Abstract: A bin monitoring system is useable with an elevated feed bin having a plurality of legs that support the bin above a pad so that each leg is connected to the pad through a load cell. The system includes an inner leg mount configured to be attached to a leg, the inner leg mount having an upper portion, and an outer bracket mounted on the load cell. The outer bracket receives the inner leg mount such that a bolt aperture in the outer bracket aligns with a bolt aperture in the upper portion of the inner leg mount and is secured with a threaded bolt. Rotation of the threaded bolt moves the inner leg mount toward the outer bracket to lift the leg so that the leg is supported by the load cell.

Abstract: A solar-powered remote monitoring tag for beef cattle and other animals typically inhabiting outdoor environments combines animal health and activity monitoring with geolocation information. The tags communicate with a base station using radio communications, which in turn uses satellite internet services to communicate with a remote computing server. The remote computing server provides a user interface, such as a mobile app, that provides geospatially enabled information involving the health, activity, and location of monitored animals, thus providing timely and evidence-based decision support to the end user. The remote monitoring tags may also provide for close range communication using a near field communication transponder.

Abstract: A system for automatically engaging with an animal, comprising: an automated spool with a motor for retracting a cable, a sensor for determining a current distance of extension of the cable, and non-transitory memory comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: determine, via data from the sensor, that the animal has pulled the cable out to a predetermined distance; responsive to determining that the cable is extended to the predetermined distance, increase, via the motor, tension in the cable and pulling the animal toward the automated spool without exceeding a tension determined to be potentially harmful to the animal; determining a new distance, different from the predetermined distance; and iterating the steps of determining that the animal has pulled the cable to a given distance, increasing tension to pull the animal, and determining a new distance different from the given distance.

Abstract: A feeding system for measuring, monitoring and managing feed intake to determine feed efficiency of individual animals of a dairy herd. The feeding system includes at least one feed trough that contains feed to be consumed by the individual animals of the dairy herd. At least one load cell is coupled to the at least one feed trough for detecting a weight of the feed contained within the at least one feed trough. Lifting assemblies support the at least one load cell. The lifting assemblies can be actuated to move the at least one load cell and the at least one feed trough between a set feeding position, in which the individual animals consume the amount of feed contained within the feed trough, and a pivoted discharge position in which the amount of feed is discharged from the feed trough.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated insect rearing facility for the reproduction and growth of insects, and in particular, Tenebrio molitor larvae. The insect rearing facility includes insect rearing containers that automates insect rearing activities and regulation of environmental conditions for insect growth. The provided facility and container include components that are in communication with a control unit, which directs and controls the components according to predetermined instructions and/or in response to feedback from a number of various sensors. The components may autonomously perform a multitude of facility operations without the need for human intervention. The present disclosure also provides an insect feed composition, particularly to be fed to Tenebrio molitor larvae.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for a pole includes a clamping structure adapted to be positioned about a pole. The clamping structure includes a plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks removably joined along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks extends from a proximal end to a distal end defining a length of the clamping structure. A mounting strap includes a first end attached to the proximal end of the plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks. The mounting strap extends to a second end and includes a fastener formed thereon. Bell housing includes opposing open ends. The bell housing is positioned about the pole and about the clamping structure wherein the bell housing is supported by the mounting hooks. The length of the clamping structure is adjusted by removal of selected mounting hooks of the plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks from the distal end.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for a pole includes a clamping structure adapted to be positioned about a pole. The clamping structure includes a plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks removably joined along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks extends from a proximal end to a distal end defining a length of the clamping structure. A mounting strap includes a first end attached to the proximal end of the clamping structure. The mounting strap extends to a second end and includes a fastener formed thereon. A bell housing includes opposing open ends. The bell housing is positioned about the pole and about the clamping structure wherein the bell housing is supported by the mounting hooks. The length of the clamping structure is adjusted by removal of selected mounting hooks of the plurality of laterally spaced mounting hooks from the distal end.

Abstract: A feeding system for freely moving poultry or other small animals, comprising a feeding pan (1) having an outer distribution cone (7), wherein an overlying horizontal transport channel (5) for feed is provided above the distribution cone (7), wherein a passage for regular feeding (10) out of the transport channel (5) is provided, and wherein the feed, when passing there through, passes through the opening (11) at the top of the distribution cone (7) to the inner side of the distribution cone (7). Advantageously, and prior to the passage for regular feeding (10) in the direction of movement of the feed, there is a passage for initial feeding (9) out of the transport channel (5), arranged such that the feed passes out of the initial feeding passage and impinges on separate chutes (14, 15) externally on the distribution cone (7), a dividing line (18, 38) between the two chutes (14, 15) being provided in the distribution cone (7).

