Abstract: A gate valve unit that can be used with existing animal feeders that have a feed container and aperture in the feed container for allowing the feed to be dispensed. Generally, the feed is gravity fed through the aperture and contacts a spinning feed dispensing member throwing the feed about the animal feeder. The invention includes a plunger-type gate that is solenoid actuated and is closed by one or more return springs. The spinning member and the plunger gate can be actuated together by either a timer or by a wireless command from a remote location.

Abstract: A manual brushing device has a handle which comprises a battery, as well as a rotatable driving part that is connected to the handle for driving the connected removable brush. This driving part comprises an electric motor for the rotation of the brush, as well as vibration devices, which can cause the brush to tap or vibrate, causing the better removal of the dirt and dust from the skin. The brush has a removable receiving cover locked onto the driving part.

Abstract: A fly mask for horses has a cage structure supporting a mesh, the structure being formed of semi-rigid plastic splines which hold the mesh away from the eyes and most of the surfaces of the horse's head. In a preferred form the fly mask has protruding lines at the location of the splines, protecting the mask against excessive wear due to rubbing of the mask against posts or other building structure when worn. A detachable protective nose guard can be included.

Abstract: Device for increasing the training effect in a horse, consisting of essentially a sheet of mat-like material (1) adapting to and attachable to the horse's back. The mat-like sheet (1) is, over a substantial area, equipped with slits (9) going through the mat, in order to improve flexibility, and also of cuts (3, 4) that take up a position in essentially the area of the highest point of the horse's rear scapulae, which permits the overlapping of the parts of the mat remaining on different sides of the cut (3, 4).

Abstract: A shock collar assembly with proximity sensors detects the proximity of a collar relative to a remote and administers a shock at a predetermined proximity. The assembly includes a collar and a pair of probes extending from the collar. A collar processor and a collar transceiver are coupled to the collar. The collar processor activates the probes upon receiving a first level signal when the animal is within a first predetermined distance from a remote. A remote processor, a remote transceiver, and a control are coupled to the remote. The remote processor activates the probes upon sending the first level signal when the animal is within the first predetermined distance. The control is operationally coupled to the collar. The collar processor activates a collar alarm and the remote processor activates a remote alarm upon receiving a second level signal when the animal is within a second predetermined distance.

Abstract: A birdfeeder having a one-touch removable base portion and a stationary upper main body portion is provided. The one-touch removable base portion serves as the bottom of the birdfeeder and may have a generally circular housing wherein a spring tensioned pin moves from a closed First Position A to an open Second Position B within the circular housing of the base portion. The components of the one-touch removable base portion are protected from the outside elements by being located underneath the bottom of the birdfeeder. A first end of the movable pin extends outside the generally circular housing of the base portion and locks the removable base portion housing into the stationary upper main body portion of the birdfeeder. The birdfeeder further has a movable exterior guard which selectively either allows access to a feeding port or blocks access to the feeding port.

Abstract: A birdseed dispenser and birdfeeder incorporating the same are provided. The dispenser has a base assembly mounted to a first opening formed in the sidewall of the birdseed reservoir, including a front plate having a second opening formed therein, a flange extending around the second opening and projecting away from the front plate, and an end wall supported by the flange such that the flange and end wall together define a chamber. The dispenser also includes an apertured piece received in the chamber having a first seed aperture of a first configuration and a second seed aperture of a different configuration. The apertured piece is moveable between a first orientation, which places the first seed aperture in a seed accessible state permitting birds access to the seed, and a second orientation to place the second seed aperture in the seed accessible state.

Abstract: A knock-out non-human animal, in particular a mouse, carrying a QPCTL knock-out mutation. Additionally, respective cells and cell lines and methods and compositions for evaluating agents that affect QPCTL, for use in compositions for the treatment of QPCTL-related diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for determining tension in or on a line, including a housing mountable to a surface, an idler and a traveler sheave rotatably mounted on the housing, and a scale operatively engaged with the traveler sheave. A block and slot are provided on the housing. A spring disposed between the block and a portion of the housing is compressed when the block moves in a first direction and is released when the block moves in a second direction. The traveler sheave and an indicator are mounted on the block and move in unison therewith. The sheaves are aligned along the same plane and the block moves in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the sheaves are disposed. Markings are provided on the housing and the indicator aligns with one of these markings to indicate the tension applied to the line.

