Abstract: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Westminster’, ‘Somerset’, and ‘Henderson’ are described. ‘Westminster’, ‘Somerset’, and ‘Henderson’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: A milking cluster used for milking a dairy animal in a milking parlor, the milking cluster including a teat cup unit, a teat cup, a drive device, a hose arrangement joined to the teat cup, a hose guide engaging the hose arrangement, and the hose guide includes a plurality of hose-engaging rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular apparatus for cleaning a pet toilet device and, more specifically, to an apparatus for cleaning a pet toilet device, the apparatus being improved so as to prevent the problem of overflowing or unnecessary flow of water, and comprising three structures of: a main structure, which automatically cleans the toilet device after a pet defecates, particularly, after urination; a sub-structure; and a water container, which are formed and coupled into modular units so as to be slim and compact, wherein cleaning can be carried out by only the main structure without the sub-structure.

Abstract: A digestate composition comprising lignocellulosic fibrous materials is provided having one or more solvents and a lignocellulosic fiber, wherein the lignocellulosic fiber has been processed by ruminant digestion and anaerobic digestion. A method for preparing a digestate composition is also disclosed including the steps of providing excrement from a ruminant which has undergone ruminant digestion, introducing the ruminant excrement into an anaerobic digester, modifying the ruminant excrement to a first wet product, modifying the first wet product to generate a first dry product, and densifying the first dry product to, in turn, generate the digestate composition.

Abstract: An animal harness that wraps around a four-legged animal includes a fabric body and an adaptable leash to be used as a standard leash or a shoulder strap for carrying an animal within the fabric body. The fabric body has a front pair of leg holes and a rear pair of leg holes for accommodating the limbs of the animal, and a urinary hole for accommodating male genitalia. A concave V-shaped section in the back of the fabric body allows the fabric body to split when the animal squats, allowing the animal to freely urinate or defecate. A first wrap fastener and a second wrap fastener are secured to opposing surfaces of the fabric body and allows the fabric body to be secured around the animal. The adaptable leash can be coupled to the fabric body through a front pair of leash fasteners and/or a rear pair of leash fasteners.

Abstract: A hanging pet house has a first frame and a second frame. A fabric housing has a number of detachable sleeves that attach to the first frame and the second frame. A pair of connectors attach to a wall or window. A pair of strings attach to the pair of connectors and the second frame. Because the hanging pet house connects to a window it is out of the way and allows the cat to look outside and bask in the sun.

Abstract: A kennel door apparatus includes a pair of first bracket supports and a pair of second bracket support mounted to a kennel frame, an first and second guide rail mounted between the first and second support brackets, and an first door hinge and a second door hinge each separately coupled with the guide rails and bracket supports, and the hinges mounted to a door support that is mounted to a kennel door. The apparatus works cooperatively to slidably move the kennel door to a position adjacent the lateral wall of the kennel housing or frame.

Abstract: A feeder and watering apparatus for pigs and a method for rehabilitating a fallback pig and preventing the fallback of a weaned pig is disclosed. A pair of semi-cylindrical troughs are mounted to either side of a fluid supply line. The troughs have a rooting protector mounted to the open portion of the trough, the rooting protector has a pair of longitudinally extending bars and multiple rung portions that are longitudinally spaced apart to provide a plurality of discrete eating areas. The troughs have a front wall portion that is lower than the rear wall portion to prevent feed from spilling over the rear wall. Multiple waterer nipples extend horizontally through holes in the rear wall. A quick-connect floor mount is rotatably mounted to the fluid supply line, with a handle that allows a retaining portion to lock the apparatus in cooperation with floor slats.

Abstract: A pet feeding station intended to allow pets to grasp all food pieces without pushing the pieces up and out of the food bowl. The feeding station includes two adjacent stands, one for water and an adjustable inclined food bowl that allows food pieces to fall forward toward the front of the bowl, allowing the pet easier access to the food and prevents the food pieces from getting pushed out of the bowl.

