Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A method and system for planting one of a plurality of seed types, hybrids and/or varieties is presented. A planter is provided with a plurality of row units. The row units include substantially static metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. When the invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a fluid includes a container including a sidewall defining an interior space for holding the fluid and configured to separate the fluid into a liquid and a vapor. The system also includes at least one fluid inlet disposed in the sidewall, at least one liquid outlet disposed in the sidewall, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor is positioned adjacent to or upstream of the at least one fluid inlet and configured to detect a first temperature of the fluid. The second sensor is positioned adjacent to or downstream of the at least one liquid outlet and configured to detect a second temperature of the fluid. The controller is configured to determine a fluid temperature differential based on the first and second temperatures and determine an operational status of the system based on the fluid temperature differential.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mower unit including, on a mower deck that rotatably supports a blade, a deck-side electric component configured to drive the blade, and a joint section for effecting connection and disconnection of a harness that electrically connects the deck-side electric component to a vehicle body-side electric component.

Abstract: Debris-collecting systems and bagging apparatus for debris-collecting systems are provided. One bagging apparatus includes a primary bag and a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt has an electrical charge. One debris-collecting apparatus includes an input portion, a bagging portion, and a draft inducer for drawing the air and debris through the input portion and to the bagging portion. The bagging portion has a hood, a primary bag removably positioned lowerly adjacent the hood, a dust skirt configured to wrap around the primary bag, and a bagging passage for directing air and debris to the hood from the input portion. The hood has a helical configuration extending from the bagging passage toward the primary bag. At least an inner face of the dust skirt is electrically charged. A frame having at least one wheel facilitates transportation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a knotter driven by double fluted disc. The knotter driven by double fluted disc comprises a small fluted disc, a knotter rack, a large fluted disc, a cutter arm assembled on the knotter rack, a knotter jaw and bill hook combined mechanism (R), a rope gripper driving mechanism (Q) and a rope gripper (J), wherein a composite fluted disc of traditional D-knotter is divided into the small fluted disc and the large fluted disc in the knotter driven by double fluted disc.

Abstract: A light control device and method for stimulating plant growth is disclosed. The light control device includes a light source capable of emitting light required for plant growth. The light control device further comprises a plurality of light conversion films rotatably mounted upon a film switching unit arranged around the light source, the film switching unit driven by a motor arranged therewithin. The plurality of light conversion films may further provide a plurality of light spectra required during a plurality of plant growth stages. The light control device determines plant growth stage based on the size and the height of the plants. The motor rotates the film switching unit, based on the plant growth stage of the plants, in such a manner that a light conversion film, associated with the plant growth stage of the plants, is positioned in front of the light source. Such positioning stimulates the plant growth.

Abstract: A spike light is provided, including: a rod body, a light body and a lifting mechanism. The rod body includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a base portion. The light body includes at least one lightening unit, a plant growth sensor and a processor. The lightening unit and the plant growth sensor are electrically connected with the processor. The lifting mechanism includes a first lifting unit and a second lifting unit, and one of the first lifting unit and the second lifting unit is drivable by a power source. The processor drives the power source to drive at least one of the light body and the lifting mechanism when the processor determines that at least one plant height signal is different from a predetermined height signal. A spike light assembly is further provided, including a plurality of said spike lights described above.

Abstract: A system for growing a plant (1) in an at least partly conditioned environment includes a cultivation base (11) for receiving a culture substrate (3) with a root system (4) of the plant therein. Root temperature control elements (12) are provided which are able and adapted to impose a predetermined root temperature on the root system, and lighting elements (20,21,22) which are able and adapted to expose leaves of the plant to actinic artificial light. Leaf heating elements are also provided, which are able and adapted to impose on the leaf of the plant a leaf temperature varying from an ambient temperature. In a method for growing the plant a carbon dioxide assimilation management of a leaf system of the plant is thus influenced, and a supply of actinic light, the root temperature and the carbon dioxide assimilation management are adapted to each other.

Abstract: A supply and/or cooling system contains a supply tube or a supply channel for receiving a liquid and/or a gas, which is coupled to a liquid supply device and/or a gas supply and/or gas suction system and has at least one liquid and/or gas discharge opening in a tube, and a channel base or casing region. A strand-shaped ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand is suspended on the supply tube or the supply channel and/or the supply tube or supply channel coupled to the gas supply and/or a gas suction system is suspended below the at least one ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand. The ingredient carrier contains and/or carries at least one ingredient and the ingredient carrier and/or cooling strand can be supplied with the liquid and/or the gas via the liquid and/or gas discharge opening. The supply tube or the supply channel is vertically moveable.

