Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether a distance between a left and right teat of a dairy livestock is less than or equal to a predetermined distance, and if so, command the robotic arm to move to a scan location that is between the left and right teats. The processor is further configured to command the laser to perform a scan of the teats after the robotic arm is at the scan location and to determine whether the left and right teats are found in the scan. If both the left and right teats are found in the scan, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach a teat cup to either the left or right teat.

Abstract: A system that includes a laser configured to generate a profile signal of at least a portion of a dairy livestock and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the profile signal and detect one or more edge pair candidates in the profile signal, compare the complementary distance gradients of each of the one or more edge pair candidates to a minimum distance gradient length to be considered an edge pair, and identify an edge pair from among the one or more edge pair candidates as a teat candidate based on the comparison. The processor is further configured to determine position information for the teat candidate.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm, a laser, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine whether a first teat of a diary livestock is found in a first scan of the dairy livestock by the laser, and if so, command the robotic arm to move to a location corresponding to the location of the first teat. The processor is further configured to increment a counter associated with the first teat and then determine whether the counter equals a predetermined number. If the counter equals the predetermined number, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach a teat cup to the first teat. If the counter does not equal the predetermined number, the processor determines whether the first teat is found in a second scan by the laser. If the first teat is found in the second scan, the processor commands the robotic arm to attach the teat cup to the first teat.

Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.

Abstract: An adjustable crowding alley used to route livestock or other animals towards a destination. The adjustable crowding alley includes an adjustable panel that allows the width of the alleyway to vary according to the width of the animals being routed through the adjustable crowding alley. The adjustable crowding alley includes one or more backup blockers that allow animals to move forward through the adjustable crowding alley, but restrict backwards movement of the animals within the adjustable crowding alley after passing each backup blocker.

Abstract: A portable windbreak shelter assembly provides a combination shelter and windbreak which can be moved to a desired position using conventional vehicles typically available on a farm includes a shelter frame having a front, a back, a bottom face, a first lateral side face, and a second lateral side face. The first lateral side face and the second lateral side face extend upwardly from respective opposite edges of the bottom face and meet to define an apex of the shelter frame extending between the front and the back. A covering is coupled to the shelter frame wherein the covering and the shelter frame inhibit wind from passing through the shelter frame to define a sheltered interior space. The shelter frame is movable using conventional farm equipment.

Abstract: A headlock lift including a base having a left column and a right column, with each column having a lower side and an upper side. A forward cross-spinning beam and a back cross-spinning beam both connect to the upper side of each column. A moveable gate having a topside, a bottom side, and a plurality of vertical poles fixably attachable to the top side and the bottom side, the moveable gate is slidably received over left and right pipes positioned parallel to the left and right columns. Two pulleys are fixed to the forward cross-spinning beam and two winches are fixed to the back cross-spinning beam. Two cables are continually disposed between the two winches and the two pulleys, with the cables each having a free operating-end attachable to the topside of the moveable gate and a captive-end attachable to a respective one of the winches.

Abstract: A method of controlling an animal forage handling arrangement that includes a first forage dispensing arrangement having a first conveyor, a first separator adapted to separate and distribute forage, and a first dispensing end portion and a first loading end portion. The arrangement further includes a control unit, the control unit adapted to control a driving of the first conveyor and includes a first forage presence sensor arranged at the first loading end portion. The method includes starting the first conveyor to move an upper side of the first conveyor towards the first loading end portion, and, to prepare the first conveyor to be loaded with forage, stopping the first conveyor when a loading condition is fulfilled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiple vector tension displacement system which adjusts to the size of a wearer, wherein the size adjustment allows for maximum tension displacement when in use.

Abstract: A full 360 degrees hands free leash attachment unit is disclosed for walking or running with a dog, used as a child restraint and for construction workers or the like. It consist of an outer member that attaches around the waist area of a person. And, there is also a functional inner member and a leash attachment element which connects to it. Another embodiment has a circular waist member with a double curved inward design. And, another embodiment has a circular waist member with an extended lower shelf all around and, an alternate waist member with plastic pipe caps installed all around. All of the embodiments uses the inner spinner and the leash attachment element.

