Abstract: A bed assembly for pets includes a case and a fluid-filled bladder. The case defines an interior volume and has a top portion and a bottom portion opposite the top portion. The top portion includes a bed and a bolster extending from the bed around an outer periphery of the bed, and the bottom portion includes a shoulder strap and a securing mechanism configured to secure the bed in a stowed position. The fluid-filled bladder is disposed in the interior volume and is configured to be inflatable between an uninflated position and an inflated position. The fluid-filled bladder includes a bed bladder adjacent the bed of the case and a bolster bladder adjacent the bolster of the case.

Abstract: A pet bed is disclosed that includes a bolster and removable mattress portion. The bolster may be formed from a foam cushion, a fiber-filled cushion, a lower bolster cover, and an upper bolster cover. The upper bolster cover may comprise an upper and lower outer member such that the lower outer member connects to the lower bolster cover and separates the foam cushion from the fiber-filled cushion. The upper outer member of the upper bolster cover may cover the foam cushion.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to small animal containment and/or breeding include a container top having a vent and a feeding chute. The vent is a plurality of similarly sized holes or a void configured to receive and/or be covered by an exchangeable vent plate or cover. The feeding chute preferably provides a cradle to receive food that can be accessed by a contained animal through the thickness of the chute. A water aperture through the container top is configured to receive a ball bearing sipping tube which is operatively coupled to a water supply implement, but a chew shield is preferably formed integrally as part of the container top to prevent access to through the container top to the water supply implement. Hollow, single-end capped tubes may be provided to extend through one or more apertures formed through the top to allow for small animal or insect extraction.

Abstract: A device for directed animal traffic, having at least three sectors and a loop path, which is connected to each of the sectors, by a segment of the loop path that forms a transition region from the sector into the loop path, and the segment comprises a swinging gate, which allows an animal to enter the loop path from a sector and allows only one walking direction of the animal in the loop path, and a selection unit arranged after the swinging gate as viewed in the walking direction of the animal, to direct the animal into the sector or further along the loop path.

Abstract: A system for the controlled distribution of food for feeding animals, which includes a plurality of concentric circular sections with feeders for animals, a self-propelled central pivot machine arranged in a center of concentric circular sections, the self-propelled machine having a pivot base and a main head; a first pivoting span connected to the pivot base and at the proximal end of which the main head is arranged, while at the distal end a food discharge head is arranged; a main pipe that moves food to the main head and from the latter to the food discharge head and to the respective feeders arranged in the circular concentric sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing pet food has a base and a lid. The base is engageable with a container of the pet food and the lid is moveable relative to the base between an open state for allowing engagement and disengagement of the container and a closed state for preventing disengagement. The apparatus includes a scanner for reading a pet food identifier on the container. The scanner is adapted to read the pet food identifier and provide it to a controller. The controller is adapted to obtain food preparation parameters from an external database and to cause the apparatus to then prepare the pet food according thereto.

Abstract: A first system for determining the relative health of a chick having a first moving platform to support a chick, a first image capture device, a first database having a library of digital images relating to healthy and unhealthy chicks and a computer processor in communication with the image capture device and database. A second system for determining the gender of a chick in eludes a second moving platform, a second image capture device, stimuli directed at the chick to cause the chick to open its wings. The second system also includes a second database having wing patterns of male and female chicks of the breed of the chick on the second moving platform and a second computer processor in communication with the second image capture device and the second database.

Abstract: An animal training and behavior altering device and method is used to teach and train dogs, cats and most other animals from unwanted behaviors such as continuous barking, jumping up, stealing, pet to pet confrontations, unwanted use of furniture and other bad habits and behaviors. The device and method combines sound and smell to trigger senses of the animal in a manner that establishes and reinforces negative feedback. In particular, discharge of a propellant through a specially designed nozzle on a canister creates a loud hissing sound combined with a citrus scent that most animals strongly dislike, whereby the behavior of the animal is corrected.

