Abstract: A pole hedge trimmer which is balanced about a pole axis and which has a handle which can be operated with a single hand to orient the trimming blade at a desired trimming angle. A pole hedge trimmer having a trimmer assembly having a motor unit and a trimmer unit, in which the trimmer assembly is supported by a pole at a distance from a power unit and the motor unit and trimmer unit are generally in balance with one another about a pole axis. The pole hedge trimmer can have a position system for orienting a trimmer blade using an orientation handle configured for one-handed operation by an operator to position the trimmer blade. The pole hedge trimmer can be a low-profile hedge trimmer allowing for very close trimming to surfaces.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an illuminated wreath card holder comprising a wreath form, decorative material configured to create a wreath on the form, and a plurality of ornamental clamp assemblies that are attached to the wreath form and configured to releasably secure, display, and illuminate greeting cards on the wreath. Each ornamental clamp assembly comprises at least one ornamental cover, at least one clip, and at least one light that is positioned between the ornamental cover and the clip. When viewed from the front, the light is hidden behind the ornamental cover and casts a glow up onto the greeting card. The ornamental cover may be star-shaped and have a return flange at its back to which the light and clip are attached. The illuminated wreath card holder may have a power source and be packed in kit form.

Abstract: One variation of a method for automating transfer of plants within an agricultural facility includes: dispatching a loader to autonomously deliver a first module—defining a first array of plant slots at a first density and loaded with a first set of plants at a first growth stage—from a first grow location within an agricultural facility to a transfer station within the agricultural facility; dispatching the loader to autonomously deliver a second module—defining a second array of plant slots at a second density less than the first density and empty of plants—to the transfer station; recording a module-level optical scan of the first module; extracting a viability parameter of the first set of plants from features detected in the module-level optical scan; and if the viability parameter falls outside of a target viability range, rejecting transfer of the first set of plants from the first module.

Abstract: A potting system and method are provided in which a flexible pot side includes two sets of bottom panel apertures, each set receiving tabs from a bottom panel. The potting system is assembled by positioning mutually engaging panel mesh structures on the bottom panels while folding the flexible pot side so that a plurality of first lacing apertures aligns with a plurality of second lacing apertures, and then inserting a pull lace through the aligned apertures to mechanically interlock them. Additionally, the pot system may be easily disassembled by disengaging the pull lace from the lacing apertures which causes the pot side to unbend and allows the bottom panel tabs to disengage. The pot system may then be reassembled by reengaging the bottom panels, repositioning the lacing apertures and inserting the pull lace.

Abstract: A chemical-free, laser-induced rain method uses supercontinuum (SC) generation by 800 nm 100 fs ultra high power laser beams to produce photoionization in optical filaments and application of Gaussian(G) and Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beams. The SC is used to produce multiple filamentations and micro particle manipulation in the atmosphere with obvious applications in arid or drought ridden areas. Two salient steps are used to induce rain: 1) high peak power filament inducing laser pulses to ionize air molecules and preexisting aerosols, and 2) manipulation of nano and micro sized particles using special function beams as potential particle traps, such as the Laguerre Gaussian and Gaussian beams. The outcome is a clean, safe, efficient method for inducing rain. The application is not just limited to rain induction but can also be used in clearing dust and cloud clearing formations.

Abstract: A blower/vacuum being interchangeable between a blower configuration and a vacuum configuration is provided. The blower/vacuum includes a blower assembly attachable to a base in the blower configuration and a vacuum assembly attachable to the base in the vacuum configuration. The blower/vacuum includes a fan member that has both a first fan and a second fan integrally formed together, wherein the first fan is utilized to generate air flow in the blower configuration and the second fan is utilized to generate air flow in the vacuum configuration.

Abstract: The battery-powered blower includes a housing assembly including a first housing portion having a first inner surface, a second housing portion having a second inner surface, and connected to the first housing portion, and a third housing portion connected to the second portion. The third housing portion has a side outer surface configured to receive a battery. The battery is mountable to the side outer surface of the third housing portion. The second housing portion in connection with to the first housing portion forms an inner chamber therebetween. A fan is provided in the inner chamber to facilitate airflow through the housing assembly and out an outlet, and a motor is provided intermediate to the second housing portion and the third housing portion. The center of gravity with respect to the overall blower is provided proximate to a handle portion.

Abstract: A tree felling wedge (100) comprising at least one pressure sensor (110), an alert interface (130) and a controller (120) is provided. The controller (120) is configured to activate said tree felling wedge (100) in a tree felling monitoring mode, detect a pressure level, detect a release in said pressure level (R) indicating the falling of a tree and in response thereto provide an alert through said alert interface (130).

