Abstract: A device for maple sap harvesting, which includes an assembly of a tubular sleeve which is removably mounted inside a tubular section of a tap. The tubular sleeve may be molded from a food-grade, anti-bacterial material. The tubular sleeve is inserted into the tap before the tap is driven into a maple tree. When the tap is removed from the tree at the conclusion of the sap harvest period, the sleeve may be discarded. The next season, a new sleeve is placed in the tap, with the new sleeve containing no residual bacterial contamination from the previous season of use.

Abstract: Presented herein are membranes for use in separating solids including salts from water. One application of such membranes is in a sub-surface irrigation system that that utilizes a saline or tainted water as a feed source. In various embodiments, the membranes operate on a solution diffusion principle. In other embodiments the membranes operate on an ultrafiltration principle and/or a solution diffusion principle. In any embodiment, the membranes operate similar to pervaporation membranes suitable for non-pressure driven systems. The membranes are designed to provide increased flux rate while separating solids such as salts from water.

Abstract: A controller including Wi-Fi connectivity to the internet and adapted as an add-on over-riding controller for a controller of electric sprinkler valves. The over-riding controller provides local intelligence to optionally prevent an electrical output of the sprinkler controller from actuating a sprinkler valve if one or more parameter is exceeded.

Abstract: An integrated actuator coil and decoder module for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods of manufacture and installation, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises a body, decoder circuitry located within the body, a coil located within the body and coupled to the decoder circuitry, the coil adapted to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. Also included is an electrical connection coupled to the decoder circuitry and adapted to couple to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system. The decoder circuitry and the coil are integrated into a single device.

Abstract: A closed loop system for growing vegetation is provided. The closed loop system includes at least a first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. Each of the first and second transport conveyors includes a front end opposite a rear end. The present invention further includes at least a first transfer conveyor. A lighting system is positioned to emit light towards the first transport conveyor and a second transport conveyor. The present invention further includes at least one terrace structure. The first transport conveyor transports at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end, the first transfer conveyor transfers the at least one terrace structure from rear end of the first transport conveyor to the front end of the second transport conveyor and the second transport conveyor transports the at least one terrace structure from the front end to the rear end.

Abstract: A multilevel indoor mobile gutter system for growing vegetation including at least a first level and a second level is provided. Each level may include a first level conveyor and a second level conveyor respectively. A transfer conveyor is operable to convey from the first level to the second level. A plurality of lights are positioned to emit light towards the first level and the second level. At least one gutter is operable to support a plant within. The first level conveyor transports the at least one gutter from the front end to the rear end of the first level, the transfer conveyor transfers the at least one gutter from rear end of the first level to the front end of the second level, and the second level conveyor transports the at least one gutter from the front end to the rear end of the second level.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PVKC48 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PVKC48, cells from soybean variety 5PVKC48, plants of soybean 5PVKC48, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PVKC48. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PVKC48 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PVKC48, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PVKC48, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PVKC48. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PVKC48 are further provided.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH190690. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH190690, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH190690 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 CH190690.

Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated XSW5902 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 XSW5902 with another sorghum plant. Sorghum variety XSW5902, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety XSW5902 are provided. Methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into sorghum variety XSW5902 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 novel maize variety designated X03M275 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X03M275 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03M275 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X03M275, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03M275 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03M275 and methods of using maize variety X03M275 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH42CV and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH42CV with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH42CV through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH42CV or a locus conversion of PH42CV with another maize variety.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH380080. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH380080, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH380080 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 CH380080.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH567286. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH567286, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH567286 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 CH567286.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated 93677237. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety 93677237, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety 93677237 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 93677237.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated S170107 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S170107, to the plants of soybean cultivar S170107, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S170107, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S170107. 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 S170107. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S170107, 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 S170107 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A new garden bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris L) designated as ‘PV-857’, particularly characterized by resistance to Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and Bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus), is provided.

Abstract: A bolus that communicates with an external transceiver by way of radio waves produced by an electrically small H-antenna is described. The electrically small H-antenna is connected to a conductive cylindrical antenna that houses a battery and chipset that includes a transceiver, identification information and at least one sensor. The H-antenna and the conductive cylindrical antenna are arranged so that electrical currents that produce the radio waves are essentially always aligned to work together. The bolus is essentially a hermetically sealed capsule containing the antennas that is meant to be ingested by a cow or other ruminant animal. The bolus is configured to transmit radio waves in essentially an omnidirectional pattern more efficiently when the boluses inside of a cow stomach than when the boluses outside of the cow.