Abstract: An agriculture protective cover for plants that can be easily assembled and disassembled by a single person. The cover includes a plurality of spaced apart base pairs interconnected by arch tubes over which a protective sheet is strung. The bases have a receiver at one end mounted over a stake and an aperture on an opposite end configured for receipt of a spike. The receiver includes upwardly bendable tabs on which the arch tubes are mounted. The arches may be interconnected with stabilizing tubes.

Abstract: A system for mixing gases affecting the growth of plants (such as carbon dioxide) with returned extracted gases, refrigerating and introducing the mixed gases (via an air-moving device) into a space containing cultivated plants, and maintaining movement the mixed gases over the plants and then away from them is provided. As the mixed gases move over the plants, the mixture interacts with the plants, gathering emitted gaseous and vapor photosynthesis products from the plants. The movement of the mixed gases, which can be assisted by additional devices, transports emitted photosynthesis products away from the plants and towards a region of the spatial volume where these can be removed for subsequent processing, reintroduction, and/or storage. Processing can include moisture capture and liquid/gas separation. In an embodiment, separated mixed gases can be re-introduced into the spatial volume by the air-moving device, and separated liquid can be provided to the plants for nutrition.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing plants in a grow room includes an enclosure having a window. The enclosure contains a grow lamp that is arranged to direct light downward through the widow toward the plants. A blower is coupled with the enclosure to drive a flow of air through the enclosure. A gantry apparatus supports the enclosure in the grow room for movement above the plants.

Abstract: In an embodiment, computer processes are programmed to determine planting plans based on planting characteristics data received for an agricultural field and a plurality of management zone delineation options defined for the agricultural field. Each of the planting plans specifies different planting recommendations for the agricultural field. A first graphical representation of the planting plans, and an interactive object is generated and displayed on a computing device. The interactive object is configured to receive input specifying a relative importance ratio between the planting plans for determining a new planting plan for the agricultural field. A particular relative importance ratio is received via the interactive object, and is used to determine the new planting plan, which specifies new planting recommendations for the agricultural field. Information about the new planting plan is displayed on the computer device.

Abstract: An irrigation filter system and method is provided. The system may have a body and a filtration subsystem and may separate fluid from detritus carried by the fluid. The fluid may be released onto a crop, while the detritus is collected by the filtration subsystem. A drain fixture may be operated to release the detritus from the irrigation filter system in response to at least one of the pressure of the fluid flowing in the system and gravity. In this manner, the detritus may be released without requiring the system to be shut down and/or disassembled.

Abstract: A sustained release irrigation apparatus for effective water management. The sustained release irrigation apparatus includes a reservoir, a support structure, an absorbent surface, a water permeable top layer and a top opening on the water permeable top layer for filling water in the reservoir. The support structure is positioned on the reservoir and designed to support a potted plant thereon. The absorbent surface is positioned on the support structure and includes an absorbent opening. The top opening positioned on the water permeable top layer receives water from a water source and fills water into the reservoir. The water collected in the reservoir flows upwards to the water permeable top layer and then reaches the soil inside a pot thereby making water available to the roots of the potted plant without any wastage.

Abstract: A top dripping and bottom wicking assembly and method of operation feeds a reservoir that controllably drips liquid nutrient solution from above a plant, and also uses capillary action of a planar wick member to draw the liquid nutrient solution into a plant growing medium and plant roots. The assembly works to controllably drip the liquid nutrient onto the plant through sized and dimensioned drip holes that form in the reservoir, while simultaneously dispersing the liquid nutrient solution through a planar wick member to disperse liquid nutrient solution to a plant growing medium and the roots of the plant. Stakes hold the reservoir above the plant. The wick member is flat and forms a central opening to allow passage of the plant. A plant support member retains the plant in an upright position. The plant support member forms wicking holes to enable passage of liquid nutrients from the wick.

Abstract: Methods for conveying metribuzin resistance and/or tolerance into non-resistant soybean germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include introgressing metribuzin resistance into a non-resistant soybean using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted breeding among soybean lines to be used in a soybean breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to and/or associated with metribuzin resistance and/or tolerance. Also provided are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance or tolerance to metribuzin. Soybean plants and seeds produced by any of the disclosed methods are provided.

