Abstract: A method for increasing yield or vigor of a plant is provided, which includes the selective removal of the plant's shoot apical meristem at a period between vegetative growth stage 1 and vegetative growth stage 2, or between vegetative growth stage 2 and vegetative growth stage 3.

Abstract: The invention concerns compositions and methods for authenticating an agricultural product.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lettuce cultivar Chalone and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the lettuce plants of the invention with themselves or another lettuce plant. The invention also provides lettuce plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated BFCJ6601, JRFF6715, JRFX5612, KFX5346, TPFX6635 and TPJC6637, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line BFCJ6601, JRFF6715, JRFX5612, KFX5346, TPFX6635 and TPJC6637 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line BFCJ6601, JRFF6715, JRFX5612, KFX5346, TPFX6635 and TPJC6637, including culturable cells. Additionally, provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line BFCJ6601, JRFF6715, JRFX5612, KFX5346, TPFX6635 and TPJC6637, and plants produced according to these methods.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 94411038 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 94411038, to the plants of soybean cultivar 94411038, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 94411038, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 94411038. 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 94411038. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 94411038, 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 94411038 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A new variety of garden bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) designated ‘Goldstrike’ is provided. Garden bean variety ‘Goldstrike’ is characterized by its bright yellow pods in mainly the 4sv class, heat tolerance and erect plant, and resistance to Colletotrichum lindemuthiunum (Anthracnose) and intermediate resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv syringae (Bacterial Brown Spot).

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato hybrid SVTJ7512, tomato line FIS-XJ17-6528, and tomato line FISXJ12-6500. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTJ7512, tomato line FIS-XJ17-6528, and tomato line FISXJ12-6500 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 SVTJ7512, tomato line FIS-XJ17-6528, and tomato line FISXJ12-6500 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of tomato hybrid SVTE9816 and tomato line FDS-XJ16-6058. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid SVTE9816 and tomato line FDS-XJ16-6058 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 SVTE9816 and tomato line FDS-XJ16-6058 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: A milking machine, including a milking claw for each animal, the milking claw including an air inlet for being connected to a vacuum pump, and a milk outlet, a plurality of milking assemblies, each for being connected to one udder of the animal, each of the milking assemblies including a) a first end for being connected to the animal udder for pumping milk from the udder, and b) a quick connection member, and a connection assembly being connectable to the milking claw, the connection assembly including a plurality of quick connection members, each for connecting to one of the quick connection members of the milking assemblies, thereby allowing quick connection between each of the milking assemblies to the milking claw.

Abstract: A teat cup liner is disclosed that includes an attachment section having an opening therein, a barrel joined to and in fluid communication with the attachment section, and a tube section, joined to and in fluid communication with the barrel. The barrel includes a transition section and a triangular section. A combined length of the attachment section and the transition section is (i) from 5.5 to 8.5 cm long, (ii) an average teat length (after elongation), optionally minus a minimum uniform pressure length, ±20%, or (iii) 40-65% of a combined length of the attachment section and the barrel. Alternatively, the transition section has a surface with a slope of less than 0.3, where the slope is defined by a change in the radius of the barrel in the transition section relative to the length of the transition section. The tube section includes a connection mechanism.

Abstract: Livestock handling equipment characterized by a modular alley construction employing shared bows with hole-penetrated front and rear faces for fastening of elongated structural beams and coupling of side panels at both of said faces. Longitudinally protruding coupling members on said side panels for engaging said holes include grooved and longitudinally extendable/retractable pivot pins at the bottom ends of the side panels. Selectively mountable/removable cladding members enable convenient strategic customization of cladding coverage to optimize livestock flow via pressure zone techniques, physical intervention and/or light-based attraction, and also enable physical access for inspection and treatment of the animals.

Abstract: A pit cover for selectively covering a pit opening which provides access to an animal waste collection area. One or more of the edges may include a flange which a user may grip when lifting or moving the pit cover. The top side includes a plurality of raised ridges extending generally across its surface. The ridges help provide traction for a user walking on the pit cover. The longitudinal axis of one or more of the ridges may be set at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the front edge of the pit cover to allow water and other moisture to drain off of the top side. The pit cover may be made from any suitable material, including fiberglass. In embodiments where the pit cover is made from fiberglass, the ridges are part of the fiberglass mold which helps add strength by corrugation.

