Abstract: According to the present invention, an identification information readout apparatus includes an identification information readout section, a somatic cell concentration measuring section, and a measurement result recording section. The identification information readout section reads cow identification information out of a recording medium with the cow identification information recorded therein. The somatic cell concentration measuring section measures the somatic cell concentration of milk obtained from a cow. The measurement result recording section records the somatic cell concentration and the cow identification information in association with each other. The recording medium is attached to the cow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a cheesemaking process, and for identifying certain stages of the process, are disclosed. The system includes a sonic sensor, along with a processor that will receive, from the sonic sensor, a signal that is indicative of a speed of sound in a material that is being processed in the cheesemaking process. The processor will use the speed of sound to identify a cut point in the cheesemaking process. The processor will generate a signal when the cut point is reached. Optionally, before this happens the processor also may use the speed of sound to identify a flocculation point in the cheesemaking process.

Abstract: A livestock squeeze chute features a side-gate frame delimiting a side-access opening for lateral access to an animal secured in the chute's head gate. An openable/closeable side-gate is movably coupled to the gate frame to enable selective obstruction of a lower area of the side-access opening. An upper barrier is movably coupled to the side-gate for movement into and out of a closed state at least partially obstructing an upper area of said side-access opening. A hinged connection by which said side-gate is both pivotably and removably coupled to said gate frame comprises a set of male stub shafts and a cooperating set of female receptacles, by which said side-gate is pivotally movable at a first elevation, and fully removable when lifted to a greater second elevation. When both are removed from the frame, the barrier is set an angle forming a supportive prop for the gate.

Abstract: A cable drive unit (1) for use with a free stall cleaning system (101). The cable drive unit (1) includes a base frame (3), a support frame (5) being displaceable with respect to the base frame (3) via a corresponding displacement assembly (7), and a drum (9) pivotably mountable about the support frame (5) and displaceable therewith for receiving a cable (11) to be wound about said drum (9). Also described is a kit for assembling a cable drive unit (1) and a free stall cleaning system (101). Also described is a method of winding a cable (11) of a free stall cleaning system (101) about a drum (9) via the present cable drive unit (1).

Abstract: A pet calming system may include a pet bed including one or more of a breathing device, a massage device, a sound generator, or a heater. The breathing device may be configured to simulate breathing along at least a portion of an interior side of one or more sidewalls of the bed. The massage device may provide a massaging motion along at least a portion of the interior side of the one or more sidewalls. The sound generator may output sound into a bed space of the bed. The heater may provide heat along at least a portion of an interior side of the one or more sidewalls, a base of the bed or both.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a generally rectangular housing having a floor, four sidewalls, and a slanted roof. One of the sidewalls includes a pivotal door for access to the interior of the housing. Each sidewall has an arched feeding opening therethrough extending upwardly from the housing floor. The housing is mounted to a pair of underlying skids. A hitch receiver is mounted to the housing. The animal feeder also has a divider wall extending outwardly from each corner of the housing. A netting may be mounted to the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag insertion cartridge configured for use in implanting a flexible RFID tag into a small animal using a needle-retraction implant tool. In embodiments, the cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a bevel cap. In embodiments, the cartridge housing is configured to receive a carriage portion inserted into a first end of the cartridge housing with a retractable needle extended out of a second end of the carriage portion to present the retractable needle in an extended position with the RFID tag carried within the retractable needle. In embodiments, the bevel cap has a proximal portion with a mating feature configured to mate with the cartridge housing and one or more needle capture elements configured to selectively couple to the needle in the extended position in a side-mountable manner without a direct axial force being exerted on the needle.

Abstract: A post-surgery garment for a four-legged animal has a one-piece body member having a bottom section, an open top section opposing the bottom section, a rear section, a front section opposing the rear section and a pair of opposing side sections. Each of the opposing side sections run from the bottom section to the open top section and from the front section to the rear section. A pair of front leg openings is formed through the bottom section and located adjacent the front section. The pair of front leg openings is positioned so that one of the pair of front leg openings is formed proximate each of the opposing side sections. A pair of rear leg openings is formed through the bottom section and located adjacent to the rear section. The pair of rear leg openings is positioned so that one of the pair of rear leg openings is formed proximate each of the opposing side sections. An adjustable rear sleeve extends down from each of the pair of rear leg openings.

Abstract: An automated training system includes a training space sized and shaped to accommodate animals and cameras that view the training space. The system also includes a reward device, a direction device, and a computing device in electrical communication with the cameras, reward device, and directions device, that operates a training portal within a digital environment. Animals reside in the training space and are monitored by the cameras while the animals interact with the direction device and reward device. The training portal operates the direction device to instruct the animals how to behave and then operates the reward device for the animals that comply with the instruction.