Abstract: One variation of a method for acclimating a dog to autonomous training with a training apparatus, includes: accessing a video feed of a working field; dispensing a first set of treats into the working field at a first frequency and outputting an audible reinforcer at a first volume level; estimating a first acclimation score representative of acclimation to dispensation of the first set of treats; in response to the first acclimation score exceeding a threshold acclimation, dispensing a second set of treats at a second frequency less than the first frequency and outputting the audible reinforcer at a second volume greater than the first volume; estimating a second acclimation score responsive to the second set of treats; in response to the second acclimation score exceeding the threshold acclimation, the second frequency falling below a threshold frequency, and the second volume exceeding a threshold volume, verifying acclimation of the dog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collar (1) for pets, the collar (1) comprising a tightening structure consisting of a buckle (2) having a first projecting structure (21) formed longitudinally on the top (23a) and a second projecting structure 22a formed transversely to the center of the bottom (23b) of the buckle (2), the first and second projecting structures (21, 22a) facing one another without touching.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a reduced-pull leash device includes a first extendible leash section and a second leash section. The second leash section is longer than the unextended first leash section. The first leash section's first end is configured to couple to or near the second leash section's first end. The first leash section's second end is configured to couple to a harness at a location on top of a dog. The second leash section's second end is configured to couple to a harness at a front location of the dog. The lengths of the first and second leash sections are configured so the first leash section extends when a dog pulls on the leash until the second leash section becomes taut. Once the second leash section becomes taut, a lateral force is generated on the dog to pull the dog laterally. Numerous other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: An information processing system includes: a state determiner that determines a state of an animal using a captured image of the animal; a feeling determiner that determines a feeling of the animal corresponding to the state of the animal determined by the state determiner, on the basis of a notification wording DB indicating a relationship between the state and the feeling of the animal; and a notification processor that notifies user terminal 4 of a wording indicating the feeling of the animal determined by the feeling determiner.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide systems for stimulating a desired response, such as ovulation and egg laying, hunger, growth, mood and sexual maturity in birds, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail and ostrich, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to a bird, through the high frequency modulation of photons in an individual color spectrum to the bird and duty cycle, where the photon modulation and duty cycle is based upon the specific needs of the bird.

Abstract: An automatic unit for one or several beehives for commercial or recreational beekeeping including honey production and pollination services comprises: (a) a plurality of bee frames (honeycomb, brood frames and other bee frames) releasably mounted within at least one hive chamber; (b) a mechanism for removing the bee frames from the hive chamber and inserting the bee frames thereinto; (c) an automated honey harvesting arrangement; (d) an arrangement for monitoring bees conditions, analyzing obtained data and reporting results to a user; and (e) an arrangement for feeding bees, pest and climate control. The mechanism for removing and inserting the bee frames comprises a frame loader linearly displaceable along at least one hive chamber.

Abstract: The invention discloses a reservoir tail reverse regulation method for native fish protection, comprising the steps that firstly, a breeding habitat of native fishes at reservoir tail of a cascade hydroelectric dam is determined; secondly, breeding characteristics of migration native fishes are determined, and an ecological conservation project of a reach of the breeding habitat at reservoir tail is carried out; thirdly, the length of the reservoir tail of a downstream hydropower station of a cascade hydroelectric project in March to May is determined through a field investigation, and the maximum range of a natural river channel downstream of the upstream cascade power station is judged and finally, the flow state of the reach at reservoir tail is reversely regulated to achieve the goal of discharging water of the natural river channel at the reservoir tail and ensuring the natural flow state of the natural river channel.

Abstract: Examples of the disclosure provide for an apparatus for actively restoring and promoting marine life. Said apparatus includes a mounting component and a receiver component. Said mounting and receiving components are capable of mechanically joining with each other. Said mounting component provides a base for stable attachment of a living sessile organism. Said receiver component provides stable anchoring for said mounting component. Various embodiments of said apparatus function to facilitate propagation, protective transport and efficient out planting of said organisms in a submerged marine environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a somatic chimera by using a pluripotent cell genetically engineered not to differentiate into a predetermined type of cell. The present invention particularly provides a method for preventing a pluripotent cell from contributing to the brain and gonad in a somatic chimera animal.

Abstract: A non-human animal is provided in which blood cells have a first genetic background, cells other than blood cells have a second genetic background, the first genetic background is different from the second genetic background, and the second genetic background is a genetic mutation that does not form hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a chimeric animal using a primed pluripotent stem cell, a tissue stem cell, a progenitor cell, a somatic cell, or a germ cell. The method for producing a chimeric animal according to the present invention comprises introducing a mammal-derived cell into the embryo of a mammal, the cell being primed pluripotent stem cell, tissue stem cell, progenitor cell, somatic cell, or germ cell.

