Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling pet access according to various aspects of the present invention generally comprise a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock and unlock a pet door. A controller connected to the locking mechanism controls the locking mechanism in response to a control signal. A wireless receiver connected to the controller conveys the control signal to the controller.

Abstract: An automatic animal watering apparatus includes a dish having an automatic watering valve disposed therein. When the valve is first closed, a water level in the dish is at a maximum level, and a hydraulic source pressure acts only across a smaller cross-sectional area of a valve seat which is closed by the valve, thus requiring only a first lower buoyancy force acting on a valve actuator float to maintain the valve closed. The water level can then drop from the maximum water level to a minimum water level before the hydraulic force action on the valve overcomes the first lower buoyancy force on the actuator float and reopens the valve. Then when the valve opens, the hydraulic source pressure acts against a larger cross-sectional area of the valve, thus requiring the buoyancy forces acting on the float to rise to a second higher buoyancy force to reclose the valve.

Abstract: A washing device including a connector configured to removably couple the washing device to a fluid source, an encapsulating element including a first segment and a second segment, the encapsulating element including a plurality of openings, a pivoting mechanism coupling the first and second segments, the pivoting mechanism providing relative adjustment between the first and second segments, and a flow path providing fluid communication from the fluid source to the plurality of openings when the washing device is coupled to the fluid source via the connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an aquatic race assembly for canines and a method of conducting races of canines with the assembly. The assembly generally includes two lanes and a platform with a start line a predetermined distance from an end of the platform. The platform is positioned proximate to a body of water. The water may be held in a container. An object adapted to be bitten and pulled by a dog is positioned proximate to the water and positioned a predetermined distance from the start line. The lanes may be separated by a partition. In a race, at least one canine is timed as the canine crosses the start line, moves from the platform to the water, swims through the water, and bites the object. The timer stops when the canine disconnects the object from a timing system.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal training aid or toy for use in scent based animal training or activities. The aid or toy comprises: a housing comprising an interior cavity configured to contain a scented material that releases substantially no scent that is desirable to the animal in an unactivated state and releases a scent that is desirable to the animal in an activated state; one or more vents on an external surface of the housing, each vent in communication with the interior cavity so that a scent from the scented material can be released from the interior cavity to the exterior of the housing where it can be detected by the animal; and an activator for activating the scented material from the unactivated state to the activated state, the activator being operable from the external surface of the housing.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes an elongated body formed of an animal digestible material and having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface defines a cavity and includes a plurality of projections extending from the interior surface into the cavity. One or more of the plurality of animal digestible treats are retained within the cavity of the elongated body by the projections.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes a frame and a rod. The frame has a wall generally enclosing or bounding an area. The wall has an interior surface, an exterior surface, a top, and a bottom. The rod, which has at least one free end, is supported within the area by the interior surface of the wall at a position intermediate the top and the bottom of the wall.

Abstract: An animal toy comprises an outer shell defining a first internal volume therewithin, the outer shell comprised of a fabric material. The animal toy also includes a barrier shell concealed within the first internal volume of the outer shell, the barrier shell defining a second interior volume therewithin, the barrier shell comprised of a moisture barrier that prevents moisture from passing from the outer shell into the second interior volume. Still further, the animal toy comprises a plurality of capsules contained within the second interior volume of the barrier shell, that are water-dissolvable.

Abstract: An animal muzzle having at least one releasable application handle for placing the muzzle on an aggressive or dangerous animal while keeping the user's hands a safe distance from the animal's mouth. An application handle may be made of any semi-rigid or rigid material and can employ any one of several fastening means to fasten to the muzzle body, including a mounting post and post-receiving slot mechanism. With the application handle fastened to the muzzle, a user may position the muzzle around the animal's snout and secure the muzzle around the animal's head without fear of being bitten or injured. Then, once the muzzle is secured, the user can detach the releasable application handle, leaving the muzzle in place.

