Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01062053. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01062053. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01062053 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01062053 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01062066. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01062066. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01062066 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01062066 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX4444-13WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX4444-13WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX4444-13WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX4444-13WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX4444-13WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX4444-13WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new variety of lettuce designated NUN 06773 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparing dairy animal teats for being milked, and more particularly to teat preparation, rinsing, and milking that all take place in a milking machine teat cup liner. Such a method includes: applying a teat sanitizer to the teat; injecting air into the liner to force the teat sanitizer toward a waste milk line connected to the liner; pulsating the liner at a first pulsation rate; drawing a rinsing milk from the teat; directing the teat sanitizer, the air, and the rinsing fluid to the waste milk line; pulsating the liner at a second pulsation rate to draw additional milk from the teat; and directing the additional milk to a good milk line.

Abstract: Device (10), comprising a platform (14) for placing a vessel (9) containing the liquid, a pipe (15) with an open end (151) configured for supplying steam to the vessel, a driving device (17) configured to actuate a relative movement between the end of the pipe and the platform, means (140) for determining a liquid level of the liquid in the vessel, and a control unit (18). The control unit is configured to actuate the driving device (17) so that a relative initial position between the end of the pipe and the platform is assumed on the basis of the liquid level. The means (140) for determining the liquid level comprise a weighing device. The control unit is then configured to determine the liquid level from the weight.

Abstract: A hollow polymer stall divider for use in a barn permits lateral flexing when a cow presses against the stall divider while the stall divider asserts a lateral force against the cow to urge the cow to move into a proper position between adjacent stall dividers without causing injury to the cow. The polymer stall divider can be formed of a single polymer material having a unitary density throughout. Alternatively, the polymer stall divider can be formed of multiple sections of different densities of polymer material, and different types of polymer material. The different sections of polymer material can be plastic welded together or connected by plug members inserted into the adjoining ends of the sections and secured with adhesives or other bonding material to form line blanks that can be heated until softened sufficiently to be bent into a proper shape within a pre-formed mold.

Abstract: A collapsible pet crate is provided that includes a top; a bottom base; and a plurality of walls including a first wall pair. The first wall pair includes a first wall pivotably connected to the bottom base for pivoting about a first horizontal axis and a second wall pivotably connected to the first wall for pivoting about a first vertical axis. The collapsible pet crate being configured for arrangement in a crating orientation in which the top is removably connected to at least one of the walls and a collapsed orientation in which the top is removably connected to the bottom base. A method of providing a collapsible pet crate is also provided.

Abstract: A vertical urine pad holder that is comprised of a rectangular frame that has width a height and a length, the frame has two arms, each arm is perpendicular to the length of the frame and has a length of at least four inches. The width of the frame is at least 1 inch. The invention is further comprised of a urine pad. In an embodiment of the present invention, the urine pad is pre-marked by a scent that will encourage dogs to spray in the location in which the urine pad is draped or placed. The urine pad holder is used by placing or fitting the urine pad over the arms of the holder and then sliding or mounting the holder over a corner wall or door frame so that the urine pad covers the wall or door frame that is to be protected.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a squeeze chute for temporarily confining an animal while it is being inspected or treated, wherein the squeeze chute has a pair of side grippers and a rear pusher that cooperate to restrain the movement of the animal within the squeeze chute. Certain embodiments of both the side grippers and the pusher are rotatable about the top rails of the chute as well as vertically extensible and retractable from the top rails on which they are mounted.

Abstract: A livestock feeder is provided with a feed discharge assembly for dispensing a premeasured amount of feed into the trough of each feeding stall. The livestock feeder includes individual feeding stalls wherein the same amount of feed is dispensed for each animal such that the feeding of each animal may be monitored and controlled. Indicator lights may be provided to attract the livestock to the individual feeding stalls during feeding periods.

Abstract: A gravity flow feeder is disclosed having a vertically arranged, canister, funnel, chute, and trough arrangement wherein feed contained within each canister is allowed to flow down, aided by gravity, to settle within a feed trough. Use of a timing mechanism and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder allows for the articulation of a closeable access to open or close the trough in order to protect the feed contained from the elements and scavenging animals and condition the timing of animal arrival at the feeder. Any number of feed containing canisters may be implemented in order to provide for mixing of various types of feed within the trough for maintenance of a balanced diet for desired animals.