Abstract: Non-human animal genomes, non-human animal cells, and non-human animals comprising a humanized coagulation factor XII (F12) locus and methods of making and using such non-human animal genomes, non-human animal cells, and non-human animals are provided. Non-human animal cells or non-human animals comprising a humanized F12 locus express a human coagulation factor XII protein or a chimeric coagulation factor XII protein, fragments of which are from human coagulation factor XII. Methods are provided for using such non-human animals comprising a humanized F12 locus to assess in vivo efficacy of human-coagulation-factor-XII-targeting reagents such as nuclease agents designed to target human F12. A short isoform of F12 that is produced locally in the brain, and methods of using the short isoform, are also provide.

Abstract: Lipid-depleted insect compositions are described and include protein, chitin, bacteria, fungi, and various ranges of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, ash, manganese, iron, zinc, water, bulk density, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and protein, wherein the composition is derived from Orthoptera order of insects, or the composition is not derived from Orthoptera order of insects. Lipid extraction methods are described which include use of a use of a first immiscible liquid and a second immiscible liquid. Compositions including insect eggs, feedstocks, and breeding materials are described.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure, and a method of constructing the same, the fishing lure including a translucent polymer body, and a separately formed insert member at least partially embedded in the polymer body, the insert member being less translucent that the polymer body and formed to mimic a physical trauma in the fishing lure.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure, and a method of constructing the same, the method including providing a mold configured to form the fishing lure, injecting at least a partially liquified first polymer heated to a first temperature into the mold, injecting at least a partially liquified second polymer heated to a second temperature into the mold, and allowing the at least partially liquified first and second polymers to harden.

Abstract: A fish grip having a touch control locking mechanism includes a base. A front end of the base is provided with a left gripper and a right gripper that cooperate with each other. A locking member is movable relative to the base for locking a trigger when the left gripper and the right gripper are in an open position. A triggering member is also connected to the base for automatically triggering the locking member when the left gripper or the right gripper extends into the mouth of a fish thus driving the left gripper and the right gripper to a closed position. During use, the trigger is pulled or pushed to open the left gripper and the right gripper, and the trigger may be locked by the locking member to maintain the open position of the left and right gripper.

Abstract: Spraying device for an agricultural machine, comprising a carrier and at least one nozzle capable of spraying an aerosol product, the carrier being hollow in order to be able to conduct propellant air to the at least one nozzle, the at least one nozzle being selectively mountable on and dismountable from the carrier, preferably without using tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for spraying a product, notably a plant-protection product, comprising product spray nozzles (10) and airflow generating means (110), characterized in that the airflow generating means comprise an outlet (112) in the form of an annular slit designed to generate an airflow (102) in the form of a continuous tubular curtain of air enclosing the jets (12) emanating from the spray nozzles (10) and that the sprayed product cannot cross.

