Abstract: Tools and methods are discussed for tying a knot. A knot tying tool can include an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can have first and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. A first chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens into the chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into a second chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber.

Abstract: A fisherman's float including a hollow longitudinal body with a bulb at each end. Each of the bulbs is hollow. The two bulbs are connected by a tube which passes through each bulb. The first bulb contains two threaded halves which can be un-threaded from one another. The fishing line passes through the bulb, the longitudinal body and the two part float and then on to a second float (if desired), a sinker (if desired) and a hook and/or bait. The two halves of the two part bulb screw together so that a light source, electrically or chemically driven, can be inserted and held in the water tight float. Each one of the bulbs floats. The longitudinal body is preferably eight to twelve inches long and serves to prevent tangles as well as to increase the visibility of the float and easy detection of fish activity at the bait.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horseshoe assembly including a horseshoe, a fastening mechanism and a flowable shock absorber, the horseshoe defining at least one channel on a hoof engaging face of the horseshoe and at least one injection port on the ground engaging face of the horseshoe, and a method of using the horseshoe assembly.

Abstract: A horseshoe that has vertical metallic retaining-clips to deter dislodging of the horseshoe after installation uses a safety feature: a protective safety cap to cover the open end of each retaining-clip. The safety cap comprises a sheath that is tightly fastened to the corresponding retaining clip. The safety cap has an extended inside axial length that is longer than the vertical height of its corresponding retaining-clip whereby, if a dislodged or uninstalled horseshoe having the retaining-clips is stepped on by a horse-hoof, the extended axial length of the cap folds on itself and prevents the vertical retaining-clip from causing a penetrating injury to the hoof-underside. The safety cap could be closed at its top or open fully/partly and comprises plastic material that is flexible but tough. Preferably the safety cap is fastened to the corresponding retaining clip by riveting. Alternatively, the safety cap may be glued to the retaining clip.

Abstract: An equine solid structure, dual density, hoof shaped shoe structures to cover the entire underside of a hoof and has relatively small opening(s) to allow application of medication to the equine hoof after the shoe is attached. The shoe is sloped on the underside to allow the hoof to roll forward, or to the side, without unnecessary bending, thus allowing an equine to find a comfortable natural position to relieve stress on a sore, injured or diseased hoof. The solid shoe structure is has small openings (that are removably plugged) to allow medication or other components to be injected or inserted and is shaped to cover substantially the entire equine hoof underside.

Abstract: A lawn and garden sprayer system having a container and a spray wand fluidly connected to the container is provided. The spray wand includes a wand housing that has a slot formed in one side thereof that is configured to engage a lug formed on one side of the container for purposes of stowing the wand during shipping and when not in use. A communications card assembly is detachably connected between the container and spray wand during shipment and prior to its first use. The hose includes a coupler end that engaged a cap on the container and facilitates creation of a fluid circuit between the fluid contents in the container and the wand.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer including an applicator boom which itself includes a centre boom frame and a pair of multi-section boom side assemblies. Each side assembly is mounted by a respective hinge to the centre boom frame. Neighbouring boom sections are mutually connected by a hinged joint which permits folding around an upright axis from a deployed operating configuration to a transport configuration. A spring and damper mechanism is associated with the hinged joint for controlling pivoting movement around the upright axis between said two boom sections.

Abstract: A method for fumigating psyllium husk. The method comprises filling a fumigation chamber with psyllium husk chamber is at least 35% filled with bags of psyllium husk, fumigating the psyllium husk with at least 40 g/m3 of methyl bromide for at least 24 hours, and degassing the chamber for at least 6 hours to form fumigated psyllium husk. The fumigated psyllium husk comprises less than 50 ppm inorganic bromide residue and the fumigated psyllium husk does not comprise an insect infestation or a khapra beetle infestation.