Abstract: A leash includes a housing, a spool assembly, a trigger, and a switch. At least a portion of the housing includes a photoluminescent material. The spool assembly is rotatably mounted inside of the housing and is configured to selectively wind a leash. The trigger is movably mounted on an inner section of the grip portion, the trigger being configured to inhibit rotation of the spool assembly in response to actuation of the trigger, and configured to rotate the spool assembly in response to release of the trigger. The switch is mounted on the housing, the switch being configured to move between a locked position in which the trigger is locked in an actuated position, and an unlocked position in which the trigger is free to operate.

Abstract: A collar apparatus includes a flexible collar body configured to be removably disposed about around a neck of an animal when first and second ends are adjacent each other, and including a photoluminescent component, and a closure situated on the collar body and operable to move the collar body between a closed condition wherein the collar body and the closure form a closed loop and an open state wherein the collar body and the closure do not form a closed loop.

Abstract: A pet leash assembly includes a handle that has a pair of lateral members each coupled to and extending between a pair of longitudinal members. Each of the lateral members is spaced apart from each other such that the handle has a rectangular shape. A yoke is rotatably coupled to the handle and the yoke may have a plurality of leashes releasably attached thereto. The yoke rotates about an axis extending through the pair of longitudinal members such that the yoke allows the leashes to be untangled without the need to remove the leases from the yoke.

Abstract: The bird feeder body includes a base with a number of perches connected thereto by a coil spring, which is tensioned and configured so that when an animal of a predetermined weight is positioned thereon, the perch will collapse to move the animal to a position that is enough below the feed aperture of the feeder body to make unwanted feeding much more difficult if not impossible for the unwanted animal. In addition, a magnet is positioned underneath the feeder base above the desired location the perch for normal feeding by a desired bird. The magnet assists in locating the perch in the correct position and helps retain it in place. Also, the magnet attraction between the magnet and the perch can be modified to help control how much weight is needed on the perch before it collapses and breaks away.

Abstract: A hatching egg inspection apparatus includes: a plurality of light emitter, the light emitter being disposed two dimensionally at prescribed positions; light receiver, which are provided in a one-to-one relationship with the light emitter and each of which receives light from the corresponding light emitter; and an egg container, which is for arraying in advance a hatching egg between each of the light emitter and the light receiver corresponding thereto. Each hatching egg is inspected by the corresponding light receiver that receives, among the lights from all the light emitter, transmitted light that transmitted through the interior of the hatching egg. When one light emitter of the plurality of light emitter is emitting light, other of the light emitter within a prescribed range centered on the one light emitter do not emit light.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for testing and researching aquatic species is provided. The apparatus and system includes a housing rack for housing a tank. The apparatus and system further includes one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments. The apparatus further includes a collection channel and a downspout in each compartment for draining of water from each compartment. The apparatus further includes one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments.

Abstract: A multi-armed device for catching fish where the device travels through the water suspended from a fishing line. The line is attached to a central line attachment on the device having a plurality of arms, with the arms projecting generally radially from the central attachment. Leaders with lures or teasers may be connected to the ends of the arms or they can be attached to the arms themselves. The teasers rotate when the device travels though water rotating, alternately, first in one direction approximately 180° about the axis of the body and then reversing and rotating in the opposite direction approximately 180° such that the opposite sides of the teaser are displayed alternately. At least one lure may be detachably affixed to the device.

Abstract: Herein described is a rod holder assembly that holds an object such as a rod receiver for a fishing rod in a desired orientation that is manually and singlehandedly adjustable about the horizontal and/or vertical axes. The rod holder assembly can be set to lock in positional orientation or clutch in response to an external force. A method for using the rod holder assembly is also described.

Abstract: An insect trapping device traps, kills and facilitates disposal of an insect. The device includes a handle which is hollow defining a conduit extending between a first end and a second end. A fan coupled to the handle in the conduit such that the fan provides suction into the first end of the handle. A cup is coupled to the first end of the handle for directing an insect into the first end of the handle. A receptacle is coupled to the second end of the handle and vented end such that the fan urges air flow out through the receptacle wherein the receptacle receives and holds the insect sucked through the first end of the handle.

