Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, an imaging device coupled to the robotic arm, a board coupled to the robotic arm, and a processor. The imaging device captures imaging data of a rearview of a dairy livestock through a field of view of the imaging device. The board is able to pivot from a down position to an up position and has an aperture through which the imaging device can pass through when the board lowers from the up position to the down position. The processor is coupled to both the imaging device and the board and is configured to identify a tail of the dairy livestock within the imaging data captured by the imaging device and send one or more instructions to raise the board from the down position to the up position, thereby moving the tail out of the field of view of the imaging device.

Abstract: A vent with an adjustable baffle is disclosed. As the baffle is rotated away from the frame of the vent a corresponding opening is formed though which air may flow. The vent further has features which constrict the width of the opening in response to how far the baffle is opened. When the baffle is partially opened, these constricting features block a portion of the vent opening resulting in an opening of a certain width. The baffle can be opened further to a point beyond the constricting feature so that a wider vent opening is created. The design allows for more, and easier control of air flow in a system and can increase the distance air coming though the vent moves into the space before it descends.

Abstract: A system for milking a group of milking animals, in particular cows, comprises an accommodation space where the animals roam freely, and a plurality of fixed milking stations. The milking stations are each connected to the accommodation space by a walkable connection. Automatic milking systems, in the milking stations, automate milking of animals. The milking systems comprise connection systems for automatic connection of milking cups to the teats of the animal. The connection systems comprise a movable robot device that connects milking cups to the teats of the animal in said milking station. Expulsion means can be activated by a control system in each of the milking stations to give an expulsion stimulus for the animal to leave said milking station. The conditions for expulsion of the animal include the animal fulfilling a predefined expulsion criterion, and all other milking stations are occupied by other animals.

Abstract: An animal feeding vehicle includes a movement control system, a GPS receiver for generating a first set of parameters including location information, a proximity sensor for generating a second set of parameters including spatial information, a position sensor for generating a third set of parameters including motion information, a feeding system including a feeding control system for feeding animals based on a fourth set of parameters. A control unit receives the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters, and defines a first mode in which the user controls the movement control system and the feeding control system, and in which the control unit records data representing the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters; and a second mode in which the control unit controls the movement control system and the feeding system by comparing recorded data with the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an article and method of use are disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a base and a surrounding sidewall about a longitudinal axis, the sidewall extending from the base forming an interior, the sidewall terminating in an open aperture having a scarfed outlet margin forming a plane, wherein the plane forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis. Operationally the scarfed margin facilitates the interior being filled to a selected capacity with a liquid while the longitudinal axis also forms an acute angle with a surface. Further a cleaning surface is movably engaged to the base that has a structure to impart movement to the cleaning surface to clean the article that is immersed in a liquid within the interior while the longitudinal axis is at the acute angle with the surface to operationally facilitate ease of immersion and removal of the article from the interior.

Abstract: The said invention, a solitary bee nesting shelter configured of a main housing and removable nest block inserts with a plurality of elongated cavities. Said cavities on the vertical face of the combined frame and insert blocks to be laid out in a series of geometrical shapes including spirals. Said invention upper surface comprised of a resilient material with one iteration comprised of a solar powered path light. The said invention shall have fasteners for installation, one iteration is a hook on the back, and another is a removable stake in the bottom.

Abstract: A system for removing parasites from fish includes a conduit through which individual fish pass, a plurality of arms associated with the conduit circumferentially spaced with respect to each other, and a spray nozzle for each arm connected to a fluid source for dislodging parasites from said fish. The nozzles are closely spaced with respect to the fish for more effective treatment. A pre-treatment substance may also be used.

Abstract: Aquarium cleaning device and method, wherein the device may comprise a body adapted to be held for the cleaning of an aquarium. The body is configured to receive a barrel member at an end of the body, which defines an opening into the body. The barrel member may be inserted into an aquarium and has a hollow center which permits receipt of water or debris from the aquarium. The barrel member may be adapted to receive a variety of cleaning accessories. The cleaning accessories may be of various shapes such that they permit for the same device to be able to access and clean in and around different areas of the aquarium. In addition, at least portion of the barrel and/or an accessory may be flexible to facilitate cleaning of difficult to reach areas of aquarium.