Abstract: A hand-held herbicide delivery device for targeted application of herbicide to a targeted plant encompasses a shaft and at least two spring arms located proximate a first end of said shaft, said spring arms being capable of moving between an open position and a closed position. At least two sponges are affixed to said spring arms, such that when said spring arms are in a closed position said sponges are brought into close proximity with each other, said sponges being adapted to carry a herbicide. Herbicide is applied to the targeted plant by positioning the spring arms in the open position such that they surround the targeted plant and moving a hand-actuated trigger from an extended position to a retracted position so that flexible cables move said spring arms into the closed position, with said sponges directly contacting at least a portion of the targeted plant, whereby herbicide is transferred from said sponges to the targeted plant.

Abstract: A system for carrying out pest baiting, comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which is controllable to record image data over a predefined flight path, the image data being captured by an image recording device. A computer processing arrangement is operable to evaluate the recorded image data to determine pest related data associated with an animal species identified as a pest, and to subsequently determine a baiting program for eradication of the animal species based on the determined pest data.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present application, a bird deterrence system is proposed comprising a laser device for producing a laser beam; comprising scanning equipment for rotating the laser beam at designated lateral and elevational angular speeds relative to the normal axis; a power supply for feeding the laser device and the scanning equipment; and a control unit for controlling the laser device and scanning equipment.

Abstract: A boundary control device, a boundary control system, and a method of conditioning the behavior of animals are provided. The boundary control device includes a base member configured to be positioned adjacent a boundary, a sound emitter coupled to the base member and configured to emit a sound upon activation, a light emitter coupled to the base member and configured to emit a light upon activation, and a boundary sensor coupled to the base member and configured to sense an object disposed adjacent the boundary. The sound emitter and the light emitter are activated upon sensing of the object by the boundary sensor.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a smoking animal lure comprises a tubular body that surrounds and shields the smoking animal lure, a support structure to hold the smoking animal lure in the tubular body, and a structure to attach a cord to suspend the support apparatus. This apparatus allows for the retrieval and replacement of the smoking animal lure with minimal unwanted movement and noise.

Abstract: A dual platform dual anchor climbing tree stand includes a first platform and a second platform, each platform including a frame section with a hexagonal tube structure and dual anchors, the dual anchors providing a plurality of contact points for securing the climbing tree stand, the first platform further including an adjustable seat and lumbar back support, the second platform further including foot straps, and both platforms including a cable assembly for attaching each platform to a tree.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy having oscillating wings includes an oscillation mechanism having an anchor plate fixedly disposed in the interior cavity of a waterfowl decoy body, first and second wing gears pivotally attached to the surface of the anchor plate, the wing gears intermeshed such that pivoting movement of one causes corresponding counter-pivoting movement in the other, a drive wheel and link for reciprocally pivoting the first wing gear within a defined arc, and a pair of wings attached to the wing gears and extending outwardly from the decoy body, such that reciprocating movement of the wing gears causes the wings to oscillate in a motion resembling that of the flapping wings of a bird in flight.

Abstract: A portable, artificial scrape tree having a secured game camera is provided for use in buck hunting. A method for hunting is provided consisting of anchoring an artificial scrape tree to the ground at a first location adjacent to a doe's bedding area and primary food sources and a buck's bedding area and food sources. Also provided is a new method for surveying an area of land, consisting of allocating a plurality of artificial scrape trees on the area of land being surveyed, with each artificial scrape tree being outfitted with at least one game camera for recording buck activity near the artificial scrape tree.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension concentrate containing: (a) a first active ingredient comprising one or more triazolopyrimidine, triazolone, pyrazole or oxazole herbicides; (b) optionally, a second active ingredient, (c) a dispersant comprising a comb polymer; (d) a nonionic, alkoxylated surfactant or a block copolymer surfactant, and (e) optionally, a re-dispersing agent, wherein said aqueous suspension concentrate exhibits an acidic pH within the range from about greater than about 2 to about 4.

Abstract: A block includes a first layer comprising a semi-solid material, and a second layer comprising an adhesive material, the second layer being attached to the first layer. The semi-solid material may include a deodorizing material, an antiperspirant material, a perfume-related substance, a sanitizing material, a sterilizing material, an air-freshening material, or an insect-repelling material. The block is disposed in an enclosed volume of a packaging, enclosed by a plastic layer and an aluminum foil layer.