Abstract: A cover for a weed sprayer for restricting the spray dispersed by the weed sprayer to a confined area. The cover includes a housing having an open lower end, at least one upstanding sidewall, and an upper end, defining an interior volume. The housing can be placed over one or more weeds so as to enclose the weeds therein. The upper end of the housing includes an opening thereon through which the nozzle of a weed sprayer can be positioned. Thus, when the user utilizes the weed sprayer, the spray dispersed thereby is limited to the interior volume of the housing. This helps to prevent the spray from contacting desirable plant life, such as flowers, that are in close proximity to the weeds desired to be removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a variable metered amount airless applicator with cartridge. Examples of such an applicator include, for example, syringes and gun-shaped applicators. A variable amount selector is a feature of an embodiment of the applicator. The applicator can be attached to a variety of pass-through devices.

Abstract: A repellant system for repelling nuisances such as insects from an area around a surface such as a table. The repellant system generally includes a base, a first receiver extending from the base, a first linkage frictionally adjustable within the first receiver, a second receiver adjustably connected to the first linkage, and a second linkage frictionally adjustable within the second receiver. A motor in the base may be utilized for automated rotation of the first receiver on the base. An adjustment connector links the first linkage with the second receiver. A pair of mounts on the second receiver and second linkage removably retains a sheet roller which dispenses a sheet which will deter insects and other nuisances.

Abstract: A portable hand-held device for emitting a volatile substance that includes a housing shaped to fit substantially within a standard-sized clothing pocket, the housing including a plurality of housing walls defining an interior chamber. The interior chamber includes a heating zone having a heating element and a portable electrical power source electrically coupled to the heating element. The portable electrical power source is formed as at least one battery. A volatilization zone having a volatile substance carrier with a volatile substance therein is thermally coupled to the heating zone; and at least a portion of the volatilization zone is in fluid communication with an external environment surrounding the portable hand-held device.

Abstract: A bird net attachment device for enabling a user to quickly and securely attach a bird net to a structure. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises at least one elongated member that may be attached to the desired structure and that further comprises (i) a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving and retaining a bird net rod, (ii) a plurality of spaced part openings for receiving a portion of said bird net, and (iii) a means for attaching a plurality of elongated members together in series. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises at least one connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous composition of a pesticide and a certain carboxylic acid amide. The invention further relates to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesirable plant growth and/or undesirable insect or mite infestation and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, the habitat thereof or the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesirable plants and/or the crop plants and/or the habitat thereof. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the carboxylic acid amide as solvent for pesticides with no or low phytotoxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to adjuvant compositions and related methods for reducing herbicide volatility. The adjuvant- and herbicide-containing herbicide compositions are generally aqueous and include a volatile growth regulator herbicide and a monosaccharide adjuvant. When the compositions are applied to a target area to control a herbicide-sensitive target plant in the area with the herbicide, the monosaccharide adjuvant reduces volatile transport of the herbicide, thus reducing damage to other (non-target) sensitive plants, whether inside or outside of the target area of application.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and compositions for attracting or repelling sap-sucking insects, such as whitefly, as well as methods for using such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving corn growth comprising applying an effective amount of gibberellic acid and abscisic acid to the corn plant, wherein the weight ratio of GA3:ABA is from about 12:1 to about 14:1.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for soil systemic control of an invertebrate pest by contacting the soil with a biologically effective amount of a compound of Formula 1, an N-oxide or an agriculturally suitable salt thereof wherein R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b and R5 are as defined in the disclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fungicidal N-cycloalkyl-N-(biheterocyclylmethylene)carboxamide derivatives and their thiocarbonyl derivatives, their process of preparation and intermediate compounds for their preparation, their use as fungicides, particularly in the form of fungicidal compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or their compositions.

