Abstract: A behavioral training aid comprising: (a) a body; (b) a tract including: (i) a tract locking mechanism that secures the tract to an outer surface of the body; and (ii) a tract insert removably attached to the tract locking mechanism; (c) one or more legs extending from the body; and (d) one or more base supports extending from a distal end of the one or more legs; wherein the tract insert is configured to receive a receptacle so that the receptacle is elongated and forms a depository within the body.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for determining geolocation exclusion zones of animals. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring device to track geolocation information associated with an animal from the unmanned aerial vehicle, an identification device mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to identify the animal and to track a position of the animal over time, and a mapping device coupled to the monitoring device to determine locations where the animal has traversed and to identify where an encounter with the animal is reduced.

Abstract: An electronic sensing device used to detect the presence of a pet thereon and emit a communication through an audio alert or notification to the pet's owner of the pet's need to leave the house or go outside through a selected pre-programmed audio sound produced through speakers or a wireless notification (e.g., such as a push notification, e-mail, or any other type of wireless notification) transmitted to a smart phone or other electronic device (e.g., software program or application, etc. . . . ); or one or both, as desired.

Abstract: A therapeutic toy device for an animal user. The device comprises an internal spine simulator comprising a plurality of weighted vertebra simulators, all coupled together in a manner intended to somewhat resemble the spine of a prey animal. The toy device is configured so that when the animal user plays with the toy, the act mimics the sensation of tackling an actual prey animal. This satisfies the animal's predator instincts, and thus gives the animal a more meaningful and satisfying sensory motor experience, thus improving well-being. The device, preferably produced from synthetic materials, will be surrounded by a synthetic covering, and optionally configured with other elements such as limb simulators, internal stuffing, and other features. The toy device will be offered in varying weights and configurations based on the size, weight and play-drive of an animal user.

Abstract: A collar is provided for securing a pet's apparel. The collar includes fasteners on the underside that are used to connect to fasteners located on the pet's apparel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating with a guide animal are provided. One embodiment of a method includes determining a first command to provide to a user to proceed to a destination, determining a second command to provide to the guide animal to correspond with the first command, and outputting the first command to direct the user toward the destination. Some embodiments include outputting the second command to direct the guide animal toward the destination, where the second command is outputted to be imperceptible by the user but is perceptible by the guide animal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and systems in egg hatching, based on hatching eggs in a tray (2), comprising arranging eggs in a pattern in or on the tray, comprising egg supporting positions and holes together defining the pattern, wherein the holes are dimensioned to allow chicks (27) after hatching to pass there through into a crate (4), detecting at least one of numbers of unhatched eggs (22) in or on the tray; numbers of dead chicks in the crate; and numbers of objectionable chicks in the crate, and supplementing or removing chicks to or from the crate in correspondence therewith.

Abstract: A mortality trap (150) for a spar buoy fish pen (100) is configured to receive and trap deceased fish, or morts (M), that sink from the fish pen. The mortality trap attaches to a lower portion of the spar buoy (110) to define a first passage (90). The sinking mort passes into an upper receiver portion (150U) of the mortality trap, and encounters a sloping transverse panel (154). Gravity causes the mort to continue through a second passage (B) into a lower entrapment portion (150L), and further into a region underlying the transverse panel (154) preventing the mort from escaping if it becomes positively buoyant. The entrapment portion optionally includes a converging channel into a valved port, to permit extraction of morts. The mortality trap may be located on the distal end of the spar buoy, or at an intermediate location on the lower portion of the spar buoy.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method, a device and a fish-farm for controlling the concentration of living organisms in fluid in order to facilitate the handling of the organisms such as grading and counting. Said apparatus comprises a first in-feed channel for a flow of living organism in a fluid (1), a second in-feed channel for a flow of fluid (2), a chamber (4) containing a lever (11) for regulating the flow from the first and the second in-feed channel through the chamber, an outlet (15), and a computer, wherein a sensor (9) is positioned in the first in-feed channel for detecting the density of living organism in the flow, and wherein the computer continuously and automatically regulates the ratio of flow from the first and the second in-feed channel through the chamber and towards the outlet by the lever in response to the density of living organism in the flow determined by the sensor.

