Abstract: An apparatus for tethering an animal is disclosed. The apparatus has a leash housing, a retractor assembly contained within the leash housing, a tether with a first end connected to the retractor assembly and a second end extensible through a leash connector cavity opening disposed in the leash housing and connected to a leash connector, and at least one leash connector release that is capable of being depressed by a leash connector cavity wall when the leash connector is retracted into the leash connector cavity.

Abstract: The invention regards an animal monitoring system for determining feed consumption of one or more animals feeding at a feeding area, comprising an imaging unit for range imaging the feeding area, identification means configured to uniquely identify each feeding animal, and processing means configured for assessing the amount of feed consumed by each identified animal by determining the reduction of feed in subsequent images of the feeding area in front of each identified animal.

Abstract: In an aspect, a system includes a touch-sensitive surface and a camera mounted to be movable relative to the touch-sensitive surface to acquire an image of an animal interacting with the touch-sensitive surface. The system includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor and memory configured to cause each of multiple sections of the display screen to be associated with a corresponding activity in which the animal can engage; detect a selection of one of the multiple sections of the touch-sensitive surface; and enable the activity associated with the selected section of the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A bird feeder comprising a main body having an open top end and an open bottom end, a lid selectively removably affixed to the top end of the main body, a base affixed to the bottom end of the main body, and one or more hanging bird food receptacles suspended from the lid and selectively removable from the main body when the lid is selectively removed from the top end of the main body. The main body, the lid, and the base together form an enclosure when the lid is selectively affixed to the top end of the main body.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for manipulating sex, reversing sex, changing sex ratio, or moderating crustacean androgenic gland peptide expression in crustaceans for producing a monosex culture. In one embodiment, the present method comprises the step of injecting a dsRNA for the gene of IAG into a male crustacean. In another embodiment, the present method comprises the step of injecting a dsRNA for the gene of IAG into a female crustacean that had acquired a spermatophore (a sperm sac) after mating with a male. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of producing a monosex culture of crustacean by introducing a recombinant IAG peptide into the female crustacean, thereby obtains male with altered sexual characteristics for mating with a normal female. In one embodiment, the crustacean is a shrimp or lobster.

Abstract: A Myelin Basic Protein-luciferase bioimaging noninvasive model to visualize and quantify demyelination and remyelination events in the CNS at transcriptional level in vivo is provided. Luciferase-expressing transgenic animals were generated with myelin basic protein (MBP) promoter coupled to firefly luciferase reporter. The MBP-luci bioimaging model provides a means to monitor myelination status and the efficacy of a remyelination modulating test compound. An advantage of bioimaging is that a subject in a longitudinal study can serve as its own control. The same subject can be tracked over a demyelination and remyelination process continuously over a period of at least 10 weeks. This model enables normalization of individual animal imaging response and provides quality data with considerably reduced variance. In addition, because cohorts of animals need not be sacrificed at different time points, reduction in the number necessary for a compound efficacy study is possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non human model animal for ulcerative colitis and its main complications such as primary sclerosing cholangitis and colorectal cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a transgenic non human animal model for ulcerative colitis and its main complications such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, and colorectal cancer comprising a targeted disruption in the IL10 and NOX1 genes so that IL10 and NOX1 are not expressed in said animal.

Abstract: A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a carbon dioxide-releasing device, including a chamber having a sealable aperture for receiving a first material; a carbon dioxide-releasing polymer disposed within the chamber; and a port for releasing a carbon dioxide generated by the carbon dioxide-releasing polymer from the chamber. The carbon-dioxide releasing polymer can be a self-immolative polymer.

Abstract: A device and method for attracting and confining insects is disclosed. The device includes an insect attractant/confinement container comprising one or more small openings and a fermented fluid partially filling the insect attractant/confinement container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trap for collecting arthropods, for example ticks. The device comprises an attractant placed over an adhesive surface with the adhesive facing down or at an angle to prevent debris from inadvertently collecting. The arthropods, attracted to the device by the attractant then adhere to the adhesive surface on their dorsal side. The invention also relates to a method of using the device to collect insects by placing one or more of the devices in a desired collection area and collecting insects over a period of time without the need for constant monitoring of the devices.

Abstract: An insect trap for multiple species of pest insects, especially flying insects that are an indoor nuisance. The trap contains at least two parallel, planar, transparent faces, each face configured to polarize transmitted light into a single plane. The faces are oriented such that the light polarization planes are at substantially right angles. When the trap is attached substantially flush to a window, phototactic insects against the window perceive the trap faces as transparent and are thus induced to crawl in to the trap. However, light is prevented from passing through both faces, substantially obscuring the view of trapped insects inside to a casual human observer.

Abstract: A rodent trap may be in an active or inactive state, with the inactive state being first set to enable the rodent to enter the trap without feeling threatened, and after a desired period of time, the trap becomes activated such that the rodent which became comfortable in the previously inactive trap then becomes trapped.

