Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV447929. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV447929, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV447929 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV447929 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV447929.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101353. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101353, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101353 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101353.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH100489. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH100489, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH100489 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH100489.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101333. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101333, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101333 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101333.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH101554. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH101554, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH101554 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH101554.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH416403. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH416403, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH416403 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH416403.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH987816. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH987816, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH987816 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH987816.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH100811. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH100811, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH100811 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH100811.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating maize plants that exhibit resistance to northern leaf blight are provided herein. Isolated polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide that confers resistance to northern leaf blight, polynucleotide constructs comprising such, and maize plants comprising the polynucleotide constructs are provided. The methods include expressing an isolated polynucleotide in a maize cell via standard transformation methods and obtaining a maize plant from said maize cell.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for modulating seed size in plants. In one embodiment, seed size is decreased relative to wild type seed by inhibiting or knocking out expression of a sorbitol dehydrogenase (Sdh) gene or the gene product thereof. In another embodiment, seed size is increased relative to wild type seed by increasing expression of an Sdh gene or the gene product thereof. The subject invention also concerns materials and methods for modulating seed number or sugar content in plants. In one embodiment, seed number or sugar content is increased relative to wild type seed by inhibiting or knocking out expression of a sorbitol dehydrogenase (Sdh) gene or the gene product thereof. In another embodiment, seed number or sugar content is decreased relative to wild type seed by increasing expression of an Sdh gene or the gene product thereof.

Abstract: There are described plants of Papaver somniferum having reduced expression or activity of magnesium chelatase where-by the plants yield poppy straw having an altered alkaloid profile. In embodiments of the plants the reduced expression or activity of magnesium chelatase is associated with a trait for a lightened leaf colour. There are also described methods for producing the plants, and poppy straw, latex, concentrate of poppy straw and opium from the plants.

Abstract: Hybrid tomato variety designated ‘E15T41376’ and hybrid tomato rootstock variety designated ‘Espartano’ are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of hybrid tomato ‘E15T41376’, to the plants of hybrid tomato ‘15T41376’, and to methods for producing other tomato lines, cultivars, or hybrids derived from the hybrid tomato ‘T15T41376’. The invention further relates to the seeds of hybrid tomato rootstock ‘Espartano’, to the plants of hybrid tomato rootstock ‘Espartano’, to methods for producing plants using the hybrid tomato rootstock ‘Espartano’, and to methods for producing other rootstock tomato lines, cultivars, or hybrids derived from the hybrid tomato rootstock ‘Espartano’.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for filling moulds with curd or a mixture of curd and milk of at least one production line having at least one trough (8) in which at least one mould (12) can be accommodated. The production line comprises: a) a loading station (3), which has a first means in order to insert the at least one mould into the at least one trough; b) a filling station (4) which has at least one feed line, by means of which curd or a mixture of curd and milk can be put into the at least one mould; c) a covering station (5), which has second means in order to lay a cover (19) onto the curd or the mixture of curd and milk put into the at least one mould; d) a pressing station (6), which has pressure application means by means of which the cover can be pressed onto the curd or the mixture of curd and milk put into the at least one mould with a predetermined pressure; e) a removal station (7), which has a third means in order to remove the at least one mould from the trough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flooring, in particular for an enclosure for raising animals This flooring includes side members which are made of a resilient material and which are intended to be juxtaposed in order to form a support surface. The side members include recesses suitable for engaging with spacers which are added in order to stabilize the juxtaposed side members at a fixed spacing. And the attachment portions of the spacers and the recesses of two juxtaposed side members are designed in order to conserve a space, advantageously a groove opening upwards, between the side faces of the juxtaposed side members.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the operation of a manure scraper that operates responsive to information obtained from one or more cameras mounted so as to capture images of the area of operation of the scraper.

