Abstract: A detachable tugging pet toy comprising two elements each having a strap, a gripping means located on one end of said strap, and a fastening means located on one side of said strap, the respective fastening means of each element being complementary to each other. The elements are aligned and attached and then pulled outward via said gripping means until they are fully detached, a process that is satisfying and effortful. The elements are then easily re-attached.

Abstract: An interactive pet toy comprising a shell, a processor, a memory, a wireless transmitter, one or more sensors, an output, and a power source. The disclosed invention further relates to an interactive pet toy system comprising an interactive pet toy including a shell, a processor, a non-volatile memory, a wireless transmitter, one or more sensors, an output; and a battery; and a mobile device, comprising a processor, a display screen, a non-volatile memory, and a wireless transmitter, wherein instructions are stored on the interactive pet toy memory and the and the mobile device memories that, when enacted by the respective processors, each track an interaction between a user and a pet.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems, apparatuses, and methods for exercising and entertaining a pet. In one implementation, a pet exercise and entertainment device includes a launch funnel for launching projectiles for a pet to retrieve. The launch funnel has a feeder and a chute. The feeder is configured to receive a projectile and transport the projectile to an intake end of the chute. A sensor is configured to sense the projectile in the intake end of the chute and to command one or more motors to power up in response to sensing the projectile. An actuator is configured to release the projectile from the intake end of the chute into the launch end of the chute after a pre-determined time has elapsed. One or more wheels, rotated by the one or more motors, are configured to launch the projectile from the launch end of the chute.

Abstract: A reversibly-dismantlable pet toy comprising a hollow body and head, arm, and leg appendages. The body has openings admitting corresponding appendages, each opening having a fastening means corresponding to a complementary fastening means on an associated appendage. Each appendage comprises said complementary fastening means and a strap extending from it which is stuffed into the body during setup and extends from the body during dismantlement. The appendages are inserted and fastened, after which they can be repeatedly removed and re-attached without damaging the toy.

Abstract: Edible spinning tops for domesticated animals are presented including: a spindle formed along a central axis; a body formed symmetrically and radially about the central axis and forming an annular cavity about the spindle; a protrusion positioned along the central axis and disposed along the body opposite the spindle; and retaining structures positioned separately along the spindle each forming a raised barrier and a retention valley therebetween, where the spindle protrudes above the body, and where the spindle, the body, and the protrusion include an edible, desiccated, and brittle composition. In some embodiments, an edible ring captured along the retention valley between the retaining structures about the spindle.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article suitable for bedridden pet animals. An absorbent article (10) for pet animals has a longitudinal direction (Y) and a width direction (X) crossing each other and includes: a body-facing surface and a non-body-facing surface opposite to each other; a first edge and a second edge (10a, 10b) opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction (Y); a tail facing area (13) facing a tail of the pet (5); a first section (11) extending from the tail facing area (13) toward the first edge (10a) and covering one of buttocks of the pet (5); a second section (12) extending from the tail facing area (13) toward the second edge (12b) and covering another one of the buttocks of the pet (5); an absorbent core (15) positioned between the first section (11) and the second section (12); and an attachment (21) positioned on the first section (11) and capable of attaching to an attachment target part (22) on the second section (12).

Abstract: A leash for an animal is provided that includes a collar end and a handle end positioned opposite the collar end. An intermediate portion of the leash is located between the collar end and the handle end of the leash. The intermediate portion includes two separate strands wherein a first end of each strand is attached at the collar end of the leash and a second end of each strand is attached at the handle end of the leash. The leash is configured to encircle the abdomen of the animal by passing the handle end of the leash through a loop formed between the two separate strands such that the leash forms a constrictive loop around the animal's midsection or abdomen, specifically the portion of the animal's torso located between animal's hind legs and the animal's ribs. Methods for using the leash are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device and method for the retention of bags containing pet waste. The device is suitable for attachment to most types of pet leashes. The device consists of a single piece of material that is retained via friction to the leash, and which features a channel for the easy insertion and retaining of knotted bags of pet waste.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hive for housing a plurality of honey bees, the hive including a substantially hollow hexagonal shaped structure that includes a three-side base forming one-half of the hexagon and a three-sided exterior roof forming the other half of a hexagon, the base and the roof configured to fit together with a front plate and an end plate to form the substantially hollow hexagonal structure to house the hive; and at least one interior bar in the shape of one-half of a hexagon configured to rest on top of the base and under the roof such that the half hexagonal shape of the interior bar approximately matches the half hexagonal shape of the roof, the interior bar having a plurality of openings extending through its cross-section for bees to travel through, the interior bar being configured to retain a honeycomb hanging therefrom, the honey comb being able to hang down into the base.

