Abstract: A milking robot comprises a movable arm having a length in a longitudinal direction, and at least one gripper swivably mounted to the movable arm such that it moves between a first position parallel to the movable arm's longitudinal direction and a second position at which the gripper extends sideways in a horizontal plane away from the movable arm's longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A system comprising a robotic arm, a plurality of grabbers, a sensor, and a preparation cup. The robotic arm has a first end and a recessed portion. The grabbers are coupled to the robotic arm at the first end. The sensor is positioned inside the recessed portion of the robotic arm at a first distance from the first end and at a first angle. The preparation cup is coupled to wings having a body portion, a first extended portion, and a second extended portion. The body portion is coupled to a portion of the preparation cup, the first extended portion extends in a first direction and the second extended portion extends in a second direction. The wings are operable to be magnetically coupled to the plurality of grabbers via the first and second extended portions.

Abstract: A modular animal pen system comprises front and rear panels and opposed side panels extending between the front and rear panels to form a primary enclosure. The front panel has adjacent doorway apertures formed therein to receive respective selectively closable gates, and a mullion is disposed between the doorway apertures. The mullion has a first slot, and a second slot in the rear panel is in registration with the first slot. The animal pen system further comprises a removable divider panel whose longitudinal ends are sized to fit removably within the respective slots so that the divider panel can divide the primary enclosure into two secondary enclosures. The side and divider panels may be formed by interchangeable profile panels, and the front and rear panels may be formed by interchangeable face panels connectable end-to-end to form a junction slot therebetween sized to receive the longitudinal ends of the profile panels.

Abstract: A deployable corral system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable corral along the trailer, and is readily stowable along the trailer in a retracted configuration for travel. The corral includes a pair of spaced-apart and pivotably-extendable corral rails with a cross-rail extending between distal ends of the extendable corral rails. When the extendable corral rails are extended the cross-rail is spaced from an exterior side of the livestock trailer, and when the extendable corral rails are retracted the cross-rail is positioned near a roof of the trailer. A drive system is operable to move the extendable corral rails between the extended and retracted positions. Optionally, the drive system is powered by motors associated with linear or rotary actuators. Further options may include storage bins along the cross-rail, a deployable shade awning, and a deployable trough.

Abstract: An animal litter system can include a housing unit and a removable cartridge containing litter. The housing unit can include housing walls, a floor, and a lid at least partially enclosing an interior volume. An interior wall can be disposed in the housing unit and can divide the interior volume into first and second compartments. A first passageway can be defined by a housing wall to provide access between the first compartment and outside of the housing unit. A second passageway can be defined by the interior wall to provide access between the first and second compartments. The removable cartridge can be disposed in the second compartment and can include a plurality of cartridge walls and a bottom at least partially enclosing an interior volume. Each of the plurality of cartridge walls and the bottom of the removable cartridge can independently include a plastic, cellulosic fibers, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A pet crawl-in den including a waterproof igloo shelter body having an annular housing with an aperture through each of a front side and a rear side thereof and a hollow cylindrical access member perpendicularly disposed on each of the front and rear sides in direct alignment with a respective aperture to provide pet entry and exit routes. A lid, preferably a dome, is hingedly disposed atop the top edge of the annular housing and has a lower edge alignable with an entire top edge of the housing and is latchable to the housing. Disc-shaped footing bodies with a gripping surface on a bottom surface of the housing prevent the housing from sliding across a slick surface. A washable disc-shaped cushioned bed is removably disposed within the annular housing for the comfort of a pet resting within the annular housing.

Abstract: A livestock head holder features a top holding member, a bottom holding member and an intermediate link connecting same. An operating lever connected to the bottom holding member so that downward pulling of the operating lever performs a closing stroke of the head holder that swings both holding members into place against the animal's neck. A lock and release mechanism automatically blocks the linkage from performing a reverse opening stroke that withdraws the holding members away from one another under raising of the operating lever.

