Abstract: A livestock-housing ventilation system for delivering air to the interior of a livestock housing comprises: a first air inlet arranged to provide a stream of ambient air to the interior of the housing: an outlet for air to be exhausted out of the housing: a reversible fan configurable to operate in a first airflow direction, in which the fan directs a flow of air from the housing towards the outlet, or a second airflow direction, in which the fan directs air away from the outlet and into the housing: a recirculation damper arranged between the reversible fan and the outlet; and a controller for controlling the fan. A controller for a ventilation system and a livestock-housing are also provided.

Abstract: An automated litter device having: a) a chamber configured to hold litter to allow an animal to enter and excrete waste; b) a waste drawer in communication with the chamber and configured to receive the waste; c) one or more sensors configured to detect one or more conditions of the device and transmit one or more signals related to the one or more conditions; d) a controller in communication with the one or more sensors which is adapted to receive the one or more signals, wherein the controller is configured to determine one or more positions of the chamber based on the one or more signals received from the one or more sensors and interpret the one or more signals as one or more status signals; e) a communication module in communication with the controller and adapted to communicate with a user interface via a network to transmit the one or more status signals to the user interface, receive one or more instruction signals via the user interface, or both; wherein the user interface is adapted to transmit the

Abstract: An animal enclosure includes a door, a door frame, and a plurality of members each formed by a plurality of interconnecting horizontal and vertical wires. The door is movably coupled to the door frame between an open position and a closed position, where in any position except for the closed position an opening formed in the door frame is at least partially exposed to provide access to the interior of the enclosure. A clip is removably coupled to any one of the plurality of members. The clip includes a body formed by a first member, a top member, a base member, a second member, and a finger portion. The finger portion extends downward from the top member to define a first opening between the finger portion, the top member, and the first member.

Abstract: A cantilevered animal bed comprises a spanning section and two opposed cantilever supports extending substantially parallel to one another along opposed sides of the spanning section. The cantilever supports are hingedly coupled to the spanning section and are adapted to form load-bearing platforms extending beyond the spanning section. The cantilevered animal bed can be used in conjunction with cushioned furniture. When the spanning section is placed atop a furniture crest (an elongate region of local maximum elevation) with the cantilever supports extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal extent thereof, the cantilevered animal bed conforms to the furniture crest at least by hinged movement of the cantilever supports relative to the spanning section, whereby the furniture crest is disposed between the cantilever supports and the cantilever supports rest against the furniture crest. An embodiment in which one cantilever support is replaced by an anchor is also described.

Abstract: A circular grazing system for poultry and/or livestock. The circular grazing system including a center pivot structure installed at a field. The center pivot structure may have a center pivot axis. The field may be a poultry and/or livestock grazing field. The circular grazing system for poultry and/or livestock may include an enclosure for containing poultry and/or livestock. The enclosure may extend generally radially from the center pivot structure to a circumference of the field. The enclosure may be rotably coupled to the center pivot structure such that the enclosure rotates around the center pivot axis.

Abstract: In order to increase the operational safety and service life of a rotary milking parlor (2), a rotatable annular platform (4), and drive and braking means for the platform (4) are proposed. The platform (4) has a plurality of milking stations (7) and the platform (4) rests on a carrier structure. According to the invention, the platform (4) is made of concrete and has a carbon reinforcement structure (17).

Abstract: One-piece ear-tag for identifying an animal. The invention concerns a one-piece tag (1) for identifying an animal comprising: —a head body (31), comprising a first straight channel starting from a back end of said head body (31) and adapted to receive an applicator pin (9), and —a head insert (4), located at a front end of said head body (31), said head insert (4) comprising a pin end portion presenting an elliptic conical shape, adapted to pierce a portion of an animal's body.

Abstract: A pet grooming kit for converting a bathtub into a pet grooming station. The pet grooming kit includes an apparatus for establishing a raised platform in the bathtub. The pet grooming kit further includes a wheeled bench that is independently movably relative to the apparatus between a separate seated condition and a dolly condition engaging the apparatus for the combination to be wheeled away for storage. The pet grooming kit may include a vertical pole elevated above the raised platform for restraining a pet thereon, wherein the apparatus is circumscribed by the bathtub.