Abstract: Insecticidal compositions suitable for use in preparation of insecticidal liquid fertilizers are disclosed. The compositions include bifenthrin, a polymeric dispersant, a suspension agent, a freeze-thaw stabilizer, and optionally a preservative.

Abstract: Colored clay particles are prepared by the absorption of pigments, such as dyes, on the surface of clays. The surface of the clay can be modified with a surfactant such that a dye can be well bound to the particle's surface to avoid leaching of the dye into water. The colored clay particles can be used to deter insects, such as the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), by coating a plant, such as a citrus plant, with the colored clay particles. The reflectance of the visible and ultraviolet light can be altered by the choice of dyes such that the spectrum visible to the insect deters the insect from the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microbial pesticide composition, which is obtained by a method including the steps of: adjusting a pH of a culture solution of the Bacillus sp. bacterium to from 3.0 to 5.0 (pH adjustment step); mixing the culture solution with the calcium chloride and/or the magnesium sulfate (mixing step); and lyophilizing or spray-drying the culture solution (drying step). In the microbial pesticide composition, even if it is stored for a long period of time at room temperature, the active ingredient remains stable and a sufficient preventive effect against plant disease can be maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations comprising one or more agriculturally beneficial agents formulated with polymeric xyloglucan as a carrier and their use.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, products, and/or systems relating to making or using nanocrystalline (NC) products comprising a combination of one or more of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), nanocrystalline (NC) polymers, nanocrystalline (NC) plastics or other nanocrystals of cellulose composites or structures that have been processed into one or more of solid, flake, particles or other forms with vapor processing, solid state processing, liquid processing or other processing methods that can optionally be combined with other materials for different nanocrystalline (NC) applications, products or uses, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of hard, soft, and porous surfaces, equipment, human skin, tissues, food and vegetable surfaces, and other media which are contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and molds. Particularly relevant is the microbial environment whereby bacterial communities can generate three-dimensional polymicrobial Extracellular Polymeric Substances, or EPS, biofilm communities supported by an aggregation of microorganisms growing on a substrate layer, substantially degrading the antimicrobial performance of typical cleaners, disinfectants, and sterilizers. There is great need for a composition that will reliably eradicate microorganisms across a broad spectrum, particularly polymicrobial EPS communities shrouded by self-generated biofilm layer. Such a composition is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention is an efficacy-enhancing agent composition for amino acid-based agrochemicals, which contains 3 kinds of specific quaternary ammonium salts having an ester group in a specific mass ratio.

Abstract: In consideration of the fact that control agents against leaf blotch are small in number among control agents against cereal diseases and are not sufficiently effective, the present invention is intended to provide a novel means and method for controlling leaf blotch for stable cereal production. Provided is a method for controlling leaf blotch of cereals, which method is characterized by applying an effective dose of fluoroimide to a cereal plant, soil in the vicinity of the cereal plant grown, or a seed of the cereal plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of substituted oxotetrahydroquinolinylsulfonamides or salts thereof where the radicals in the general formula (I) correspond to the definitions given in the description, for enhancing stress tolerance in plants to abiotic stress, and/or for increasing plant yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel triazole derivatives of formula (I) having insecticidal activity, to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal or molluscicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode or mollusc pests

Abstract: Use of 2-chloro-3-(methylsulfanyl)-N-(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide or its salts for controlling unwanted plants in areas of transgenic crop plants being tolerant to HPPD inhibitor herbicides. The use of 2-chloro-3-(methylsulfanyl)-N-(1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide or its salts for controlling unwanted plants in areas of transgenic crop plants being tolerant to HPPD inhibitor herbicides by containing one or more chimeric gene(s) comprising (I) a DNA sequence encoding hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) derived from a member of a group of organisms consisting of (a) Avena, (b) Pseudomonas, (c) Synechococcoideae, (d) Blepharismidae, (e) Rhodococcus, (f) Picrophilaceae, (g) Kordia, or (II) one or more mutated DNA sequences of HPPD encoding genes of the before defined organisms, preferably from Pseudomonas, or (III) one or more DNA sequences encoding mutated maize (Zea mays) or soybean (Glycine max) HPPD each being mutated as described in WO 2012/021785.

