Abstract: Devices and methods for conducting a remote photography session are described. In some instances, a computing device at a photography station receives messages from a photography station controller which is remote from the photography station. In some examples, the computing device receives one or more messages instructing the computing device to capture an image from an image capture device. The computing device can also receive one or more messages instructing the computing device to adjust the image capture device. Additionally, the messages may instruct the computing device to present instructions to a subject of the photography session. These instructions can prompt the subject to make adjustments to meet a criteria for a photograph in the photography session.

Abstract: Devices and methods for conducting a remote photography session are described. In some instances, a computing device at a photography station receives messages from a photography station controller which is remote from the photography station. In some examples, the computing device receives one or more messages instructing the computing device to capture an image from an image capture device. The computing device can also receive one or more messages instructing the computing device to adjust the image capture device. Additionally, the messages may instruct the computing device to present instructions to a subject of the photography session. These instructions can prompt the subject to make adjustments to meet a criteria for a photograph in the photography session.

Abstract: Devices and methods for evaluating at least one photograph during a photography session are described. In some instances, a camera may be used to capture images during a photography session and a computing device may be used to identify a portrait order specification for the photography session including a set of required photographs, each having associated required criteria. The computing device may evaluate the images and determine whether the images can be associated with any of the required photographs based on features included in the images being associated with the required criteria of the required photographs. The images associated with required photographs may be displayed, and a determination of whether the images qualify as a required photograph may be made using a graphical user interface, or may be made automatically.

Abstract: A pet toy is configured for use with a pet treat having a body with a gap therein that communicates with a central opening in the pet treat. The pet toy includes a body having an exterior surface and a core portion that is radially asymmetric and a slot formed in the body about the core portion. The slot has the core portion as a base and includes a sidewall having a second surface feature configured to cooperate with a first surface feature of the pet treat to promote retention of the pet treat in the slot. In some embodiments, one of the first and second surface features is a boss and the other is a recess. In some embodiments, the first and second surface features are engaged by rotating the pet treat within the slot with respect to the body of the pet toy.

Abstract: A pet toy is configured for use with a pet treat having a body with a gap therein that communicates with a central opening in the pet treat. The pet toy includes a body having an exterior surface and a core portion that is radially asymmetric and a slot formed in the body about the core portion. The slot has the core portion as a base and includes a sidewall having a second surface feature configured to cooperate with a first surface feature of the pet treat to promote retention of the pet treat in the slot. In some embodiments, one of the first and second surface features is a boss and the other is a recess. In some embodiments, the first and second surface features are engaged by rotating the pet treat within the slot with respect to the body of the pet toy.

Abstract: A switch assembly including a switch and a high impedance element used for energy harvesting purposes that are connected to a power line at one end and assembly electronics at an opposite end, where in one non-limiting embodiment the switch assembly has particular application for use in connection with a vacuum interrupter. The high impedance element has higher impedance than the switch so that current flows through the switch from the power line when the switch is closed and through the high impedance element from the power line when the switch is open, where power from the high impedance element can power a switch closing device, such as a solenoid actuator. The high impedance element can be a resistive element, a capacitive element or a combination of a resistive and capacitive element.

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: A treat dispenser includes a body having an exterior surface and a recess in the body. The recess has an outlet and is defined by interior surface having first and second lips protruding into the recess. The first lip defines a first treat-holding position having a first depth relative to the outlet, and the second lip defines a second treat-holding position having a greater second depth relative to the outlet.

Abstract: A treat dispenser includes a housing having an interior compartment. The housing has an opening formed therein communicating with the compartment. The treat dispenser further includes a turntable within and rotatable with respect to the housing and an actuator coupled to the turntable. The actuator is configured to impart rotation to the turntable based on manipulation of the actuator, such that an animal treat disposed within the compartment and on the turntable is ejected radially from the housing through the opening.

Abstract: A treat dispenser includes a housing having an interior compartment. The housing has an opening formed therein communicating with the compartment. The treat dispenser further includes a turntable within and rotatable with respect to the housing and an actuator coupled to the turntable. The actuator is configured to impart rotation to the turntable based on manipulation of the actuator, such that an animal treat disposed within the compartment and on the turntable is ejected radially from the housing through the opening.