Abstract: A leash extension has a main body and two loops at opposite ends of the main body. One loop connects one or more leashes to one end of the leash extension. The other end has a handle that receives the other loop. The handle has a slot for receiving the loop. The user can easily grasp and hold the handle which provides the secure grasping means so that the user must only grasp the handle in order to walk one or more animals simultaneously.

Abstract: A self retracting leash has a flexible leash member extending from a first end to a handle. The leash member is biased by an elastic cord or biased roller to move to a contracted configuration within an interior cavity of a flexible container. An endwall of the flexible container is adapted for removable engagement to a leash of an animal such as a dog. The bias to the contracted configuration imparts a bias of the removable engagement to the leash toward the handle end of the leash member.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing server, an information processing system, and an information processing method capable of more appropriately managing domestic animals. [Solution] An information processing server.

Abstract: A separately attachable poultry perching system and device, specifically to be utilized with long poultry feed troughs hung from barn rafters. The device comprising separately attachable and detachable components for assembly onto an already assembled and in place poultry feed trough device and system.

Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled shellfish aquaculture apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a base formed by two spaced tubes. An air supply line is connected to each tube for providing air to the tubes from a compressed air source. An exhaust port is positioned on the bottom of each tube at an end opposite the air supply lines. The apparatus also has a support structure rigidly connecting the tubes for supporting containers for holding shellfish. Each air supply line is connected to a manifold for controlling airflow to the tubes. Air is used to displace water in the tubes by pushing the water out of the exhaust ports in order to float the apparatus. To submerge the apparatus, the tubes are depressurized to allow water to displace the air in the tubes. When floating, the tubes lift the apparatus and the containers out of the water to allow air desiccation in order to prevent bio-fouling of the equipment and shellfish.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions, and systems for transforming silkworms to produce spider silk and analogs of spider silk. In certain embodiments, the method may include inserting a DNA sequence coding for at least a portion of a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, or an analog of a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, positioned between at least a portion of the 5? and 3? ends of a silkworm fibroin gene to generate a fusion gene construct having a sequence that encodes for a polypeptide comprising both spider silk fibroin and silkworm silk fibroin sequences. In certain embodiments, the fused gene is able to replace a native gene present in the silkworm such that the transformed silkworm expresses a polypeptide comprising a spider silk fibroin polypeptide, or an analog thereof, and expresses significantly less of the native silkworm silk.

Abstract: A thin material that is in a single planar which has a front and back and is circular in shape. There is a radius in the periphery that travels from the periphery inward, creating a cut that is interior to the peripheral edge and follows the circumference of the circular shape. Where this cut ends there is an opening or change in its direction. A fishing line passes through a hole in the material that is interior to the cut. When the device is in use being pulled through the water, the material between the interior cut and the device's peripheral edge deflects back causing the device to rotate which creates the needed action and flash to attract the fish. This planar deflection is not permanent and the material will return to its single planar when at rest.

Abstract: A fishing lure is configured to optimally provide anglers and fishermen with a spinner bait lure designed to catch big fish in freshwater locations. The fishing lure is configured to attach conveniently to any type of fishing rod via a rear attachment ring. The fishing rod may include a bullet-shaped main body with multiple spinner blades and additional weight designed for longer casts enabling fishermen to customize the lure with ornamental feathers and other attachments.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a spinning reel includes a handle, a handle shaft, and a tubular member. The handle is configured to be rotated by a user. The handle shaft includes a distal-end portion screwed to a tubular gear shaft disposed in a gear that is built into a reel body, and a base-end portion onto which the handle is attached. The tubular member covers the handle shaft, the handle shaft has a flange between the distal-end portion and the base-end portion and at a position spaced apart from the base-end portion, and the tubular member has a first portion abutting the flange and a second portion abutting a shaft bearing of the gear shaft.

Abstract: A clutch operation unit of a dual-bearing reel is attached to a clutch lever extending in a left-right direction parallel to a rotational axis direction of a spool and for moving in an up-down direction with respect to the spool. The clutch operation unit has a first member that is to be operated by a user, and a second member that is combined with the first member to sandwich the clutch lever therebetween in the up-down direction.

Abstract: A fishing rod handle assembly configured to provide increased safety, strength and control and which may be used in combination with standard fishing rods. The fishing rod handle assembly generally includes a handle positioned transverse to the position of the standard fishing rod, such that a fisherman can utilize both hands in a side-by-side orientation for increased control and strength when pulling up on the standard fishing rod and reeling in fish. Further, the fishing rod handle assembly generally includes one or more collars connected to the handle, the one or more collars having splined recesses therein for detachably connecting the standard fishing rod to the fishing rod handle assembly, such that the fishing rod handle assembly firmly grips the standard fishing rod to prevent twisting, but does not damage or break the standard fishing rod.

