Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated XS7440 and seed, plants, plant parts and plant cells thereof are produced from a cross of inbred sorghum varieties. Methods for producing a sorghum plant comprise crossing hybrid sorghum variety XS7440 with another sorghum plant. Sorghum variety XS7440, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of sorghum variety XS7440 are provided. Methods for producing a sorghum plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into sorghum variety XS7440 include one or both of backcross conversion and transformation of one or both inbred parents. The sorghum seed, plants and plant parts produced thereby are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides wheat variety RNP16DC1323443, and derivatives and hybrids thereof. The present invention further provides methods of use of wheat variety RNP16DC1323443, its derivates, and hybrids, e.g., in breeding.

Abstract: The present invention provides wheat variety 05S0242-11, and derivatives and hybrids thereof. The present invention further provides methods of use of wheat variety 05S0242-11, its derivates, and hybrids, e.g., in breeding.

Abstract: The soybean variety 96354666 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 96354666 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 96354666 and to plants of 96354666 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 96354666.

Abstract: The soybean variety 103324633 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 103324633 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 103324633 and to plants of 103324633 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 103324633.

Abstract: The soybean variety 103324628 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 103324628 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 103324628 and to plants of 103324628 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 103324628.

Abstract: The soybean variety 103323487 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 103323487 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 103323487 and to plants of 103323487 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 103323487.

Abstract: The soybean variety 120198451 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 120198451 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 120198451 and to plants of 120198451 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 120198451.

Abstract: The soybean variety 119730274 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 119730274 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 119730274 and to plants of 119730274 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 119730274.

Abstract: The soybean variety 121087417 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 121087417 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 121087417 and to plants of 121087417 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 121087417.

Abstract: The soybean variety 120198454 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety 120198454 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of 120198454 and to plants of 120198454 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from 120198454.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing a seedstock of Sphagnum. The method comprises providing in vitro Sphagnum, applying the Sphagnum to a growth surface, and cultivating the Sphagnum in vivo on the growth surface. The method also comprises harvesting the cultivated Sphagnum from the growth surface, and then chopping the harvested Sphagnum to provide a seedstock of Sphagnum for cultivation, the seedstock comprising a plurality of fragments of the in vivo Sphagnum. The present invention also relates to Sphagnum and seedstocks of Sphagnum obtainable by the method.

Abstract: A milking arrangement with a milk transport line and a plurality of milk stations connected thereto, with a receiver that receives milk transported from the milk stations via the transport line, a vacuum system that supplies a vacuum in the transport line via the receiver, a cleaning liquid source connected to the transport line, and a controllable injector that introduces gas into the milk transport line that to cause a slug of cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source to be formed and forwarded through the transport line, a vibration sensor being arranged on the receiver and configured to measure a motion of the receiver caused by the slug entering the receiver, and a control system configured to control the operation of the injector and to determine an entering of the slug into the receiver based on the measurement of the vibration sensor.

Abstract: A pet waste scooper includes a handle portion, a scoop portion, and a support portion. The scoop portion has a receptacle for receiving pet waste and is at least partially defined by a bottom wall and a front wall. The support portion extends between the handle portion and the scoop portion and is configured to provide structural support to the pet waste scooper. The handle portion, the scoop portion, and the support portion are a unitary component that includes a pulp material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed dispenser for horses which comprises a main housing (1), having a loading opening (2) and a discharge opening (3), and an actuation element (7) for a horse, wherein an endless screw (4) rotatable in a drive direction about its longitudinal axis is provided in the main housing (1) and is drive-connected via a driver (5), which runs freely counter to the drive direction, to the actuation element, which is movable counter to the force of a return spring (6) between an idle position and an actuation position. In order to design a feed dispenser of the described kind so that chunky animal feed can be used, regardless of its shape or size, without having to be pre-processed in advance, it is proposed that the endless screw (4) has a peripheral screw blade (20) forming cutting faces (19) for comminuting chunky material, and/or that the main housing (1) has an auxiliary cutter.

Abstract: A novel pet slow feed stainless steel bowl with a removable rubber insert. The insert has channels molded into it so that kibble placed in the bowl settles into the channels and causes the pet to eat slowly and deliberately. The rubber insert is easily removed for cleaning. The bowl and mat can also be used when traveling and can hold kibble on the mat set on a surface outside the bowl, and then water can be placed in the bowl. The bowl holds two cups of kibble or water.