Abstract: Various systems, methods and apparatus for locating emitters embedded in tubing are disclosed herein, as well as forming outlets in said tubing and confirming the placement accuracy of such outlets. In one form, an emitter locator is disclosed having: a housing defining a generally enclosed space and having an inlet located in a first side of the housing and an outlet located in a second side of the housing positioned opposite the inlet; a cutter positioned within the generally enclosed space between the inlet and outlet; a first optical instrument located proximate the inlet; a second optical instrument located proximate the outlet; and a controller connected to the cutter and first and second optical instruments, the controller configured to detect a tubing target area desired for placement of an outlet opening in tubing that passes through the inlet and cut the tubing target area to form the outlet opening therein.

Abstract: A detachable frame of a light-small sprinkling machine includes angle steel pieces, tiepieces, support bars, support upright rods, top rod with slots, and wheels. The components of the frame are connected through threaded connections, so that the frame can be disassembled and removed easily. The distance between sprinkler heads and the mounting height of the sprinkler heads may be changed by means of free movement of turning hooks in the top rod with slots. The number of spans of the rod of the machine are be selected according to the topographic structure and can be changed by means of threaded holes in the two ends of the top rod with slots, and thereby the length of the rod can be changed. Employing low-pressure sprinkler heads and utilizing the turning effect of movable swivel shafts, the irrigation sprinkling machine can be turned to any direction freely.

Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of tomato, NUN 00241 TOP.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV461699. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV461699, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV461699 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV461699 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV461699.

Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated XSW4801 and seed, plants, plant parts and plant cells thereof are produced from a cross of inbred sorghum varieties. Methods for producing a sorghum plant comprise crossing hybrid sorghum variety XSW4801 with another sorghum plant. Sorghum variety XSW4801, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety XSW4801 are provided. Methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into sorghum variety XSW4801 include one or both of backcross conversion and transformation of one or both inbred parents. The sorghum seed, plants and plant parts produced thereby are described.

Abstract: A point-of-care diagnostic system that includes a cartridge and a reader. The cartridge can contain a patient sample, such as a blood sample. The cartridge is inserted into the reader and the patient sample is analyzed. The reader contains various analysis systems, such as an electrophoresis detection system that uses electrophoresis testing to identify and quantify various components of the blood sample. The reader can process data from the various patient sample analysis to provide interpretative results indicative of a disorder, condition, disease and/or infection of the patient.

Abstract: A process for producing a reduced tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) tobacco plant comprising reducing and/or eliminating anatabine biosynthesis in wild-type tobacco plant. In addition, use of such plants for discovery of molecular markers that are closely linked with genes required for anatabine biosynthesis and for discovery of genes required for anatabine biosynthesis. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the tobacco material.

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 invention relates to the wheat cultivar designated 01071783. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the wheat cultivar 01071783. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the wheat cultivar 01071783 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing wheat plants by crossing the wheat cultivar 01071783 with itself or another wheat cultivar and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH341398. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH341398, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH341398 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 CH341398.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH268120. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH268120, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH268120 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 CH268120.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH484301. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH484301, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH484301 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 CH484301.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH547702. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH547702, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH547702 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 CH547702.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean variety, designated GC16389984, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-125669. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the variety, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the GC16389984 variety, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PZUE24 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PZUE24, cells from soybean variety 5PZUE24, plants of soybean 5PZUE24, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PZUE24. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PZUE24 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PZUE24, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PZUE24, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PZUE24. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PZUE24 are further provided.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PGCL62 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PGCL62, cells from soybean variety 5PGCL62, plants of soybean 5PGCL62, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PGCL62. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PGCL62 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PGCL62, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PGCL62, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PGCL62. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PGCL62 are further provided.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S170117 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S170117, to the plants of soybean cultivar S170117, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S170117, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S170117. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170117. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170117, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S170117 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S170053 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S170053, to the plants of soybean cultivar S170053, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S170053, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S170053. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170053. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170053, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S170053 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of pepper hybrid DR2179PB and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid DR2179PB and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another pepper 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: A cat litter box has a bath tub form having a circumferential lip having an underside, a raised perimeter extending upwardly from the lip, the raised perimeter having top edge, and a circumferential groove on the underside of the lip, a lid having an aperture therein, the lid configured to fit within the raised perimeter and rest on the lip, the aperture configured to permit ingress and egress of a cat, and a plurality of fasteners having an upper appendage and lower appendage, wherein the upper appendage is configured to extend over the perimeter, and the lower appendage comprises a protrusion configured to engage with the groove. The lid may also have a grate that is porous, or it may be textured and porous, to help remove litter from a cat's feet as it comes out of the litter box.

Abstract: A cage for monitoring an experimental animal is disclosed. The cage may include one or more walls that enclose a living space for at least one experimental animal. At least one of the one or more walls may include a first material that is a plastic material. The cage may further include a window that is transparent to a band of infrared radiation that is within the range of from about 3 ?m to about 14 ?m in wavelength. The transparent window may have an inner side exposed to the living space that includes a second material that is substantially non-toxic to the at least one experimental animal.

