Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-900 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-900 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-900 RZ.

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: New lettuce varieties designated ‘Jara’, ‘Zapata’, and ‘Cameros’ are described. ‘Jara’, ‘Zapata’, and ‘Cameros’ are lettuce varieties exhibiting stability and uniformity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Canola hybrid variety designated 6CN0122, essentially derived variants of that Canola hybrid variety, to the cells, seeds, plants, and plant parts of this Canola hybrid variety 6CN0122. The invention also relates to methods for producing a canola plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 6CN0122 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the Canola seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. The invention also relates to uses of 6CN0122.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct watermelon variety NUN 91501 WMR as well as seeds and plants and rootstock thereof. NUN 91501 WMR is a watermelon variety comprising resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f s.p niveum Race 0, Race 1, and Race 2, and Verticillium dahliae.

Abstract: A novel hybrid pepper plant, designated Curiosity is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid Curiosity, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid pepper Curiosity, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the hybrid pepper Curiosity with itself or another pepper plant.

Abstract: A novel hybrid pepper plant, designated Eternity is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pepper hybrid Eternity, to the plants and plant parts of hybrid pepper Eternity, and to methods for producing a pepper plant by crossing the hybrid pepper Eternity with itself or another pepper plant.

Abstract: A dynamic hinge mechanism that connects frame elements of a foldable apparatus such as for example a children's play-yard or other folding containment or structure, including an elastic element that applies a biasing force to assist in erecting the apparatus from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An inflatable transport box including a base, a rear wall, and first and second side walls. The rear wall can be connected to the base along a folding edge and forming a single-piece drop stitch component with the base. The first and second side walls can be connected to opposite sides of the rear wall along folding edges, respectively. The side walls can be drop stitch components. The base, the rear wall and the side walls can be made of drop stitch material including an outer drop stitch wall and an inner drop stitch wall. Partial surfaces of the inner drop stitch wall of the rear wall and the side walls, respectively, can be arranged on both sides of a fold, and can be configured to come to rest on top of each other to form adhesive surfaces that are adhesively bonded together or welded to each other.

Abstract: A flexible pet cage for use with an outdoor chair. The pet cage includes an upper wall, a forward wall, two sidewalls, and a rear wall that form an enclosure with an open bottom. The walls are comprised of a breathable, durable mesh material, and the pet cage is configured to reversibly attach to the outdoor chair and occupy a space thereunder. Upon reversibly attaching the pet cage to the outdoor chair, the pet cage may be used to house a pet therein, or may be folded up along with the outdoor chair for transport or storage.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a kit for a cat habitat is provided which includes a customizable arrangement of tubular modules and destination modules and is adaptable to the exterior of a home. The cat habitat is configured to provide one or more interlinking cat navigable pathways providing ingress and egress to the interior of the home.

Abstract: An animal feeder has a hopper for receiving feed, the hopper having converging front panels with lower ends defining an elongate chute through which feed is directed. A shield is attached to each of the front panels and diverges from the front panel forming a cove that remains free of feed. A trough extends along the feeder and a water supply duct delivers water into the trough. An elongate shelf has a feed platform for receiving feed from the hopper. The shelf is positioned above the trough such that any feed falling, falls into the trough. The shelf has shelf retainers running longitudinally of the shelf above the feed platform, each shelf retainer directed between its respective shield and front panel. A height-adjusting mechanism adjusts the vertical position of the shelf relative the hopper and the trough. As the shelf moves upward, the shelf retainer moves into the cove.

Abstract: An automatic feed device has a drive unit, a feed chimney, a feed unit mounted under the feed chimney and equipped with a case opening up and down for connection, a tubular sleeve deployed inside the case for accommodating a rotatable drum and opening up and down as an allocation for a feed inlet and a feed outlet, wherein the rotatable drum prepared with an impeller and a pair of round barriers for fixing the impeller between, the impeller having a plurality of blades arranged at equal angle, between the adjacent blades dividing several spaces in positional correspondence with the feed inlet and feed outlet and making rotation once driven by the drive unit. Therefore, the users can control the accurate amount for provender supply by manipulating the drive unit.

