Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid SV4951HL and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV4951HL 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 pepper hybrid SV0972PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SV0972PB 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 tomato hybrid SV4483TD and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SV4483TD and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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: This invention relates to crop plants of which the fruit dehiscence properties are modulated. More specifically the invention relates to improved methods and means for reducing seed shattering, or delaying seed shattering until after harvest, in plants, while maintaining at the same time an agronomically relevant threshability of the pods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for unique spinach plants with broad-spectrum resistance to downy mildew and their progeny. Such plants may comprise an introgressed QTL associated with the broad-spectrum resistance to downy mildew. In certain aspects, compositions, including distinct polymorphic molecular markers, and methods for producing, using, identifying, selecting, and the like of plants or germplasm with resistance to downy mildew are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards leaf lettuce varieties that have tan seed color conferred by mutant allele VSTMA1. The invention relates to the seeds, plants and plant parts of lettuce plants containing mutant allele VSTMA1 and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing lettuce plants containing mutant allele VSTMA1 with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing mutant allele VSTMA1 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 plants containing mutant allele VSTMA1, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce plants containing mutant allele VSTMA1 and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods.

Abstract: A coupling component for an animal cubicle that includes an engagement member, a pipe collar transverse to the engagement member for receiving a neckrail, a flexible member that extends in opposite directions from the engagement member and connects the engagement member to the pipe collar so that the flexible member encircles a space adjacent the pipe collar. The deformation of the flexible member allows relative movement between the engagement member and the pipe collar.

Abstract: A composition for a dog litter includes an aromatic agent for attracting a dog and a divided woody substrate. The color and texture of the dog litter and the divided woody substrate may be the same. An area designated for urination and/or defecation by a dog may be made attractive to the dog by dispersing the dog litter in the designated area. When a dog detects the aromatic agent, perhaps by smell or by direct contact with the treated woody substrate, the dog preferably perceives the designated area as the source of the aromatic agent and may be encouraged to urinate and/or defecate in the designated area. The aromatic agent preferably does not attract animal species other than dogs to the treated woody substrate. Some embodiments include steps for preparing the divided woody substrate and for preparing the designated area.

Abstract: A water absorbing material that is suitable for being discarded by being flushed down a flush toilet is provided. The water absorbing material includes only an organic substance containing no nutrients.

Abstract: A guide rail lifting type door for a pet cage includes a rectangular shift lever (1), a lifting handle (2) and a pair of guide rails (3); the rectangular shift lever (1) and the lifting handle (2) are rotatably fixed on a crossbar of the cage door respectively; the tail end of the lifting handle (2) is equipped with a hook structure (2a); the hook structure (2a) hooks the crossbar of the cage door; the rectangular shift lever (1) blocks the front end of the lifting handle (2) and carries out locking on the lifting handle (2); and the lifting handle (2) rotates to drive the rectangular shift lever (1) to rotate, and the hook structure (2a) is separated from the crossbar of the cage door to carry out unlocking.

Abstract: A telescopic chain type pet cage door includes a spring case, a rotary type lifting handle, a telescopic door composed of a chain plate and a crossbar, and guide rails; the guide rails are configured longitudinally; when the telescopic chain type pet cage door is closed, the chain plate and the crossbar are unfolded, and the lifting handle is hooked and locked by a drag hook of the spring case; when the telescopic chain type pet cage door needs to be opened, the lifting handle rotates to be separated from the drag hook of the spring case to upwards drive the chain plate and the crossbar to move upwards and to be shrunk in the guide rails.

Abstract: A telescopic folding type pet cage door includes a lockset (1), a rotating handle (2), a locking rod (3) and guide rails (4). The pet cage door includes at least three folding units in a vertical direction, wherein the three folding units can be folded in sequence, and both ends of each folding unit are capable of sliding along the guide rails (4). The bottom folding unit is connected with a vertical lifting rod, a rotating handle (2) is disposed on the top of the lifting rod, a hook (2a) configured to hook the locking rod (3) is disposed on the end portion of the rotating handle (2), and when the hook (2a) hooks the locking rod (3), the lockset (1) carries out rotary locking on the rotary handle (2); and the lockset (1) is unlocked, the rotating handle (2) rotates, the hook (2a) is separated from the locking rod (3), the rotating handle (2) drives the lifting rod to move upwards or transversely, and the lifting rod drives the at least three folding units to be sequentially folded upwards or transversely.

