Abstract: ‘Guanyin’ is a distinctive variety of Ulmus L. Plant, which is characterized by its appearance and color of the whole plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-342 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races Bl:1 to Bl:12, Bl:17, Bl:18, Bl:22, Bl:24, Bl:25, Bl:28-Bl:30, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, resistance to Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV) race LMV:1, as well as very thick mature leaves and a small head size. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-342 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-342 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-191 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1 to B1:32 and CA-I to CA-VIII, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, as well as having a hollow main vein, broad base leaves, a small head size and a small plant size. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-191 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-191 RZ.

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

Abstract: A pet scoop assembly and method of use is provided. The assembly includes a scoop member; a receptacle detachably engageable with the scoop member; and a door disposed intermediate the two. A disposable bag may line the receptacle and be clamped in place between the receptacle and scoop member. The door opens inwardly into the receptacle. When the scoop assembly is turned into a vertical orientation, the door opens by a weighted member attached to the door. A region of the scoop member adjacent the door is angled to allow pet waste to slide readily from the scoop member into the receptacle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cable drive unit (1) for use with a free stall cleaning system (101). The cable drive unit (1) includes a base frame (3), a support frame (5) being displaceable with respect to the base frame (3) via a corresponding displacement assembly (7), and a drum (9) pivotably mountable about the support frame (5) and displaceable therewith for receiving a cable (11) to be wound about said drum (9). Also described is a kit for assembling a cable drive unit (1) and a free stall cleaning system (101). The invention further includes a method of winding a cable (11) of a free stall cleaning system (101) about a drum (9) via the present cable drive unit (1).

Abstract: An animal litter, process for preparing the animal litter and a method for removal of animal waste using the animal litter are provided. The animal litter generally includes at least about 10 weight % finely ground pine wood powder. Further the animal litter includes a lubricant and a cohesiveness agent. The animal litter is in the form of discrete plural particles which lend to agglomerate when wetted.

Abstract: A pet waste collection mat for receiving a pet's waste. The pet waste collection mat is biodegradable and includes a mat having a base, one or more sidewalls, and an upper wall, defining an interior volume. The upper wall of the mat can receive pet waste thereon. Further, the upper wall includes a plurality of slots for allowing water and waste to fall onto the base. The base of the mat is impregnated with ground cover seeds so the seeds may grow upwards through the slots to conceal pet waste received on the upper wall. The pet waste collection mat further includes a plurality of interlocking connectors disposed along the periphery of the sidewalls so as to allow multiple mats to be connected to one another. Overtime, the mat and the pet waste decompose and fertilize the surrounding land.

Abstract: Provided are a sheet for pets which contains carbon and has a superior appearance, and a method of manufacturing the sheet for pets. A sheet for pets is provided with a liquid-permeable front surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back surface sheet, an absorbent layer that contains carbon and is positioned between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet, and a front surface-side liquid-permeable sheet that is black and is positioned on the front surface sheet-side of the absorbent layer. The front surface-side liquid-permeable sheet is preferably formed from pulp fibers that have been dyed black.

Abstract: A mat for pet toilet has a base material, belt-like protrusions that have flat planes having no adhesiveness on top portions on the base material, and are arranged side by side therebetween by providing concave grooves at an interval at which no pet trips and falls in places between the grooves, and adhesive layers provided in bottom portions of the concave grooves. Granular matters for pet toilet to be attached onto legs of a pet getting out of the pet toilet are dropped and separated from the pet while the pet walks on flat portions of the belt-like protrusions on the mat for pet toilet, by arranging the mat for pet toilet around the pet toilet, fall in the adhesive layers provided between the belt-like protrusions, and are adhesively captured, and thus are not scattered on the floor around the pet toilet.

Abstract: A cat scratcher, hideout and carrier device. The device includes a base, sidewalls appended to the base and a handle region forming an interior space. The base has a first surface external to the interior space and a second surface residing within the interior space. A cat scratcher is supported by the second surface of the base for providing a scratching surface within the interior space. At least a portion of one of the sidewalls is at least partially and selectively detachable from the other side walls to expose the interior space, the interior space being completely enclosed when all of the sidewalls are attached to one another.