Abstract: A buckle having a male buckle member and a female buckle member adapted for mating latching engagement with one another, and a removable integrated attachment member adapted to engage with the male buckle member and fits between the male buckle member and the female buckle member when the two are in latched engagement and can be readily and easily removed from the male buckle member. The removable integrated attachment member has a projection that sits above the surface of the buckle members to facilitate attachment of a split-ring, carabiner, s-clip or other device for use in attaching items to the removable integrated attachment member. The buckle is particularly suited for use on an animal restraint, such as a collar or harness, but can also be employed on other articles having buckles anywhere an attachment point is desired.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding and photographing birds and other wildlife includes a housing defining one or more feeding stations. A module containing a sensor to detect the presence of birds and a camera is configured so that the sensor and the camera have overlapping fields of view. Mounting structures on the housing locate the module with respect to the one or more feeding stations to position the sensor and camera so that the area surrounding one or more of the feeding stations is within the fields of view of the sensor and the camera.

Abstract: A system for the polishing treatment of inner walls of aquatic enclosures includes at least one tank of abrasive mixture and at least one surface treatment head which communicates fluidically with the tank of abrasive mixture, a mover allowing the treatment head to be moved along the wall to be treated, and a supply allowing the treatment head to be supplied with a substantially continuous flow of abrasive mixture.

Abstract: A sieving method for separating insect pupae is described. The method may include causing an actuation system of a sieving apparatus to cycle between a first elevation and a second elevation to cyclically submerge a sieve surface of a sieving device in a liquid held within a basin so as to separate a population of insect pupae present in the sieving device with respect to size. The method may also include causing actuation of one or more valves to drain the liquid from the basin in order to retrieve a first part of the population of insect pupae. Corresponding computer-readable devices and systems that perform the sieving method are also described.

Abstract: Minnow traps suitable for trapping minnows may include a pair of spaced-apart, minnow-accessible side trap compartments. A minnow-accessible front trap compartment and a minnow-accessible rear trap compartment may be disposed between the side trap compartments. The front trap compartment and the rear trap compartment may be disposed in spaced-apart relationship to each other. At least one central bait compartment may be disposed between and communicate with the side trap compartments and between and communicate with the front trap compartment and the rear trap compartment. The at least one central bait compartment may be configured to contain a supply of bait.

Abstract: A reel suitable for bow fishing and the like provides a cowling covering a reel with a wide opening to reduce frictional restraint on high-speed paying out of the line with the flight of the arrow. An optional guide arm may be used to minimize line diversion and hence friction during line payout while absorbing forces when the line is retracted permitting use of a lighter cowling design without loss of strength. A high torque bevel gear transmission and safety lighting is further provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a transformer device that attaches to a paddle for fishing. The device may attach to a single or double ended paddle. In any embodiment, the device includes a reel mount that enables a fishing reel to be mounted to the shaft of a paddle. The device also includes a rod mount that removably attaches to a shaft of a paddle. In one embodiment, the reel mount and the rod mount are independently attachable and positionable along a paddle shaft. The rod mount can removably accept and secure a fishing rod including guides for fishing line. One or more rods can be interchangeably coupled to the rod mount. In another embodiment, the rod mount includes a catch for retaining a rod within a ferrule of the rod mount. The device is attachable to a typical paddle to permit fishing while a user propels a watercraft.

Abstract: A uniaxial winding device having a main body, comprising a main shaft provided on an upper part of the main body, and a fixed seat provided on a lower part of the main body, wherein the upper part of the main shaft is provided with a tapered block and a fixing pin which limits the tapered block, wherein a spool and locknut are mounted on the main shaft on a first side of the tapered block, wherein a rocker arm which is able to rotate the main shaft is provided on a second side of the tapered block, wherein a resistance adjusting mechanism is provided on the main shaft which can adjust the rotational resistance on the spool.