Abstract: A pet toy that includes a retracting mechanism enclosed within a durable casing. The retracting mechanism is enclosed within a resilient casing which is surrounded by a main body. The retracting mechanism includes a spring-loaded spool with a retractable cord attached thereto. A grip is connected to an opposite end of the cord. When the toy is at rest the cord is wound bout the spool of the retractable mechanism and the grip comes to rest against the main body of the pet toy. In use, the grip can allow the swinging in a circular motion of the pet toy causing the retractable cord to extend. The inertia generated by the motion of the pet toy extends the cord out and away from the grip. Upon release, the cord retracts back into the casing as the pet toy is propelled through the air.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy having an elongate neck that interconnects two enlarged ends. The enlarged ends have spheroid shapes from a side view and circular shapes from an end or plan view. The pet toy is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and its transverse axis. The pet toy has numerous external features formed on the outer surface thereof that provide functional advantages. One group of external features includes ribs or stiffeners provided in various geometric arrangements on the neck and enlarged ends. Another group of external feature include a plurality of protrusions or protuberances. The protrusions are smaller in size as compared to the ribs. The shape of the pet toy resembles a dumbbell. The pet toy is preferably made of an elastomeric and flexible material that enhances play action with an animal. The invention further includes a method of entertaining an animal by using the toy.

Abstract: A dog walking bag includes a central waste-holding compartment that is accessible from openings at the top end and bottom end of the compartment. The dog walking bag further includes a top flap, removably covering the top opening, and a bottom flap, removably covering the bottom opening. When using dog walking bag, a user deposits plastic waste bags containing animal waste (hereinafter “full waste bags”) into the central waste-holding compartment through the top opening. When a time arrives to empty the central waste-holding compartment of full waste bags, the bottom flap is manipulated to uncover the bottom opening, allowing the full waste bags to fall out of the central waste-holding compartment by force of gravity. In this way, a user is able to empty the central waste-holding compartment of full waste bags without having to touch or manually handle the full waste bags during the emptying process.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses involving the characterization of livestock feeding functions. As may be implemented as or with one or more embodiments herein, networked cameras are configured to capture images of a livestock feed area and machine-vision logic circuitry characterizes, based on the captured images, an amount of available feed and the presence of livestock in the livestock feed area depicted in the captured image over time. Feed-control logic circuitry may assign time-based condition values each respective feed area characterized by the cameras based on the characterized amount of available feed and the characterized presence of livestock provided via the machine-vision logic circuitry. An instruction characterizing the presentation of feed in the feed area may be output based on the assigned time-based condition values and a current time. Such an output may be used to control the presentation amount, timing and/or other feeding characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using an animal wellness notification system to determine the wellness of an animal, the systems and methods comprising: attaching an animal wellness notification system component to an animal, monitoring the temperature of the animal to determine if the animal's temperature remains outside a selected temperature range for a selected time duration, and providing notice if the animal's temperature remained outside the selected temperature range for the selected time duration.

Abstract: A birdhouse comprises a housing. The housing includes inner volume and a camera platform disposed within the inner volume. The camera platform divides the inner volume into a nest chamber and a wiring chamber. A camera is connected to the camera platform. The housing also includes a portal that is in open communication with the nest chamber and the external environment. The housing further includes a channel extending through the nest chamber. The channel is in open communication with the wiring chamber and the environment external. The channel is configured to retain wiring.

Abstract: A door for use with a cage for transporting poultry including a door assembly for mounting the door to the cage which is configured to limit vibration associated with the transporting of poultry in the cage and prevent the unintentional opening of the door.

Abstract: A radial fan for an incubator for poultry eggs and newly hatched poultry. The fan has a longitudinally-elongated, hub and a plurality of self-supporting, radially-extending, fan blades on the hub. Each blade is laterally deformable, so that it is deformed by air pressure in a counter-clockwise direction when the hub is rotated in a clockwise direction and is deformed by air pressure in a clockwise direction when the hub is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for promoting production of female embryos in fertilized eggs, comprising steps of :incubating said eggs; generating at least one type of energy with a predetermined energy profile; and simultaneously generating a pre-determined profile of a non-energy parameter by means of an energy generation device, applying both energy profile and the non-energy parameter to the eggs; and, collecting the eggs; wherein said method is non-toxic to the embryos, the application of both the energy profile and the non-energy parameter increases the fraction of females in the hatched chicks.