Abstract: The system includes a feeding vessel having an inlet, an outlet, and a membrane positioned across an opening in the vessel. Parasites (preferably ticks) are allowed to attach themselves to the membrane so that as a feeding fluid (preferably blood) is circulated through the vessel, the parasites feed on the feeding fluid through the membrane.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a lure body having a head portion and a tail portion. The head portion has a bill arranged to cause transverse motion of the head portion with respect to a direction of the lure body through water. The lure body includes a pocket formed in a lower surface thereof, surfaces of the pocket lined with a rigid material. At least one rattle is disposed in the pocket and arranged to generate a rattling sound when the lure body is moved through water.

Abstract: Provided is a fishing reel equipped with an anti-loosening handle. The fishing reel includes an anti-loosening plug that is fitted on first flat portions of a handle shaft and has sub-male threaded portions corresponding to first male threaded portions in order to solve a problem that a handle nut is loosened or a handle shaft is broken when a load is applied to a handle arm in a process of winding a fishing line due to a gap between the handle nut and a flat portion of a handle shaft even though the handle nut is fixed in common handle shafts having an anti-idling flat portion at an end which is formed by U-cutting or side-cutting to couple the handle arm without idling.

Abstract: A level wind mechanism for a dual-bearing reel including a first reel body and a second reel body includes a worm shaft, a guide member, and a first seal member. The worm shaft including a first end, a second end, a shaft body and a helical groove. The first end is on the same side as the first reel body. The second end is on the same side as the second reel body. The shaft body extends between the first end and the second end. The helical groove is on the shaft body. The guide member includes a tubular shape, is outside the worm shaft in a radial direction from a rotational axis of the worm shaft, and extends between the first reel body and the second reel body. The first seal member seals between the first end of the worm shaft and the guide member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a fish hook from being swallowed by a fish is provided. The apparatus includes a main body portion and a filament portion extending from the main body portion. The main body portion is positioned on a fishing line between a fishing rod and a hook. The filament portion extends generally orthogonally to the fishing line. The filament prevents the hook and line from being pulled beyond a predetermined amount into the fish's gut.

Abstract: A fish attracting assembly includes a tree that is positionable between a collapsed position and a deployed position. The tree is may be inserted through an ice fishing hole when the tree is positioned in the collapsed position. The tree is substantially comprised of a buoyant material. Thus, the tree is positioned in the deployed position when the tree is inserted through the ice fishing hole. A camera is coupled to the tree and the camera captures images below the ice fishing hole. A light emitter is coupled to the tree and the light emitter emits light below the ice fishing hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chum dispenser that could be used to dispense chum under water and at desired depth. The chum dispenser allows dispensing the chum in a concentrated area under the water, which is desired for luring fish. The chum dispenser comprises a container with a snap-fit lid. The container is further coupled to the lid through a rigid line such that the container and lid are movable with respect to each other in open state and the container could turn over to dispense the chum. The dispenser is suspended through a flexible line, which could be jerked by hand to open the lid of dispenser and dispense the chum in water.

Abstract: A nighttime fishing assembly includes a stand that may be positioned on a support surface thereby facilitating the stand to support at least one fishing pole. The stand may be positioned adjacent to a body of water thereby facilitating a line of the fishing pole to be cast into the body of water. A lighting unit is removably coupled to the stand when the stand is positioned in the support surface. The lighting unit emits ultraviolet light thereby facilitating the line from the at least one fishing pole to fluoresce at night.

