Abstract: Provided is an apparatus which simultaneously dries and brushes animals with hair or fur. A positive air pressure source is forced through a general air passageway configuration, comprising a tube, a handle member air passageway, a brush member air passageway, and an outward air aperture. A handle member, comprising a heat adjuster and airflow adjuster, connects to a brush member including an air aperture, a bristle base, and bristles. The bristle base is detachable from the brush member. A depressible prong mechanism is fastened to the handle member for repeated connection and disconnection of the handle member and the brush member. The detachable bristle base and the disconnection of the handle member from the brush member allows for effective apparatus cleaning which leads to more efficient animal drying.

Abstract: The ectoparasite eradicating device is configured to eradicate lice and eggs by conveying and directing heated air to the base of the hair shaft where lice live and lay egg by connecting to a common commercially available blow dryer. The device includes a rotatable sleeve to facilitate maintenance of contact of the lower concave edge with the scalp over a range of movements of the blow dryer. A plate with a flow disrupting lip separates the hot air flow from the scalp to avoid burning, while ensuring effective treatment of the hair to the root at the edge of the plate.

Abstract: A portable communication device for initiating communication between the dog and the dog owner is disclosed. The device comprises an IR emitter module projecting the series of virtual buttons on the ground and displaying images of the virtual buttons that can be pressed by the paw of the dog. A camera module is provided to record angle of infrared light emitted by the IR emitter module. A sensor module receives information of the angle of infrared light from the camera module and analyzing the information to determine location of the infrared light broken in order to indicate at least one virtual button selected by the dog from the series of virtual buttons. A processor module is configured to perform confirmation regarding selection made by the dog through and passing of information of the at least one virtual button selected by the dog to the dog owner.

Abstract: A toy is disclosed. The toy can comprise a pet toy ball with one or more holes that can be optionally coupled to one or more corresponding channels within the toy. The pet toy ball can be made of a durable material such as silicone rubber, or foam. The pet toy ball can be made of a material that enables the pet toy ball to bounce. The one or more holes can include a rounded or beveled transition from the periphery (or exterior) of the toy to an interior surface of a hole. The pet toy ball can be made of a material that is chew resistant, i.e., a material that reduces potential for the toy to be torn by a pet chewing on the pet toy ball. The one or more holes when connected to channels permit air to pass into the mouth of a pet.

Abstract: A pet toy has a recess that is configured to hold a spreadable, edible substance in a manner that allows it to be removed by a pet such as a dog. Examples of the spreadable, edible substance are peanut butter, cream cheese, or a spreadable cheese. The pet toy has a hub with a straight inner wall that defines at least the upper portion of a recess. There are no overhangs so that the recess is easy to clean. A ring-shaped arm is connected to a middle portion of the hub to cause it to tilt when placed on a flat support surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented to configure leashes using a commercial heat press. A first or second strap (or both) is marked adjacent one or more hot platens. Then a handle assembly of a leash is configured to include a handle and a handle support that both extend between first and second joints, with the handle being longer than the handle support and being strongly connected to a distal portion of the leash (i.e. away from the user).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of dog control devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dog leash control sleeve device that is primarily comprised of a generally cylindrical, rigid body in the form of a central shaft. The shaft is further comprised of a first end with a handle and a second end with a handle. Each end is further comprised of a continuous opening that allows a dog leash to be inserted through each handle and through the central shaft. Therefore, the device can be attached around a dog leash while it is attached to a dog or other animal. While attached around a leash, the handles of the device can be grabbed to provide extra control over the dog or animal attached to the leash. The device may also be comprised of a wrist strap and a post that a leash can be wrapped around for additional stability and security to a user.

Abstract: An interchangeable collar system includes a base unit and a decorative panel removably fastened to an outward facing surface of the base unit with fasteners. The base unit also has an inward facing surface, a first tab that can connect to a second tab with a coupling component. A method of changing an appearance of a dog collar includes providing the collar base unit and a first decorative panel; removing the panel; and fastening a second decorative panel to the outward facing surface. The inventive system enables the user to switch between multiple designs without requiring the purchase of many collars.