Abstract: A system and device for threading fishing line through guides mounted on a fishing rod is disclosed, along with a method for using the system or device. A shaft is supported between paired gates. The shaft has a back end to attach to a fishing line. A carrier assembly is configured to hold the paired gates, and to permit mounted guides to pass between open paired gates while being threaded with the fishing line by the shaft, as the shaft is being fixedly retained between other paired gates. A funneling channel of an end cap module is attached to the carrier assembly near the front end of the shaft. While passing the carrier assembly over each of the mounted guides, the funneling channel funnels each of the mounted guides to encircle the front end of the shaft, thereby threading the mounted guides with fishing line.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a fishing accessory which includes a first retaining formation, a second retaining formation and a linking formation for Interlinking the first and second retaining formations so that they are offset in different planes relative to each other.

Abstract: An insect capturing system for reducing a population of insects in a flower pot includes a pot that may be filled with soil thereby facilitating a plant to grow in the pot. An adhesive unit is provided and the adhesive unit is selectively coupled to the pot. Insects adhere to the adhesive unit when the insects leave the pot thereby reducing a population of the insects in the pot.

Abstract: A mite-capturing sheet (1) includes an adhesive sheet (3) that captures mites and a resin sheet (4) placed on the adhesive sheet (3) and containing an attractant. The resin sheet (4) has a plurality of resin sheet openings (5) that expose the adhesive sheet (3).

Abstract: A convenient effective means is provided to eliminate the lawn pest known as “ground pearl” (Margarodes spp), a subterranean member of the scale family, that is immune to chemical lawn treatment applications. This, electrically equipped, hand propelled, device is simply pushed back forth over and around on the turf areas where pearl damage is evident. The design's 4 caster wheels provide an independently sprung suspension permitting close ground clearance during operation insuring full personal safety when used properly. The design utilizes a magnetron to provide high frequency electromagnet wave energy that is fully confined and directed only strait down into the earth via a one wave length long strait wave guide that maximizes the E field at ground level. From there the wave radiates into the earth hemi spherically with the familiar strength loss as the square of the distance. Fortunately, pearl live close to the surface where they are vulnerable.

Abstract: A selective access system, and methods of making and using such a system, whereby the selective access system includes a container having an interior space defined by a side wall disposed between opposing top and bottom walls; an opening disposed within the side wall, the opening communicating with the interior space; and a cover slidably engaged with the container, the cover configured to slide upward and downward between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover overlays the opening; in the second position, the cover disposes away from at least a portion of the opening to permit access to the interior space. The selective access system can further include an electrical conductor coupled to the container, whereby the electrical conductor can deliver a nonlethal electrical shock to an animal which comes into contact therewith to deter the animal from the selective access system.

Abstract: The hunting-attractant dispenser is an apparatus that allows only the attractant solution, which is immediately consumed by an animal, to be accessed. The apparatus includes a supply tank, an attractant slot, a wheel, and an axle rod. The supply tank contains attractant solution. The attractant slot allows an animal to access the attractant solution within the supply tank. The wheel delivers attractant solution from within the supply tank to the tongue and the mouth of an animal. Moreover, the wheel allows an animal to engage the apparatus and drink the attractant solution. The axle rod allows the wheel to rotate. Moreover, the wheel allows the attractant solution to continuously cover the wheel as the wheel rotates. The apparatus further includes a first elongated mounting brace and a second elongated mounting brace, both of which stabilizes the apparatus onto the ground.

Abstract: A hunting decoy that includes: a motorized base; a speaker, where the speaker emits sounds and is mounted on the motorized base; a scent emitter within the motorized base; a faux animal covering; and a set of wheels. The set of wheels preferably includes four wheels. The sounds emitted by the decoy preferably includes a plurality of predetermined animal calls. The motorized base may be electrically powered and include a suspension system. A user uses a remote control device to control movement of the hunting decoy over a terrain.

Abstract: A method of simulating feeding movement of a waterfowl decoy in a body of water includes rotating a shaft of a motor of the decoy from a resting position to a first feeding position to cause the decoy to move from a horizontal position to a vertical position, from the first feeding position to a second feeding position to cause the decoy to move from the vertical position to a position between the horizontal position and the first feeding position, from the second feeding position to the first feeding position to cause the body of the decoy to move from the position between the horizontal position and the first feeding position back to the vertical position, and from the first or second feeding position back to the resting position thereby causing the body of the decoy to move back to the resting position.