Abstract: An improved locking device is provided for one a livestock head gate in which two doors rollingly engaged on an overhead guide shaft for roving movement of said two doors toward one another into a closed position bracing a livestock animal between said doors and away from one another into an open position releasing said livestock animal. Primary and secondary shaft-receiving and locking members have respective first and second through-holes therein for receipt of the overhead guide shaft. A spring-receipt member is fixed to the primary shaft-receiving member for cooperation with a spring that tilts the primary shaft-receiving member into a locking position. The secondary movable locking member is retained beside the primary member in a manner enabling both tilting therewith and displacement relative thereto so as to bite onto the shaft at the perimeter of the second through-hole in the locking position.

Abstract: An insect-free pet feeder system includes a feeder assembly having a base, a water-cavity, a pet-food-cavity, a bowl insert, and a water bottle. The feeder assembly includes the base, the water-cavity, the pet-food-cavity, the bowl insert, and the water bottle creating a unitary structure. The base supports the water-cavity, the pet-food-cavity, the bowl insert, and the water bottle. The water-cavity surrounds the pet-food-cavity. The bowl insert is supported within the pet-food-cavity. The water bottle is provided to replenish the water-cavity with water and maintain a water level. The water-cavity creates a moat barrier between insects and pet food stored in the bowl insert located within the pet-food-cavity and ensures pets have access to clean, insect-free food.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring organisms within an aquatic environment are described. According to one aspect, an injectable acoustic transmission device includes a body configured to be injected inside of an organism, a transducer within the body and configured to convert a plurality of electrical signals into a plurality of data transmissions which are transmitted externally of the body and the organism, a plurality of circuit components within the body and configured to use electrical energy from a power source to generate the electrical signals which are provided to the transducer, and wherein the transducer defines an internal volume and at least one of the circuit components is provided within the internal volume of the transducer.

Abstract: A raincoat for dogs includes a body portion that substantially covers and extends from a rump to a head of a dog, wherein the body portion is waterproof and the body portion includes a front edge, first and second front side edges, first and second side edges and a rear edge; a visor fixedly attached to the front edge of the body portion; first and second pliable metal wires that are parallel to each other and attached to the body portion along a spinal line of the dog, wherein the first and second pliable metal wires substantially extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the body portion; and a fastening means for fastening and securing the raincoat to the dog.

Abstract: A soothing garment for a pet includes an elongated body portion adapted to be wrapped around the torso of the pet, the body portion including flaps at the opposite ends of the elongated body portion with a fastener array for removable engagement of the flaps around the animal's torso. The body further includes a pair of forward flaps arranged to encircle the neck of the animal when the body portion is wrapped around the animal's torso. The garment includes an active compression mechanism disposed within the elongated body portion that includes an array of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires and a controller for selectively activating the SMA wire array to reduce the length of the wire to thereby apply compression to the torso of the pet.

Abstract: A dog training system includes a collar that may be worn on an animal. A plurality of vibration units is provided. Each of the vibration units is coupled to the collar. Thus, each of the vibration units selectively vibrationally engages the animal when the vibration units are turned on. A leash is coupled to the vibration units and the leash may be gripped. The leash turns on each of the vibration units when the dog pulls on the leash. Thus, each of the vibration units trains the dog to resist pulling on the leash.

Abstract: A look-up table is defined by at least one reference point, and rows and columns that are offset from the reference. The table rows and columns correspond to ordinate and abscissa data points representing geographic locations. Each data point offset in the table corresponds to a predefined geographic offset. The look-up table contains machine-stored values at each table location, with each value representing a particular one of several guidance zones. The real-time determination of the guidance zone is made by first determining present location using GPS or other wireless location signals. The corresponding table location is identified by calculating latitudinal and longitudinal offsets from a reference point, and using these offsets as the two indices to access a double-indexed array. The value retrieved from the indexed array identifies the guidance zone. Each guidance zone has an associated set of characteristics used to provide behavioral guidance to an animal.

