Abstract: The present invention relates to method of implementing an ecologically sustainable and economically practical Vetiver plantation, which provides for reduced cost and time for propagating, transplanting and harvesting of Vetiver Grass by mechanical and/or automatic means. Primary and secondary application benefits, as well as cold tolerant Vetiver grass plant are described herein.

Abstract: An improved cutter assembly for use with a header of an agricultural harvester is provided. The assembly includes a pair of oppositely directed knife blades or cutter bars and a center knife drive. A crank shaft drives both knife blades in linear reciprocating paths with no fore and aft movement. As a consequence, harmful fore and aft vibration is eliminated. The assembly is simple and durable in design, less susceptible to vibration-induced wear and tear, and comparatively simple to manufacture and repair.

Abstract: A string reel (1) for being mounted on a cutting head of a string trimmer in a rotatable manner in mowing operation. The string reel (1) is constructed as an exchangeable wearing part, onto which a number of mowing string strands (2) is wound up, for example two mowing string strands (2), so that in mowing operation each free thread end is pulled radially outwards by centrifugal force and the piece of thread pulled outwards by the rotary movement in mowing operation and located at the free thread end can knock off plant stalks. The mowing string strands (2) have a greater length than the respective thread piece pulled outwards in mowing operation at the free thread end, so that the number of mowing string strands (2) can be pulled out at the free thread end after wear of the thread piece.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for cutting grass, brush, shrubs, bushes, trees, and other vegetation, and a method of using the same. The cutter includes a bi-fold door proximate to an open front portion of the cutter's deck, which defines an open cutting area. The bi-fold door moves between a closed position where it shields the cutting area and an open position where it exposes the cutting area. The bi-fold door includes a front cover rotatably coupled to a rear cover via the first hinge, with the rear cover being rotatably coupled to the deck via the second hinge. The cutter also includes a first ramp and second ramp flanking the open front portion of the deck. Protrusions of the bi-fold door slide along inclined surfaces of the ramps as the bi-fold door moves between the closed position and the open position.

Abstract: A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine having a traction unit comprises a cutter, a main frame that supports the cutter, a float cylinder configured to be coupled between the main frame and the traction unit, an accumulator, and fluidic circuitry that fluidically couples the accumulator to the float cylinder. The fluidic circuitry is configured to provide a first flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the main frame, and, based on a control input that corresponds to a lifting operation of the header assembly, provide a restricted flow of fluid, that is restricted relative to the first flow, between the float cylinder and the accumulator.

Abstract: An agricultural header includes: a main section including a main frame carrying at least one cutting element; at least one wing section pivotably coupled to the main section and including a wing frame; and a linkage pivotably coupling the at least one wing section to the main section, the linkage including an upper bar and a lower bar which are both coupled to the main frame and the wing frame, the upper bar defining an upper bar axis and the lower bar defining a lower bar axis which is non-parallel to the upper bar axis.

Abstract: A sugarcane harvester comprises a frame, a basecutter coupled to the frame for translation relative to the frame, a knockdown roller mounted for translation relative to the frame, and a synchronizer configured to translate the knockdown roller in unison with the basecutter so as to maintain a position of the knockdown roller relative to the basecutter upon translation of the basecutter relative to the frame.

Abstract: Example draper heads may include an endless belt conveyor and a catch pan disposed adjacent to the endless belt conveyor to collect crop material and defining a uniform gap formed between at least a portion of the catch pan and a portion of an endless belt of the endless belt conveyor located adjacent to the catch pan. A cleat formed on the endless belt cooperates with the catch pan to transport the collected crop material onto the endless belt. The catch pan may include a contoured end that conforms to a shape formed by the endless belt at an end of the endless belt conveyor.

Abstract: A handheld harvester apparatus may include a threshing assembly and a screening assembly within a housing. The threshing assembly may include a threshing drum with a plurality of blades coupled to a first axle. The plurality of blades may include a set of teeth configured to strip a plurality of seeds and plant material from a plant. The screening assembly may include a paddle assembly configured to receive the plurality of seeds and plant material from the threshing assembly, the paddle assembly including a plurality of paddles coupled to a second axle. The screening assembly may include a screen assembly positioned beneath the paddle assembly, the screen assembly including a plurality of pass-through apertures configured to define a threshold for the plurality of seeds. The screening assembly may include a collection chamber configured to receive any of the plurality of seeds that exit the plurality of pass-through apertures.