Abstract: A bait rack is provided. The bait rack includes a bait support portion defining an open-topped bait pocket and an access aperture configured to provide access to the bait pocket from below the bait support portion. The bait rack includes a base configured to support the bait support portion above a work surface.

Abstract: The ability to see in the UV spectrum sets deer and animal vision apart from humans. Because of the absence of red cones, the drop off in sensitivity at the long-wavelength end of the spectrum occurs at shorter wavelengths for deer. They are less sensitive in the spectral region that appears orange to humans and are virtually insensitive to deep reds. Deer are much more sensitive than humans to the shorter wavelengths of light. They have been found to have a blue cone with peak sensitivity at 455 nm. 440 nm light is seen as bright blue in the dichromatic eye of the deer. The present invention involves connecting UV lights with a power source associated with the moving device, such as the device's electrical system, in such a manner that the UV lights are active whenever the device is running.

Abstract: A game call device which can be tossed from a concealed position. A preferred embodiment includes a flat bottom surface which is weighted such that the device will land against that face. A button located within the flat bottom surface activates the device, turning on a speaker which plays a sound. The sound will typically be the sound of a prey animal, intended to draw a predator animal to the device. Because the device is tossed from a concealed location, the device can be deployed without the user being forced to physically disturb the area where the call is placed, thereby decreasing the likelihood of being detected by the animal.

Abstract: An alligator game call device is essentially a solid cylindrical body preferably having about a 5/4 inch outer diameter. The device has an exterior surface and a central axial blind bore therein extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The bore has stepped, concentric, progressively smaller diameter sections from the proximal end toward the distal end of the body. Preferably a first section is ½ inch deep, a second section is ½ inch deep, a third section is 1 inch deep and a fourth section is 1½ inch deep. The game call includes a pair of angled nostril bores extending from the fourth section to an exterior surface of the body, wherein the nostril bores intersecting the exterior surface are spaced ½ inch apart.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for use with a ground stake and a decoy body. The apparatus includes a bracket, a pivot element, an elongated member, and an elongated slot provided in the elongated member. The bracket has a first abutment surface. The pivot element is connected to the bracket. The elongated member is configured as a support for the decoy body; the elongated member includes a second abutment surface configured to face the first abutment surface. The slot is configured for acceptance of the pivot element and comprises a travel path. The pivot element is configured for slideable motion within the slot, along the travel path. A method of using a decoy apparatus includes sliding the pivot element within the slot and along the travel path and pivoting the elongated member about the pivot element to change an orientation of the elongated member relative to a ground stake.

Abstract: The invention details a cryoprotectant and the methods to prepare biological tissue and related business methods and systems. The invention is directed to methods for collecting, washing, cyropreserving, recovering, and return of lipoaspirates to physicians for autologous adipose tissue transfer procedures in patients. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a cryoprotectant solution for cryopreserving biological tissue essentially of a polyol and a crysalloid.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a perfusion system including: a first circuit adapted and configured to circulate a first perfusate through a lumen of a small intestine and a second circuit adapted and configured to circulate a second perfusate through one or more blood vessels of the small intestine. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of perfusing at least a portion of a small intestine. The method includes: circulating a first perfusate through a lumen of the small intestine and circulating a second perfusate through a blood vessel of the small intestine.

Abstract: An improved isolator for collection, parametrical characterization and long-term preservation of samples containing stem cells comprises: a work chamber (2) isolated from the external environment; gloves jutting out at an inside of said work chamber (2); an inlet chamber (4) for introduction of a sample to be processed; an outlet chamber connected with the work chamber (2) and having a sterile sample-collecting bag; sterilizing means acting on said sample and/or on said inside of the work chamber (2); filtering means; cooling means for bringing and keeping said sample at a constant working temperature throughout the inlet chamber (4), the work chamber (2) and the outlet chamber; and visual imaging means (5) focused on the sample and defining a visual path which maintains a complete mechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic isolation between said inside of the work chamber (2) and the external environment.

Abstract: A method for cryopreserving an umbilical cord tissue strip includes the steps of: (a) applying tension to a segment of an umbilical cord to expand spaces between umbilical cord vessels; (b) cutting the segment of the umbilical cord, at the spaces between the umbilical cord vessels in a longitudinal direction that parallels a length of the umbilical cord vessels, to obtain the umbilical cord tissue strip, wherein the umbilical cord tissue strip contains Wharton's jelly from a perivascular region, a intervascular region, and a subamnion region; (c) incubating the umbilical cord tissue strip with a cryogenic composition; and (d) cryopreserving the umbilical cord tissue strip containing the Wharton's jelly and the cryogenic composition.