Abstract: A small pet habitat system includes a plurality of modular habitat units. Each of the habitat units includes a rigid housing defining a chamber, at least one integral coupling feature, and a functional component. The habitat units are configured to be modularly stacked to form a multi-unit pet habitat structure in which the coupling features of adjacent ones of the habitat units interlock to limit relative movement between said adjacent habitat units. At least two of the habitat units have different functional components from one another.

Abstract: The enclosure includes a stationary panel having a depression formed in one of its faces. An opening is formed in the depression. A door is inset in the depression and it too is provided with an opening. The door reciprocates from an open position in which the two openings are side by side one another to a closed position in which the openings are no longer side by side. When the door is open, a passage is opened from outside the enclosure to its interior through which an animal may enter and depart from the enclosure. When the door is closed, so also is the passage.

Abstract: The automatically detachable collar pendant system is structured so that when the system receives a signal, one end of the collar is released from the rest of the collar body, thereby unfastening the collar and allowing the collar to fall off of a target animal. The “signal” may comprise a magnetic or induction heat signal. In the preferred embodiment, the signal is received (and the collar is unfastened) when the target animal feeds at a specially-equipped bait station.

Abstract: A pet groom and vacuum cleaner including the pet groomer are provided. The pet groomer includes a main body having two sidewalls, an actuator container, and a hollow handle for connecting with the suction hose. A comb assembly is fixed between said two sidewalls, and includes a rotatable body, and a comb teeth arranged in an axial direction of the rotatable body. A driving assembly drives the comb teeth to rotate with the rotatable body. The comb teeth rotates between a first position and a second position. The driving assembly is isolated from the suction airflow and includes an actuator element exposed out of the actuator container and extending toward the hollow handle. Motion transmission elements of the driving assembly extends from the actuator element to the comb assembly, and includes three sections.

Abstract: A kit for providing a scratcher for use by a pet cat. The kit includes a plurality of scratching elements, each scratching element having top and bottom scratching surfaces and peripheral edges. Each scratching element is a cardboard body in which open corrugations are exposed by both of the top and bottom surfaces. The peripheral edges include connective elements for connecting the plurality of scratching elements to one another.

Abstract: A restraint system for an animal includes a frame having top and bottom frame parts and a plurality of frame risers extending therebetween to maintain the top and bottom frame parts in a spaced apart manner; a perforated support surface affixed the frame; riser support members coupled to the frame, at least one of which is slidably coupled to the frame; a first riser arm affixed to a first riser support member; a first coupler coupled to the first riser arm; a second riser arm affixed to a second riser support member; a second coupler coupled to the second riser arm; and a first restraining loop configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first coupler and the second coupler.

Abstract: Leash 33 Hands Free Multiply dog leash a single pet leash system with a 8 inch loop at one end that has a snap hook inside the loop that can go around the waist and snaps onto the eye screw slider making it hands free and restrains a dog at one end and has an eye hook screws that slides up or down and then screws in place and attached to a snap hook for one, 2, 3, or more dogs and there is another eye hook screw that connects to the snap hook around the waist creating a hands free strapped around a user's waist, or can be used to attach another dog, so the system may be hands free during dog training walking,-running-, jogging and walking of Multiple dogs attached to the eye hook screws-eye slider combination and snap.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a lead storage apparatus capable of selecting a lead unreeling range in which the lead can be unreeled and reeled by a user's operation. A lead storage apparatus 10 includes a reel 50, a rotational member 130 having an engaged section 132, an engaging member 70, and a switch member 140 that can restrict rotation of the rotational member 130 with rotation of the reel 50 in a normal direction by engaging an engaging section 74 with the engaged section 132, and switch the lead between a engageable state in which the engaged section 132 can engage with the engaging section 74 and an unengageable state in which the engaged section 132 cannot engage with the engaging section 74.