Abstract: A cotton molecular breeding method includes (1) obtaining a chr.7 single QTL segment substitution line with high fiber strength, and (2) using the obtained chr.7 single QTL segment substitution line as a non-recurrent parent () to cross with a recurrent parent (?) to obtain an F1 generation. Then (3) the F1 generation is back-crossed with the recurrent parent to obtain a BC1F1 generation, and (4) plants of the BC1F1 generation are screened for plants carrying the chr.7 single QTL segment, and then the screened plants are back-crossed with the recurrent parent for 2-4 times to obtain a BCnF1 generation. The method also includes (5) screening plants of the BCnF1 generation for plants carrying the chr.7 single QTL segment, and selfing the screened plants for 1-3 times to obtain a bred line BCnFm having the high cotton fiber strength.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line PSQXL12-1012. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQXL12-1012, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM1082 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM1082 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB3195, pepper line SBR8T14-6225, and pepper line SBY8T15-6313. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB3195, pepper line SBR8T14-6225, and pepper line SBY8T15-6313 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB3195, pepper line SBR8T14-6225, and pepper line SBY8T15-6313 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 88092742 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 88092742, to the plants of soybean cultivar 88092742, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 88092742, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 88092742. 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 88092742. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 88092742, 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 88092742 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 82322805 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 82322805, to the plants of soybean cultivar 82322805, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 82322805, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 82322805. 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 82322805. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 82322805, 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 82322805 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing seeds in watermelon. In one embodiment methods are provided comprising grafting of a seed parent onto a stress tolerant rootstock, pollinating the seed parent with pollen from a pollen donor, and cultivating the seed parent until seed is formed. In specific embodiments, triploid seeds produced by a method of the invention are rendered conspicuously distinguishable from tetraploid seeds, and thus readily selected manually or by an automated machine. Methods for increasing seed yield and/or quality are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the alfalfa variety designated 1013M185. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the alfalfa variety 1013M185. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the alfalfa variety 1013M185 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing alfalfa plants by crossing the alfalfa variety 1013M185 with itself or another alfalfa variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line SVGN1386. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of bean line SVGN1386 and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SVGN1386 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line SVGN1386, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line SVGZ5965. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of bean line SVGZ5965 and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line SVGZ5965 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line SVGZ5965, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: A pet stroller is provided having a frame assembly which includes a base frame and a back frame. A handle is connected to the back frame. A platform is located on the base frame to define a pet seating area. Two rear wheels and at least one front wheel are connected to the base frame. Two foldable struts are provided, between the base and back frames that are lockable in an extended position and releasable to allow folding of the struts. A back door is connected by hinges to the back frame and has a releasable door latch. A canopy is provided including a cloth canopy assembly and the upper and lower canopy bars. A canopy latch releasably connects the lower canopy bar to a front cross member of the base frame to form an enclosed pet seating area. The platform forming the pet seating area is below a level defined by a top of the rear wheels, and preferably less than 12 inches above ground level, accommodating larger pets and eliminating the need to lift the pet into the pet seating area.

Abstract: A big-dog-accommodating triple-hinged multi-function-shelf-trunk-platform-and-door pet crate comprises top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear panels attached to one another, multi-function slanted urine-storing bed-roof-terrace having built-in gutters and ridges disposed on the bottom panel, a grooming platform, multi-function shock-absorbing gussets covering all the corners of the panels to lock the grooming platform and to absorb shocks and vibrations, a big-dog-accommodating triple-hinged multi-function-shelf-trunk-platform-and-door having triple hinges thereon to allow it to close after a big dog enters the pet crate and to allow it to also function as a shelf or a trunk or a platform, triple locking rods to lock the big-dog-accommodating triple-hinged multi-function-shelf-trunk-platform-and-door to the front panel, a palm knob with palm recesses and palm hills for an arthritic to use without the need for folding his or her fingers, a spring-loaded palm knob to lock the big-dog-accommodating triple-hin

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet device. The pet device may include a housing and a porous element. The housing may define a cavity and including a front portion. The front portion may define a plurality of through holes passing from an exterior surface of the housing to the cavity. The porous element may be size to fit within the cavity. The porous element may be impregnate with a first substance.