Abstract: A litter box liner comprises a base and at least one sidewall. Peripheral regions of the base and the at least one sidewall are coupled to one another to form an open-ended bag-like structure that defines a void for receiving litter. The base and the at least one sidewall are each of a fluid-impervious material and couplings between the peripheral regions of the base and the at least one sidewall are continuous and fluid impermeable.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for preparing animal litter composition and, in particular, methods of improving odor control in such animal litter compositions. The methods may include providing an animal litter composition that includes a manganese salt, the manganese salt being effective to react with odor-causing ammonia compounds that come into contact with the animal litter composition to thereby reduce an amount of ammonia gas released from a surface of the animal litter composition. In particular, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides animal litter composition with improved odor control, such compositions including a plurality of particles, at least a portion of which include a liquid absorbing material, and a manganese salt at least partially coating at least a portion of the plurality particles.

Abstract: A kit for converting an animal bed having a core and a cover into a raised animal bed includes a support surface insertable into the animal bed so as to lie between the core and a part of the cover that forms the underside of the bed in use. The kit also includes a plurality of legs and fixings for coupling the legs to the support surface through part of the cover.

Abstract: A distributor to distribute a treat among toys and food treats to a pet is described. The distributor comprises a base assembly; a carousel pivotably mounted to the base assembly, the carousel comprising partitions defining at least a first compartment; a cap configured to be mounted to the base and to cover the carousel, the cap comprising an opening that, when aligned with the first compartment, provides access to the first compartment; and driving means for driving the carousel to rotate between a first orientation wherein the first compartment is hidden and a second orientation wherein the first compartment is aligned with the opening, wherein a treat located in the compartment becomes accessible to the pet. The distributor may comprise a food dispenser releasably coupled to a feeder motor, and drivable only when the carousel is in a feeding orientation.

Abstract: An animal feedstuff processing system for processing animal feedstuff includes an animal feedstuff storage device for storing a pile of animal feedstuff, a separating device for removing a quantity of feedstuff from the pile and including a rotatable separating element and a first drive for the separating element, a movement device with a second drive, and configured for moving the separating device and the pile of feedstuff towards each other. A sensor is arranged for determining a relative position of the separating element with respect to the pile of feedstuff. A controller is configured to control the animal feedstuff processing system. During at least a part of the movement of the separating device and the pile of feedstuff towards each other, the separating device is driven in an idle mode by the first drive, wherein the separating element has no operable contact with the pile of feedstuff.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a pet feeder, and relates to the field of pet feeding equipment. The pet feeder includes a main unit structure; an inner side of the main unit structure is provided with a division structure used for guiding pet food; a side wall of the division structure is connected with a distribution tube used for food division; a bottom end of the main unit structure is provided with a supporting base; a side wall of the supporting base is provided with a food plate structure; and the food plate structure and the supporting base are both provided with adjustment slots used for adjusting a height of the feeder.

Abstract: The invention includes an electronic animal tag of two pieces, one incorporating the UHF, and preferably RFID, electronic identification portion, the other incorporating means that will press the UHF portion against the ear of an animal and keep it pressed there throughout its lifetime.

Abstract: An illustrated view of an exemplary first pet location device and an illustrated view of a second embodiment of a second pet location device for locating lost or stolen pets is presented. The pet location devices are useful for providing worldwide tracking of a pet. Further, along with pets, the pet location devices could be modified to work with handicapped children and adult to track their location. The pet location devices are preferably inserted and removed only by a licensed Veterinarian.

Abstract: A system measures tracking ability of a service animal using a location sensor to generate location data and a measurement unit measuring auxiliary data related to movement of the animal while tracking a known path. A computer calculates a rank metric representing a measure of similarity between animal location data from the location sensor and stored target data defining the known path. The computer also calculates an animal signature representative of a relationship between the auxiliary data and the rank metric for different instantaneous values of the rank metric. When tracking an unknown path, a confidence metric is calculated based on the animal signature and the auxiliary data collected while tracking such that the confidence metric represents a quantitative measure of the ability of the service animal to track the unknown path.

Abstract: A removable garment for an animal is presented. The removable garment has two parts: a base unit and a covering unit. The covering unit is larger than the base unit, and it is easily attached to and detached from the base unit. An improved version of the removable garment has three parts: a base unit, a covering unit, and an alternate covering unit. The alternate covering unit is to be used interchangeably with the covering unit; that is, the alternate covering unit is used instead of the covering unit and interacts with the base unit. The removable garment may be used anytime and specially designed to protect the pet from environmental hazards, protecting the pet from rain, cold weather, etc.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an animal garment and an animal biological information measurement apparatus that are excellently comfortable. The animal garment includes a knitted fabric, the knitted fabric containing 2 mass % or more and 100 mass % or less of antifungal fibers, and 30 mass % or more and 100 mass % or less of fibers having a single fiber fineness of 0.3 dtex or more and 1.1 dtex or less.

