Abstract: Mutations in CENH3 have been identified that are useful for generating haploid progeny.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an isolated polynucleotide responsible of haploid induction in maize plants and related processes. Additionally, the invention relates to plants that have been genetically transformed with the polynucleotide of the invention. The invention also relates to a process for screening a mutant plant population for enhanced haploid induction by using said isolated polynucleotide. The invention further relates to molecular markers associated with haploid induction in maize plants and their use in quality control for inducer lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides medium compositions and methods for the regeneration of the whole plant from explants obtained from plants belonging to the Malvaceae family, particularly the Abelmoschus genus, more preferably Abelmoschus esculentus L, through somatic embryogenesis. The present invention also provides an efficient methodology for genetic transformation of plants belonging to the Malvaceae family through somatic embryogenesis in semisolid culture with the use of the Agrobacterium. The present invention is also related to a method for the development of virus-resistant transgenic plants belonging to the Malvaceae family.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of catnip hybrid ‘CR9’. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of catnip hybrid ‘CR9’, and to methods for producing a catnip plant of the present invention by crossing such plants with themselves or with another catnip plant, such as a plant of another genotype, variety, or cultivar. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a celery plant (Apium graveolens L. dulce) carrying a genetic determinant that leads to the absence or strong reduction of chlorophyll in the petioles, wherein said determinant is obtainable by introgression from a plant grown from seed of which a representative sample was deposited with the NCIMB under deposit number NCIMB 42428. The invention further relates to markers and the use of markers for the identification of a plant that has an absence or strong reduction of chlorophyll in the petioles. The invention also relates to seeds and other propagation material of the plant and to its progeny as well as to food products that comprise the consumable parts of the plant.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM2303 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM2303 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM5553 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM5553 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-761 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-761 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-761 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-762 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-762 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-762 RZ.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1418’ is described. The ‘H1418’ tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1421’ is described. The ‘H1421’ tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety ‘H1422’ is described. The ‘H1422’ tomato variety is a ground-culture hybrid tomato variety suitable for machine harvest.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM5655 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM5655 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH249286. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH249286, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH249286 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 CH249286.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid DR4299TC and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid DR4299TC and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato 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 fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 43-539 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 43-539 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 43-539 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 45-215 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 45-215 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 45-215 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-135 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-135 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-135 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-43 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-43 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-43 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-76 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-76 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-76 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-97 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-97 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-97 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 79-62 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 79-62 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 79-62 RZ.

Abstract: A system for treating livestock may include a ramp for containing dairy livestock and one or more mobile units configured to travel on the ramp, below the dairy livestock, and milk the dairy livestock. A mobile unit may be adapted to travel to a predefined location within a stall, and attach a milking equipment unit to the dairy livestock in the stall. A plurality of mobile units and a central management unit may be configured to dynamically cause at least some of the plurality of mobile units to each perform a portion of a treatment or task.

Abstract: A method for operating a valve, comprises directing fluid flow through a housing of the valve, wherein the fluid flows into the housing through a housing inlet and flows out of the housing through a housing outlet. The method continues by directing a first electric current into a solenoid coupled to the housing to generate a first magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field exerts a force upon a plunger positioned inside the housing and causes the plunger to magnetically connect to a magnet. The method continues by directing a second electrical current into the solenoid to generate a second magnetic field, wherein the second magnetic field exerts a force upon the plunger causing the plunger to disconnect from the magnet and engage with the housing outlet. Fluid flows into the inlet through a milking hose, and fluid flows out of the outlet into a milking pipeline.

Abstract: Plant for washing and sanitising the udders of dairy animals of the type consisting of a control panel (1), for the management and the control of the entire plant, a tank (2) for water collection and delivery, a motor body (3) for plant management and a brush body (4) for animal treatment, characterised in that ozone generator (5), structure for ozone enrichment of the water delivered by said tank (2) and structure for drying the udders with ozone once the washing has been completed and furthermore provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system to carry out a floor related action. The system comprises an animal enclosure for detaining at least one animal and provided with an enclosure floor surface, a first autonomous vehicle configured to navigate over the floor surface to carry out the floor related action, and a feed providing device to provide feed to the animal. The system comprises a communication signal configured to transmit a communication signal representative for an actual or planned feeding action of the feed providing device to the first vehicle, which action influences the position of animals with the animal enclosure. In order to move the first vehicle more efficiently over the stable floor, in particular to avoid interference with animals on the stable floor, the first vehicle is capable to adapt its navigation based on the communication signal representative for the actual or planned feeding action.

