Abstract: A method and control unit for controlling a moveable crowd gate of a holding area at an entrance of a milking parlour at a farm where the control unit obtains information from at least one sensor regarding animals present in the holding area, determines a stress level among the animals in the holding area, based on the obtained information, and controls movement of the crowd gate, via an actuator configured to adjust position of the moveable crowd gate, based on the determined stress level.

Abstract: An enclosed litter box assembly for containing odors associated with feline defecation and urination includes a box for containing kitty litter to accommodate feline defecation and urination. The box has an entry way extending into the box. A ramp releasably engages the box to assist elderly or disabled felines to pass through the entry way. A tray is positionable within the box and the kitty litter positioned therein. A lid is positionable on the box for covering the box and the lid has a pair of vents each extending therethrough to pass air therethrough for venting the box. A pair of filters is each removably coupled to the lid to absorb odors associated with the feline defecation and urination.

Abstract: A transport system for an animal to be received in a motor vehicle. The transport system comprises a carrier configured to be received on a transport surface of the motor vehicle and a boarding aid including a first tread element and at least a second tread element. The first tread element can be swivelably attached to the carrier, wherein the boarding aid is movable from a transport position to a boarding position. The boarding aid can be arranged in the transport position on a first side of a plane defined by the carrier, and the boarding aid is an obstacle for the animal after the transport system has been received in the motor vehicle. The boarding aid can be arranged in the boarding position on a second side of the plane defined by the carrier and the animal is able leave the motor vehicle via the boarding aid.

Abstract: A carrier for an animal includes a plurality of panels, a wire frame, a clip and an iso clip. The plurality of panels are configured to form a hollow enclosure for housing the animal. The wire frame supports at least one of the panels so as to maintain the shape of the enclosure. The clip is on a front surface of the carrier, and configured to receive a belt portion of a seat belt of a vehicle. The iso clip is on at least one of a rear surface and a bottom surface of the carrier, and configured to couple to an iso anchor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stalling cage having a box suitable for containing an animal, a receptacle that contains a liquid to be administered to the animal in the box, and a monitoring device suitable for continuously monitoring the consumption of liquid from the receptacle. The monitoring device has a level condenser with two electrodes in co-planar configuration in contact with the receptacle in order to measure the capacitance variation caused by the variation of the level of liquid relative to the air in the receptacle.

Abstract: A cat mat is disclosed herein. It comprises a cushion body, a cat grass layer disposed at a top of the cushion body, and a wear resistant layer disposed at a top of the cat grass layer and having a plurality of through holes.

Abstract: The hay feeder of the present invention includes a top bar having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertical rods. Each vertical rod has an upper end and a lower end extending downward from the top bar. The hay feeder of the present invention also includes a bottom bar having a first end and a second end. The bottom bar attaches to the lower ends of the vertical rods. The hay feeder also includes an angle plate having a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is configured to be above the second edge such that the angle plate extends at a downward angle.

Abstract: A feed-mixing device for receiving, mixing and dispensing animal feed includes a frame with a mixing bin for receiving and mixing the animal feed therein and dispensing it therefrom, at least one mixing device rotatably drivable in the mixing bin using a drive, in particular a vertical mixing auger, for mixing the received animal feed, and a weighing device for determining the weight of the animal feed received in the mixing bin, comprising N weighing elements, with N?2, each of which emits a weighing signal, and a control system for controlling the feed-mixing device and for processing the weighing signals from the weighing elements to produce the determined weight. The control system is configured to perform an, in particular fully automatic, calibration action of the weighing elements.

Abstract: A height adjustability mechanism including a height adjustability mechanism including a spring-biased first lever including a first lever body comprising a first rod hole including a first hole perimeter face pivotally engaged with a guide rail extending through the first rod hole, a spring-biased second lever including a second lever body including a second rod hole including a second hole perimeter face pivotally engaged with the guide rail extending through the second rod hole, wherein the spring bias of the first lever frictionally engages the first hole perimeter face against the guide rail, and wherein the spring bias of the second lever frictionally engages the second hole perimeter face against the guide rail.

Abstract: An animal feed launcher apparatus for feeding and attracting animals from a distance includes a launch tube having a tube proximal end, a tube distal end, and a sidewall defining a tube inside. The sidewall has at least one cocking slot extending through to the tube inside. The tube inside slidingly receives a feed sock filled with animal feed. A cap is coupled to the launch tube within the tube proximal end. A disc is coupled within the launch tube and is slidably engaged within the tube inside. A compression spring is coupled to the disc and extends between the disc and the cap within the tube inside. A cocking pin coupled to the disc and extends through the cocking slot.