Abstract: A mobile indoor controlled apiary system includes a mobile foundation, a plurality of insulated panels configured for modular assembly to form a structural envelope on top of the mobile foundation, and a removable shell configured for covering the structural envelope. The system further includes a data collection system for gathering environmental data within the structural envelope, and a climate control system configured for regulating environmental conditions within the structural envelope.

Abstract: A queen excluder assembly for a two queen beehive includes a queen excluder, a frame surrounding a perimeter of the queen excluder, and a central filler piece provided over a portion of the queen excluder. A removable divider board can be inserted over the queen excluder to separate a queen's chamber below the queen excluder from a remainder of the beehive above the queen excluder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing artificial hibernation of fish that is capable of transporting the fish in a state of being alive for long hours. According to the present invention, a water temperature is gradually decreased from an initial water temperature to the lowest water temperature, the fish are induced to the artificial hibernation, and they are packed in a waterless state. The packing is carried out in an environment where the lowest water temperature is constantly maintained, and a refrigerant is also packed to constantly maintain a temperature in a packing container, while oxygen is continuously supplied to the live fish induced to the artificial hibernation. The fish are individually packed in the Styrofoam box, and even if an atmospheric pressure in the airport is lowered during transport of the fish, there is no danger of causing respiration of the fish to be hard due to a plastic bag damaged.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compounds for the production of sterile fish and other egg-producing aquatic animals. The methods include/the compounds are useful to cause disruption of gonadal development in fish or other egg-producing aquatic animals through the administration of compounds that lead to the failure of fertile gonadal development, and thus to reproductively sterile fish or other egg-producing aquatic animals. The methods and compounds are for use in e.g. aquaculture, the aquarium trade or control of invasive species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and use of reef coral fluorescent proteins in making transgenic red, green and yellow fluorescent zebrafish. Preferably, such fluorescent zebrafish are fertile and used to establish a population of transgenic zebrafish and to provide to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence colors from a novel source are developed.

Abstract: Provided is a double-gene knockout vector system, a method for preparing porcine fibroblasts with both CD163 gene and CD13 gene being knocked-out, prepared porcine fibroblasts, and a method for preparing a gene-edited pig with both CD163 gene and CD13 gene being knocked-out. The vector system of the present disclosure comprises a CD163 gene knockout vector and a CD13 gene knockout vector. The CD163 gene knockout vector comprises a gene editing vector backbone and a DNA fragment ligated to the gene editing vector backbone, with a nucleotide sequence of the DNA fragment being shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-3. The CD13 gene knockout vector comprises a gene editing vector backbone and a DNA fragment ligated to the gene editing vector backbone, a nucleotide sequence of the DNA fragment being shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 4-6.

Abstract: A harvesting unit with one or more pumps including one or more suction nozzles directed towards the seabed, one or more inlets that lead from the suction nozzle to the pump, an outlet to a sorting device, one or more motors for driving the one or more pumps, where the sorting device, which at least separates shellfish from bycatch and foreign bodies, has an outlet for shellfish leading to a collecting unit, a structural main frame that carries at least the harvesting unit, and a towing and launching system for deployment and propulsion of the harvesting unit.

Abstract: A fishing hook includes a shank having a first end and an opposing second end, a plurality of bends extending from the opposing second end of the shank, and an eye coupled to the first end of the shank. Each of the plurality of bends terminates with a point and a barb. The shank and the plurality of bends are manufactured from a first material. The eye forms a loop (i) extending directly from the first end of the shank and (ii) defining an aperture. The eye is manufactured from a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: Generally, the invention disclosed herein relates to articles for catching and capturing fish. Embodiments of this invention may be used as baits to attract fish and entice them to take a hook. Optionally, the hook may be embedded in—or otherwise attached to—the bait. Examples of this invention may be designed to resemble the appearance of naturally occurring fish species and may exhibit realistic or exaggerated movement when traveling through water. Some embodiments comprise tail portions designed to flutter by simultaneously moving along two axes of rotation. Fluttering may comprise lateral—side-to-side—motion along a vertical axis extending from the tail neck and rotational displacement along a horizontal axis extending from the center of the tail portion.