Abstract: An animal interaction device is provided that includes a food access component which allows and disallows access to at least a portion of the food. In various embodiments, the allowing and disallowing of access to at least a portion of the food is dependent upon the animal's condition. A method is also provided such that the device above is provided to an animal, one or more indicators are optionally activated, the animal's first condition is sensed via one or more sensors, and based upon the animal's condition, the previously protected food is made accessible, and subsequently the protected food is made available again based upon the animal's second condition. A system is also provided for automatically interacting with an animal including at least one animal interaction device each of which comprises an initial interaction algorithm to automatically interact with the animal. Other aspects of the invention are provided.

Abstract: A freeze-resistant watering device has a nipple or ball valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space or insulation material. This device thermally couples a watering nipple or ball valve to a container or supply pipe via a thermal conduction path including bends so that the nipple or ball valve maintains at a temperature that is near the temperature of the liquid in the container or supply pipe. Further, the use of one or more freeze-resistant watering devices with a thermally insulated container in a watering unit with an insulated container or supply pipe provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.

Abstract: A pet care tool includes a work head and a handle connected to the work head; wherein the handle is pivotally connected to the work head by a pivotal connection mechanism, which comprises an angle locking structure that can lock and unlock the connection angle of the work head and the handle in at least two angular positions. An object of the present invention is to provide a pet care tool capable of adjusting the connection angle of the work head and the handle, so as to enable the pet care tool to be applied to various applications and optimize the care effect.

Abstract: An animal garment comprises a central portion having a longitudinal axis and including a front end, and a rear end opposite the front end, a first side extending laterally in a first direction from the longitudinal axis, the first side including a free distal end, and a second side extending laterally in a second direction from the longitudinal axis, the second side including a free distal end. When worn, the first side and the second side are configured to extend around the mid-body of the animal and fasten to each other forming a shape conforming to the outside of the mid-body of the animal. The front end of the central portion is positioned proximate to the head of the animal. The garment applies pressure to the animal adequate to reduce anxiety, fearfulness, overexcitement, or a combination thereof in the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for treating pets, the system comprising: a content provider to provide video and audio content adapted for treating a pet; a video and audio output device for playing the video and audio content; and a feedback interface for providing indications to the content provider about behavior of the pet, wherein the content provider is to adapt the provided content according to the received indications. The method comprising playing video and audio content by a video and audio out-put device, the content comprising: an image adapted for treating a pet; and a sound adapted for treating a pet; receiving indications about behavior of the pet; and adapting the played content according to the received indications.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a launcher and a projectile for fetch games with pets. The launcher, in certain implementations, may be used to pick up and launch the projectile that has a core to engage with a head of the launcher. Same size cores may be used in projectiles of different sizes, appearances, shapes, and materials (for different pets) such that a common launcher can be used.

Abstract: A sound generating pet toy is provided which includes two similarly configured pet toy components. Each pet toy component has an exterior housing and an electronics module. The electronics module includes and electronics circuit having d.c. batteries, a microprocessor which includes a wireless transceiver component, a timer, a speaker, a push button on/off switch, and a high sensitivity vibration switch sensor. The microprocessor is electrically coupled to and powered by the batteries. The microprocessors are programmed to emit a sound upon activation from a first pet toy components, and thereafter to switch the generation of the sound to the second pet toy component upon sensing movement of the first pet toy component, this switching occurring back and forth between the two pet toy components as long as movement is sensed.

Abstract: Food supply may be tracked, authenticated, and evaluated by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In certain implementations, computer systems at various animal producers in the food supply chain (e.g., ranch and feedlot) may record and generate data regarding an animal (e.g., breed, age, location, hydration regimen, health history, etc.) and report this to a server system, which may process the data in an authenticated manner. Entities further down the chain (e.g., retailers) may access the server system to retrieve information about meat products and use this in sales efforts. Consumers may also retrieve information about meat products so that they may make informed buying decisions. Additionally, feedback may be provided to animal producers regarding the meat, which may encourage them to continue producing quality animals. Data may also be monetized, and a portion reinvested back to the food producer to assist in labor costs associated with system compliance.