Abstract: An extender for securing an article around a pet, the extender including: a first fastener portion located proximate a first end of the extender, the first fastener portion located on a first side of the extender; and a second fastener portion located proximate a second end of the extender, the second fastener portion located on a second side of the extender. The first fastener portion is shaped to engage a first fastener of the article and the second fastener portion is shaped to engage a second fastener of the article such that a length of the article is extended by a length of the extender between the first fastener portion and the second fastener portion.

Abstract: A pet trail boot includes a sole, a boot upper, a first tightening strap and a cushioning portion. The sole has a ground contacting portion and a toe protecting portion. The boot upper is attached to the sole defining a paw receiving space therebetween dimensioned to receive a pet's paw and lower leg. The first tightening strap is dimensioned and positioned to wrap around the boot upper at a location above ground contacting portion of the sole. The cushioning portion is located between the first tightening strap and the lower leg of the pet.

Abstract: An animal training device includes: a housing; an imaging device associated with the housing to capture an image and output an imaging signal corresponding to the captured image; an audio output device associated with the housing to receive an audio signal and produce a training sound responsively to the received audio signal; and a controller operably coupled to the imaging device and the audio output device. The controller is configured to: initiate an animal training protocol; output the audio signal so the audio output device produces the training sound; receive the imaging signal after outputting the audio signal; analyze the received imaging signal to determine if an animal is present in the captured image in a defined position including at least one of a defined location or a defined orientation; and output a reward signal to reward the animal if the animal is in the defined position.

Abstract: The disclosure is the only product of its kind that takes the concept of a generic pet toy and modifies it to meet the mental demand and playful engagement of common domestic animals. The disclosure is uniquely designed to foster and safeguard stimulation to curb destructive behaviors and enhance the problem-solving skills of the varying dog and/or cat breeds. It includes a dog bone chew toy having a point of attachment and configured to define a plurality of treat dispersement locations. It also has a base including a top attachment complementary to the dog bone Chew toy point of attachment, the base having a bottom attachment for a flat surface. The disclosure further has a pedestal between the top attachment of the base. the pedestal configured to set off the top attachment from the base.

Abstract: A pet chew toy is disclosed as it may include a connector housing. An example pet chew toy includes a first connector portion of the connector housing for attaching a first pet toy or accessory. The example pet chew toy also includes a second connector portion of the connector housing for attaching a second pet toy or accessory. The first connector portion and the second connector portion are each configured to removably interconnect to one another.

Abstract: Systems of the inventive subject matter are directed to manual treadmills for animals like dogs. Systems include a platform frame that is formed as a rectangular piece having an interior space. A rear roller is coupled with a back portion of that interior space, and a front roller is coupled with adjustment blocks disposed within a front portion of the frame. The adjustment blocks can be moved by rotating knobs to adjust tension of a belt that couples with the rear roller and front roller. A belt platform is also disposed between the front roller and the rear roller. Front legs of the system can be used to adjust angle of the platform frame relative to horizontal, and the leash frame height can similarly be adjusted.

Abstract: Proposed is a pet exercise apparatus including a rotary body which is formed in an erected cylindrical shape, has at least one open side surface, and is disposed to be rotatable, so as to stimulate a pet's curiosity and induce spontaneous exercise thereof without harming the pet's emotions or health. The rotary body includes a tube and a movable ball. The tube has a transparent tubular shape, is partially filled with liquid, and is disposed along the inner circumference thereof. The movable ball is positioned near the surface of the liquid filling the tube. The rotary body rotates according to the movement of the pet who chases after the movable ball, so that the position of the movable ball is changed by a change in the position of the surface of the liquid so as to continuously stimulate the pet's curiosity.

Abstract: A paperboard cut into a predetermined shape to be folded into a box for removing dog waste is disclosed which includes a first rectangular section (235) serving as a bottom panel for the box, a pair of fold-up members (342L and 342R) flanking the first rectangular section (235), a second rectangular section (223) juxtaposing the first rectangular section (235) and serving as a back panel of the box, a pair of side sections (122L and 122R) flanking the second rectangular section (223) serving as side panels of the box, a third rectangular section (102) juxtaposing the second rectangular section (223) and serving as a front panel of the box, and a pair of side tab sections (108L and 108R) flanking the third rectangular section (102) for engaging a pair of side slots (124L and 124R) formed on the pair of side sections (122L and 122R), respectively.

