Abstract: The present invention provides methods of preparing a cultivated pepper plant bearing fruit having a low destemming force, as well as methods of preparing a cultivated pepper plant bearing clustered fruit. The invention also provides cultivated pepper plants prepared by these methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato line PSQ-9Z15-3848V. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ-9Z15-3848V and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato 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 tomato line PSQ-9Z15-3848V comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato line PSQ-9Z17-9173. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ-9Z17-9173 and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a tomato 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 tomato line PSQ-9Z17-9173 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: An arrangement and a corresponding method for cleaning a front of an optical instrument using a movable cap for directing a cleaning fluid to the front of the optical instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-cleaning of an animal's feet. The apparatus includes a cleaning portion, a drying portion, and a barrier. The cleaning portion includes upward projections and a tray for retaining water. The animal, such as a dog, cleans its own feet by walking over the wet projections. The drying portion includes an absorbent upper layer supported by a lower support. The dog dries its own feet by walking over the absorbent layer which surrounds the feet on multiple sides. The barrier is deployable to various heights and configurable to restrict movement of the dog along the cleaning and drying portions, such that the dog must clean its paws prior to entering a designated clean area, such as an interior of a home.

Abstract: A method of temporary storage of a domesticated animal can include providing a space defined by a door and top, bottom, side, and back surfaces, wherein the door is configured to be opened based on identification based on a payment method. An animal cage can include at least one top wall, at least one bottom wall, at least one back wall, at least two side walls, and a door, wherein the door is hingedly attached to at least one of the at least one top surface, at least one bottom surface, one of the at least two side surfaces, and wherein the door is configured to be opened based on identification based on a payment method.

Abstract: A disposable and multiconfigurational animal habitat for obtaining physiological measurements of a small mammal is provided. The habitat includes a disposable and vertically oriented tower having a top, middle, and a bottom section. The tower includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is sized, shaped, and configured to house the small mammal and is disposed in the top section of the tower. A first instrumentation platform is disposed in the first chamber and configured to support the small mammal. The second chamber is also sized, shaped, and configured to house the small mammal and disposed underneath the first instrumentation platform. A second instrumentation platform disposed in the second chamber and configured to support the small mammal. The habitat can be assembled from a kit comprising sheet of foldable disposable material having cut-outs and fold lines that can be folded to form the tower of the habitat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dog vest for providing a cooling sensation to a dog to prevent overheating or heat exhaustion. The dog vest includes a permeable material layer for receiving and distributing a cooling material across a dog's back. The permeable material providing a surface for the cooling material to evaporate thereby lowering the dog's body heat. The invention further includes a pocket placed in proximity of a dog's chest. The pocket is capable of receiving a cooling agent and providing the cooling sensation to the dog's chest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an Elizabethan collar for a pet. According to the present disclosure, since it is possible to adjust the direction of the Elizabethan collar, it is possible to increase usability of the Elizabethan collar and to enable a pet to comfortably wear the Elizabethan collar while preventing the pet from easily taking off the Elizabethan collar.

Abstract: Leash assemblies for use in leading and controlling dogs and/or other animals, and associated systems and methods, are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a leash assembly includes a connection member configured to be coupled to a harness or collar worn by an animal. A lead line is slidably coupled to the connection member and can include a first loop and a second loop configured to be grasped by a handler. A first stop member is coupled to the first loop and a second stop member is coupled to the second loop. The stop members are sized and shaped to prevent the first and second loops from sliding entirely through the connection member. This arrangement permits the handler to lead the animal by grasping the first loop, the second loop, or each of the first and second loops.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle-based data collection and distribution system includes a source of animal data that can be transmitted electronically. The source of animal data includes at least one sensor. The animal data is collected from at least one target individual. The system also includes an unmanned aerial vehicle that receives the animal data from the source of animal data as a first set of received animal data and a home station that receives the first set of received animal data.