Abstract: A system and method which functions to automatically monitor a ruminant animal. The system includes a 3D camera system that obtains images from a region of interest. An image processor determines the surface curvature in the region of interest, as a function of time. Based on the frequency with which this function attains local maxima, a health indication for the animal is generated.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the egg-laying performance of caged laying-hens at laying-hen positions are provided. A plurality of coops are disposed side by side, a conveyor belt is disposed below the plurality of coops, and a machine-vision inspection device having a CCD camera and a lighting device is provided on an output end of the conveyor belt. Eggs laid by the hens fall onto the conveyor belt from the bottom of the coops. After all eggs are laid, the conveyor belt is activated to convey the eggs to the machine-vision inspection device, and the CCD camera is triggered to capture an image of a surface of the conveyor belt carrying the eggs.

Abstract: A sensor positioning system, includes an actuation server for communicating with components of the sensor positioning system. The sensor positioning system additionally includes a first actuation system and a second actuation system, wherein each actuation system includes a pulley system for maneuvering an underwater sensor system. The sensor positioning system includes a dual point attachment bracket that connects through a first line to the first actuation system and connecting through a second line to the second actuation system. The underwater sensor system is affixed to the first pulley system, the second pulley system, and the dual attachment bracket through the first line and the second line.

Abstract: A sweep net is for crowding fish in a fish-farming pen. The sweep net has a fine-mesh net. A collecting device is for free fish parasites in a fish pen, a system is for collecting free fish parasites in a fish pen, and a method is for calculating the effect of a treatment against an external fish parasite in which the fish is treated outside a fish pen.

Abstract: A lighting experimental system and a lighting experimental method for reducing the ability of the poultry to recognize the red objects are provided, wherein wooden testing box is provided with an opening at the top thereof, a square adjustable light-emitting diode (LED) light source is disposed directly above the opening of the wooden testing box, a first black backdrop is fixedly laid on a surface of each inner wall of four sides of the wooden testing box, a horizontal trough is provided at the bottom of the wooden testing box, a feed box is disposed in the horizontal trough, and the feed box is connected to an electric push rod; two color photographic papers are fixed on an inner wall, directly above the horizontal trough, of the wooden testing box, pressure sensors are disposed between the color photographic papers and the inner wall of the wooden testing box.

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 present disclosure provides rodent models of increased bone mineral density and/or bone mineral content, genetically modified rodents and isolated rodent cells or tissues having a disruption of one or both alleles of the Zinc and Ring Finger 3 (Znrf3) gene, knockout rodent Znrf3 DNA constructs, methods of producing genetically modified rodents, methods of producing Znrf3 knockout rodents, and methods of determining the effect of an agent for treating low bone mineral density and/or bone mineral content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for farming insect larvae including at least one row (1001, 1002) of at least two stacked trays (1100, 1200, 1300), said unit being characterized in that said trays (1100, 1200, 1300) have farming surface areas of different dimensions and in that each tray comprises a means for thermoregulating its farming surface area, and adapted to the development stage of the larvae they contain.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprises a body having a front end and a rear end. A cavity is positioned towards the front end of the body, and the cavity has a longitudinal direction. A connection member is located at least partially in the cavity and retained thereto by one or more retaining members. Each retaining member is able to extend into the cavity to retain the connection member in the cavity in use. The connection member is able to move, in use, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a reel body, a spool shaft, a first elastic member, a first shaft bearing, a pinion gear, a pressing member, and a second elastic member. The first elastic member is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the spool shaft. The first shaft bearing includes an inner race that has an inner circumferential surface that contacts the first elastic member, and an outer race. The pressing member is pressed by the pinion gear in a first direction and approaches a first end when the pinion gear is in the decoupled position. The second elastic member is disposed between the pressing member and the outer race of the first shaft bearing, and the pressing member is pressed by the pinion gear when the pinion gear is in the decoupled position, thereby pressing the outer race of the first shaft bearing in the first direction.

Abstract: A device for removing a barbed fish hook from the mouth of a fish. The device consists of a support base for holding snippets used to disable the effectiveness of a fish hook barb. When a fish hook barb is disable the fish hook may be readily removed from the fish without further harm to the fish. The device further employs an extension handle for snippet placement when a fish hook has been swallowed by a fish.

Abstract: A horseshoe having a front end and a back end includes a main body, a pair of side branches coupled to opposing ends of the main body, a heel wedge coupled to the main body, and a cushioning base coupled to the main body, the cushioning base including at least two layers of different stiffnesses.

