Abstract: A livestock farming system for use in connection with feed for livestock and including at least one livestock-related device to carry out a livestock-related action on the feed and a controller to control the livestock farming system and generate information messages, and with a communication system. The livestock farming system is configured to define a parameter value relating to the condition of the person, and the controller is configured to send communication messages with the communication system and/or make cognizable said messages to the person depending on the defined parameter value. Since the livestock farming system can assess the condition of the receiving person, the system can make a choice in the sending and/or communicating of the information to the person, so that it can be better guaranteed that the information to be sent will be effectively processed, and is not disregarded or incorrectly processed because the person is, for example, suffering from a high level of stress.

Abstract: A method of feeding an animal includes placing a food container containing animal food and closed with a cover in an animal feeding system, employing the animal feeding system to open the food container and to present the food to an animal for eating and employing the animal feeding system to re-close the food container.

Abstract: A livestock pasture display tag of a type used under harsh agricultural conditions, the tag comprising: (i) a thin, substantially, flat planar flexible display having a thickness, a front planar surface and a back planar surface, both surfaces are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis positioned between surfaces; at least one of said surfaces is having a display section in which the livestock animal indicia is displayed; (ii) an anchoring section for fixedly securing the improved livestock pasture display tag to a body part surface of the livestock animal; and (iii) a permanent pressure sensitive encapsulation zone.

Abstract: A pet animal-wearable self learning device for has been disclosed. The device determines the status of the pet animal by analyzing wireless signal information gathered by the device over a predetermined period of time. The signal information is analyzed to identify useful patterns for determining the status of a pet animal. The pet animal status typically is a multi-dimensional, qualitative or quantitative indicator such as GPS Latitude/Longitude of the pet animal, safe or unsafe condition of the pet animal The status of the pet animal is determined by various factors/conditions such as identifying whether the pet animal is in an enclosed space or not, identifying if the pet is in extreme temperature not suitable for the pet animal's health, identifying whether the pet animal is moving or stationary, identifying if the pet-wearable device has been removed.

Abstract: A cat scratcher device fabricated from a kit of parts as well as a method for its assembly. The device includes a base and cylinder both having surfaces covered by cat scratching material. The cylinder has a first end and a second end, the first end abutting the base and the second end extending distally therefrom and an end cap sized to fit over the second end of the cylinder which is provided with an opening for receiving a ribbed cable strap fitting. A ribbed cable strap is included in the kit, the first end of which is secured to the end cap and the second end of which passes along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and through a centrally located disk positioned at the first end of the cylinder and through an opening in the base and secured thereto through the use of a pawl such that when the ribbed cable strap is pulled through the pawl, it is tensioned to secure the cylinder to the base.

Abstract: The invention provides a dispenser configured to house one or more freely moveable treats in a hollow interior cavity and to randomly release treats through a limited number of dispensing holes only if a treat is in a limited orientation relative to a dispensing hole. The dispenser is made of a flexible, resilient material into a shape that promotes an irregular bounce when the dispenser contacts a generally flat surface. The dispenser can be used to promote prolonged engagement by challenging a pet to cognitively manipulate the dispenser so that treats inside the dispenser are randomly released.

Abstract: A collar structure for pets includes a belt with a first elastic layer, a soft ribbon layer and a second elastic layer, wherein the soft ribbon layer is sandwiched between the first elastic layer and the second elastic layer, and an end of the belt is fixed onto a connector body while the other end of the belt wraps around a target position and penetrates through the connector body such that the other end of the belt can be fixed onto the connector body. Seeing that any one or ones of the first elastic layer, the soft ribbon layer or the second elastic layer is/are made of materials having at least a pesticide or fragrance additive, the collar structure for pets according to the present invention can achieve the effects of disinsection or aroma.

Abstract: A leash-with-variable-anchor has two opposing fastener structures, one for removable attachment to a collar or to a harness; and another for fastening back onto a portion of an elongate-member of the leash, forming a looped structure, an anchor. The anchor may function as a handle. The anchor may also be quickly, easily, and safely attached to various articles, such as, but not limited to, posts; and without a need of detaching from the collar or from the harness. In some embodiments, the loop structure of the anchor may be variable (i.e., adjustable) in size.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of animal husbandry, and more specifically, to a livestock monitoring system utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) and methods of using such systems. The system and method of the present invention for monitoring the health and welfare of livestock comprises six primary components: (1) at least one UAV; (2) a plurality of cameras and sensors; (3) a transmitter; (4) a receiver; (5) a server connected to a computer system for receiving images, video, and data from the plurality of cameras and sensors; and (6) a display for viewing in real-time images, video and data obtained from the plurality of cameras and sensors for monitoring the condition of livestock on a farm or ranch. The purpose of the invention is to provide a convenient and cost-efficient system and method for monitoring the condition of livestock to obtain information in real-time about the behavioral and physiological states of individual animals.

