Abstract: A wet-mateable connector for making a connection underwater comprises a male component 10 having a male pin 14 and a female component 20 having a female socket 24 for receiving the male pin. The male component has a male wiper seal assembly 16 which moves between a decoupled and a coupled position during coupling of the male component 10 and female component 20 so as to wipe at least a portion of the male pin 14. A latch 42a, 48 is provided which is arranged to latch the male wiper seal assembly 16 to the female component 20 during coupling such that when the male and female components are decoupled, the male wiper seal assembly 16 is returned to the decoupled position.

Abstract: A mono domain vertical alignment type liquid crystal display apparatus to be multiplex driven is provided whose display uniformity at a large pretilt angle (near 90°) is improved. Waveform A is applied to a liquid crystal cell of a mono domain vertical alignment type, the waveform A having a duty not lower than 4 and a frame frequency of f. The frame frequency f is determined from a pretilt angle ?p, and is a frequency not lower than 60 Hz at a pretilt angle of 88.5°??p<89.6° or a frequency not lower than [120×(?p?89.6)+60] Hz at a pretilt angle of 89.6°??p?89.9°.

Abstract: A method for operating a memory (28) includes storing data, which is encoded with an Error Correction Code (ECC), in analog memory cells (32) of the memory by writing respective analog input values selected from a set of nominal values to the analog memory cells. The stored data is read by performing multiple read operations that compare analog output values of the analog memory cells to different, respective read thresholds so as to produce multiple comparison results for each of the analog memory cells. At least two of the read thresholds are positioned between a pair of the nominal values that are adjacent to one another in the set of the nominal values. Soft metrics are computed responsively to the multiple comparison results. The ECC is decoded using the soft metrics, so as to extract the data stored in the analog memory cells.

Abstract: Methods A system and method for providing financial instruments to customers and applicants of a service provider are disclosed. One method, among others, includes providing a device such as a mobile telephone to a user, and providing the user with a contactless card having a financial account identifier that is associated with a financial account.

Abstract: A non-volatile storage system includes technology for skipping programming cycles while programming a page (or other unit) of data. While programming a current subset of the page (or other unit) of data, the system will evaluate whether the next subsets of the page (or other unit) of data should be programmed into non-volatile storage elements or skipped. Subsets of the page (or other unit) of data that should not be skipped are programmed into non-volatile storage elements. Some embodiments include transferring the appropriate data to temporary latches/registers, in preparation for programming, concurrently with the evaluation of whether to program or skip the programming.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing vegetation from ground surfaces. The device generally includes a base, multiple tines extending from the base, and a handle coupled to base for moving the base relative to a ground surface for removing vegetation from the ground surface. The tines are arranged on the base in an array comprising at least two rows, where at least one of the at least two rows is offset from at least another one of the at least two rows. In addition, each of the tines has a shaft and a generally rounded head. As such, the tines allow the device to remove the vegetation when operated in a plurality of directions and to improve grasping of the vegetation such that the vegetation may be removed from the ground surface with roots included.

Abstract: A multi-piece cutting edge attachment for a circular shaft of a harrow tine features a mounting member formed of a material that is weldable to, and distinct from, a first material of the harrow tine. A cutting edge member is formed of a third material that is harder than the first and second materials and less weldable to harrow tine than the second material of the mounting member. The cutting edge member has a front face and an opposing rear face that is conformingly shaped for placement against a front face of the mounting member at a lower end thereof. The multi-piece arrangement forms a cutting edge of greater hardness than that which is achievable by a material directly attachable to the tine itself.

Abstract: A sod harvester comprising a sod cutter assembly that shaves slabs of sod material from a field and cm them into lengths; a sod rolling assembly that rolls the sod slabs as they are conveyed to a sod roll array forming station; a pick-and-place apparatus comprising a pick head that picks up arrays of sod rolls and places them in layers onto a first location: a layer compactor that is in a retracted position while the pick head deposits the arrays of sod rolls and that pushes against a layer of sod rolls while the pick head moves to pick up an array of sod rolls; and a side compactor that pushes against the sod rolls In a direction orthogonal to that of the layer compactor.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a main frame section having a pull hitch tube extending in a travel direction, which may be a telescoping pull hitch tube, a plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections coupled with the main frame section, and a plurality of pivoting wing front shank frames. Draft linkage assemblies connect the plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections to the telescoping pull hitch tube, while causing both the pivoting wing front shank frames and the plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections to articulate correctly. The main shank frame, the pivotal wing front shank frames, and the wing sections articulate from an operating configuration to a transport configuration.