Abstract: A water-activated bobber release device is used to retrieve a submerged item to which it is attached. The device has a housing, a spring, a bobber assembly having a bobber, a spool and a central hole, a bobbin assembly having a framework surrounding a center hole and a dissolvable tablet within the framework, a screw having a flared head engaging the framework and an elongated threaded section extending through the central hole and the center hole, and a fastener connected to the screw holding the spring in compression when the tablet is solidified. The device also has a line wrapped around the spool connecting the bobber assembly to the housing or the item. When submerged in water, the tablet dissolves, and the spring forces the screw's head through the bobbin assembly, thereby jettisoning the bobber assembly from the housing where it is free to float to the surface for retrieval.

Abstract: An apparatus to project toward a tree to disburse a pheromone, comprising: a releaser removably adjacent to a capsule via an extension; whereby said releaser and said capsule are disposed adjacent to each other in a deployable state, then the releaser separates from the capsule but is still connected via said extension whereby inertia causes said releaser to move away from said capsule into an attachment state, and related methods of applying a pheromone onto a tree branch.

Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.

Abstract: An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having a conductive trace. The carrier can further include a bottom surface with a tread pattern having a pattern of grooves. The conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the pattern of grooves, which can prevent water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace.

Abstract: An alligator game call device is essentially a solid cylindrical body preferably having about a 5/4 inch outer diameter. The device has an exterior surface and a central axial blind bore therein extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The bore has stepped, concentric, progressively smaller diameter sections from the proximal end toward the distal end of the body. Preferably a first section is ½ inch deep, a second section is ½ inch deep, a third section is 1 inch deep and a fourth section is 1½ inch deep. The game call includes a pair of angled nostril bores extending from the fourth section to an exterior surface of the body, wherein the nostril bores intersecting the exterior surface are spaced ½ inch apart.

Abstract: The present invention is a lanyard game strap, hauler or tote that can be worn around the neck of a hunter. The strap, hauler or tote contains one type of attachment means for holding both game calls and another type of attachment means for holding game. Several of each type of attachment means are attached to each strap, hauler or tote. The lanyard game strap, hauler or tote is preferably stretchable so as to be comfortable to wear around the neck even when game is attached to the lanyard game strap, hauler or tote that increases the total weight being carried around the hunter's neck.

Abstract: An elevated drive-in hunting blind for use by a hunter while seated on an all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) includes a primary enclosure having a floor, a roof, and opposed side walls, the primary enclosure having a end wall extending between distal edges of the side walls and defining an open end opposite the end wall. A door is pivotally coupled to a proximal edge of a respective side wall and selectively movable between an open and closed configurations allowing or preventing the ATV to enter the primary enclosure, respectively. A shooting window adjacent the roof is defined by one of the door, end wall, or side walls. The primary enclosure is mounted atop and supported by a framework having a plurality of legs. A ramp extends at an angle between the floor adjacent the open end and the ground, the ramp facilitating entry or exit of the ATV.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising (a) 21 to 70 parts by weight of a solvent having no nitrogen atom and having a carbonyl or sulfonyl group in the molecule, (b) 30 to 78.9 parts by weight of at least one component selected from the group consisting of a non-cyclic alcohol, an alkylene glycol, a polyalkylene glycol, a triol, a glycol monoacetate and a glycol monoalkyl ether, (c) 0.001 to 30 parts by weight of a physiologically active ingredient, and (d) 0.001 to 49 parts by weight of water.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition in concentrated form (“the concentrate”) for dilution with water in the preparation of an agricultural composition for application to crops, soil or animals, comprising a carbohydrate-based pH modifying agent and a pH indicator. The agricultural composition comprises an agricultural chemical whose agricultural activity varies with the pH of the water. The proportions of the pH indicator and the pH modifying agent in the concentrate are selected so that when the concentrate is diluted with an appropriate amount of water, the pH indicator indicates visually by coloration of the composition, whether or not the pH of the water is suitable for acceptable agricultural activity of the chemical. The invention also provides a process for preparing the agricultural composition by mixing the concentrate with water, and adding the agricultural chemical to the composition, if it is not already present in the concentrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising an agonist and an antagonist, in certain ratios which allow for the onset of agonist action followed quickly by alleviation by antagonist action, and methods of use in personal defense and law enforcement.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the disinfection of surfaces are provided. The compositions include at least about 40 weight percent of a C1-6 alcohol, and a primary enhancer selected from protein denaturants. The disinfectant composition is characterized by a pH of less than about 3. Broad spectrum efficacy is achieved, and synergistic activity is exhibited against C. difficile spores.