Abstract: A frozen pet container employs a frozen pet treat cup including a side wall adjoined to a floor defining a hemispherical cavity configured to conditionally form a frozen pet treat within the frozen pet treat cup. The frozen pet container further employs a frozen pet treat retainer disposed within the hemispherical cavity and adjoined to the side wall and/or the floor. The frozen pet treat retainer is configured to interactively retain the frozen pet treat conditionally formed within the frozen pet treat cup. To this end, the frozen pet treat retainer may include bracket(s) partially encircling the side wall and/or spike(s) extending from the side wall or the floor.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism and an unloading device with double food stirring trays, the unloading mechanism with double food stirring trays comprises a food stirring device and a driving device, and the food stirring device comprises a rotating shaft, an upper food stirring tray and a lower food stirring tray; the upper food stirring tray comprises upper food stirring plates, the lower food stirring tray comprises lower food stirring plates, the number of the lower food stirring plates is larger than that of the upper food stirring plates; the outer wall of the rotating shaft is provided with an installation groove, and the lower food stirring plates are provided with installation strips matched with the installation groove; and the unloading device comprises a food storage bin, a transition bin and the unloading mechanism with double food stirring trays.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeding device includes a grain storage bin including a grain leaking member formed at a lower portion thereof and connected with a pushing granary, the pushing granary arranged below the grain storage bin and including a grain delivery member, and a grain pusher slidably arranged between the pushing granary and the grain storage bin; the grain pusher configured to push pet food in the pushing granary out of the grain delivery member, and open or close the grain leaking member and the grain delivery member. The present disclosure provides that pet food can flow out of the grain delivery member through the grain pusher, and both the grain leaking member and the grain delivery member can be sealed at the same time, to prevent insects and ants from entering inside the feeding device from the grain delivery member, to breed bacteria and endanger health of pets.

Abstract: Provided is a protection device and a grooming device for pets, in the field of storage articles. The protection devices includes: a mounting case, a protection cover, and a fixing structure. The mounting case is provided with a sliding space extending though two opposite ends thereof for mounting a working assembly. The protection cover is slidably connected to the sliding space. The fixing structure is connected with the mounting case and is used for fixing the protection cover as the protection cover slides to cover the working assembly. When the protection device is not in use, users may hold the mounting case and change the working state of the fixing structure to drive the protection cover to move and cover the working assembly, so that the working assembly is stored to avoid safety issues caused by the exposed working assembly, thereby improving the practicability of the protection device.

Abstract: A bandage including a front layer of mesh and rear layer of mesh embedded between a top band and a bottom band, the top band with a first elastic band with a first attachment device operative to attaching an end of the first elastic band to an end of the top band, the bottom band with a second elastic band with a second attachment device operative to attaching an end of the second elastic band to an end of the bottom band, and a first binding and a second binding joining the top band and the bottom band, the first binding enclosing a first side of the front layer of mesh and a first side of the rear layer of mesh, and the second binding enclosing a second side of the front layer of mesh and a second side of the rear layer of mesh.

Abstract: A horse leg protector has a protection body. The protection body has an upper half for wrapping a metacarpal bone of a horse leg and a lower half for wrapping a sesamoid bone of the horse leg. At least one slot is formed in the upper half of the protection body and extends horizontally. The slot has two ends that are closed. The upper half of the protection body is partitioned into a first protection segment and a second protection segment by the slot. The second protection segment is bendable relative to the first protection segment for a distance between two opposite side walls of the slot to become larger or smaller.

Abstract: A method of training a rodent to identify pairs of same or different odors, whereby the rodent learns the rule irrespective of the particular odors. Once trained, the rodent can be used to measure perceptual odor similarities between members of pairs of odors, which odors may be unrelated to the odors the rodent was trained on.