Abstract: The automatically attaching collar clasps are installed in an animal bait station. The bait station has an inlet so that when an animal is positioned in the inlet, a male clasp on one side of the inlet automatically converges with a female clasp on the opposite side to the inlet to create a ratcheting connection and thereby secures a collar around the neck of the targeted animal.

Abstract: The structure of the filter assembly of the beeswax separation screw includes cylindrical filter components attached to each other one after the other. One of these filter components includes a cylindrical filter pipe, at the ends of which are mounted flanges. The filter components are tightly attached with bolts so that opposite flanges of the filter components mounted one after the other settle against each other. The first filter component of the structure is open at its top under a feed hopper and the following filter components are closed, the sides of all filter components having small holes, through which the increasing pressure forces the honey out. The other end of the filter component is mounted to the body of the beeswax separation screw. The structure is beneficial when including only two filter components in which case the first component includes the whole length of the compression zone.

Abstract: The present invention features a knock-in mouse comprising a mutation in an endogenous CRBN locus and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present application provides a novel drug screening platform designed to identify drugs that favorably modulate cellular bioenergetics in the human brain of a zebrafish which has been modified by altering a teleost gene that corresponds to a human gene associated with a brain dysfunction disorder (such as epilepsy). The drug screening platform are also useful for determining a mutation in a human gene associated with a brain dysfunction disorder that is associated with a human individual responsive to the treatment of a compound. Also provided are modified teleosts useful for the methods described herein.

Abstract: Provided are a diagnosis marker, a diagnosis method, and a therapeutic agent suitable for diagnosing and treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Also provided are an animal model and a cell model suitable for developing a therapeutic agent and a treatment method for ALS. The diagnosis method for ALS includes: an isolation step in which a nucleic acid is isolated from a specimen taken from a subject; a detection step in which bases expressed in a human chromosome 10 optineurin (OPTN) gene region are detected from the isolated nucleic acid; and a determination step in which it is determined whether or not the detected bases are mutated.

Abstract: An inline bladed weighted fishing lure is disclosed in which the blade is designed to oscillate side-to-side during retrieval and is loosely, but securely affixed to a frame. The frame includes an inferior portion that is securely connected to a weighted body and also includes features for attachment of a fishing line and facile blade assembly. The attachment feature, weight and rearward parts of the lure being disposed substatially inline to provide assurance against bending forces which would otherwise tend to detune lure operation.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a lure body itself including a tail section and a head section. The head section includes a line attachment system for coupling fishing line or other tackle to the front of the lure which provides both increased structural competency and degrees of freedom for motion of the lure as it travels through water. The tail section includes an attachment mechanism for reversibly attaching a trailing leader line and trailing lure which can increasingly entice fish to strike the lure.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a fishing rod assembly and apparatus.

Abstract: A cricket keeper for baiting a sport fishing hook contains a large plurality of crickets as live bait, and provides a conical lid with a narrow capped opening at its peak, where a single cricket may become trapped when the cricket keeper is inverted. A slot is provided in the side of the opening, enabling the user to insert a hook through the slot to impale a trapped cricket without touching the cricket. Then invert the cricket hooker back up right lifting the hook towards the top. Simply remove the cap lift out the hook with the cricket securely impaled.

Abstract: Losing your best/favorite reel and rod while fishing, is devastating. I have lost a few. I have observed other fishermen losing reels and rods also due to fish pullover. The fish were literally taking our reels and rods. I said, “There has to be a solution.” I began experimenting with many items from boat holders to bungee cords; from hard materials to soft materials and spikes to rope tees. Nothing worked until I put together The Barge Assistant Rod Saver. The Barge Assistant Rod Saver consists of: a hook, link chain, screws, washers, holding nut and a round weight. This was designed to prevent immediate rod pullover on a fish initial strike. The results were astonishing. The Barge Assistant Rod Saver allowed me time to get to my fishing rods before losing them. I have not lost a rod as a result of using The Barge Assistant Rod Saver.