Abstract: A pet bed with a solid, non-woven outer shell that makes the pet bed essentially waterproof and odor proof. The pet bed does not require and is not used with a waterproof liner, and thus it does not require the removal and re-insertion of any pet bed foam fill or cushion for cleaning of the pet bed. Preferably, the outer shell is a silicone, polyurethane, or other similar synthetic, solid, non-woven material safe for pets. In a preferred form, the pet bed is impermeable to water and pests, does not absorb odor, spills, body fluids or bacteria and is essentially maintenance free due to the non-porous quality of the outer shell. The pet bed is highly resistant to pet biting and scratching, is suitable for indoor or outdoor use and is mobile, ideal for travel.

Abstract: An animal feeding bowl assembly (101) for domestic pets, the bowl assembly (101) comprising: a bowl (102) for holding animal food (114) and/or drink, a support structure (116) for holding the bowl (102) in use in an assembled condition at an elevated position with reference to a ground or floor surface (118) on which the support structure (116) is located, the support structure (116) defining a cavity (120) below the bowl (102), in which cavity (120) is located, in use, a ballast material (122) for providing stability to the bowl assembly (101), the bowl assembly (101) having a height (28) and a width (30), in which the height (28) is greater than the width (30); the support structure (116) includes a support vessel (32), which defines an interior (34) in which the bowl (102) is located in the assembled condition, and the cavity (120) comprises a lowermost part of the interior (34).

Abstract: Increasing milk production efficiency in pasture-based dairy farming depends greatly on diet optimization, especially during early lactation. The survival of small and mid-sized films strongly depends on the applicability of individualized precision feeding, being feeding systems limitations the unresolved key for both current profitability and future Digital Nutrition viability. The solution here proposed solves feeding systems limitations, at a relatively low-cost, by means of animal identification improvements (ISO 11784/5 included), safe supply of multiple food types and additives, measuring out of each animal's unconsumed food, recycling of unconsumed food and an adequate animal handling.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder includes a base, a feed auger, a food container connected to the base, and a food dish connected to the base. The feed auger is disposed for rotating movement within the base. The base is configured to receive food from the food container through an opening and delivery food to the food dish using the feed auger.

Abstract: The invention concerns an animal feed dispenser (1), comprising:—a control module (100) comprising a detection member and an electronic control card, the detection member being suitable for generating a detection signal when the feed dispenser (1) is located close to an enclosure containing animals,—a feed dispensing module (200) comprising a feed dispensing orifice (210) and an actuator (216), wherein the electronic control card of the control module (100) is configured to receive the detection signal and, as a function of the detection signal, to transmit an activation signal to the actuator (216), and the actuator (216) is configured to trigger a flow of feed through the dispensing orifice (210) when it receives the activation signal.

Abstract: This invention general relates to animal feeders, an animal feeding monitor and a method of training an animal to use a feeder. An animal feeder may have a housing comprising an aperture for a food bowl (8) and having a door for covering the aperture, the feeder comprising a door mechanism to control movement of the door over the aperture, wherein the feeder comprises a sensor to detect when an animal has moved away from the aperture, and the feeder is configured to be operable in a training mode wherein the door mechanism is operable to control the door to cover a portion of the aperture in response to a said detection and to respond to one or more later said detections by controlling the door to cover a portion of the aperture larger than the preceding said portion.

Abstract: The gravity-fed pet water dish and comes with its custom-made water jug reservoir and a water bowl designed specifically for the water jug. The water jug has an extended and customized neck to allow the jug to fit through the base of the water bowl. Once the water jug and its base are fully connected, the water will dispense until the bowl is full, and then will continue to dispense as needed to keep the bowl full. When secured in place, the custom-made water jug is 3 cm off the floor of the bowl. This makes it possible for enough water to be dispensed onto the water bowl and prevents any splashes of water that occur with regular water bowls.