Abstract: Provided is a fishing reel having a natural drainage structure. The fishing reel includes a first mounting part and a second mounting part provided at opposite sides thereof, a frame having a spool mounted between the first and second mounting parts, a first side cover at a palm side, the first side cover being combined with the first mounting part, and a second side cover at a gear side, the second side cover being combined with the second mounting part, the fishing reel including: a drainage hole provided on a lower end part of at least one of edge side wall parts of the first and second mounting parts and the first and second side covers, thereby naturally draining moisture introduced into the fishing reel to outside of the fishing reel.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a first reel body, a second reel body, a spool, a brake mechanism, a regulating member, an operating lever and a nut member. The brake mechanism brakes rotation of the spool. The regulating member is attached to the first reel body. The regulating member regulates a braking force to be applied by the brake mechanism. The regulating member has a tubular shape. The regulating member includes a screw part and a flange part. The screw part is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the regulating member. The flange part extends outward from the outer peripheral surface in a radial direction. The operating lever is attached to the regulating member, and is disposed between the flange part and the first reel body. The nut member is disposed between the operating lever and the first reel body, and is screwed onto the screw part.

Abstract: A wearable band and an associated method that forms a barrier against ticks including a useable section of material is a flat strip of material that is torn from a rolled up section, the useable section of material including: a first side, the first side including a first fastening material, wherein the first side faces away from the user, a second side, the second side including a second fastening material that opposingly corresponds to the first fastening material, wherein the second side fasces toward the user, and may have a track of adhesive disposed on the first side of the usable section, the track of adhesive extending completely around the limb of the user to create a barrier against a tick, such that the tick is trapped on the track of adhesive when the tick comes into direct contact with the track of adhesive.

Abstract: Dispenser devices suitable for use on unmanned aerial vehicles are described having utility for dispensing solid larvicides to difficult to reach insect habitats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous sustained-release body in which transparency of a porous carrier changes. The porous sustained-release body includes an inorganic monolithic porous body 1 including a skeleton body 2 of an inorganic compound and air gaps 3,4 having a three-dimensional continuous network structure formed in the skeleton body 2, and a sustained-release liquid absorbed into air gaps 2, 3, wherein the inorganic monolithic porous body 1 is opaque at an initial state, which is a state before absorption of the sustained-release liquid in which air exists in the air gaps, and refractive index of the sustained-release liquid and refractive index of the skeleton body are the same within an error range within which a portion in which the sustained-release liquid is absorbed into the air gaps changes to transparent or semitransparent.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by a human to bag, transport and release a small object without the human touching the object, the apparatus including an open ended flexible net bag supported by a frame having an opening, the frame including a handle with which a person maneuvers the open end to bag the object, transport the bagged object and release the bagged object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle a with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying one or more substances to an area of interest, the apparatus having sensors detecting one or more conditions of a sample area proximate the sensor, wherein, the control system is configured to allow for an operator selection between distributing or not distributing a substance or substances via the independently operable outlet(s) controlled by the control system when the control system determines: the sample area proximate at least one sensor or group of sensors is having one or more conditions which meet at least one predetermined condition parameter for that or those condition(s); or the sample area proximate at least one sensor or group of sensors is having one or more conditions which do not meet at least one predetermined condition parameter for that or those condition(s).

Abstract: A remote notification electronic rodent trapping system and method is provided having a plurality of rearming electronic rodent trapping devices configured to wirelessly communicate trap information to a base station that is in communication with a cloud server. When a trap is activated by a rodent trigger it changes from a set state to a kill alert state and initiates a killing cycle. The trap waits a first time period and then sends a notification signal to the base station of trap activation which the base station forwards to the cloud server. The cloud server waits a second predetermined time period before sending a pushed notification to a remote user of the trap's kill alert state. If the trap rearms prior to expiration of the second time period, it alerts the base station which notifies the cloud server. The cloud server updates trap status to the set state and does not send a notification to the user.