Abstract: An Oriole bird feeder having a nectar reservoir with a base and a tapered port, and preferably a tapered port/perch assembly, is provided. The bird feeder allows Orioles and other similarly sized members of the Icterid family of birds to land on the perch and access the nectar in the reservoir base while, due to the diminishing taper of the opening in the tapered port, simultaneously preventing average sized Italian, Carniolan and Caucasian honey bees from entering the reservoir base through the port to obtain the nectar where they subsequently become trapped and perish.

Abstract: An egg incubator having a base assembly, a window, and a lid assembly. The base assembly including a base tray configured to support a plurality of eggs, a water trough beneath the base tray and configured to retain a quantity of water, and a motorized egg turner configured to periodically turn the plurality of eggs. The window is configured to be removably coupled to the base assembly. The lid assembly is coupled to the window. The base assembly, window, and the lid assembly enclose a main incubation chamber sized to hold a plurality of eggs therein. The lid assembly includes a heating element configured to heat the main incubation chamber to a desired temperature, and a circulating fan configured to generate an airflow over the heating element.

Abstract: An egg incubator having a base assembly, a window, and a lid assembly. The base assembly includes a base tray configured to support a plurality of eggs, and a first water trough beneath the base tray and configured to retain a quantity of water. The window is removably coupled to the base assembly. The lid assembly is coupled to the window. The base assembly, window, and the lid assembly enclose a main incubation chamber sized to hold a plurality of eggs therein. The lid assembly includes a heating element configured to heat the main incubation chamber to a desired temperature, and a circulating fan configured to generate an airflow over the heating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved egg carrier having a container and an insert.

Abstract: A cage farming apparatus. The cage farming apparatus includes: a buoy configured to float on the surface of the sea; a central structure configured to be seated on the bottom surface of the sea and to be connected to the buoy by a lifting rope; a floating means fitted around the lifting rope, and configured to be lifted along the lifting rope due to buoyancy or to be lowered along the lifting rope due to a load; an auxiliary structure configured to be located on the bottom surface of the sea and to be spaced apart from the central structure; a cage net configured to be located above the auxiliary structure and to be connected to the floating means by a connecting rope; and pulleys formed on the central structure and the auxiliary structure, and configured to guide the connecting rope through its movement.

Abstract: Novelty covers for a tank including tank walls defining a tank perimeter, the novelty cover including a plurality of panels interconnected to define a frame surrounding a void and defining a frame perimeter, the frame perimeter being complementarily configured with the tank perimeter, wherein each of the panels in the plurality of panels includes an exterior surface with ornamentation the frame is configured to receive the tank in the void, and the ornamentation on the exterior surface of the panels forms a cohesive ornamental scene when the panels are interconnected to define the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural unit and use thereof relates to: a tank system adapted to provide a combined aquatic environment for raising aquatic animals in aquaculture and cultivating plants in hydroponic culture, whereby excretions of the aquatic animals are released directly into the aquatic environment so as to produce nutrients for the plants; and an electrochemical device; wherein the electrochemical device is operable in an electrolysis mode to produce hydrogen and oxygen while consuming electrical energy provided by a source of electrical energy; wherein the electrochemical device is further operable in a fuel cell mode to produce electrical energy and heat by oxidizing the produced hydrogen; and wherein the electrochemical device is operatively coupled to the tank system so as to transfer at least part of the produced heat and the produced oxygen to the aquatic environment.

