Abstract: A bee transport cage includes an elongated sliding lid, and a cage body with a top opening. A bee, likely the queen honey bee and attendants if desired, are placed within the cage body through an egress door large enough to accept the queen bee. The space within the cage body is a fondant space that the queen bee and/or attendants may consume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for combating salmon lice and other ectoparasites in aquaculture, in which fish are breed in breeding nets, breeding containers or breeding basins inshore or offshore and are fattened. When changing from one breeding net to another breeding net, the fish swim through a channel or a pipe (3) and are subjected to UV-light treatment (4) or to pulsed ultrasonication (5) or a UV light treatment and pulsed ultrasonication, or the fish are removed for a brief period from the breeding nets or breeding containers or breeding basins and are subjected to UV treatment or infra-red treatment (13) and/or are exposed to microwave irradiation (14) outside of the water.

Abstract: A protective net is formed of individual loops (12, 12?, 12?) of plastics material threaded into each other. The plastics material can have a modulus of elasticity of between approximately 5000 and approximately 20000 MPa. Each loop (12, 12?, 12?) of the protective net (10) can be formed by a thread (11) of plastics material wrapped repeatedly over itself. The protective net (10) can be used in an aquaculture installation for the purpose of anti-breach protection for a cage for breeding aquatic organisms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an oxygenation device for an aquaculture tank group and a control method, and belongs to the technical field of aquaculture equipment. The oxygenation device for the aquaculture tank group includes a controller, a speed regulator, a fan and a buffer tank which are successively connected; an outlet of the buffer tank is connected with a main gas guiding tube, the main gas guiding tube is branched into a plurality of branch gas guiding tubes, a tail end of each branch gas guiding tube is connected with an oxygenation hole, each oxygenation hole is placed in a corresponding aquaculture tank, each aquaculture tank is placed in a pond, automatic oxygenation control over numerous flowing water aquaculture tank groups may be realized, and oxygen supply of aquaculture tanks may remain stable automatically when a water level of a water area of the pond changes due to weather variations or human factors.

Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposite first and second major surfaces and at least one edge surface extending between the first and second major surfaces, a solid-state light source arranged to emit light into the edge surface of the light guide, and a plurality of integrated optical elements associated with the first major surface to redirect the light emitted by the solid-state light source. The lighting assembly may further include an air circulation device and a heat transfer system configured to transfer heat generated by the solid-state lighting source to a flow of air generated by the air circulation device. The solid-state light source may include light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, and/or organic light emitting diodes configured to produce multiple colors. Also provided is a habitat including the lighting assembly, and related methods.

Abstract: Non-human animal models of neurodegenerative disorders for use in determining efficacy of anti-neurodegenerative, anti-epileptogenic and disorder-modifying pharmaceutical compositions and/or therapies.

Abstract: A non-human mammalian model for human diseases or disorders comprising a non-human neutrophil depleted mammalian host engrafted with a human skin equivalent (huSE) and human immune cells.

Abstract: A transgenic animal is provided. In certain embodiments, the transgenic animal comprises a genome comprising: an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising: a) a functional immunoglobulin light chain gene comprising a transcribed variable region encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of 2 to 5 different amino acids; and ii. a light chain framework; and, operably linked to the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene: b) a plurality of pseudogene light chain variable regions each encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of the same 2 to 5 different amino acids as the CDRs of the functional gene; and ii. a light chain framework that is identical in amino acid sequence to the light chain framework of the transcribed variable region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the genetically modified non-human animals that have a disruption at the endogenous CD132 gene (e.g., CD132 knockout), and methods of use thereof.

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 Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (Lag3). The non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous Lag3 locus so that the non-human animals express a Lag3 polypeptide that includes a human portion and an endogenous portion (e.g., a non-human portion).

Abstract: A genetically-modified, immunodeficient mouse is provided along with methods of use, wherein the mouse includes (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding human stem cell factor (hSCF); (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF); (c) a nucleotide sequence encoding human interleukin-3 (hIL-3); and (d) a nucleotide sequence encoding human colony-stimulating factor 1 (hCSF1), wherein each of the nucleotide sequences is operably linked to a promoter, and wherein the genetically-modified, immunodeficient mouse expresses hSCF, hGM-CSF, hIL-3, and hCSF1, wherein the genetically-modified, immunodeficient mouse allows engraftment of human hematopoietic stem cells along with engraftment of human-patient derived tumor xenografts and/or human tumor cell lines to enable in vivo investigation of the interactions between the human immune system and human cancer.