Abstract: Provided is a pet toy including a handle, a shaft including a launching protrusion, the shaft extending from the handle, a cord coupled to the shaft, and a toy assembly. The toy assembly is removably attachable to the cord or engageable with the launching protrusion. In a first configuration of the pet toy, the toy assembly is removably coupled to the cord. In a second configuration of the pet toy, the toy assembly is launchable from the launching protrusion.

Abstract: A multilevel pet puzzle includes a first level including a first puzzle of a first puzzle type, a portion of the first puzzle movable to provide access to a first treat compartment, and a second level including a second puzzle of a second puzzle type, a portion of the second puzzle movable to provide access to a second treat compartment.

Abstract: Non-toxic, polymeric animal toys with incorporated flavor compositions are disclosed and described. The flavor compositions are emulsified to provide high flash points which will withstand polymer processing techniques used to form the toys without significant losses of the flavor composition. Exemplary animal toys include those with polymeric foam bodies and elastomers that have flavor emulsions mixed into them as well as semi-crystalline polymeric fiber toys in which the outer fibers and all or part of the core fibers have an incorporated flavor composition.

Abstract: A retractable leash tether assembly includes a retractable animal leash that can be attached to a domesticated animal. A tether is included that has a first loop which is formed into the tether which can be positioned around the user's wrist. The tether has a leash attachment element facilitating the tether to be removably attached to the retractable animal leash. In this way the tether facilitates the user to keep control of the domesticated animal when the user loses grip of the retractable animal leash. The tether is comprised of an elastomeric material to inhibit the user's wrist from being injured due to the domesticated animal running from the user when the user loses grip of the grip.

Abstract: An improved animal harness is disclosed. The improved animal harness includes a harness body, an abdomen strap, a breast strap, reflective elements, a controller, power source, and light sources for aesthetics and safety in low-light conditions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an advanced pet-monitoring system including at least one of wearable component and the connected user device. The system utilizes data collected from each of these components as well as the state of any connections between the devices to (i) make various determinations about the pet's health and environment; (ii) notify the user of substantial changes in the pet's health and environment; and (iii) track the location of the pet.

Abstract: A laying nest provided with an ejection system with a particularly simple structure and operation comprises a nest floor that can rotate in two opposite directions, to get more inclined towards a collection area or towards a coop arranged on the nest side opposite to the collection area. The floor is rotatable about a pair of pivot pins arranged aligned to each other and adjacent to the coop, and each of the pivot pins is mounted slidably in a respective slot. The rotation to incline the floor towards the collection area is thus obtained by translating the pivot pins along the respective slots. The driving arrangement of the ejection system comprises traction cables guided along return pulleys arranged above the floor, whereby the ejection system has a limited footprint and is not prone to jams and malfunctions due to droppings and dirt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beehive comprising: an interior construction (1) that has an inner cavity (3) designed to be occupied by a bee colony and to accommodate honeycomb built by the colony; a support device (2) in which the interior construction (1) is received; and an insulation device (4) which is received on the support device (2) and has a layered construction. The layered construction comprises: a vapour-control layer (5) which is formed by a vapour-diffusion-inhibiting material and is arranged on the support device (2) so as to surround the interior construction (1); and a insulating layer (6) which is formed by a heat-insulating material and is arranged on the support device (2) so as to surround the vapour-control layer (5). The invention also relates to a method for producing a beehive.

Abstract: A buoy that includes a first sensor to measure a change of an environmental event, a compartment that contains at least one organism, a second sensor to determine a maturity of the at least one organism, a release mechanism to release the at least one organism from the compartment to the body of water, an adjustable aperture nozzle mounted to the buoy to disperse the at least one organism from the compartment in a rate proportionate to the change of the environmental event with a quantity of the water from the body of water, and a control operable to adjust the release mechanism.

Abstract: An improved marine life sanctuary assembly that is completely underwater and is designed to duplicate a natural mangrove that provides protection and promotes an underwater ecosystem, which can help reverse the decline in the fish population, aviary habitats, erosion, and the like and help to promote land and marine colonization.