Abstract: A water nipple controlled by the animal has a valve seat inside a housing. The valve member has an elongate valve shaft providing a forward end at the circular discharge mouth for operation by the animal. A resilient body on the valve member defines a convoluted or serpentine water flow path for flow of water along the flow path through the housing with the flow path defining a rate of flow of the water. A resilient ring is mounted on the valve shaft spaced the valve seat and the forward end with an outside edge of the resilient ring adjacent to and spaced from the inside surface of the housing so as to define an annular channel therebetween through which the water passes so that the resilient ring restricts direct flow of water from the valve seat to the discharge mouth to prevent excess squirting of the water.

Abstract: A tool for marking livestock is a cylinder of marking material enveloped by a sheathing. The sheathing is segmented annularly at intervals along the vertical axis and each segment and is cut vertically so that it can be removed in sections to gradually reveal more of the marker.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pet dry room and a tray used therefor, the pet dry room including: a body having an accommodation space for accommodating a pet therein; a door connected to a front surface of the body and configured to seal or open the accommodation space; and an air circulation module including a motor, a fan, a flow path, a nozzle, and a heater so as to spray and circulate air into the accommodation space, wherein air sprayed from a plurality of spray holes of a combined defecation plate and air spray tray installed on a bottom surface of the accommodation space and nozzles formed on a side surface and a rear surface of the accommodation space is suctioned into a first inlet port positioned on a front side of a ceiling surface of the accommodation space.

Abstract: A brush device for brushing an animal, in particular the back, head and/or tail of the animal, such as a cow, includes a rotatable brush, as well as an electric drive motor, which is configured to supply a drive torque for rotatably driving the brush in at least one rotation direction. The drive torque supplied by the drive motor is set in such a manner that the brush can be turned back by means of muscular power of the animal and/or an individual counter to the driven rotation direction while said drive torque is being supplied by the drive motor.

Abstract: A puppy apartment for use by domestic animals includes a container portion and a room divider having a kennel opening thereby allowing the animal to pass between apartment bedroom and bathroom portions. Adjustable apartment boundary regions for bathroom, bedroom, and living areas are adaptably configured to accommodate the pet in a comfortable domestic training environment. A method is taught for providing positive and consistent household pet puppy training with the puppy apartment device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for designating a boundary for a pet is usable both outdoors and indoors. A collar device communicates with satellites or indoor location devices to define a boundary for containment of an animal or pet. The device also includes an altimeter for detecting an altitude of the pet, for example, when a pet may jump up onto a table, counter or bed, or when a pet may travel to a different floor of a home, building or other structure.

Abstract: An analytical sample collector for collecting animal urine includes a container for containing urine and a collection device for collecting urine. The collection device includes a receiver for receiving urine and a channeling element for channeling urine to the container. An attractant composition emits an odor that attracts animals to urinate on the receiver. Kits and methods obtain an analytical sample of animal urine, and collect and analyze an analytical sample of urine from an animal.

Abstract: A door assembly (13) for an animal enclosure, the door assembly comprising: a frame (23) for mounting over an aperture (21) in a wall of the enclosure; a door (19) moveably mounted in the frame (23), the door (19) being moveable between a position where the aperture in the wall is open for the passage of an animal and a position where the aperture in the wall is closed thereby to prevent the passage of an animal; and a motor (37) for driving the door (19) between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading live turkeys from a barn floor to cages on a transport trailer. A continuous motorized drive chain moves attached, solid sheets that are loaded with turkeys from the barn floor into the cage, and then back to the loading position. The drive chain is looped around first and second sprockets. Each rectangular sheet is rotationally connected at two of its corners to the drive chain forming a fixed end and a loose end. When the drive chain rounds the barn end, the loose end of the sheet slides upwards on a guide flap to keep the top of the sheet facing up. The sheets are driven forward to the cages, round the end at the cage end, pulled backwards from the cages toward the barn end, and then driven forward again, all without stopping the motion of the drive chain.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a bird bath. In one configuration, a frame as a plurality lighting elements therein. A stand is provided for supporting the frame. The bath may include a control component for controlling the lighting elements and a photovoltaic cell for providing power to the lighting elements. In another aspect, the frame may include a plurality of spiral frame members. In yet another aspect, the spiral members have a channel pathway and the lighting elements are disposed in the channel pathway. In yet another aspect, the frame may includes a plurality of radial members. In yet another aspect, the radial members have a channel pathway and the lighting elements are disposed in the channel pathway.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure include a system for providing non-contact, computer-vision based monitoring of the health and pollination activity of a beehive. The system may include camera positioned proximate to a beehive. The camera may include an onboard processor that analyzes video of the beehive captured by the camera and calculates an activity value that estimates a number of bees moving about the beehive. The video calculated activity values may be uploaded to a server where they can be accessed via a user device. The user device may allow the user to display interactive plots of the activity values over a variety of time bases. The disclosed beehive monitoring system relies on relatively lost-cost hardware and requires neither modification to the hive nor special constraints on the placement of the camera.