Abstract: A pressure activated recharging cooling platform for cooling an object is provided. The cooling platform comprises a temperature regulation layer, a support layer, and a channeled covering layer. The temperature regulation layer is adapted to hold a composition. The temperature regulation layer has a plurality of angled segments, wherein angled segments within a sealed perimeter of the temperature regulation layer are formed by a top side and a bottom side at a predefined distance, and channels, wherein the channels substantially form sides by contacting the top side with the bottom side at a distance lesser than the predefined distance. The support layer is substantially bonded to the bottom side of the temperature regulation layer and is comprised of material sufficiently pliable to deform and sufficiently rigid to withstand collapse in response to the weight of the object. The channeled covering layer encompasses the support and temperature regulation layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cage (100) for housing laboratory animals, typically rodents, and in particular to an individually ventilated cage (WC). The housing cage (100) according to the present invention allows to optimize the density of cages on a shelving rack, in terms of rows of cages, while complying with dimensional constraints in terms of minimum surface of the base which can be treaded on by the animals and minimum inner height of the cage. Furthermore, the cage according to the present invention comprises environmental enrichment devices (14) for the animals integrated in the base (11).

Abstract: Provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages for collecting and separating feces and urine from an animal or animals. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposable and are for single use. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposed within a rack. Also provided herein are methods of using and manufacturing an animal waste collecting animal containment cage.

Abstract: An automated system for meeting the needs of cats, dogs, and possibly birds, for up to three or four weeks, while the owners are away structured and arranged to provide food, water, various activities, and human contact via the Internet.

Abstract: A folding head restraint mounted to a cattle hoof trimming chute. The head restraint is mounted at the head gate of the chute and positioned so that the animal's head will be in the head restraint when the chute is in the layover position. The head restraint has a flat center brace and two folding side braces that rotate to the perpendicular when the chute is rotated to the layover position. The side braces are moved by a hydraulic piston operated by remote control. The movement of the side braces correspond to the movement of the chute from the upright to the horizontal position. As the chute rotates the side braces move to perpendicular. This shield's the animal's head, and also helps calm the animal.

Abstract: Milking robot device for automatically milking a dairy animal, comprising a milking box having milking cups and a robot arm having an end effector for applying the milking cups to the teats of the dairy animal, on which milking box the robot arm is suspended above the dairy animal to be milked. The robot arm comprises a first arm part connected to the milking box by a first joint, and a second arm part connected to the first arm part by a second joint and provided with an end effector. The first and second arm part, respectively, is pivotable in a vertical plane with respect to the milking box and the first arm part, respectively, by a first and second actuator, respectively. The end effector is movable within an operating range by the robot arm. The milking robot comprises a weight compensation device having a spring device between the milking box and the robot arm.

Abstract: A deer feeder includes an upper enclosure, a collapsible middle sleeve, a bottom enclosure, and a feed distribution mechanism. At least three support members may be attached to the upper enclosure for holding the deer feeder in a vertical position. The upper enclosure, collapsible middle sleeve, and bottom enclosure may form a feed storage area that is rainproof. The feed storage area may be made rainproof by attaching a top opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an inner wall of the upper enclosure and a bottom opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an outer wall of the bottom enclosure. The feed distribution mechanism may include an auger for removing feed from the feed storage area and/or a centrifugal force mechanism for dispersing feed around the deer feeder.

Abstract: Drip cups used in animal drinkers for beaked animals feature a cup body made of plastic material for accommodating a supply of water. The cup body has a bottom surrounded by an edging. Experience has shown that beaked animals cause damage to the plastics material of cup body with their beaks. Such damage by pecking can even cause the bottom, and thus the drip cup itself, to leak water. The invention proposes to position a graduated metal insert centered in the inside bottom of the cup body. The insert thereby reinforces the bottom of the cup body such that beaked animals are no longer capable of damaging the drip cup.

Abstract: A combination animal harness and attachable garment is provided and comprises a harness, a first set of one or more fasteners affixed to the harness, a cape or other garment, and a second set of one or more fasteners affixed to cape, such that, when the cape is placed atop the harness, the garment is releasably attached to the garment by engaging the first set of fasteners with the second set of fasteners. An attachable headwear and collar, and combination collar, headwear, harness, and body wear are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: a animal assembly that provides an up and down motion and simulates a hopping motion by the animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame wherein the leg members are movable with respect to the frame and stimulate a running motion; an actuation assembly to move the leg members from a forward position to a rear position; and one or more indicia that indicates to the user when the leg members are in an optimal position for roping, and then they are not accessible for roping and then the legs are accessible for roping.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for remote interaction with a subject in an environment. The device has audio-visual recording and transmitting functionality to provide an operator at a remote location with an audio-visual feed of the environment near the device. The device also has a light emission component which the operator controls and which projects light onto a surface in the environment in the vicinity of the device. The systems, devices, and methods provide operators with the ability to interact with pets and provide exercise and stimulation to pets when their owners are away.

Abstract: An absorbent article for pet animals which makes possible to provide relatively easy handling for using the article. The absorbent article for a pet animal having a first side edge portion and a second side edge portion. The first side edge portion has a side seam coupling a first side edge portion of a ventral region and a first side edge portion of a dorsal region together. The second side edge portion is provided with a coupling means for coupling a second side edge portion of the ventral region to a second side edge portion of the dorsal region.