Abstract: A bee nesting block, comprising: a first arrangement having a first slab, a second slab, a third slab and a fourth slab, wherein a stacked first arrangement forms a first staggered ledge and a second staggered ledge to provide a landing surface and greater planer space as a visual cue for improved nest recognition for one or more mason bees; and a second arrangement having a fifth slab, a sixth slab, a seventh slab and an eighth slab, wherein a stacked second arrangement forms a third staggered ledge and a fourth staggered ledge to provide a landing surface for the one or more mason bees; wherein the first arrangement is stacked onto the second arrangement to form the bee nesting block having a hexagonal shape; wherein the first arrangement stacked on to the second arrangement are fastened to one another using a plurality of bands or sleeves.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for the generation of chimaeric human-non-human antibodies and chimaeric antibody chains, antibodies and antibody chains so produced, and derivatives thereof including fully humanised antibodies; compositions comprising the antibodies, antibody chains and derivatives, as well as cells, non-human mammals and vectors, suitable for use in the methods.

Abstract: The invention refers to a container (1) that can be used for storing, transporting and for inoculating silk-free pupae. The container (1) comprises a tray (2) having a substantially flat surface (5) and a plurality of wells (4) formed on the surface (5), wherein each well (4) configured for accommodating a pupa (8). The container (1) also comprises a lid (3) having a plurality of openings (6), wherein the tray (2) and the lid (3) are configured to be coupled to each other, such as the lid (3) is placed on the flat surface (5), at least partially, closing the wells (4). The wells (4) and the openings (6) are arranged, such as when the tray (2) and the lid (3) are 10 coupled together, each well (4) is accessible through an opening (6). The container is stackable for an optimum and cost-efficient secure transportation.

Abstract: A rope releasing apparatus includes an actuator, a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless signal to control the actuator, and a rope securing mechanism mechanically coupled to the actuator. The rope securing mechanism secures a rope. The rope is attached to a fishing net. In response to receiving the wireless signal, the wireless receiver activates the actuator to cause the rope securing mechanism to release the rope.

Abstract: Common practices in fishing makes it difficult for people to notice when a fish strikes. To address these and other problems associated with common practices in fishing, a fish alert tool can be configured to generate an alert when a fish strikes. The fish alert tool can include a holder for a fishing pole and a spike that is connected to the holder and supports the holder from the ground. The fish alert tool can also include an alarm that generates the alert when the fish strike is detected.

Abstract: A rotatable, hands free fish dehooking device used for safely removing hooks and lures from a fish's mouth and/or body. The hands free dehooking device has a rigid ring located on an end of an elongated arm that is mounted to a fixed or stationary object, such as a box, boat, or other object that anchors the ring and arm in a fixed position for use. The ring and arm may also be rotatable between stored and in-use positions.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for the spray boom of work vehicles, such as sprayers, self-propelled or not, is formed by an upper shock absorber sub-assembly that comprises a first spring and a second spring responsible for connecting the support frame and the support, respectively in their side portions, being further formed by a lower shock absorber sub-assembly comprising a third spring and a fourth spring, which connect the lower portions of said support frame and said support.

Abstract: A boom assembly is provided herein that includes a mast configured to couple with a work vehicle. A frame supports first and second boom arms extending from opposing side portions of the frame. Each of the first and second boom arms are configured to move between a folded position and an unfolded position. A hydraulic suspension is operably coupled to the frame and the mast. The hydraulic suspension includes first and second actuators configured to mechanically interconnect opposing side portions of the frame to the mast. The hydraulic suspension further includes a damping assembly positioned in fluid communication with the first and second actuators and can provide various damping levels to the boom assembly.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a spray agent onto an agricultural area using a spray nozzle unit of an agricultural sprayer. The method includes: detecting a first field section using an optical detection unit to obtain a first piece of image information from the first field section; identifying plants in a first evaluation area of the first piece of image information obtained for the first field section using a control unit; ascertaining a first plant index of the first evaluation area using the plants identified in the first evaluation area using the control unit; and applying the spray agent in a defined minimum volume per unit area onto the entire first field section and onto an entire second field section adjoining the first field section in the direction of movement of the agricultural sprayer as a function of the first plant index ascertained using the spray nozzle unit.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to devices, systems, and methods for applying pesticides, herbicides, and other treatment chemicals to a surface. A roller application device for use in delivery of treatment chemicals to a landscape surface includes a handle assembly having a fluid connector configured to be connected to a treatment chemical source, and a roller applicator is connected to the handle assembly but configured to rotate about an axis. The handle assembly includes a fluid dispenser configured to deliver a treatment chemical from the treatment chemical source to the roller applicator, and the roller applicator is configured to absorb the treatment chemical in an outer surface of the roller applicator and transfer the treatment chemical to a surface upon contact with the surface.