Abstract: A lifting and overturning type automatically-locked pet cage door includes a lifting handle, a hook shift liver, a spring, a rotting shaft and a pair of guide rails. The lifting handle is rotatably fixed on the upper end of a door body, and the hook shift lever is fixed on a crossbar above the door body; when the cage door is closed, the hook shift lever hooks the upper end of the door body under the action of the spring to realize locking; when the cage door is opened, the door body slides upwards along a pair of guide rails to drive the hook shift lever to rotate, and slides upwards to the maximum displacement position after being separated from the hook shift lever, and the door body rotates along the rotating shaft and is laid on the top of the pet cage.

Abstract: A locking leash device comprising the four main elements: the guide, the leash shuttle, the brackets, and the locking mechanics. A locking leash device is used to secure a pet animal, such as dog, to stationary objects, such as a pole, small tree, etc., and prevents the pet from tangling a leash about the point of attachment and/or wrapping up in the tree or pole they are tied off to, giving customers a tangle free experience with their dogs. A locking leash device is a portable, convenient to use, simple, lightweight, weather and rust resistant device with interchangeable and replaceable parts that are easy to assemble and remove and made of a resilient material, so as to minimize stress on the dog. It is an environment friendly locking leash device that does not damage any part of the tree, and can be used in many different areas, such as campgrounds and parks.

Abstract: A pet feeder includes an assembly base and a feeder body. The assembly base includes a base body having an annular external rim provided with a plurality of pluggable fins. The feeder body includes an annular surrounding wall and a feeding trough defined inside the surrounding wall. The surrounding wall of the feeder body is provided with several sets of slots arranged in a circumferential direction about a central axis thereof and annularly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. Each of the several sets of slots extends a distinct depth and has a plurality of slots matching the pluggable fins of the assembly base. As such, a height of the feeding trough of the feeder body can be conveniently adjusted when one of the several sets of slots with a specific depth is coupled with the pluggable fins of the assembly base.

Abstract: A pet food dispenser is provided. The pet food dispenser has a main housing unit having a bottom. The bottom of the main housing unit has an opening, having an air-tight seal, wherein pet food passes through the opening to a receiving dish. The top of the main housing dispenser has a hinged lid wherein pet food may be introduced into the interior of the main housing dispenser. The hinged lid has an air-tight seal which keeps the pet food located inside fresh. New pet food may be placed into the interior of the main housing unit at the top of the housing while older pet food exits through the opening to at the bottom of the main housing unit. As a result, the pet food is consistently rotated through the device and healthy and unspoiled pet food is consistently provided to the pet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding livestock is presented. The method includes feeding livestock using a mobile feed preparation apparatus comprising a processor and a first non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor, wherein the mobile feed preparation apparatus can dispense a plurality of feed rations, each feed ration comprising a base feed and at least one of a plurality of feed additives. The method includes dispensing from the mobile feed preparation apparatus a first feed ration comprising the base feed and a first feed additive, wherein the dispensed first feed ration comprises a dispensed amount of the first feed additive.

Abstract: A method for distributing feed over multiple separate feeding locations includes determining which feeding locations have a feed requirement; selecting a first feeding location among the feeding locations having a feed requirement; determining a feed composition to be delivered to the first feeding location; determining which further feeding locations have a feed requirement and require the same feed composition; selecting at least one further feeding location; filling the feed delivery device with an amount of the determined feed composition; and distributing the feed, wherein the amount of feed distributed to a selected feeding location depends on the ratio between amount to be delivered to said selected feeding location and the sum of the amounts of feed to be delivered to all selected feeding locations.

Abstract: A liquid receptacle and water reservoir in combination with a pet collar is provided by the present invention. The water reservoir is comprised of: a tubular shaped water reservoir provided with a first orifice for filling said reservoir with fluid and a second orifice for dispensing the fluid from said reservoir, a plurality of reflective strips applied to the surface of said water reservoir, a standard choke and harness attachment provided for attaching said water reservoir with the body of an animal, a spigot-type dispensing member provided from said second orifice for assisting the dispensing of the fluid from said water reservoir, and a receptacle connecting the reservoir to said dispensing device.