Abstract: Provided are a transgenic animal model, a method for constructing same, and use thereof. An Axin1flox/flox transgenic mouse is used to mate with an Agc1-CreER transgenic mouse to produce an Axin1+Agc1ER condition knockout mouse. Then by means of tamoxifen induction, the Axin1 expression in the Axin1+Agc1ER condition knockout mouse is down-regulated, and a disease combined model with the pathological characteristics of “growth plate chondrocyte hypertrophy, heterotopic ossification and articular cartilage degeneration of knee joints” is successfully established. The model is similar to clinically related pathological features, and can be used for systematically studying the pathogenesis of growth plate chondrocyte hypertrophy, heterotopic ossification and osteoarthritis and further screening for drugs for treating related diseases.

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

Abstract: The object of the invention is to allow insects to be reared in a high-rack warehouse in an automated, resource-saving and efficient manner. The invention presented herein achieves this object in that a supply portal is arranged on the at least one high rack, to which a storage logistics facility can transport the boxes stored in a stackable manner in the at least one high rack, wherein the state of the box contents within the boxes transported from the storage logistics facility to the supply portal can be determined by means of the supply portal and the insects can be supplied by means of the supply portal and/or ejected when ready for harvest.

Abstract: A soft plastic fishing lure has a bait body with a head portion and a tail portion opposite the head portion. The bait body has an elastomeric material and defines a cavity with an opening disposed at the tail portion. The cavity extends into the bait body toward the head portion. An insert is configured to be inserted into the cavity through the opening and retained in the bait body. The insert has a fish attracting feature, such as a rattle, a glow stick, or a scented material.

Abstract: A reverse rotation prevention device and a magnetic fluid seal mechanism disposed in front of the reverse rotation prevention device are provided. The reverse rotation prevention device comprises an inner ring, an outer ring disposed outside the inner ring, and a plurality of rollers disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring. The magnetic fluid seal mechanism comprises a cylindrical member that is a magnetic body, a ring-shaped magnet, a first magnetic plate and a second magnetic plate, and a magnetic fluid held by a magnetic force. A cylindrical intermediate member that is a non-magnetic body disposed between the inner ring and the cylindrical member is further provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dipterous insect attracting device comprising a container, a wick coupleable to the container configured to diffuse an attractant composition arranged in the container by capillarity, and a cap coupled to the container closing same, the cap being configured to collapse or swell; wherein the attracting device is configured to be arranged in an activated position suitable for diffusing the attractant composition through the wick and to be arranged in a deactivated position in which the attractant composition is not diffused through the wick, wherein the cap is configured to collapse or swell as the attractant composition is diffused through the wick. A trap for capturing dipterous insects using the dipterous insect attracting device is also provided. Furthermore, an attractant composition indicated for attracting dipterous insects is provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a calendar configuration for a multi-sheet fly trap, with each sheet having a sticky exposed surface of a plastic or paper sheet, which is exposed when the covering sheet is removed, each sheet includes patterns of spaced apart black lines over a different colored surface. The black lines sized to emulate cracks or surface edges to attract the flies thereon. And the sticky sheets can be left up for a period of time from a day to a month, and then be ripped off and discarded.

Abstract: An extermination drone may include a transceiver; at least one detection sensor configured to detect a stinging insect; a processor communicatively connected to the at least one detection sensor and transceiver; a power supply electrically connected to the transceiver, the at least one detection sensor, and the processor; at least one propulsion means; and an insecticide treatment dispenser communicatively connected to the transceiver. The insecticide treatment dispenser may be configured to dispense an insecticide upon receiving a first signal.