Abstract: A pet waste collector bag for coupling with two scraper arms for picking up the pet waste includes a bag body and a retaining arrangement coupled to the bag body for retaining the two scraper arms so as to scrape the pet waste into the bag body without needing the scraper arms to touch the pet waste and the hands of the pet owner will not have contact with the pet waste during the pet waste picking operation.

Abstract: A restraining apparatus for an animal including a combination of a leash and a harness to be used in conjunction with a collar. The restraining apparatus includes a ring defining an opening. A coupling element for fastening to a collar on the animal is mounted to the ring. A substantially rigid arm is mounted to the ring and extends to a free distal end spaced from the ring, with the arm forming a substantially elongated opening with the ring. A leash may be attached to the ring. When the restraining apparatus is applied to the animal as a harness, the coupling element is fastened to the collar, and the leash is wrapped around the torso of the animal, engages the arm at the elongated opening, and may freely slide and tighten around the torso of the animal.

Abstract: A shock absorbing tether comprising an elongated flexible primary strand which is surrounded by a longitudinally elastic casing having terminal ends and which is attached to the primary strand at each of its terminal ends and at at least one point intermediate the terminal ends.

Abstract: An animal emotion estimation device includes: a sound collector configured by an elastic member having a recess, a sound concentrating microphone provided on the bottom portion of the recess, and an impact absorber covering the entire of the elastic member and the sound concentrating microphone; a harness to mount the sound collector on an animal; a converter that filters and converts the sound collected through the sound collector into a heart rate signal; an estimation portion that estimates the emotion of the animal based on the heart rate signal; and an output unit that supplies information showing the estimation estimated by the estimation portion.

Abstract: A bovine monitoring system may include a rumination sensor, a motion sensor, a posture sensor. The rumination sensor may detect chewing by sensing jaw motion. The motion sensor may detect motion. The posture sensor may detect orientation of the bovine asset through detection of gravitational acceleration, detection of gyroscopic rotation, or a combination of gravitational acceleration and gyroscopic rotation. Using the recorded rumination, motion, and posture sensors, the bovine asset monitoring system may identify aberrations in the estrous cycle or physical or mental health of the bovine assets. A bovine monitoring system may include a thermal scanning device to detect localized heating of the vulva area of the bovine asset, which may be used to identify aberrations in the estrous cycle or physical or mental health of the bovine assets.

Abstract: A mobile cellular cooling apparatus includes frame having a distribution pipe for carrying and distributing water through the pipe and into a plurality of cells. Excess or unevaporated water is collected in trough and recirculated through the apparatus utilizing a reservoir and a pump. Air passes through the cells and achieves a cooling effect on the air temperature while removing contaminants and/or pollutants. One or more of the apparatuses may be included or installed within a poultry house or structure. One or more apparatuses may be included or installed along with other ventilation components to provide an improved ventilation for such structures or buildings.

Abstract: A method of constructing an aviary structure is provided. The method includes steps of forming a foundation and coupling an internal support structure to the foundation. The internal support structure is coupled to the foundation at least in part by coupling a plurality of aviary cages to the foundation, coupling a plurality of peripheral columns to the foundation, and coupling the aviary cages with the peripheral columns using bracing. The method also includes steps of coupling at least one side wall to the peripheral columns, coupling the roof assembly to vertical support members of the aviary cages, and coupling said external paneling to the side wall and the roof assembly.

Abstract: A method for qualitatively assessing products used in in vitro fertilization is provided. Also disclosed is an improved quality control assay for use in clinical Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).

Abstract: The invention provides double knockout transgenic pigs (GT/CMAH-KO pigs) lacking expression of any functional ?GAL and CMAH. Double knockout GT/CMAH-KO transgenic organs, tissues and cells are also provided. Methods of making and using the GT/CMAH-KO pigs and tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates, in one aspect, generally to novel concept of guided selection of antibody variable domains, combination and expression entirely in vivo. An application is to produce multivalent polypeptides. The present invention relates to multivalent (eg, multispecific) antibodies, antibody chains and polypeptides, as well as heavy chain-only antibodies (H2 antibodies) that are devoid of light chains. The invention further relates to the selection, maturation and production of these in vivo in non-human vertebrates and non-human vertebrate cells. To this end the invention also relates to such non-human vertebrates and cells. The invention also relates to the provision of means to produce and select heavy chain-only antibodies and heavy chains comprising variable domains that have undergone affinity maturation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a large-scale and multi-span breeding greenhouse for adult black soldier flies, comprising greenhouse bodies. Each greenhouse body comprises a pupae room and a mating and oviposition room; a partition wall is provided between the pupae room and the mating and oviposition room, the partition wall is provided with a door hole communicating the pupae room and the mating and oviposition room; the pupae room is opaque; the greenhouse body further comprises a light guiding device which introduces sunlight into the mating and oviposition room. The present invention provides a suitable growth and breeding environment, ensures a high reproduction rate, and can achieve large-scale captive breeding of black soldier flies. The greenhouse has a high level of automation and can be easily cleaned and maintained. Little human interference takes place in the breeding process, no random oviposition is observed, and the egg collection rate is high.