Abstract: An improved hog/livestock feeder uses a bump cone on a pendulum swivel as opposed to rotary motion. A support structure suspends a feed hopper directly above a feed pan. A bump cone swings with a pendulum motion within a funnel in the hopper. The lower edge of the bump cone is accessible between the open bottom of the hopper and the upper rim of the feed pan, such that when an animal nudges the bump cone, a gap between the hopper funnel and bump cone widens, and feed falls from the hopper and into the feed pan. The device enabling the bump cone to swing a pendulum motion may be a spring, a multi-axis joint, or a length of flexible material. A raised feed diverter structure may extend upwardly from the bottom of the feed pan, and the bump cone may be perforated to further distribute the feed.

Abstract: Portable drinking device for pets. Portable drinking device for pets which is suitable for use when travelling with pets or when transporting pets to and from various locations, which is self-contained and pre-packaged for ease of use.

Abstract: An animal tag applicator comprising: first and second jaws for engaging an animal tag therebetween wherein the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw for mounting said animal tag on the animal; a movable lever coupled to the second jaw, the lever being arranged such that at least a first movement of the lever results in a resilient bias being applied to the second jaw for rectilinear movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw; a stop member positioned relative to the second jaw member for maintaining the second jaw member in an intermediate spaced apart position relative to the first jaw to prevent biased movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw when the lever is in the actuated position; a trigger member coupled with the stop member such that movement of the trigger member into a triggered position effects biased rectilinear movement of the second jaw towards the first jaw when the lever is in the actuated position.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a first section, a second section and a slide lock. The first section has a distal end and a proximal end, and a handle disposed at the proximal end. The second section has a distal end and a proximal end, and a gripper disposed at the distal end. The proximal end of the second section is pivotally attached to the distal end of the first section to form a hinge. The slide lock is configured to slide along at least one of the first and second sections so as to overlie the proximal end of the second section and the distal end of the first section to cover the hinge, locking the hinge and prohibiting pivotal movement between the first section and the second section.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a first ring section and a second ring section. The first ring section includes a first body with an outer peripheral surface, and a connector. The first body is rigid and includes a groove. The second ring section includes a second body connected to the first body by the connector. The second body is at least partially elastic and sized and configured to be removably positioned within at least a portion of the groove.

Abstract: A pet apparatus is provided which includes a housing including internal walls forming a cavity. The internal walls include a plurality of apertures. One or more panels are disposed within the cavity. Each of the panels includes at least one pocket configured to receive a toy and/or a treat. Toggles are coupled with each of the panels and are configured to be inserted into the plurality of apertures to removably couple the panels with the housing.

Abstract: An animal restraint for dogs that maintains four points of contact to safely, securely, and humanely restrain the dog. The system includes a platform and four poles that can support the animal. The forward poles support a cross shoulder bar which prevents the dog's forward from rising. A belly strap or bar may be used under the belly of the animal to prevent the rear or bending of hind legs. An optional over strap may be used to loop around the animal's rear. The animal's leash may be mounted to the device, preferably at the top and center of the shoulder bar. The device may be adjustable in height and rotation of the poles. The system may be collapsible to allow for storage.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring the individual feed and water intake and pharmaceutical use and unmetabolized residual alerting in the livestock industry. Livestock have sensors installed on or in their bodies to detect consumption of feed and water for each animal in an environment where multiple animals are present. Sensors communicate data regarding the duration and timing of individual animals feeding habits. Health and efficiency status data is recorded per animal and analyzed to determine whether to issue an alert indicating problems with individual animals. The system tracks the health and efficiency data for each animal, pen or farm and generates statistical information regarding the sensor data. The system communicates with user interface to display notifications and statistical data. In addition, the pharmaceutical monitoring system alerts when any unmetabolized residual pharmaceuticals are still in the animals when the animal is being readied for shipping to a packing plant.