Abstract: A bug capture and disposal device includes a shaft having a working end opposite a handle end. A head plate is affixed to the working end and a pair of flaps are pivotally affixed along opposing sides of the head plate. The pair of flaps are selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. A rod is disposed within an interior of the shaft and is operably connected to a control disposed on the handle end and each flap of the pair of flaps. Upon actuation of the control, the rod moves the pair of flaps towards the closed position. A retraction control is slidably disposed on the shaft, wherein the retraction control is operably connected to the rod, whereupon actuation of the retraction control, the pair of flaps towards the open position. An adhesive pad is removably secured to an underside of the pair of flaps.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one spray head of a crop sprayer includes capturing, as the crop sprayer traverses a field, a color image of an area of the field to be potentially sprayed by a first spray head, dividing at least part of the captured image into a first set of sub-areas, determining whether at least a defined number of the sub-areas corresponding to the first spray head include at least a defined number of pixels having defined color values corresponding to foliage to be sprayed, and activating the first spray head upon at least the defined number of the sub-areas areas corresponding to the first spray head having more than the defined threshold of pixels within the defined color values.

Abstract: A minnow trap and bait assembly for luring minnows using bait held in a container within the minnow trap includes a frame including a boundary wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface. A pair of funnels is coupled to the frame and each of the funnels extend into the frame wherein each of the funnels provides access for minnows into the frame. A bait container is positioned within the frame and encloses a compartment space containing minnow bait. An outer surface of the bait container has a container opening extending therethrough and into the compartment space, and a lid removably closes the container opening of the compartment space of the bait container. A securing member couples the bait container to the frame within the interior space.

Abstract: An accessory intended to be worn by a user, including a case and an element for carrying the case, the accessory also including a pad that is able to release an active substance by gradual evaporation, the case being equipped with a housing that has a lateral slot through which the pad can be reversibly inserted, the housing being arranged for providing a force for holding said inserted pad, at least one wall of the housing having a grille the openings of which are arranged to allow the evaporation of the active substance through the grille.

Abstract: A decoy comprises a moveable member moveably affixed to a body where the moveable member is moveable relative to the body between a first position and a second position. The moveable member has a first region and a second region. The first region has a first visual indicia, and the second region has a second visual indicia. The first visual indicia being at least partially within the body in the first position. The first visual indicia being partially outside the body in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for cold storing blood platelets, comprising platelets in a suitable storage medium, and at least one inhibitor of platelet apoptosis. Preferably, said apoptosis inhibitor is a selective inhibitor targeting cold-storage induced apoptosis.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising a population of cells that are amenable to freezing or lyophilization while maintaining viable cells. The compositions comprise a monosaccharide, urea and, in some embodiments, a bulking agent. Also provided are methods for preparing and storing cells via freezing or lyophilization in a manner that allows cells to remain viable during storage.

Abstract: A system for the hypothermic transport of biological samples, such as tissues, organs, or body fluids. The system includes a self-purging preservation apparatus to suspend a sample in preservation fluid and perfuse a tissue with preservation fluid. The self-purging preservation apparatus is placed in an insulated transport container having a cooling medium. When assembled, the system allows for transport of biological samples for extended periods of time at a stable temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for expanding TILs and producing therapeutic populations of TILs, including novel methods for cryopreserving tumor tissues that lead to improved efficacy, improved phenotype, and increased metabolic health of the TILs in a shorter time period, while allowing for reduced microbial contamination as well as decreased costs. Such TILs find use in therapeutic treatment regimens.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel systems and methods for rapidly thawing cryopreserved pollen samples. The methods provided herein include methods of rapidly thawing cryopreserved pollen or bulk pollen samples having a desired moisture content, and methods of applying the rapidly thawed pollen to at least a recipient plant, thereby pollinating the recipient plant with the rapidly thawed pollen from the donor plant.

Abstract: Described are methods of field conditioning and preserving dicotyledonous pollen and/or anthers. A method of the present invention includes collecting fresh pollen and/or anthers and introducing the pollen and/or anthers to field conditioning conditions which regulate pollen moisture content. The field conditioning conditions may include an air flow at a humidity ranging from 5% to about 100% and a temperature ranging from about ?10° C. to about 10° C. The field conditioning conditions and preservation conditions may further include a flow of one or more continuously refreshed, selected gases. The field conditioning conditions may dehydrate the pollen to achieve a pollen moisture content of about 15% to about 35%. The preservation conditions may dehydrate the pollen to achieve a pollen moisture content of about 40% to about 58%.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising pollen grains such that the pollen has improved viability as compared to pollen that is left in ambient conditions. The compositions include the separation of dead pollen contents from live pollen grains. In some embodiments, pollen grains are stored with a substance that prevents dead pollen contents from interacting with live pollen grains. The substance may be a solid, liquid, gas, or combination thereof.