Abstract: A collar for conditioning behavior in an animal and system and method for same are disclosed. The collar includes a main body configured to generate electric stimuli. A pair of conductive polymer multi-ridge electrodes extends outward in a concave configuration from base portion of main body at first end and second end of base portion such that electrodes and base portion form a unitary component. The pair of electrodes is configured to have inner and outer indentations integrally formed with base portion such that inner indentations are suitable for receiving smaller animals and outer indentations are suitable for receiving larger animals. A housing receives main body and is integrally formed with a pair of elongated planar members extending orthogonally from band portion of collar at first end and second end of housing such that collar is positioned around animal neck while inserted to main body for support.

Abstract: A dog train & track system for tracking a pet using a GPS. The system is housed inside a collar made of waterproof material to house all of the components necessary to use and power the system. The software accompanying the collar permits the owner to set boundaries and send a notification to the owner through the software on a computer or smart device in the event the pet leaves the boundary. Furthermore, the system notifies the owner and others in cases were the pet may become distressed. The system may also communicate with a pet door allowing entry into the owner's home using proximity detection within the collar.

Abstract: An animated squeaky pet toy provides an animated, chewable pet toy that emits a squeaky sound when compressed from multiple directions and pressures due to an alternating pattern of accordion and bulbous sections. An elongated compressible inner chamber provides a generally elongated body portion having an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section and at least one bulbous section. The accordion section includes multiple folds that produce air flow when pulled or compressed laterally. The bulbous section increases the diameter of the body portion, and can be compressed axially and diagonally to produce air flow. The compressible inner chamber includes a pair of ends having an aperture. A reed passes through each aperture. The reed vibrates to produce a squeaky sound when air flow passes through either aperture. An animated outer chamber encapsulates the compressible inner chamber to transfer compressive forces to the body portion of compressible inner chamber.

Abstract: An animal lift consisting of a lift mechanism, a vertical mast housing at least a portion of the lift mechanism, a horizontal shaft rotatably coupled to the lift mechanism about a longitudinal axis of rotation of the shaft, and a cradle coupled to the shaft, the cradle constructed of a horizontal support member having a surface for engaging the sternum or underbelly of an animal along the animal's longitudinal axis from head to tail and a pair of vertical side walls.

Abstract: A pet lease device includes a first resilient section having a first portion and a second portion. A handle section includes a connecting end engaged with the first portion of the first resilient section and a handgrip. A tail section includes a first engaging end engaged with the second portion of the first resilient section and a connecting member. An optional coupling ring is fixed to the tail section. An optional restraining section includes a fixing end engaged with the handle section and an engaging end. When the engaging end of the restraining section is not engaged with the coupling ring, the first resilient section is permitted to stretch. When the engaging end of the restraining section engages with the coupling ring, the first resilient section is not permitted to stretch.

Abstract: A retractable leash and collar/harness assembly. The assembly includes a flexible handle with a hub assembly in the forward end thereof. The hub assembly contains a spring member and leash line coiled and enclosed within the hub. The leash line is connected to a collar or harness and the handle and collar or harness include a connector thereon to allow the components to be nested each other and folded to provide a compact retractable leash and collar/harness assembly which is easily transportable by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for walking an animal, the apparatus including a wearable strap for positioning over a shoulder of a user. The strap has a front portion and a back portion. An attachment device is positioned between the front portion and the back portion. The attachment device is positioned at the bottom of the strap and configured to receive a leash therein. The positioning of the attachment device at the bottom of the canine handling apparatus allows the forces from the leash to be applied to the waistline of the user. A storage pouch is releasably attached to the strap. The storage pouch is configured to store and dispense waste bags and for receiving and containing waste bags filled with waste.

Abstract: A beehive system includes a processing system for monitoring and controlling a beehive. The beehive can include a bottom board, one or more boxes, and an outer cover. The one or more boxes can contain bees and bee materials, as well as various components and sensors for monitoring and controlling conditions in the beehive. The beehive can include one or more sensors for monitoring a corresponding one or more conditions inside the beehive, and one or more control elements for manipulating the one or more conditions inside the beehive.

Abstract: A lighting system includes an ultraviolet (UV) light source including a UVA light source configured to emit UVA light having various wavelengths; and a UVB light source configured to emit UVB light and control a lighting direction of the UVB light towards a target, a sensor including a UVA sensor configured to sense the UVA light, and a control unit configured to control lighting characteristics of the UV light source, in which the lighting characteristics include an intensity of the UVA light.