Abstract: A triple-fold agricultural implement includes a center frame section, and a plurality of wing sections positioned on opposite lateral sides of the center frame section. The plurality of wing sections include an inner wing section, a middle wing section and an outer wing section. Each outer wing section may be folded approximately 180° laterally inward and over a respective middle wing section. Each middle wing section may be folded approximately 180° laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section. Each inner wing section may be folded approximately 90° laterally inward and over the center frame section, whereby each of the plurality of wing sections when in a folded state are in a transport position lying above the center frame section.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making the same, are provided. The superabsorbent polymer is used in a seed coating along with an active ingredient, and optionally a singulating substance, to improve seed germination and/or blooming; improve germination under dry conditions; decrease irrigation requirements; increase propagation, crop growth, and crop production; and improve the efficacy of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution unit (10) for a granular commodity such as grains (34), fertilizer or the like, in particular a sowing unit (12) of a distribution or sowing machine. The unit (10, 12) comprises a housing (14) having an approximately circular and/or circle-segment shaped inner lateral surface (16), at least one inlet opening (18) for conveyed granular commodities or conveyed grains (34), a conveying device (22) rotating concentrically in the housing (14) for the conveyed granular commodity or the conveyed grains (34) and at least one outlet opening (24) which connects approximately tangentially to the inner lateral surface (16). The conveying device (22) has one or more openings and/or steps on the outer region thereof, which, in a first housing and/or conveying region, form a pocket with the housing inner lateral surface (16) in which the grains (34) are compacted and conveyed circularly by centrifugal forces, supported by the conveying device (22).

Abstract: A system is provided for use with a seed-delivering agricultural implement that can use look-ahead predictions and controls to coordinate seed type delivery switchover in a manner that minimizes mixing different seed types during the switchover. The system can include a control system that uses a prescription map to look ahead to coordinate out-of-implement or to-ground seed type delivery switch-over events of seeding and/or planting implements with the implements crossing boundaries between different variety zones of an agricultural field.

Abstract: A riding mower is provided with a front frame, a rear frame on which a drive unit is mounted, a rollover protective structure (ROPS). A first coupling part couples one front frame and one rear frame. A second coupling part couples a rear end of the front frame and a supporting column of the ROPS. A third coupling part couples the supporting column and the rear frame. The riding mower utilizes at least one triangular structural element defined in part by the first, second and third coupling parts.

Abstract: A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement.

Abstract: A tool, such as a mower, has a main body having an accessory, such as a mowing blade, and a motor for driving the accessory. A handle is rotatably connected to the main body. At least one operation assembly is associated with the handle for being operated by a user to control the motor when the handle is located in a predetermined position. A control system prevents the motor from being controlled by the operation assembly and halts the motor when the handle is located out of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A loading and transport apparatus for an agricultural header or implement that comprises a primary tool and a secondary tool, comprising a guide frame. On the guide frame is arranged a first support device having a first rest surface for movably holding the primary tool. On the guide frame is further arranged a second support device having a second rest surface for movably holding the secondary tool. A coupling element is arranged to the first support device, wherein the coupling element connects the first support device to the second support device. To the guide frame is arranged a support element, which contacts the second support device, wherein the coupling element and the support element are designed and arranged such that a movement of the first support device in a first direction along the guide frame effects lifting of the second rest surface.

Abstract: An agricultural mower including a chassis, a pivotal tongue coupled to the chassis and a transport arrangement coupled to the chassis. The transport arrangement has a first suspension element pivotal about a first axis and a second suspension element pivotal about a second axis. The second suspension element additionally being pivotal about the first axis.

Abstract: A method of automating unloading for a mobile farm implement is presented. The method includes determining whether the speed of the mobile farm implement is below a first threshold. In response to a determination that the speed of the mobile farm implement is below the first threshold, a conveyor is moved to an operating position, where it is used to unload agricultural material from the mobile farm implement. Upon termination of the unloading of the agricultural material, the controller folds the conveyor to a storage or transport position.

Abstract: A gardening scissor includes a first cutting unit, a second cutting unit, and a control rod. Each of the first and second cutting units has a tool portion, and one end of each of the tool portions has a first handle and a second handle. The first and second cutting units are pivotally connected together through first and second through holes. An axial hole is formed near the first through hole, and one side of the axial hole has a gap to connect with the step-shaped space. An extending wing that is protruding out from the second handle is formed at a rear portion of the tool portion. When the control rod is inserted into the axial hole and connected with a stopping unit, the control rod can be restricted by the stopping unit and cannot be laterally separated from the axial hole.

Abstract: A device and a method for hydrating each stem of a bunch of fresh cut flowers during transport. The device includes a liquid retaining flexible wrap substantially forming a right isosceles pentagon that is adaptable to directly contact the distal ends of each one of a plurality of stems of a bunch of flowers.