Abstract: A poultry nesting system has a nest house with an adjacent platform raised above the surface of the surrounding substrate. The platform has an upper surface and at least a portion of a perimeter of the platform comprises a wire mesh covering a space between the substrate and the upper surface. The wire mesh is formed by a plurality of strands including an upper strand and a lower strand. At least a portion of the upper surface of the platform is supported by a plurality of platform floor supports positioned on a perimeter of the platform. Each of the plurality of platform floor supports includes a bracing member, an upper cap on an upper end of the bracing member and a lower cap on a lower end of the bracing member. The upper cap has an attachment mechanism on an upper portion thereof configured to interact with the upper surface to lock the platform floor support to the upper surface of the platform such that the platform floor support supports the upper surface in its raised position above the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for handling eggs. The system for handling eggs comprises a pusher comprising an axis and an egg support at a free end of the axis. The system for handling eggs further comprises a brake associated with the pusher, to selectively apply a brake force thereon.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved yet simpler beehive design that addresses the shortcoming of previous designs while facilitating the ability of bees to follow their natural instincts. If features a natural moisture control system, facilitated by roof placement and framing configuration, and a self-contained frame hanging system for inspection of the broods' nest and harvesting of the honeycomb that minimizes physical damage to bees and the stress placed on the colony by those activities.

Abstract: Aquarium feeding systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system (10) includes a flotation base (20) adapted to float on water and a clip (130) adapted to be removably inserted into and removed from the flotation base (20). The clip may hold food materials (e.g., seaweed) for feeding aquatic life of the aquarium.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for Inducible and conditional CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi. From animal model creation and the efficiency of CRISPR-based targeting, the present invention comprises developing RNAi models that enable inducible and reversible gene silencing to simulate new therapeutic regimes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to genetically modified swine wherein at least one allele of a SIGLEC1 gene has been inactivated and/or at least one allele of a CD163 gene has been inactivated. Genetically modified swine having both alleles of the SIGLEC1 gene and/or both alleles CD163 gene inactivated are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Methods for producing such transgenic swine are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-human animals that express a human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) CD3e (T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 epsilon chain), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an immunodeficient mouse which is capable of eliminating effects of immune cells from the immunodeficient mouse against human antibodies and in which human cells are engrafted at high level. Deletion of a mouse FcgR gene from an NOG mouse results in a mouse that does not exhibit antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic activity on tumors, and in the mouse, human cells can be engrafted at significantly higher level than that in the NOG mouse. Furthermore, by introducing the human IL-15 gene into the mouse and engrafting a human NK cell in the mouse, only human NK cells become effector cells to enable evaluation of ADCC activity.

Abstract: The invasion of Asian carp has already affected all inland waters connected to the Mississippi River, devastating the aquatic ecosystem, negatively impacting the fishing and recreation industries and costing our country hundred of millions of dollars. The purpose of the GOT-U-TUBE is to remove large volumes of Asian carp and prevent the necessity of physically handling each fish, while leaving no negative ecological impact. It works differently from current methods of removal not only in its mechanism of action but also in its scale. The device uses a high-pressure water force to create a vacuum within a large tube, utilizing the species' natural fear and group behavior by providing a man-made escape channel, while moving over 5000 gallons of water per minute from the action of the pump alone.

Abstract: A keel attached to a central body of trolling spreader bar is configurable with a plurality of fishing lures as an assembly to mimic a small school of fish. The keel is angled to urge the lure assembly continually to one side or the other from what would be the normal straight line of travel of a trolling vessel. By attaching an angled keel directly to the lure/spreader bar one is able to easily set lines behind the vessel at varying angles and distances which greatly increase the width of the full trolling lure spread. The spreader bar can further be configured to have a counterweight directly attached to it to provide increased stability to the bar during trolling.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a body with a first end and a second end. Extending through the body is one or more strips of fabric that preferably extend along a length of the body. Also, embedded in the body is one or more strands that extend form the first end of the body to the second end.

Abstract: The invention provides a quick-attach system including a base locking mechanism and a mated lure connector mechanism, such as a plug and socket arrangement. For example, a socket (“female member”) component, adapted to be fixed to a fishing line and a set of one or more mated plug (“male member”) component that is integrated or attached to a lure or other piece of fishing gear. Likewise, the lure may include the socket/female member and the base attached to the fishing line may include the plug/male member.