Abstract: The invention involves a method for modulating leukocyte activity, comprising delivering to a leukocyte a vector containing nucleic acid molecule(s), whereby the leukocyte contains Cas9 and the vector expresses one or more RNAs to guide the Cas9 to introduce mutations in one or more target genetic loci in the leukocyte, thereby modulating expression of one or more genes expressed in the leukocyte. The invention also involves identifying genes associated with leukocyte responses and experimental modeling of aberrant leukocyte activation and diseases associated with leukocytes by introducing mutations into leukocytes. The invention comprehends testing putative treatments with such models, e.g., testing putative chemical compounds that may be pharmaceutically relevant for treatment or gene therapy that may be relevant for treatment, or combinations thereof. The invention allows for the study of genetic diseases and putative treatments to better understand and alleviate leukocyte associated diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new, spontaneous mouse lymphoma cell line displaying CD19, B220, MHC II, surface IgG2a/kappa chain and MAC-1, which is negative for CD5, animal models of B-cell lymphoma based on said cell line and methods for assessing lymphoma propagation and lymphoma expansion based on said cell line.

Abstract: A non-human mammal and an offspring thereof, obtainable by a somatic cell nuclear transfer method using a nucleus of a CD4-positive T cell as a nuclear donor. The non-human mammal of the present invention surely and efficiently shows allergic reactions specific to various antigens that are shown to have associations with an immune allergic disease, such as mites and cedar pollens, so that the non-human mammal can be suitably used as the developmental models of allergic diseases for studies of various diseases by studying or pursuing possibilities of applications to the diseases.

Abstract: Non-human animals suitable for use as animal models for Retinoschisis are provided. In some embodiments, provided non-human animals are characterized by a disruption in a Retinoschisin-1 locus. In some embodiments, provided non-human animals are characterized by a mutant Retinoschisin-1 gene. The non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a phenotype that includes the development of one or more symptoms or phenotypes associated with Retinoschisis. Methods of identifying therapeutic candidates that may be used to prevent, delay or treat Retinoschisis or eye-related diseases, disorders or conditions are also provided.

Abstract: A rotor brake mechanism includes a braking member, a moving member, an elastic member, and an adjustment member. The braking member is disposed in a reel body. The moving member is disposed in a rotor to move to a first position corresponding to a line-winding posture and a second position corresponding to a line-releasing posture, in conjunction with a bail arm, and includes an extended portion that extends toward the braking member when the moving member moves to the second position. The elastic member is disposed on the extended portion of the moving member, and comes into contact with an outer peripheral surface of the braking member when the moving member moves to the second position. The adjustment member is disposed between the extended portion of the moving member and the elastic member, and adjusts a position of the elastic member.

Abstract: A pinion gear meshes with a drive gear. The drive gear is connected to a handle shaft of a fishing reel that winds a fishing line onto a spool supported by a reel body by rotational operation of the handle shaft rotatably supported to the reel body to transmit the rotation of the handle shaft. The pinion gear includes a gear portion and a shaft. The gear portion meshes with the drive gear. The shaft portion, to which the gear portion is non-rotatably fitted, is integrally rotatable with the gear portion. The gear portion and the shaft portion are formed from different materials, and the specific gravity of the shaft portion is smaller than the specific gravity of the gear portion.

Abstract: A retroreflective composite fiber product fishing line that offers increased visibility of the retroreflective composite fishing line in a low light environment to a fisherman by reflecting incident light applied to the retroreflective composite fishing line back toward the fisherman.

Abstract: A fishing rod stanchion is described. The fishing rod stanchion can be configured to receive and hold a fishing rod in an upright position, and the fishing rod stanchion can include a support plate having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and one or more openings passing through the support plate, an upright stanchion having a top end and a bottom end, such that the top end is coupled to the proximal portion of the support plate, and a handle extending laterally beyond an end of a proximal edge of the support plate. A system including a fishing rod stanchion is also described. The system can include the fishing rod stanchion, a fishing rod holder, and a fishing rod.

Abstract: A pest control lighting device having a connector capable of electrically connecting to a common lightbulb socket or electrical outlet. The pest control lighting device includes one or more light sources in electrical connection with the connector. The pest control lighting device may include an inner module capable of holding one or more pest control materials, such as an insect repellent. The pest control lighting device may further include sound emitting components that may be capable of emitting an ultrasonic sound.