Abstract: A guiding device for fishing rod lines, the guiding device includes a supporting body for at least one guiding roller which is mounted so that the at least one guiding roller can rotate with respect to the supporting body about an axis of the roller. The guiding device further includes two elements for fixing to the shaft of a fishing rod, which are arranged substantially at right angles to the axis of the roller on opposite sides with respect to the supporting body. The guiding device further includes a kinematic connection device between the supporting body and at least one of the two elements for fixing, which is adapted to allow two degrees of freedom between the supporting body and at least one of the elements for fixing.

Abstract: A containment device includes an elongate housing with an opening that allows an anchor hook to be removably inserted. The housing is secured to a fishing pole by at least one locking element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for holding and transporting an elongated article, such as a fish rod. The apparatus comprises a telescoping member having a proximal end and a distal end; a pair of caps coupled to the proximal end and the distal end of the telescoping member; a first mounting member releasably coupled to the telescoping member; a second mounting member releasably coupled to the first mounting member, the second mounting member is configured to receive and hold an elongated article; a pair of hook and loop fastener straps each of which is coupled to each of the pair of caps; and a pair of wall mounting brackets.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a method for trapping indoor adult Phycitinae, which is an adult moth belonging to Phycitinae subfamily includes: emitting attracting light at a predetermined photon flux density for a predetermined period of time or longer; forming a guide path to guide the adult Phycitinae to a vicinity of an emission end of the attracting light in a region having a photon flux density lower than the predetermined photon flux density on a side lower than a height of the emission end; and trapping the adult Phycitinae attracted by the attracting light in the guide path.

Abstract: An insect bait station, for example an ant bait station, for deploying a toxicant includes a housing with a body portion covered by a cover. The body portion includes first and second reservoirs. Entryways having a converging outer portion and an upright tubular portion provide insect access into the housing. The upright tubular portion extends from the converging outer portion, through a bait in the second reservoir. An entry port is provided in the tubular portion above the bait. A first bait is disposed in the first reservoir and a second bait is disposed in the second reservoir. For example, the first bait may include a protein-based food and a pesticide, and the second bait may include a sugar- or lipid-based food with or without a pesticide.

Abstract: An insect suppression device, and further relates to a self-moving device, a charging station, and an automatic working system that are mounted with the insect suppression device are provided. The self-moving device moves in a working area, performs a working task, and includes: a body and a movement module that is mounted on the body and drives the self-moving device to move. The self-moving device includes: an insect suppression device, mounted to the body, and a control module, controlling the movement module to move and controlling the insect suppression device to work. The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The self-moving device can move autonomously in the working area and perform an insect suppression task, and has a wide coverage area, flexible work, and high efficiency, so that automatic control can be implemented, thereby freeing a user from the harassment of insects.

Abstract: The invention relates to device that cooperates with a typical foot snare (i.e. a one comprised of a cable loop and spring compression) to capture an animal without harming the animal. The device is triggered by and relies on the momentum generated by an animal, such as a bear, when reaching into the device and pulling up the bait. The momentum of from the animal grabbing the bait actuates a cable loop foot snare via the compression spring and the cable loop ascends and closes around the appendage of the animal, with the lock securing the cable loop on the animal without harming the animal.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method of detecting and deterring a target animal from a target area. A target area is positioned within the field of vision of a video camera connected to a computer processing system. An animal identification computer program using convolution neural networks and deep learning computer programs and camera images rapidly detects a target animal. The animal identification computer program is trained to identify target animals accurately using a learning algorithm and related machine learning technology. The time to deploy a deterrent against a target animal from the instant of detection is 2 seconds or less so that little or no time is available to the target animal to damage the target area.

Abstract: A rotary animal repelling device, including: a housing, which includes a fixed body part and a head above the body part, and a mounting disc is fixedly provided on an inner periphery of a cavity of the head. A motor is located on the mounting disc, a rotating shaft extends through the mounting disc and is fixed to a side of the body part facing the head. The mounting disc has a sounder and a laser light, and the sounder and the laser light are coupled to the motor by transmission line, respectively. The laser light extends to outside of the head, the mounting disc has a radar sensor to detect an approach of animals and a control main board communicatively coupled to the radar sensor, the control main board is communicatively coupled to the motor, and the control main board has a control switch extending outside of the housing.