Abstract: Applicants have identified that three critical phenotypic/genetic measures are highly correlated with transition period health and may be used in selection and breeding protocols and/or in combination with traditional breeding and marker assisted selection methods to improve predictability of transition period health. According to the invention genetic evaluations for mastitis, ketosis, and metritis have been found to be highly predictive of overall transition health. The genetic evaluations are produced by directly measuring thousands of clinical cases of mastitis, ketosis, and metritis in ancestors of a particular animal and using this data in selection. Applicant's selection criteria and quickly impact a breeders population by reducing transition cow disease incidence in the initial population and in progeny.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for creating an animal model for the study of dry eye and methods of using such animal models to test candidate treatments for ocular conditions and determine the efficacy of such treatments.

Abstract: An autonomous feed delivery platform configured to navigate through a facility and deliver insect feed to multiple insect habitats located within the facility. In some cases, the feed delivery platform may be configured to deliver the feed to multiple insect habitats at substantially the same time.

Abstract: Provided is a gene expression system, suitable for expression in an insect, comprising an insect muscle actin promoter operably linked to a marker gene, which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of: cost of rearing; amount of handling; errors in identification due to human error or loss of marker by the insect; and health concerns related to the effects of marker powders on workers in mass rearing facilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater harvesting system (1) for harvesting zooplankton or mesoplagic fishes, comprising an underwater vehicle (2) for being lowered into the sea and towed behind a surface vessel (3), comprising a housing (21) provided with an inlet (22) through which zooplankton-containing-fluid may flow; a hose (4) mounted on the underwater vehicle and in fluid communication with the inlet, the hose being adapted to secure and fluidly connect the underwater vehicle to the surface vessel; and pumping means for drawing in a zooplankton-containing-fluid through the inlet in the underwater vehicle and for pumping the zooplankton-containing-fluid through the hose to the surface vessel. The invention further relates to a method for harvesting zooplankton or other marine organisms.

Abstract: A bowfishing arrow and method of bowfishing. The bowfishing arrow includes a shaft having a main stem. A locking pin is slidably movable within a bore of the main stem. A fish point with a pair of pivoting barbs is secured to the distal end of the main stem. An outer sleeve is longitudinally movable with respect to the main stem and the locking pin is engaged with the outer sleeve to move with the outer sleeve. The barbs pivot between a shooting position, a locked position, and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, an end of the locking pin is clamped between cams preventing the barbs from pivoting to toward the unlocked position and the shooting position until the fish is landed. A one-handed maneuver is all that is required to release the arrow from the fish after it is landed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to fishing lures that employ channeled water technology. Embodiments further relate to fishing lures with a vented head configured to allow removal and replacement of a swim body. In specific embodiments, the vented head is provided as a two-piece configuration having locational alignment features and lateral securement features for maintaining the swim body in a secured position.

Abstract: A fishing rod that includes an elongated, tapered rod blank at least a portion of which is quadrilateral in cross section, the quadrilateral portion of the rod blank diminishing in cross-sectional area toward a tip end of the rod blank, the quadrilateral portion of the rod blank comprising a sandwich-structured composite of a core disposed between facings, the core less dense than the facings, the quadrilateral portion of rod blank less stiff in a casting direction than transverse to the casting direction; fishing line guides mounted at intervals along the length of the rod blank; a reel seat mounted at the base end of the rod blank; and a handle mounted at the base end of the rod blank adjacent to the reel seat.

Abstract: A fishing rod support includes a tubular rod receiver configured to receive and retain the elongated butt-end of a single fishing rod, and a bracket element including two portions with different angular orientations with respect to the tubular receiver. Each of the bracket portions is configured to engage, in like manner, a rigid mount. The mount is configured to be secured to a stable working surface, as a supporting base, such as the rigid structure of a fishing boat. In use, the alternative engaging of the bracket portions with the mount enables two different supported angular orientations of the tubular receiver, and hence of the fishing rod.

Abstract: Devices and methods for grabbing bait are generally disclosed. In an example, a device for grabbing bait may include a first clasp formed at a distal portion of a first arm extending from a body. The device may further include a second clasp formed at a distal portion of a second arm extending from the body. At least one of the clasps may include a barrier disposed on a first side of the at least one clasp. The clasps may be adapted to be brought together in an uneven fashion, causing bait between the clasps to be urged towards the barrier when the clasps are brought together about the bait.