Abstract: A grip assembly configured for fixing a reel to a fishing rod includes a front seat grip non-movably fixable to a fishing rod, a gear rack on the front seat grip, a sliding grip movably fixable to the fishing rod and configured to slide in an axial direction of the fishing rod so as to selectively engage the front seat grip, a lever pivotally connected to the sliding grip, and at least one tooth provided on the lever. When the lever is actuated from an open position to a locked position, the at least one tooth engages the gear rack and the lever pulls the sliding grip toward the front seat grip on the fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing rod according to one embodiment includes a rod body extending in a front-and-back direction along a central axis, a fitting having a mounting part, where the mounting part is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the rod body at a first position determined in a circumferential direction around the central axis, and a fiber-reinforced resin layer surrounding the rod body so as to cover the mounting part. The fiber-reinforced resin layer has a first portion covering the rod body along an entire length thereof in the circumferential direction around the central axis and a second portion extending in the axial direction backward from an axially back end of the first portion and extending in the circumferential direction less than 180° clockwise from the first position and also less than 180° anti-clockwise from the first position.

Abstract: The present invention identifies a multi-use fishing rod handle, as well as a hand tool handle, that provides a new alignment of the functional elements of the rod handle enabling its use for multiple fishing techniques, including bait, lure, spin and fly casting, enhancing the finger, thumb and palm resting and guiding functions while fishing. The rod handle's functional elements include real seat alignment and attachment, rod connection, and handle extensions, as well as fore or fighting, mid and fly or rear grip areas on the handle. The finger, thumb and palm rests and guides are embodiments as modified forms of the design concepts affecting the mid grip portion of the handle. Similarly, the rod attachments are embodiments that represent alternative means to attach the fishing rod to the handle. The multi-use fishing rod handle continues a general linear alignment with the overall fishing rod while placing an increased emphasis on the hand position and orientation.

Abstract: A fish attractant spreader device includes a center bar running lengthwise from a back end to a front end and a spreader bar attached to the center bar and extending lengthwise non-parallel with the center bar. The device includes a front line attachment at the front of the center bar, a back line attachment at the back of the center bar, and at least one fish attractant attachment on the spreader bar. A fish attractant such as a dodger or flasher may be attached to the attractant attachment on the spreader bar. A release clip may be attached to the back line attachment of the center bar for providing temporary attachment to a fishing line and a downrigger stacker clip may be connected to the front line attachment of the center bar for attachment to a downrigger line. The spreader bar and the center bar may form a cross shape.

Abstract: An adapter is provided that is specially designed for coupling to traps existing in the market, with no need for any change in them, including the dynamics of entry, perforations and physical structure. The adaptation includes automating the detection, continuous remote counting, and perimeter control of lepidopterans. Its application is in the agricultural sector within the most distinct crops and sectors, being the main ones: grain storage and, in agricultural production areas (cotton, soy, corn, beans, coffee, cocoa, orange, sugar cane, African palm, among others).

Abstract: The ambulatory insect pest-trapping device includes a contact portion at which one end of an adhesive sheet is connected to one end of a walkway sheet. Another end of the adhesive sheet is arranged apart from another end of the walkway sheet. A space for housing an ambulatory insect pest B is formed between the adhesive sheet and the walkway sheet, and an entrance is formed between the other end of the adhesive sheet and the other end of the walkway sheet. The device is formed into a tapered shape such that a distance between the adhesive sheet and the walkway sheet gradually decreases in a direction from the entrance toward the contact portion.

Abstract: A release device for a vaporizable and/or sublimateable pesticide is provided. The release device is suitable for use against subterranean pests (e.g. fire ants). The release device may be driven into and/or placed in a cavity within the soil or other substrate where the pests reside. The release device comprises a vapor injector which releases the pesticidal composition through apertures into the pest habitat, where it is distributed in vapor form.

Abstract: A fogging machine for emitting an insecticide in a fog or mist is provided. The fogger machine is powered by a rechargeable power source that is coupled to a solar panel that collects and converts sunlight into electrical energy. A microprocessor can be programmed, configured and/or structured to permit the machine to be turned on-off at preselected times. A Bluetooth or other wireless communication circuit permits the unit to be controlled remotely via a smart phone/computer/tablet.