Abstract: Squirrels and other climbing vermin cause many millions of dollars damage and otherwise unnecessary maintenance annually to the national power grid and standalone assets. Among the negative effects is when the vermin unwittingly create a short out condition which may simply blow a fuse or trip a circuit out causing loss of service. The current invention utilizes spikes arranged to inhibit egress, rotating surface spines to create an unsteady grasp and a pivot arm having T bars presented for opportunistic climbers. However, as the vermin applies its body weight to the T bar the pivot arm rotates bringing claw spikes from behind the base spike array to create an apparent capture motion combined with the distal ends of the claw spikes giving a tactile tap to the body of the vermin. The Squirrel Creeper also incorporates a hotline clamp as a mounting means which allows installation and removal via a hotline stick.

Abstract: Device embodiments use a person's exhaled breath to distribute an evaporated, sublimated, or vaporized material. The disclosure provides non-powered devices that use evaporation or sublimation to create the vapor that is distributed and the disclosure provides devices with electric vaporizers which rapidly vaporize liquid scent materials for distribution. The scent can be designed as a masking or cover scent, an aromatic lure scent, a scent elimination material, a pleasant scent for freshening air in a room or automobile, or a repellant scent. The device can be worn as a mask or configured as a game call.

Abstract: Foaming alcohol compositions with selected dimethicone surfactants are disclosed. The dimethicone surfactants are PEG-8 to PEG-12 linear dimethicone surfactants and in particular PEG-10 linear dimethicone surfactant. The compositions are useful as antimicrobial products and in particular handcare or skincare products.

Abstract: A method for treating an infestation of head lice in a patient in need thereof by killing the head lice and preventing a final development and a hatching of larvae from lice eggs. The method includes applying an effective amount of a composition on the hair of the patient. The composition includes about 0.1 to 1 wt.-% of at least one isolated Citrus flavonoid and 2 to 7 wt.-% of at least one cationic surface-active agent. The cationic surface-active agent is selected from a quaternary ammonium salt having one or two linear saturated C8-26 alkyl chain(s), wherein the remaining alkyl residues are C1-6 alkyl groups, and palmitamidopropyltrimonium chloride.

Abstract: A combination comprising a multi-site contact fungicide, a first systemic fungicide and optionally a second systemic fungicide and a method using the same.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition comprising an aqueous suspension of microcapsules is provided. The microcapsules have a capsule wall of a porous condensate polymer, wherein the microcapsules contain a solution of clomazone in a solvent system comprising one or more non-edible oils. A method for preparing the composition comprises providing a water immiscible phase comprising clomazone, an isocyanate and optionally an ACD cross-linker, dissolved in a solvent system comprising a non-edible oil; providing an aqueous phase comprising one or more surfactants; combining the water immiscible phase and the aqueous phase to form a dispersion of the water immiscible phase in the aqueous phase; thereby forming microcapsules of polyurea containing droplets of the water immiscible phase; and curing the microcapsules.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted pyrrolone derivatives of the formula (I) wherein X, A, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for making compounds of formula (I), to herbicidal compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using these compounds to control or inhibit plant growth.

Abstract: Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A, X, Y, L1, L2, G, Q, p, R1, R2 and R10 are each as defined in the description, and salts, metal complexes and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), and the use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi and processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I).

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, and their uses as insecticides.