Abstract: A cryopreservation composition generally includes a cryoprotective agent and a laser absorber that includes a metal. Rewarming a cryopreserved specimen that includes the cryopreservation composition includes subjecting the cryopreserved specimen to a laser pulse effective to heat the laser absorber sufficiently to thaw the cryopreserved biospecimen.

Abstract: In medicine, and more specifically, in cardiac surgery and perfusiology. In order to improve heart transplantation results by optimizing the conditioning of a heart, the method of conditioning a donor heart comprises a set of measures including an administration of a blood cardioplegic solution, an ultrafiltration and Levosimendan. For cardioplegia in the body of the donor, a normothermic solution consisting of donor blood and a crystalloid solution at the ratio of 5:1 (potassium chloride 4%, magnesium sulfate 25%, lidocaine 2%, sodium hydrocarbonate, and mannitol 15%) is used. To protect the myocardium and enhance its blood circulation, a single dose of Levosimendan (45 ?g/kg) is injected into the perfusate. To remove inflammatory mediators, an excessive amount of fluid, and to correct the electrolyte composition and the hematocrit, the perfusate is ultrafiltered. Prior to transplantation to a recipient, the blood cardioplegic solution is administrated to wean the donor heart off the OCS device.

Abstract: The invention discloses a vitrification freezing treatment device for cells. The vitrification freezing treatment device for cells includes a straw device, a pre-freezing device, a freezing unit, a driving device, a control unit and a carrying table used for carrying cell carriers, wherein the straw device is connected with the driving device in a driven mode, the driving device is in signal connection with the control unit, the straw device comprises straws used for obtaining cells in the cell carriers, the control unit is used for controlling the driving device to drive the straw device to obtain cells and to transfer the cells to the freezing unit, and the pre-freezing device is used for pre-freezing the straws when the straw device transfers the obtained cells to the freezing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are granular formulations of herbicides that provide a means to apply non-selective herbicides to field and paddy crops and turf. Granules can be formulated with sub-particles to allow differential release of one or other active ingredient. Granules or sub-particles allow for controlled release of active ingedient such that while up to 30% of the active ingredient is available within 24 h, the remainder requires 3 to 40 days to become available. Sub-particles may also be used as conventional sprays to reduce uptake by leaves of desirable crops.

Abstract: Methods and liquid compositions for stabilizing an oxidizing biocide in a water system. The liquid composition comprises a hydantoin, and a surfactant, a ratio of a concentration of the hydantoin to the surfactant in the liquid composition is in a range of 1:1 to 99:1 by volume. The method comprises mixing a hydantoin, a surfactant and an oxidizing biocide with water to form a liquid treatment composition, and then adding the liquid treatment composition to a water stream in the water system, the liquid treatment composition improving the efficacy of the oxidizing biocide in the water stream.

Abstract: Methods and compositions to reduce spray drift during application and/or volatility after application can be reduced by incorporating certain tertiary amine or tertiary amine oxide surfactants into an aqueous herbicidal spray mixture containing dicamba. The use of the choline salt of dicamba and the presence of 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid (DCSA) or a salicylic acid derivative can further reduce drift and volatility. In some embodiments, the composition can contain one or more additional pesticides, such as glyphosate, glufosinate, or mixtures thereof. The concentration of 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid or the salicylic acid derivative is typically greater than about 25 ppm by weight of the spray mixture.

Abstract: A bee attracting and bee tranquilizing composition has the form of an oil/water emulsion in aqueous phase, wherein the oil phase contains citral (3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal), eugenol (4-aliyl-2-methoxyphenol) and an oil carrier in an amount of 10% to 50% by weight of the composition, wherein the weight ratio of citral to eugenol is in a range from 1 to 10, and more preferably in a range from 1.7 to 5, and the aqueous phase contains a sweetener in an amount of 15% to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the aqueous phase. The sweetener is preferably selected from the group including: sacharose, fructose, glucose, sugar, inverted sugar syrup, maltose syrup and mixtures thereof. The invention also relates to methods and uses of such a composition for increasing the productivity of a crop area requiring bee pollination in agricultural and/or horticultural environments.

Abstract: A jinggangmycin and ipconazole fungicidal composition, a weight ratio of jinggangmycin to ipconazole being (1-68):(40-1). The fungicidal composition of the present invention has a remarkable synergistic effect in preventing and controlling fusarium head blight of wheat and barley, powdery mildew of wheat and barley, rust of wheat and barley, sheath blight of wheat and barley, leaf blight of wheat and barley, rice blast, rice false smut and rice sheath blight, particularly the synergistic effect in preventing and controlling fusarium head blight of wheat and barley is more remarkable, and the contamination level of DON toxin in grains can be significantly decreased.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and methods for making compositions for reducing crop injury by applying to crops a composition containing one or more safeners and an herbicide composition containing a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitor are disclosed. In particular aspects, the safener composition contains cloquintocet-mexyl and/or mefenpyr-diethyl.

