Abstract: The present invention provides a circular polarization illumination device which can irradiate right-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of right-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency and can irradiate left-circularly polarized light at a large light amount from a light source of left-circularly polarized light with a high efficiency, and a plant growth regulation method that can efficiently regulate the promotion or inhibition of the growth of plants by using the circular polarization illumination device. Moreover, the illumination device includes a light-emitting light source, a reflective polarizing plate, reirradiation unit, and circular polarization conversion unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for tapping trees has a vertical support structure of posts that support upper and lower horizontal members extending from the vertical structure. The upper horizontal member provides a support for bearing against a tree trunk, and the lower horizontal member supports a combination of a drill block with a drill and a tap press. Forward and rearward movement of the drill block is operated by a motor, shafts and gears to drive a suspension member toward the tree trunk along travel rods and then reverse. A drive chain engaged with the gears is attached to the suspension member and incorporated in the front and rear blocks that support the travel rods and sprockets for the chain. The tap press is attached to the drill block and rotates from vertical to horizontal position and holds a tap cylinder for insertion into a tree trunk.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to methods for increasing or promoting microbial activity in soil selected for treatment.

Abstract: A method for subsurface irrigation having the steps of; providing one or more hydrophobic porous uncoated tubes having a hydro head (HH), locating the tubes with at least a portion of their length within the rhizosphere of plants to be irrigated, and passing an aqueous irrigation liquid into the tubes during the growth phase of the plants to be irrigated at an applied pressure at or below HH. The tubes may be located in the proximity of seeds which become the plants to be irrigated following their germination. In this embodiment, aqueous irrigation fluid is passed into the tubes during a germination phase of the seeds at an applied pressure that is at least 10% higher than the applied pressure during the growth phase of the plants.

Abstract: Plants are grown in adjacent rows of trays that are rotated within a pool of a nutrient solution. The roots of the plants are at least partly immersed in the nutrient solution. Each row includes a gap wide enough to receive a single tray from an adjacent row. Using three rows, the plants are planted only in one of the rows, and later the rotation is used to space the planted trays one tray apart. Each tray is a parallelepipedal block with apertures for supporting respective plants. The long sides of the blocks have protrusions for preventing adhesion of the blocks. Airlift pumping circulates the nutrient solution past the roots and maintains at least 80% dissolved oxygen saturation in the nutrient solution. A screen of parallel inflatable tubes provides adjustable shade above the pool.

Abstract: Growing systems may include a number of modular growing chambers adapted to be configured in a stacked arrangement with each growing chamber surrounding a corresponding portion of the plant. The grow chambers may be selectively added or removed during plant growth, such that different sections of the growing plant may be influenced differently using aeroponic, hydroponic or other growing techniques. The grow chamber stack may be portable and provided with integrated or independent lifting devices to assist an operator in adding or removing chambers from the stack. Three growing processes may be facilitated using such systems. These include a process for producing assorted product from a single plant for simultaneous harvest, a process for producing an extended harvest of a desired size product from a single plant, and a process for extending the productive life of a plant and provide for multiple, continued, and perpetual harvest.

Abstract: A new and distinct inbred plant of Tagentes erecta named KI4662 and characterized by elevated levels of zeaxanthin and little or no lutein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-245 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-245 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-245 RZ.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the watermelon line designated TCSEJ12-2622. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622, and to methods for producing a watermelon plant produced by crossing a plant of watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622 with itself or with another watermelon plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of watermelon line TCSEJ12-2622, including the fruits and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH065590. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH065590, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH065590 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH065590.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH067384. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH067384, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH067384 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH067384.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated XB07AC15 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB07AC15, cells from soybean variety XB07AC15, plants of soybean XB07AC15, and plant parts of soybean variety XB07AC15. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB07AC15 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB07AC15, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB07AC15, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB07AC15. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB07AC15 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated XB46V15R is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB46V15R, cells from soybean variety XB46V15R, plants of soybean XB46V15R, and plant parts of soybean variety XB46V15R. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB46V15R with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB46V15R, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB46V15R, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB46V15R. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB46V15R are further provided.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X80H130 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X80H130 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X80H130 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X80H130, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X80H130. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X80H130.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV509109. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV509109, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV509109 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV509109 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV509109.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV346421. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV346421, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV346421 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV346421 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV346421.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV507905. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV507905, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV507905 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV507905 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV507905.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH370204. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH370204, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH370204 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH370204.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH966627. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH966627, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH966627 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH966627.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH550968. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH550968, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH550968 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH550968.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH192374. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH192374, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH192374 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH192374.

