Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR23AQ15X. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR23AQ15X. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR23AQ15X and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR23AQ15X with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XR25AL15X. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XR25AL15X. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XR25AL15X and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XR25AL15X with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 81-01 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) races B1:1 to B1:28, B1:30 to B1:32 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, resistance to currant-lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, and leaves having a solid main vein. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 81-01 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 81-01 RZ.

Abstract: A method for performing teat related operations in a rotary milking system during an operation condition when a capacity required for performing the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals is higher than a robot's capacity, includes estimating a required capacity for performing the operations; planning a semi-automated teat related operation procedure based on the robot's capacity and the estimated required capacity, according to which procedure a first fraction of the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals should be performed automatically by the robot in a first zone, and a second fraction of the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals should be performed manually in a second zone adjacent to the first zone; and performing the operations with respect to the teats of the milking animals according to the planned semi-automated teat related operation procedure.

Abstract: A system for operating a robotic arm, comprises a camera, a controller and a robotic arm. The camera captures an image of a rear of a dairy livestock located in a stall of a rotary milking platform. The controller receives the image and in conjunction with the stall of the rotary milking platform in which a dairy livestock is located moving into an area adjacent a robotic arm, determines whether a milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the image. The robotic arm is communicatively coupled to the controller and extends between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is not attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm does not extend between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A reconfigurable pet potty system that is selectively configurable between use and storage configurations. In the use configuration, the system is operable to be used as a toilet by a pet. In the storage configuration, the system is collapsed, with its footprint minimized, thereby facilitating transport and/or storage of the system. The system includes a plurality of different types of joints including a pivot joint that is operable to automatically lock the system in either of the configurations to prevent unintentional transformations of the system between the different configurations.

Abstract: An automatic locking joint for use with a reconfigurable device to permit the device to be selectively reconfigurable between various configurations.

Abstract: A composition comprising a physical blend of discrete particulates such that the liquid absorbency is greater than the individual components and is greater than the expected absorbency based on the rule of mixtures. A composition comprising diatomaceous earth which may have a clump strength greater than 75% and in which the thy density may be less than 880 kg/m3(55 lb/ft3). The compositions exhibit synergistic absorbance, light density, high clump strength, low dustiness, and are suitable for industrial and household absorption and solidification, animal litter, and soil amendment.

Abstract: Litter compositions are provided comprising sodium bentonite and various fillers. These litter compositions have substantially the same clumpability properties as a composition consisting of only the sodium bentonite.

Abstract: A pet carrier includes a bottom panel having a pair of end edges and a pair of side edges, a pair of side panels connected to the side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panels connected to the end edges of the bottom panel, and a top panel connected to the pair of side panels and the pair of end panels. The bottom panel, the pair of side panels, the pair of end panels, and the top panel enclose a first interior area when the pet carrier is in a compact configuration. The top panel includes an expandable portion configured to be raised above the pair of side panels and the pair of end panels to form a second interior area greater than the first interior area when the pet carrier is in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A pet grooming device includes a handheld housing having an ergonomically shaped top side and a bottom plate surrounding a hollow interior cavity. The bottom plate includes an arrangement of openings in air flow communication with the interior cavity and, in at least one embodiment, the bottom pate has an array of brush bristles extending therefrom. A vertical fin extends upwardly from the top side for receipt between two adjacent fingers of the user when grasping the ergonomically shaped top side. A flexible hose connects to the handheld housing and an electrically powered air flow generating device (e.g., a blow dryer) for directing air flow through the arrangement of openings on the bottom plate and onto an animal's coat.

Abstract: A pet training and location system including a collar configured to be affixed to a pet, the collar having a location determination mechanism; an audio transmitter configured to provide an audio stimulus; and a power source provided within collar operable to provide power to the audio transmitter, and the location determination mechanism. The system also includes a user platform configured to receive input from a user, the platform being operable to define at least one permitted zone where the pet is permitted to reside and at least one restricted zone where the pet is restricted from entering, wherein the collar is configured to provide at least one positive stimulus when the collar moves from the at least one restricted zone back into the at least one permitted zone.

Abstract: A kit for providing a scratcher for use by a pet cat. The kit includes first and second scratching elements of first and second widths, the scratching elements being self-supporting cardboard bodies, each having open fluted faces. The kit also includes at least one connector having a shaft of a length greater than the first width and less than the combination of the first and second widths, the connector further having helical threads along its shaft, at least a portion of the helical threads sized to extend from the shaft to deform flutes of the first and second scratching elements.