Abstract: A synergistic herbicidal composition comprising Pyroxasulfone and Thifensulfuron methyl as the active components, as well as the use of the synergistic herbicidal composition for controlling the growth of undesirable plants is provided. A method of controlling the growth of undesirable plants, which comprises applying the active components Pyroxasulfone and Thifensulfuron methyl of the synergistic herbicidal composition to the undesirable plants or their growing locus jointly or separately is also provided. A method of reducing or preventing harm caused by Pyroxasulfone when applied to plants, seeds or other reproductive parts of useful crops is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates the compounds of the formula I, or the N-oxides, or the agriculturally acceptable salts thereof and to their use for combating phytopathogenic harmful fungi, wherein the variables are defined as given in the description and claims. Further present invention relates to mixtures comprising at least one such compound of the formula I and at least one further pesticidally active substance selected from the group consisting of herbicides, safeners, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators; and to agrochemical compositions comprising at least one such compound of the formula I and to agrochemical compositions further comprising seeds.

Abstract: Provided herein are aqueous suspension concentrate compositions comprising biologically active 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles or salts thereof that are useful, for example, in the control of nematodes.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions are provided which cause rapid symptomology while delivering long term control of regrowth of plants. The herbicidal concentrate compositions comprise N-phosphonomethylglycine or a herbicidal derivative thereof, an auxin herbicide or a herbicidal derivative thereof, and at least one surfactant. Also provided is a method for killing or controlling the growth of certain plants by contacting the foliage of the plants with the diluted concentrate composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to use of an encapsulated chlorine bleach to reduce gas evolution when reacted with sodium bromide during dispensing. The compositions include a coated chlorine combined with the sodium bromide which beneficially suppresses the chemical reaction, and therefore gas release, while providing a single, solid, all-in-one composition. Compositions, methods of dispensing and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization method is provided which acquires microbicidal activity equivalent to plasma-treated solution or more powerful than the same without the use of a plasma generation device. The sterilization method includes applying liquid containing peroxynitric acid (HOONO2) produced by chemical reaction to an object to be sterilized under acidic conditions of a pH value of 4.8 or lower. The liquid containing the peroxynitric acid is produced by mixing nitrous acid and peroxide together, for example, mixing nitrite and peroxide together.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a chemically strengthened glass having antimicrobial properties and to a method of making such glass. In particular, the disclosure is directed to a chemically strengthened glass with antimicrobial properties and with a low surface energy coating on the glass that does not interfere with the antimicrobial properties of the glass. The antimicrobial has an Ag ion concentration on the surface in the range of greater than zero to 0.047 ?g/cm2. The glass has particular applications as antimicrobial shelving, table tops and other applications in hospitals, laboratories and other institutions handling biological substances, where color in the glass is not a consideration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for development of a virulent bacteriophage-based treatment for the control of plant diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to X. fastidiosa in a Xanthomonas bacterial host and for treating or reducing symptoms of X. fastidiosa infection in a plant. The invention further provides methods of isolating and propagating bacteriophage virulent to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and for treating or reducing symptoms of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri infection in a plant.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preventing or reducing symptoms or disease associated with Xylella fastidiosa or Xanthomonas axonopodis in a plant. The invention provides novel bacteriophages virulent to Xylella fastidiosa or Xanthomonas axonopodis, including XfaMija and XfaMijo, and further provides methods for treating or preventing Pierce's Disease or Citrus Canker in plants.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inhibitor for inhibiting or disrupting biofilm and use thereof. Specifically, the present disclosure an application of a PsIG protein and a coding sequence thereof in inhibiting or disrupting a biofilm of a microorganism. The present disclosure also provides a composition and a preparation containing the PsIG protein to inhibit or disrupt a biofilm of a microorganism. The experiment shows that PsIG can effectively inhibit or disrupt a biofilm of Pseudomonas species, suggesting the great potential of PsIG in clinical and environmental fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a fungicidal Paenibacillus sp. strain comprising a variant fusaricidin synthetase lacking a functional adenylation domain in the third module. The present invention also provides a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a fungicidal Paenibacillus sp. strain or a cell-free extract thereof comprising at least one Paeniserine and at least one Paeniprolixin. Also provided are isolated compounds and methods of treating a plant to control a plant disease with the disclosed compositions and compounds.