Abstract: The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 15R512. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 15R512. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 15R512 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 15R512 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01058349. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01058349. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01058349 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01058349 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01058353. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01058353. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01058353 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01058353 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01058864. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01058864. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01058864 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01058864 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01063939. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01063939. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01063939 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01063939 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064124. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064124. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064124 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064124 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064142. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064142. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064142 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064142 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064130. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064130. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064130 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064130 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057209. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057209. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057209 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057209 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2T0P and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2T0P with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2T0P through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2T0P or a locus conversion of PH2T0P with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2RK6 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RK6 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RK6 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RK6 or a locus conversion of PH2RK6 with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2TBH and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2TBH with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2TBH through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2TBH or a locus conversion of PH2TBH with another maize variety.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2RM7 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RM7 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RM7 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RM7 or a locus conversion of PH2RM7 with another maize variety.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of spinach hybrid SV1371VC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of spinach hybrid SV1371VC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a spinach plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another spinach plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the leaf and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A human operated control device for assisting a plurality of milking robots includes a controller adapted for controlling communication with a plurality of milking robots operated substantially simultaneously, graphical user interface (GUI) adapted for displaying information received from at least one milking robot and for receiving input from a human supervisor for operating the at least one milking robot based on the displayed information, and a processor adapted to convert the input received from the human supervisor into a command for operating the at least one milking robot from which the information was received. A milking robot for operating milking equipment is adapted to operate in one of an automated mode of operation and a human assisted mode of operation.

Abstract: A milking cluster for a milking parlor for milking milk-giving animals, having at least one teat cup unit having a housing, a teat cup, a drive appliance, a pulling element arrangement connected to the teat cup, and the pulling element arrangement has a segment unit having at least two pulling elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing animals such as but not limited to livestock. In some embodiments, an ear tag assembly has a tag, a backing member and an elongated shaft assembly configured to pierce and extend through an outer ear (auricle) of the animal. A first temperature sensor is disposed within the shaft assembly to obtain an ear temperature measurement of the animal. A second temperature sensor obtains an ambient temperature measurement adjacent the animal. A control circuit accumulates temperature data from the first and second temperature sensors in a tag memory for subsequent transfer, via a wireless communication network, to a data collection unit. Additional sensors may be utilized. In some cases, the backing member may house a battery to power the control circuit. The backing member may be removably attachable to the shaft to allow replacement of the battery.

Abstract: An app and associated toy are disclosed that allow a smartphone user to play remotely with a pet by controlling the movement of a remote spot of light. A remote camera allows the user to see and record video of the pet playing. The light spot is controlled by moving a cursor, or by directly moving the light spot on a touch video screen. The viewer also has the option to have the spot follow a predetermined path. By starting the play at the same time as presenting a noise designed to attract a pet, the pet is conditioned to associate that noise with playing. This allows the pet to be summoned to the game. In a more advanced version, the app also controls a treat dispenser for rewarding the pet for playing. An RFID tag on the pet allows the light source to be shone near to the pet.

Abstract: A ball, sphere or article holding system includes a first hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and having therein a plurality of apertures, the semi-hemisphere or shell including a first hinge element and, diametrically opposed, a first selectable closure element. The system also includes a second hollow semi-hemisphere or shell formed of a resilient material and also having a plurality of apertures, the second semi-hemisphere or shell including a second hinge element which is complementally proportioned, disposed and engagable relative to the first hinge element. Diametrically opposed therefrom is a second closure element which is complementally and press or snap-fittably engagable by the opposing closure element of the first semi-hemisphere or shell. Closure between the responsive closure elements may be enhanced by the use of a ring slip-fittably passing between complementally disposed apertures within and between the closure elements.