Abstract: A system includes a temperature sensor and circuitry to collect information from the temperature sensor and transmit the information to a server. The temperature sensor and circuitry are formed as an integrated node adapted to be placed on an exposed skin area of a tail, or on a hoof wall of an animal. The server processes the information and may transmit the information to one or more remote devices. A strain gage may also be included in the node to attach to the hoof wall.

Abstract: A protective shoe to accommodate a foot of waterfowl having toes with nail tips includes a shoe body, an ankle cuff, and a closure tab. The shoe body is in approximately a shape of a waterfowl foot and has an upper surface and a sole connected together to define left front, center front opening, and right front openings, and a foot entrance opening into which the waterfowl foot is inserted. The front openings are sized to permit at least the nail tip of a respective toe to extend therethrough. The ankle cuff is connected to the shoe body and has an ankle closure system formed to secure about an ankle of the waterfowl's foot. The closure tab is connected to the shoe body and has a closure system formed to cover at least a portion of the foot entrance opening to secure the waterfowl's foot inside the shoe body.

Abstract: Described herein are retention devices and their use to limit the accessible length of an elongated object, where unfettered access to the full length of the elongated object would pose a safety hazard. In some exemplary embodiments an animal safety device is disclosed that clamps onto an elongated chewable object so as to provide an animal (e.g., a domesticated animal such as a dog) a segment of chewable material while avoiding a choking hazard.

Abstract: In some examples, a method to monitor an animal may include determining a physiological status of the animal based on a tattoo that includes intelligent ink injected into skin of the animal. The method may also include recording the physiological status of the animal. The method may also include, in response to the physiological status indicating a physiological event or condition, triggering an alert to address the physiological event or condition.

Abstract: A poultry feeding system includes walls which together delimit a feeding space which at its upper side is accessible for poultry via a feeding opening. A feed supply is provided for supplying feed at an inlet position into the feeding space, such that poultry is able to pick feed out of the feeding space. The walls are at least partly provided with an abrasive surface structure that includes a pattern of a plurality of sharp-edged line-elevations for having beaks of the poultry abraded and worn as they pick feed out of the feeding space.

Abstract: Through the years honeycomb frames have been pulled from the hive during inspection and placed on a frame perch available from a supplier. This frame perch is directly attached to the hive body that is being inspected. If the beekeeper does not have a perch the honeycomb frame is placed on the ground. Neither of these methods is practical for the hobby beekeeper with two or more hives. Our invention aids the beekeeper by providing a convenient place to temporarily hold honey frames that are being inspected without the hassle of moving the “frame perch” from one hive to another. Our frame holder would be located to the rear of the hive in order service multiple hives.

Abstract: A shoreline restoration method utilizes a plurality of apparatuses facilitating the formation of a vertical oyster reef. Each apparatus includes a rod frame and a plurality of individual mesh bags are positioned between an inner and an outer frame. The inner and outer frames include top and bottom frame portions and a plurality of side support frame members extending there between. Each individual mesh bag is aligned with at least one outer side support frame member and at least one inner side support frame member and wherein each individual mesh bag is coupled to an adjacent mesh bag. A plurality of cross ties extends between the inner frame and the outer frame and cultch material fills each individual mesh. The shoreline restoration method promotes shell accumulation and expands the tidal zone.

Abstract: A netting conduit. The conduit defines a continuous channel extending between a first open end and a second open end. The conduit is fabricated from netting having a mesh size sufficient to prevent most fish from traversing through the netting material. The conduit tapers from the first open end to a midsection and enlarges from the midsection to the second open end. The longitudinal edges of the conduit can define a parabolic shape. The conduit further includes stakes that are usable to anchor the conduit to the bed of the waterway in which the conduit is in use.

Abstract: Provided is a non-human animal that is highly practical as a hyperuricenia model, the non-human animal being the following: (a) a non-human animal obtained by producing a primary chimeric non-human animal by transplantation of human hepatocytes to an immunodeficient non-human animal with liver dysfunction; and subsequently administering a purine base-containing substance to the primary chimeric non-human animal, or (b) a non-human animal obtained by producing a serially transplanted chimeric non-human animal via two steps, a first step being a step of producing a primary chimeric non-human animal by transplantation of human hepatocytes to an immunodeficient non-human animal with liver dysfunction, a second step being a step of transplanting the human hepatocytes grown in the body of the primary chimeric non-human animal to an immunodeficient non-human animal with liver dysfunction, the second step being performed one or more times; and subsequently administering a purine base-containing substance to the seri

Abstract: This disclosure provides a rodent model of prostate cancer. The rodents disclosed herein comprise a transgene that provides prostate-specific expression of an oncogenic protein (e.g, an SV40 tumor antigen) under the control of 5? and 3? regulatory regions of a mouse probasin gene. The rodents develop progressive forms of prostate tumor that resemble the development of human prostate cancer.