Abstract: Described herein is a two-piece friction fit treat dispenser toy comprising a hollow exterior cylindrical portion and a hollow interior cylindrical portion, where the interior cylindrical portion forms a friction fit within the exterior cylindrical portion, and wherein the exterior cylindrical portion and interior cylindrical portion form openings for placement of edible treats for animals. The friction fit may be created by the placement of annular protrusions on an interior surface of the exterior cylindrical portion which are configured to abut against a corresponding set of annular protrusions on the exterior surface of the interior cylindrical portion. When the two pieces are in friction fit, one or more edible treats may be placed within openings created between the exterior cylindrical portion and interior cylindrical portion on either side of the annular protrusions and within the hollow openings.

Abstract: A scented insert for use with an animal training aid, toy or device, the insert comprising a substrate having, a microencapsulated scented material thereon, and or therein, and either one or both of: a substantially scent impermeable coating, wherein the coating substantially prevents release of a scent from the scented material; and at least one detent for engaging with a cognate protrusion or depression of a carrier for the insert

Abstract: An animal dental care device and method are disclosed. The device is a ring with inner and outer surfaces on each of which are disposed pluralities of teeth oriented to create channels. When used to care for an animal's dentition, the device is introduced to the animal, causing the animal to bite the device and engage its dentition onto the device's pluralities of teeth. The device is pulled and rotated, causing the animal to release and re-bite the device, playfully reengaging its dentition onto the teeth of the device, the device's teeth efficiently removing plaque and tartar buildup from the animal's dentition.

Abstract: A cutter for dog or other animal leashes for use freeing pets in the event of an emergency in which the leash has become caught. The leash cutter comprises a flat body portion containing a protected blade, access to the blade being provided by means of an elongated channel into which a shape blade to cut the leash fits. A holder is provided for releasable mounting on a dog leash at a convenient location for easy access in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A system includes a main body worn on an animal, a physiological sensing module generating a physiological signal associated with the animal, a processing module receiving the physiological signal, performing an analytical procedure thereon for obtaining digital data associated with an emotional condition of the animal, and outputting a drive signal, and an indication module receiving the drive signal and outputting an indication message accordingly. A health condition of the animal is recognized by comparing the digital data and predetermined reference data and when the health condition is determined to be abnormal, the indication module is controlled to output a notification message.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses for attachment to an animal that include a housing and a sensor assembly. The housing can be attachable to the animal and includes an internal cavity formed therein. The sensor assembly can be disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The sensor assembly includes a force sensor and an accelerometer arranged to detect force data and accelerometer data representative of a physiological state of the animal. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to method and sensor systems for detecting a physiological state of an animal.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods useful for providing a visual indication to the rider of a horse of one or more inputs, such as the pitch of the head of a horse. The apparatuses and methods are useful in connection with the sport of dressage. The rider can be notified of a position or orientation of the horse's head, of rein tension, of the rider's body position or orientation, of a current location within a course or routine, of a warning, or of other information. The visual indication can be in the form of an illuminated light source.

Abstract: Self-dispensing poultry and small animal feeder dispenses feed from a hopper into a catch dish on demand by action of the bird pecking at the feed in the catch dish or small animal feeding at the catch dish. Interchangeable regulating disks have respective different size center apertures, and a groove seating a cross-bar of a trigger rod on which the catch dish is supported. A spade or paddle at the upper end of the trigger rod moves when the trigger rod wiggles or shifts, and this causes feed to fall through the regulator disk center aperture to replenish the feed in the catch dish.