Abstract: A pet toy may include a hollow compressible body having a mouth about an opening leading to an interior of the body and a tab having a head and a neck extending from the head. The neck extends through the opening while the head is larger than the opening. The neck is slidable through the opening to move the head between a silent position and a squeaking position. In the silent position, the head is spaced from the mouth to allow air flow from the interior of the body through the opening between the neck and the body without producing audible sound. In the squeaking position, the head is sufficiently close to the mouth such that airflow from the interior of the body through the opening between the neck and the body and between the mouth and the head produces an audible squeaking sound.

Abstract: An animal toy includes an elongated body portion having a first end and a second end, a first wheel disposed adjacent the first end, a second wheel disposed adjacent the second end, at least one electric motor configured to drive the first wheel and the second wheel independently, a receiver configured to receive signals from a transmitter, and a controller programmed to control the electric motor and the rotational speed and direction of each of the first and second wheels.

Abstract: A dog harness includes a harness body, having a front potion and a rear potion, first and second front straps, first and second rear straps, first and second coupling members, first and second leash straps and a connecting means, wherein the first leash strap loops through the first coupling member such that the first leash strap is adapted to move relative to the first coupling member, wherein the second leash strap loops through the second coupling member such that the second leash strap is adapted to move relative to the second coupling member. Each of the coupling members include a ring and a rod. The coupling members are curved to lessen the amount of friction experienced by the leash straps when the leash straps loop through the coupling members.

Abstract: An animal restraint device includes an elongated member with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a posterior length, and a remaining length. A first connector is at a first end and a third connector is positioned at the second end of the elongated member. A second connector is positioned at a first distance from the first end. A fourth connector is positioned at a second distance from the second end. The fourth connector can be releasably attached to the third connector. A collar loop is formed from the posterior length through attachment of the first connector to the second connector. The elongated member is configurable in a storage configuration in which concentric loops are wrapped around the collar loop in a single rotational direction and affixed to the collar loop or a concentric loop and the second end is connected to the exterior surface of an outer-most concentric loop.

Abstract: A bird feeder cable lid lock is provided for a bird feeder having a feed reservoir body with a removable lid having an aperture therein, and a wire or cable threaded through the aperture by which the feeder is suspended in use. The cable lid lock includes a threaded bolt having an axial hole through which the hanging cable is fed and an internally threaded base element in abutment with the lid and having a stepped or tapered bore with a diminishing diameter that receives the bolt. The bolt has a relief cut in the shank to form at least two arms on different sides of the cable. The arms are pressed toward one another as the bolt is tightened into the diminishing diameter base element bore, squeezing the cable where it extends through the bolt and exerting a significant force normal to the cable that, with the coefficient of friction, creates a very effective locking action on the cable to secure the lid against the feed reservoir body.

Abstract: This application provides a novel mouse model (PLA2g6 KOEx2) in which genetic deletion of the N terminus of PLA2g6 results in a loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in substantia nigra (SN), and development of PD-like motor deficits that can be significantly improved by L-DOPA. Based in part on experimental results demonstrated with this model, this disclosure provides genetically modified animals and genetically modified animal cells that comprise a mutant allele of PLA2g6 and in which store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is impaired and ER Ca2+ stores are depleted. This disclosure also provides methods of screening a compound for an effect on the SOCE pathway and/or ER Ca2+ by administering the compound to such a genetically modified animal or genetically modified animal cell.

Abstract: Non-human animals, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided, wherein the non-human animals comprise a humanization of a Programmed cell death 1 (Pdcd1) gene. The non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous Pdcd1 gene so that the non-human animals express a PD-1 polypeptide that includes a human portion and an endogenous portion (e.g., a non-human portion).

Abstract: The fishing pole having integrated weighing system measures the weight of a fish caught by the fishing rod. The fishing pole having integrated weighing system comprises the fishing rod, a strain measurement device, and a control system. The strain measurement device measures the curvature of the fishing rod. The strain measured by the strain measurement device is converted by the control system into an estimated weight of the fish caught by the fishing rod. The fishing pole having integrated weighing system is configured to work with an externally provided remote monitor. The control system sends the strain measurement device data to the remote monitor. The fishing pole having integrated weighing system further comprises a cuff. The cuff is a shell that protects the strain measurement device while allowing for the unhindered motion of the fishing rod.

Abstract: A reciprocating mechanism includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member, and a biasing member. The worm shaft includes a shaft portion, a first shaft supporting portion having a spherical portion formed in a convex spherical shape at a distal end, and a second shaft supporting portion. The first supporting member includes a first bottom portion abutting the spherical portion. The second supporting member includes a second bottom portion abutting a distal end of the second shaft supporting portion. The biasing member biases at least one of the first supporting member and the second supporting member in an axial direction.