Abstract: A skin antisepsis composition comprising a comprising a (C1-4)alcohol and water in a ratio of at least 60:40, a hydroxycarboxylic acid, a cationic film-forming polymer, and at least one antimicrobial agent; and methods of using the composition are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a synthetic combination of a crop and at least one fungal endophyte, wherein the crop is a host plant of the endophyte. Provided are also methods and compositions for producing such synthetic combinations. The endophyte reproduces and enhances the agronomic characteristics of the crop. Methods for inoculating the host plant with the endophyte, for propagating the host-endophyte combination, and for detecting the presence of the endophyte and of its metabolites within a host plant are also described.

Abstract: A novel transfer apparatus having several movable parts is used for moving the dough product from a first position to a final position. The transfer apparatus uses the arm to move the dough product and a motor and software that controls the movement of the arm. A roller residing in the arm also has its own motor and software to control its rotational movement. The components of the arm such as a roller, back support and the flap each have their own unique shape and structure to maximize efficiency. The transfer apparatus may be used as an insertable apparatus in any food processing machine and also used as an integral part of the flat bread making machine.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a co-filled product. A center layer is fed through a center channel of a die face and an outer layer is fed through an outer layer of a die face. The center channel is coupled to a fluid control device which controls the flow of the center layer. The position of the fluid control device is determined by the location of a cutting blade located downstream from the die face. In one embodiment the fluid control device is synchronized to ensure that when the product is cut by the cutting blade the cutting blade does not cut through the center layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coating products is disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes receiving coating at an inlet end of a pan assembly for application to a product, vibrating the pan assembly using a vibratory frame assembly connected thereto, positioning the product at the inlet end of the pan assembly, removing excess coating from at least a portion of the pan assembly, receiving the product at the discharge end of the pan assembly, and receiving the excess coating at the discharge end of the pan assembly and transporting it to the inlet end of the pan assembly.

Abstract: Poultry carcasses are contacted with water treated with one or more specified dihalodialkylhydantoin biocides in a processing operation downstream from a scalding tank. The aqueous effluent from that downstream operation or from any location further downstream is recycled to the scalding tank. Surprisingly, the bromine residues from the dihalodialkylhydantoin biocides are much more thermally unstable than, for example, the commonly used microbiocide, sodium hypochlorite. Thus, the effluent from the scalding tank has its active bromine content significantly reduced before it is sent to a water purification facility wherein microbial action is used to reduce the BOD of the waste water before its release to the environment. Thus, injury to this desired microbial action is reduced. In addition, the recycle reduces water consumption in the overall poultry processing operation.

Abstract: Methods for preparing cheese are provided that involve combining a slurry with a cheese precursor to form an admixture that is subsequently processed to form the cheese product. The slurry typically includes a liquid such as water, milk and/or cream and one or more ingredients that are useful for inclusion in the final cheese product. Systems for preparing such slurries and cheese products are also provided.

Abstract: A method of smoke-infusing proteinaceous foods comprises the following sequential steps: a) enclosing the proteinaceous foods in a vacuum-treating zone; b) introducing smoke directly or indirectly from a smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; c) subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone, thereby infusing smoke into the proteinaceous foods; d) repeating the steps of introducing smoke directly or indirectly from the smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone at least fifty times in pulsed sequences of smoke introduction stage/vacuum purging stage/vacuum release stage for the efficient infusion of smoke into the proteinaceous foods; and e) a post-chill resting cycle of the smoke-infused proteinaceous foods at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time.

Abstract: Liquid brewed beverage concentrates and methods of making the concentrates are provided herein. The concentrates are liquid and flowable at room temperature and can be diluted in an aqueous liquid to provide a beverage having the general appearance, flavor, and aroma of a freshly brewed beverage. The concentrates include a low water content, high non-aqueous liquid content, particularly non-volatile non-aqueous liquid content, and high flavor solids content, the amounts of which are balanced to provide concentrates with a desired flavor profile with little or no flavor degradation after storage at room temperature in a sealed container for at least about three months.

Abstract: A method includes separately conveying a first liquid solution (36) containing the first material and a second liquid solution (46) containing a liquid polyelectrolyte. The method includes forming of a series of drops (78) at the outlet (50), each drop (78) including a central core (80) formed from a first solution (36) and a peripheral film (82) formed from a second solution. The method includes immersing each drop (78) in a gelling solution (70) containing a reagent capable of reacting with the polyelectrolyte of the film (82) so as to form the gelled casing. The second solution (40) contains at least one surfactant before the former contacts the first solution (36).