Abstract: One form of the present application is directed to a beehive frame storage apparatus which includes an open top container having two opposing end wall panels, a horizontally extending frame support member located near an upper portion of each of the opposing end wall panels, and the frame support members are configured to permit a plurality of beehive frames to hang therefrom. The beehive frame storage apparatus further includes a plurality of vertically extending frame separation members protruding inwardly from each of the opposing end wall panels, and the plurality of frame separation members are configured to maintain a separation between the beehive frames. The beehive frame storage apparatus further includes a lid configured to engagingly cooperate with an upper edge of the open top container in a manner sufficient to form an enclosure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of producing a non-human mammal having one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or age-related macular degeneration. In particular, the invention provides a method of producing a non-human mammal having age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The invention is also directed to non-human animals produced by the methods described herein. Methods of identifying an agent for use in inhibiting one or more pathological characteristics of retinal degeneration and/or AMD is also encompassed by the invention. Also provided is a method of treating AMD in an individual in need thereof comprising, administering to the individual an agent identified herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to genetic methods of manipulating helminths, e.g., hookworms, to act as a biological delivery vehicle for therapeutic polypeptides in mammals. Furthermore, the disclosure is drawn to compositions comprising genetically modified hookworms and methods of use, including the administration of the helminths to one or more mammals to provide a continuous supply of a synthetic or modified polypeptide (e.g., HIV neutralizing antibodies) which may mitigate infection and/or infection intensity, otherwise resulting in an increase in a desirable phenotypic trait.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for sorting undesired marine species during trawling, provides a pliable grid when the trawl net is pulled from the water and wound tightly on the net reel, and when the trawl is deployed in the water, the apparatus is fixed into place inside the trawl and holding its shape with consistent grid spacing. Marine species sorting apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes grid, back straps, and lead ring. Grid includes a plurality of bars surrounded by grid frame. Grid frame is attached to lead ring at an angle using terminal couplers. Lead ring supports grid and secures marine species sorting apparatus in trawl webbing referred to as the extension.

Abstract: A spear-fishing tip that combines the strengths of the two most prevalent tips: barbed and slip tip. The tip features the superior hold of the slip tip and the durability of the barb. The tip has a detachable side-located barb which passes through a fish with the spear tip and then pulls away from the tip to remain on the side of the fish opposite that of penetration. The barb includes a longitudinal slot on one side that enables it to lie flush against the side of the tip when impaling a fish and protects it from being damaged during impact. The barb is tethered to the user or the shaft and includes slots received securely on pins radially protruding from the shaft. The slots have rearward openings to allow for detachment when protrusions on a rear end of the barb catch on the flesh of the fish as the tip is pulled from the fish.

Abstract: A fish hook system includes a shank forming a bend and a barb on a first end, a first eyelet connected to the shank on a second end, and a second eyelet connected to the shank opposing the bend and the barb. The second eyelet is located either adjacent the first eyelet near the second end, along the shank near commencement of the bend, or along the bend of the shank diametrically opposed to the first eyelet.

Abstract: A rotor of a spinning reel for fishing has a cylindrical portion, a first rotor arm, a first bail support, a first coupling member, and a first cover. The cylindrical portion is mounted rotatably on a reel body. The first rotor arm extends forward radially outside the cylindrical portion. The first bail support is pivotably rotatable coupled to a tip of the first rotor arm. The first coupling member couples the first bail support to the first rotor arm and has an engaged portion. The first cover covers at least partially the first rotor arm and the first bail support and has an engaging portion that comes into engagement with the engaged portion of the first coupling member.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for trimming a hoof of a horse. The apparatus is an adjustable cutting guide that includes a hoof band configured to extend around the hoof. The hoof band includes an identifier for aligning the hoof band with a mark on the hoof indicating a longitudinal axis of a leg of the horse and a cutting edge providing a cutting plane for a cutting tool. The cutting plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leg of the horse. The cutting guide also includes a clamping structure for adjustably clamping the hoof band to the hoof at a user selectable, fixed position above a sole of the hoof when the hoof band is aligned with the mark. The systems include the cutting guide, a marking tool and an alignment tool.