Abstract: A lure basically includes a body containing a cavity, and a swinging part that is mounted in the body. The swinging part is movable inside the cavity and emits light received from the outside. The body is configured such that the light from the swinging part is visible to outside of the body. The swinging part can also move after the lure changes from a moving state to a stopped state. Preferably, the lure further includes a spring that attaches the swinging part to the body.

Abstract: A slip bobber assembly for preventing bobber obstruction of rod guides includes a float, a ring and a clip. The ring is coupled to a first end of the float and defines a loop. The ring is configured to insert a line through the loop. The clip is coupled to a second end of the float and is configured to reversibly couple to the line. The clip is configured to fixedly position the float on the line so that a hook that is coupled to the line is positioned at a desired depth in a body of water. The clip is configured to decouple from the line upon a strike by a fish on the hook. The line is positioned to slide within the loop so that the float is prevented from obstructing guides on a fishing rod that is coupled to the line.

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.

Abstract: A bag for boat livewell for providing efficient removal and transport of fish from a boat's live well. The bag for boat livewell generally includes a bag having a floor, an upper opening opposite of the floor, a first sidewall extending from the floor, a second sidewall extending from the floor, a first end wall extending between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a second end wall extending between the first sidewall and second sidewall. The bag is constructed of a water permeable material. A first handle and a second handle extend from the first sidewall and the second sidewall respectively. A first interior closure and a second interior closure are attached to the sidewalls for selective closing of the upper opening. A first buoyant member and a second buoyant member are attached to the first sidewall and the second sidewall respectively.

Abstract: A method to eliminate bed bugs. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; apply a temperature sensitive chemical indicator to the substrate; and, calibrating a clothes dryer to determine the time required to kill bed bugs by placing dry bedding in the dryer.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion system and method used for spraying large areas with near-monodispersed, aerosolized fluid droplets. More specifically, the system creates and distributes a cloud of near-monodispersed droplets of fluid by pumping pressurized air and fluid through fluid dispersion machinery and into, and out of, a fluid dispersion nozzle. The fluid dispersion machinery is a combustion engine-driven air compressor system that includes an engine, radiator, fuel tank, fluid tank, fluid piping system, fluid pump, air compressor, air compression intake, one or more fluid dispersal nozzles, air ducting, clutch, and control system. The method of fluid dispersion is implemented at night during a nighttime air inversion when there is a temperature difference between the temperature of air at the top of an object and the temperature of air near the ground surface.

Abstract: A method and system for fumigating a material is disclosed. The method includes the steps of containing the material to be fumigated in a containment volume and forming a gas mixture in the containment volume, the gas mixture including at least a fumigation agent and an ambient gas originally present within the containment volume, wherein the partial pressure of the fumigation agent is elevated with respect to the ambient gas in the containment volume. The method further includes then maintaining a concentration of a fumigation agent within the containment volume for a required time to fumigate the material and then removing the fumigation agent from the containment volume.

Abstract: A weed inactivation device has at least two electrodes, whereby at least one electrode is directed to the weed. The weed activation device is used as a physical herbicide apparatus. A DC or AC power supply of any number of phases generates a voltage. This voltage is fed to an inverter that increases frequency. The current with increased frequency is fed to a harmonic filter. The harmonic filter may feed a high frequency transformer that further increases the voltage input for the voltage multiplier. The output of the previous components is fed to a voltage multiplier, such as a voltage multiplier of the Cockroft-Walton type or a full wave Cockroft-Walton type. The voltage multiplier provides different voltage levels depending on its load, so for a variable load it makes an auto-adjustable power control without any additional circuitry, processor or controller necessity.

Abstract: An animal trap apparatus having a collection of individual components is mounted onto a rim of a bucket and comprises a plank having a bait receiving end and a mounting end, with a fulcrum feature therebetween. The fulcrum feature may have a non-circular cross section. A bracket with a notch is received by the rim of the bucket while a receiving feature having an occluded open end is configured to receive the fulcrum feature. In use, the plank is configured to pivot about the fulcrum feature in a forward direction when an animal approaches the bait receiving end thereby placing the animal trap apparatus in a tripped condition whereby the bait receiving extends downwardly toward the closed bottom of the bucket and the animal falls into the cavity. The individual components may be formed of a food-grade material.