Abstract: A system (10) for remote detection of pests, in this case as applied to a domestic dwelling (11) where a base station (12) communicates with eight detector or monitor units (13). The dotted (lines (14) indicate wired or wireless communication between the units (13) and the base station (12). As used herein the expressions “monitor” and “detector” are used interchangeably or where the detector is used as part of a box or cartridge where the detector is part (and may be reusable and separable) the whole unit including the detector part may be referred to as a monitor.

Abstract: An insect trap assembly comprises a collection cup having a circumferential side wall, a bottom and an open flared top. The open flared top has a flared surface and a flared end outside diameter. The assembly further comprises at least one funnel for guiding any insects into the collection cup. The funnel has a top opening inside diameter and a bottom opening inside diameter. The flared end outside diameter of the collection cup is smaller than the funnel's top opening inside diameter, but it is greater than the funnel's bottom opening inside diameter. This allows the collection cup to be positioned within the funnel in a capture arrangement. The insect trap assembly may also be provided with a plurality of spoked panel support members so as to allow the insect trap assembly to support a plurality of panels in combination with the at least one funnel.

Abstract: A gas-fueled portable device for the thermal dispensing of volatile materials such as insect repellents is described. The device employs a pressure regulator to establish gas flow, heat generation, and dispensing temperature at pre-determined optimal values. The automatic operation at pre-determined settings provides simple on/off operation for the user of the device.

Abstract: A bird capture net which allows the use of quickly adjusting the height for capture and release is described, which includes height adjustable poles attached to bird netting.

Abstract: The present improved animal trap and unique catch release mechanism eliminates substantial eating or removal of the bait without the trap activating and provides a dual means to activate the trap. This is accomplished by the present catch release mechanism having a sliding member which slides within a hole through the platform of the trap under the influence of gravity and a prop which holds at least a portion of the trap platform above a support surface. When the prop is destabilized by an external force, the prop's support of the platform is disturbed, permitting the platform to fall toward the support surface. The platform falls relative to the sliding member; and the sliding member is forced toward the catch by contact with the support surface, thus pushing the catch so that the catch releases the holding arm bar to activate the trap.

Abstract: A bird repellent apparatus having an integral base member and a plurality of prongs. The base member, by means of a plurality of tabs having holes for receiving screws or other fasteners, can be affixed to virtually any desired surface. The plurality of prongs with sharp tips presents an impossible barrier to birds that would otherwise land or perch on the surface to which the present invention is affixed. The combined base member and prongs are formed from injection molded plastic structure that also provide the tabs having holes to secure the base member to the underlying surface.

Abstract: A scent vaporizing and distribution device uses an electric heating element to rapidly vaporize a liquid scent material. An airflow generator is used to create a distribution airflow that distributes the vapor from the device. The airflow generator can be an electric-powered fan or a manually-powered pump or squeezable bladder. The liquid scent material can include a glycol or a water-glycol mixture. A scent material such as liquid or powdered deer urine or a pleasant scent that can be used as a room or automobile or room freshener is mixed with the liquid. The vapor generator can be removable and replaceable such that different scents can be used with a single airflow generator or an empty generator can be replaced.

Abstract: A contiguous uni-body insulated hunting blind or outdoor shelter is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the shelter is comprised of a main body element having a floor portion and a top portion. The main body element is formed as a single component having an outside layer, a middle layer, and an inner layer. The top portion provides an enclosure for all sides and a top covering. The top portion is also comprised of at least one opening portion and a door opening portion for installing a door for entering and exiting the structure. In embodiments, the top portion is comprised of a top wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left wall, and a right wall with at least one opening portion. In embodiments, the top portion is comprised of one opening portion on each wall except the top wall. In embodiments, the opening portions are configured with windows.

Abstract: A fowl decoy assembly includes a decoy that includes a body of a female bird and a body of a male bird. A head is movably coupled to the body corresponding to the male bird. The male bird is positioned to mount the female bird. A string is coupled to the decoy and the string may be manipulated. A stand is provided to penetrate a support surface. The decoy is removably coupled to the stand such that the stand retains the decoy in a natural position.