Abstract: A pet ramp system has a central pier and at least one ramp with an axle that is received in at least one axle receiver disposed near the top of the pier. The pier's axle receiver(s) permit installation of the ramp axle when the ramp is oriented at less than a predetermined angle from vertical, but the axle receiver(s) will not permit separation of the ramp from the pier when the ramp is lowered to any of a plurality of use positions that each are at more than the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A tie-out post that provides a point of connection that is fixed at a location and is capable of rotating 360 degrees around that location in either direction. When used as a pet tie-down it provides the pet with freedom to move in any direction, is not apt to entanglement, does not provide a scenario where the pet may damage the device by pulling in opposite direction of point of connection, and is not apt to wear and tear. The tie-out post includes a ground spike to be inserted in the ground and a detachable and rotatable connection head to be located on the surface of the ground. The connection head includes a connector (fully enclosed) that is centered thereon and is capable of rotating therearound. The placement of the connector at the top of the connection head minimizes the size and diameter of the tie-out post.

Abstract: A hood, shield, plate or other blocking device, which, when attached, or build directly on, to large animal feeders allows only the intended large sized animals access to the contents within the outlets of the feeder is disclosed. By closing under the weight of the any animal when they attempt to hang, climb, or sit on the outlet of the feeder, the invention disclosed restricts the access of any animal that is too short to reach the contents in feeder's outlet(s) without the use of the feeder supporting their weight in some manner.

Abstract: [Object] A livestock management system according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a stay determination unit. The stay determination unit determines, on the basis of data regarding a plurality of individual identification signals transmitted from a transmission apparatus that is attached to a livestock animal and transmits the individual identification signal made corresponding to the livestock animal, whether or not the livestock animal is staying within a target region corresponding to the individual identification signal.

Abstract: A clip-style equine twitch device comprising a clip head and in-line tether holes, each threaded with a section of rope or cord to form an adjustable loop that can be applied to the horse and then securely clipped to an anchor point, and a method of use thereof.

Abstract: A system for training animals includes a hand-held device and a remote device, where the remote device applies a stimulus when a user presses a button or trigger on the hand-held device. The amount of pressure applied is measured by a pressure sensitive transducer and transformed into proportional transducer signals. These transducer signals are transmitted to the remote device, which then applies a stimulus to an animal being trained. The amplitude of the applied stimulus corresponds to the amplitude of the transducer signals; a trainer can thus precisely control the intensity of the stimulus by applying and relieving pressure on the button. The type of stimulus applied is controlled based on the position of a rotary switch on the hand-held device. Sensor data generated by specialized sensors in the remote device may be transmitted to the hand-held device to provide the user with sensory feedback.

Abstract: A method for creating a video for pets, comprising: creating visual content for the video; and creating auditory content for the video, wherein the auditory content comprises: a musical arrangement that has a relaxing effect on dogs, the musical arrangement characterized by a tempo in the range of 50 to 70 beats per minute (BPM), and one or more sounds that have a stimulating effect on dogs.

Abstract: A chew toy for dogs is an assembled kit including a noisemaker and a plush section with a spine that attaches to another more rigid component. The plush section can be removed from the spine to reveal an eyelet. Strands of edible material are laced through the perforations along the perimeter of the rigid component. The varied shape of the toy allows a dog having a mouth of any size or shape to find a site of a complementary shape for enhanced comfort and chewing pleasure.

Abstract: Provided is a system for observing and analyzing an animal behavior by utilizing a balance. The animal behavior observation system includes an animal container where an animal move around, a weight measuring apparatus that has a weight detecting unit for obtaining measurement data of the animal on the animal container, an analyzing device enabling calculation of a measurement value in accordance with the measurement data, a recording device that constantly stores the measurement value; and an output device that outputs the measurement value along a time axis.

Abstract: Stackable poultry container systems are described herein along with methods of using the systems in connection with the care of poultry. The stackable poultry container systems described herein may include feeder apparatus that allow for the distribution of feed to all of the containers within a stack of containers through the feeder apparatus provided in the uppermost container in the stack. The stackable poultry container systems described herein may include a floor that has waste apertures formed therein to allow waste from animals located in the container to fall through the floor to improve sanitation for the animals located in the container system. The stacks of poultry containers may include waste shields located beneath each floor such that waste falling through the floor of a container does not pass into the container located below when the containers are stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a floor, a roof, and at least one wall having a plenum to draw air adjacent the roof down the plenum toward the floor. At least one cage tower is disposed on the floor. At least one walkway is disposed adjacent the at least one cage tower and is configured to facilitate bird access to the at least one cage tower. A fan is disposed in flow communication with the plenum to circulate air in the aviary.