Abstract: A combination ice fishing rod useful as a vertical tip-up over an ice fishing hole, a hybrid angled tip-up mode resting on the ice next to the hole, and as a jigging rod. The rod includes a rod tube with an outer end removably holding a conventional rod tip, an enclosed reel housing, and a hollow grip handle aligned with the the rod tube. Three or more folding legs are secured flat against the rod tube, and can be extended radially perpendicular to the rod body to span an ice fishing hole and support the rod vertically over the hole, or at an angle relative to the hole using two legs as a bipod. The grip handle contains an axial signal post selectively latched to the spool in the reel housing, the post released when a fish strikes the line. The rod can be immediately engaged as a reel-operated jigging rod from either the vertical or hybrid tip-up modes.

Abstract: An example embodiment includes an agricultural sprayer having a boom that supports many sections of fluid distribution pipes and an even larger number of spray nozzles. Various activities related to the spray nozzles are enabled or disabled using infinity switches or slide configurations that are mounted an operator seat armrests or on remote controllers.

Abstract: A method of euthanizing air-breathing animals by replacing part of their air supply with the exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine. The engine is mounted on a barrow that can be wheeled to the burrows of rabbits, gophers and the like. The engine runs initially on a lean fuel/air mix and later on extra fuel that raises the oxides of carbon content to 6%. The inclusion of fogging oil makes the emissions visible so that the operator is able to avoid breathing them. The emissions can be directed into chambers for euthanizing collected animals such as hens and scaled up in order to treat large volume areas such as grain silos in order to kill silo vermin.

Abstract: A rodent deterrent apparatus has one or more deterrent features including a deterring light feature, a deterring sound feature and/or a deterring scent feature. A selection feature allows a user to select one or more of the deterring features to be activated. A motion detector may activate the deterring feature or features when motion is detected near the rodent deterrent apparatus. An accelerometer detects when the rodent deterrent apparatus is in motion and a controller may switch the apparatus to a power saver mode, wherein the deterrent features are not activated during motion, in order to save power.

Abstract: Electric pest deterrents device having knitted conductors are presented. An elongated conductor comprising at least a single conducting strand knitted with itself or with other conducting strands can be attached to a base of the device. The conducting strands can be knitted according to one or more patterns to form textured surfaces having raise protrusions.

Abstract: A turkey call device and assembly for simulating multiple calls of a wild turkey hen. The turkey call device and assembly comprises a housing with a plurality of striker plates and at least one striker member. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two striker plates on the top thereof and a third striker plate on the bottom thereof. The bottom striker plate is capable of producing a locator call. The locator call has a hearing range of up to one half of a mile so as to eliminate the need for a user to travel long distances for the device to be heard from afar. Each striker plate and striker member can be formed from different materials. In this way, the turkey call device and assembly enables a user to reproduce multiple sounds, such as yelps, cuts, cackles, kee kees, runs, purrs, clucks, and other turkey hen sounds.

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: An adjustable tree stand is provided. The tree stand includes a seat post having a bottom end and a top end, a substantially hollow outer post, and an inner post disposed within the outer post. The inner post telescopes with the outer post, thereby making the height of the seat post adjustable. A seat secured at the top end of the seat post. A foot rest is secured at the bottom end of the seat post. At least one tree bracket protrudes from a rear side of the seat post. The tree bracket includes a first arm and a second arm angled away from one another and operable to receive at least a portion of a tree trunk in between. A strap may be used to secure the seat post to the tree trunk.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for substantially liquid, gel, suspension, slurry, semisolid and/or colloid storage of biological samples following admixture with the herein disclosed storage composition, permitting substantial recovery of biological activity following storage without refrigeration. In certain embodiments, unfractionated blood or tissue samples may be stored without refrigeration for weeks, months or years in a form that permits recovery of intact DNA, RNA or protein components following the storage period.