Abstract: A multi-filtration auto-drainage/irrigation pipe includes a pipe body, which includes a first drainage and irrigation channel, a second drainage and irrigation channel, a third drainage and irrigation channel, a first drainage and irrigation port, a second drainage and irrigation port and a third drainage and irrigation port. The first drainage and irrigation port is a first filtering layer having first filtering holes uniformly distributed. The second drainage and irrigation port is a second filtering layer having second filtering holes uniformly distributed. The third drainage and irrigation port is a third filtering layer having third filtering holes uniformly distributed. The first drainage and irrigation port is arranged on a pipe wall of the pipe body. The second drainage and irrigation port is arranged between the second and the third drainage and irrigation channels. The third drainage and irrigation port is arranged between the second and the first drainage and irrigation channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel melon plants and plant parts, seed, fruit, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a melon plant by crossing the melon plants of the invention with themselves or another melon plant. The invention also provides plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, fruit, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated MM59 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line MM59, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line MM59, and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line MM59 with itself or another corn line. The invention also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line MM59 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MM59.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated UWC04, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line UWC04, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line UWC04 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line UWC04 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line UWC04, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line UWC04 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated CL215695R. Also included are seeds of canola CL215695R, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL215695R and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL215695R with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL215695R.

Abstract: An inbred corn line, designated SMA96BM, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line SMA96BM, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line SMA96BM with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line SMA96BM with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SMA96BM, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SMA96BM and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR30AX15X. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR30AX15X. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR30AX15X and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR30AX15X with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR33AU15X. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR33AU15X. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR33AU15X and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR33AU15X with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2FYF and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2FYF with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2FYF through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2FYF or a locus conversion of PH2FYF with another maize variety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-65 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew strains Bl:1 to Bl:31, CA-I to CA-VIII (Bremia lactucae), currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, and lettuce mosaic virus (LMV), as well as having intensely red, deeply incised, three-dimensional leaves, and a medium to small plant size. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-65 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-65 RZ.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants NC174 SRC, CMS NC174 SRC, NC821-11 SRC, NC775 Bmr/Bmr SRC, CMS NC775 Bmr/Bmr SRC, NC645 Bmr/Bmr SRC, and hybrids NC 5 SRC and NC 8 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and cured tobacco and tobacco products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progenies of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants Banket A1 SRC, CMS Banket A1 SRC, NC 2000 SRC, CMS NC 2000 SRC, NC 2002 SRC, CMS NC 2002 SRC, Burley 21 SRC, and CMS Burley 21 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants and cured tobacco and tobacco products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progenies of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides tobacco inbred plants NC1209-23 SRC, CMS NC1209-23 SRC, DH19 SRC, DH98-325-5 SRC, NC1426-11 SRC, CMS NC1426-11 SRC, and NC1426-17 SRC, and hybrids NC 3 SRC, NC 6 SRC, and NC 4 SRC. The present disclosure also provides parts of such plants, cured tobacco, and tobacco products made from those parts. The present disclosure also includes progenies of the provided plants including hybrids.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lettuce cultivar Duquesne and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce plants of the invention with themselves or another lettuce plant. The invention also provides lettuce plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: A pet house or a pet crate is easily collapsible, foldable and portable, having four side walls, connected to a roof plate, with a frame support built to the edges of the left and right side walls, when two first zippers zip up along the left and right side walls' edges to form the complete and assembled pet crate. A special 180-degree flip of a second zipper strip is made to the portion along the edges of the roof plate, so that the orientation of the zipper teeth at the portion connected to the roof plate is reversed in direction to the portion connected to the front and back side walls, providing a stronger propping power for the corners under the roof plate, when zipped up and fully erected.

Abstract: A process for reprocessing soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure to form a compact product. The soiled animal bedding material is separated in a shaker to send at least a preponderance of the manure to a holding tank. The bedding material is subsequently dried and compacted to form a compacted product. Alternatively, the bedding material is dried (without a compacting step) to form a product.

Abstract: The object of invention is an animal cage litter composition, especially suitable for cats, in the form of compacted and/or ground down sunflower hulls, in the amount from 1% to 100%, preferably 100%, with addition of the known binder, in the amount from 0% to 50%, and/or the known filler, in the amount from 0% to 80%, in the total mass of compacted sunflower hulls.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes a multi-part body having an interior volume and baffle portions within the body that divide the interior volume of the body into compartments having openings therebetween that facilitate at least indirect communication between the compartments. A first recess is formed in a first part of the body and a second recess is formed in a second part of the body. An exit hole positioned within the first recess communicates with an exit compartment, included within the compartments, such that animal treats within the exit compartment can be discharged from the body via the exit hole. A lever that is integrated in one part of the body includes an end that is externally accessible via one of the recesses and is configured to releasably engage a structure in the other part of the body to facilitate coupling and uncoupling the first and second parts.