Abstract: A live animal trap with improvements to ease of use, reliability and cost is disclosed. A simple repeatable one-hand set action lifts a front entry door. A hold-close assembly trips to secure the front door without sliding motions. A low friction latch and trip links thereto provide consistent set action resistant to shaking and undesired trip. A rear door is fitted next to a bait location to allow near vertical access for bait placement and unattended, unobstructed release. A changeable torque arm provides adjustable trip force. A trip tray is spaced above a floor to require a small set-up motion to access the bait and further ensure trip. The front door can be opened and set by a remotely located rooftop interface.

Abstract: A rodent box comprising a chamber having at least one side wall, wherein the side wall comprises an aperture to allow access into the chamber and wherein the box is provided with a spacer section extending in a direction away from the chamber.

Abstract: A housefly deterrent device is an apparatus used to deter houseflies from approaching a particular area. The apparatus is also configured to mount to an appropriate area for ease of positioning and maintenance and does not rely on chemical compounds to affect houseflies. The apparatus includes a visual deterrent, an orienting fixture, and an attachment mechanism. The visual deterrent is a structure which mimics the physical appearance of the housing of various predators of houseflies sufficiently to affect the general behavior of houseflies. The orienting fixture is a mount which supports and arranges the visual deterrent in position, preferably adjacent to a door or a building entrance. The attachment mechanism is an arrangement of components that allows for connection of the orienting fixture to surfaces or relevant structures proximal to a target housefly protection zone. The visual deterrent is removable, facilitating adjustment, and general maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to camouflaged hunting equipment. It is a cover for the ladder portion of a hunting ladderstand, intended to make the ladder less noticeable to animals and people. The cover collapses almost flat at the bottom of the ladder when not raised. To raise the cover, a hunter attaches cords between the hunter's beltloops and grommets on the top edge of the cover, then climbs up the ladder, bringing the top edge of the cover up the ladder. At the top, the hunter detaches cords from the beltloops, and attaches the cords to rings on top of the ladderstand. When ready to descend, the hunter detaches or loosens cords from the rings, and lets the cover fall to the ground. The cover can also be raised from the ground, if long cords are threaded through the rings on top of the ladderstand.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a decoy are disclosed. In some embodiments, the decoy is attached to a weapon via a universal mount assembly.

Abstract: A stem cell manufacturing system for manufacturing stem cells from somatic cells includes: one or more closed production device(s) configured to produce stem cells from somatic cells; one or more drive device(s) configured to be connected with the production device(s) and drive the production device(s) in such a manner as to maintain the production device(s) in an environment suitable for producing stem cells; one or more cryopreservation device(s) configured to cryopreserve the produced stem cells; a first memory device configured to store whether or not somatic cells have been introduced to the production device(s), as a first state; a second memory device configured to store whether or not the production device(s) is/are connected with the drive device(s), as a second state; and a third memory device configured to store whether or not the produced stem cells can be placed in the cryopreservation device(s), as a third state.

Abstract: Devices and methods for vascular tissue perfusion. In certain embodiments, the pressurized oxygen is repetitively pulsed between a lower pressure and a higher pressure and a flexible membrane is deflected to control fluid flow.

Abstract: A system is provided for transporting, handling and monitoring samples in a temperature-controlled storage environment. The system includes a handheld carrier configured to transfer samples to and from a temperature-controlled storage station and a temperature-controlled container for receiving and housing one or more carriers. The carrier includes an integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capability configured to monitor a thermal history of one or more samples during transport, handling and storage including as the samples are conveyed between the temperature-controlled storage environment and the temperature-controlled container. That is, the carrier is adapted to be held in the hand during use. A carrier for conveying and monitoring samples during transport, handling and storage is also provided.

Abstract: A transparent, homogeneous liquiform fertilizer and agrochemical formulation that includes an active agrochemical that is not a fertilizer and a fertilizer together with glycol ether wherein the water solubility of the active agrochemical at 25° C. is more than 100 ppm is provided. The particle diameter of particles in the transparent, homogeneous liquiform fertilizer and agrochemical formulation is less than 100 nm by using a particle size distribution analyzer.