Abstract: Pesticidally active bi- or tricyclic heterocycles with sulphur-containing substituents, stereoisomers and tautomeric forms thereof that can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing an organic copper complex of organic copper antibacterial polyamide yarn. The method for preparing the organic copper antibacterial polyamide yarn comprises the following steps: mixing urea, hexanolactam and acetamide according to a ratio of 1:(0.2-0.4):(0.2-0.4) in parts by weight to prepare a coordinated ionic liquid; adding sodium chlorate, potassium permanganate, sodium peroxide and copper powders according to a ratio of 1:(1-2):(1-2):(2.5-2.9) in parts by weight into 3-3.5 parts by weight of the coordinated ionic liquid to prepare the organic copper complex; slicing the organic copper complex and PA6 which are in a ratio of (80-86):(14-20) in parts by weight and putting them into a twin-screw extruder to prepare a spinning fusant, spinning, cooling and winding to form a cylinder.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial resin compositions comprising silver nanoparticles are disclosed, wherein the resin compositions that are generated exhibit lower initial color, reduced color shift upon storage and reduced levels of spontaneous polymerization. Such methods generally comprise: combining a silver-containing material with a self-cure and dual-cure base resin in situ wherein the base resin does not contain a catalytic amine; and adding a catalytic resin to the mixture of the resin and silver-containing material in order to form the final cured resin. Antimicrobial polymeric materials formed by said methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial resin compositions comprising silver nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a silver-containing material with a resin in situ in the presence of a silver-binding compound; and curing the resin. Antimicrobial polymeric resin compositions formed by said methods have a lighter color than control compositions and also display a slower release of silver ions over time.

Abstract: A dispersion solution containing ultrafine metal particles, comprising a low-boiling solvent and, contained therein, ultrafine metal particles of any one of Ag, Cu or Zn having a fatty acid and a glyceride coordinated on the surfaces thereof. The dispersion solution contains, dispersed therein, ultrafine metal particles that have excellent antibacterial power at a high concentration without being aggregated. The dispersion solution maintains excellent dispersion property even after the passage of long periods of time and also exhibits very high degree of transparency even when it is mixed into a resin composition.

Abstract: A method for processing plant matter, which involves applying a processing composition including at least one biological agent selected from: bacteria including a DNA sequence, referred to as 16S rDNA, coding for the 16S ribosomal RNA of the bacterium, which is 100% homologous with SEQ ID NO. 1, culture media in which bacteria have grown which include the 16S rDNA sequence that is 100% homologous with SEQ ID NO. 1 and which are substantially free of the bacteria, the culture media including polynucleotides having a DNA sequence which is 100% homologous with SEQ ID NO. 1, and in which the bacteria are selected from bacteria that are consistent with the strain filed and registered on 7 Apr. 2011 with number 1-4467 before the French National Collection of Microorganism Cultures (CNCM) of the Pasteur Institute, and mutant bacteria of the filed strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus chitinosporus AQ746 (NRRL Accession No. B-21618), Bacillus mycoides AQ726 (NRRL Accession No. B-21664), Bacillus pumilus (NRRL Accession No. B-30087), Bacillus pumilus AQ717 (NRRL Accession No. B-21662), Bacillus sp. AQ175 (ATCC Accession No. 55608), Bacillus sp. AQ177 (ATCC Accession No. 55609), Bacillus sp. AQ178 (ATCC Accession No. 53522), Bacillus subtilis AQ743 (NRRL Accession No. B-21665), Bacillus subtilis AQ713 (NRRL Accession No. B-21661), Bacillus subtilis AQ153 (ATCC Accession No. 55614), Bacillus thuringiensis BD#32 (NRRL Accession No. B-21530), Bacillus thuringiensis AQ52 (NRRL Accession No. B-21619), Muscodor albus 620 (NRRL Accession No. 30547), Muscodor roseus A3-5 (NRRL Accession No. 30548), Rhodococcus globerulus AQ719 (NRRL Accession No. B-21663), Streptomyces galbus (NRRL Accession No. 30232), Streptomyces sp. (NRRL Accession No.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials and methods for conferring improved plant traits or benefits on plants. The materials can include a formulation comprising an exogenous endophytic bacterial population, which can be disposed on an exterior surface of a seed or seedling, typically in an amount effective to colonize the plant. The formulations can include at least one member selected from the group consisting of an agriculturally compatible carrier, a tackifier, a microbial stabilizer, a fungicide, an antibacterial agent, an herbicide, a nematicide, an insecticide, a plant growth regulator, a rodenticide, and a nutrient.

Abstract: The system and methods of the present invention include techniques for food preparation. The food preparation process may include portioning a dough into dough portions using a portioning machine; pressing the dough portions to form dough discs using a press; heating the dough discs to produce baked dough discs using an oven; and grilling the baked dough discs to produce grilled dough discs using a broiler or grill.