Abstract: A leashed collar for a dog or pet having individual links that connect and form the structure of the collar. Links may be easily added or removed for length adjustability. The collar is structured for adding a martingale attachment in one embodiment. Other decorative and ornamental articles can be added to the collar, such as jewelry. The collar has a plurality of links, with each link comprising an upper horizontal member, and vertical legs. The vertical legs are spaced apart from each other and extend generally parallel to each other. A plurality of connectors has vertical voids extending there through. Vertical legs of the links extend through the vertical voids of the connectors. Lower horizontal members engage a vertical leg of the links to hold the construct together.

Abstract: A pet garment structure includes a garment body, traction buckles, and a traction belt. The garment body has two foreleg sleeve openings, a collar edge, a distal edge, and at least first and second dorsal edges configured to be fastened to each other about the back of a pet, such that the collar edge and distal edge extends around the pet when the first and second dorsal edges are fastened. The traction buckles are located on proximate the first and second dorsal edges and are configured to connect to a traction rope. The traction buckles are connected by a traction belt wrapped configured to extend around the pet from below when the first and second dorsal edges are fastened such that the garment body extends around the pet with two legs of the pet extending through the foreleg sleeve openings.

Abstract: A spraying leash assembly includes a leash unit that has a leash retractably integrated therein such that the leash can be attached to a collar of a dog for walking the dog. A reservoir is coupled to the leash unit and the reservoir is hollow to contain a liquid. A spray nozzle is integrated into the reservoir to spray the fluid outwardly from the reservoir onto the dog thereby distracting the dog from barking. A light emitter is coupled to the reservoir to emit light outwardly therefrom. A handle is coupled to the reservoir and the handle can be gripped for carrying the reservoir and the leash unit. A speaker is integrated into the handle for emitting an audible sound outwardly therefrom to distract the dog from barking.

Abstract: A bird nest box system is provided that includes a nesting enclosure, a moveable nest floor, and a floor movement mechanism that moves the nest floor between a lowered position and a raised position, the nest floor being mounted over the floor movement mechanism. The floor movement mechanism includes a driveshaft, a gear assembly coupled to the driveshaft and actuatable by rotation of the driveshaft, and a lift arm. The lift arm is actuatable by the gear assembly to rotate the nest floor toward a front opening of the nest enclosure. The gear assembly provides at least one gear reduction between the driveshaft and the lift arm.

Abstract: The invention comprises a beeswax analogue composition which enables the efficient replacement thereof, for beekeeping and any industries that normally use it in their production processes and products, based on a harmless natural organic mixture free of contamination having chemical and physical aspects similar or equal to said wax, which comprises: Fine crystal wax, known as microcrystalline wax, with a high percentage of hydrocarbon, branched, isoparaffinic and naphthenic hydrocarbons. Macrocrystalline wax made of non-branched alkanes of non-fine crystals. Organic resin. Organic pigment to determine the colour, distinguishing region, place and factory batch. (Published in a timely manner, to prevent falsifications). The method of preparation comprises the following steps, tools and actions: Proportional weighing of components. Verification of asepsis of machines and tools.

Abstract: Disclosed is settlement substrate for oyster technology, and, in particular, the present disclosure relates to a concrete settlement substrate for oyster and a preparation method thereof, and a construction method. The concrete settlement substrate for oyster has the characteristics of induction of rapid settlement and metamorphosis of sessile organisms thereto, promotion of long-term growth and good durability, and the oysters are settled on a surface of concrete. A reasonable spatial layout is utilized, such that each concrete pile (block) can effectively break waves and ensure smooth exchange between water bodies on two sides. After oysters settled to each concrete pile (block) breed a large amount, the water bodies can be purified, and the ecological environment in the surrounding sea area can be improved.