Abstract: A sprayer for spraying liquid onto a target area or band, the sprayer comprising a shield (10) and a nozzle arrangement for spraying liquid in a spray pattern. The shield (10) comprises a hood (12) at an upper portion of the shield (10) and a flexible skirt (14) at a lower portion of shield (10). The shield (10) surrounds the nozzle arrangement and the spray pattern allowing liquid to be sprayed onto the target area or band through an opening at the bottom of the shield (10). The skirt (14) comprises an inner membrane (40) and an outer membrane (42) which encircle the opening.

Abstract: Methods for fumigating soil include applying over fumigant-treated soil a multilayer polymeric film to form a vapor barrier between the fumigant-treated soil and the atmosphere to at least partially contain the fumigant. The multilayer film includes at least one barrier layer comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and protecting layers on each side of the barrier layer. The multilayer film preferably has at least one UV protecting layer and optionally at least one reflective layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for mounting a lure (2), in particular a lure for rodents, comprising: —a housing part (3) that has at least one through-opening (9), in particular an axial through-opening, through which an access into an interior of the housing part is possible; and —at least one closing element (15) which has a main part and at least one lure receiving region, in particular on the main-part side, for receiving at least one lure (2), said closing element (15) being mounted in a movable manner relative to the housing part (3). The closing element (15) is moved away from the housing part (3) in an open position such that the at least one through-opening (9) is released and is moved towards the housing part (3) in a closed position such that the at least one through-opening (9) is closed.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a protecting device for an elongated flexible member, the protecting device acting as a protection against biting and chewing on the elongated flexible member and being placed on at least a part of the elongated flexible member, wherein the protecting device is a spring made of wire or an array of rings arranged coaxially on a connecting element, the pitch of the spring or the distance between adjacent rings being respectively in the range of 0.05 cm to 5 cm; and an elongated flexible member with a protecting device.

Abstract: A bait station having an enclosed housing defining an internal volume is disclosed, wherein the internal volume is divided by a partition wall defining a main chamber and an electronics compartment. The electronics compartment has a wireless communication module including a computer processor and transceiver. The main chamber has a single access for a targeted type of pest and a bait access door. A bait platform is located within the main chamber, and a bait monitoring sensor is also located within the main chamber. The bait monitoring sensor is communicatively coupled with the wireless communication module.

Abstract: A tracking system comprises: a data receiver arranged to: i) receive work data indicative of at least a location of an infestation or other item of interest from a data provider, and ii) receive property data indicative of an address or location from a client device; a module arranged to: i) update an existing record in a database according to the received work data upon determining the record corresponds to the location based on a geographical matching process, ii) create a new record in the database according to the received work data upon determining that no record corresponding to the location exists based on a geographical matching process, and iii) retrieve a record from the database corresponding to the location upon determining the record corresponds to the address based on a geographical matching process; and a data transmitter arranged to transmit the retrieved record to the client device for output.

Abstract: Compounds formed by combining a carboxylic acid herbicide with N-((C1-C16) alkyl or arylalkyl) tri((C1-C16) alkyl)ammonium hydroxide have herbicidal activity on an acid equivalent basis at least as active as the commercially used carboxylic acid herbicide salts, but are less volatile.

Abstract: Soil nematode control techniques are established, the technique comprising diffusing uniformly 16-membered ring macrolide compounds which affect various organisms including nematodes at low concentrations, are hardly dissolved in water, and have a high soil adsorption within a treatment area, which technique is easy to use and eliminates the effect against organisms in the surroundings. By spraying an emulsion of the 16-membered ring macrolide compound with a water-soluble solvent to the soil surface and then mixing the emulsion with the soil or by mixing a granule adhering such the emulsion to a mineral carrier with the soil, soil nematodes parasitized crops are controlled as preventing seepage of the agent to an area outside of the treatment area.

Abstract: Composite materials that are palatable to a wood-destroying pest species and also pesticidal to the pest species can be used in pest control devices and can be used as wood substitutes for structural components, which are resistant to destruction by wood-destroying pests. The composite materials include a thermoplastic polymer, a food material for the pest and a pesticide. The composite material is formed by mixing a thermoplastic polymer, wood fragments or other cellulosic materials and a quantity of pesticide, and thereafter creating a molten material within a mixer, compounder, extruder or the like. The molten material is extruded or molded to form the desired shape.