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the production of natural truffle (Tuber ssp.) aromas using cultures of truffle mycelium and the use of at least one aroma precursor to induce the production by truffle mycelium of volatile compounds characteristic of the natural aroma of truffle fruiting bodies. This invention also includes truffle mycelium (Tuber ssp.) cultivated according to the process of the invention, aromatized products having the smell and the taste of natural truffle fruiting bodies and extracted from said truffle mycelium, as well as aromatized substrates containing the same aromatized products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition with trace elements for nutrition. The composition is characterized by an increased content of selenium and/or zinc as a trace element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to plants that display an improved oil quantity phenotype or an improved meal quality phenotype due to altered expression of an IMQ nucleic acid. The disclosure is further directed to methods of generating plants with an improved oil quantity phenotype or improved meal quality phenotype.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the use of non-pathogenic microorganisms to prevent the growth and/or activity of pathogenic microorganisms in food products. More specifically, several embodiments relate to manipulation of the pH of low acid foods by non-pathogenic microorganisms to generate a local environment that is adverse to pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pre-triturating device, for solving a problem that the food should be pre-processed in the prior art to make the user inconvenient. According to the problem described above, after the pre-triturating device of the present invention is installed in the food processing machine, by connection between the driving shaft or the shaft hole and the shaft hole or the connecting shaft of the center of the bottom surface of the pre-triturating device, in the pre-triturating procedure, the user can relieve the food pre-processing procedure when processing the food, and the processing food is easier and quicker. Because the food is pre-triturated, the loader of the mixed device is reduced, the life of the machine is prolonged, and the mixing or squeezing juice efficiency is increased.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming chunks and spears at high speed from unpeeled fruit items is provided. The fruit is sliced into unpeeled wedges. The unpeeled wedges are conveyed into a plurality of staggered transverse chunking blades, wherein the flesh, but not the peel, is cut sequentially from the center of each wedge outwardly, flattening each wedge. A peel removal knife is located to sever the peel of each wedge from the center outwardly after the transverse chunk cutting blades have cut the flesh. Spears may be formed by deleting some of the transverse chunking blades.

Abstract: A semi-automatic cigarette-making machine of the tobacco-injecting type including a housing with an aperture and a compacting chamber in communication with the aperture for receiving loose tobacco, a compacting member mounted for manual reciprocal up and down motion from an initial position adjacent the top of the compacting chamber toward the bottom of the compacting chamber in response to the rotation of a pair of opposed gears, and an injection spoon mounted for automatic powered reciprocal lateral movement from a rest position within the compacting chamber across the compacting chamber to transport rod-like compacted tobacco shapes past the ejection side of the compacting chamber and into a hollow cigarette tube.

Abstract: A device for producing cigarettes in the tobacco processing industry that has a tobacco processing unit and a paper feeding unit, which feeds a paper having LIP strips to the tobacco processing unit, wherein the paper feeding unit has a measurement device, which continuously detects the LIP strips, wherein the measurement device has a microwave resonator, through whose measurement region the paper having the LIP strip is passing, and which detects a shift of the resonance curve and/or a broadening of the resonance frequency.

Abstract: An electronic simulation cigarette comprises a shell. One end of the shell installs the air inlet port while in the shell the power source, atomization and spray device, capsule with smoke solution in it are set up. Connect the power source and the heater, the capsule and the atomization and spray device. Install the capsule aspiration device at one end of the atomization and spray device and penetrate the device in the capsule. Spraying solutions used for the electronic simulation cigarette include the polyethylene glycol, the propylene glycol and the taste modifier. A smoking set of the electronic simulation cigarette includes the suction nozzle which is linked with the shell of the smoking set.

Abstract: An electric-cigarette comprises a heating element and a battery electrically connected to the heating element. The cigarette further comprises an annular, semi-annular or arc illuminant arranged on the housing between the butt and the mouth of the electric-cigarette, the illuminant electrically connects to the battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to atomizers for an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking article. The atomizer may include a liquid transport element and a wire continuously extending along a longitudinal length thereof. The wire may define end portions, contact portions, and a heating portion. The wire may be continuously wound about the liquid transport element such that each of the portions of the wire defines coils. A related input, cartridge, and method of forming atomizers also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides hosiery including a panty portion that is asymmetrical. The hosiery provides a comfortable fit for a variety of different sizes including larger sizes and maternity.

Abstract: A garment for supporting a wearer's breasts has a band for encircling a wearer's torso and a pair of cups for receiving at least a major part of a wearer's breast, and a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap extending from a corresponding cup to a back portion of the garment. The garment has a pair of panel portions, each panel portion extending between the band and a corresponding cup of the pair of cups. Each panel portion has a folding portion that is foldable relative to the pair of cups so that the folding portions lie between a wearer's breasts and a wearer's torso, in use. The band, the shoulder straps and the panel portions are arranged such that the weight of a wearer's breasts are supported by both the shoulder straps and the band.