Abstract: A toy for a horse is provided. The toy includes a mounting assembly, a treat guide support that attaches to the mounting assembly, and a treat ring that attaches to the treat guide support. The treat ring is movable relative to the treat guide support when the treat ring is attached thereto.

Abstract: A chewable pet-entertainment device. The chewable pet-entertainment device includes a first body portion and a second body portion operatively coupled to the first body portion. At least one of the first body portion and the second body portion define an internal cavity. The chewable pet-entertainment device includes a timer mechanism disposed in at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Responsive to the timer mechanism measuring a set period of time, the first body portion opens relative to the second body portion allowing access to the internal cavity.

Abstract: The principles of the present inventive concepts relate to pet toys in general and, in particular, to a chewable pet toy such as those commonly used by dogs. The chew toy may be constructed and adapted to allow the toy to be cooled or frozen to provide a cooling effect to the animal during the chewing process. The toy may be further constructed and adapted to incorporate at least one recessed or open area that is configured to receive and retain an edible food product therein which may be dislodged and consumed by the animal during the chewing process. The chew toy may comprise a main body, which may consist of two half-sections defining a sealed interior volume that encases an inner core. A non-toxic fluid may also be contained within the interior volume to allow the toy to be frozen. An external surface of the main body may comprise a plurality of small protrusions to provide a cleaning or massaging effect to the animal's teeth and gums.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a dog and a method of using the apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a first elongated member having inner and outer ends with the inner end being fastened to a vehicle in a first location; a second elongated member having upper and lower ends with the upper end fastened to the vehicle in a second location; and a means of attaching the outer end of the first member and the lower end of the second member to a fastener device that contacts the dog, such that the first and second members establish an angle ? of separation between themselves that is within the range of about 15° to 75°. The first and second members are fastened to the vehicle such that angles ? and ?, are formed between the vehicle and the members with at least one of the angles between about 15° to 165°.

Abstract: Fatty liver was induced by administering agents for inducing organ inflammation to experimental animals to evoke insulin resistance and by rearing them with high-fat diets. As a result, steatohepatitis was successfully induced in the animals. The animals show pathological findings similar to those of humans. By using these model animals, substances for treating or preventing diseases can be efficiently screened and the efficacy of medicinal substances can be effectively evaluated.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects relates to isolated nucleic acids, compositions, and kits useful for identifying adeno-associated viruses in cells. In some aspects, the invention provides kits and methods for producing somatic transgenic animal models using recombinant AAV (rAAV) to an animal having at least one transgene that expresses a small interfering nucleic acid or at least one binding site for a miRNA.

Abstract: An aquatic electrical barrier that has the electrodes configured in a matrix array configuration, where each electrode element of the matrix array is mounted either directly on the bottom of a water channel or on extendable rods; the matrix array is controlled so that aquatic species may be physically moved by the aquatic species physiological response to a time-varying and spatially-varying electrical field.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a head portion and a flow-through appendage cavity portion, the head portion including two first securement surfaces and the cavity portion being securable to the head portion, the cavity portion including a pair of cavity-forming cage members, each cage member including a head-portion-abutting edge, a tail end and a second securement surface engageable with one of the first securement surfaces, at least one of the cage members including openings disposed to permit flow-through of fluid while preventing pass-through of fish-attracting pieces bigger than the openings, the cavity portion further including a hinge or other connector such that the cage members are movable between together and apart positions.

Abstract: A fish hook setting device having a housing with longitudinal passage, a collet shaft slideably received within the longitudinal passage of the housing, a trigger assembly comprising a trigger rod slideably received within the collet shaft and a collet, and a biasing member engaged with the collet shaft. When the device is in a cocked state, the biasing member is compressed, and when the device is in an un-cocked state, the biasing member is decompressed. When a fish bites on the bait of the hook, the device is triggered from the cocked state to the un-cocked state as the trigger rod and the collet shaft are forced upwards by the biasing member to set the hook into the mouth of the fish.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, may cause the computer to automatically receive motion capture data recorded by one or more cameras. The computer may analyze the motion capture data to detect a cast, catch, or bite. The computer may store a record of the cast, catch, or bite.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanical device to assist in weed removal from crops in an organic manner by mechanically pulling weeds by use of a rotating member to grasp and pull weeds from the soil while leaving the desired crop in place. The rotating members may be wheels, metal rollers, and combinations thereof removably attached to a tractor wherein one rotating member is an inflated rubber tire and the second rotating member is a metal roller wrapped with a rubber lagging and may include a posi-pull system.