Abstract: Provided is a device for flipping or rotating a floating aquatic cage to mitigate biofouling, and for farm management, such as to carry out maintenance and facilitate harvesting, particularly the style of floating cage used in farming oysters and other shellfish. The device includes a hollow frame or housing which defines a path through which the floating aquatic cage may pass, including entrance and exit openings; and one or more guide elements positioned on an inside surface of the hollow frame or housing. The one or more guide elements form an obstruction to opposing corners of the floating aquatic cage, and impart a turning force in such a manner as to rotate the floating aquatic cage.

Abstract: The system, apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the cultivation of shellfish in subtidal environments. A key aspect of the invention is the use of specially configured baskets, into which the shellfish to be grown is seeded. In particular, the baskets are configured with a support bracket through which a cable passes. The mounting of the support bracket permits the rotation of the basket and allows a shellfish cultivator to replicate the growing conditions of intertidal ecosystems despite the invention being used in a subtidal environment.

Abstract: A cephalopod feeder, a cephalopod feeding method using the cephalopod feeder, and a cephalopod fed with the cephalopod feeder. The cephalopod feeder includes an outer shell having a recessed portion; and feed disposed in the recessed portion.

Abstract: Transgenic mammals that express canine-based immunoglobulins are described herein, including transgenic rodents that express canine-based immunoglobulins for the development of canine therapeutic antibodies.

Abstract: A transgenic chicken having a genome comprising a modified immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus is provided. The locus lacks the entire contiguous endogenous chicken V-D-J region and contains a human VH segment, a human D cluster, a human J segment and a plurality of upstream pseudogenes based on human VH sequences. The modified IgH locus undergoes V(D)J recombination in the chicken and the chicken produces antibodies that have a diversified immunoglobulin heavy chain.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for enhanced production of immunoglobulin diversity. Specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods for making accessible a B cell receptor repertoire that has not been culled by developmental tolerance mechanisms. The invention also provides transgenic animals, cells, and antibodies resulting from these compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tray for use in large-scale industrial insect farming. More in particular, the invention relates to a live insects tray for incubating insects prepupae and pupae, the tray having a space limited by walls, for housing insect prepupae and pupae, wherein the walls are impenetrable by an insect, and that at least one of the walls is at least partly permeable for gases, such as the top wall. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rack for holding at least one tray and relates to an assembly having said rack and at least one of said trays. The invention also relates to the use of said rack with at least one tray or said assembly for incubating insect prepupae. In addition the invention relates to a method for incubating insect prepupae and/or insect pupae, preferably of black soldier fly.