Abstract: Methods for killing spores include contacting the spores with an aqueous solution containing performic acid. The contacting occurs at a temperature of less than or equal to about 35° C. for a period of time of less than or equal to about 15 seconds, and the contacting effects at least a 4 log reduction in a number of spores capable of reproduction, metabolism, and/or growth.

Abstract: Methods of improving the growth of a plant by applying a plant growth effective amount of a plant growth composition that includes a hydrated aluminum magnesium silicate and at least one dispersant selected from the group consisting of a sucrose ester, a lignosulfonate, an alkylpolyglycoside, a naphthalenesulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate and a phosphate ester to plant propagation material in the absence of insect pest pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the Bacillus sp. strains AT-332 (NITE BP-1095) and AT-79 (NITE BP-1094) isolated from nature; and a plant disease control agent, a nematode control agent and a plant growth promoter containing the strains as active bacteria. The Bacillus sp. strains AT-332 and AT-79 strain are effective in controlling both a wide range of various plant diseases and nematode-damage and capable of promoting the growth of useful plants, due to a culture containing a secondary metabolite of the strains or cultivated and isolated live bacteria of the strains being introduced to a plant body or to the culture soil.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preparing compositions that improve plant health and reduce fungal infestations. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions described herein to improve plant health by applying the compositions directly to plants, and/or applying the compositions to substrates used for plant growth. The compositions include a synergistic ratio of composting bacteria, bio-surfactant producing bacteria, bio-remediating bacteria, bovine feces, and humic acid. The compositions reduce fungal growth and fungal infestation the infected area. Methods of reducing brown patch and/or dollar spot infestations to a plant such as turf grass or crop are also described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to insect repellents and, more particularly, to a novel composition with properties as an insect repellent, an anti-inflammatory, and antipruretic. In one embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising: a quantity of oil derived from Pelargonium graveolens; a quantity of oil derived from Lavandula sp.; a quantity of oil derived from Melaleuca alternifolia; a quantity of cedarwood oil; a quantity of oil derived from Corymbia citriodora; water; and a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel insecticidal formulations comprising an effective concentration of: 1) at least one or more essential oils and an insecticidal soap; 2) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap, and pyrethrins; 3) at least one or more essential oils and pyrethrins; 4) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap and a synergist, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate or lecithin; 5) at least one or more essential oils, an insecticidal soap, a synergist, and pyrethrins; and 6) at least one or more essential oils, a synergist, and pyrethrins. A carrier oil, such as mineral oil, may be added to any of the foregoing formulations.

Abstract: A rounding device for rounding food dough is provided with a conveyance device (9) which conveys the food dough (7) and a pair of forming plates (11, 13), which, on the upper face of the conveyance device (9), are arranged so as to extend along the conveyance direction (R) of the conveyance device (9). The forming plates (11, 13) at least opposed sloped surfaces (18B, 22B). The sloped surfaces are tilted outward from the lower side to the upper side so that the gap between the sloped surfaces is narrow on the lower side and wide on the upper side. The rounding device rounds the food dough using the sloped surfaces (18B, 22B) of the pair of the forming plates (11, 13).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for aligning a filling machine and a respective filling machine. In the method, the height and/or the inclination of the filling machine is first measured according to an actual state. The measured values are transmitted to a calculation unit. The actual state of the height and/or the inclination is compared with a target state of the height and/or the inclination. The height and/or the inclination of the filling machine are then adjusted on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing dry sausage. The process includes preparing a dry sausage meat mixture, stuffing the mixture into a casing or mould, fermenting the mixture, heat treating the mixture, cooling the mixture to a temperature sufficiently low to permit slicing, slicing the sausage, placing the sausage onto a conveyor, and passing the conveyor and sausage through a chamber. The process also includes introducing a supply of conditioned air into the chamber, the air having a relative humidity below about 60% and a temperature in the range of at least about 40° F. to 130° F., and introducing a supply of microwaves into the chamber. The air supply and microwaves are selected to reduce the moisture content of the meat to a predetermined moisture to protein ratio.