Abstract: An animal training and/or monitoring system and an animal-worn device that is capable of receiving and sending various inputs and outputs, respectively, from/to a wireless mobile device. The wireless mobile device has a software application that allows a human user to wirelessly communicate with the animal-worn transceiver via direct, networked or cellular wireless protocols. The animal-worn device interacts with the applications on the wireless mobile device to allow for a variety of functions, such as the transfer of commands or stimuli to the animal, the transfer of data regarding the animal or its environment to the wireless mobile device, and/or the transfer of instructions from the animal-worn device to an external device. The wireless mobile device may also transmit new firmware to the animal-worn device to modify its inputs and outputs.

Abstract: A method for using a bee removal strip to permanently and non-lethally remove honey bees from their nest.

Abstract: A buoyancy element is for constructing a modular buoyancy system for a circularly shaped net cage. The buoyancy element includes a cage side, an opposite straight long side, and coupling sides between the cage side and the straight long side. The cage side is curved, following the periphery of the net cage.

Abstract: An aquarium system for all-around viewing has a tank enclosure formed by optically transparent sides and a bottom plane, a sunken chamber below the tank for circulating water from and into the tank by a water circulation pump, water circulation outlet and inlet risers for circulating water flow from the tank into the sunken chamber and back into the tank, and a base on which the tank and sunken chamber are seated for containing electrical components for the aquarium system. The sunken chamber may be immersed within an outer pool of water to give the appearance of the tank enclosure floating on water. The base may hold various electrical and mechanical components for microclimate simulation, including magnetic induction drive for the water circulation pump and other motorized components; water spray pump to simulate rain; cooling pad; heating pad; temperature sensors; audio speakers; lighting controller; fog dispenser; and microprocessor for programmed control of desired microclimate simulations.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the inventive lid has parallel primary layers separated by a plurality of longitudinal supports. The primary layers and supports are preferably constructed from a clear polycarbonate. Side-by-side supports create a plurality of longitudinal cells. An LED light system is operably configured to pass light through the lower primary section into the aquarium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for culturing Dipteran insects, particularly Hermetia illucens. The apparatus include a mating chamber that contains adult insects, and adaptations for the scheduled and/or metered introduction of inputs, such as: empty egg laying substrate, prepupae, bedding, carbohydrate (sugar) and/or water); and, the scheduled and/or metered collection of outputs, such as: egg laying substrate containing eggs, exuvia and bedding, and/or dead adults. The systems may also include adaptations to optimize the use of space, including the use of controlled environmental conditions within a confined space.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel comprises a reel unit, a spool, a rotation detector, a moving member, a spool actuator, a cooperative actuating mechanism, and a spool controller. The spool is for winding the fishing line, and is rotatably mounted to the reel unit. The rotation detector detects a rotational position about an axis. The moving member is rotatable about the axis, and the rotational position is a position of the moving member. The spool actuator is electrically controllable and performs an action with respect to the spool. An operating member is movably mounted to the reel unit, and adjusts a state of the spool actuator. The cooperative actuating mechanism rotates the moving member in accordance with a movement of the operating member. The spool controller controls the spool actuator based on the rotational position.

Abstract: A spool for a dual-bearing reel includes a bobbin trunk having a tubular shape, a pair of flanges and a plurality of first through holes. Each flange is provided on opposite ends of the bobbin trunk, each flange having a circular shape and a larger diameter than the bobbin trunk. The first through holes are provided in at least one flange of the pair of flanges and are circumferentially disposed at intervals about the at least one flange. The first through holes open in a radial position located at a distance away from an outer peripheral surface of the bobbin trunk, the distance being less than or equal to a second distance from the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin trunk, the second distance being 60% of a distance from the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin trunk to an outer peripheral surface of the at least one flange.

Abstract: A drag device for a dual bearing reel includes a drag device, a sound generating member, and a housing member. The drag plate is integrally rotatable with the drive shaft, and is capable of being pressed by a drag adjustment member. The drag plate includes a sound generating plate opposed to the drive gear. The sound generating member includes a head portion configured to contact the sound generating plate, and a shaft portion connected to the head portion. The sound generating member is configured to generate a sound by interference between the sound generating plate and the head portion during relative rotation between the drive gear and the drag plate. The housing member is configured to be mounted to the drive gear and includes a holding portion to hold the shaft portion of the sound generating member, and a regulating portion configured to regulate movement of the head portion.