Abstract: A pump system includes a submersible pump and a filter. The pump has a housing, an intake, and a discharge. The filter includes a filter housing that releasably engages the pump and that overlies the intake of the pump. The filter housing has an intake, an outlet located between the intake of the filter housing and the intake of the pump. A filter chamber is located upstream of the outlet of the filter housing and is configured to receive filter media. The outlet of the filter housing is disposed inline with the intake of the pump. The coupling may comprise a latch that clips or snaps onto part of the pump, releasably attaching the filter housing to the pump. The latch may engage with opposite sides of the pump when releasably attaching the filter housing to the pump. The latch may include a plurality of spaced apart snaps that snap onto the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mouse with liver damage, having a high degree of damage against the mouse's original hepatocytes while having a uPA gene in a heterozygous form, and a method for efficiently preparing the mouse. Specifically, the method for preparing a mouse with liver damage having the uPA gene in a heterozygous form comprises the following steps of: (i) transforming mouse ES cells with a DNA fragment containing a liver-specific promoter/enhancer and cDNA that encodes a urokinase-type plasminogen activator operably linked under the control thereof; (ii) injecting the transformed mouse ES cells obtained in step (i) into a host embryo; (iii) transplanting the host embryo obtained in step (ii) via the injection of the ES cells into the uterus of a surrogate mother mouse, so as to obtain a chimeric mouse; and (iv) crossing the chimeric mice obtained in step (iii), so as to obtain a transgenic mouse in which the DNA fragment is introduced in a heterozygous form.

Abstract: A genetically modified livestock animal, and methods of making and using the same, the animal comprising a genetic modification to disrupt a target gene selectively involved in gametogenesis, wherein the disruption of the target gene prevents formation of functional gametes of the animal. Animals that create progeny with donor genetics, and methods of making and using the same. Cells, and methods of making and using the cells, with a genetic modification to disrupt a target gene selectively involved in gametogenesis.

Abstract: Genetically modified cells, tissues, and organs for treating or preventing diseases are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the genetically modified cells and non-human animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetically modified mouse comprising a heterozygous mutation of Tardbp (TDP-43) gene in that the Asn at amino acid 390 in TDP-43 is substituted with an amino acid that is different from Asn, wherein the genetically modified mouse exhibits Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-like phenotypes, TDP-43 proteinopathies and/or motor neuron degeneration. The invention also so relates to an isolated spinal cord motor neuron differentiated from an embryonic stem cell (ESC) that is obtained from an offspring of a genetically modified mouse according to the invention. Methods for identifying an agent alleviating and/or suppressing ALS-TDP pathogenesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-human animals that express a human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) CD28, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a genetically modified non-human mammal that comprises an anchor DNA sequence inserted at an endogenous locus of a secretory milk protein gene, wherein the anchor DNA sequence comprises a site-specific recombinase recognition site. Also provided is a genetically modified non-human mammal that comprises a transgene inserted at an endogenous locus of a secretory milk protein gene, wherein the transgene encodes a secretory protein and is operably linked to the endogenous promoter of said secretory milk protein gene, and wherein the transgene is flanked by a pair of site-specific recombinase resulting sites. The genetically modified non-human mammals provided can be used for producing the secreted recombinant protein encoded by the transgene from the milk produced by the genetically modified non-human mammals.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an arrow comprises a shaft and a notch in an end of the arrow. The notch is arranged to receive a bowstring. A first finger recess and a second finger recess are located in proximity to the notch. The first finger recess and the second finger recess comprise opposed diverging surfaces.

Abstract: A hand net device that includes a basket that receives and holds an object, a yoke that has a yoke body coupled to the basket, and a handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being adjustably coupled to the yoke body, wherein the yoke body guides the handle assembly between a stow position and an extended position.

Abstract: A fishing device that comprises a basket and a handle or pole. The basket includes a hoop and a net attached to the hoop, wherein the net has a mesh design that minimizes fluid resistance or drag. The fishing device can include a first contact panel that guides fish into the bottom of the net. The fishing device can include a second contact panel that guides fish into the bottom of the net, wherein the second contact panel is positioned substantially opposite to the first contact panel.

Abstract: A lure having a hook and a tube extending through the body with at least one noise making element within the tube. As the lure moves in the water, the noise making element creates noise and vibrations and the appearance of a moving eye to attract fish to the lure.

Abstract: A braking device for a dual-bearing reel for braking a spool rotatably mounted on a reel body, includes a spool brake and a spool controller. The spool brake is configured to brake the spool by electromagnetic induction during casting of a fishing line. The spool controller is configured to control a braking force of the spool brake by controlling an ON/OF-state of current that is generated due to the electromagnetic induction at a prescribed period. The spool controller has a period changer configured to change the prescribed period for braking the spool.

