Abstract: A modular anti-soil-compaction apparatus, comprising a matrix of substantially flat, modular panels (100), each panel (100) comprising two opposing faces surrounded by edges, at least one aperture (104,105) passing through the faces, and modular panel connection means located on at least one pair of edges; each panel (100) being engageable with at least one adjacent panel (100) by respective connection means.

Abstract: An irrigation device, comprising: a base portion and a liquid dispersal portion. The liquid dispersal portion attached to the top center of the base portion configured with channels and spillways to funnel water to a plurality of plant growth zones spaced about the base portion periphery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for improving performance of sprinkler control systems using aggregations of flow controllers. As an example, to facilitate control of multiple controllers, a system may generate a virtual flow controller by aggregating the two or more flow controllers. A schedule for the virtual controller is set or received and then translated into schedules for the aggregated controllers. In another example, schedules may be set for individual watering zones, which are then translated into watering schedules for flow controllers corresponding to the zones. The system then transmits these schedules to a respective flow controller, which then carries out an irrigation routine according to the schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for providing optimal irrigation or watering, and more specifically providing a soil sensor grid placed in the ground of a landscaped property, in commercial, residential or even agricultural areas. The soil sensor grid can allow for optimal water usage in a specified irrigation area by providing real time data to an irrigation system and a user to optimize water usage. A soil sensor grid, or moisture sensor grid, may be installed on a property, buried in the ground, to provide current and real time feedback of the current moisture levels of the soil. The moisture data is uploaded to the cloud and provided to a user and the irrigation system allowing a user to automatically or manually manipulate the irrigation system to properly water or irrigate different portions of the property based on the data from the soil sensor grid.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a planter forming part of a hydroponic system. The planter includes a longitudinal body defining at least two liquid channels and at least two plant holders defined in the body, the plant holders spaced on the outer circumference of the longitudinal body, each one of the at least two plant holders in fluid flow communication with one of the at least two liquid channels.

Abstract: Described is a flower bouquet conferring extended freshness to an aqueous nutrient medium for keeping cut flowers, as well as a method to confer a prolonged longevity to one or more cut flowers, comprising the step of allowing one or more cut flowers, with the cut surface of the stem thereof, to be in contact with the said aqueous nutrient medium.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 82051111 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 82051111, to the plants of soybean cultivar 82051111, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 82051111, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 82051111. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 82051111. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 82051111, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 82051111 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01072749. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01072749. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01072749 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01072749 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01073265. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01073265. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01073265 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01073265 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01073203. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01073203. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01073203 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01073203 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 86072910 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 86072910, to the plants of soybean cultivar 86072910, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 86072910, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 86072910. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 86072910. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 86072910, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 86072910 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 87222215 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 87222215, to the plants of soybean cultivar 87222215, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 87222215, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 87222215. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 87222215. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 87222215, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 87222215 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention relates to the alfalfa variety designated RRL44M375. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the alfalfa variety RRL44M375. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the alfalfa variety RRL44M375 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing alfalfa plants by crossing the alfalfa variety RRL44M375 with itself or another alfalfa variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB8973 and pepper line SBO-8T15-6368. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8973 and pepper line SBO-8T15-6368 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid pepper hybrid SVPB8973 and pepper line SBO-8T15-6368 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A pet travel system includes a pet storage module and a closet within an interior cabin of a vehicle. The pet storage module has multiple module walls and a door that enclose a cavity configured to receive a pet. The pet storage module includes one or more first latch members attached to one or more of the module walls. The closet includes closet walls defining a compartment sized to receive the pet storage module therein. The closet further includes one or more second latch members attached to one or more of the closet walls. Each second latch member is configured to releasably connect to a corresponding first latch member to secure the pet storage module within the closet during a trip of the vehicle.

Abstract: A base carrying a left-side panel and a right-side panel. A top panel is disposed on and extends between said side panels, wherein said base, said side panels and top panel define a pet receiving area. A blower unit disposed at a rear side of said pet receiving area drawing air in a direction from a front side to said rear side of the housing across the pet receiving area. An airflow control covering disposed on at least one of said left-side panel and said right-side panel providing a reduced airflow entering said pet receiving area through the side panel relative to a front side of the housing, wherein a negative air pressure is established within the housing while providing a primary airflow direction from said front side to said rear side of the housing to container pet hair, dander and debris within said housing.