Abstract: A bait holder includes a multi-purpose lid that has a sliding portion operable to both cut and enclose bait within a bait container.

Abstract: A multiple purpose ice fishing bucket lid device provides a seat, storage, and additional functionality in a lid for covering a bucket. The device includes a housing for coupling to a bucket such that the housing covers the bucket. The housing defines an interior space. A pail is couplable to the housing wherein the pail extends into the interior space for holding bait. The pail is alternatively couplable to the housing in an inverted position wherein the pail extends upwardly relative to a top wall of the housing defining an elongated compartment with the interior space and an interior of the bucket for holding an elongated implement such as an ice fishing rod.

Abstract: A multipurpose fishing rod rest that attaches to a fisherperson's clothing. The fishing rod rest allows the fisherperson to easily rest a fishing rod on their body and pull the fishing rod against their body without risk of injuring themselves or damaging their clothing that is portable and easy to use.

Abstract: A horseshoe has a toe adjoining to two branches that bend away from the toe and terminate in a heel, an at least partially planar top surface of the adjoined toe and two branches, and an at least partially planar bottom surface of the adjoined toe and two branches. The top surface and bottom surface are angled together such that they are closer in proximity at the heel than the toe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system or device for attracting and optionally killing flying insects end arachnids. The system or device according to the invention comprises microorganisms which release CO2, nutrients specific for these microorganisms, and biodegradable biopolymers, wherein said system is designed in such a way that these biodegradable biopolymers include or comprise the further constituents mentioned above. The system or the device maybe designed in such a way that the system or device releases CO2 over a time period of more than 20 days in order to attract the flying insects and arachnids. The invention further relates to the use of a such a system or such a device for attracting flying insects and arachnids. Finally, the invention also relates to methods for attracting and optionally killing such flying insects and arachnids, wherein the systems or devices according to the invention are placed appropriately, in order to attract said insects and arachnids by means of a CO2 gradient.

Abstract: An insect trap can include a ramp, a planar surface that can include a coating of pressure sensitive adhesive, and one or a plurality of attractant elements, the attractant elements containing a carbon dioxide generating material.

Abstract: A hand-held pest exterminating device for use in eliminating flying or crawling insects. The pest exterminating device includes a pair of parallel supports having a plurality of electrified wires extending therebetween. The supports are tubular and include one or more lights therein so as to illuminate the supports. The pair of parallel supports are arranged on a lower guard, wherein the lower guard further includes a handle extending therefrom for a user to grasp. The lower guard and handle enclose a control circuit including a power source that provides electricity to the lights and to the wires. Further, an audio unit is provided, wherein the audio unit is adapted to produce a sound effect as the device is moved about and when an insect is exterminated.

Abstract: A method for the management of a soil pest or pathogen is disclosed and which includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest and/or pathogen to be managed; and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closes so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest and/or pathogen

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a water storage tank (14), a heater (16), a pump (38) and an outlet duct (70) to convey heated water to a plurality of lances (24) through hoses (22). The heater (16) is arranged to heat the water in at least two successive stages (66, 67), to an intermediate and then to a final temperature, at least the second stage (67) of the heater being activated in pulses, the frequency and/or duration of the pulses being adjustable to control the resultant temperature. Foaming agent is introduced (18, 40) into the water. Upstream of each hose (22) is a diversion valve (85) connecting to a water return circuit (54) leading back to the water storage tank (14); and the water return circuit (54) includes a heat exchanger (55, 56). The heater (16) may be liquid fuelled. The apparatus can be mobile, for example on a motor-vehicle (12), and it enables a number of people to control weeds separately, using separate lances (24), from the same apparatus (10).

Abstract: An animal trap features entrance encouraging mechanism for urging an animal into an enclosure of the trap. The mechanism features a pushing unit pivotally supported outside the interior space of the enclosure adjacent an access-way that opens into same. The pushing unit is pivotal about an axis generally parallel to a plane of the access-way for movement between a withdrawn position in which the access-way is unobstructed and a working position in which the pushing unit substantially obstructs the access-way. An actuator coupled to the pushing unit is triggered by an animal detection device at an approach area outside the enclosure within a travel path followed by the pushing unit, whereby the pushing unit urges the animal toward and through the access-way into the interior space of the enclosure. A one way gate prevents exit of the trapped animal after return of the pushing unit to the withdrawn position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a mouse trap, including a mouse luring chamber and a mouse trapping chamber, the mouse luring chamber and the mouse trapping chamber are designed integrally and divided by a partition plate. The mouse luring chamber includes guiding rods, an automatic door, a clamp frame, a bait box, an infrared thermal sensor, a horizontal rod. The mouse trapping chamber includes a mouse guiding channel, a first door, a second door, an outer frame, a first electric motor, a take-up pulley, first pulling strings, a second electric motor, a linkage piece, and a mouse storage chamber. The mouse storage chamber includes a third door and a block rod. The advantages of the invention are provided as below: it has a new structure and easy to operate. It can trap several mice automatically and has a good captivity and trapping effects.