Abstract: A recirculating aquaculture system using a biofloc fermenter and aquaponics may include a breeding water tank that breeds farmed fish, a drum filter that filters breeding water drained from the recirculating aquaculture system; an automatic filtration system in which the breeding water of the drum filter is moved and purified; a biofloc fermentation system that supplies and mixes oxygen to backwash water of the automatic filtration system; and a plant cultivation system that cultivates plant with the breeding water mixed with stable and high-concentration oxygen moved from the biofloc fermentation system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transgenic animal model for testing immunogenicity and protective efficacy of human vaccines and the method for generating such a multi-transgenic animal. This invention also relates to methods for screening compositions for human vaccine development. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mouse model capable of expressing human leukocyte antigens DR4 and A2, and/or human costimulatory molecules (CD80) which upon infusion of human HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells develop a functional human immune system able to respond to vaccination with human vaccines. The invention also relates to method of producing human antibodies specific for a desired antigen using the transgenic mouse.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-human animals that express a human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) IL2RA, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A portable basket is used to collect multiple weighted lines that extend between a buoy and a submerged crab pot. The basket is a cylindrical structure with flexible sidewalls that extend from the top edge to a bottom panel. Attached to the inside surface of the basket near the top edge are at least two ring connectors. During use, the basket is positioned below a winch system used to pull the weighted line and the crab pot out of the water. The weighted line's first connector is detached from the buoy and connected to a ring connector inside the basket. The winch is then activated to weighted line falls into the basket and automatically stacked in a vertical coil configuration inside the basket. When the crab pot is lifted out of the water, the second connector is detached from the crab pot and attached to the second ring connector near the top edge. The process may be repeated to collect additional weighted lines.

Abstract: The disclosure features bobber stops that include a hinged body having two symmetrical halves divided by a hinge, each half including (a) a pair of line-receiving grooves, the grooves being arranged such that when the hinged body is in a closed position opposed grooves define a closed line-receiving bore, and (b) a region disposed between the grooves that is configured to clamp the line when the body is in the closed position; and a clasp configured to secure the body in the closed position and allow the body to be moved to an open position by a user.

Abstract: A knot tying device is described. Embodiments of the knot tying device can include, but are not limited to, a shaft, a spring, a slide member, and an end stop. The shaft can include a slot for receiving a fishing line therethrough and trapping the fishing line between the slide member and the end stop of the knot tying device. When the fishing line is secured to the knot tying device, the knot tying device can be implemented to thread the fishing line through and around the fishing line based on a type of knot being tied.

Abstract: An adjustable rod holder for a boat includes: a main shaft; a rod holder beam; a support arm for holding the rod holder beam in a spaced relationship to the main shaft; the support arm having a first end; the support arm being connected to the main shaft at the first end; a rod receptacle mounted on the rod holder beam and being configured to receive a handle of a fishing rod; the main shaft being configured to attach to a boat; and, the main shaft being configured to be rotatable so as to move the rod holder beam between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: An electronic fish finder transducer lifting system includes a mechanical actuating device; a transducer lifting device; an electronic fish finder attachment member, rotatably connected to the transducer lifting device, configured to attach to an electronic fish finder; and a mechanical linkage, connected to the mechanical actuating device and the transducer lifting device, configured to transfer force, applied to the mechanical actuating device, to the transducer lifting device to lift a front portion of the transducer lifting device.

Abstract: A device that confines a water soluble larvicide or insecticide or other solid or semi-solid chemical medium that allows for a measured dispersal with a means for affixing to a rain gutter or open water container susceptible to harbor or breed mosquito larvae.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for combating crops with a heated air flow involve a gas burner unit that is only activated if the pressure, the flow rate or the rotational speed of the ventilator is greater than a determined threshold value; and the gas burner unit is again deactivated if the pressure, the flow rate or the rotational speed of the ventilator is less than the determined threshold value.

Abstract: A multi-spectral optical plant treatment device (10) employs a vegetation scanner (20), an electromagnetic radiator (30) and a plant treatment controller (40) for multi-spectral plant treatment applications. In operation, the plant treatment controller (40) executes a discriminating recognition between unwanted plants and wanted plants, and further executes a systematic herbicide EM radiation emission for damaging a recognized unwanted plant in accordance with a photosynthesis termination and/or a photomorphogenesis termination and/or a systematic fertilizer EM radiation emission enhancing a recognized wanted plant in accordance with a plant protection enhancement and/or a plant flavor enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural element, in particular a pane element, having protection against bird strike and comprising a transparent base body, in particular made of glass and/or a transparent plastic material, wherein the transparent base body is at least partly covered with a component absorbing UVA light, at least partly covered with a fluorescent component and at least partly covered with a component reflecting UVA light. In addition, the present invention relates to process for producing such a structural element.

Abstract: A device for support of an organ ex vivo comprises a chamber with a first engagement feature. A support structure includes a second engagement feature. The first and second engagement features may be engaged so that the chamber body is carried by the support structure for rotation. The chamber body comprises first and second chamber components. In a first orientation of the chamber body, the first chamber component provides support for a first surface of the organ, and the second chamber component is removable so that a second surface of the organ is exposed to manipulation from outside the chamber body. In a second orientation of the chamber body, the second chamber component provides support for the second surface of the organ, and the first chamber component is removable so that the first surface of the organ is exposed to manipulation from outside the chamber body.