Abstract: Mice comprising a transgene encoding a peptide (iBox) inhibitor of Group B p21-activated kinase are provided. Also provided are cells, tissue, and organs obtained from such transgenic mice. Also provided are methods for producing mice comprising an iBox-encoding transgene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and facility for breeding insects. According to the invention, the insect breeding facility comprises a spawning area comprising spawning containers which are adapted to receive adult insects and insect food, wherein at least one spawn structure is provided in each spawning container, in which spawn structures the mother insects will spawn their eggs. The plurality of spawning containers are stacked in one or more stacks of containers. Furthermore a hatch area is provided in which the eggs will hatch and which allows periodical harvesting of baby larvae from the hatch area.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating sterile male insects. The methods include generating a insect stock comprising females with two X chromosomes each having the same centromere with male insects comprising an X chromosome and a Y chromosome each having the same centromere and mating parental male insects having an X:Y/O genome with normal females, thereby producing the sterile male insects.

Abstract: An ergonomic and reconfigurable landing net includes a horizontal handle and sling, which uniquely shifts weight placed on the landing net by a netted fish, such that excessive force is not placed on the user's wrist, as with traditional landing nets. The horizontal handle provides greater directional control over the net head and is adjustable, allowing the handle to be positioned in accordance with a user's physical attributes and/or needs. The landing net also includes a removable net head that allows the landing net to be reconfigured with net heads of varying shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A buzz bait, wrapped in stranded colored plastic, and incorporating a keeper which protrudes downward and rearwardly from the buzz blade until ends on the same plane and aligned with the barb of the hook. This keeper allows the head of an artificial bait to be connected to the keeper and the rearward end of the artificial bait to be hook so that only the tip of the hook protrudes from the artificial bait, significantly reducing the potential for the hook to become ensnared in foliage. The colored plastic wrap reinforces and stiffens the body of the lure preventing deformation when force is applied to the lure and increases the attractiveness of the lure to the fish.

Abstract: Spinning reels for left or right-handed use have reduced internal friction by a selectively disengageable seal at the unused connection port.

Abstract: A waterproof rotor drive unit structure includes a driveshaft that rotates a rotor, a reel body, a housing member, and a lid member that supports a pinion gear so as to he rotatable around a rotational axis of the driveshaft. A first annular projection is disposed on an outer peripheral end of a rotor-facing surface of the lid member, the first projection protruding toward the rotor entirely around the rotational axis. Second and third annular projections are disposed on an inner peripheral wall of the rotor at a distance from the first annular projection in the radial direction, the second and third projections protruding toward the lid member entirely around the rotational axis. The axial gap between the distal end of the first annular projection and the inner peripheral wall is less than or equal to the axial direction dimensions of the second and third annular projections.

Abstract: There is provided a reel comprising a bearing in which the inward surfaces of the outer ring and inner ring of the bearing are covered with a liquid water-repellent agent having lubricity, and further the exposed surfaces of the outer ring and the inner ring are also covered with the water-repellent agent or another water-repelling material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for an apparatus for a float with fishing conditions detection capabilities. In one instance, the float may include a float case, one or more sensors disposed inside the float case, and a processing block coupled with the sensors and disposed inside or outside the float case. The processing block may be configured to detect one or more conditions of fishing. To detect the conditions of fishing, the processing block may be configured to receive and process sensor readings from the sensors, and determine the conditions of fishing, based on a result of the processing of the sensor readings. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: The disclosed device is a fish hook and leader line holder for use when fishing. A cross member includes penetrations for fishing hooks, allowing the associated leader lines to hang. A vertical member supports the cross member and interfaces with a fishing pole holder. An optional stabilization member affixes to the leader lines to ensure separation is maintained.

Abstract: The bobber and fishing line is a bottle shaped bobber with a plastic tube extending through the cap, and extending down through the bottle and exiting through a hole in the bottom end of the bottle shaped bobber, with fishing line running through the length of the tube and out the bottom to a length determined by the user to attach a hook and bait. A clip on the cap allows for a second bait hook to be attached on the top end of the bobber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intelligent fishing system is provided to enable more accurate fishing in different water types and conditions. The system includes a fishing rod having a reel, the reel comprising at least a portion of a fiber optic cable, and a first device connected at or near a first end of the fiber optic cable, the first device having a controller and at least one camera. The system further includes a fiber optic receiver located at or near the fishing rod, the fiber optic receiver coupled to a second end the fiber optic cable and configured to receive optical signals from the first device through the fiber optic cable. Further, the system includes and a processor operably coupled to the fiber optic receiver and to a display.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for modifying psyllid behavior. In addition, the disclosure provides methods and volatile odorants useful for repelling or attracting psyllids.