Abstract: A collapsible hunting stand having a first shooting bench having a north shooting bench. A first east shooting bench, a first west shooting bench, and a second shooting bench pivotally coupled to the first shooting bench. The second shooting bench having a south shooting bench, a second east shooting bench, and a second west shooting bench. A first telescopic leg pivotally coupled to the first shooting bench. A second telescopic leg pivotally coupled to the first shooting bench. A third telescopic leg pivotally coupled to the second shooting bench. A fourth telescopic leg pivotally coupled to the second shooting bench. A hunting station enclosed by the first shooting bench and the second shooting bench.

Abstract: A weight retraction device for use with a waterfowl decoy includes a housing having a spool rotatably coupled thereto. A weight is attached to a line that is wound around the spool. Rotation of the spool in a first rotational direction causing an unwinding of the line from the spool to cause the weight to extend away from the housing while rotation of the spool in a second rotational direction causing a rewinding of the line back onto the spool to cause the weight to retract back towards the housing. A power spring is configured to urge the spool to rotate in the second rotational direction. A lock release mechanism is configured to normally be in a locked configuration for preventing an undesired rotation of the spool in the second rotational direction. A manual actuation of the lock release mechanism releases the locked configuration of the lock release mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial womb system for supporting newborns, in particular extremely premature infants between the 21/0 and 28/0 week of pregnancy, comprising the following: a chamber (1) of the artificial womb, said chamber being formed by an at least partially ultrasound-permeable wall (2) and comprising a lumen (14) for maintaining a physiologically intraamnial pressure and for receiving the artificial amniotic fluid (15) and a newborn or a premature infant, at least one access for supplying the premature infant in the artificial womb with nutrients, a dialysis device (9), and an oxygenator (8) and/or a gassing device for supplying oxygen to the newborn or premature infant, wherein means are provided in order to maintain an intraamnial pressure of >0 mBar in the chamber (1) of the artificial womb, said pressure acting on the newborn, in addition to the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides inoculant compositions and methods for enhancing the survival and/or stability of microbial spores in an inoculant composition. In some embodiments, inoculant compositions of the present disclosure comprise microbial spores in a carrier consisting essentially of one or more water-miscible anhydrous liquids, such as cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone, N-methyldiethanolamine, and/or N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.

Abstract: The invention relates to fast-acting viricidal compositions and methods of using the same, wherein the compositions are capable of removing soil and effectively inactivating a wide variety of viral pathogens, particularly small, non-enveloped viruses such as poliovirus and norovirus. The compositions are especially useful on hard surfaces, and can easily be applied to a service to provide rapid viricidal efficacy.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for killing nematodes, said method comprising contacting said nematodes with an effective nematodes killing amount of a fatty-ammonium salt polysaccharide inclusion complex, and optionally a carrier. The fatty-ammonium salt starch inclusion complexes comprise one or more of a variety of fatty amines.

Abstract: Herbicide compositions and methods effective in controlling growth of plants are described herein. The herbicide compositions include an herbicidally effective amount of (N)R-1,4-naphthaquinone or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein N is of the value 2-5 and R is a functional group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of controlling pesticide resistant pests comprising exposing the pesticide resistant pests to a pest controlling amount of a triketone compound.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing the efficacy of pesticidal compositions via the combination of a pesticidally active ingredient and a C6-C10 saturated aliphatic acid are described herein, including synergistic pesticidal compositions and methods for delivery of pesticidal active ingredients. Some pesticidal compositions and methods as described are directed to compositions and methods for increasing the efficacy of fungicides. Some pesticidal compositions and methods as described are directed to compositions and methods for increasing the efficacy of nematicides. Some pesticidal compositions and methods as described are directed to compositions and methods for increasing the efficacy of insecticides. Methods for enhancing the activity pesticidal active ingredients in pesticidal compositions in use are also described.

Abstract: A tank-mix is disclosed herein including a) 1,2-cyclohexandicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, b) a mixture of anionic surfactants selected from b1) alkylbenzenesulfonates and b2) sulfosuccinate, and c) a nonionic surfactant. A weight % ratio of b1):b2) is 3:1 to 20:1 and a weight % ratio of anionic surfactants to nonionic surfactant is b1)+b2)?c). A spray mix is further disclosed including said tank mix and a pesticide. A process is also disclosed for the preparation of said spray mix; and to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesirable plant growth and/or undesirable insect or mite infestation and/or for regulating the growth of plants. The method includes allowing the spray mix to act on the respective pests, the habit thereof or the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesirable plants and/or the crop plants and/or the habitat thereof.