Abstract: A dog leash assembly for facilitating hands-free restraint of a dog includes a belt that may be worn around a waist. A pouch is removably coupled to the belt. Thus, the pouch may be positioned on the waist. A leash unit is removably coupled to the belt. The leash unit may be coupled to a dog collar thereby facilitating hands-free restraint of a dog.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the medical science or the veterinary field, more specifically with the detection, measurement or recording with diagnostic purpose, and in particular it provides an apparatus for the measurement of the angle of the keel and the length of the tarsus in birds for the purpose of evaluating its corporal condition, that comprises: a first elongated piece having a first straight portion; a second elongated piece having a second straight portion; and an axis of rotation of the first piece with respect to the second piece; wherein one of said first and second pieces presents a scale for measuring the length in its corresponding straight portion; and wherein one of said first and second pieces presents a scale for measuring the angle formed between said first and second pieces.

Abstract: A device to form a honeycomb has an upper continuous belt and a lower continuous belt disposed in parallel and carrying opposing cores. The belts act on liquid wax which is injected into an inlet of the device, with both belts moving in opposition. The inlet has in succession: a scraping zone disposed straight with respect to the upper belt; a zone for opening the cores, which has a certain curvature designed to receive a first injection of wax; and a third straight zone for sealing and expelling any excess wax. At an exit of the device, the longest length of the upper belt has multiple groups of magnetic and non-magnetic rollers for a local curving of the belt to progressively release the honeycomb.

Abstract: The Hive Jacket is a system of covers which assemble to protect managed honey-bee hives from extreme cold weather elements is disclosed. This invention incorporates a system of flexible sections which will encapsulate the hive providing top to bottom coverage. The modular nature of The Hive Jacket allows for the system to be used with any height hive. Each section of this invention is sized to fit both 8 and 10 frame width hive body sizes. The system is fashioned to fit snugly and constructed from air permeable materials. These features will ensure proper hive ventilation, free and easy egress for the bees, allow beekeepers unrestricted access to the colony for keeping duties, and allow for the use on nearly any managed bee hive body.

Abstract: A basking platform for reptiles and amphibians, in particular turtles, includes at least one portion of the platform elevated from the water to allow for basking, a floatation device to elevate the platform and ensure stability, at least one ramp partially submerged in the water to allow for reptiles and amphibians to climb on, a textured coating to allow easier grip, and at least one anchor to secure the platform in position.

Abstract: A method for shrimp aquaculture, in which, all growth phases and essential operations are modularized and integrated to form a multi-phasic synchronous super-intensive shrimp production system controlled by a custom designed cyber-physical platform. Modular components include: post-larvae nursery module(s), grow-out production module(s), recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) module(s), feed distribution module(s) and regulatory elements comprised of Program Logic Controllers (PLCs) integrated with Human Interface Modules (HIMs).

Abstract: An aquatic device includes a support post including a first end and a second end, and a platform assembly secured to the support post for movement relative thereto. The platform assembly includes a platform member shaped and dimensioned to extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the support post, a float member and a central support member to which both the platform member and the float member are secured. The central support member includes a passageway extending along a length of the central support member. The passageway is shaped and dimensioned to fit over the support post such that the platform assembly may freely move along the length of the support post.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a waste-movement system having a bed-support assembly configured to receive, contain and support an aquarium bed of an aquarium. A vibration-source assembly is configured to be positioned relative to the bed-support assembly. The vibration-source assembly is also configured to selectively generate and transmit vibrational energy to the aquarium bed while the aquarium water is made to flow. This is done in such a way that the gravel of the aquarium bed becomes, at least in part, spaced apart (at least in part) from one another; and the aquarium water, at least in part, moves (at least in part) the liquefied waste and the solid waste through the aquarium bed from a first interior section to a second interior section of the aquarium.

Abstract: It is intended to build a mechanism similar to that of the efficient purification system of rivers. By a pump unit, water circulation corresponding to the natural water circulation generated by water evaporation and rainfall is produced to generate a water flow in a biological filtration layer including a useful purification bacterial group. Thus, an extremely-high-efficient purification device as compared to a typical system and an aquarium integrally incorporating the device are provided. A purification device of the present invention includes a low-water-permeable biological filtration layer configured to purify water, and a pump unit configured to generate a water flow in the biological filtration layer. The biological filtration layer includes a useful purification bacterial group having grown bacteria for performing purification. The useful purification bacterial group is fixed in a bulk state.

Abstract: A pump-and-filter assembly for use in a pond, pool, or fountain. The pump unit creates a flow of water into an intake port and out through a discharge port and a filter unit mounted in front of the pump unit for filtering water flowing through the pump. The filter unit has a turbulence-producing device that produces turbulence in the water on the outside of the filter element. The turbulence in the water that is being drawn into the filter impedes or prevents the build-up of material deposits on the outside surface of the filter element.

Abstract: An aquarium filter cartridge includes a frame and a media pack attached to the frame. The frame includes recessed sections along the sides. The filter cartridge can be part of dual filter cartridge, also including a biological host media filter element. The filter cartridge or the dual filter cartridge can be mounted in a filter housing by sliding within receiving grooves in the filter housing. Methods of servicing are included.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I and MHC II polypeptides and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, 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. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.