Abstract: A bait rack including a mounting leg and a bait support portion is provided. The mounting leg has a bottom free edge and at least one mounting slot formed therein. The bait support portion includes an intermediate portion, an upward extending portion and a trough portion. The intermediate portion is connected to the mounting leg by a bent region formed between the mounting leg and the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion extends relative to the mounting leg in a non-parallel and non-perpendicular manner. The trough portion connects and is interposed between the upward extending portion and the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion, trough portion and upward extending panel portion forming a bait holding trough therebetween. A plurality of slots provide access to the bait holding trough from a location external of the bait holding trough. A bait station including the bait rack is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for repelling insects. An electrostatic field is provided about a user by: connecting the user directly to a source of high voltage and low current; or providing a conductive garment about the user and connecting the conductive garment to a source of high voltage and low current. At a sufficiently high voltage, the electrostatic field become effective at repelling insects from the user.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an agent for promoting undifferentiation that dissolves a drug, as DMSO or the like does, but is capable of promoting undifferentiation without inducing cell differentiation when added to a medium. The agent for promoting undifferentiation of the present invention has an aprotic zwitterion represented by the following formula (1) wherein A is an anion selected from the group consisting of SO3?, —COO?, —OP?O(H)O?, —OP?O(CH3)O? and —OP?O(OR3)O?, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and optionally containing one or two oxygen atoms in the molecular chain, R2 is an alkylene group having 3 to 5 carbon atoms, and R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group optionally having a heteroatom in the molecular chain.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for analysing a sample of cells of a patient or an of an organoid, comprising: a first step of mixing of cells of a patient or an of an organoid with at least one molecule chosen from an Annelid globin, an Annelid globin protomer and an extracellular Annelid haemoglobin, optionally, a second step for preparation of the mixture obtained in the first step, and a third step of analysing the mixture obtained in the first step or in the second step.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Oxygen Reduction Disposable kits (ORDKit), devices and methods for the improved preservation of whole blood and blood components. The improved devices and methods for the collection of blood and blood components provide for whole blood and blood components having reduced levels of oxygen. The devices and methods provide for the rapid preparation of deoxygenated blood and blood components for storage that improves the overall quality of the transfused blood and improves health outcomes in patients.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a device for cryopreservation providing excellent working efficiency in operations for freezing and thawing cells or tissues. Provided is a device for cryopreservation off a cell or tissue including at least: a body including a strip-shaped tip; and a cap covering the tip of the body, the tip including at least a deposition part comprising a preservation solution absorber, the tip having a length in a minor axis direction of not shorter than 70% of an inner diameter of the cap, the cap including an inner cavity having a length in a major axis direction of not longer than 200% of a length in a major axis direction of the tip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to tissue container systems and kits that find use in the transport of tissues and methods of using the tissue container systems. In particular, systems and kits that support the transport, thawing and use of cryopreserved human skin equivalents, and methods of their use by a health care provider are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides pollen compositions, methods and kits for making said compositions, and methods of using said compositions to fertilize a plant. The pollen within these compositions has increased longevity and can be used to fertilize plants for an extended period of time as compared to pollen prepared using conventional methods. Also provided are methods of collecting pollen from a maize plant by maturing individual tassel branches off of the plant and vessels for collecting the pollen from these individual branches.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a combination of at least two compositions in which, the first composition includes one or more active agents and one or more non-aqueous solvents, and the second composition includes a sulfopolymer. The combination of compositions can further comprise a rosin. The non-aqueous solvent can be a water-immiscible solvent, such as oil. The present disclosure also describes the use of the combination of compositions to kill pests around plants or to increase the growth of plants.

Abstract: Described herein is an agricultural composition including at least one cationic polymer and an agriculturally active agent where the cationic polymer has at least one quaternary nitrogen atom. The agricultural composition is used in agricultural spray operations and demonstrates effective reduction of driftable droplets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions for pathogen inactivation or pathogen reduction. In particular, compositions for pathogen inactivation or pathogen reduction of air borne, droplet and on surface pathogens. The composition comprises: squaric acid or croconic acid, squaric acid ester or ester of croconic acid, sodium lauryl sulphate, solvent, water, and a base; wherein the base is capable of reacting with squaric acid or croconic acid to form squaric acid dianion or croconic acid dianion. The disclosure also relates to a fumigant composition. The fumigant composition comprises squaric acid ester, solvent, and water. Also, relates to an aerosol solution to increase the effectiveness of conventional non-woven multilayer masks.

