbladder from the remaining viscera set. The intestines and the gallbladder are separated from the remaining viscera set while at least the liver rests on a separation support surface of the guide member, arranged with an angle relative to the horizontal plane. A guide assembly having two movable parts for use in such method/system is further disclosed.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment method for reducing the bacterial content of a food and/or biological medium of interest containing lipid droplets, which method comprises the following steps: (a) a step of homogenization applied to said medium of interest, (b) a step of microfiltration applied to said homogenized medium of interest resulting from step (a), on a membrane having a cut-off threshold which allows at least some of said lipid droplets to penetrate into the permeate, while at the same time retaining at least some of said bacteria in the retentate, and (c) the recovery of said permeate resulting from step (b), constituting a homogenized food and/or biological medium in which the bacterial content is lower than in the medium before the implementation of said method.

Abstract: Nutritional fat or oil-based compositions for increasing HDL cholesterol, decreasing total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol and decreasing the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio in human plasma are described. The compositions can advantageously include at least 10% of myristic acid and/or lauric acid in which at least 3% of said fatty acid composition is myristic acid and at least 3% is lauric acid; in some cases at least 1% by weight myristic acid and/or lauric acid is esterified at the sn-2 position in triglyceride molecules. The compositions also include between 5% and 40% by weight linoleic acid, and typically further include at least 10% by weight monounsaturated fatty acids and between 15% and 55% by weight total saturated fatty acids. The sum of weight percentages for saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids equals 100%. In desirable cases, the composition is substantially cholesterol-free.