Abstract: A pet toilet that identifies a pet device by using the pet device worn by a pet includes an electromagnetic signal receiver that receives a first electromagnetic signal including pet device information from a plurality of pet devices, a connection unit that is connected to at least one of the plurality of pet devices based on the strength of the received first electromagnetic signal, an electromagnetic signal transmitter that transmits a second electromagnetic signal to the at least one pet device, and an identification unit that identifies a specific pet device worn by a specific pet from the pet device information based on the strength of the second electromagnetic signal received by the at least one pet device from the at least one pet device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering droplets of fluids onto an open tray containing poultry, the tray being stationary. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: (a) a movable arm is moved over the tray in translation in a first direction, said arm supporting a first set of dispensing nozzles and a second set of dispensing nozzles, said nozzles of each set being arranged to cover the entire dimension of the tray in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; (b) initially, droplets of at least one first fluid are dispensed by spraying using the first set of dispensing nozzles; (c) and then at least one second fluid, distinct from said at least one first fluid to be sprayed, is dispensed by ejecting individual drops by means of the second set of dispensing nozzles.

Abstract: A method of identifying fertilized fish eggs (200) in a sample of eggs (104) taken from a batch of incubating fish eggs is disclosed. The method includes the steps of treating the sample, within a period of time from initial fertilization of the batch, with a fixative (106) bringing an outer membrane of the eggs at least partly transparent and/or a blastodisc of the eggs at least partly opaque. The method further includes the step of capturing at least one image of individual eggs of the sample depicting the blastodisc of the egg, analysing the at least one image for detecting divided cells in the blastodisc, and identifying each egg associated with an image showing divided cells in the blastodisc as a fertilized egg. An associated system and a fish egg analysis apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for decorating a housing using a decorative ornament assembly includes a base and plurality of decorative elements irremovably disposed therein. The width and depth of the base is less than or equal to the width and depth of inner surface dimension of the housing such that the bottom inner surface area of the housing is entirely covered by one or more bases. A decorative elements on the decorative ornament assembly is configured for use in easy removal of the assembly from the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are livewell systems and methods of operating livewell systems. A livewell system may include a livewell tank having a chamber formed therein, a fill sensor configured to detect a fill level of the chamber, an intake pump configured to selectively convey water into the chamber, and a control unit including a processor and a memory storing instructions. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions to receive a fill signal, determine whether the chamber is filled to a predetermined fill level; and in response to the fill signal and a determination that the chamber is not filled to the predetermined fill level, cause the intake pump to convey water into the chamber.

Abstract: A controllable semi-open mariculture cabin system is provided, including a mariculture cabin, a water inlet mechanism, a filtering mechanism, and a fish outlet pipe. The water inlet mechanism includes a water inlet pipe and a plurality of high-pressure water inlet pipes. The water inlet pipe is located on one side of an upper part of the mariculture cabin. The plurality of high-pressure water inlet pipes are distributed in a circumferential direction of a top of the mariculture cabin. Tail ends of the high-pressure water inlet pipes are connected to jet pipes extending into the mariculture cabin. The filtering mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the mariculture cabin. An outlet end of the filtering mechanism is located in sea water outside. The fish outlet pipe is provided on a cabin wall of the mariculture cabin. A gate valve capable of opening and closing is mounted on the fish outlet pipe.

Abstract: Methods of generating functional human organs and tissue in animal bodies suitable for transplantation into human subjects are provided. In particular, the contribution of human donor cells to tissues and organs can be increased in interspecies host embryos by knocking out a growth factor receptor gene such as the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor or insulin receptor gene. Almost entirely donor-derived functional organs and tissue can be generated by using this method. The methods described herein are useful for generating human organs and tissue in animals and may be helpful for overcoming the current problems with organ shortage for transplantation therapy. Additionally, such organs and tissue can be used in drug discovery, drug screening, and toxicology testing.

Abstract: An insect sorting device, machine, and use thereof, which improves sorting efficacy by prompting the insects to cling onto the belt, comprising a belt conveyor (2) having an upper surface (5) and a lower surface (6) formed by the belt (3) of the conveyor (2). When the belt (3) is turned over to pass onto the lower surface (6) of the conveyor (2) all or some of the insects of a mixture remain attached to the belt (3) while the rest of the mixture falls by gravity. The upper surface (5) of the conveyor (2) being substantially flat and horizontal over a majority of its length between the first end (7) and the second end (8), it comprises an end portion (14), adjacent the second end (8), having a downward inclination, comprised between 20° and 90° relative to the rest of the upper surface (5) of the conveyor (2).