Abstract: A safety system for a fish-tank siphon is an apparatus used to prevent suction of a fish-tank-cleaning siphon from becoming obstructed by fish, underwater plant life, rocks, or other large tank contaminants. The apparatus is configured to protect the intake by preventing potential obstructions from entering the siphon at all. The apparatus includes a grate, a mating mechanism, and a siphon inlet. The grate acts as a protective filter, preventing large items from entering a connected fish-tank-cleaning siphon. The mating mechanism allows for connection of the present invention to a fish-tank-cleaning siphon. The siphon inlet is a section of the fish-tank-cleaning siphon through which the vacuum is applied in order to remove dirty water and water contaminants. The general configuration of these components allows the apparatus to prevent a fish-tank-cleaning siphon from incidentally collecting fish or other underwater creatures, plant life, pebbles, or other contaminants while vacuum-cleaning a fish tank.

Abstract: A lighting unit for illuminating a habitat is provided. The lighting unit includes a housing and a light emitter. The operating parameters of the lighting unit may be adjusted to mimic different natural conditions.

Abstract: The disclosure in the specification relates to an artificial recombinant chromosome and the use thereof, and more particularly to an artificial recombinant chromosome generated by the recombination of two or more chromosomes and a production of a transgenic animal using a cell including the same. Especially, in the disclosure in the specification, an interchromosomal exchange between the recipient chromosome and the donor chromosome has many merits to produce the artificial recombinant chromosome for producing the transgenic animal.

Abstract: A fishing reel includes a spool supported between side plates of a reel body through a spool shaft; and a clutch mechanism that switches between a power transmission state that winds a fishing line and a power cutoff state capable of unwinding a fishing line by moving a pinion gear of a winding drive mechanism in an axial direction of the spool shaft by operating the switching operation member provided on the reel body to engage and disengage clutch engagement portions of the spool shaft and the pinion gear, wherein, provided between the bearing that supports the spool shaft and the clutch engagement portion on the spool shaft side are: a first elastic portion applying an elastic force to an end of the pinion gear in the power transmission state; and a second elastic portion constantly energizing a side of the bearing in the axial direction of the spool shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a fishing bait line for fishing is presented. The fishing bait line having a main line. The main line has a first end, a second end and a middle portion. A first barrel swivel is coupled to the first end of the main line. A clip swivel is coupled to the second end of the main line. A second barrel swivel is coupled to the middle portion of the main line. One or more glow in the dark beads are coupled substantially near the middle portion of the main line. A glow in the dark chum cylinder coupled to middle portion of the main line. A sponge inserted into the glow in the dark chum cylinder. A hook line threaded through a second end of the glow in the dark chum cylinder and threaded through the sponge. The hook line is coupled to the second barrel swivel. The hook line has a hook for fishing.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a container for dispensing bait in variable amounts and at variable rates. In some embodiments, a method includes changing configurations of two attachable sleeves, where the different configurations result in different overlapping of openings in the attachable sleeves. The different overlapping of openings allows fishermen the flexibility to better control the dispensing of bait and/or chum by varying the size of the openings.

Abstract: A delivery device and system to supplement CO2 in an underwater environment without the need for electricity or the use of compressed CO2. The device consists of a container containing a biological organism such as mycelium and including an exit portal for CO2 to enter the underwater environment. The device may also incorporate a separation device to delay and control the flow of CO2. The system requires the device to be held in place through a securing point in the underwater environment. The minimum requirements for the device are described, but in certain instances it will be preferably used with a double-bag or an outer shell housing to protect or aesthetically conceal the placement underwater. The use of this device and system to supplement carbon dioxide in water will span many industries and applications. It will assist with mosquito trapping. It will also supplement CO2 in underwater growing environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for weed control includes a processing unit with a least one sensor data of an environment. The processing unit analyzes at least some of the at least one sensor data to determine at least one ground property for each of a plurality of locations of the environment. The processing unit determines a power setting for activation of at least one electrode based weed control unit for each of the plurality of locations. The determination of the power setting for activation of the electrode based weed control unit comprises utilization of the at least one ground property associated with that location. An output unit outputs information useable to activate the at least one electrode based weed control unit.