Abstract: A post-operative compression bra (1) having an opening located between two portions, a front right portion (2) and a front left portion (3) that are secured together using strap clips (9) that allow pressure being exerted by the bra on a patient to be adjusted. Rounded notches (19) are located on an upper edge (17) of a right side portion (12) and a left side portion (13) to prevent the side portions from coming into contact with a patient's lymph nodes. The side portions and a rear portion (20) may also be partially constructed out of a mesh material to allow for air flow to the skin. A drain apron (30) provides storage for drain bulbs (32).

Abstract: Embodiments provide a waistband system including a flap of material coupled to a pair of pants at or near a waistband of the pants. The flap may be rotated (e.g., folded) between an extended position in which at least a portion of the flap rises above a waistline (i.e., top edge) of the pants, and a folded down position in which the flap is substantially or completely disposed in an interior portion of the pants below the waistline. When the flap is in the extended (folded up) position, the flap may provide a user of the pants protection from snow, rain, liquids, and/or debris, above the waistline of the pants. On the other hand, the folded down position may provide more comfort and/or aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: The belt with interchangeable accessories is formed of a soft, resilient elastomer and includes a series of notches along its upper and lower edges. An accessory or accessories is/are adapted for removable and interchangeable installation on the belt. Each accessory has a pair of elastic loops extending from the back thereof. Each loop passes through corresponding notches of the belt to secure the accessory removably to the belt. The accessories may comprise a large number of different configurations, e.g., two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations, storage compartments for makeup or other purposes, mirrors or other reflective surfaces, electrically lighted displays, etc. A removable buckle is provided. The rearward portion of the buckle has a passage therethrough, the passage gripping one end of the belt therein. The overlying portion of the buckle has a channel and openable cover for removably securing the opposite end of the belt in the resulting passage.

Abstract: A ratchet belt system includes a belt having a notch strip extending along a portion of the length thereof. The notch strip is formed of a plurality of adjacent notches, each being configured to engage a ratcheting tab of an associated buckle. In an embodiment, the tab is coupled to a release lever that is oriented toward a receptacle portion of the buckle for ergonomically improving the release mechanics and preventing accidental release of the engaged tab a user is leaned forward in a seated position. In another embodiment the belt includes a first notch strip about a first surface of the belt and a second notch strip about a second surface of the belt opposite of the first surface, thereby providing a reversible ratcheting belt. Other improvements include accessories configured to engage with the ratchet belt system for display and storage thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attaching device for extension eyelashes adapted to attach false eyelashes to natural eyelashes by overlapping the false eyelashes containing an adhesive with the natural eyelashes and applying heat to the adhesive. The device includes a body defining a space therein and shaped to be held by a hand. A support is formed on an end of the body to support the false eyelashes. An inner grip is shaped to surround the support, and grips the natural eyelashes and the false eyelashes. An outer grip is shaped to surround the inner grip, further grips the natural eyelashes and the false eyelashes that are gripped by the inner grip, and applies heat to the adhesive contained in the false eyelashes. A manipulating portion is slidably coupled to an exterior of the body and moved to sequentially operate the inner grip and the outer grip.

Abstract: Headwear reduces radiation exposure with a brim on a top crown that generally surrounds the head. The brim is above a bottom of the crown to avoid interfering with the ears, face, and/or adjustment strap of the cap, which may be of critical importance for those needing protection from sunlight. Brims are positionable a half-inch or more above the bottom of the crown and may completely or partially extend about the crown. Brims may extend at an angle of 20-degrees or more to provide clearance for the ears, face, and any adjustment structure. Brims may be integral with or nondestructively removable from the crown and may include bands or cut-outs for existing brims, bills, or adjustment structures for fitting of hats to which removable brims are added. Headwear may be rigid or a flexible canvas.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the disclosed technology, systems, methods and devices are provided for wholly or partially obscuring the vision of a pet electronically using a cap worn on the head of the pet. In one embodiment, the cap has a screen or lens disposed proximate to the pet's eyes. The screen is capable of identifying an object or living thing that may be threatened by the pet, and wholly or partially obscuring the object from the vision of the pet to prevent the pet from being able to see and/or attack the object. An additional safety measure of the cap may be to completely darken or whiten the vision of the pet such that the pet is temporarily impaired from seeing anything. Still further, audio may also be used to distract or draw the pet's attention away the from target object.