Abstract: A wheeled manure-removal vehicle for removing manure from an animal-shed floor includes a scraper assembly for scraping the manure together into a manure-storage space by scraping across the animal-shed floor. The scraper assembly includes a flexible, strip-shaped scraping element which is partly arranged around the manure-storage space and a rolling body. The rolling body extends on a side of the scraping element which faces away from the manure-storage space in order to be in contact with the scraping element at least while scraping the manure together, and has, on the side facing the scraping element, a rolling surface which is convexly rounded towards the scraping element. The use of the rolling body for contact with the scraping element has an advantageous effect on the life of the scraping element on the vehicle.

Abstract: The ergonomic pet carrier is an apparatus that evenly distributes the weight of a dog against the shoulder and the back of a user. The apparatus includes a first shoulder strap assembly, a second shoulder strap assembly, a frame, a supporting panel, and a plurality of leg-receiving holes. The first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap assembly evenly distribute the weight of the dog across each shoulder and the back of the user. The first shoulder strap assembly and the second shoulder strap assembly restrain the dog against the back of the user as the dog rests on the supporting panel. The frame reinforces the structural integrity of the supporting panel with the first shoulder strap assembly and the second shoulder strap assembly. The plurality of leg-receiving holes allows the legs of a pet to traverse through the supporting panel and comfortably rest on the supporting panel.

Abstract: An end table for crating a pet includes a first side panel and a second side panel. The second side panel is laterally spaced from and parallel to the first side panel. The end table additionally includes a bottom panel, a top panel and a rear panel. The rear panel laterally extends between rear ends of the first and second side panels. The end table further includes a door carried by the first side panel for sliding movement between a stowed position and an open position and for rotational movement between the open position and a closed position in which the door closes an opening laterally between front ends of the first and second side panels. The first side panel, the second side panel, the rear panel, the bottom panel, the top panel and the door cooperate to define an enclosed area for the pet.

Abstract: A crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, where the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. A frame is formed in one of the plurality of members, the frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define a door opening. A door is pivotally coupled to the frame about a pivot wire of the frame to move between an open position and a closed position. A latch assembly is pivotally coupled to a horizontal wire of the frame. The latch assembly includes a wire having a first end, a second end and a transverse portion, the wire forming a first portion defined between the first end and the transverse portion and a second portion defined between the second end and the transverse portion.

Abstract: A wall mounted structure for cats includes a vertically disposed back surface attached directly to a vertical wall and/or a stud or a plurality of studs or attached to the vertical wall and/or the stud or the plurality of studs with a mounting bracket. A horizontally disposed floor forwardly extends from the back surface, wherein the floor is disposed perpendicular to the back surface. At least one horizontally disposed landing pad forwardly extends from the back surface, wherein the at least one landing pad is disposed perpendicular to the back surface, and wherein the at least one landing pad is disposed adjacent to and at a height above the floor. A front surface is attached to the floor and the at least one landing pad.

Abstract: A feed container for storing hardened livestock feed is disclosed. The feed container has a storage area defined by a bottom wall and a sidewall for retaining animal feed within the storage area when the feed is in a solid phase and the feed container is in a non-upward resting position or is on its sidewall. Also disclosed is a method for utilizing a feed container, having said storage area for retaining animal feed within the storage area when the feed is in a solid phase and the feed container is in a non-upward resting position or is on its sidewall.

Abstract: A treat dispensing pet toy is shaped and weighted to remain in a normally upright position to dispense treats when contacted by an animal during interaction with the toy. The pet toy has a dome shaped base and a ring or donut-shaped cover connected to the base. A treat dispensing port is arranged on an inside circumferential edge of the cover. A central opening of the cover exposes a feeding tray. The feeding tray and inside circumferential edge define a partially enclosed area to function as a feeding bowl. Edible treats are loaded inside the cover. As the animal contacts the toy, treats are moved within the cover and pass through the dispensing port onto the feeding tray. A diverter disposed within the cover facilitates movement of the treats for easier dispensing of the treats onto the feeding tray. A method includes use of the pet toy to dispense treats.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: The system for uniquely identifying subjects from a target population operates to acquire, process and analyze images to create data which contains indicia sufficient to uniquely identify an individual in a population of interest. This system implements an automated, image-based process that captures data indicative of a selected set of external characteristics for subjects that are members of a target population of a predetermined species.

Abstract: An apparatus for training canines to detect complex hazardous substances from an odor mixture developed from at least two separated material components having at least two separated odors respectively. The training apparatus has a chamber base unit having at least two vial wells configured to hold separate containers of the material components and a chamber top unit having a first side facing the chamber base and a second side opposite the first side. The first side of the chamber top unit and the chamber base unit define a primary vapor mixing chamber in fluid communication with the vial wells. A mechanical seal between the chamber top and the chamber base seals the primary vapor mixing chamber. A passageway extends through the chamber top unit connecting the primary vapor mixing chamber to the second side of the chamber top unit.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a generally spherical center portion having an opening, a slidable door configured to close the opening, and a plurality of flexible legs. The slidable door is configured to frictionally fit within open such that the door is capable of being in an open position, a closed position and a partially opened position. Each of the plurality legs includes an arcuate portion so as to at least partially surround the generally spherical center portion.