Abstract: A snap style vermin trap disposed on a planar platform having a concave bait box with a vertical trigger. The bait box is centrally located on the front face of the trigger and positioned at a distance above the top face of the platform so as orientate the vermin into a physical posture that greatly enhances the probability of a kill or capture. The trap may be oriented with the platform beneath or above the rapid actuation means of the snap trap and it may use an optional housing to cover the rapid actuation means.

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: A bait station and an associated insert are provided. The bait station includes a housing that incorporates a floor member with a plurality of openings in the same that allow pieces of bait and other debris to fall through the openings of the floor member. The insert includes a tray and the floor member which together may be inserted as a unit into the housing of the bait station.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described which provide an artificial branch that is coupled to a natural tree. The artificial branch includes one or more adjustable wires that can be used to change the shape of the artificial branch. The artificial branch is structured to receive natural and/or synthetic scent compounds that are sprayed at the artificial branch. In addition, the artificial branch is structured to receive scent compounds from wildlife to facilitate wildlife scent communication.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the stabilization of nucleated cells in a whole blood sample ex-vivo, effected by an additive being a liquid composition for stabilizing an analyte in intact nucleated cells of a whole-blood sample ex-vivo, the composition being an aqueous solution, the solution comprising an anticoagulant, a phosphate salt, a cell-metabolizable sugar, adenine, and an antioxidant, wherein the antioxidant comprises a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, preferably a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant selected from the group consisting of SkQ1, MitoQ, SS-31, and a mixture thereof. In a specific embodiment, the liquid composition further comprises a protease inhibitor. Further provided is advantageous use of the composition for stabilizing an analyte selected from DNA, RNA and protein in intact nucleated cells of the whole-blood sample ex-vivo, as well as kits including the composition for practicing said use.

Abstract: A liquid spray system having antimicrobial and non-clumping properties that may be achieved without having more than 100% of the electron cation exchange. The agent may be chosen from a large number of antimicrobial agents, wherein citric acid is the most desirable. When the spray is applied to a surface, the surface does not exhibit a formation of clumps or coagulations, etc. This non-clumping property may be achieved three different ways. First, the agent may be dissolved in a specially denatured alcohol. Second, the agent may be dissolved in water or an SDA and then forced into a fine mist by way of a high pressure gas. Third, the agent may be dissolved into a water in oil emulsion. With any of these formulations, the alcoholic carrier/solvent evaporates after spraying leaving the bactericidal and virucidal agent behind to kill microbes found on the sprayed surface.

Abstract: By determining the lethality rate to Meloidogyne incognita and Caenorhabditis elegans, it was found that the methylmalonic acid has a better nematicidal effect on the Caenorhabditis elegans, with the LC50 being 13.11 and 1.20 for the Meloidogyne incognita and the Caenorhabditis elegans, respectively. After compounding the methylmalonic acid with betaine, the LC50 was 2.85 and 0.27 for the Meloidogyne incognita and the Caenorhabditis elegans, respectively. Meanwhile, the methylmalonic acid also has an inhibiting effect on Pseudomonas solanacearum and Erwinia carotovora. The preparation of the methylmalonic acid provides a new choice for preparing novel biocontrol agents against the root-knot nematodes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving yield in plants by applying an effective amount of a mixture of abscisic acid and malic acid to the plant. The present invention is further directed to methods of improving growth in plants by applying an effective amount of a mixture of abscisic acid and malic acid to the plant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising as active compound I an insecticidal active carboxamide derivative and at least one active compound II selected from a group M comprising acteylcholine esterase inhibitors, GABA-gated chloride channel antagonists, sodium channel modulators, nicotinic acteylcholine receptor agonists/antagonists, allosteric nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activators, chloride channel activators, juvenile hormone mimics, homopteran feeding blockers, mit grow inhibitors, inhibitors of mitochondrial ATP synthase, uncouplers of the oxidative phosphorylation, inhibitors of the chitin biosynthesis, moulting disruptors, ecdyson receptor agonists, octamin receptor agonists, inhibitors of the MET, voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers, inhibitors of the lipid synthesis, ryanodine receptor modulators and other compounds as defined in the description, in synergistically effective amounts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of molecules having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Arthropoda, Mollusca, and Nematoda, processes to produce such molecules, intermediates used in such processes, pesticidal compositions containing such molecules, and processes of using such pesticidal compositions against such pests. These pesticidal compositions may be used, for example, as acaricides, insecticides, miticides, molluscicides, and nematicides. This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”).