Abstract: Provided is an air blowing device that makes it possible to safely improve insect trapping performance. The air blowing device 1 is provided with: a housing 2 comprising an inlet 20 and an outlet 5 for air; an air blower 10 arranged within the housing 2; a pre-filter 8 that is arranged in the inlet 20 and that collects dust within air; and a cover member 3 that comprises an air suction port 4, that is attached to the housing 2, and that forms an insect trap space 25 between the suction port 4 and the inlet 20. Insects that enter the insect trap space 25 via the suction port 4 are trapped. The outer surface of the cover member 3 is formed so as to have a dark color.

Abstract: The unit comprises an engageable-releasable combination of a receptacle-basis on which a closing-carrying lid is superimposed. Once engaged, a circular opening between a top extending from an upper end of outer wall of receptacle-basis support and a bottom, horizontal flat surface of closing-carrying lid is formed. An entrapment cavity in an interior of receptacle-basis support for captured crawling insects is established.

Abstract: A system for pest control in a confined space using flue gas from a biomass power plant is disclosed. The system contains a flue gas treatment device including a discharge pipe; a storage tank of treated flue gas; a control unit; a first regulating valve; a first pressure monitoring sensor; a carbon dioxide concentration monitoring sensor; and a first atmospheric valve.

Abstract: An electrical energy processing unit of apparatus to kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth, the electrical energy processing unit comprising: a converter configured to receive unprocessed electrical energy from an electrical energy source, to convert the unprocessed electrical energy to processed electrical energy and to output said processed electrical energy to an applicator unit; a control circuit operable to control the converter to convert the unprocessed electrical energy to the processed electrical energy, wherein the processed electrical energy comprises a waveform with a frequency of at least 18 kHz and with a peak voltage of at least 1 kV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of poison-free traps for rats and mice, and in particular relates to traps for use on the ground. The poison-free rat and/or mouse trap of the present invention comprises a) a housing with a rat and/or mouse entry opening positioned in the side wall and/or in the bottom wall; and b) a mechanical and/or electrical killing device positioned within the housing. The killing means of the mechanical and/or electrical killing device is positioned at a level above the level of the rat and/or mouse entry opening, and wherein at least a part of the rat and/or mouse entry opening is lined with one or more rows of serrated protrusions.

Abstract: A nesting deterrence device for elevated infrastructure is designed to be mounted within a deterrence area on elevated infrastructure, such as cell and data towers, utility poles, sports lighting, and the like, in order to deter raptors (i.e., Osprey) and other birds with relatively long wingspans, greater than 33 inches (84 centimeters), from entering into a deterrence volume immediately above the deterrence area. Birds are deterred from flying through the deterrence volume by a plurality of deterrence rods, spaced and oriented within the deterrence volume, which would interfere with bird flight. Because birds would be prevented from freely flying through the volume, they would be unable to alight and nest in the deterrence area below.

Abstract: A trap for capturing a plurality of animals is provided. The trap can comprise an enclosure having an opening through which the at least one animal can pass to enter the enclosure. A gate, movable between an open position and a closed position, is positioned therein the at least one opening and can be selectively moved from the open position to the closed position when desired. Methods are also provided for capturing at least one animal by providing a trap with a gate, positioning the gate in an open position, monitoring the trap until at least one animal has entered the trap, and remotely triggering the gate to move from the open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A motorized tree stand includes a frame assembly for attachment to a tree. The frame assembly includes a rear wall that includes a vertical drive track and at least one vertical gliding rail spaced laterally therefrom. A seat assembly is operatively coupled to the rear wall of the frame assembly and provides a seat on which a user can sit. A first drive assembly is coupled to the seat assembly and includes a ball scree drive mechanism to controllably move the seat assembly in a vertical direction along the frame assembly. A second drive assembly can be coupled to a swivel plate for controllably moving the swivel plate resulting in swiveling of the seat assembly relative to the frame assembly. A controller and a power source are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a preservative solution and a method to preserve whole blood for cellular and molecular analysis.