Abstract: Provided are systems, constructs, genetically modified organisms, and methods for greatly reducing or eliminating local populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and associated Dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and Chikungunya virus. Provided are genetically modified Aedes aegypti having a Cas9-mediated split gene-drive system for masculinizing the mosquito and ensuring that any female carries a sterile mutation. In addition, gRNAs direct Cas9 cleavage of insecticide-resistance loci, rendering female mosquitoes escaping the male converting gene drive sensitive to insecticides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically modified arthropods, genetically modified bacteria, and methods for controlling and/or reducing arthropod populations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bombyx mori hatching and young silkworm rearing frame that includes a rearing frame main body (1) and a rearing frame drawer (2), wherein the size of the rearing frame is convenient for needs of silkworm rearing production; the rearing frame drawer (2) can be used for storing silkworm eggs during hatching and adding water to moisturize during rearing; the shape and size of grooves (4) of the rearing frame drawer (2) and those of meshes of a middle meshed interlayer (3) are both designed according to physiological needs of silkworm bodies; a stacked fixing device is further arranged at the periphery of the rearing frame; and a carbonate polymer layer is arranged on the surface of the meshed interlayer (3). According to the use of the rearing frame, the labor productivity of hatching and young silkworm rearing can be improved, and a novel rearing instrument can be provided for large-scale and labor-saving silkworm rearing.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure with a spinning device is shown and described. The fishing lure with a spinning device includes a hook located at one end of the fishing lure. A shaft is attached to the hook having a spinning device located thereon. At least one spacer device is located on the shaft between the end of the hook and the spinning device. An eyelet is located at an end of the shaft opposite the hook.

Abstract: An enclosure for an electronic device such as a light or bite indicator is provided that may be positioned and located on a “butt” end of a fishing rod (nearer to the reel). The enclosure includes two securing members that may be threaded to one another or snapped together to form a cavity there between. The first securing member includes a post that engages with the rod, and the post may be permanently attached to the butt end of the fishing rod. The second securing member may be threaded onto or snapped together with the first securing member to form the cavity, and the securing members may be sealed to one another using rubber seals to increase water-tightness of the cavity.

Abstract: A hook storage container is provided comprising a housing including an inner volume, an upper end forming a dome having a diameter and a lower end, the lower end having a tubular shape and an opening into the inner volume. An opening is positioned at a center point of the dome having slots extending away from the center point, enabling insertion of a fishing hook and a collar having a diameter enabling secure placement around the dome.

Abstract: An automated system for monitoring and treating pests in a crop field, comprising at least one trap for monitoring and identifying pests, at least one UA V containing at least one chemical or biological products; a home base for parking or storing said at least one UA V when they are not operating; at least one database server; and equipment for communicating with said at least one trap, said at least one home base, said at least one UA V and said at least one database server.

Abstract: Pitfall traps, coasters, devices, apparatus, systems and methods for capturing crawling insects, such as bed bugs, and/or for preventing the insects from climbing up furniture legs to furniture such as beds, cots, chairs and any type of furniture where a person would rest or sleep. Smooth slick surfaces and/or pesticide treated surfaces can be located on underside facing horizontal or angled surfaces used with or without sticky surfaces which all can be used to prevent insect and bed bug travel and assist in helping trap the insects and bed bugs.

Abstract: An insect trap including a base having an upper end defining a cavity for receiving a removable bait cup. A main housing defining a plurality of openings is matable to the base in an upright position. The main housing defines a mounting structure for supporting a hanger for supporting an uncoiled roll of flypaper within the main housing. A spacer centers an uncoiled roll of flypaper within the main housing. An upper cap free from openings allowing passage of any incident water through the upper cap is matable with the upper end of the main housing. The insect trap is capable of free-standing outdoor use, outside of any enclosure or overhanging structure, while resisting penetration of rain/precipitation into the main housing. The base, main housing, hanger and upper cap are matable to define a weather-resistant enclosure for suspending flypaper within the main housing above the internal cavity of the base.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind having a plurality of foldable flat semi-rigid or rigid panels adapted to be arranged in an upright orientation to enclose an interior space sized and adapted to for concealing a hunter on all sides within the interior space, the unfolded panels having a top edge formed to include troughs of varying depths and shapes to provide improved camouflage and support for resting the barrel of a gun. The unfolded panels are connected in a side-by-side manner that permits folding the panels in an accordion-like fashion, and shaped so as to create a downward angle of the exterior side surfaces of the blind so that reflective material comprising the exterior surfaces reflect more of the ground radially outward from the panels than features above the ground.