Abstract: A granular composition comprising a pesticide, 0.1 to 10 wt % of a nonionic amphiphilic polyalkoxylate, at least 20 wt % of a solid water-soluble anionic dispersant, at least 5 wt % of a sugar, which is a mono- or disaccharide, or a mixture thereof, and a polyvinylpyrrolidone is provided. Methods for the preparation of the granular composition including the steps of (i) providing an aqueous suspension comprising the pesticide, the polyalkoxylate, the dispersant and the sugar, (ii) drying the aqueous suspension, and (iii) granulating the aqueous or dried suspension, and wherein the polyvinylpyrrolidone is added in step (i) and/or step (iii) are further provided. Methods for controlling at least one of phytopathogenic fungi, plant growth, attack by insects or mites, and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the composition is allowed to act on the particular pests, their habitat, the undesired or useful plants, and/or the soil are further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides formulations of pyrethroid compounds comprising nanoparticles of polymer-associated pyrethroid compounds along with various formulating agents. The present disclosure also provides methods for producing and using these formulations. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations. Additionally, the disclosures describes application to various plants and pests as well as advantages of the disclosed formulations.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprising: (a) 4,5-dichloro-2-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; (b) a tertiary amine comprising three C2-C6 hydroxyalkyl groups, wherein at least one of said hydroxyalkyl groups has a secondary hydroxyl group; (c) an oil selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, neutral oil, castor oil, and combinations thereof; (d) a paraffin wax; and (e) a nonionic surfactant having from 20 to 50 polymerized ethylene oxide units.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to anti-microbial sanitizer compositions and methods of making the same. The sanitizer compositions described herein are comprised of benzalkonium chloride, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, water, dihydroxypropyl PEG-5, linoleammonium chloride, and glycereth-2 cocoate. To forming the sanitizer compositions discussed herein, water is mixed with benzalkonium chloride to form a first mixture. This first mixture is then mixed with coconut oil and palm kernel oil to form a second mixture, which is subsequently heated to at least 100° F. After heating, the second mixture is mixed with dihydroxypropyl PEG-5 to form a third mixture, which is then settled while the temperature is maintained at or above 100° F. Thereafter, the third mixture is cooled to room temperature, and mixed with linoleammonium chloride and glycereth-2 coate to form the sanitizer composition.

Abstract: A composition for and methods of preserving a topical cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation against microbiological contamination or growth are described in which the compositions used herein include at least one hydroxamic acid, salt or complex thereof, and the methods include addition of an effective amount of such compounds to a cosmetic, toiletry or pharmaceutical formulation. Compositions further including alkanediols and/or solubilizing agents in blends with hydroxamic acid are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition formulated to produce improved budbreak, flowering and disease resistance in perennial fruit crops and/or ornamental trees, comprising: (a) one or more compounds represented by the structure: in which R? is OH or OCOCH3, and R? is H, a monovalent cation, any C1-C10 alkyl group (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched), any C7-C10 alkaryl group, or a phenyl group; and (b) an alkoxylated amine represented by the structure: in which A is selected from N, N1R1, or N?O, and wherein R1 is H, methyl or benzyl, R2 is any C8-C22 alkyl group (saturated, unsaturated, linear or branched), R3 is any C2-C4 alkyl group (linear or branched), x is in the range of 0 to 4 and y+z is in the range of 2 to 50. A method of use is also included, as is a method for preparing the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel class of (S)-3?-substituted-abscisic acid derivatives and (±)-3?-substituted-abscisic acid derivatives, and methods of synthesizing the derivatives.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: The decrease in soybean rust control using fungicide mixtures (DMAs+QoIs) reached very low levels for the harvest of 2012/13 (an average of 37% for the three main mixtures). This decrease is due to a decrease in Pp sensitivity to individual DMIs and QoIs, and mixtures thereof. Anti-resistance strategies have not been introduced in Brazil for preventing/delaying the development of resistance of the fungus that is the casual agent of rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) in soybean [plant form the family Fabaceae, Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and of the fungus that is the casual agent of yellow leaf spot (Drechslera tritici-repentis) in wheat [plant of the family Triticea, Triticum aestivum L.], as well as other disease complexes that attack the main crop plants in Brazil, such as corn, beans, cotton, inter alia. By means of said method it is possible to recover the efficiency of several mixtures (DMI+QoI and QoI+SDHI) due to a decrease in fungal sensitivity.