Abstract: This invention consists in portable cryostat capsules built in several materials, dimensions and configurations according to the size of the biological refrigeratable samples to be cryopreserved and its cold storage requirements of these biological materials including umbilical cord blood, cells, semen, oocytes, tissues and bigger biological units such as organs for transplantation, entire animals or plants, including human organs or entire bodies in the cryo-medical practice. These capsules are all built in a form of thermoplastic cryostat with a cold source that is in contact with a myogenic tank, a cryo-liquid generator, a cryo-coolant unit and/or an hybrid unit (combination of an external cryogen supply in continuous flow with a closed cycle unit) and includes an outer casing and an inner vessel covered by a thermal insulating material consisting of vacuum, perlite or similar thermal insulator to inhibit the transfer of heat for the correct vitrification of the biological materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cryopreservation device that makes it possible to automatically extract an intended sample, and prevent the temperature of samples other than the intended sample from increasing. A cryopreservation device is provided, including: a cryopreservation vessel that internally accommodates a drawer configured to store vials side by side in a vertical direction in each box and has an opening communicating with a task space provided in an upper surface thereof; a drawer-raising/lowering device that raises and lowers the drawer in the vertical direction via the opening in a state where the drawer is gripped and maintains the drawer at an arbitrary height; a first stage that is provided above the cryopreservation vessel so as to be adjacent to the opening as seen in plan view and allows the box to be placed thereon; and a second pressing device that presses the box to move the box to the first stage.

Abstract: A thermal system for preserving tissue is disclosed. The cooling system comprises a base member, a temperature control sleeve constructed of a thermally conductive material, and a selectively removable lid member. The base member defines a reservoir and receives the temperature control sleeve. The temperature control sleeve at least partially defines a tissue collector chamber that is configured to receive a tissue collector. The temperature control sleeve is in communication with the reservoir. The reservoir is configured to receive a cooling medium. A slit formed within the tissue collection chamber that is sized to receive a tubing connected to the tissue collector therethrough. The lid member is configured to be selectively attached to the base member, and permit access to a tube mount for the tissue collector when the lid is attached to the base member.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composition comprising a) one or more alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactants according to formula (I) wherein R is a linear or branched C8-C18 alkyl group, and preferably a linear or branched C12 alkyl group, and X is a suitable counter-cation, b) one or more aromatic solvents, and c) optionally one or more non-ionic surfactants, for reducing the spray drift when applying a plant treatment composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for protecting the surface of an exposed body of water comprising 10 to 95 wt % silicone polymer; greater than zero to 15 wt % carrier material; and greater than zero to 20 wt % surfactant. The method includes the steps of adding the composition to the surface of the water and allowing the composition to form a liquid film across the surface of the water. The film is effective for reducing evaporation of water from the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for changing the development pattern, increasing the growth and starch accumulation, changing the structure of starch and increasing the resistance to water stress in plants. The method involves culturing plants in an atmosphere containing volatile elements emitted by a microorganism, without there being any physical contact between the microorganism and the plant. The method is based on the discovery that the volatile elements emitted by Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and microscopic fungi stimulate an increase in the growth of plants in general, with an increase in the height, the number of leaves and/or the number of branches of the plant, as well as an increase in the accumulated starch and structural change of this biopolymer, and modification of the development pattern, with an increase in floral buds. An increased resistance to water stress can also be observed, in addition to an increase in starch in leaves separated from whole plants.