Abstract: A pet chew has an elongated tube having a wall extending between two ends. The tube has a length between the ends. The wall forms an interior cavity that extends along the length of the tube. The wall is made of extruded material of animal meat, animal skin and plant material such as starch and grain. The interior cavity is hollow. In one embodiment, each end of the tube is tied into a knot, with the tube forming a central shank extending between the knots. In another embodiment, a wrap is located around the exterior of the tube. The wrap has a different appearance than the tube. In still another embodiment, plural tubes are provided, which tubes are braided about each other.

Abstract: A pet toy product comprising at least one edible treat and a body member in the form of a ring surrounding the edible treat, with the body member having opposing sides and a body member aperture. The edible treat is receivable into the body member aperture from either side of the body member, and connected to the body member within the body member aperture by a releaseable mechanical connection formed between the edible treat and the body member.

Abstract: A livestock management system is disclosed. The system includes a gantry assembly and a controller. The gantry assembly includes a support assembly including one or more work tool rails and one or more support structures. The gantry assembly further includes one or more propulsion units disposed on one or more support rails within a livestock facility and configured to provide movement of the support assembly along the one or more support rails. The gantry assembly further includes one or more work tool assemblies actuatable along the one or more work tool rails so to provide one or more work tool attachments selective access within the livestock facility. The controller may be configured to actuate the support assembly to along the one or more support rails and further configured to actuate the one or more work tool assemblies to along the one or more work tool rails.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses for attachment to an animal that include a housing and a sensor assembly. The housing can be attachable to the animal and includes an internal cavity formed therein. The sensor assembly can be disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The sensor assembly includes a force sensor and an accelerometer arranged to detect force data and accelerometer data representative of a physiological state of the animal. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to method and sensor systems for detecting a physiological state of an animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides aquaculture assemblies for culturing oysters in deep waters and includes at least one structure adapted for culturing an aquacultural species; at least one floatation means; and at least one anchoring means connecting said floatation means to the sea bed; wherein said structure is connected to or comprises said floatation means or said floatation means comprises said structure; and wherein said assembly is adapted for supporting said at least one structure either: a) substantially above the water surface at low-tide, and at least substantially below the water surface at high-tide, or b) substantially just below the water surface at low-tide, and fully below the water surface at high-tide. Methods for culturing aquacultural species using assemblies according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a genetically-engineered hamster comprising in vivo knocking out an LDL receptor gene in the hamster. The LDL receptor gene is knocked out by CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing technique. The genetically-engineered hamster shows significantly high levels of blood lipids, and it thus well-suited for direct use in hyperlipidemia and arteriosclerosis studies, and is a small animal model with high similarities to human familial hypercholesterolemia. Also provided is a method for screening drugs using the genetically-engineered hamster.

Abstract: Non-human animals, expressing humanized CD3 proteins are provided. Non-human animals, e.g., rodents, genetically modified to comprise in their genome humanized CD3 proteins are also provided. Additionally, provided are methods and compositions of making such non-human animals, as well as methods of using said non-human animals.

Abstract: A blade body of a fishing lure comprises a first protruding side and a second protruding side, creating a gap, and a jig body connected to the blade body such that when the blade body and jig body are connected and pulled through water, the blade body moves in a side to side motion limited by contact between the jig body and the first and second protruding sides.

Abstract: A bait mover fishing bobber having a battery, control circuit board, memory, a processor, a communication device, and a motor. The motor connects to coupling that extends through the wall of the lower housing. An armature which is located outside of the bobber connects to the opposing end of the coupling and to an opening on the antipodal side of the lower housing from the motor. The control circuit board is programmed to cause variations to the movement and interval of moments of the armature. The control circuit board contains components that allow the armature to be controlled from programs stored in its memory or by using an application on a mobile device. The armature is caused to move such that it engages with fishing line such that any bait on the end of the fishing line will that will move both vertically and horizontally.