Abstract: Mice that comprise a replacement of endogenous mouse IL-6 and/or IL-6 receptor genes are described, and methods for making and using the mice. Mice comprising a replacement at an endogenous IL-6R? locus of mouse ectodomain-encoding sequence with human ectodomain-encoding sequence is provided. Mice comprising a human IL-6 gene under control of mouse IL-6 regulatory elements is also provided, including mice that have a replacement of mouse IL-6-encoding sequence with human IL-6-encoding sequence at an endogenous mouse IL-6 locus.

Abstract: A customizable buzz bait fishing lure system having a support shaft; a rotor mounted on the support shaft; and at least one removable collar structured and arranged to retain the rotor on the support shaft.

Abstract: A combination paddle and fishing rod device is disclosed. The device may incorporate a single ended paddle or double ended paddle. In any embodiment, the device allows a fishing reel to be mounted to the shaft of the paddle. The shaft forms a portion of the fishing rod supporting one or more eyelets for guiding fishing line from a fishing reel mounted to the shaft. In one embodiment, the eyelets are connected to the shaft and or an oar blade. In another embodiment, a short fishing rod section having one or more eyelets is connected to the shaft. The device is configured to permit fishing while a user propels a watercraft.

Abstract: A submersible shrimp light includes a central main body section having a plurality of elongated arms extending outward therefrom. Each of the elongated arms includes a lighting unit along a distal end for illuminating an area approximately 360 degrees about the central body. Bends in the arms orient the lighting units at various angles, and weights are positioned within the device along the bottom surface.

Abstract: There is provided a fishing float comprising a buoyant, elongated body having first and second ends, a means for attaching a fishing line to the second end of the elongated body, and a lamp module attached to the first end of the elongated body. The lamp module is comprised of an elongated hollow watertight casing having first and second ends, with the ends of the lamp module being translucent and different colors such that a solar powered lamp fitted into the hollow casing of the module body can slide from the first to the second end whenever the module is tilted from a horizontal position to a vertical position by a fish pulling on the attached fishing line.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of classifying flying insects. The methods utilize recording the wingbeat frequency and amplitude spectrum of flying insects and comparing them to known or created insect models to properly classify the flying insect. The error rate of the classification is reduced by utilizing multiple inputs to the classification system, which may include a precise circadian rhythm for the time of year, current environmental conditions, and flight velocity or direction.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.

Abstract: An insect trap that is attached or molded onto a garbage receptacle and that relies on the garbage inside the garbage receptacle to attract or lure insects into a trap compartment designed to effectively entrap said insects permanently. Once the trap compartment is ready to be discarded, a release mechanism driven by an actuator is used to press the trap compartment against a release plate until the trap compartment is released or dislodged into the garbage receptacle. Thus, the user of the insect trap does not have to physically touch the trap compartment that is full of trapped insects. Instead, through the use of the actuator, the trap compartment is released directly into the garbage compartment.

Abstract: A movable agricultural product applicator system for dispensing various agricultural-related products along the ground surface of agricultural crops is provided. The application system provides a hose assembly interconnecting a supporting boom and an applicator, wherein the applicator drags along the ground surface dispensing product as the supporting boom moves by a carrier. The application system may include a swivel connection facilitating a rotational and pivotal connection of the hose assembly to the supporting boom, wherein a mounting assembly removably mounts the application system to the supporting boom. The hose assembly is designed with bending properties that enable the applicator to self-center and locate rows between crops as it is being dragged along the ground surface, as well as enable the applicator to surf above obstacles.

Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling arthropod pests, the method including the following steps: A) a step of forming furrows in the soil; B) a step of sowing seeds of a crop in the furrows; C) a step of applying clothianidin and an inorganic phosphate to the furrows; and D) a step of covering the furrows by gathering soil into the furrows.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding bait including a housing part that can be inserted into a manhole, in particular a sewer manhole or a cable duct manhole,—at least one bait platform disposed in the housing part and delimiting at least one passage opening through a rodent can reach a bait disposed on the bait platform and/or a bait held on at least one bait-holding device disposed in the housing part,—at least closing body, which is mounted so that it can be moved relative to the bait platform, wherein the closing body in an open position is moved away from the bait platform, such that the at least one passage opening delimited on the bait-platform side is exposed, and in a closed position is moved toward the bait platform, such that the at least one passage opening delimited on the bait-platform side is closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biomimetic and zoosemiotic aerial vehicle comprising sensors and means for detecting and scaring away animals, characterised mainly in that it comprises a programmable automatic pilot device. The invention also relates to the use of said vehicle in applications such as the control of certain pests, and the inspection of environmentally protected areas.

Abstract: An animal call device commonly referred to as a grunt tube. The grunt tube generally includes a housing, a reed, and an adjustment arm adapted to engage the reed. The adjustment arm is combined with a first portion of the grunt tube which may be one of either the outlet end, the housing, or the mouthpiece. The reed is combined with a second portion of the grunt tube which may be a different one of either the outlet end, the housing, or the mouthpiece. The first portion of the grunt tube moves relative to the second portion of the grunt tube thereby causing the adjustment arm to move relative to the reed and engage the reed at different locations to change the sound produced by the grunt tube.

Abstract: An animal call which generally includes a housing having a first portion rotatably combined with a second portion. An opening is formed in a wall of the housing between a mouthpiece and an outlet end. A reed is disposed within the opening and is adapted to vibrate in response to passing air. The reed is combined with the first housing portion. A helical member is formed inside the second housing portion. An adjustment member has a helical engagement member that engages the helical member. The adjustment member includes an adjustment arm in frictional engagement with the reed. The helical member acts as an auger to move the adjustment member along the length of the reed as the second housing portion is rotated relative to the first housing portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a decoy apparatus comprising: a body (or structure) shaped to resemble at least a portion of an animal and at least a partially iridescent paint, wherein at least a portion of said body is painted such that a paint scheme is applied to said body which mimics the look and colors of the avian animal as found in nature, and where the paint is capable of emitting different colors when light reflects upon the paint. In one or more embodiments, pearl flakes are added to a clear finish coat of paint to allow for the color shift.

Abstract: Intermittent Flashing Decoy Apparatus, Method and System generally comprising a housing unit, a power source, a motor, a cycler, a switch, and a flasher, wherein the motor, power source, and cycler are substantially housed within the housing unit, and wherein the power source is capable, when the apparatus is turned on via the switch, of powering the motor off and on at random as controlled by the cycler, which is an intermittent timer chip, to manipulate the flasher as to create intermittent “flashes” as flasher rotates and reflects light such as sunlight. A system of two or more intermittent flashing decoys wherein each decoy is controlled by an intermittent timer chip, the cycler, so that no pattern of flashing occurs between any two decoys.

Abstract: A perfusion manifold assembly is described that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate. Drop-to-drop connection schemes are described for putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with a fluid source or another microfluidic device, including but not limited to, putting a microfluidic device in fluidic communication with the perfusion manifold assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary antimicrobial emulsions having hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic antimicrobial agents, surfactants, solubilizing agents, metal chelators and optionally thickening agents. The emulsions have a small particle size and high zeta potential. The emulsions are effective in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces and are effective in killing a variety of organisms. The emulsions are stable and have a long shelf life. Other example materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition containing a) one or more alkyl glucamides of the formula (I), wherein R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms; b) at least one water-soluble ammonium salt, preferably selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate urea, ammonium phosphate, ammoniumeitrate, ammonium chloride, and ammonium thiosulfate; c) propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, mixtures of propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, in each case optionally in a mixture with polypropylene glycol and/or polyethylene glycol, in each case with up to 10 repeating units; and d) water is suitable for increasing the efficacy of electrolyte active substances.

Abstract: An herbicidal concentrate composition that contains Prodiamine herbicide for application to a granular carrier such as a fertilizer granule, or a granule to be mixed with granular fertilizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extracts from Persea sp. (avocado) enriched in bioactive compounds which can be used as antimicrobial, antibacterial or spore germination inhibiting agents, the process for obtaining the extracts, acetogenins and isolated molecules and methods for using the extracts enriched in bioactive compounds for providing antimicrobial, antibacterial or spore germination inhibiting effect.