Abstract: A product applicator system for dispensing various products onto a ground surface is provided. The system provides an assembly of a protective tube and applicator that protects the product as it travels from the boom to the ground surface. The assembly may include a swivel connection facilitating a rotational movement of the hose assembly to the supporting boom. The protective tube assembly is designed with bending properties that enable the applicator to self-center itself during use.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus and a method are provided for detection of animal intrusions and control of a repellent mechanism to prevent such intrusions. The electronic apparatus controls an image-capture device to acquire an image of a house yard and selects a set of zones in the acquired image based on a user-specified setting. The electronic apparatus detects an animal in the acquired image and controls the repellent mechanism based on a determination that the detected animal is in a zone which is among the selected set of zones, to target the detected animal.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of devices to scare away birds in general, preferably gulls, pigeons and vultures using a variable electromagnetic field. More specifically, the invention teaches a system of bird repellence by sensorineural interaction, which works through the formation of an electromagnetic field. The system consists of a pulse generator (1) that is electrically connected to a mesh (2) consisting of a plurality of coils (4) arranged in insulating plugs (22) that induce an electromagnetic field that interacts with the birds' magnetic orientation system. Finally, a method of installation of the inductive mesh (4) is revealed.

Abstract: An animal trap sensor includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, a switch having a first metallic element and a second metallic element, and a signal unit, in which, when the first metallic element contacting the second metallic element, thereby forming a closed circuit, such that the signal unit transmits a signal to an off-site receiver. Or, an animal trap sensor includes a first portion and a second portion electrically connected with a signal unit including a power supply, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a first distance between each other, thereby generating an output property, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a second distance between each other, which is different from the first distance, thereby changing the output property and causing the signal unit to transmit a signal to an off-site receiver.

Abstract: While hunting or birdwatching, a user is able to deploy a male decoy remotely from a blind after the sole use of the female decoy has failed to attract the target animal. The device for luring the target animal towards a location includes a substantially planar fan which is kept in a concealed position until a mechanism releases a biasing element configured to prevent the decoy from inadvertently moving out of the concealed position, thereby allowing the decoy to move into the deployed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cell sheet protection solution, such as a stem cell sheet protection solution, such as a mesenchymal stem cell sheet protection solution. The present disclosure also relates to use of the cell sheet protection solution in storage and transportation of the cell sheet.

Abstract: System and method for maintaining an organ and transporting the organ from a donor to a recipient, maintaining normothermic temperature of the organ. The system includes a circulation system providing oxygenated perfusate to the organ and enabling continuous monitoring of the perfusate moving through the organ. The tank can provide an inlet that can accept selected infusible materials, and an outlet that can enable sampling and waste removal. The system can continually monitor the solution bath in which the organ is bathed, and the system can manage the composition of the gas in the tank.

Abstract: Systems and methods to perfuse isolated tissue are provided to avoid ischemia-related tissue damage over an extended perfusion time is provided. A system can comprise a reservoir sized and dimensioned to contain a perfusate. A perfusion supply line can comprise a pump, a cooling system, an oxygenator, and at least one filter. The perfusion supply line can be in fluid communication with the reservoir to draw the perfusate from the reservoir and cool and oxygenate the perfusate. The system can also include an arterial line in fluid communication with the perfusion supply line to direct perfusate from the reservoir to the isolated tissue. A venous outflow can be in fluid communication with the isolated tissue to remove the perfusate from the isolated tissue. A perfusion return line can be in fluid communication with the venous outflow to return the perfusate from the isolated tissue to the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the infusion of polycosanols, including triacontanol (C30-OH), into essential-oil-based pesticides for the purpose of mitigating phytotoxicity inherent in essential-oil-based pesticides and for introducing the plant biostimulant triacontanol (C30-OH). Such formulations are typically combined with one or more emulsifier and water and applied to plants as a spray or fog to foliage, or pruning cuts, or as a root zone drench, or to seeds, for purposes of insect and disease suppression, and for increasing plant growth and/or yields and/or quality of yields and/or stimulating an immune response for controlling diseases. All claims for such benefits of essential oils as pesticides and of triacontanol as a plant biostimulant are supported by numerous studies in peer review journals. The invention improves upon existing essential-oil-based pesticides by reducing phytotoxicity from the addition of waxes, and by introducing the potent plant biostimulant wax, triacontanol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to anti-microbial polymers comprising a polymerizable cyclic moiety which forms part of the backbone of the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving growth and yield in plants by applying an effective amount of a mixture of (S)-abscisic acid and one or more cytokinins to the plant. The present invention relates to methods of improving stress tolerance in plants by applying an effective amount of a mixture of (S)-abscisic acid and one or more cytokinins to the plant.

Abstract: Highly acidic, stabilized peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are disclosed as having both improved antimicrobial efficacy in comparison to conventional peroxyoctanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid compositions for sanitizing applications, and improved transport and shipping stability. In particular, low odor and low/no VOC compositions having dual functionality as both acid wash and sanitizing compositions are disclosed.