Abstract: Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Use of N-substituted pyrrolidones to promote the penetration of agrochemical active agents. The use of one or more N-substituted pyrrolidones of the formula (I), wherein R signifies a linear or branched, saturated alkyl group with 3 to 6 carbon atoms, wherein in the alkyl group, hydrogen —H can be substituted by a methoxy group —OCH3, and wherein 1 to 6 hydrogens —H of the pyrrolidone ring can be substituted by methyl —CH3, to promote the penetration of agrochemical active agents in plants or in non-plant-based harmful organisms is described.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a method having superior crop selectivity for weed control in a cultivation area of field corn. The method includes a step of applying trifludimoxazin in a cultivation area of field corn.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a method having superior safety for protecting determinate soybean from damage by a plant pathogen. The method includes a step of applying mefentrifluconazole to foliage of determinate soybean, seeds of determinate soybean or a soil of the cultivation area of determinate soybean, wherein the application rate of mefentrifluconazole is 20 to 500 g per hectare of cultivation area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds which are of use in the field of agriculture as fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a method having superior crop selectivity for weed control in a cultivation area of determinate soybean. The method includes a step of applying trifludimoxazin in a cultivation area of determinate soybean.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fungicidal active compounds, more specifically to benzosultams and analogues thereof, processes and, intermediates for their preparation and use thereof as fungicidal active compound, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions. The present disclosure also relates to methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or compositions comprising thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pest control composition and a method for controlling pests. Also the present invention provides a pest control composition comprising a compound represented by formula (1): [wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom and the like, R2 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group, R3 and R4 are identical to or different from each other and each represents a hydrogen atom and the like, n is 0 and the like, and m is 0 and the like.] or its N-oxide and at least one compound selected from the group of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and sec-butyl=2-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine-1-carboxylate.

Abstract: Method of use for antimicrobial compositions are described comprising a least one biguanide compound and at least one hydrocarbon surfactant comprising a saturated or unsaturated C2-C4 diol moiety and optionally further comprising alkoxy groups. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an aqueous or hydrophilic liquid carrier. In favored embodiments, the diol surfactant is present in an amount such that the antimicrobial activity of the biguanide antimicrobial compound is improved. Also described are articles comprising the described antimicrobial composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid hydrochloride salt formulations and methods of their use.

Abstract: The invention describes synergies derived from combinations of bicarbonates, sorbic acids, and carrageenans as formulating agents in pesticides. Bicarbonates are widely used as pesticides in agriculture, though often ineffective unless used in combination with horticultural oils. Horticultural oils are incompatible with sulfur, another common pesticide, which often limits the use of horticultural oils and thus effective applications of bicarbonates. The present invention finds synergies with combinations of carrageenans, sorbic acids, and bicarbonates without an incompatibility with sulfur.

Abstract: The present application relates to aqueous compositions for controlling a plant disease caused by a phytopathogenic organism, to methods of preparing such compositions and to uses of such compositions, for example for controlling a plant disease caused by a phytopathogenic organism. The aqueous compositions comprise copper ions, phosphorous acid and/or a salt thereof and an effective amount of an amine selected from an alkylamine, an alkanolamine and mixtures thereof. The pH of the compositions is from about 6 to about 10.

Abstract: An antimicrobial floor coating is provided that includes a matrix comprising a polymeric material; and a plurality of second phase particles comprising a controlled release agent, the controlled release agent comprising a plurality of antimicrobial copper ions. The polymeric material comprises an epoxy and an acrylic, and the plurality of second phase particles is distributed within the matrix. Further, an exterior surface of the coating exhibits at least a 2 log reduction in a concentration of Staphylococcus aureus under a Modified EPA Copper Test Protocol. Further, the controlled release agent can comprise a phase-separable glass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated strain of DNA mycovirus or a degenerate strain thereof, an isolated hypovirulent fungal strain or part thereof, and the use of the isolated strain of DNA mycovirus or hypovirulent fungal strain or part thereof as a biological control agent. Processes and compositions for the biological control of phytopathogenic microorganisms, particularly fungi, using the DNA mycovirus and hypovirulent fungal strain are also provided.