Abstract: An outrigger mount assembly includes an arm tube configured to receive and hold an outrigger pole. The arm tube is rotationally displaceable in a lifting direction and in a lateral direction. A hydraulic lifting cylinder with a lifting piston is operationally connected to the arm tube for rotating the arm tube in the lifting direction. A rotation tube is operationally connected to the arm tube. A pinion is affixed to the rotation tube opposite the arm tube. A pair of opposing hydraulically driven rack gears drive the pinion and rotate the arm tube via the rotation tube. An electronic controller with a user interface controls the rack gears and the hydraulic lifting piston.

Abstract: A hand net device that includes a yoke device having a yoke body, a basket attached to the yoke body, the basket including a net that holds an object and a hoop that attaches to the net, and a handle attached to the yoke body. The hand net device can include a load sensor that generates a weight signal that is proportional to a weight of an object in the basket.

Abstract: A mosquito trapping system having a natural plant disposed proximately to a mosquito capture chamber. The capture chamber is suspended above a well configured to retain standing water. Standing water provided in the well and the plant foliage are each independent attractants to mosquitoes. A soil retaining structure is configured to allow drainage water from the soil system to flow into the well containing standing water, thereby depositing biological matter into the water. Decaying biological matter provides additional bait to attract mosquitoes.

Abstract: An ant bait stake is provided having two components including an outer housing and an inner bait pack or reservoir that is separate from the outer housing. The outer housing includes a bait pack compartment for receiving the bait pack, and a ground engaging member such as a stake. A break-away tab including a neck portion with a bait access channel therein extends outwardly of the housing, the tab being removable by the consumer without any tools or other devices to open the bait access channel when the ant bait stake is ready for use.

Abstract: A live trap for capturing an animal by its paw includes a hollow body with a ground stake. A lever assembly, jaw, latch, and trigger are pivotally mounted on the body for movement between a released position and a set position. A trapper can squeeze the lever to automatically set the trap without touching the latch or the trigger. A latch guide on the lever and a curved surface on the trigger direct the latch into retentive engagement with a notch in the trigger for setting the trap. The latch is released by an animal withdrawing its paw from a position behind the trigger, where bait resides.

Abstract: Compositions attractive to mice include one or more long-range volatiles and one or more short-range volatiles. The long-range volatiles can include butyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, and 4-heptanone. Devices and methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scenting device adapted to accelerate a selectable scent along a straight, linear blow-through unit design is provided. The scent dispersing device has a tubular body extending from an upward opening to a downward opening, wherein a fan is disposed in the tubular body between the upward and downward openings. A scent pad is disposed in the tubular body downward of the fan, the fan adapted to selectively urge air flow from the upward opening toward the downward opening.

Abstract: A tree stand that is easier to hang, has leveling adjustability, multiple configurations and improved comfort. The stand has a platform with a top, a bottom and a peripheral edge. A pivoting hook is mounted to the peripheral edge to encompass a tree trunk and rotates 180 degrees to allow optimal tree stand position. Two supports extend from the underside of the platform to additionally engage the tree trunk and allow for leveling of the tree stand. A sling chair is removably bolted to the top of the platform, which may be formed from 1×1 square tube and wire mesh so that the sling chair is positionable in a plurality of locations. The sling chair is aligned along a first axis that is perpendicular to a second axis extending from the tree trunk through the platform to improve user comfort, access and visibility in use.

Abstract: A water feature simulating assembly for attracting birds includes a panel that is configured to position on a surface. An illustration is coupled to an upper face of the panel. The illustration depicts a water feature so that the illustration is configured to attract birds. Each of a plurality of couplers is coupled to the panel. Each coupler is configured to couple to the surface so that the plurality of couplers is configured to couple the panel to the surface.

Abstract: A decoy mounting method, system, and apparatus comprises a decoy platform, a mount connected to the decoy platform, and a pole connected to the decoy platform by the mount. The decoy platform comprises a first stand wing, a second stand wing, and a connecting member connecting the first stand wing and the second stand wing. In an embodiment each of the first stand wing and the second stand wing further comprise a bottom section, a sloped wall section, and an upper section. In an embodiment, a motion creating assembly is configured to impart motion on a decoy mounted in the stand system.