Abstract: A decoy may include a ground support comprising a ground engaging portion and an upstanding post, a powered actuator operably coupled to the decoy and a wireless communications device. The wireless communications device may include a transmitter to transmit signals to a receiver in communication with the powered actuator, wherein the powered actuator selectively raises and lowers the decoy in response to receipt of the signals received by the receiver.

Abstract: An animal decoy apparatus comprises a stake that can be driven into the ground; wherein the stake has a channel opening therein; a decoy wire assembly inserted into the channel opening of the stake; and a decoy mounted on the decoy wire assembly; wherein the decoy may freely and bi-directionally horizontally rotate 360° about the decoy wire assembly and of the decoy wire assembly may freely and bi-directionally horizontally rotate 360° about the stake. The channel opening in the stake allows the decoy wire assembly to freely and bi-directionally horizontally rotate 360° about the stake and allows a limited vertical orbital rotation of the decoy wire assembly in relation to the stake in a range of motion of equal to or less than 90°. The apparatus is kinetic and requires minimal wind energy to set it in motion, wherein the decoy will pivot about and bob up and down in relation to the decoy wire assembly and the stake to mimic the natural motion of an animal.

Abstract: A means for transporting objects comprising a wrist strap and a tether, the tether configured to be coupled with the object to be transported. The tether may be configured for looping around the object, or for coupling with via removable fastener such as a gate lock. Wrist strap and tether may be substantially flexible or substantially rigid, depending on the needs of the user or the application. Wrist strap may be adjustable in diameter and may be fastened through any means of temporary fastening for cloth-like materials, such as hook-and-loop or snaps. Tether may be removably coupled with wrist strap, may be adjustable in length, and may be interchangeable for different applications. Wrist strap and tether may be configured for carrying heavy weights or withstanding particular environmental conditions such as freezing temperatures. Wrist strap may be padded and may have skin-protective qualities on the surface facing the user's wrist.

Abstract: An isolated heart or heart-lung preparation in which essentially normal pumping activity of all four chambers of the heart is preserved, allowing for the use of the preparation in conjunction with investigations of electrode leads, catheters, ablation methods, cardiac implants and other medical devices intended to be used in or on a beating heart. The system can be designed to be used within a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit or a X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner. The preparation may also be employed to investigate heart and lung functions, in the presence or absence of such medical devices. In order to allow comparative imaging visualizations of either or simultaneously the heart and/or lung structures and devices located within the chambers of the heart or vessels or bronchi within the lungs, a clear perfusate such as a modified Krebs buffer solution with oxygenation is circulated through all four chambers of the heart and thus the coronary and/or pulmonary vasculatures.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a fluid that contains biological cells, e.g. seminal fluid. The apparatus (20) includes a tray (22) shaped to define a flat upper surface configured to support the fluid, and an underside. The apparatus (20) further includes a plurality of protrusions protruding from the underside of the tray, which may serve to separate the underside from a flat surface on which the tray is placed, or as delineating protrusions that facilitate subsequent retrieval of the fluid following placement on the tray. The tray has a thickness between 0.4 and 0.8 mm, and is transparent or translucent. The upper surface preferably has a level of hydrophobicity that is sufficient for droplets to maintain their shape to a certain extent. A handle (52) facilitates handling of the tray. The apparatus typically fits into a standard-sized cryogenic vial (70).

Abstract: Described are methods of preserving pollen, which may be subsequently stored. A method of the present invention includes collecting fresh pollen and introducing the pollen to a controlled environment which regulates pollen moisture content. The controlled environment may have a temperature ranging from about ?10-10° C.; an adjustable and programmable relative humidity; a continuous, adjustable positive or negative air flow; and a flow of one or more continuously refreshed, selected gases which displace oxygen. In another embodiment of the method, the controlled environment may have a relative humidity from about 50-100%; a temperature from about ?10-10° C.; and air pressure from about 15-150 kPa. In all embodiments of the method, an optional field conditioning step may be performed.

