Abstract: The invention provides extruded animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise an extruded mixture of from about 10 to about 90% of one or more clays and from about 90 to about 10% of one or more starches. The use of starches to produce the extruded litters result in litters that are less dense than conventional clay-based animal litters and are therefore easier to transport and use.

Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.

Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.

Abstract: The disclosure provides comestible play treats that are adapted for contact-responsive, play-inducing movement. The shape of the treats makes them wobbly and prone to rocking, partially rolling and/or spinning when contacted by an animal. Also provided herein are methods of using the comestible play treats to induce play, increase the health and well-being of an animal, maintain ideal body weight, or improve the quality of life of an animal.

Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.

Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.

Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.

Abstract: The invention provides extruded animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise an extruded mixture of from about 10 to about 90% of one or more clays and from about 90 to about 10% of one or more starches. The use of starches to produce the extruded litters result in litters that are less dense than conventional clay-based animal litters and are therefore easier to transport and use.

Abstract: A valve locking system for safely and economically locking out control valves. The valve locking system includes a valve locking assembly for preventing manipulation of a valve including a rotating handle. The handle includes at least one aperture extending through the handle. The assembly includes a brace designed for coupling around a neck of the valve such that the brace is prevented from rotating around the neck of the valve. A cable includes a first end loop and a second end loop. The first end loop is coupled to the brace. The second end of the cable is insertable through the aperture in the handle. A locking member for coupling the first end loop to the second end loop such that the cable ties the handle to the brace whereby the handle is prevented from being rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyol(allyl carbonate) based casting composition suitable for forming high quality ophthalmic lenses which contains an epoxy compound in an amount effective to reduce shrinkage during its final polymerization in a mold. The casting composition of the present invention comprising polyol(allyl carbonate) and epoxy compound contains an initiator for the polymerization of the polyol(allyl carbonate), but does not contain a catalyst for polymerization of the epoxy compound.

Abstract: Connector (10) terminatable to a power cable (12) for tapping thereof, and having a housing (20), a clamp member (40) and an actuator (80) all linked by fasteners (100) when assembled around a length of the cable (12). Actuation of the actuator (80) urges the housing (20) toward and against the clamp member (40) with cable (12) nestled in a channel therebetween defined by grooves (30,44). IDC contacts (22) of the housing (20) extend toward cable (12) within groove (30) and establish terminations with respective conductors (14) of the power cable upon termination. The actuator (80) is cradled between slotted arms (48) of the clamp member and includes a cam (82) bearing against the clamp member when actuated to move the actuator away from the clamp member, with links (100) carried thereby and in turn pulling the housing against the clamp member.

Abstract: The liquid light tree is a completely new method of constructing and enhancing the beauty in central symbol of the Christmas season. The tree consists of a skeleton of colorful, wavy, treelike strands (36) of material which are curved to match the outline of a traditional Christmas tree. These strands (36) are pivoted around a center pole (30) to form the image of a hollow, transparent tree. The effect of blinking lights is produced by pumping a liquid down the skeleton of wavy strands (36). The quick beads of fluid dart in and out creating a sparkling visual effect. The flowing fluid is given additional effect in a dark setting much like a traditional tree. The tree has lights at the top and bottom of the tree which enhances the fluid flow. The beads of fluid reflect the light and give the impression that each bead is a light in itself moving quickly down the tree replaced again and again by other beads of liquid light.