Abstract: An inverse animal feeder comprises a feeding device, a power controlling device and a tray. The feeding device comprises a cover plate and a feeding opening inside the cover plate. The power controlling device comprises a motor in a main frame, a power source and a controller for feeding automatically. The tray mounted below the power controlling device and in an outer frame, and the tray is driven by the motor. The outer frame has a plurality of through holes; the main frame is mounted between the cover plate and the outer frame; and the cover plate is connected to the main frame by holders. Additionally, the main frame has at least one fastening block and the outer frame has at least one fastening groove, so that the fastening groove is fastened to the fastening groove to connect the main frame and the outer frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal recognition and location arrangement in which the arrangement is easily attached to an animal. The arrangement comprises two components, a first component containing self powering and electronic communication features and a second component for attaching or securing the first component to the animal. The arrangement provides for unique identification information for the animal including location, and is also provided with a self-powering feature comprising a solar cell, and an illuminating feature, such as a light emitting diode for visually locating the animal at night. The first component of the arrangement also contains microcomputer devices for allowing electronic identification and location of the animal while the second component is constructed to allow for easy assembly of the first component to the animal.

Abstract: A bark control device includes a first sensor configured to sense barking of the animal and output a first sensing signal, a second sensor configured to sense a motion of the animal and output a second sensing signal, a stimulation applying means configured to apply stimulation to the animal, and a control unit configured to receive inputs of the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, determine whether the animal barks, and when the animal is determined to bark, operate the stimulation applying means to apply stimulation to the animal. The control unit determines that the animal barks when the first sensing signal is a signal indicating that the animal barks, and at the same time, the animal is determined to make a particular motion accompanied by barking from the second sensing signal.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a durable, ecofriendly, pet diaper fabricated from durable, washable materials enabling repeated use is disclosed. The diaper includes an impervious exterior layer and a pervious and breathable interior layer joined at an outer rim. An absorbent pad is positioned distally from the outer rim creating a gap between the pad and outer rim. The diaper includes securing members and is designed for maximum comfort and commodious fit to the animal.

Abstract: A dog leash attachment system for selectively and releasably attaching a dog leash to a dog collar or harness, wherein the dog leash and the dog collar or dog harness each comprises a portion of a fastener device further comprising at least one magnetic attachment component and at least one mechanical attachment component. One portion of the fastener device is attached in fixed relation to the dog leash at a position proximal to the distal end of the dog leash. Another magnet is disclosed for use in maintaining a portion of the fastener device proximally to the collar or harness when the leash is not in use.

Abstract: The invention regards an animal monitoring system for determining feed consumption of one or more animals feeding at a feeding area, comprising an imaging unit for range imaging the feeding area, identification means configured to uniquely identify each feeding animal, and processing means configured for assessing the amount of feed consumed by each identified animal by determining the reduction of feed in subsequent images of the feeding area in front of each identified animal.

Abstract: This invention relates to laying nest having a rack drive expulsion system. As disclosed herein, the invention preferably comprises a laying nest for hens comprising a box and a rack drive floor expulsion system. The floor pivotably moves between first and second positions by virtue of a gear rack that is fixedly connected to and disposed within the box, and a gear wheel that is rotatably connected to the floor. Accordingly, the expulsion system provides for the selected removal of hens from the laying nests as desired.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cleaning a surface immersed in a liquid, notably a swimming pool cleaning robot, including a body, said body including lower, upper and lateral walls configured so that said lower wall is intended to be positioned facing the immersed surface over which the apparatus (10) moves, said upper wall is opposite said lower wall, said lateral walls connect said lower and upper walls, means for moving the body (11) over said immersed surface. Said apparatus also includes a central chamber (15), situated inside the body (11), and including a filter basket (151), said filter basket (151) including a filter wall, and an opening (113) enabling extraction of said filter basket (151) from the body (11). Furthermore, said opening (113) is on a lateral wall of the body (11).

Abstract: A system of decorating a housing that includes a base and a plurality of decorative elements. The decorative elements are irremovably disposed on or partially in the base. The width and depth of the base is less than or equal to the width and depth of an inner surface dimensions of the housing such that the bottom inner surface area of the housing is entirely covered by one or more bases.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a transgenic animal and a method of using the same to make antibodies that have a common light chain. In certain embodiments, the transgenic animal may comprising a genome comprising a common light chain transgene, wherein the common light chain transgene comprises a non-immunoglobulin light-chain promoter and a common light-chain coding sequence. In certain embodiments, the common light chain is constitutively expressed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to transgenic animals (e.g., transgenic porcine animals) comprising multiple genetic modifications that advantageously render these animals suitable donors for xenotransplanation. The present invention extends to organs, organ fragments, tissues and cells derived from these animals and their therapeutic use. The present invention further extends to methods of making such animals. In certain embodiments, the transgenic animals (e.g., transgenic porcine animals) lack expression of alpha gal and incorporate and express at least four transgenes under the control of at least two promoters.