Abstract: A pet toy infusing device includes a base, a removeable cover and a porous insert. The base includes a cavity, and has an opening configured to enable access to the cavity. The removable cover is configured to cover the cavity. The porous insert is removably disposed inside of the cavity between the base and the cover, the porous insert having an interior surface defining a pet toy holding area, and being configured to prevent a material disposed inside the cavity of the base from entering the pet toy holding area, while enabling a pet toy disposed in the pet toy holding area to be infused with the material.

Abstract: A vibratory pet toy having a substantially spherical shell with a top and bottom, the bottom having a circular opening. The toy includes a platform being in the form of a circular disc having a disk top, disk bottom and disk circumference sized to fit within and be retained by the circular opening. A plurality of flexible legs are evenly spaced about the disk circumference and extend outwardly of the spherical shell from the disk bottom and a rotational motor positioned within the spherical shell including an eccentric load rotatable by the rotational motor. A power supply for selectively activating the rotational motor completes the toy.

Abstract: A cat amusement system including a user actuated transmitter sized to be held by hand, the transmitter housing an actuation signal generator for remotely controlling a pet activity toy The system also includes a user actuated light generator for generating light at a wavelength and intensity to be visible to a pet proximate the pet activity toy The pet activity toy includes a motor which propels the pet activity toy upon receipt of the actuation signal emanating from said transmitter.

Abstract: The canine three point control harness of the present invention comprises a foreleg crotch loop, that with appropriate tension from any one of three control points, applies pressure to the crotch pits of the dog's forelegs. A pair of shoulder straps support a connector ring disposed over the upper forechest of the dog which ring forms a forward control point that is connected to the foreleg crotch loop and, when attached to a leash, can apply pressure to the foreleg pits. Over the withers of the dog the shoulder straps are twisted together to form a handle, the rear portion of which is connected to that portion of the crotch loop which terminates over the withers and provides another control point for increasing the pressure on the foreleg pits. Lifting of either end of the twisted handle communicates tension to the crotch loop and consequent crotch pressure.

Abstract: A dog harness having an open prosternum loop and an open sternum loop that are angularly interconnected to form left and right inverted V shaped shoulder covering apexes where the apexes are selectively interconnected with a buckle that slidingly engages adjustable length web members attached to the apexes and which form a point of attachment for a leash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for containing a number of eggs in an incubation chamber, the tray comprising a number of egg accommodation spaces in which space an egg is able to be hatched, and at least one passage for a chicken through which passage a chicken hatched from said egg may pass through the tray and enter a chicken accommodation space located below the tray.

Abstract: A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an animal model of osteoblastic bone metastasis. A non-human animal in which an osteoblastic lesion is formed in a wide range has been successfully produced with a probability of 100% by: administering a calcineurin inhibitor to a non-human animal; and injecting a tumor cell into an artery or a vein of the non-human animal, wherein the non-human animal and the tumor cell are in an allogeneic or xenogeneic relation.

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals and methods and compositions for making and using the same are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of an endogenous signal-regulatory protein gene, in particular a humanization of a SIRP? gene. Genetically modified mice are described, including mice that express a human or humanized SIRP? protein from an endogenous SIRP? locus.

Abstract: A harborage for growing and harvesting insects includes a substrate and a mesh material. The substrate has first and second edges extending along the length of the substrate and separated by a shorter width. The substrate includes an absorbent material and is formed into at least one channel extending in a direction along the length of the substrate, in some cases such that the channel is perpendicular to the width and has a depth that is less than the width of the substrate. The mesh material is disposed on the substrate, extends along substantially all of the length of the substrate and includes openings that are smaller than juveniles of a target insect, but sufficiently large to permit liquid feeding of the target insect through the mesh material, which is affixed along the substrate so as to prevent insect egress.

Abstract: The disclosed artificial fishing lures have an elongated, flexible body with a pre-formed hole through the body. The hole has a longitudinal portion that extends along a central axis of the body some length, which in some examples is at least mid-way along the entire length of the body of the lure. The hole has a second portion that extends from the central axis at an angle to cause the hole to end on an exterior surface of the body of the lure. The hole is large enough to allow the fishing lure to slide along a fishing line that is threaded through the hole. The hole diameter is larger than the diameter of the line, in some example 50% larger, and is smaller than a diameter of a fishing hook attached to the end of the line, which allows the fishing lure to slide along the line easily and be stopped by the fishing hook so it does not slide off the line and hook combination. Other lure stops can be used as well.