Abstract: A rotary cleaning system for a combine harvester that includes a hollow drum having a plurality of apertures along at least a portion of a length of an exterior surface of the drum, the drum having a feeding end configured to receive a harvested crop and a discharge end configured to expel chaff from the harvested crop and a guiding vane positioned in an interior of the drum, wherein one of the drum and the guiding vane is configured for rotation while the other one of the drum and the guiding vane is stationary to expel grain through the plurality of apertures in the drum. A feeding mechanism can be attached to supply the crop to the hollow drum. A fan can be attached to the rotary cleaning system to generate an air flow stream. A plurality of fingers can be positioned in the drum.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a fan that has a base section, a discharge nozzle pivotally coupled to the base section, and a motor coupled between the base section and the discharge nozzle. Wherein, the discharge nozzle is repositionable with the motor to alter the orientation of the discharge nozzle relative to the base section.

Abstract: Modular trellis sections of aesthetic appearance that are manually portable and easily installed in residential or commercial gardens, and that can be arrayed to form a linear, a partially enclosed, or an entirely enclosed trellis fence are configured as a basic rectilinear frame formed from a pair of rigid generally parallel vertical rods to which are permanently secured in co-planar relation a first horizontal rod extending between the upper ends of the vertical rods and a second horizontal rod at a predetermined distance from the lower free ends of the vertical rods to define a pair of supporting legs, and vertically spaced rigid supporting hooks that are secured in co-planar relation to the inner facing surfaces of the vertical rods, the openings of the supporting hooks being configured and dimensioned to receive horizontal rails and open mesh wire panels that extend between and link the trellis sections to form a fence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compressed air artificial wind system including compressed air storage device, compressed air discharge device, artificial wind system base and controller; also a firefighting equipment including an extinguishing agent tank and the compressed air artificial wind system. The compressed air storage device includes row tubes and manifolds for production and storage of high/ultra-high pressure compressed air; the compressed air discharge device includes intake pipe, expansion chamber, Laval nozzle and wind-blowing tube; the artificial wind system base is built as an infrastructure. Large quantity of high/ultra-high pressure compressed air under control from the compressed air storage device and through the compressed air discharge device to spray out generating artificial wind with large air volume and high wind speed for meteorological control, forest firefighting, air defence and coastal defence, respectively.

Abstract: An internal irrigation circuit board (10) comprises: a body (1), with a planting niche (2) adjacent to a drip irrigation channel (3) holding at least one drip irrigation hose (5), with the drip irrigation channel (3) functioning in cooperation with the planting niche (2) through a connecting channel (4) arrayed concurrently with the drip irrigation channel (3), the connecting channel (4) conveying water accumulated in the drip irrigation channel (3) to the planting niche (2).

Abstract: A plant watering device designed and configured to efficiently provide water to either potted plants or to in-ground garden plants. The plant watering device having a hollow elongated cylindrical member and at least one series of linearly aligned apertures having sequential decreasing diameters along a length of a lower section of the hollow elongated cylindrical member which is inserted into a plant root zone. The hollow elongated cylindrical member of the invention being structured to receive at least one aqueous liquid from at least one aqueous liquid source.

Abstract: A horticulture apparatus and method for planting, growing, and harvesting plants may include a platform having a width axis and a length axis, a gantry sized to straddle and move across at least one of the platform's width and length axes, and a controller. The gantry may comprise a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, a container bin operatively connected to the frame, and a modular tool operatively connected to the frame. The controller may engage the motor of the gantry to move the gantry across the platform, thereby providing the modular tool with access to different locations on the platform.

Abstract: Disclosed is a growing system that includes a hollow grow tower with planting units configured to hold plants disposed on the tower exterior where the planting units have a passage that extends into the tower interior. The tower also includes a drain port at one end and a water-dispensing nozzle at the other end. The nozzle includes outlet apertures in fluid communication with the interior of the tower where one or more of the nozzle outlet apertures may be square. An enclosure surrounds the tower, and one or more light sources are mounted on the enclosure to direct light towards the tower. The tower and enclosure can be connected to a suspension frame that suspends the entire system off the ground. The system may include a closed-loop irrigation system and a multi-tank cleaning system. System variables, such as water flow, temperature, lighting, and water nutrient level can be computer controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Capsicum annuum seed designated 35-1144 RZ, which exhibits a combination of traits including resistance to Tobamovirus (TMV) pathotypes P0 and P1, resistance to Tobamovirus (PMMoV) pathotype P (1-2) and pathotype P (1-2-3), a medium plant height, early to medium time of fruit maturity and sweet blocky bell pepper fruits with light yellow mature fruit color. The present invention also relates to a Capsicum annuum plant produced by growing the 35-1144 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the pepper cultivar, represented by hybrid pepper variety 35-1144 RZ.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a new and distinct variety of lettuce variety NUN 01201 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 01201 LTL is a short-day Iceberg lettuce variety for the Mediterranean cool autumn comprising resistance Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) isolates B1:16-36 EU and Nasonovia ribisnigri Biotype Nr:0.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a new and distinct variety of lettuce variety NUN 06147 LTL as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 06147 LTL is a Romaine short day variety comprising resistance Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) isolates B1:16-35 EU, Nasonovia ribisnigri Biotype Nr:0, and Lettuce Necrotic Spot Virus (LNSV).