Abstract: A microbial inoculant composition includes aquatic bacterial species. In some embodiments, the microbial inoculant composition includes at least one of an aquatic Pseudomonas spp. and a Clostridium spp.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a synergistically effective herbicide composition comprising as component (A) an herbicidally active amount of pelargonic acid and as component (B) flazasulfuron, wherein a weight ratio of components (A) and (B) is in a range up to 1000:1.

Abstract: A use of 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid in promoting plant growth and increasing yield and use of the 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid in promoting growth of a plant seedling and/or promoting growth of a mature plant and increasing yield. The 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid is a natural product, has a simple structure, and is easy for industrial production. The 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid can promote plant growth and has the potential of being developed into a natural plant growth regulator. The 2-amino-3-methylhexanoic acid is a natural product, low in dosage, and environmentally friendly, has a remarkable promoting effect on plant growth, and thus is a green and efficient biological source plant growth regulator, which indicates the utilization value and application prospects of such substances in agricultural production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to malonamide compounds of the formula (I) where the variables are as defined in the claims and the description, and to compositions comprising these compounds. The invention also relates to the use of said malonamide compounds or the corresponding compositions for controlling unwanted vegetation, and to methods of applying the malonamide compounds or the corresponding compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein R1, A, R2, R4, R5, L and Q are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active compound combinations comprising methyl 2-[2-chloro-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propanoate, 2-[2-chloro-4-(4-chlorophenoxy)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propanoic acid or a mixture thereof, and at least one further specified fungicide, to compositions comprising such compound combination, and to the use thereof as biologically active agents, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of industrial materials.

Abstract: Aquatic herbicidal formulations generally including at least one active ingredient and at least one functional additive that promotes nutrient sequestration. For example, in one embodiment the at least one functional additive includes a nutrient-binding ingredient that binds certain nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorous, nitrogenous compounds, and/or phosphoric compounds) within the target plant, from an environment surrounding or proximate the target plant, and/or as those nutrients are released after the application of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A method of reducing an amount of a Candida auris biofilm on a surface, including, contacting a composition with the surface, where the composition reduces the amount of the Candida auris biofilm by at least 50% 24 hours after contacting the composition with the surface. The composition includes silicalite, and silver nanoparticles isomorphously substituted in a matrix of the silicalite, where an atomic ratio of Si to Ag is in a range of 25:1 to 1:1. The particles of the composition have a spherical shape and an average size of 400-800 nm.

Abstract: A disinfecting solution is provided including hypochlorous acid and chlorine stabilizer. The hypochlorous acid can exist in the solution at a concentration of 0.1 to 1000 ppm. The chlorine stabilizer may be 0.1 to 50 percent by weight of the solution. The chlorine stabilizer may be cyanuric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticidal composition comprising Elemental Sulphur, Acynonapyr, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The invention particularly relates to a pesticidal composition comprising Elemental Sulphur in the range of 20% w/w to 90% w/w of the total composition, Acynonapyr present in the range of 0.1% to 50% w/w of the total composition and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. The composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. The present invention also relates to process of preparation of the pesticidal composition. The invention relates to a method of treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, a seed, seedling or surrounding soil with a pesticidal composition.

Abstract: Novel pesticidal polypeptides that are active against lepidopteran insect pests are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the novel insecticidal proteins are also provided. The nucleotide sequences encoding the pesticidal polypeptides can be used to transform prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to express the insecticidal proteins. Methods of making the insecticidal proteins and methods of using the insecticidal proteins, for example in transgenic plants to confer protection from insect damage, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling or preventing pathogenic damage and/or pest damage in a plant propagation material, a plant, part of a plant and/or plant organ, comprising applying on the plant, part of the plant, plant organ, plant propagation material or a surrounding area thereof a phytoprotective agent comprising an enzyme and a fungicide.