Abstract: A reciprocating mechanism includes a worm shaft, a slider, a first guide shaft, and an elastic member. The worm shaft includes spiral grooves, and is rotated while the handle is rotated. The slider is reciprocated in the axial direction together with the spool shaft in conjunction with the rotation of the worm shaft. The first guide shaft includes a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion, and guides the reciprocating movement of the slider by an intermediate portion between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion. The elastic member is mounted on the outer perimeter of at least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion, and supports the first guide shaft in the reel body.

Abstract: A collapsible swim-through trap having a cage body, a position lock mechanism, a release mechanism, and two setting hooks, the cage body having a front opening, a rear opening, and four walls extending between those openings. Each of the openings is equipped with a door which opens inwardly. There is a position lock mechanism used to secure the trap in an upright position which may be disengaged when a user wants to collapse the trap. The release mechanism includes a trigger, and an interfaced door retaining bar for holding the two doors in an open position. Upon pushing the trigger, the door retaining bar will rotate and release the two doors, trapping whatever is inside the cage body within the trap. The two setting hooks are used to hold the doors back while the door retaining bar is rotated into position.

Abstract: Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling.

Abstract: Disclosed are extruded pesticide granules that when mixed with water form a near micro-emulsion that is highly stable. The extruded pesticide granules include at least one pesticide active ingredient, a non-ionic surfactant, and a carrier, which is desirably urea powder or urea pearl. Processes for making the extruded pesticide granules are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a medical device consisting of a blocker made of a mixture of natural products such as African palm oil and the triglycerides thereof and natural waxes as active and emulsifying components, polymer and silver nanoparticles, acting as a blocker for latex protein and other skin irritants.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one hydrophobic, at least partially water-insoluble polyglycerol ester in combination with at least one emulsifier, and the use thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide compositions and methods involving textiles that repel insects by vibrations and oscillations. The random and chaotic oscillations are caused by molecular bond isomerizations in the textile material driven by visible light, such as sunlight.

Abstract: Insecticide composition wherein the active ingredient comprises the combination of a neonicotinoid insecticide, thiamethoxam as synthetic insecticide molecule, and at least one synergistic agent, which is chosen among the insect repellent agents such as DEET and/or IR3535® and present at a molar ratio of said synergistic agent to thiamethoxam comprised between O.OOI and 0.2 in the composition. Synergistic effect is observed at low doses. Use of the insecticide composition wherein said composition is sprayed or deposited on, or impregnated to a support, such as net, fabrics, cloth or tent, in the fight against insects which are harmful to human, to animals and/or to crops, and in particular against pyrethroid, carbanate and/or organophosphate resistant mosquitoes.

Abstract: Articles having metal, metalloid or non-metal surfaces containing an antimicrobial layer comprising antimicrobial oligomers or polymers are suitable for use in medical devices, sanitary surfaces and other applications. Antimicrobial layers contain an organophosphorus layer deposited on an article surface and antimicrobial oligomers or polymers bonded to the organophosphorus layer.

Abstract: Provided is a method for modulating soybean cyst nematode infestation of a plant comprising applying to the plant an effective amount of a composition comprising a Chromobacterium, Burkholderia, and/or Flavobacterium strain to modulate the soybean cyst nematode infestation. The composition may be applied directly to the seed or in a substrate for growing the plant, such as in the soil.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include a new Bacillus thuringiensis strain designated RTI545 for use in benefiting plant growth and controlling plant pests. In particular, the RTI545 strain is useful for controlling plant nematode, insect and fungal pests. The compositions include plant seeds coated with the RTI545 strain. The compositions can be applied alone or in combination with other microbial, biological, or chemical insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, bacteriocides, herbicides, plant extracts, plant growth regulators, or fertilizers. In one example, enhanced growth and insect control are provided by delivering at the time of planting a combination of a chemical insecticide such as bifenthrin and a liquid fertilizer to plants or seeds treated with RTI545.

Abstract: The present specification discloses natural repellent compounds, and isomeric forms, structural analogs and derivatives of the said compounds, having repellent activity against mosquitoes and other blood-sucking arthropods, compositions comprising such repellent compounds, methods of screening for such repellent compounds, methods of reducing mosquito bites on an individual and methods of reducing mosquito infestation to a location.