Abstract: Non-human animals, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided, wherein said non-human animals comprise a humanization of an endogenous cluster of differentiation (CD) gene, in particular a humanization of a CD47 gene. Said non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous CD47 gene so that said non-human animals express a CD47 polypeptide that includes a human portion and a non-human portion (e.g., a murine portion).

Abstract: Artificially selected strains of insects from the genus Spodoptera exhibiting resistance to a Bacillus thuringiensis derived Vip3A protein are described. Methods for various uses of these strains are also described.

Abstract: A fishing tool floating rope. The module stringing core strings a plurality of floating elements at equal intervals. Each floating element has a main body with two ends connected to a neck portion and terminal portion. The neck portion has a radial cross-sectional size less than that of the main body and terminal portion. A covering woven rope is interlaced to cover the module stringing core. The modular snap fastener has a bendable line and plurality of hollow snap fastening members connected to two ends of the bendable line. Each hollow snap fastening member has a U-shaped gap snap fastening slot configured to fit the neck portion. The floating element and modular snap fastener can be quickly assembled to form a string of the module stringing core serving as a center line of circular knitting machine to produce the fishing tool floating rope.

Abstract: A lure includes a body, a passage formed in the body, a plurality of independent spherical sinkers that moves in the passage, a holding member that holds the plurality of spherical sinkers together, and an attachment portion to which the spherical sinker which is located foremost and held by the holding member is attached by a magnetic force. According to the lure of the present invention, the plurality of spherical sinkers can be integrally and smoothly moved in the passage.

Abstract: Convertible fishing rod guide configurations capable of selective connection and removal of desired guide arrangements. Such guide arrangements may include spinning, casting, trolling/roller guides and the like. The convertible fishing guides include a base portion for connecting to the fishing rod, and an upper portion for reversibly connecting a portion of a fishing guide such as a foot or specialized connection element.

Abstract: An ice fishing trap (10) includes an arm (16), leg (28) and a pivotal plate (30) actuated by a pedal (34) in order to trap a caught fish within a-ice hole so that it cannot escape if it gets off the hook.

Abstract: A pest control device and method and kit for pest control. The pest control includes a main body having a curved shape configured to extend partially or completely around a body of a person, a hose, a collection container operably connected to the hose, and a vacuum mechanism containing a motor. The vacuum mechanism is operably connected to the collection container and the hose. The pest control device also includes a battery operably connected to the vacuum mechanism. The method for pest control includes providing the pest control device, arranging the main body around the body of the person, and activating the vacuum mechanism to suction pests via the hose into the collection container. The kit for pest control includes a main body having a curved shape configured to extend partially or completely around a body of a person, a hose, a collection container, a vacuum mechanism containing a motor, a battery, and a plurality of implements.

Abstract: A live catch trap having a light-based sensor mounted therein and remote communication capability is provided. The light-based sensor may be a visual image device such as a CMOS or CCD camera that evaluates the status of the trap interior for the presence of insects and/or rodents. The camera may be activated to check the trap interior either periodically or in response to an event as detected by one or more sensors such as a motion detector, accelerometer, pressure sensor and/or temperature sensor. Alternatively, the trap may include a reflectivity sensor or a photo sensor including arrays of LEDs and photodiodes. The trap includes a microprocessor that evaluates the data collected by the light-based sensor to determine what type of activity has been sensed and then reports this information wirelessly to a remote user.

Abstract: An example mouse and rodent trap includes a base for arrangement over a catch basin. A shaft is supported by the base. A bait drum is mounted on the shaft. A brace rotatably supports the shaft. The brace extends from the base on each side of an opening formed in the base. The shaft is provided between each brace.

Abstract: A method for monitoring whether a number of a rat traps have been activated, where each tap has a moveable part, a fixed part, a switch and a signalling device, such than when the moveable part is moved towards the fixed part then the signalling device transmit a signal to a user's smartphone having a display on which display the user is informed whether a rat has gone into the trap. An opening size between the moveable part and the fixed part is detected indicating whether a rat, a mouse or a false alarm is detected.