Abstract: Methods of producing non-human animal models of corneal angiogenesis and corneal ectatic diseases, such as corneal keratoconus, by applying an aromatic compound to the eye of a non-human animal are described. Also described are non-human animal models of corneal angiogenesis and corneal ectatic diseases, and methods of using the non-human animal models to screen compounds that modulate corneal angiogenesis and corneal ectatic diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a breeding method for obtaining heterosis in lined seahorses, which comprises the following steps: S1, selecting parents of lined seahorse from populations with great differences in genetic background; S2, intensified rearing the parents before pregnancy; S3, matching and breeding the parents of lined seahorse from different geographical populations according to complete diallel cross method; S4, finely nursing pregnant seahorses; S5, respectively collecting all postlarvae (filial generations) hatched by each breeding group in one week; S6, rearing the filial generations; and S7, comparing survival rate and growth performance of filial generations. The present invention, via hybridization of different geographical populations to obtain lined seahorse, makes effective use of heterosis. Survival rate and growth rate of filial generations are apparently enhanced compared to that of those filial generations without hybridization.

Abstract: A method of modulating some or all copies of a gene in a cell is provided including introducing into a cell one or more ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences that comprise a portion that is complementary to all or a portion of each of the one or more target nucleic acid sequences, and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Cas protein and maintaining the cells under conditions in which the Cas protein is expressed and the Cas protein binds and modulates the one or more target nucleic acid sequences in the cell.

Abstract: A retrieval system and methods of preparing and using same to retrieve underwater objects from a selected depth, including a flotation device having at least a selected amount of buoyancy, a release mechanism that is capable of releasably engaging an anchor, and a controller to actuate the release mechanism when a selected condition is achieved. The system further includes a spool assembly having a frame for carrying (i) the floatation device, (ii) the release mechanism, (iii) the controller and (iv) in combination with the flotation device, a quantity of pre-wound line having a length greater than the selected depth.

Abstract: The fish catching trap includes a substantially rigid round base having an open net surrounding it. A buoy or float is attached to the net by a line, the buoy being held stationary to an upper handle-like portion of the base using a nail or pin. The pin is attached to a string connected to fish bait placed in the bottom of the trap. When a fish disturbs or moves the bait, the string is pulled and the pin is released, allowing the buoy to quickly move upwards, closing the net surrounding the base and trapping any fish in the area. A second buoy serves as a visual indicator that the trap has been sprung.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing lure made up of an epoxy resin head where the fishing line will connect, a number of flexible stainless steel camouflage wire arms coming out the center backside of the head horizontally to create different width spreads on the lure. These flexible wire arms eventually bend downward to create the height of the lure, or the vertical arms with staggered lengths to them. A number of different baits can be attached to each individual arm. The flexibility of the wire arms allows adjustment of lure to keep its original shape. A center arm with multiple sized changeable weights to the far rear of invention, and the advantage of adding another bait on the end after the weight.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a spool, a spool shaft, a spool supporting portion, a reel body, a rotating member, and a retaining member. The spool supporting portion is configured to support an end side of the spool shaft. The rotating member is disposed between the reel body and the spool supporting portion. The rotating member is rotatably arranged with respect to the spool supporting portion to detachably attach the spool supporting portion to the reel body. The retaining member is disposed between the spool supporting portion and the spool axis. The retaining member is configured to engage the spool supporting portion and the rotating member and prevent the rotating member from detaching from the spool supporting portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and device for carrying fishing equipment and accessories and for dispensing tippet or leader from a tackle container. In at least one embodiment the portable container comprises a first housing and a second housing that are pivotably connected. Each of the housings can be configured so as to define a plurality of hollow spaces therein, wherein at least one hollow space includes a tippet control system. In additional embodiments, the portable container can further include one or more expansion housings.

Abstract: Convertible fishing rod carriers may include an elongate telescoping portion configured to house one or more fishing rods and an enlarged housing configured to accommodate reels of the one or more fishing rods. Carriers described herein may be convertible between a portable configuration, in which the carrier maybe transported by hand, and a mounted configuration, in which the carrier is secured to a vehicle rack. In the mounted configuration, some examples include a locking feature configured to prevent removal of the carrier from the rack.

Abstract: A fishing rod holding apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a crossbar and one or more rod receivers affixed to the crossbar. Each of the rod receivers may be configured to receive a fishing rod. Further, the apparatus may include at least one bracket engaged with the crossbar and configured to engage a boat. The apparatus may additionally include an actuator engaged with crossbar and configured to rotate the crossbar to change an angle of the one or more rod receivers with respect to the vertical plane. A related boat and a related boat accessory operation method are also provided.