Abstract: A preparation method of an antibacterial deodorizing modified fiber for water purification is provided. Maleic anhydride is used to perform an addition reaction with sodium polysulfide to generate a disulfide antibacterial agent I, the disulfide antibacterial agent I continues to react with 2-amino-5-nitropyridine in an acetic acid solution under the catalysis of sodium acetate to obtain a compound II, then, the nitro in the compound II is reduced into amino by ferrous sulfate, meanwhile, anhydride is hydrolyzed into carboxylic acid in a faintly acid aqueous solution to obtain a compound III, and finally, under alkaline conditions, the amino in the compound III reacts with the cyan in a polyacrylonitrile fiber to obtain a modified polyacrylonitrile fiber. The prepared modified polyacrylonitrile fiber can remove various heavy metals in sewage and has good antibacterial and anti-mildew effects, thereby achieving the effects of water purification and deodorization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a substituted pyrimidine compound. The structure is shown in general formula I. The definition of each substituent in the formula is described in the description. The compound of the present invention has broad-spectrum fungicidal, insecticidal and acaricidal activity, and has excellent control effects on cucumber downy mildew, powdery mildew, corn rust, anthrax, rice blast, aphids, Tetranychus cinnabarinus and the like.

Abstract: A method treats a consumable or non-consumable plant to reduce or eliminate bacterial, viruses, and fungi on the plant. The method sprays hypochlorous water onto a growing plant. At least a portion of the sprayed plant is harvested. The harvested portion of the plant is exposed to hypochlorous water. The hypochlorous water exposed portion of the plant is permitted to dry. A product prepared by the above process is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating plant seed in order to protect the growing seedling or plant against damping-off, coated plant seed, and the use of iron salt for coating plant seed to protect the growing seedling or plant against damping-off.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides biocidal metal particles, and methods for production thereof. The method of producing the biocidal materials includes thermally spraying, into a collection system, a feed material having a metal mixture having from about 2% to about 96 wt. % Cu, about 2 to about 96 wt. % Zn, and about 1 to about 40 wt. % Ni, under conditions to give particles with a size in a range from about 1 to about 50 microns. The metal particles are collected and are characterized in that they have an amorphous solid structure and exhibit enhanced biocidal properties.

Abstract: A liquid formulation is described for the treatment of wood in plants such as vines, almond trees and the like, to enhance self-defences and resistance of the plant against fungal diseases. The formulation consists in a compound made from copper, essential plant amino acids, menadione sodium bisulphite and water, where the copper is incorporated in the form of nanoparticles with a size under 60 nm, and in a proportion of less than 1.0% by weight. The application of the formulation allows incorporation thereof in different fertiliser irrigation methods, or via the leaves with a spraying device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Abstract: Composite particles comprising baculovirus particles in a coating of wax that is degradable in the gut of a larva of an arthropod species, optionally in conjunction with an insecticide, methods of manufacture, uses thereof, and methods of controlling arthropod infestations.

Abstract: An agricultural or horticultural composition is provided. A composition containing a culture broth of a Bacillus bacterium having prephenate dehydratase (PD) resistant to feedback inhibition by phenylalanine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are material composition formulated for mitigating activity of a virus on a surface of an article. Methods of preparing such a material composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a platform for discovering novel insecticidal proteins from highly heterogeneous environmental sources. The methodology utilizes metagenomic enrichment procedures and unique genetic amplification techniques, which enables access to abroad class of unknown microbial diversity and their resultant proteome. The disclosed insecticidal protein discovery platform (IPDP) can be computationally driven and is able to integrate molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. The platform will enable researchers to rapidly and accurately access the vast repertoire of untapped insecticidal proteins produced by uncharacterized and complex microbial environmental samples. Also presented herein are a group of newly discovered pore-forming toxins (PFT) from a rare class of insecticidal proteins, which were discovered utilizing the insecticidal protein discovery platform.