Abstract: A mosquito monitoring and counting system, including a sensor, the sensor including a high-speed computer vision camera, a detector, an antenna, a central processing unit, a counting sensor, and a GSM or WIFI module. The high-speed computer vision camera is installed in a trap diffuser, the counting sensor detects all insects that enter an air stream, and the central processing unit, based on artificial intelligence through neural networks, is adapted to process a data array, count and classify insects into species and subspecies, transmit the processed data array via the GSM or WIFI module over the Internet to a server, and further processing the data array and submitting a result to be graphically integrated with a mapping service.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffusing apparatus for diffusing a substance in the vapor state into the surrounding air, and in particular to a removable assembly of said apparatus which includes a storage container (10, 110, 210) including an orifice (12) and containing a liquid substance selected from semiochemical molecules, pheromones, allomones, kairomones, synomones and fragrances of natural or synthetic origin, and an inner cellular retaining member housed at least in a mouth area of the storage container which is adjacent to the opening and set back from the opening. The removable assembly of the apparatus may include a dispensing member (30) including a porous body having an evaporation surface located outside the storage container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a flyswatter having a conductive plastic electrode net, and a flyswatter structure obtained thereby are provided. The method may include the following steps: (i) using an insulating plastic to perform injection molding, so as to obtain a flyswatter body; and (ii) using a conductive plastic to perform second injection molding on the flyswatter body to manufacture an electric net component, such that the electric net component and the flyswatter body are integrated with each other. The flyswatter structure includes the flyswatter body and the electric net component. The flyswatter body includes a shaft, a handle, and a frame. The handle has an inner chamber for installing a power control circuit and a battery therein. The electric net component consists of a positive electrode portion and a negative electrode portion.

Abstract: A boom for an agricultural crop sprayer has an elongate triangular box arrangement that is load bearing and serves to carry liquid dispensing devices for the application of crop protection products. The box arrangement includes three elongate plates each formed preferably from a carbon fiber material. The plates may be secured together by bolts or rivets by three connecting members that each present elongate edges of the box arrangement.

Abstract: A digital detection method and system for predicting drug resistance of transgenic maize are disclosed. The method includes acquiring an RGB image, three-dimensional point cloud data and chlorophyll relative content of a maize plant after medicament spraying at a current moment; calculating a pixel ratio and morphological feature according to the RGB image and three-dimensional point cloud data; inputting a detection parameter of the maize plant at the current moment into a series model to predict the detection parameter of the maize plant at a next moment to obtain a graph of change in the detection parameter in a next period; estimating a drug resistance characteristic according to the graph of the change in the detection parameter of the maize plant; and inputting the detection parameter of the maize plant at the current moment into a parallel model to predict the variety of the maize plant.

Abstract: A computing system includes image receiving logic configured to receive image data indicative of an image of a field, ground identification logic configured to identify a first image portion of the image representing ground in the field, image segmentation logic configured to identify a remaining image portion that omits the first image portion from the image, and crop classification logic configured to apply a crop classifier to the remaining image portion and identify a second image portion of the image that represents locations of crop plants in the field. The computing system also includes weed identification logic configured to identify locations of weed plants in the field based on the identification of the first and second image portions and control signal generation logic configured to generate a machine control signal based on the identified locations of the weed plants.

Abstract: An electronic rodent trap comprises a trap body, a high voltage killing circuit and a barrier. The trap body includes an upper wall assembly and a floor spaced from one another and joined by a left side and a right side. The upper wall assembly forms a fixed ceiling for the trap body. The trap body defines an open entrance end to provide rodents with access to an interior of the trap, and a closed baited end opposite the entrance end. The high voltage killing circuit includes at least three killing plates positioned on the floor in a spaced relationship to create a pathway for a rodent from the entrance end to the baited end. The plates include a first plate nearest the baited end, a second plate nearest the entrance end, and a center plate positioned between the first and second plates. The barrier extends downwardly from the trap ceiling into the trap interior and defines a bottom edge positioned above the center plate.