Abstract: A method of spray applying an agricultural pesticide composition through an induction flat spray tip nozzle, wherein the agricultural pesticide composition comprises: a liquid medium; at least one pesticide dissolved or dispersed in the liquid medium; and a guar or a guar derivative, wherein at least a portion of the guar or guar derivative, typically a cationic guar, is in the form of particles and at least a portion of the particles are dispersed in the liquid medium, wherein the induction flat spray tip nozzle comprises: a spray tip nozzle body comprising: a first end capable of being connected to a liquid supply, a venturi compartment; and a discharge orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to pesticidal compositions comprising trisiloxane surfactants and a matrix-forming agent, which compositions are capable of controlling pests and pathogens using a physical mode of action. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pesticidal composition for controlling pests and pathogens with a physical mode of action. The composition comprises trisiloxane surfactants and matrix-forming agents. The composition may form a gel matrix or a film matrix. The trisiloxane surfactants may be selected from the group consisting of Silwet L-77, Silwet 408, Break-Thru S-240, and Silibase 2848. The matrixforming agents of a pesticidal composition are selected from the group consisting of chitosan salts and sol-gel precursors.

Abstract: In a tape for controlling crawling pests, on the first side (S1) is a carrier layer having a multitude of vertically extending structures, and on the opposite side (S2) is a means for attaching the tape to a surface. At least the first side (S1) is impregnated with a composition of A) 0.1 to 45% by weight (based on the total of A plus B) of one or more insecticides and B) 99.9 to 55% by weight (based on the total of A plus B) of an (meth)acrylate binder of one or more homo- or copolymer having units derived from one or more acrylates and/or methacrylates.

Abstract: A synthetic polymer film (34A), (34B) having a surface which has a plurality of first raised portions (34Ap), (34Bp), wherein a two-dimensional size of the plurality of first raised portions (34Ap), (34Bp) is in a range of more than 20 nm and less than 500 nm when viewed in a normal direction of the synthetic polymer film (34A), (34B); and the surface has a microbicidal effect.

Abstract: An aqueous microbicidal composition having two components. The first component is a nonionic surfactant with structure: R2O(CH2CH(CH3)O)3(CH2CH2O)5H, where R2 is a mixture of C8-C14 linear alkyl groups. The second component is a benzoate or sorbate salt. The weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to the benzoate or sorbate salt is from 1:0.12 to 1:109.7646.

Abstract: A method and composition for substituting menthol or a menthol related compound for parabens as a preservative agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention provides a means to make cosmetic and pharmaceutical products saber and more marketable by removing all parabens and relying on the antibiotic properties of menthol, or menthol derivatives, to provide antibiotic preservative functions.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition including from about 3 g to about 10 g of a first component, from about 0.5 g to about 1.625 g of a second component, and 3786 mL of water. The first component includes from about 0.8 g to about 5 g of the following benzyl ammonium salts: from about 0.04 g to about 0.2 g of C12 dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; from about 0.50 g to about 5.0 g of C14 dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride; and from about 0.064 g to about 0.6 g of C16 dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. The first component further includes from about 0.8 g to about 2 g of the following ethylbenzyl ammonium salts: from about 0.02 g to about 1.3 g of C12 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; and from about 0.01 g to about 0.64 g of C14 dimethyl ethylbenzyl ammonium chloride. The first component further includes from about 0.10 g to about 6 g of urea. The second component includes trichloromelamine.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to use of a stable aqueous carbonyl compound containing solution, or a mixture of different carbonyl compounds containing solutions, in a program of integrated vector management.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for enhancing pathogen immunity in plants and improving plant growth.