Abstract: A submersible fishing apparatus that contains one or more cavities along the fascia of its body, each said cavity comprising a temporary individual housing for bait or fish-attracting material (including such bait as ‘stink bait’), so that a fisherman may easily apply and refresh the bait/attractant between uses, thus allowing a fisherman to easily attract fish with minor effort. The apparatus includes jigs, lures, weights, sinkers, etc.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting changes in fringe capacitance responsive to at least one of a target animal and a target pest by mutual capacitance sensing may include a plurality of conductors including an electrically conductive sensor conductor, which is a transmit electrode, and two electrically conductive un-grounded conductors, which are each a receive electrode, disposed on opposing sides of the sensor conductor defining a triplet. The plurality of conductors may be supported on an un-grounded conductive substrate which is electrically isolated, via an electrical insulator, from the plurality of conductors. Each conductor of the plurality of conductors may have a width and a thickness, and may be disposed spaced apart from the other conductors of the plurality of conductors and the un-grounded conductive substrate by a distance such that a directional fringe field responsive to the at least one of the target animal and the target pest is generatable.

Abstract: A refill kit for a device to dispense an air treatment chemical includes a substrate supported on a frame. The substrate is in the form of a puck, and includes sand, a binder, and an air treatment chemical. A candle is also provided, which is suitable to heat the substrate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle ? with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a decoy apparatus comprising: a motor unit securely connected to a base, at least one wing member operatively connected to the motor so as to be rotated by the motor when the motor is engaged, a power source to operate the motor, and a shell that mimics the look of an avian animal that can be incorporated with the motor so as to cause the rotating wing members to appear as if they were the wings of the avian animal. In alternate embodiments, the motor is encased in a motor housing that defines a structure and the shell is a soft body in the shape of a bird with a cavity that is substantially to the size and shape of at least the top of the motor housing such that at least a portion of the motor housing is capable of being inserted into the decoy body, filling a portion of the cavity.

Abstract: A game calming assembly for calming game into danger includes a mount that engages and extends away from a support surface. The mount comprises a first arm that has a first end and a second end. A second arm is pivotally coupled to the second end and has a proximal end and a distal end relative to the first arm. A coupler releasably couples the second end of the first arm to the proximal end of the second arm wherein an angle between the first arm and the second arm is adjustable when the coupler is released. A foot is attached to and extends outwardly from the first end. The foot is extends through and engages the support surface. A support is attached to and extends upwardly from the distal end of the second arm. A decoy is mounted on the support.

Abstract: The invention is an improved packaging assembly for storing, distributing, treating, mixing, and dispensing tissue and/or cellular material and/or implantable material. The packaging assembly may include pouches, tubes, and a bag made of a sealable, flexible polymeric material that is open at one end and a needle-free swabable connector attached to the pouch at the other end and acting as a port to allow for the introduction or discharge of biological solutions, rinsing solution, and/or preservation solutions into the packaging assembly. The designed thickness of the wall of the packaging assembly facilitates efficient heat/cold transfer, which is useful for successful controlled rate freezing, quick thawing, and resuscitation of viable cells or tissue. The invention is also useful for combining additional biological fluids with the cellular material or tissue, and for efficient mixing of the biological fluids with the tissue and/or cellular material in the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial mixture containing 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)butan-2-one and an additional compound chosen from chlorhexidine digluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride and a polyhexamethylene biguanide salt, and also to a cosmetic composition containing such a mixture. Use in caring for, making up and cleansing keratin materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fungicidal compositions for the treatment of phytopathogenic diseases of useful plants, especially phytopathogenic fungi, and to a method of controlling such phytopathogenic diseases on useful plants. In particular compositions suitable for control of diseases caused by phytopathogens comprise a mixture of a compound of formula (I) with a compound of formula (II) and a method of controlling diseases on useful plants using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidal mixtures comprising (i) 2-[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidanone, (ii) pyroxasulfone and (iii) mefenpyr-diethyl, and to herbicidal compositions comprising these mixtures. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for preparing these herbicidal mixtures and compositions comprising these mixtures. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the mixtures and compositions mentioned in the field of agriculture for controlling harmful plants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing turfgrass quality and resistance to adverse abiotic conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of scalably producing microorganisms by propagating them within plant tissues and introducing them into agricultural seeds to improve their shelf-life during long-term storage, to produce substances of interest, and to create libraries of microbes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microbial consortia and compositions including microbes for use in agricultural or biodegradation applications. In some embodiments, soil, plants, and/or plant parts (such as seeds, seedlings, shoots, roots, leaves, fruit, stems, or branches) are contacted with a disclosed microbial consortia or composition including microbes. The microbial consortia or microbe-containing compositions may be applied to soil, plant, and/or plant parts alone or in combination with additional components (such as chitin, chitosan, glucosamine, amino acids, and/or liquid fertilizer). In additional embodiments, the disclosed microbial consortia or compositions including microbes are used in methods of degrading biological materials, such as chitin-containing biological materials.

Abstract: Entomopathogenic fungal strains, compositions, and methods of using the strains for reducing overall insect damage.