Abstract: A sanitary mousetrap housing apparatus for effectively and sanitarily killing and removing rodents includes a housing having a left side separated from a right side, a back side, and a bottom side. The bottom side has a width configured to receive a mousetrap between the left side and the right side such that the mousetrap can only be slid through either an open top side or an open front side. The bottom side has a length greater than the length of the mousetrap such that no portion of a trapped mouse is exposed past the open front side.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus 1 for holding a piece of bait 2, in particular a piece of bait 2 for pests 14, preferably for rodents, comprising: a housing part 3 which has a receiving space 6 for receiving a piece of bait 2 and can be inserted into a part of a sewer system, a detecting device 9, equipped to detect a first item of information, an output device 11, equipped to output a first item of information detected by the detecting device 9.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of insects, including larvae, in an indoor environment, which includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); (b) separating the sampled VOCs; (c) detecting the presence or absence of “target” VOCs from at least one category: “category 1 VOCs”—VOCs emitted independently of the support on which the insects develop and emitted only in an insect infestation VOCs, “category 2 VOCs”—VOCs emitted independently of the support but may have biological origins other than insects, and “category 3 VOCs”—VOCs emitted depending on the support and emitted only in an insect infestation; (d) calculating both an insect infestation index (“3I”) and a limit value (“VL”) based on the presence or absence of the target VOCs; and (e) comparing the “3I” and “VL” values. The environment is infested for a “3I” value strictly greater than the “VL” value.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for connecting an accessory to a rear of an ATV. The coupling apparatus includes a first support member configured to connect to the rear of the ATV, a second support member configured to connect to the accessory, and a coupling member configured to connect the first support member to the second support member. Finally, a shock is connected between the coupling member and the second support member.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy includes an upper portion configured to appear as a waterfowl and a lower portion that extends from the upper portion. A first keel that extends from the lower portion defines a first surface extending from the lower portion and sloping downwardly. A second keel that extends from the lower portion defines a second surface extending from the lower portion and sloping downwardly. The first keel further defines a third surface that extends from the lower portion, slopes downwardly, and is opposite the first surface, and the second keel further defines a fourth surface that extends from the lower portion, slopes downwardly, and is opposite the second surface. The first keel is spaced from the second keel, defines a first recess that is configured to receive a first weight, and includes a first aperture while the second keel includes a second aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture of polyoxymethylene dialkyl ethers (POM) having a specific molecular distribution of n as well as its preparation method. The invention also relates to a composition comprising: a) a mixture of polyoxymethylene dialkyl ethers (POM) having a restricted specific molecular distribution b) at least one biocidal agent c) at least one pro-penetrating agent d) at least one dye e) optionally, another additive and water as diluent, It also relates to a non-therapeutic method of preserving and/or embalming a dead human or animal body using the composition, such as the use of this composition for anatomopathological purposes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of freezing mammalian cells for storage or improving thaw recovery of cell banks comprising freezing mammalian cells in a freezing medium having a pH of 6.7 to 8.5.

Abstract: Compositions and Methods for Stabilizing Circulating Tumor Cells Methods and compositions for stabilizing a biological sample for analysis, comprising the steps of obtaining in a sample collection device a biological sample from a subject, especially blood, the biological sample including at least one circulating tumor cell from the subject. The methods may include a step of contacting the biological sample with a protective agent composition that includes a preservative agent, an optional anticoagulant, and a quenching agent to form a mixture that includes the protective agent composition and the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the lifespan of animal sperm comprising contacting said sperm with an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel. The invention also relates to a use of an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel, for increasing the lifespan of animal sperm or motility of capacitated animal sperm, comprising contacting an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel with said sperm. Moreover, the invention relates to an artificial insemination instrument for use in artificial insemination of an animal, comprising animal sperm in contact with an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel. The invention also relates to a method for artificially inseminating an animal using said artificial insemination instrument. Eventually, the invention relates to a method for increasing the fertility of an animal, comprising contacting sperm of said animal with an inhibitor of Slo3 potassium channel; then artificially inseminating said animal with said sperm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agrochemical compositions based on emulsion polymers; their use for foliar application and their application in aqueous crop protection flowable formulations for controlling agricultural pests, weeds or diseases and reducing the wash-off of active ingredients by rainfall.

Abstract: Composite materials that are palatable to a wood-destroying pest species and also pesticidal to the pest species can be used in pest control devices and can be used as wood substitutes for structural components, which are resistant to destruction by wood-destroying pests. The composite materials include a thermoplastic polymer, a food material for the pest and a pesticide. The composite material is formed by mixing a thermoplastic polymer, wood fragments or other cellulosic materials and a quantity of pesticide, and thereafter creating a molten material within a mixer, compounder, extruder or the like. The molten material is extruded or molded to form the desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing microbial contamination or infection in plants, animals, fabrics, and products therefrom. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for reducing human infections. In particular, it provides solid magnetic nanoparticles comprising bacteriostatic, bactericidal, fungistatic, or fungicidal enzymes in one component, and substrates for the enzymes in another component. The compositions are dormant and become active upon exposure to hydration and oxygen.