Abstract: An electromagnetic breakaway system having a boom assembly, including a frame including a first portion and a second portion hingably coupled to the first portion; and a hinge assembly hingably coupling the first and second portions, the hinge assembly includes first and second electromagnets coupled respectively to the first and second portions, the first and second electromagnets comprising a same charge polarity when the first and second portions form an angle within a first pivot range, the first and second electromagnets comprising a different charge polarity when the first and second portions form an angle within a second pivot range.

Abstract: A system useful to protect a real estate property includes at least one sensor configured to monitor presence of a nuisance animal on the real estate property, a computerized control module including programming to diagnose the presence of the nuisance animal based upon data from the at least one sensor, and at least one mobile robotic device. The mobile robotic device is configured to move to a location of the nuisance animal on the real estate property based upon the data from the at least one sensor and emulate a predator to move the nuisance animal.

Abstract: An animal decoy device is presented. The animal decoy device includes a first pocket of fabric material includes a band disposed within the first pocket to bias the first pocket into an expanded shape. The device also includes a second pocket of a second fabric material a second band disposed within the second pocket to bias the second pocket into an expanded shape. The second pocket is configured to removably couple to the first pocket in at least a first position with respect to the first pocket and a second position with respect to the second pocket.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptoid polymers capable of reducing or inhibiting the formation of ice crystals at sub 0° C. temperatures. Also provided are peptoid-peptide hybrids comprising the peptoid polymers provided herein. The peptoid polymers and peptoid-peptide hybrids provided herein are useful for making cryoprotectant solutions. The peptoid polymers, peptoid-peptide hybrids, and cryoprotectant solutions provided herein are useful for making antifreeze solutions, frozen food products, and cosmetic care products. Also provided herein are methods for preserving a tissue, an organ, a cell, or a biological macromolecule using the compositions described herein.

Abstract: An organ preservation and/or perfusion solution for an isolated tissue or organ is provided. The solution comprises dextran, glucose, calcium ions, a buffer, and water, has a pH of 6.6 to 7.8, and is sterile based on having been subjected to heat sterilization. A method of preparing the solution also is provided. The method comprises combining dextran, glucose, calcium ions, buffer, and water to obtain an initial solution, adjusting the pH of the initial solution to 7.0 to 7.8 if needed, and subjecting the initial solution to heat sterilization, thereby obtaining the organ preservation and/or perfusion solution. A method of preserving and/or perfusing an isolated tissue or organ also is provided. A method for flushing, storage, and/or transportation of an isolated lung after removal from a donor in preparation for eventual transplantation into a recipient also is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a body of water to kill microorganisms by enhancing the concentration metal ions therein. The apparatus comprising a dispenser with a first housing having a water accessible compartment containing a source of a N-halohydantoin compound for releasing the N-halohydantoin compound when contacted by the body of water with the at least one N-halohydantoin having the formula: wherein R and R1 each independently comprises an alkyl group, and wherein X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of bromine, chlorine and hydrogen and a second housing having a water accessible compartment containing an insoluble metal ion donor for releasing metal ions when contacted by the body of water containing the N-halohydantoin.

Abstract: Antimicrobial and foamable alcoholic compositions, where the compositions include at least about 40 wt. % of a C1-4 alcohol and one or more silane surfactants selected from (1) zwitterionic silane surfactants, (2) polyalkoxylated silane surfactants that contain at least one silane group and at least one polyalkylene oxide chain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a biopolymer for reducing the formation of a biofilm, preferably on a substrate, whereby the biopolymer is preferably a polypeptide, such as recombinant spider silk polypeptide. The present invention further relates to methods for producing a substrate which reduces the formation of a biofilm on a surface of said substrate.

Abstract: Methods for repelling and killing ticks as well as for detaching attached and feeding ticks from the skin of a subject by application of a composition comprising nootkatone to the tick are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising nootkatone and a carrier as well as methods for treating and preventing infestations of sap-sucking insects in plants are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one fatty acid methyl or ethyl ester, at least one lipid of mannosylerythritol and at least one non-ionic surfactant having an HLB value greater than or equal to 12, to the method for producing same and to the uses thereof, in particular for preparing an emulsion.

Abstract: Low foaming, highly acidic peroxycarboxylic acid sanitizing compositions are disclosed as having both improved antimicrobial efficacy in comparison to conventional peroxyoctanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid compositions for sanitizing applications. The compositions include a combination of a low-foaming surfactant and an aluminum sulfate (or other metal salt) defoaming agent that is compatible with the highly acidic peroxycarboxylic acid sanitizing compositions. In particular, the sanitizing peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are also low odor and low/no VOC dual functioning acid wash and sanitizing compositions.