Abstract: The present application discloses a liquid composition for cryopreservation of a biological material comprising a polar aprotic solvent, a monohydric or polyhydric alcohol, an unbranched polysaccharide, a branched polysaccharide; and polyvinyl alcohol. Further provided are uses of said liquid composition for cryopreservation of abiological material and methods for preserving a biological material using said liquid composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that provide for a human liver perfusion model with dual blood supply channels, permitting two liver lobes split from the same donor to be pumped simultaneously for rigorously controlled therapeutic testing.

Abstract: A graft holder for securely transporting a graft, the graft holder including a base surface; and a cavity extended from the base surface and formed from one or more walls, the cavity configured so the graft is securely nested therewith when being transported between locations so as to minimize damage and/or impact to the graft during transport.

Abstract: Methods for cryopreservation of biological samples are provided. The biological samples are sub-millimeter or millimeter scale biological materials. The biological samples are embryos, such as Drosophila embryos. Methods for cryopreservation of Drosophila embryos using cryomesh are provided. The Drosophila embryos are collected, staged and treated to optimize the cryopreservation outcomes upon rewarming. Methods disclosed are efficient for maintaining stocks of Drosophila wild type and mutant strains. Methods are also disclosed for cryopreservation of other terrestrial organism embryos and/or aquatic organism embryos.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agrochemical compositions: their use for foliar application; their use at low spray volumes; their use by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned guided vehicles (UGV), and tractor mounted boom sprayers fitted with conventional nozzles but also pulse width modulation spray nozzles or rotating disc droplet applicators; and their application for controlling agricultural pests, weeds or diseases, in particular on waxy leaves.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of an aqueous pesticide dispersion comprising the steps of: a) dissolving a pesticidal active ingredient in a water miscible organic solvent to obtain a pesticide solution; b) mixing the pesticide solution with water in the presence of surface active agents to form aqueous pesticide dispersion. This invention further discloses a method for controlling pests comprising of diluting the aqueous pesticide dispersion of the present invention in water to obtain diluted aqueous pesticide dispersions and applying an effective amount of said diluted dispersion to a site.

Abstract: A pesticide formulation includes an active ingredient, a substrate of a mineral origin and a biopolymer coating, wherein the active ingredient is adsorbed on a surface of the substrate and wherein the biopolymer coating covers the substrate, and the pesticide formulation is an herbicide formulation. A method for a production of the pesticide formulation and a method for a control of weeds by the herbicide formulation are provided. The pesticide formulation is advantageous applications for weeding agricultural areas, pasture areas, uncultivated areas and non-agricultural areas.

Abstract: Microcapsule comprising a shell and a core, wherein said core comprises a pesticide and a water immiscible solvent and wherein said shell comprises an organic polymer, wherein said microcapsule further comprises a protective colloid of silica particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agrochemical compositions: their use for foliar application; their use at low spray volumes; their use by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned guided vehicles (UGV), and tractor mounted boom sprayers fitted with conventional nozzles but also pulse width modulation spray nozzles or rotating disc droplet applicators; and their application for controlling agricultural pests, 10 weeds or diseases, in particular on waxy leaves.

Abstract: Provided is an agricultural or horticultural fungicide that has low toxicity to humans and animals, that is excellent in handling safety, and that has an excellent controlling effect against a wide range of plant diseases and a high antimicrobial action against plant disease fungi. The agricultural or horticultural fungicide of the present invention includes, as an active ingredient, an azole derivative represented by the following general formula (I) and other active ingredients.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) or an N-oxide thereof, a composition for controlling harmful arthropods including the compound, and a method for controlling harmful arthropods by applying the compound, where Q represents a group represented by formula Q1 etc., Z represents an oxygen atom etc., A1 represents CR4a etc., A2 represents a nitrogen atom etc., B1 represents a nitrogen atom or CR6a etc., B2 represents CR1 etc., B3 represents a nitrogen atom or CR6c etc., B4 represents a nitrogen atom or CR6d etc., R1 represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group etc., R2 represents a C1-C6 alkyl group etc., R3a, R3b and R3d are identical to or different from each other and each represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group etc., R4a, R6a, R6c and R6d are identical to or different from each other and each represents a C1-C6 chain hydrocarbon group etc., and n is 0, 1 or 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a macromolecular complex of a polycation and a dithiocarbamate fungicide. The invention further relates to a method for producing a macromolecular complex according to the invention, a composition comprising said macromolecular complex, and to the use of said composition. The invention additionally relates to a method of protecting a plant, and to a method of preventing, reducing and/or eliminating the presence of a pathogen on a plant, by contacting said plant with a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a freeze-resistant disinfectant composition and a preparation method therefor, and the purpose thereof is to provide: an eco-friendly freeze-resistant disinfectant composition which is composed of a disinfectant composition, a siloxane oligomer and a solvent so as to be sprayed and dispersed at a low concentration while maintaining an unfrozen state at a low temperature, thereby maintaining antibacterial and antiviral activities, and which is oxidized within a short time when in contact with water, so as to be converted into a nontoxic form; and a preparation method therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a funnel for dough or dough ingredients, comprising at least one funnel wall, extending from a receiving opening to a dispensing opening and comprising containing means for a removable lining, at least one removable lining, corresponding with the shape and area of said funnel wall and comprising positioning means for positioning the lining with respect to the funnel wall, wherein the positioning means are adapted for at least limiting a movement of the lining with respect to the funnel in a direction from the receiving opening toward the dispensing opening in at least one respective mutual orientation of the funnel wall and the lining.