Abstract: Zinc and copper (II) salts of the general formula CH2?C(R1)COO-M-OCOR2 are disclosed, wherein M-Zn or Cu, R1—H or CH3, R2—C2-C25 alkyl, or R2—CO—O— group is crotonate, or sorbate, or linoleate, excluding the compounds: CH2?C(CH3)—COO—Zn—O—CO—C2H5, CH2?CH—COO—Zn—O—CO—C2H5, CH2?CH—COO—Cu—O—CO—C2H5, CH2?C(CH3)—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)4—CH3, CH2?CH—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)4—CH3, CH2?CH—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)6—CH3, CH2?C(CH3)—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)6—CH3, CH2?CH—COO—Cu—O—CO—(CH2)6—CH3, CH2?CH—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)14—CH3, CH2?C(CH3)—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)16—CH3, CH2?C(CH3)—COO—Zn—O—CO-iso-C17H35, CH2?CH—COO—Zn—O—CO-iso-C17H35, CH2?C(CH3)—COO—Zn—O—CO—(CH2)17—CH3. Salts of the general formula wherein R2—C2-C25 alkyl, or R2—CO—O— group is crotonate, or sorbate, or linoleate, are applicable as biocides.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising chitooligosaccharides, methods for preparation and use thereof, including for example methods of stimulating the production of significant substances in plants. Functional Activated Nano Vacc-Fertiliceutical for Plant is used to stimulate significant substance production in plant (foliage plant, fruit tree, and flowering plant).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a copolymer comprising monomer units represented by formulas (I) and/or (II) as disclosed and defined herein which are useful in antibacterial and/or antifouling coatings. The present disclosure further provides methods of synthesizing said copolymers.

Abstract: The mixture of certain amine salts of glyphosate and 2,4-D allows the preparation of high-strength liquid compositions containing up to greater than 450 gae/L of total active ingredient loading if the pH is adjusted to about 6.0 to about 8.0. Compositions are particularly well-suited for application to crops that are resistant or tolerant to both glyphosate and 2,4-D.

Abstract: The present invention provides wood preservative compositions comprising micronized particles. In one embodiment, the composition comprises dispersions of micronized metal or metal compounds. In another embodiment, the wood preservative composition comprises an inorganic component comprising a metal or metal compound and organic biocide. When the composition comprises an inorganic component and an organic biocide, the inorganic component or the organic biocide or both are present as micronized particles. When compositions of the present invention are used for preservation of wood, there is minimal leaching of the metal and biocide from the wood.

Abstract: Compositions which impart a microbicidal benefit to treated surfaces which compositions comprise (or in certain preferred embodiments may consist essentially of, or may consist of): a copper source material which releases copper ions into the treatment composition, preferably a source of Cu(I) and/or Cu(II) ions; preferably at least from about 20% wt. of at least one alcohol, which is preferably a lower alkyl monohydric alcohol) and water, optionally one or more further surfactants, further optionally one or more constituents which impart one or more advantageous technical or aesthetic benefits to the compositions, including one or more detersive surfactants;, and water, wherein the composition has a pH of at least 4, preferably at least 5, wherein the surface treatment compositions, exhibit a microbicidal or germicidal or antimicrobial effect on treated inanimate surfaces or when used to treat an airspace, e.g. ambient air,.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbal compositions and method for preparing thereof. The herbal composition is derived from pulverizing at least two herbal materials selected from a group of herbal materials consisting of Panax ginseng, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Agrimonia pilosa, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, asparagus, and mushroom. The pulverized herbal materials are combined to obtain a mixed herbal powder which is then extracted with a solvent to obtain a concentrated herbal extract, wherein the concentrated herbal extract is dried to obtain a dry powder of the herbal compositions.

Abstract: Bacterial endophytes isolated from cucurbit species are described. The endophytes are useful in preventing or inhibiting the growth of pathogens on a plant, in particular preventing or inhibiting the growth of fungus and/or powdery mildew. The endophytes are also useful for improving the growth characteristics of a plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions comprising Corn Rootworm (CRW)-active Methylobacterium sp., methods for controlling CRW, and methods of making the compositions. Also provided are isolated CRW-active Methylobacterium sp.