Abstract: In a method for treating soil at a work site, a first pressure application tool is connected to a base unit and moved relative thereto along a first area of the work site adjacent a structure and operated to inject soil treatment down into the soil along the first area of the work site. A second pressure application tool is interchanged with the first pressure application tool and moved relative to the base unit along a second area of the work site adjacent the structure and different from the first area of the work site. The second pressure application tool is operated to apply soil treatment to the soil along the second area of the work site.

Abstract: An apparatus and the associated method which includes means for controlling an invasive organism. The means including a trolling apparatus, for attachment to an associated vehicle. The trolling apparatus is pulled through a body of water in response to movement of the associated vehicle. The housing carries a plurality of UV-C light sources for producing UV-C light at a wavelength of substantially 254 nm, whereby invasive organisms proximate to light emanating from at least one of said UV-C light source whereby invasive organisms are exposed to UV-C light at a wavelength of substantially 254 nm resulting in controlling an invasive organism. Other embodiments, attract organisms such as mosquitos and then expose them to UV-C light. The invention facilitates reduced use of herbicide.

Abstract: A light source suitable for use in a conventional light socket of a conventional light fixture includes an integral sonic repelling device operable to generate sound at a frequency that is inaudible to humans but that repels pests such as mice and rats.

Abstract: A right angle support member configured to be affixable to a vertical-object; the right angle support member configured to form a substantially L-shape having a vertical angle member having a first end; a horizontal angle member having a second end configured to extend outwardly away from a right angle vertex; and a threaded anchor hingebly coupled to the right angle vertex configured to be affixable to the vertical-object; a stabilizing spike located at the first end of the vertical angle member extending opposite of the horizontal angle member; a hanger loop proximate the second end of the horizontal angle member, the hanger loop is configured to receive and interact with a pulley system.

Abstract: A device for suspending a decoy comprising an extendable rod including a first tubular section with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to connect to a mounting post and the second end includes an open end from which extends a plurality of flexible tubular sections where the sections have progressively smaller diameters, are slidably disposed in one another, and are in tight frictional engagement with each other such that they remain in any position of extension or retraction in which they are set, and wherein when the extendable rod is in an extended position the plurality of flexible tubular sections are sufficiently flexible that a weight of the decoy causes the plurality of tubular sections to bend and position the decoy proximate to the ground when the extendable rod is in a deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices configured to perform a cryoprocedure on at least one biological sample and methods for using the devices. The disclosed devices comprise a straw and a pod. The straw comprises a straw space, configured to draw liquid from a distal end of the straw space towards a proximal end of the straw space. The pod is coupled to a distal end of the straw and comprises a perforated member comprises at least one orifice whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the at least one biological sample, wherein the perforated element is configured to allow inflow of liquids into the preparation space and outflow of liquids from the preparation space. The holding space is configured to form, together with the straw space, a preparation space wherein the at least one biological sample can undergo the cryoprocedure.

Abstract: A simple, compact, and disposable unit for transporting living cells at living-body temperature is disclosed. The transport unit may include a box enclosure with two resistive heating elements on opposite sides of a container with living cells in the container. A portable, disposable power source may be located in the box to provide power to the resistive heating elements. One or more controllers may be located in the box and used to control power to the resistive heating elements and maintain a temperature of the living cells at living-body temperatures.

Abstract: A composition that can solvate biofilms and disrupt bacterial cell walls acts to both kill the bacteria by cell lysis and remove the biofilm. This solvent-containing composition is effective against a broad spectrum of microbes and can be used on a variety of surfaces, both living and inanimate. The polarity of the solvent component of the composition is lower than that of pure water so that the composition exhibits increased efficacy in solvating the macromolecular matrix of a biofilm and in penetrating bacterial cell walls.