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line SVLD9010. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of lettuce line SVLD9010, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SVLD9010 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SVLD9010, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling hybridization in plants and producing hybrid plants. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding amino acid sequences for self-incompatibility (SI) proteins in plants, and the use thereof for the manipulation of SI, including seed production, in plants, particularly of the Poaceae family. The present invention also relates to kits, compositions, constructs and vectors including such nucleic acids, and related polypeptides, regulatory elements and methods. The present invention also relates to expression of self-gamete recognition genes in plants and to related nucleic acids, constructs, molecular markers and methods.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X18R891 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X18R891 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18R891 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X18R891, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18R891 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18R891 and methods of using maize variety X18R891 are disclosed.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 95040275 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 95040275, to the plants of soybean cultivar 95040275, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 95040275, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 95040275. 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 95040275. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 95040275, 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 95040275 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 93330609 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 93330609, to the plants of soybean cultivar 93330609, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 93330609, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 93330609. 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 93330609. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 93330609, 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 93330609 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB8500, pepper line SBO-E717-0902, and pepper line SBO-E717-0900. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8500, pepper line SBO-E717-0902, and pepper line SBO-E717-0900 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 SVPB8500, pepper line SBO-E717-0902, and pepper line SBO-E717-0900 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct pepper variety NUN 89004 PPS as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 89004 PPS is a red, mini sweet pointed sweet pepper variety for the snacking segment, comprising resistance to Pepper Mild Mottle Virus Pathotype 0.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB8487, pepper line SBO-E717-0904, and pepper line SBO-E717-0898. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB8487, pepper line SBO-E717-0904, and pepper line SBO-E717-0898 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 SVPB8487, pepper line SBO-E717-0904, and pepper line SBO-E717-0898 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrid SVPB7971, pepper line SBR-8T17-6533, and pepper line SBY-8T16-6449. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrid SVPB7971, pepper line SBR-8T17-6533, and pepper line SBY-8T16-6449 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 SVPB7971, pepper line SBR-8T17-6533, and pepper line SBY-8T16-6449 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-014 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-014 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-014 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-016 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-016 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-016 RZ.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-763 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-763 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-763 RZ.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato hybrid SVTM9019, tomato line PSQ-9Z16-6517V, and tomato line PSQ-9Z18-9186. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTM9019, tomato line PSQ-9Z16-6517V, and tomato line PSQ-9Z18-9186 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 hybrid SVTM9019, tomato line PSQ-9Z16-6517V, and tomato line PSQ-9Z18-9186 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato line PSQ-9Z15-1572V. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line PSQ-9Z15-1572V 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-9Z15-1572V comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato line FISXJ14-6515. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato line FISXJ14-6515 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 tomato line FISXJ14-6515 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Solanum lycopersicum seed designated 72-021 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Solanum lycopersicum plant produced by growing the 72-021 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the tomato cultivar, represented by tomato variety 72-021 RZ.

Abstract: The pet privacy barrier creates a protected space. The protected space formed by the pet privacy barrier provides a companion animal with a sense of security that allows the companion animal to generate the excretions and eliminations that form the befoulment of the companion animal. The pet privacy barrier comprises a barrier structure, a detachable canopy, and a base carpet. The barrier structure mounts on the base carpet. The detachable canopy removably attaches to the barrier structure. The barrier structure is a vertical structure that forms a portion of the boundary of the protected space. The detachable canopy is an elevated horizontal structure that forms a portion of the boundary of the protected space. The base carpet forms the pedestal of the pet privacy barrier. The base carpet simulates turf to provide a more natural environment for the activities of the companion animal.

Abstract: An animal house climate control system uses a method for operating a baffle of an air inlet of an animal house with a motor using timed inlet control. The method includes performing a calibration sequence to calculate opening velocity and opening inertia values and closing velocity and closing inertia values. The method also includes moving the baffle from an initial position to a final position by calculating a calculated power on time for the motor using the opening inertia or closing inertia values. The method can also include calculating a real position error value by comparing the calculated on time for the motor and a measured on time for the motor and using the real position error value to calculate adjusted opening and closing velocity values.