Abstract: Provided is an insect pest control product capable of effectively controlling flying insect pests. An insect pest control product comprising a thermal vaporization/diffusion absorbent wick for vaporizing and diffusing a water-based insecticidal composition containing a pyrethroid insecticidal component having a vapor pressure of 2×10?4 to 1×10?2 mmHg at 30° C., a glycol ether compound and/or glycol compound having a boiling point of 150-300° C., and water, wherein a concentration of the pyrethroid insecticidal component in diffused vapor particles one hour after the start of vaporization and diffusion is 1.5-18 times as high as a concentration of the pyrethroid insecticidal component in diffused vapor particles immediately after the start of vaporization and diffusion.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present application, a composition for controlling a target pest comprises 0.1% to 4% isopropyl myristate, 0.1% to 15% thyme oil white, 0.1% to 2% geraniol, and at least one additional active ingredient selected from thymyl acetate, linalyl acetate, amyl butyrate, anise star oil, black seed oil, p-cymene, linalool, d-limonene, isopropyl myristate, lilac flower oil, methyl salicylate, alpha-pinene, piperonal, piperonyl alcohol, tetrahydrolinalool, thyme oil white, thyme oil red, thymol, vanillin, and wintergreen oil. The composition causes synergistic control of the target pest.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing fungal infection in an animal are provided. The methods involve exposing the animal to one or more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a quantity sufficient to inhibit or reduce fungal growth in the animal. Also disclosed is an automated aerosolization unit (AAU) for delivering compositions, such as the disclosed VOCs, to areas, such as habitats, to treat or prevent fungal infections in animals.

Abstract: Modulation of inward potassium ion conductance with structurally diverse small-molecules in the arthropod salivary gland induces arthropod salivary gland failure that results in a reduction or elimination in the ability of the arthropod to feed. Administering Kir channel inhibitors reduces food intake, increases feeding time, reduces salivary gland secretion, induces mortality, and reduces transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Kir channel inhibitors induce these adverse effects in ticks, mosquitoes, horn flies, and aphids.

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to herbicide combinations comprising (i) diflufenican (ii) pyroxasulfone and (iii) metribuzin to compositions comprising said herbicide combinations. The present invention further relates to a method of producing said herbicide combinations and compositions comprising said herbicide combinations. The present invention also relates to the use of said herbicide combinations and compositions comprising said herbicide combinations in the field of agriculture for controlling harmful plants.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The invention provides buffers stable to oxidants, including chlorine and hypochlorous acid, which are usable in the pH range 3-7. The invention also provides stable, buffered solutions comprising hypochlorous acid, having a pH between 3 and 7, and disposable wiping articles impregnated with these solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant growth regulator of elevating anti-stress ability and use thereof. The plant growth regulator, which is consisted of Lactobacillus fermenting culture solution, has excellent thermostability and safety without any side effect, significantly elevating ability against biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, the Lactobacillus fermenting culture solution can be applied as the plant growth regulator or a use in preparation of a composition for elevating anti-stress ability of a plant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of accelerating root growth in a plant, the method comprising applying to the plant root a composition comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, and b) a surfactant, whereby root growth is accelerated as compared to an untreated plant. Also disclosed herein are methods of improving the foliar uptake of a biologically active compound by a plant, the method comprising applying to the plant foliage a composition comprising a) a mixture of proteins and polypeptides, and b) a surfactant, whereby root growth is accelerated as compared to an untreated plant.

Abstract: Microbial compositions for application to plants, plant parts and plant seeds are provided for improvement of plant disease resistance and/or other beneficial plant traits, particularly resistance or tolerance to soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) caused by a Fusarium species and/or disease caused by a Pythium species. Methods of making and applying microbial compositions or p formulations to plants, plant parts or plant seeds or to growth media are further provided to increase or improve plant disease resistance N and/or other beneficial plant traits.