Abstract: Dental or oral appliance cleansing compositions not used in the mouth are described as having an effervescence system and a surfactant. The cleansing composition can remove a biofilm adherent to the dental or oral appliance; does not contain an artificial dye, does not contain >70 wt. % sodium dodecyl sulfate or sodium lauryl sulfate with respect to total surfactant wt. percent, does not contain sulfonate- or sulfoacetate-containing surfactants, does not contain phosphate- or amine-containing chelating agents, does not contain a bleaching agent, and is able to remove greater than 46% of biofilm from the dental or oral appliance soaked in the cleansing composition in about 15 minutes.

Abstract: A launderable bactericidal and virucidal fabric finish formulation. The first component is a bactericidal and virucidal agent represented by formula (I): wherein n is 7; R1, R2, and R3 are jointly or independently selected from H or one of the following groups: wherein R4 is selected from CH3 or H; m is an integer from 2 to 10; p is an integer from 9 to 15; q is an integer from 2 to 10. A second component includes one or more crosslinkers and/or one or more catalysts. A third component includes one or more transition metal salts.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (I) or a salt thereof, and a herbicide containing at least one selected from the group consisting of the compounds described above as an active ingredient. In formula (I), R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, or the like, R2 represents H, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, or the like, R3 represents H, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, or the like, R4 represents a halogeno group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, or the like, R5 represents H or a halogeno group, R6 represents H or a halogeno group, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C4 alkylene group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2 to C3 alkenylene group, or a C1 to C2 alkyleneoxy C1 to C2 alkylene group, X1 represents O or a sulfonyl group, X2 represents O, a sulfenyl group, or the like, m represents 0 or 1, n represents 0 or 1, and m+n=1 or 2, and when A is a substituted or unsubstituted methylene group, m+n=2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling abiotic stress on warm-season turfgrass using an effective amount of acibenzolar-s-methyl.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for killing or inhibiting honey bee parasites such as Varroa mites.

Abstract: A compound, or a salt thereof, is expressed by General Formula (1): wherein R represents a (C1-C6) alkoxy (C1-C6) alkyl group, which is useful as an agricultural and horticultural insecticide with reduced harmful effects to animals including humans in production of agricultural, horticultural and other crops.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidal mixtures and their methods and uses for controlling undesirable vegetation in soybeans, wherein the herbicidal mixtures comprise L-glufosinate and at least one herbicidal compound II selected from clethodim, cycloxydim, fenoxaprop, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, fluazifop, fluazifop-butyl, fluazifop-P, fluazifop-P-butyl, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P, haloxyfop-P-methyl, propaquizafop, quizalofop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-tefuryl, quizalofop-P, quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl, sethoxydim, chlorimuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, nicosulfuron, oxasulfuron, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, imazamox, imazamox ammonium, imazapie, imazapic ammonium, imazapyr, imazapyr isopropylammonium, imazaquin, imazethapyr, imazethapyr ammonium, cloransulam, cloransulam-methyl, diclosulam, flumetsulam, atrazine, metribuzin, linuron, monolinuron, bentazone, bentazone-sodium, acifluorfen, acifluorfen-sodium, carfentrazone, carfent

Abstract: The present application discloses a hypochlorous acid composition and applications thereof wherein the hypochlorous acid composition comprises fluorosilicate, hypochlorous acid, and hypochlorite, the hypochlorous acid composition sprayed is transformed to hypochlorous acid gels, and the hypochlorous acid gels deriving from the sprayed hypochlorous acid composition are evenly coated on an object for a long period of time without another medium for lower infection and contamination risks during usage of hypochlorous acid gels.

Abstract: A honey-based rooting gel composition and method of preparing the same are disclosed. The honey-based rooting gel composition comprises honey and symbiotic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana or Trichoderma koningii which increases plant growth and health, and may also contain a plant rooting hormone such as Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or other plant rooting hormones that promote root initiation, or natural rooting substances such as willow bark extracts that promote root growth. The use of honey provides an unexpected synergy to protect the cuttings from pathogens through the antibacterial and anti-fungal properties of the honey and benefits both plant and fungal growth by providing growth-promoting carbohydrates (mainly fructose and glucose) for both the plant and the germinating fungal spores.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bacteria, compositions comprising the bacteria and methods of use thereof, including methods for inhibiting fungus growth on plants.

Abstract: The invention is situated in the field of animal feed supplements, more particularly in the field of feed supplements for diminishing ectoparasitic infestation of animals. The invention provides the use of such a feed supplement in farming of livestock and poultry. The invention also provides for a process of manufacturing such a feed supplement.