Abstract: An underwater lighting system includes a light housing. The light housing includes a weighted base having a bottom surface with a bottom edge and a cover. The cover and the weighted base cooperate to define a cover interior. The cover interior is waterproof. The light housing also includes a light source positioned within the cover interior. The underwater lighting system is configured to prevent a fishing lure or cast net from snagging on the underwater lighting system.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for fishing in the form of a hook with multiple hook points, optional snag guard, auxiliary bait retainer, and an adjustable tension arm employed to provide variable tension between multiple hook points for the purpose of more securely and reliably setting a hook in the mouth of a fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a pliable body having a forward portion configured to produce drag on the pliable body when moved through water in a prescribed direction. The pliable body additionally includes an upper edge having a forward segment extending from the forward portion, a rearward segment extending away from the forward segment, and a middle segment located between the forward and rearward segments and forming an apex between the forward and rearward segments. A pair of eyes are included on opposed sides of the pliable body. The fishing lure further includes a hook connector having a corkscrew portion and an axial portion. The hook connector is connected to the pliable body such that the corkscrew portion is located within the pliable body and a segment of the axial portion extends out of the planar forward surface of the pliable body to facilitate attachment to a hook.

Abstract: An alarm system for a fishing apparatus that is an ice fishing tip-up employing a sensor alarm unit with a housing, processor, sensor, power source, and onboard wireless communications, the unit mountable to one of a base and fish strike indicating flagpole of the tip-up with the sensor configured to sense a magnet on the tip-up during operation and cause the processor to alarm when a fish strikes. The unit has a mounting arrangement with a clamp releasably attaching the unit to the flagpole for movement in unison therewith from an armed position towards a fish strike indicating position. The mounting arrangement includes a twist-lock dovetail joint used to removably mount the unit to the tip-up base. The dovetail joint removably attaches the housing to a unit base mounted to the tip-up base. The unit can have another sensor that senses motion, orientation, angle, rotation of the unit.

Abstract: Time release bait containers can include an inner body and an outer body which can slidably engage one another and can be coupled in a sealed state by a time release coupling. The time release coupling can release after a period of time, after which the inner body can be deployed outward from the outer body by an actuator.

Abstract: Fishing equipment carriers include a rod housing and a support coupled to the rod housing. The support defines an aperture configured to receive a fishing rod therethrough.

Abstract: Provided is a fish attraction device. The fish attraction device, in at least one aspect, includes a motor, the motor having an output shaft configured to rotate about a rotational axis. The fish attraction device, in accordance with this aspect, may further include first and second cams rotationally coupled to the output shaft about the rotational axis. The fish attraction device, in accordance with this aspect, may further include a first thumper configured to move to create a first thumping pattern as the first cam rotates with the output shaft about the rotational axis, as well as a second thumper configured to move to create a second thumping pattern as the second cam rotates with the output shaft about the rotational axis, the first and second thumping patterns collectively providing a rhythmic thumping pattern designed to attract fish.

Abstract: A multi-zone horseshoe pad that provides hybrid performance characteristics, with discrete performance characteristics provided during discrete phases or different types of interactions between a hoof and the ground. The multi-zone horseshoe pad is substantially flexible while also providing shock absorption, protection, and support. The multi-zone horseshoe pad may include a pad body with different segments that have different hardness values. A relatively softer material may be provided toward a back segment of the pad body for shock absorption and vibration damping during impacts between the horseshoe and hoof at the pad's back segment. A relatively harder material may be provided toward a front segment of the pad body for minimizing energy loss through compression during push off events at the pad's front segment. A central segment of the multi-zone horseshoe pad may be both thicker and more flexible than an outer rim segment.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to bug swatters. In one example, a bug swatter apparatus is disclosed, which includes a handle and at least one flappable pad coupled to the handle. For this example, a portion of the at least one flappable pad is configured to flap behind the handle when the handle is swung. In another example, a method is disclosed, which includes obtaining at least one mouse pad and creating a repurposed form of the at least one mouse pad. For this example, the creating comprises attaching the at least one mouse pad to a handle. In a further example, yet another bug swatter apparatus is disclosed, which includes a handle and a flat surface coupled to the handle. For this example, the flat surface includes at least one layer of adhesive material.