Abstract: Compositions useful for controlling pests are disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes a pesticidal natural oil and a polar aromatic solvent or an alkyl alcohol solvent. Methods of making and using the compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low volatility herbicidal compositions comprising at least one auxin herbicide and at least one cationic polysaccharide derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low volatility herbicidal compositions comprising at least one auxin herbicide and at least one non ionic polysaccharide derivative.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to devices, methods and compositions for the controlled gas phase time-release of volatile and semi-volatile hydrophobic organic compounds from a granular polymer sorbent-non aqueous phase liquid-porous media matrix. Also, this disclosure relates to devices, methods and compositions for steady and long-term release into the gas phase of volatile organic compounds from a granular polymer sorbent-essential oil matrix coating made at ambient temperatures and pressures and placed in the porosity of granular porous media materials such as plastic particles, plastic absorption or stripping tower mass transfer packing material, wood pellets and geologic material. The gas phase compounds released from the granular polymer sorbent-essential oil matrix have aromatherapy, fragrance, insecticidal and insect repelling properties.

Abstract: Adjuvant compositions for use with agrochemical solutions is provided; more specifically adjuvant compositions that may be used to prepare agrochemical formulations used in the field to control weeds, pests and plant pathogens that adversely affect crop production. The adjuvants improve coverage of the target foliage and exposure of the targeted weed, pest or plant pathogen to the active ingredient of the formulations without the need for increasing the amount of active ingredient applied while reducing spray drift and off-target application.

Abstract: A disposable, single-use wipe 100 that can be used deodorize, disinfect, and/or sterilize an object. The wipe typically creates and applies one or more treatment agent at the time and location of use on the object. A wipe 100 includes a flexible membrane or cloth-like element 106 that typically carries at least one element of a chemically reactive couple. A wipe 100 may be activated in various ways to produce a treatment agent, such as Hydroxyl radicals or alcohol, and subsequently used to physically spread the treatment agent onto the object. One or more additional treatment agent (e.g., Triclosan, Chlorine dioxide, Hydroxyl radicals, etc.), may be included in association with a wipe 100 to enhance biocidal activity. The wipe 100 may be used alone, or in combination with a holder 120. A holder 120 may operate to activate a wipe 100, and/or apply one or more treatment agent onto the object.

Abstract: Provided is an antiviral film which is excellent in antiviral properties. The antiviral film includes a silicon-containing compound, in which a pH of a film surface is lower than or equal to 6. The antiviral film may further include an antibacterial agent fine particle. The antiviral film may further include an acidic material.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for solvent-free delivery of volatile compounds, where an energy source is used to release the volatile compounds. The systems and methods provided herein have at least one advantage of (1) no solvent (for example water) is required; (2) immediate release of volatile compounds (for example 1-MCP can be released from HAIP within milliseconds or seconds instead of minutes or hours of the existing method using water); and/or (3) instantly starting and stopping the delivery of the volatile compound.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions and methods using a combination of (a) a compound of formula (I): or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, (b) a triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (c) glyphosate or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof provide control of undesirable vegetation in soybean, cotton, sunflower, winter/spring oilseed rape, winter/spring canola, vegetables, ornamentals, rice, wheat, teff, triticale, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, corn/maize, sunflower, row crops, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallowland, fallow bed, sugarcane, turf, tree and vine orchards, aquatics, forestry, industrial vegetation management (NM) and rights-of-way; for the burndown and control of weeds in fallow fields and fallow beds between the planting of crops, such as soybean, corn, cotton sunflower, cereals, rice, winter/spring oil-seed rape, winter/spring canola, corn/maize and sorghum; and for the control of weeds just prior to or after pla

Abstract: A layered silicate modified with a metal ion N-heterocyclic complex is provided. The N-heterocyclic ligand of the metal ion N-heterocyclic complex is N-alkyl substituted or alkylated at positions 2-, 4- or 5- of the N-heterocyclic ring. The modified layered silicate is useful in treating water to disinfect the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a resin composition which includes a polyethylene resin, and 5-chloro-4-ethyl-6-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethylamino]pyrimidine; an insect pest control material obtained by causing the 5-chloro-4-ethyl-6-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethylamino]pyrimidine to be held on the polyethylene resin; and a pest control method provided with a step in which the insect pest control material is placed in the habitat of a pest.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a formulation including a nanoparticle including a polymer-associated triazole compound with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte, and a dispersant or a wetting agent. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations. Additionally, the disclosure describes application to various plants and fungi as well as advantages of the disclosed formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein A1, A2, A3, A4, R1, R2, R3, R4 and n are as defined in claim 1; or a tautomer, isomer, enantiomer, salt or N-oxide thereof; to intermediates for preparing compounds of formula (I), to compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode and mollusc pests.