Abstract: A rodent trap having a remote arming capability and a method of deploying a rodent trap in an unarmed state and then arming the trap after a wait period without the user having to again physically access the trap is provided. The trap, preferably embodied as an electronic rodent trap, may be configured with wireless remote arming capability, timed arming functionality, activity based arming and the like. When in the unarmed state, the trap operates in a monitoring mode in which the trap can monitor and evaluate activity and/or interactions with the trap and can send and receive wireless communication signals.

Abstract: An acoustic signal for attracting rats comprising a playback recording or synthetic generation of vocalizations of rats or mice is provided. The vocalizations may be of rat pups, and may be characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 1.8-7.5 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the ranges of 21-24 kHz, 40-50 kHz and/or 60-96 kHz. The vocalizations may be of adult male rats, including courting adult male rats, characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 15-20 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the range of 20-100 kHz. The vocalizations may be of adult female mice, including nursing adult female mice, characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 8-12 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the range of 25-100 kHz.

Abstract: I disclose an apparatus, comprising at least one sensor configured to receive at least one signal indicative of a proximity of a first animal, at least one environmental signal, or both; a processor configured to detect a sufficient proximity of the first animal, a favorable environmental condition, or both from the received signal or signals, and emit a triggering signal in response to the detection; and an audio playback device configured to receive the triggering signal and emit a call of a second animal in response to the triggering signal. I also disclose a system comprising the apparatus and a trap; and a method of luring an animal.

Abstract: A liquid scent dispenser may include a container, an attachment component, and a cap. The container may define an opening at a first end and an interior portion housing a liquid scent. A first attachment opening defined by the attachment component may be engaged with the container opening. The attachment component may define a second opening and an interior volume housing an amount of air. The cap may be engaged with the second opening and may define at least one scent dispense tube, which may be in fluid communication with the interior container volume. The dispenser may be configured to permit an expansion of air pressure in its interior volume when there is an increase in ambient temperature, so that air displaces a portion of the liquid scent from the dispenser, which passes through the interior volume into the cap and exits the dispenser through a scent dispense tube.

Abstract: A device that can be used to store blood product and/or cellular culture that may or may not be under pressure. The device includes a chamber that can be hermetically sealed and a flexible secondary bag which can be placed in the chamber. The chamber is designed to receive at least one secondary bag that contains a conventional storage bag containing blood product and/or cellular culture. The storage conditions are created in the chamber and may or may not include 1) creating a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, 2) creating a refrigerated temperature, and/or 3) providing agitation to the secondary bag. The secondary bag is filled with a gas system that is used to facilitate in the storage of the blood product and/or cellular culture. The secondary bag can be made of a material and/or include a coating or film that is impermeable to the gas system and to the gas inside the chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides antimicrobial compositions having reduced inhalation risks by combining ammonium compounds and polymers in combination with optional acid components, surfactants and/or additional functional ingredients. The antimicrobial compositions which have a reduced risk of inhalation. Methods of making and employing the compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are containerized liquid formulations comprising a plurality of agrochemicals. The formulations comprise a plurality of parallel liquid layers, wherein each layer is disposed within the container such that it is in contact with at least one adjacent layer at an interface. Also provided are methods of preparing, storing, shipping, and using the containerized liquid formulations.

Abstract: Solid rinsing, cleaning and/or sanitizing compositions for various applications are provided. In particular, solid compositions include a complex of urea and an acid having desireable storage stability previously unavailable in solid urea/acid compositions. Stable solid compositions are disclosed and methods of making the same to overcome conventional limitations associated with with forming kinetically and thermodynamically stable solids that utilize urea/acid compositions.

Abstract: A method of treating algae in a body of water is disclosed. The method includes adding an amine compound to the body of water in amounts ?4 parts per million as an effective algaecide.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for using the insect neuromodulator tyramine and/or one or more derivatives thereof delivered to insect populations to control certain aspects of such populations. The amount of tyramine and/or one or more derivatives thereof delivered on a per insect basis is significantly greater than a naturally-occurring amount of tyramine normally found in insects and causes deleterious effects including mortality of certain insect life forms and disruption of the reproductive capacity of others in the population.