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing lenacil and thiabendazole is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material, a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.

Abstract: Liquid fungicidal compositions and methods for reducing phytotoxic effects of repeated exposure of vegetation to a demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide are provided. The fungicidal composition comprises a mixture of at least one DMI fungicide and at least one succinate dehydrogenase inhibiting (SDHI) fungicide. Methods include applying the fungicidal composition on and/or near vegetation having or susceptible to a fungal infestation.

Abstract: An antimicrobial powder comprising metal oxide nanoparticles; an organosilane coupling agent immobilized on the nanoparticles; and triazine-based N-halamine compounds having functional groups covalently bonded to the organosilane coupling agent. A method of making the antimicrobial powder is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds tenvermectin A and B and mixtures of compounds tenvermectin A and B for the control of harmful insects in agricultural and forest crops. The tenvermectin A and/or the tenvermectin B of the present invention have a significant control effect on harmful insects in agricultural and forest crops, for example, Bemisia tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, Laodelphax striatellus, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, rice Chilo suppressalis, rice Scirpophaga incertulas and Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and have low toxicity, and are more environmentally friendly and have good application prospects.

Abstract: Provided is a particular form of natamycin that shows improved properties as a fungicide for use in agricultural applications. A preferred natamycin composition comprises a structuring agent and a surfactant. Said natamycin composition further comprises cellular matter from a natamycin-producing organism. The natamycin in a natamycin composition preferably has a surface area of less than 6 m2/g, and an average particle size of less than 6 micrometer. The invention further relates to methods, comprising contacting a plant or part thereof, a fungus, a fruit, a crop, a seed, and/or a soil with a natamycin composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) compounds, methods for synthesizing these compounds, and materials and substances incorporating these compounds. The various PPEs show antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds, processes for preparing quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds, antimicrobial coating compositions comprising quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds and method of treating a surface with said compositions to provide a durable, antimicrobial-treated surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bactericide composition based on bacteriophages for the control of black plague in plants or parts thereof, preferably walnuts, a preparation method and application. The invention provides methods for the isolation, propagation and application of bacteriophages against phytopathogens affecting trees/plants that are of commercial interest for their fruit, flowers etc., for the prevention, treatment or reduction of signs, in particular, for Xanthomonas a. pv juglandis in walnuts.

Abstract: The present invention relates Pseudomonas strains and consortia thereof that are useful in protecting plants against microbial plant diseases caused by pathogens such as Ralstonia, Clavibacter, Envinia, Curtobacterium, Fusarium, Phytophthora and Helminthosporium. The Pseudomonas strains were selected on the basis of their antagonistic abilities against plant pathogens such as production of antimicrobial compounds, direct inhibition of growth of plant pathogens, competition of carbon or nitrogen sources and endophytic features such as anaerobic growth on nitrate as electron acceptor and growth on arabinose as carbon source. The invention further relates to compositions comprising the strains or consortia of the invention, preferably lyophilized compositions, and to methods wherein they are used in protecting a wide variety of plants against a wide variety of microbial plant diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member. The invention also relates to recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing such fusion proteins, formulations containing the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing the fusion proteins. Methods for stimulating plant growth and for protecting plants from pathogens by applying the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members or the formulations to plants or a plant growth medium are also described. The invention also relates to methods for immobilizing spores of a recombinant Bacillus cereus family member expressing a fusion protein on plant roots.