Abstract: An aqueous solution includes a silver complex and a pH buffer. The silver complex may include a silver atom in complex with an organic acid compound, such as dihydrogen citrate.

Abstract: Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thrips control agent in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is used for plants belonging to family Brassicaceae, family Solanaceae, family Rosaceae, family Cucurbitaceae, family Fabaceae, or family Asteraceae. The thrips control agent contains prohydrojasmon as an active ingredient, so that a negative impact of the thrips control agent on plant growth is suppressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions containing a herbicidally effective amount of (a) a pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable N-oxide, salt, or ester thereof, and (b) glyphosate or glufosinate or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) a pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable N-oxide, salt, or ester thereof and (b) glyphosate or glufosinate or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to provide a herbicidal effect.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions containing a herbicidally effective amount of (a) a pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable N-oxide, salt, or ester thereof, and (b) a phytoene desaturase (PDS) inhibitor, a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis inhibitor, or a mixture thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) a pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable N-oxide, salt, or ester thereof and (b) a phytoene desaturase (PDS) inhibitor, a very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) synthesis inhibitor, or a mixture thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to provide a herbicidal effect.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) wherein the subsitiuents are as defined in claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to agrochemical compositions which comprise compounds of formula (I), to preparation of these compositions, and to the use of the compounds or compositions in agriculture or horticulture for combating, preventing or controlling infestation of plants, harvested food crops, seeds or non-living materials by phytopathogenic microorganisms, in particular fungi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling pyrimethanil-resistant or pyrimethanil-tolerant fungi, or restoring sensitivity to pyrimethanil in pyrimethanil-resistant or pyrimethanil-tolerant fungi, by contacting said fungi with a composition comprising a combination of pyrimethanil and an alkane carboxylic acid of formula CH3—(CH2)n—COOH wherein n is 4 to 7 whereby the ratio by weight of pyrimethanil to the alkane carboxylic acid of formula CH3—(CH2)n—COOH is from 1/10 to 1/100.

Abstract: A method for controlling PPO resistant weeds, wherein compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined as given in the description and claims; are applied to the PPO inhibitor herbicide resistant weed, parts of it or its propagation material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of use of a tetrazolinones for combating phytopathogenic fungi on soybean, such fungi containing a G143A mutation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene conferring resistance to Qo inhibitors.

Abstract: Polymers containing nitrogen-halogen covalent bonds, i.e., N-halamine polymers, are provided for use in water treatment by reducing or removing microbes and toxic chemicals. Polymers containing one or more amide groups, guanidino groups, or groups derived from urethane or urea, are directly halogenated. The hydrolysis of N-halamine bonds is closely monitored by the presence of different electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups adjacent to the nitrogen(s) of the N-halamine groups, and the resultant polymer can be facilely reloaded with halogen. Released halogen is in the form of an oxidative halogen or a hypohalous acid, in an effective amount and in an extended period of time, to significantly reduce the amount of a wide range of microbes including Escherichia coli and bacteriophage MS2 in contaminated water. Sponges, beads, resins, gel, and membranes made from these polymers are used in water treatment.

Abstract: Provided is the use of or compositions or formulations comprising Burkholderia species, filtrate, supernatant, extract, pesticidally active compound or metabolite derived therefrom as an insecticide, particularly against infestation of Corn Rootworm larvae, and/or as crop yield enhancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a fungicidal Paenibacillus sp. strain comprising a variant fusaricidin synthetase lacking a functional adenylation domain in the third module. The present invention also provides a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a fungicidal Paenibacillus sp. strain or a cell-free extract thereof comprising at least one Paeniserine and at least one Paeniprolixin. Also provided are isolated compounds and methods of treating a plant to control a plant disease with the disclosed compositions and compounds.

Abstract: The automatic bread maker has case 23 for accommodating bread-making material, heater for heating case, and temperature detector for detecting the temperature of case. The automatic bread maker further has pulverizing and mixing section and controller. Pulverizing/mixing section is disposed on bottom of case. While rotating, it pulverizes and mixes the material in case. Controller controls heater and pulverizing and mixing section according to the temperature of case. Controller governs a pulverizing step for producing rice paste from the material and a mixing step for mixing the rice paste after the pulverizing step. In the pulverizing step, pulverizing and mixing section rotates in a rotation speed range the same as that in the mixing step. The structure suppresses friction heat produced in pulverizing rice grains. This suppresses gelatinization of rice starch, providing rice paste with stable viscosity.