Abstract: Herbicide compositions and methods of controlling growth of plants of the Buckthorn family (e.g. Rhamnaceae) are described herein. The herbicide compositions comprise a herbicidally effective amount of N-hydroxy-1,4-naphthalenedione or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein N is in the range of 2-5.

Abstract: The present proposals relate to an insecticide or miticide composition which demonstrates low phytotoxicity even at relatively high concentrations combined with highly effective insecticidal and miticidal activity. The composition comprises: a fatty acid/amino acid salt, the fatty acid component comprising: one or more unsaturated fatty acids having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms; and one or more saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms; wherein the one or more saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms forms at least 15 wt. % of the fatty acid component, and wherein the weight ratio of (unsaturated fatty acids having from 14 to 22 carbon atoms) to (saturated fatty acids having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms) is at least 1. Uses of the compositions and methods of killing insects or mites using the compositions also form part of the proposals.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous insecticide comprised of at least one surfactant, a preservative, e.g., preservative, for example a potassium salt, sodium chloride in proportions similar to proportions normally detected in mammalian blood, a nutrient source, an organic acid capable of lowering the pH of the aqueous insecticide, fragrance, and water, for the control of Cimex, e.g., Cimex lectularius (bed bugs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to microparticle compositions comprising saflufenacil, to a method of their preparation and to the use of these microparticle compositions for controlling undesired vegetation. In the microparticle compositions saflufenacil is present in the form of microparticles, which comprise solid saflufenacil, which is surrounded or embedded by an aminoplast polymer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising a combination of biocides having synergistic effect. The composition is useful for plant protection, in particular the composition is useful as a biocide, such as a pesticide, e.g. useful as a fungicide. The composition can be used alone or in combination with other pesticides/fungicides for plant protection by enhancing the effect of said other pesticide/fungicide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid termiticide compositions comprising a pyrethroid and a neonicotinoid selected from the group consisting of imidacloprid, nithiazine, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, nitenpyram, thiacloprid and clothianadin, these compositions result in an increase in termite mortality at low application rates and a continuous chemical barrier of a termiticide in soil surrounding and beneath a structure in a locus where termites are suspected or known to exist.

Abstract: A method for production of an additive case having the steps of preparing a zinc oxide concentration from a paste of nanometric zinc oxide that was previously subjected to surface treatment based on silane additives, preparing a silver concentrate starting from a silver paste of nanometric metallic silver, and preparing the additive paste by mixing the zinc oxide concentrate and the silver concentrate and a polymeric carrier with a compatible resin. The polymeric carrier and compatible resin are in a proportion of between 10:90 to 90:10. The steps obtains the additive paste of ZnO/AG° in masterbatch in pellet form.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and materials for modulating the characteristics of a plant, said plant having been heterologously disposed to an endophyte or a plurality of endophytes, or derived from a plant reproductive element heterologously disposed to an endophyte or a plurality of endophytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agent for removing house dust mite allergens and a composition comprising the same. The composition comprises, as an active ingredient, the agent which is composed of a natural plant essential oil or its steam distillate and can effectively remove allergens derived from house dust mites. Thus, the agent and the composition can be used for the prevention, alleviation, mitigation or treatment of various allergic diseases, which can be caused by allergens derived from house dust mites, in an environmentally friendly and efficient manner without causing particular side effects. In addition, the agent and the composition can significantly reduce the prevalence of diseases caused by house dust mites and the frequency of exposure of people to house dust mites.

Abstract: A cooking or baking oven can include a hood having a vent outlet and a cooking chamber having a rack positioned therein. The cooking or baking oven can also include a heating chamber separated from the cooking chamber, a fuel burner, a fuel burner blower operably coupled to the fuel burner, a burner tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end coupled to the fuel burner, and a flue having an inlet end coupled to the outlet end of the burner tube and an outlet end coupled to the hood, the flue having an opening. The cooking or baking oven can also include a damping system having a damper lid coupled to the flue, the damper lid moveable between an open position and a closed position, the damper lid in the closed position covering the opening; a damper motor; and a damper arm coupled to the damper lid and the damper motor, the damper motor rotatably moving the damper arm to move the damper lid between the open and closed positions. Related systems and methods are also provided.