Abstract: An agricultural medium to control plant disease and nematodes by first applying to the agricultural medium an effective amount of an aqueous peroxyacetic acid composition; and then inoculating the soil with beneficial organisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides both compositions comprising Methylobacterium and compositions comprising Methylobacterium that are depleted of substances that promote growth of resident microorganisms on a lettuce plant or seed. Also provided are methods for improving lettuce production, methods of making the compositions, and methods of treating a lettuce plant or seed with the compositions comprising Methylobacterium.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to compositions, methods and systems entailing one or more microbial species or microbe derivatives therefrom or combinations of a microbial species pins at least one microbe derivative, in combination with one or more agricultural chemicals such as a fungicide, an insecticide, a nematicide, a bacteriocide, an herbicide or a mixture thereof for application to crops for enhanced growth and performance. The microbial species are preferably selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma virens, Trichoderma atroviride, Trichoderma afroharzianum, Trichoderma strain K1, Trichoderma strain K2, Trichoderma strain K3: Trichoderma strain K4, Trichoderma strain K5 and mixtures thereof. The microbe derivatives are preferably microbial metabolites selected from the group consisting of 6-pentyl pyrone, harzianic acid, hydtra 1, harzinolide, 1-octene-3-ol and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In various aspects, the composition of matter disclosed herein includes an antimicrobial solution. The antimicrobial solution may include water and extracted material obtained by solvent extraction from one or more of seeds, pulp, and fruit of a plant of the genus Citrus, in various aspects. The extracted material has anti-microbial properties and is at a concentration in said antimicrobial solution effective to eradicate micro-organisms that may include both Gram-positive micro-organisms and Gram-negative micro-organisms, in various aspects. The antimicrobial solution may include acetic acid buffered by a buffer to maintain said antimicrobial solution at a pH between about 4 and about 6. The antimicrobial solution may include a surfactant comprising one or more surfactant materials selected from glycerides of a vegetable oil, fatty acids of the vegetable oil, esters of fatty acids of the vegetable oil, ethoxylated vegetable oil. The antimicrobial solution may include colorant and may include flavorant.

Abstract: A large-scale multifunctional rice noodle making machine, along the direction of materials delivery comprises sequentially a rice lifting machine inlet, a rice lifting machine, a fermenter, a rice feeder, a rice-flour outlet, an auxiliary ingredients machine, a continuously mixing and conveying machine, an outlet, a self-ripening and shaping machine, a hot water circulation tank, a rice-flour feeder, an extruding machine, a conveyor of aging machine, a fan, an aging machine, a first noodle loosen machine, a noodle steamer, an out-feed channel, a second noodle loosen machine, a conveyor, an inlet, an inner packaging machine, a conveyor I, a weighing scale, a metal detector, a conveyor II, a sterilizer, and a rice noodle collector. The present invention relates to a large-scale multifunction rice noodle machine, which can automatically and efficiently produce a variety of rice noodles, such as fermented and non-fermented rice noodles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a baked product which is adapted before during and/or after baking to have one or more images on at least one surface thereof. The image can be applied to an external surface or a surface of a portion of the baked product which is formed, typically by cutting. The portions can be reformatted into the baked product shape and packaged as a retail item after the one or more images have been applied thereto and the images are only exposed when the portions are subsequently removed for consumption. The substance used to form the image can be applied using contactless application apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improving the conversion of cannabolic acids to active pharmacological cannabinoids in various foodstuffs are disclosed.

Abstract: Gingerbread structures are constructed from baked gingerbread components that typically include both upstanding wall components, and roof components that overlie some of the upstanding wall components. The present invention also relates 1) to substantially rigid clips installed to underlie, grip, connect and/or strengthen elongate joints formed between adjacent pairs of the gingerbread components; and 2) to gingerbread structures constructed from the baked gingerbread components and the substantially rigid clips. Construction of gingerbread structures is assisted by the use of the substantially rigid clips that also help to hold adjacent pairs of gingerbread components in desired assembled orientations while lines of icing set up to bond adjacent pairs of the gingerbread components that define elongate joints of the gingerbread structures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for optical inspection of the opened abdominal cavity (10) of gutted fish (11), comprising a conveying device (12) configured for conveying the fish (11) along a processing line in the longitudinal direction, pivotable ventral flaps holding elements (17) configured for holding open the abdominal cavity (10) of the fish, at least one optical imaging system (21, 22, 23) arranged along the processing line, said optical imaging system being designed and configured to take at least one sequence of images of abdominal cavity regions of one of the fish (11) in each case, said sequence comprising a plurality of single images, at least one illumination device (24, 25) configured for illuminating the abdominal cavity regions in each case with light of a predetermined spectral composition, in each case at the times the single images are taken, an evaluation unit (26) configured to evaluate the image sequence according to prescribed quality parameters, said evaluation unit be

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a shoulder joint position of a carcass part of slaughtered poultry are disclosed. The system includes a position measurement device, having a mechanical contact member which is adapted to engage at least one shoulder joint during a measurement of the shoulder joint position, and a product carrier which is adapted to support the carcass part during movement of the product carrier along the conveying path past the position measurement device. The position of the product carrier during the measurement of the shoulder joint position is such that the carcass part is arranged relative to the position measurement device with the left shoulder joint and right shoulder joint one behind the other as seen in the transport direction so as to allow the mechanical contact member to engage a shoulder joint bone structure of a shoulder joint.