Abstract: A dough dividing device has a housing. Arranged therein is a feed chamber, for feeding dough, and a delivery chamber, which is arranged downstream and in delivery communication with the feed chamber. A delivery piston is arranged in a displaceably driven manner inside the delivery chamber for delivering dough. A measuring chamber is arranged downstream of the delivery chamber. In an extended delivery position a face of the delivery piston is arranged in a passage chamber between the delivery chamber and the measuring chamber. The passage chamber is delimited by a wall which extends circumferentially around the piston face. At least one degassing channel serves for degassing the measuring chamber. In the delivery position of the delivery piston the degassing channel is arranged between the piston face and the passage-chamber wall and creates a gas connection between the measuring chamber and a surrounding area.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and method utilizing a crimping roller which itself comprises a plurality of radially extending separating blades, with each blade comprising a central triangular cutting edge and two sealing portions extending from opposing sides of the base of the triangular cutting edge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an extrusion die for extruding a food product having a humidity level between 2.5 to 6.5%, the extrusion die being intended to be connected to the end of an extruder, said extrusion die presenting in transversal cross-section: a circular central opened portion; and a peripheral indented opened portion comprising indentations in which the indentions are in communication with the circular central portion. The invention also relates to an extruder, process and method utilising said extrusion die and to an extruded or co-extruded individual food item produced using said extrusion die.

Abstract: Rolled food products are produced by cutting a dough sheet to form a roll sheet having a continuous pattern. The pattern is comprised of an asymmetrical repeat unit. The roll sheet is transported in a first direction with a conveyor system, and the roll sheet is rolled in a second direction to form a continuous roll. The second direction is not parallel to the first direction. The continuous roll is cut to form a plurality of rolls. Each of the plurality of rolls is asymmetrical.

Abstract: A system for processing a suspended beef carcass as the carcass is moved along a defined path. A robotic arm is carried on a moveable table and has mounted thereon a servo motor-driven band saw capable of effecting a splitting operation on the beef carcass. The band saw is counterbalanced by a mass having a weight less than the weight of the band saw, and the robotic arm has a maximum load-carrying capacity less than the weight of the band saw. A torque monitor for the servo motor detects breaks in the band saw or breaks in the support for the band saw. A vision-based sensor system detects location of a tail bone on the beef carcass and identifies an age-indicating indicia. The system includes a controller in communication with the carcass rail, the carcass processing device and motor, and the vision-based sensor system.

Abstract: A power operated trimming tool including a head assembly affixed to a handle assembly. The head assembly includes a frame body supporting a feed roll, a blade, a blade support and a blade retainer plate. The frame body includes an interface portion affixed to the handle assembly and a support portion extending from the interface portion. The blade support includes a cross member of the frame body and defines a blade support slot and a blade receiving opening at a rearward end of the slot. The blade retainer plate is pivotally coupled to the frame body and pivots between first and second positions, in the first position, the blade retainer plate positioned in proximity to the blade receiving opening of the blade support and, in the second position, the blade retainer plate being spaced from the blade receiving opening allowing access to a back side of the blade.

Abstract: A method and processing device for processing an organ package taken out from slaughtered poultry is provided. At least two cooperating rollers that define a nip between the rollers selectively allow preselected organs from the organ package to pass through the nip. The rollers during operation rotate in opposite directions in order to convey the organ package and simultaneously promote that the preselected organs pass through the nip, wherein the rollers have a cross-sectional diameter, the value of which varies as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rollers and depends on the location of the cross-section between an entrance portion and an exit portion of the rollers so as to provide each of the rollers with a superficial curved contour.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-evisceration device and a method for preparing the evisceration of beheaded slaughtered poultry, wherein the viscera pack is to be eviscerated from the vent end. A neck slitting knife makes a neck slit along the neck at the breast side of the poultry. A pre-evisceration release tool is adapted to be inserted via the neck slit between the esophagus and trachea and the naturally surrounding tissue, and to be moved along the neck to loosen said at least part of the trachea and esophagus adhering to said neck. The pre-evisceration tool releases, prior to evisceration, part of the esophagus and trachea at the neck side of the crop between a position adjacent the crop, at the neck side thereof, and the neck opening.