Abstract: A multi-row dough-portioning apparatus has a chamber housing having a number of portioning chambers for predetermining a portioned quantity of dough. Measuring pistons can each be displaced in the portioning chambers along a displacement direction between a retracted, measuring position and a pushed-out, ejecting position. A rotation-prevention bar is installed in a releasable manner on a rear wall of the chamber housing and interacts with a circumferential recess in the measuring pistons in order to prevent rotation of the same. The chamber housing has a projecting section, which projects beyond the rear housing wall. The rotation-prevention bar is installed on the chamber housing such that, upon release, it can be removed from the chamber housing in a removal direction perpendicular to the displacement direction of the measuring pistons. This results in a dough-portioning apparatus which, even in the case of large-volume portioning chambers, is easy to maintain and clean.

Abstract: A method and system for receiving, processing, and stunning poultry in a poultry processing facility includes an receiving system for receiving and unloading live poultry from a transport vehicle, a controlled atmosphere stunning system, a stunned poultry hanging station for receiving and transferring stunned poultry to another facility for further processing, such as slaughtering the stunned poultry. Shuttle conveyors and cage pushers coordinate to unload cages of live poultry from the transport vehicle and begin conveying the cages toward the stunning system. Accumulators, cage de-stackers, cage stackers, cage washers, tilted conveyors, and other features may be included with the system.

Abstract: A system for automatic organization, hanging and driving of slaughtered animals installed at the outlet of a slaughtered animals processing station such as a chiller. The system comprises a receiving and aligning means of slaughtered animals in longitudinal position, which is previously disposed to an accumulator device of slaughtered animals positioned longitudinally. The system further comprises a suspension and movement assembly of each slaughtered animal from the axial alignment assembly to a driving guide of each slaughtered animal to a hanging transfer device of each animal slaughtered in the hanging line.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to ensuring quality of meat cuts. In some embodiments, a system for ensuring quality of meat cuts comprises a capture device comprising an image capture device configured to capture an image of a cut of meat, a depth sensor configured to capture depth data, a transceiver configured to transmit the image and the depth data, a microcontroller configured to control the image capture device, the depth sensor, and the transceiver, a database configured to store meat cut specifications, and the control circuit configured to receive, from the capture device, the image and the depth data, retrieve, from the database, a meat cut specification, evaluate the image of the cut of meat and the depth data associated with the cut of meat, and classify the cut of meat.

Abstract: A heating/smoker device is disclosed which uses the heat and/or smoke from existing sources and uses it to heat up serveware or food, or smoke food. The heating/smoker device is durable and versatile and can adopt to virtually any heat/smoke source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a strained fermented dairy product comprising the following successive steps: (a) providing a dairy product, (b) adding a lactase and a culture of bacteria comprising at least one strain of thermophilic lactic acid bacteria, with the provision that that it does not comprise any strain of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, and fermenting the dairy product to obtain a fermented dairy product, and (c) separating a liquid whey from the fermented dairy product to obtain a strained fermented dairy product.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ascorbic acid-containing fat in which the ascorbic acid content of the ascorbic acid-containing fat is increased, and which can be used in any food products and can be applied in a wide range of concentrations. This fat composition contains 50-50,000 ppm of ascorbic acid, and contains a specific amount of water relative to the ascorbic acid content.

Abstract: The invention patent relates to improvements in the formulation of a product based on carob bean which can take various forms (solid tablets, bars, candies), yielding an alternative chocolate product with special nutritional characteristics to meet the requirements of consumers with food restrictions due to health problems or through their lifestyles or convictions, providing characteristic colour, odour and taste attributes, without using soy, milk (lactose-free and milk protein-free), caffeine, theobromine, with or without added sugar, gluten-free, with or without fibres, with low glycemic index sugars and without any allergenic ingredients.

Abstract: An adult novelty gift apparatus having an interior non-edible container having two or more sections forming a hollow interior and an optional edible coating, such as chocolate or candy, surrounding the non-edible container. An adult themed novelty gift will be located within the interior of the nonedible container. A decorative exterior covering, containing branding, may be applied to the outer surface of the non-edible container. The non-edible container may have an outer surface that is an ovoid shape.