Abstract: A medical fluid for a harvested organ, tissue or part thereof, for evaluation and/or preservation. The fluid includes cocaine or a stimulating analogue thereof; noradrenaline; and/or adrenaline. In addition, the fluid includes an oncotic agent, such as dextran; hormones, such as thyroxin; triiodotyronine; cortisone, insulin; and electrolytes and optionally nutrients in substantially physiological concentrations in a physiologically acceptable medium. In addition, the medical fluid further includes albumin in a concentration not exceeding 5.0%, and an oxygen carrier, such as erythrocytes. Further components may be dopamine; hydrocortisone; methylprednisolone; and a vasopressor agent, such as desmopressin. The cocaine; adrenaline; and noradrenaline are present in concentrations of each about 0.010 ?M to 0.100 ?M, for example in a ratio of 1:1:1.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of storage, treatment, assessment and transport of an organ or tissue includes a cooling container configured to cool the organ or tissue, a perfusion circuit configured to perfuse the organ or tissue, and a sample compartment for holding a biological sample. Preferred apparatus has a first internal compartment under a first cover (lid) of the apparatus that includes the coolant container and the sample compartment. The apparatus can include a second internal compartment under a second cover (lid) of the apparatus, the second internal compartment including at least part of the perfusion circuit and a sample compartment.

Abstract: A device (10) is provided for the handling and transportation of an eyeball (1) including: at least one base body (2) including a first housing seat or cavity (4) for housing at least partially the eyeball; at least one retaining element (3) including at least three fins (13) for retaining the eyeball in the first housing seat or cavity; and at least one lid (5) removably combinable with the base body.

Abstract: Transportable containers that utilize phase change materials to maintain blood or other biological material within a precise temperature range for extended periods, without the need for mechanical temperature control, are disclosed. Methods of maintaining such biological materials within a precise temperature range for extended periods, without the need for mechanical temperature control, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing and storing biological cells includes introducing a flowable medium into a microfluidic device, the flowable medium including biological cells; sequestering one or more biological cells from the flowable medium in one or more isolation regions of the microfluidic device; and freezing the microfluidic device including the one or more biological cells sequestered therein.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions are provided for reducing the viscosity of high active alkyl ether sulfate surfactants (e.g., 70% sodium lauryl ether sulfate) without using highly flammable solvents or preservatives.

Abstract: Provided is a method for reducing damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation. Damage by harmful organisms in corn cultivation can be reduced by carrying out the steps of: A) making a furrow in a cultivated land; B) seeding the furrow formed in the foregoing step with corn; C) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (II), or C?) applying to the furrow one or more selected from Compound Group (I) and one or more selected from Compound Group (II); and D) closing the furrow. Compound Group (I): clothianidin, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and thiacloprid; Compound Group (II): bifenthrin, bioresmethrin, deltamethrin, bioallethrin, ethofenprox, fenpropathrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, zeta-cypermethrin, fenvalerate, esfenvalerate, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, alpha-cypermethrin, tralomethrin, fluvalinate, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, flucythrinate and tefluthrin.

Abstract: Grease-like compositions are provided for repelling insects and preventing undesirable behavior in hoofed animals. The compositions utilize nontoxic mineral, synthetic, or vegetable oil based gels containing silica, clay, urea, polytetrafluoroethylene, or metallic soap thickeners and capsaicin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment of grapes with 3?-methyl-(S)-abscisic acid, 3?-propargyl-(S)-abscisic acid, and/or salts thereof in order to enhance the color of the grapes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment of apple trees, peach trees, and grape vines with 3?-methyl-(S)-abscisic acid, 3?-propargyl-(S)-abscisic acid, and/or salts thereof in order to reduce the number of fruits on the trees or vines that grow to maturity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment of crop plants with 3?-methyl-(S)-abscisic acid, 3?-propargyl-(S)-abscisic acid, and/or salts thereof in order to improve the plants' environmental stress tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment of fruits and vegetables with 3?-methyl-(S)-abscisic acid, 3?-propargyl-(S)-abscisic acid, and/or salts thereof in order to enhance the color of the fruits and vegetables.