Abstract: Fragrant and antimicrobial properties were conferred to cotton fabrics following microencapsulation using green materials. Limonene and vanillin microcapsules were produced by complex coacervation using chitosan/gum Arabic as shell materials and tannic acid as hardening agent. The effect of two emulsifiers; Span 85 and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), on the encapsulation efficiency (EE %), microcapsule's size and morphology, and cumulative release profiles was studied. The use of Span 85 resulted in mononuclear morphology while PGPR gave rise to polynuclear structures, regardless of the core material (vanillin or limonene). The obtained microcapsules demonstrated a sustained release patter. Grafting of the produced microcapsules onto cotton fabrics through an esterification reaction using citric acid as anon-toxic cross-linker followed by thermofixation and curing, was confirmed by SEM and FTIR spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising terpenes and hollow glucan particles or cell wall particles and methods for preparing such compositions. The compositions increase terpene stability and activity and provide a suitable carrier for the terpenes. The invention also relates to methods of using such compositions in the medical, veterinary and agricultural fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 9-tricosene as a pest control agent against Drosophila suzukii, where in 9-tricosene inhibits mating. The compound 9-tricosene can be used alone or mixed with other compounds in order to control Drosophila suzukii in a more efficient manner. In addition, this present invention provides the use of a dispenser and specific spraying methods with 9-tricosene.

Abstract: The present invention provides insect lure traps and pheromone dispensers useful in controlling and monitoring psyllid insects. The insect lure traps and pheromone dispensers comprise C1-C5 carboxylic acid, such as formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid.

Abstract: Provided is a pest control composition containing a novel iminopyridine derivative and other pest control agents. Provided is a pest control composition containing an iminopyridine derivative represented by the following Formula (I) and at least one of other pest control agents: [in the formula (I), Ar represents a 5- to 6-membered heterocycle which may be substituted, A represents a heterocycle having a 5- to 10-membered unsaturated bond including one or more nitrogen atoms, and has an imino group substituted with an R group at a position adjacent to the nitrogen atom present on the cycle, Y represents hydrogen, halogen and the like, and R represents any one of groups represented by the following Formulae (a) to (e), (y) or (z)].

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling weeds comprising a step of treating a cultivation area of crops with ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5-(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy]acetate or flumioxazin before, simultaneously with, and/or after sowing crop seeds, which has an excellent efficacy for controlling weeds in a cultivation area of crops. The present invention also provides the above-mentioned method wherein the crops are the transgenic plant body or seeds that are tolerant to the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors; and further provides the above-mentioned method wherein the crops are the transgenic plant body or seeds having any one of a polypeptide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 1-32 described in the Description or a polypeptide sequence having at least 85% sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID Nos. 1-32.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted thiophenyl uracils of general formula (I) or the salts (I) thereof, wherein the groups in general formula (I) are as defined in the description, and to the use thereof as herbicides, in particular for controlling weeds and/or weed grasses in crops of cultivated plants and/or as plant growth regulators for influencing the growth of crops of cultivated plants.

Abstract: The present inventions concerns use of a specific methoxyacrylate compound to control mosquitoes, and vector control products comprising that methoxyacrylate compound, in particular the invention relates to a substrate, to a composition, for controlling mosquitoes, and to a specific methoxyacrylate compound, processes for the synthesis of mosquitocidal methoxyacrylate compounds and new intermediates.

Abstract: A fungicidal composition comprising a mixture of components (A) and (B), wherein components (A) and (B) are as defined in claim 1, and use of the compositions in agriculture or horticulture for controlling or preventing infestation of plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to trifluoromethyloxadiazoles of the formula (I), or the N-oxides, or the agriculturally useful salts thereof; to a process for preparing compounds of the formula (I); to intermediates which are useful in the preparation of compounds of the formula (I); to the use of compounds of the formula (I) for controlling phytopathogenic fungi; to a method for combating phytopathogenic harmful fungi, which process comprises treating the fungi, the plants, the soil or seeds to be protected against fungal attack, with an effective amount of at least one compound of the formula (I), or an N-oxide, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; and to agrochemical compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula (I), or an N-oxide, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof; and to agrochemical compositions further comprising seeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined according to the description, for controlling unwanted vegetation Further the invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I), compositions comprising them a method for controlling unwanted vegetation which comprises allowing a herbicidal effective amount of at least one azine of the formula I to act on plants, their seed and/or their habitat.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling surface-inhabiting pests in an aquatic system, in particular cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms (HABs), comprising spreading on the surface of the aquatic system a buoyant composition comprising a water disinfectant, preferably an oxidizing compound, and a floating agent. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for their preparation and use.