Abstract: A method of treating an area infested with bed bugs, includes applying to the infested area an amount of an isopropyl alcohol-denatured alcohol blend effective to kill the bed bugs. The alcohol blend composition is a bed bug control composition including, 25 vol. % to 33 vol. % denatured alcohol and 66 vol. % to 75 vol. % isopropyl alcohol.

Abstract: An electrical energy processing unit of an apparatus to kill a plant or at least attenuate plant growth is disclosed. The electrical energy processing unit includes a converter and a control circuit. Also disclosed are an apparatus that includes the electrical energy processing unit and a method of utilizing the apparatus. Further disclosed are a computer program for a processor of the control circuit of the electrical energy processing unit and a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes the computer program.

Abstract: Methods and devices for repelling mosquitoes may operate by generating the beats of fore and hind pairs of dragonfly wings, which may be dragonfly wing beats in the form of pressure waves. Such beats may be generated using digital or analog circuitry. The digital beats may be recordings of synthesized or enhanced beats of dragonfly wings beating. The device may take the form of a button that may be worn or otherwise carried by a user.

Abstract: A sperm wash device for collecting motile sperm includes a first chamber section for holding an unwashed semen sample, a second chamber section for holding sperm wash media disposed over and attached to the first chamber section, and a ledge separating the first chamber section from the second chamber section. The ledge includes a slot therein that is configured be filled with sperm wash media that does not get recovered. A slider is placed on the ledge. Characteristically, the slider is moveable between a first position and a second position. At the first position, the slider allows fluid communication between the first chamber section and the second chamber section. At the second position, the slider blocks fluid communication between the first chamber section and the second chamber section. A method of using the sperm wash device is also provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide (i) a cryopreservation solution which can be used for cryopreserving umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, and a component containing hematopoietic stem cells derived from any one of these types of blood and which has characteristics suitable for various utilization forms and (ii) use of the cryopreservation solution. In a cryopreservation method in accordance with the present invention, a cryopreservation solution containing a cryoprotectant and glucose is mixed with umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood, and a mixture thus obtained is frozen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to carbon dioxide permeable containers for storing blood 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 carbon dioxide and the elimination of the plasticizer DEHP. The devices and methods provide for the preparation of carbon dioxide depleted blood and blood components for storage that improves the overall quality of the transfused blood and improves health outcomes inpatients and reduces risks associated with DEHP. The devices and methods also provide for maintenance of low oxygen content in blood and blood components during storage. Compositions comprising a blood product and an additive solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and Methods for Stabilizing Circulating Tumor Cells Methods and compositions for stabilizing a biological sample for analysis, comprising the steps of obtaining in a sample collection device a biological sample from a subject, especially blood, the biological sample including at least one circulating tumor cell from the subject. The methods may include a step of contacting the biological sample with a protective agent composition that includes a preservative agent, an optional anticoagulant, and a quenching agent to form a mixture that includes the protective agent composition and the sample.

Abstract: A method for coating an object for equipping a building (1), in particular building hardware, at least having the steps outlined below: a) providing the object (1); and b) coating a surface (2) of the object (1) with a layer (3), wherein the coating is performed using a PVD process, in which antimicrobial or antiviral nanoparticles (4) are at least partially embedded into the layer (3). In addition, a use of nanoparticles, in particular for a PVD process for coating a surface (2) of an object (1), and an object (1) having a coated surface (2) are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for conferring bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties on a surface of an object, comprising: (a) putting the surface into contact with an aqueous solution comprising an ionene-type polymer functionalised by at least one radically polymerisable function, an organic compound with two radically polymerisable functions, an organic compound with three radically polymerisable functions and a photoinitiator, (b) subjecting the surface coated with the aqueous solution to irradiation by means of which a radical polymerisation is initiated and a grafted three-dimensional polymer network comprising ionene-type polymers is obtained. The aqueous solution and the object thus obtained as well as uses thereof in particular for preparing protective garments, for packaging and/or storing fresh food products but also for purifying or decontaminating a solution or a surface.

Abstract: An improved technology for inactivation of viruses, for example the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is causing the Covid-19 pandemic, is described. The technology can include a device that includes a substrate coated in a polymer that is infused with a pathogen inactivating material. In various embodiments, at a given time, a portion of the pathogen inactivating material is exposed to the environment, and the device is configured to periodically or intermittently expose additional pathogen inactivating material to the environment. For example, the polymer can be ablative or sacrificial.