Abstract: A hygienic filter and disposal apparatus comprising a main compartment a base platform, a front end, and a back end, and adapted to contain granular material and waste; a secondary compartment adapted to contain granular material; a door connecting the main compartment to the secondary compartment; and a filter element, comprising porous walls around a cavity and a first opening into said cavity, the walls adapted to filter waste out of the granular material; wherein the back end is proximate to the first opening at a first position where the front end and the back end of the base platform are level; wherein in a second position the front end is lifted higher than the back end and the granular material and waste are directed through the first opening into the cavity; wherein in the second position the filter element retains waste in the cavity and permits the granular material to fall through the porous walls into the secondary compartment; wherein in a third position the back end is higher than the front end

Abstract: An excrement treatment material includes a plurality of granules that absorb excrement. Each granule includes a granular core portion, and a coating portion. The core portion has a circular cross-section, and has a function of absorbing and retaining the excrement. The coating portion coats the core portion. The coating portion has a function of causing the plurality of granules, which have absorbed the excrement, to adhere to each other. In a cross-section of each granule that is in the same plane as the cross-section of the core portion, a thickness of the coating portion on one side of the core portion is smaller than a thickness of the coating portion on another side of the core portion.

Abstract: A pet bed that provides an ideal resting place for pets is disclosed herein. The pet bed comprises a fabric shell and a bed filler contained within the fabric shell. The fabric shell defines a support region and a continuous sidewall emanating therefrom to surround an open center area. The fabric shell is made of organic hemp canvas and the bed filler is made of organic latex. The bed filler comprises a padding made of organic latex. A cushion is removably positioned in the center area of the fabric shell. At least one pocket is disposed on the sidewall of the fabric shell, and a healing crystal is removably inserted within the pocket. As a result, the pet bed spreads positive energy and provides comfort, healing, wellness, happiness and peace of mind to a pet and a pet owner.

Abstract: A feeder including: a) a base portion having a serving area; b) a chamber portion supported by the base portion and configured to retain a granular material within a chamber interior; c) a dispenser configured to segregate a portion of the granular material from the chamber interior and transfer the portion of the granular material from the chamber portion to the serving area, wherein the dispenser includes: i) a rocker body; and ii) one or more fins projecting from the rocker body; and wherein the feeder includes one or more of: i) the fin(s) are flexible; ii) sensing device(s) part of a sensing tower configured to sense the presence, distance, and/or amount of the granular material within the chamber portion; and/or iii) sensing device(s) configured to sense the presence, distance, and/or amount of the granular material within the serving area.

Abstract: An edible pet dental treat comprised of a substantially hard edible material formed into ribs having channel portions for cleaning pet teeth as it is being chewed. The edible treat is comprised of a plurality of ribs/channels formed on two sides of a bulb portion. The present invention also has first and second end portions with protrusions for massaging and scraping the tongue of the pet.

Abstract: An animal leash system combined with a removable storage container and a bag dispenser. The system includes a housing that encloses a leash retracting mechanism configure to control movement of a leash extending thereout. The bag dispenser is associated with a dispensing section of the housing, and is configured to store at least one bag therein and is configured to allow removal of the bag. The storage container is slidably attachable with a base of the housing between an open position allowing access to an interior of said storage container, and a closed position. The system provides a single unit that includes the advantages of a retractable pet leash with the convenience of having bags ready for use to collect pet waste along with a storage container for disposing of waste filled bags.

Abstract: A cage connector for connecting two mesh panels of a poultry cage. The connector includes two elongated members which are hingedly connected together and which are releasably fastenable to each other, so that mesh parts from each panel are connected by placing the parts between the members and fastening the members to each other. At least one member has a tab which projects transversely to the longitudinal axis of the member in the same plane, or a plane parallel to the surface of the plane of the member.

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

Abstract: Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that express an immunoglobulin variable domain that comprises at least one histidine, wherein the at least one histidine is encoded by a substitution of a non-histidine codon in the germline of the animal with a histidine codon, or the insertion of a histidine codon in a germline immunoglobulin nucleic acid sequence. Immunoglobulin genes comprising histidines in one or more CDRs, in an N-terminal region, and/or in a loop 4 region are also provided. Immunoglobulin variable domains comprising one or more histidines (e.g., histidine clusters) substituted for non-antigen-binding non-histidine residues. Non-human animals that are progeny of animals comprising modified heavy chain variable loci (V, D, J segments), modified light chain variable loci (V, J segments), and rearranged germline light chain genes (VJ sequences) are also provided. Non-human animals that make immunoglobulin domains that bind antigens in a pH-sensitive manner are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I and MHC II polypeptides and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.

Abstract: A fish hook assembly that includes a rounded bead affixed in the notch between the eye of the hook and an intermediary object, such as a weed guard, fish attractor component, weighted head, or bend. Underwater obstructions that would normally get snagged in the notch will roll away over the bead.

Abstract: An adjustable depth fishing lure including a lip and a lure body is provided. The lip is partially received in a slot of the lure body and is movable to predetermined positions relative to the lure body. The lip may include an eyelet. The lip includes a locking member and the lure body includes a plurality of teeth. The locking member is configured to engage at least one of the teeth to fix the lip relative to the lure body at one of the predetermined positions. This engagement between the locking member and the teeth provides a rigid connection that resists loading applied to the lip by the fisherman pulling on the fishing line and/or a fish biting a hook connected to the lure body.