Abstract: A fishing reel capable of casting a fishing line in a forward direction includes a reel body, a rotor, a one-way clutch and a case member. The rotor is rotatable relative to the reel body about an axis of rotation and has an internal space. The one-way clutch is configured to transmit power in only one direction. The case member is disposed in the internal space of the rotor and houses the one-way clutch, and has a flange portion projecting in a radially outward direction and a fixing portion disposed behind the flange portion in a position overlapping a part of the flange portion, as viewed from an axial direction, and being fixed to the reel body.

Abstract: A fishing reel waterproof structure prevents water intrusion into a bearing member that supports an end of a handle shaft to make the end of the handle shaft rotatable respective to a reel body. The fishing reel waterproof structure includes a flange part, a fixation plate, a seal member and a water stop part. The flange part is on the handle shaft in a vicinity of the end of the handle shaft. The fixation plate restricts axial movement of the bearing member. The fixation plate has an annular shape and is fixed to the reel body. An inner peripheral part of the fixation plate is disposed between the flange part and the bearing member to contact a lateral surface of the bearing member. The seal member seals between the reel body and the fixation plate. The water stop part prevents water intrusion between the flange part and the fixation plate.

Abstract: A fly-fishing reel having an integrated incremental meter device along with a modular weight system for customizing the weight of the fly-fishing reel in order for an angler to use the fly-fishing reel with a variety of fly rods and still maintain a desired balance point. The modular weight system allows the balance point of the rod and fly-fishing reel to be adjusted. The incremental metering device is adapted for keeping a tally of selected data, such as, though not limited to the number of fish caught or released.

Abstract: An insect trap assembly for luring and trapping insects includes a tube that has an upper edge and a lower edge. The tube comprises a translucent material. An adhesive layer is positioned on an outer surface of the tube. The adhesive layer secures insects to the tube when the insects engage the adhesive layer. An illuminating member is mounted to the tube. The illuminating member illuminates the tube when the light emitter is turned on. The illuminating member is positioned in the tube.

Abstract: A front-boom sprayer is provided that includes a boom center section and lift arm arrangement that provides a field of view below the boom when the boom is in a raised state that is substantially free of view obstructions from torque tube or other crosswise-extending components. The lift arm arrangement may provide different link tube geometries so that the respective left and right pairs of upper and lower lift arms align with each other in the line of sight of the in-cab operator.

Abstract: A mouse trap has a trigger with a transverse helical spring at the distal end of its upper surface for receiving bait. The bait in the spring increases the likelihood of the trigger being depressed, the latch being released, and the striker striking the mouse.

Abstract: A portable game feeder hoist and hunting stand is provided with an upstanding support member connected to a horizontal support arm that is attachable to a tree with a chain. The game feeder hoist has a winch that is removably attached to the horizontal support arm, from which a hoist line extends. The winch preferably includes a worm gear meshed with a worm screw operatively coupled to a worm screw shaft configured to removeably connect to a receiving socket, which is adapted to securely receive a keyed end of an elongated drive shaft, in a lock and key style arrangement. A tree sizing strap and hook apparatus is provided with graphic identification markers to aid hunters in accessing the size of tree trunks from which they intend to mount a game feeder hoist and hunting stand. The strap includes a hook from which to temporarily hang the portable game feeder hoist against the tree trunk while attaching the hoist to the tree with a chain.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for monitoring administration of nitric oxide (NO) to ex vivo fluids. Examples of such fluids include blood in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) circuits or perfusion fluids used for preserving ex vivo organs prior to transplanting in a recipient. The systems and methods described herein provide for administering nitric oxide to the fluid, monitoring nitric oxide or a nitric oxide marker in the fluid, and adjusting the nitric oxide administration.