Abstract: Microbial compositions for application to plants, plant parts and plant seeds are provided for improvement of plant yield and/or other beneficial plant traits. Methods of making and applying microbial compositions or formulations to plants, plant parts or plant seeds or to growth media are further provided to increase or improve plant yield and/or other beneficial plant traits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Phoma spp. and Verticillium spp. comprising applying Coniothyrium minitans strain CON/M/91-08 or a mutant having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain in an effective amount to the root system of a plant, to harvest residues or to the soil on which a crop plant grows or is intended to grow. Also disclosed is the use of said strain for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of the genus Phoma spp. and Verticillium spp.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system f includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced rods, and a plurality of slats. At least one of the slats in the plurality of slats includes a flat body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and a lateral stop extending from one end of the flat body portion.

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 carcass cutting system including a belt positioned below a conveyor such as to stabilise a carcass during imaging and/or cutting operations. An offset section of conveyor track in the region of the belt may be utilized to urge the carcass against the belt. Imagining may use an optical imaging system, an X-ray imaging system, a laser scanning camera, a time of flight camera or a Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry system. Imaging information may be used to calculate cutting paths and/or weight distribution of carcass portions. Cutting may be performed by a robotic cutter using a circular saw or a circular knife.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for cleaning, detoxifying and cells and tissues preservation of a fresh animal liver, comprising the following steps: taking out a whole fresh liver from an animal body quickly and removing the gallbladder, with blood vessels in first porta hepatis of the liver being retained; dissecting quickly and determining portal vein, biliary tract, hepatic artery and upper and lower ends of the inferior vena cava, and then inserting disinfected medical catheters into blood vessels of the portal vein, the biliary tract and blood vessels of the hepatic artery; perfusing a perfusate into the catheters, eliminating macrophages and other immune cells containing a large number of toxins, blood and harmful substances in the liver continuously and flushing bitter bile out from the biliary tract meantime; and completing processing of the liver when the fresh liver becomes white from blood red.

Abstract: A poultry defeathering apparatus comprising a compression plate with a central aperture operationally associated with a hub drive shaft of a feather plucking machine, wherein the compression plate is secured to the hub drive shaft, a finger plate operationally associated with the hub drive shaft and the compression plate, the finger plate includes a central aperture, an annular abutment ring operationally associated with the central aperture, a plurality of finger apertures surrounding the central aperture, a plurality of fingers secured to the finger plate by insertion through the finger plate, with the body extending through a finger aperture, wherein the hub drive shaft is secured to the finger plate and wherein the oversized base of each finger is compressed between the compression plate and the finger plate and a mounting bolt secured on the finger plate within the mounting hole of the hub drive shaft.

Abstract: A smoker with a smoke on demand system includes a wood chunk or wood chip enclosure with a wood heating element, a wood temperature sensor, and a controller. In response to the sensed wood temperature, the controller causes the wood heating element to maintain the wood chunks or wood chips within a target temperature range above which the wood chunks or wood chips can sustain combustion without added heat. The actual temperature can also be maintained by timed sequences based on the cold mass and species of the wood.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating unwashed fruit with fruit bloom that provide a first ultraviolet (UV) energy with one or more flashes using a first set of one or more flash lamps to a first surface of each of a plurality of blueberries and provide a second UV energy with one or more flashes using a second set of one or more flash lamps to a second surface of each of the plurality of blueberries. The system determines a fruit bloom level associated with the plurality of blueberries after provision of the first and second UV energies and determines an adjustment to a parameter of at least one of the first and second UV energies based on the fruit bloom level. The system provides UV energy with the adjusted parameter to a subsequent set of blueberries to remove microorganisms from the blueberries while retaining fruit bloom.

Abstract: A crop treatment apparatus is capable of irradiating plant products harvested from beneath the surface of the ground to prevent sprouting, regrowth, and/or decay of the plant products and/or contamination of the plant products by one or more microorganisms. The crop treatment apparatus may include shielding and a conveyor system. The conveyor system may direct the plant products past an irradiation element and then directly into storage or packaging. Embodiments of crop treatment apparatuses that are capable of treating plant products as they are harvested or prior to harvesting the plant products from the ground are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an improved process for production of nutritional products, such as e.g. infant formulas, containing milk protein and milk saccharide. The invention is par-ticularly useful for the production of demineralized nutritional products and provides both the final nutritional product as well as milk saccharide-containing milk protein serum ingredients useful for the production of such nutritional products.