Abstract: A food product forming machine is provided. In one aspect, the food product forming machine includes a manifold including a manifold inlet and an outlet passageway, and a plunger channel positioned below the manifold. The plunger channel opens into a bottom of the manifold and is in fluid communication with the manifold. The food product forming machine also includes a fill plunger positioned below the manifold and the fill plunger is configured to reciprocate, at least partially within the plunger channel, between a retracted position and an extended position. In one aspect, the food product forming machine may include two plunger channels positioned below the manifold and two fill plungers configured to reciprocate, at least partially, within respect plunger channels.

Abstract: The invention provides for a fish processing machine comprising a main conveyer for transporting fish between different fish processing stations of the fish processing machine. The main conveyer comprises a plurality of mouth penetrating means for penetrating the mouth of the fish and fixating the position and the state of the mouth in relation to said main conveyer. A method for processing fish is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a new type of CMP-containing, high protein denatured whey protein compositions and to a method of producing them. The invention furthermore pertains to products containing the high protein denatured whey protein compositions, particularly high protein, acidified dairy products, and additional uses of the denatured whey protein compositions.

Abstract: What is proposed is a food composition in powder form, obtainable by subjecting a preparation comprising or consisting of (i) carbohydrates, (ii) lipids, (iii) milk products and (iv) emulsifiers (a) first to a temperature treatment, (b) homogenizing the temperature-treated product, (c) concentrating the homogenized product, (d) crystallizing the concentrated product, (e) and freeing the crystallized product from residual water on a vacuum belt dryer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a liquid dairy concentrate, the method comprising: providing a liquid dairy ingredient having a fat content of at least 35 wt %; concentrating the liquid dairy ingredient by ultrafiltration and/or diafiltration to obtain a concentrated liquid dairy ingredient as the retentate; adding sucrose and/or trisodium citrate to form a modified retentate; blending the modified retentate with one or more further ingredients; and homogenising the blend to form a liquid dairy concentrate, wherein, during the step of blending the modified retentate with said one or more further ingredients, the modified retentate is at a temperature of at least 60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid dairy concentrate for mixing with an aqueous medium to form a beverage, the concentrate comprising casein and at least 5 wt % fat, wherein a ratio of fat to casein is from 3:1 to 18:1.

Abstract: Provided are a highly versatile fat containing a polyunsaturated fatty acid and a foodstuff in which said fat is used, said fat having good flavor and exceptional oxidation stability. A fat containing a polyunsaturated fatty acid, the fat containing water-soluble tea polyphenol added when the fat is dissolved in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cocoa particles as the emulsifier system for the stabilization of a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion. In another aspect there is now provided a confectionery product comprising cocoa particles as the emulsifying agent that does not contain any synthetic or artificial emulsifiers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an infusion product for making a beverage, such as a tea or tea-like drink. In order to produce the composition of the present disclosure, plant materials are contacted with a solvent to remove an extract. The remaining plant materials are then formed into a fibrous structure or network, such as a sheet or fibrous layer. The extract may be further treated or concentrated and then reapplied to the plant materials. In accordance with the present disclosure, the resulting sheet or layer is then reduced to discrete pieces having a unique particle size distribution. Through the process of the present disclosure, a composition is produced that not only has a minimal amount of fines and dust, but can also have a relatively low bulk density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for making a coffee beverage, the composition comprising: roast and ground coffee having a X50 of from 700 to 1250 ?m; and a milk powder with a X50 of from 50 ?m to 3 mm; wherein the ratio by weight of the roast and ground coffee to the milk powder is from 4:1 to 2:3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a foaming beverage powder, the method comprising: providing a porous beverage powder; heating the porous beverage powder to a temperature below its glass transition temperature in a gas-containing atmosphere; increasing the pressure of the gas-containing atmosphere to thereby raise the temperature of the porous beverage powder to a temperature above its glass transition temperature; and then decreasing the pressure of the gas-containing atmosphere to thereby lower the temperature of the porous beverage powder to a temperature below its glass transition temperature.