Abstract: A dough product packaging assembly includes one or more dough pieces arranged a first container having a closed, internal cavity, a second container supported upon the first container with an open top portion, a third container housing one or more additional ingredients, such as icing, within the second container, and an outer container extending across the open top portion of the second container and encapsulating each of the first, second and third containers. In connection with production, transportation and consumer displaying of the product, the second container provides support and transfers weight from any cartons stacked above a lower dough product directly onto the first container, thereby allowing the outer or fourth container to act as a containment vessel only, versus something needed to directly provide vertical structural support.

Abstract: A composite bakery product having a core containing an edible capsule whose external surface includes at least one flat area, the edible capsule being coated by a sheath over its entire surface except for one flat area thereof is disclosed. The edible capsule encloses a liquid food and is impermeable to it, and the sheath is made of a shortbread biscuit. The edible capsule is made of chocolate, chocolate substitutes, cocoa butter or other edible fat and the liquid food may be a beverage, optionally sweetened, such as for example coffee, chocolate, coffee with milk, cappuccino, coffee substitutes or fruit juice.

Abstract: A cold forming process for forming a meat patty includes heating a ground meat product to a temperature T1, wherein T1?40° F. The ground meat product is formed into an uncooked patty at temperature T1. The uncooked patty is precooked to form a precooked patty having a skin of depth D comprising denatured protein. The skin is formed on at least an area on the outside of the precooked patty. At least a first portion of the meat product disposed beneath said skin is at approximately T1. The precooked patty is cooked to form a cooked patty, wherein said at least a first portion of the meat product is at a temperature T2. The cooked patty is then frozen and then packaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cellulose casings, whether reinforced or not, capable of transferring color to the product stuffed therein. These casings contain a food dye transferable to the stuffed product during processing. The present invention also relates to the method of obtaining the casing and the product stuffed in said casing.

Abstract: A system capable of a germicidal treatment of highly opaque liquids, featuring a filter, which prevents wavelengths above the UV-C spectrum reaching the liquid being treated, one or more spiral-shaped tubes extending from an inlet end to an outlet end creating a fluidic pathway, and one or more light sources illuminating the one or more spiral-shaped tubes, wherein the one or more light sources emit light in a wavelength range between 180-300 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of a composition obtainable from the pulp of a plant in the Theobroma genus or an extract of said pulp, as an ingredient in a chocolate product.

Abstract: Content containers and vessels, one aspect including a chocolate dispensing vessel, having a generally fluid-tight enclosure, chocolate substantially filling the fluid-tight enclosure, a fluidic conduit extending through the fluid-tight enclosure, and a fluidic valve operationally connected to the fluidic conduit and positioned outside of the fluid-tight enclosure. The chocolate is solid state at room temperature and the chocolate softens to a liquid state in the temperature range from 26 to 36 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing oily confectionery, including a step of stirring an oily confectionery base containing 10% by mass or more or a milk protein or 20% by mass or more of a nonfat milk solid content for 1 hour or more with a temperature held at 50° C. or more and 60° C. or less.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing shelf-stable gelato is provided. The method may include blending cream and sugar in a proportion. The blend may be frozen into units. The units may be freeze-dried in order to remove water content.