Abstract: A dough preparation machine includes a power unit, which drives, through rotational speed mechanism, a helical screw shaft that extends into a dough chamber so that the dough is compressed and pushed through rotation of the helical screw shaft to be discharged out of a jet nozzle mounted to the dough chamber. The dough chamber is provided, at a location above the helical screw shaft, with an auxiliary dough driver, which includes two movable blades that are opposite to each other and are selectively extendable outward and retractable inward. When one of the movable blades passes through a circular sidewall of dough chamber, it is pressed by the sidewall to get retracted inwardly and at the same time causing another one of the movable blades to extend outward to knead and poke dough. This process is cyclically repeated to efficiently knead the dough and prevent attachment of the dough.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for preparing dough which comprises at least one anti-staling amylase and at least one peptidase. In addition, the present invention provides baked products produced there from which have a desirable degree of softness and improved springiness.

Abstract: A device for separating individual sausages (12), which are separated from one another by twist points (15), at a cutting point (5), wherein a sensor (6) for detecting the twist point (15) is connected upstream of the cutting point (5), wherein, upstream of the cutting point (5), there is positioned at least one further sensor (7) which runs parallel to the sensor (6) and which is located closer to the cutting point (5) than the sensor (6), wherein the sensors (6, 7) each generate an infrared light shell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-edible collagen casings for food products which do not have to be soaked in water or brine just before stuffing (ready-to-stuff casings), and the method for preparing them. More specifically, the invention refers to a preparation of a stabilized longlife non-edible collagen casing ready-to-stuff comprising a moisture amount between 27% and 50% by weight based on total casing weight and a salt amount between 2,5% and 30% by weight based on dry casing weight, wherein the salt comprises a salt from an organic acid and wherein the casing is packed.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for producing cultured dairy products, such as yogurt, that are shelf-stable without refrigeration. Such processes can include contacting a milk base having from 0.5 to 1.9 wt. % milk sugar with a lactic acid bacteria culture and aseptically packaging in a container, followed by storage under conditions suitable to result in a pH of less than 4.7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating components from milk, and the apparatus used therefor. The invention also relates to compositions prepared from the separated components. The present invention relates to nutritional milk compositions and products which are designed to include per serving size a specified percentage range of one or more components separated from milk. The compositions of the present invention can optionally include non-essential but nutritionally functional components. The complete nutritional milk compositions of the present invention can be provided as unflavored milks, flavored milks, ice creams and yogurts.

Abstract: Provided are methods for processing milk using one or more procedures that include at least one high pressure treatment, such as High Pressure Jet Processing at a hydrostatic pressure of at least 400 MPa. Food additives and food products that contain processed milk components are also provided, and may be dairy or non-dairy products.

Abstract: The invention provides a gelled composition of mung bean protein comprising a mung bean protein and an alkali metal ion, wherein the gelled composition of mung bean protein comprises the alkali metal ion at 50 mM or greater based on the total amount of the gelled composition of mung bean protein.

Abstract: A method for concentrating a particular component in powder by performing a mechanical dry processing on powder formed by granulating a solution containing two or more components, producing chips in a fine-powder form by chipping away at particle surfaces of the powder where a larger amount of the particular component is contained than particle interior portions of the powder, classifying the powder into fine powder containing the chips and coarse powder containing particles whose surfaces have been chipped away, and collecting the fine powder containing the particular component.

Abstract: One embodiment of an apparatus with mobile reusable airtight container assembly (10) which utilizes pressurized inert gas or CO2 gas for long term preservation of the freshness of roasted coffee beans or grounds in terms of aroma and taste, utilizes a system of an electronic controller (250), pressure switch (170), gas delivery valve (180), check valve (50) and vent valve (160) to create a pressurized environment of inert gas or CO2 gas and low residual oxygen and moisture concentrations within the airtight container assembly (10). An airtight lid (20) with pressure seal (220) covers the airtight container assembly (10) and creates a reusable system whereby the user can remove a portion of the roasted coffee beans or grounds as often as needed in order to brew coffee without degrading the long term freshness of the roasted coffee beans or grounds stored within the airtight container assembly (10).

Abstract: A low cariogenic, low-laxation hard candy product having acceptable clarity and cold flow stability, contains a bulking sweetener agent, comprising isomaltulose, trehalose, erythritol or combinations thereof and a doctoring agent, comprising inulin, indigestible dextrin, sucromalt, polydextrose, or combinations thereof; wherein the bulking sweetener agent to doctoring agent ratio is 70/30 to 40/60 dry solids wt. %.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting and purifying pea proteins. Hereto, according to the invention, peas are subjected to fermentation, preferably by lactic acid bacteria, prior to milling. Preferably the method for extracting pea proteins comprises the steps of: (a) subjecting an aqueous composition comprising peas to fermentation; (b) milling said peas; (c) fractionating said milled peas so as to obtain at least one protein comprising fraction; and (d) isolating pea proteins from said at least one protein comprising fraction. Also described are food or feed products comprising the pea proteins obtained according to the invention.