Abstract: A tug toy that includes at least two gripping members and a central portion, wherein the at least two gripping members are attached to the central portion, and wherein the central portion further includes a noise maker.

Abstract: A pet nail trimmer includes a pair of handles, a housing, a guillotine assembly, and a light. The guillotine assembly extends from the housing and is actuated by the handles. The assembly includes a blade and a frame that are in parallel to one another and that define a cutting opening that includes a first end nearest the handles, a second end opposite the first end, and two sides. The light is disposed within and along a side of the cutting opening, adjacent the blade and the frame, and is oriented to direct light across the cutting opening from one side thereof toward the other. The light is directed in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the handles.

Abstract: A collar assembly includes a main body configured in an uninterrupted loop, the main body having an outer surface, an elongated body extending away from the main body, the elongated body configured to at least partially wrap around and connect to the outer surface of the main body and the elongated body having a holding portion thereby allowing a user to use the elongated body as a leash.

Abstract: A retractable leash having an internal spooling mechanism, active damping/braking mechanism and sensor activated ultrasonic whistle. The spooling mechanism is contained in a handle and oscillates linearly up and down when the leash member is unwound. A finger separator is contained in the handle, the finger separator having an internal channel with openings to permit the leash member to be unwound therethrough.

Abstract: A leash booster adapter is descripted which is attach to each end of a section of pet leash, and comprises an elastic member between shorter than the pet leash section to which it attached. In use, the device applies progressive resistance to the pet proportional to the stretching force provided by the pet pulling on the leash: the harder the pet pulls, the more resistance is felt. Rather that a hard jerk felt by the pet when it pulls, a gentle resistance is first felt, increasing in force as the pet pulls harder.

Abstract: The bone or chew toy holder is a device that is adapted to support a chew toy or a pet treat at an elevation that is adapted to be consistent with an applicable pet animal. The bone or chew toy holder is constructed of a base that may be weighted. The base includes a pole that extends vertically from the base. The pole is attached to a spring member that in turn is attached to a bracket. The bracket is used to attach to at least one clamp member. The at least one clamp member is adapted to support a chew toy or pet treat.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an Environmental Optimization System (“EOS”) provides a system for the intelligent control and monitoring of a poultry or livestock house environment through the utilization of a solar thermal collection system, a variety of environmental and livestock behavior sensors, apparatus for controlling the thermal collection and existing interior heating/air conditioning/ventilation (“HVAC”) systems, and Internet or cloud based intelligent control and monitoring capabilities of the system. In various embodiments central sensor data aggregation is utilized to provide improved optimization control for individual structures based on data from multiple structures.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human T cell co-receptor polypeptides (e.g., CD4, CD8?, CD8?), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A convertible fishing lure assembly includes a lure body having at least one body section and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in oppositely disposed open ends. A securing member, and in at least some embodiments a sleeve, is removably disposable within the channel. The securing member is dimensioned and disposed to include opposite ends being simultaneously disposed through the open ends of the channel for connection to fishing tackle components disposed exteriorly of the body section. Both the channel and the securing member have corresponding cross-sectional configurations to restrict rotation of the securing member within the channel. The lure body may include a plurality of body sections each having a channel extending therethrough with a securing member removably disposed therein, wherein the body sections are movably interconnected to one another through interconnection of corresponding ends of the different securing members.

Abstract: One object is to provide a knob of a fishing reel that can be fabricated easily at low cost and with high strength. In accordance with one aspect, a knob of a fishing reel includes a core rotatably supported via a spindle, and a tubular grip member formed of an elastic material and fitted round the core, wherein the core is provided with a deformation-applying portion for contacting the inner surface of the grip member and causing the outer shape of the grip member to deform and bulge in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the spindle.