Abstract: An animal trap may include a source of compressed gas; a trigger mechanism configured to be actuated by an animal, and a kill mechanism powered by compressed gas. The trap may include two or more trigger valves connected in series. At least one trigger valve may include an opening, a valve seat surrounding the opening, a valve member having a sealing surface, and an O-ring arranged to seal between the sealing surface and the valve seat. One or more flow paths may allow gas to flow along at least part of an internal periphery of the O-ring. The trigger may include a trigger rod extending in a rest position from a mount at or near a first end thereof. The trigger rod may be mounted for pivoting movement about the mount, and may have two rotational degrees of freedom. Pivoting movement of the trigger rod in any direction away from the rest position may result in actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: The present invention features an elegantly-mounted pinwheel comprising alternating holographic red and silver non-metallic tape-like material. The pinwheel uses connector bolts and hexagonal coupling nuts to be mounted or positioned directly onto various components of a power pole or utility pole system such as bushings, fuse cutouts, regulators, reclosures, lightning arresters, or underground primary dips. The invention will deter animals such as birds and squirrels from scaling or landing on the power pole or utility pole system when the invention is properly mounted. The invention takes advantage of the alternating colors of the pinwheel to scare the animals. The present invention requires no housing, rotors, drums, or support plates. The invention does not rely on sound, and it requires no electricity or motor. The stainless steel hex standoff coupling nut comes preferably in ?? and can be ordered in different sizes to accommodate the device.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy deployment system includes a hub subsystem including a casing, a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the casing, and a plurality of waterfowl decoys. At least one waterfowl decoy of the plurality of waterfowl decoys is coupled to each arm of the plurality of arms. The waterfowl decoy deployment system also includes a thrust bar system coupled to the casing and positioned below the plurality of arms and the plurality of waterfowl decoys. The thrust bar system includes a thrust bar coupled to the casing and a plurality of thrust devices coupled to the thrust bar. The plurality of thrust devices are configured to rotate the thrust bar about an axis to induce a substantially circular motion to the casing, the plurality of arms, and the plurality of waterfowl decoys.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus (1) for mixing slaughter offal with a preservative agent, the apparatus comprising an offal collection tank (3) with a bottom (4) provided with a discharge opening (5) connectable to a closable discharge, an agitator (8) extending into the offal collection tank, and a pump unit (9) operatively connectable to the discharge, wherein the apparatus further comprises a preservative reservoir (7) mounted on top of the collection tank (3). A collection and preservation system is provided, wherein the addition of preservation agent can be strictly controlled, can easily and quickly be installed and connected when it is to be used. After use, the system is easily removed and cleaned.

Abstract: Provided is an organ preservation solution for use in transplantation, which is capable of effectively preventing the occurrence of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Prepared is an organ preservation solution comprising a mixture of the following components: (a) potassium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid phosphate ester, and D-glucose; (b) potassium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid phosphate ester, glycine, and D-glucose; (c) potassium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid phosphate ester, L-cysteine, glycine, and D-glucose; or (d) potassium chloride, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, L-ascorbic acid phosphate ester, L-cysteine, glycine, an iron compound, and D-glucose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the stabilization of one or more metabolically-active cell in a blood sample at ambient temperatures. In particular, formulations, compositions, articles of manufacture, kits and methods for substantially stable storage of one or more metabolically-active cell in a blood sample at ambient temperatures are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides for compositions for cryopreservation of human umbilical cord tissue-derived cells. The cryopreservation compositions may comprise: (a) amino acids; (b) vitamins; (c) inorganic salts; and (d) DMSO, sucrose, mannitol, and lactobionic acid. The invention also provides for kits comprising the composition and human umbilical cord tissue-derived cells and methods of cryopreserving the cells, which utilize the compositions.