Abstract: Adaptable fishing lure kits, systems, and devices are provided. An adaptable fishing lure system may include a fishing lure body having a generally cylindrical shape, a fin member replaceably attachable to the fishing lure body, via a slot formed within an outer periphery surface of the lure body, and a channel chamber longitudinally extending through and within at least a portion of a length of the fishing lure body. The slot providing access to the channel, at least one cartridge providing an attractant into the chamber formed within the fishing lure body. Alternative use of an adhesive and means for securing a fin member and attractant are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ice hole liner with a handle. The liner is placed in an ice hole during freezing conditions with the outer wall of the liner contacting the inner wall of the ice hole. When the surface of the ice hole freezes the liner is pulled out of the frozen ice hole which clears the hole of ice. The liner also serves as a stable base to which fishing devices and rod holders can be attached so a fish can't pull them down the ice hole.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cylindrical baitwell having a circular cross-section with vertical sides attached to a circular bottom producing a water impervious container. Disposed within the cylindrical container is an elevator plate that is perforated to permit the passage of water therethrough but which perforations are too small to allow the passage of any of the live bait. Attached to the perforated elevator plate at two points opposite each other is a handle comprised of two vertical rods and connected at the top with a handle attached to both of those rods. At the top of the container is a lid of s circular configuration with a diameter that matches the diameter of the cylindrical container on which it rests. The lid is perforated by two openings of sufficient diameter to accommodate movement of the vertical rods upward and downward by the use of the handle attached to them.

Abstract: A fishing lure container is provided. The fishing lure container includes an insert having a first side and a second side. Further, the container includes a plurality of threaders defining a lure end that extends from the first side of the insert for engaging an eyelet of a fishing lure. The threaders additionally include a base end securedly engaged with a backstop, wherein the backstop is positioned within the insert or proximal to the second side of the insert.

Abstract: A hoof treatment arrangement arranged to spray a liquid onto hooves of animals while they are stationary in a stall of an animal arrangement includes an identification system configured to identify animals, an automatic detector arrangement configured to determine the hoof status for animals, an automatic spray device, and a control arrangement. The control arrangement is operatively connected to an information database of the animal arrangement, which includes animal specific information for a plurality of animals housed in the animal arrangement; the identification system, to obtain information regarding the identity of each of the plurality of animals; the automatic detector arrangement, to obtain information regarding the hoof status for each of the identified animals; and the automatic spray device, to control the automatic spray device.

Abstract: A planar bait presenting device is described comprising a bait contact zone for receiving bait wherein the bait contact zone comprises a dose measurement guide and an ink display zone. A kit is also described comprising a plurality of the bait presenting devices and a backing sheet to which the devices are removably adhered. A method of displaying bait, is described which comprises adhering the device to a surface; and applying a discrete amount of bait to the bait contact zone. The method involves applying bait to the bait contact zone until the area defined by the dose measurement guide is substantially covered with bait. Also described are methods of displaying bait which comprise adhering the device to a surface and exposing a discrete amount of bait in the bait contact zone; and methods of enclosing bait in a hole which comprise inserting a discrete amount of bait into a hole and adhering the device to the surface surrounding the hole, thereby enclosing the bait in a hole.

Abstract: A trap for assisting in controlling pest populations, in particular rodent, and especially rats and/or mice, including: a lower housing, and a false floor including a trapdoor, and a ramp, wherein the lower housing has a lower end that sits on the ground and an upper end. The false floor is attached to the upper end of the lower housing. The trap door is triggered to suddenly collapse when the rodent places a sufficient amount of its body weight onto the trapdoor. The ramp leads up from ground level to the false floor so that when in use, a suitable liquid or gas is contained within the lower housing, and a suitable bait is placed on the false floor to attract a rodent and maneuver it onto the trapdoor.

Abstract: Briefly, embodiments of a cover for use with a trap, such as a burrowing rodent trap, may comprise a coupling to attach to a movable element of a burrowing rodent trap, an indicator to indicate a state of the burrowing rodent trap, and a housing to cover a hole into which the burrowing rodent trap is disposed, the indicator to be movable with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A fowl management system is provided. The fowl management system includes a protected surface; a wire mesh at least partially suspended above the protected surface; wherein at least a portion of the wire mesh conducts an electrical current; a fence charger attached to the wire mesh; and a power source attached to the protected surface.

Abstract: A portable treestand for hunters includes a one piece supporting platform, seat and post molded from a light weight thermoplastic material. The unitary construction of the platform and seat eliminates a large number of fabrication steps and related fastening techniques and devices used therewith. As a result, the platform and seat are stronger, lighter and more rigid, free from many potentially movable joints, and may be made with an irregular pattern.