Abstract: Provided are alcohol-free antimicrobial compositions comprising benzalkonium chloride, antimicrobial phospholipid, water, and optionally, polyol co-solvent and/or surfactant. Also provided are alcohol-free antimicrobial compositions comprising quaternary ammonium salt, polyol co-solvent and/or surfactant, and water. Preferably, the compositions are formulated for use as a skin sanitizer.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to herbicide compositions and methods of inducing phyotoxicity in a plant, by administering an aqueous composition to foliar portions of the plant. This aqueous composition includes at least one nutrient, and at least one adjuvant, and has a pH of about 4 to about 7. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition comprises an organic or mineral acid. In some embodiments, the phytotoxicity is topical. In some embodiments, the phytoxicity is systemic. Without being limited by theory, the nutrient is absorbed by the plant in excess, thereby killing the plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of alkali metal salts and preferably lithium chloride for treatment of Varroa destructor infestation of honey bees.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting fungal secondary metabolisms are described. Secondary metabolisms inhibited by the methods can include those responsible for expression of mycotoxins. Methods can include inhibition of secondary metabolisms without inhibiting fungal growth. As such, the methods can be utilized in preventing fungal-caused destruction of plant species (e.g., crop species) without undesirable consequences to plant health and local environments due to complete destruction of the fungal presence and growth. Disclosed methods encompass utilization of silver nanoparticles in inhibition of secondary metabolism at concentrations that are much lower than those typically used in toxicological and ecotoxicological studies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition for treating recirculating or stagnant water. The composition contains a phosphorus-containing compound, which is metaphosphate compound, a polyphosphoric acid or a polyphosphate, and one or more zinc compounds. The phosphorus-containing compound is a compound which is not readily hydrolyzable to an orthophosphate. In another aspect of the present invention, provided is a method of controlling algae in a body of recirculating or stagnant water using the composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises compositions and methods for bioprotection, such as enhancing antimicrobial activity and decreasing abiotic stress. For example, the present disclosure comprises compositions and methods for affecting, enhancing, modulating, or decreasing antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: Compositions useful for controlling pests are disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition includes a pesticidal natural oil and a polar aromatic solvent. Methods of making and using the compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: A horizontal mixer includes a mixer bowl seal arrangement with a removable seal member.

Abstract: A dumpling producing method includes cutting a mechanically sheeted dough sheet of a unidirectional texture into dumpling wrappers of a pre-defined shape, filling the stuffing into the dumpling sheet, and wrapping the dumpling wrapper along a fold line at an angle of 0 to 20 degrees to the texture orientation of each dumpling wrapper to produce the dumplings.

Abstract: A bread conveying apparatus for conveying bread, includes a conveyor device that has a container on which the bread is placed, and that conveys the container in a conveying direction; a guide member disposed on a downstream end portion side of the conveyor device in the conveying direction to releasably support the bread in cooperation with the container; and a chute member that discharges the bread conveyed by the conveyor device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixed crystals comprising a) leavening agent and b) 0.1 to 5000 ppm by weight of crystallization aid, based on the total amount of the leavening agent, in the form of at least polymer, wherein when hydrophilic cellulose derivatives are used as crystallization aid, the amount thereof is reduced to less than 100 ppm by weight, based on the total amount of the leavening agent. The present invention further relates to the production of the mixed crystals and to the use thereof in the production of bakery products, as acid regulator in foods, in the production of cosmetics products, in the synthesis and formulation of pharmaceutical products, and also as blowing agent in industrial processes such as, for example, the production of foam rubber, or for fire-extinguishing formulations. The present invention relates, furthermore, to the production of bakery products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a food product having a casing, the process comprising the step of applying a casing paste comprising alginate and a sparingly soluble calcium salt by co-extrusion to the exterior of a material to be cased to form a co-extruded product, and contacting the co-extruded product with a solution comprising calcium ions, thereby causing the alginate to gel.