Abstract: A reservoir for storing products at cryogenic temperatures is provided. The reservoir includes an insulated vacuum tank delimiting a storage volume having an open upper end. The reservoir includes a mobile lid for closing and opening the storage volume. The reservoir also includes a controlled actuating member mechanically connected to the lid in order to move the lid. The actuating member being able to move between a first position that places the lid in its position for closing the storage volume of the tank and a second position that places the lid in a position for opening the storage volume of the tank.

Abstract: The invention provides cryopreserved compositions of cells, wherein the compositions are advantageously in the form of self-sustaining bodies that can be individually handled and combined independently of a container, allowing for easy customization of the eventual pooled preparation. The invention also provides pre-pooled stacks of the self-sustaining cryopreserved compositions for eventual thawing to produce pooled preparations of cells, and methods of creating the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an agricultural composition containing an agriculturally active ingredient and a water conditioning agent. The water conditioning agent is an alkanolammonium sulfate. Embodiments of the present disclosure further include a method of conditioning water while maintaining comparable volatility in an agricultural formulation by adding at least one water conditioning agent to an agriculturally active ingredient, wherein the water conditioning agent comprises at least one alkanolamine sulfate.

Abstract: A composition including a collapsed, polymer nanoparticle and at least one organic, neutral compound associated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle is less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer comprises a water-soluble polyelectrolyte, has a molecular weight of at least about 100,000 Dalton and is cross-linked. The organic, neutral compound is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pigments, colorants, oils, UV-light absorbing molecules, fragrances, flavoring molecules, preservatives, electro-conductive compounds, thermoplastic compounds, adhesion promoters, penetration enhancers, anti-corrosive agents, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a polymer material having effective antibacterial properties and having bio adaptability in which cytotoxicity, especially low hemolysis, when used in contact with in vivo tissue and blood is suppressed so as to be low. The polymer is characterized by comprising a main chain and a side chain portion which is linked to the main chain via a linker and which contains at least a structure specified by the following (A) and (B). (A) A structure containing a cationic group and (B) a structure in which expression of bio adaptability is expected.

Abstract: Aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising contacting an fluid, optionally containing an added organic material, with a non-thermal plasma to form a disinfection composition, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid, and contacting a surface with the disinfection composition, wherein the surface is at least partially disinfected upon contact with the disinfection composition. Additional aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising forming a disinfection composition by contacting an organic material with a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid. A further aspect of the present subject matter is directed to a disinfection composition comprising an organic material contacted by a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a herbicidal composition comprising a herbicidally effective amount of (a) pyroxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) a cloquintocet salt. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation with the compositions disclosed herein without excessive injury to desirable crops.

Abstract: A composition suitable for control of diseases caused by phytopathogens comprising (A) a compound of formula I wherein R1 is difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl and X is chloro, fluoro or bromo; and (B) at least one compound selected from compounds known for their fungicidal activity; and a method of controlling diseases on useful plants, especially rust diseases on soybean plants.

Abstract: At present, various herbicidal compositions have been developed and use, but there are a variety of types of weeds to be controlled, and their development lasts for a long period of time. Thus, a herbicidal composition having a broad herbicidal spectrum, having high activity and having a long-lasting effect has been desired. The present invention relates to a herbicidal composition comprising (a) nicosulfuron or its salt and (b) S-metolachlor or its salt. According to the present invention, a herbicidal composition having a broad herbicidal spectrum, having high activity and having a long-lasting effect can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticidal compositions comprising as component I a compound selected from the compounds I-1 to I-31 and as component II a compound selected from compounds II-1 to II-12.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfectant composition comprising hydrogen peroxide and silver ions in association with at least one quaternary ammonium salt with biocidal action and compatible with silver ions. The composition can be used for disinfecting a room and any objects contained therein, in particular healthcare environments, such as, for example, laboratories, doctors' surgeries, hospital rooms, ambulance compartments and the like, where it is important to have a biocidal activity at low dosages proportional to the average contamination present.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a composition for use in treating wounds in trees, plants and vines. In addition, the disclosure provides a method of making the compositions and their use in treating fungal infections of pruning wounds.

Abstract: A multivariable method for continuously producing bakery products including: producing a first dough phase, applying the first dough phase to a first conveyor belt, inputting the relaxed first dough phase into a second kneading device and producing a second dough phase, applying the second dough phase to a second conveyor belt, transferring the dough strip onto a third conveyor belt, folding the dough strip, inserting the dough strip into a second rolling device, cutting the dough strip into a predetermined number of dough pieces, loading baking molds with the dough pieces, fermenting the dough pieces baking the dough pieces, removing the baked bakery product, and cooling the bakery product, and cooling the baking molds after the baked bakery product has been removed.