Abstract: A fresh tissue allograft having at least one tissue portion maintained above a predetermined temperature to reduce the rate of cell death. A storage media having at least one free-radical scavenger is applied to the allograft to further slow the rate of cell death.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preserving organs, maintaining organ viability and inhibiting ischemia-reperfusion injury and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: A collected living tissue cryopreserving tool is composed of a tissue piece holder and a resin-made accommodating bag. The tissue piece holder is composed of a plate-shaped body part including a thermally conductive plate-shaped lower member and a plate-shaped upper member and a covering sheet held by the plate-shaped body part. The tissue piece holder has a tissue piece placing part formed of a cut-out part provided on the plate-shaped upper member and a part, of an upper surface of the thermally conductive plate-shaped lower member, which is disposed at the cut-out part. The covering sheet is capable of covering the tissue piece placing part.

Abstract: The herein-disclosed invention is a liquid, humectant composition comprising about 70%-88% distilled water, about 7%-14% food-grade USP propylene glycol, about 5%-10% ethanol, about 4%-8% raw honey, about 0.15%-0.16% Cascade hop oil, about 0.5%-0.9% citric acid, and about 0.06%-0.4% sodium benzoate. The composition should be prepared with USP, food-grade ingredients at room temperature, atmospheric pressure. Super-critical extraction of the Cascade hop oil ingredient is recommended. Once prepared, between 88.8 ml and 600 ml of said composition should be dropped onto a vented humidor disc for absorption: said saturated disc should then be placed with desired plant matter into a sealed plastic baggie, optionally inside a sealed humidor box. Said plant matter should reach an equilibrium humidity between 60 and 75% and should receive lasting preservative and aromatic effects.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method of coating a propagule with a layer of a coating composition. The coating composition, comprising a film forming binder, a filler, a pesticide and an aqueous carrier, can help to increase the uptake of a pesticide into a resultant plant.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for manufacture and use of pesticides or agricultural spray adjuvants that counteracts the effects of hard water cat ions on anionic pesticides when applied in water spray solutions.

Abstract: An insect repellent patch is disclosed of a size and weight compatible for wearing on the clothing or skin of a user. The patch has a gross area not in excess of 232 cm2 and bearing one or more insect repellents having a vapor pressure at 25° C. of not less than about 1×10?6 mm Hg. The total amount of insect repellent is in an amount effective to provide practical mosquito personal area repellency. Kits of such patches, with instructions for use, and methods of providing practical personal area insect repellency are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving disease tolerance of a crop plant by improving and/or inducing long-term disease tolerance of the crop plants against one or more of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. The methods provided in the present disclosure have desirable properties and related advantages compared to other methods known in the art.

Abstract: A sporicidal composition includes an acidified short or medium chain, linear or branched alcohol having a pH effective to promote killing of spore forming bacteria and bacterial spores.

Abstract: Compositions are described comprising an amount of a toxicant comprising a compound of the formula HNR1R2, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6-cycloalkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C12-aryl group; wherein the amount of the toxicant is sufficient to control termites. Methods for controlling termites using such compositions are also described.

Abstract: A composition is provided comprising an effective treatment amount of a biorational treatment concentrate comprising one or more plant oils and/or glycerol in combination with a carrier, and one or more colorants and/or one or more active ingredients, wherein the composition is formulated to treat a target crop. Related products and methods of using same are also provided.

Abstract: A composition, characterized in that it comprises 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane (DBDCB) and zinc pyrithione (ZPT) as active components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for improving corn growth. Methods of the invention comprise applying an effective amount of a mixture consisting of a gibberellin and glycine betaine to the corn plant. The present invention is further directed to methods for improving corn growth comprising applying an effective amount of a mixture of a gibberellin, (S)-(+)-abscisic acid and glycine betaine to a corn plant.

Abstract: A biopesticide composition includes a solvent and a plurality of rhamnolipid complexes, each rhamnolipid complex including a rhamnolipid complexed with a cation. The biopesticide composition may include a slower-releasing rhamnolipid-based material and a faster-releasing rhamnolipid-based material. The biopesticide composition may be in the form of a coating or a pellet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating rice. The method comprises the steps of: providing a domestic rice crop plant and at least one ACCase-inhibiting aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicide selected from the group consisting of quizalofop or an ester thereof, haloxyfop, fluazifop or an ester thereof, clodinafop, clodinafop-propargyl, diclofop, and diclofop-methyl; applying an effective amount (measured in g AI/Ha) of the at least one aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicide to the domestic rice crop plant, post-emergence; thereby creating a treated rice plant; and growing the resulting treated rice plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations which include of the insecticidally active compounds of the formula (I) in combination with fungicidally active compounds (II) and are highly suitable for controlling unwanted animal pests, such as insects, and unwanted phytopathogenic fungi.