Abstract: A process for the production of a confectionery composition and a confectionery composition producible by the process. The process comprises introducing discrete droplets of a liquid filling (20) into a flowing matrix material (12) by means of an array of nozzles(16). The matrix material comprising the droplets of liquid filling is then deposited into a mould or a confectionery shell(14). The matrix material may be moving at a speed of at least 0.01 ms?1. The matrix material may be chocolate and liquid filling filling may have a very low viscosity.

Abstract: An improved frozen product dispenser wherein a product is placed into a cooled hopper and the product is then fed from the hopper into a freezing and dispensing chamber where it is frozen and dispensed.

Abstract: An improved frozen product dispenser wherein a product is placed into a cooled hopper and the product is then fed from the hopper into a freezing and dispensing chamber where it is frozen and dispensed.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for mixing a product in a container is provided. The agitator assembly may include an arm member having a distal end and an opposite proximal end. An agitator head may be disposed proximal to the distal end of the shaft. The agitator head may include a rigid material for mixing viscous products. The agitator head may include movement formations. The movement formations may include a swept-blend, knife-like protrusions, and diamond-like shapes.

Abstract: An improved frozen product dispenser wherein a product is placed into a cooled hopper and the product is then fed from the hopper into a freezing and dispensing chamber where it is frozen and dispensed.

Abstract: An improved frozen product dispenser wherein a product is placed into a cooled hopper and the product is then fed from the hopper into a freezing and dispensing chamber where it is frozen and dispensed.

Abstract: Described is a method for obtaining a mixture of the rapeseed proteins napin and cruciferin, or the individual proteins, in pure form from rapeseed meal, wherein once a raw extract has been obtained using a suitable extraction medium the desired proteins are purified from the raw extract by several purification steps at defined pH levels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for enhancing the gastrointestinal health of a companion animal, comprising orally administering to the companion animal a composition comprising at least about 0.25% of fermentable fiber by weight of the composition. Further disclosed herein are methods of improving the fecal odor of the feces of a companion animal, comprising orally administering to the companion animal a composition comprising at least about 0.25% of fermentable fiber by weight of the composition. In some embodiments of these methods, the fermentable fiber comprises a fiber selected from beet pulp, gum Arabic, gum talha, psyllium, rice bran, carob bean gum, citrus pulp, pectin, fructooligosaccharide, mannanoligofructose, soy fiber, arabinogalactan, galactooligosaccharide, arabinoxylan, a short chain oligofructose, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a baking working method of an electric oven, applied to the oven for driving a barbecue fork rotating shaft to rotate food to be baked by a motor, comprising the following steps: S1, measuring the period T0 when a barbecue fork is unloaded; S2, fixing the food onto the barbecue fork, and measuring the period T1 when the barbecue fork is loaded; S3, calculating the weight M1 of the food on the barbecue fork, M1=(T1/T0)2*M0, wherein M0 is the default weight when the barbecue fork is unloaded; S4, setting the baking time and/or temperature according to the food weight M1.

Abstract: A significant amount of yogurt product is used to form a viscoelastic dough capable of being sheeted and cut, without sticking to equipment, and cooked, without over-browning from the high protein and sugar found in yogurt. A number of snack foods can be made with the dough, including a shelf-stable light and crunchy yogurt crisp with whole grain and optional inclusions.

Abstract: A functional beverage is disclosed. The disclosed functional beverage comprises a mother liquor and a liquid additive, wherein the liquid additive comprises a poorly water-soluble natural product, an edible surfactant, an edible cosurfactant, and edible oil.

Abstract: Drinking water with nutrients contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids to replenish the body and build muscle mass. The water is bottled in single servings, in an hourglass-shaped bottle to facilitate a secure grip despite such problems as perspiration and condensation, and is similar in most respects to electrolyte waters, such as Gatorade®.