Abstract: High electrolyte agrochemical formulations with reduced foaming are formulated with a polyorganosiloxane defoamer containing defoaming polyoxyalkylene ether groups and tertiary aminoalkyl groups. The defoamers are stable in the high electrolyte formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packaging material/matrix and methods of making such packaging material/matrix for slow or extended release of at least one active volatile compound(s). Provided are methods and compositions for a polymer matrix incorporating at least one active volatile compound (for example 1-methylcyclopropene or 1-MCP) and the polymer matrix is synthesized by polycondensation. This polymer matrix can slowly release the active volatile compound after contacting with a solvent (for example moisture). Also provided is the use of such polymer matrix to prolong the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to hydrazinyl lipidoids, formulations thereof further comprising at least one active agent, as well as methods of delivering the at least one active agent to a target organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel agrochemical compositions with enhanced bio-efficacy comprising at least one agrochemical active ingredient and an adjuvant composition.

Abstract: Disinfectant compositions disclosed herein comprise at least one biocidal quaternary ammonium compound, hydrogen peroxide, and optionally inorganic acid and/or organic acid. Particularly, a composition comprising a biocidal quaternary ammonium chloride compound, hydrogen peroxide, and C1 to C8 carboxylic acid, mono-, di- and tricarboxylic acid enhances significantly its antimicrobial activities of either hydrogen peroxide or the quaternary ammonium chloride alone.

Abstract: Edible seeds are sanitized with a composition comprising water, a biocidal agent and a solvent. The composition is applied to the seeds and the seeds are later dried without first rinsing the seeds. The application rate may be 15% by weight of the seeds or less. The solvent may be a water-miscible alcohol such as ethanol or propylene glycol. When sanitizing mucilaginous seeds, the composition comprises one or more alcohols in an amount effective to inhibit the release of mucilage. The composition is initially applied as a mist to mucilaginous seeds. The biocidal agent may be an oxidizer such as peracetic acid. A treatment system includes an atomizing sprayer and a dryer, for example a fixed bed forced-air dryer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof for combating animal pests, where the symbols and indices are defined in the specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to pyrrolone compounds of the formula (I) wherein X, Rb, Rc, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes and intermediates for making compounds of formula (I), to herbicidal compositions comprising these compounds and to methods of using these compounds to control plant growth.

Abstract: The intention was to improve the antimicrobial effectiveness of washing and cleaning agents. This was achieved substantially by the use a combination of peroxygen-containing bleaching agent with an acylhydrazone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations of volatile organic compounds having effects on the navel orangeworm moth (NOW). In some embodiments, the blends of volatile organic compounds attract navel orangeworm moths. In other embodiments, the blends disrupt ovipositional activity of the female NOW. The invention also relates to traps baited with any one or more of the disclosed volatile blends, which are effective for controlling NOW.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein X is O or S; Y is O or S; A is O, S, NR3e or C(R3c)?C(R3d); Z is a direct bond, O, S(O)n, NR6, C(R7)2O, OC(R7)2, C(?X1), C(?X1)E, EC(?X1), C(?NOR8) or C(?NN(R6)2); a is 1, 2 or 3; and R1, R2, R3a-R3e, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, X1 and E are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling an invertebrate pest comprising contacting the invertebrate pest or its environment with a biologically effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the growth of an animal is provided. The method includes causing the animal to ingest or absorb an effective amount of one or more Fe III complex compounds, including but not limited to Fe III complexes comprising ligands bound to the iron centre selected from amino acids or ?-hydroxy acids, o-hydroxy benzoic acids or pyridine-2-carboxylic acids, such as ferric quinate, ferric tyrosine, ferric DOPA and ferric phenylalanine. Compounds which are structural and/or functional variants, derivatives and/or analogs of the foregoing compounds, as further described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds, processes for preparing quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds, antimicrobial coating compositions comprising quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds and method of treating a surface with said compositions to provide a durable, antimicrobial-treated surface.

Abstract: A surface treatment powder comprising (a) about 50 wt. % or more of a percarbonate, perphosphate, persulfate, peroxide or perborate salt; (b) about 0.2-10 wt. % of a chlorinated isocyanurate salt; and (c) a bleach activator, and method of using same to inhibit the growth of a microorganism on a surface.

Abstract: Silver ion solutions for use in agricultural spray formulations prepared for use in agricultural environs as an effective anti-bacterial spray, without environmentally hazardous or undesirable phytotoxicity. An iodine solution, a lime juice or a cranberry juice adjunct may be added to the silver ion solution in deionized water, to increase efficacy, especially in the ultra-low concentration range of the solution from parts per billion to parts per trillion of silver ion. The organically certifiable silver ion agricultural solution is applied externally to an agricultural commodity in the orchard or field, such as apples, cherries, pears, or any other fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating and preventing infections caused by microbial pathogens, methods for treating or preventing diseases caused by, or associated with, a microbial pathogens, and methods for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, the methods comprising the administration or application of compositions one or more strains of Lactobacillus parafarraginis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus rapi, Lactobacillus zeae, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus paracasei, the bacterial strain designated NMI Accession Number V12/022850 and the bacterial strain designated NMI Accession Number V12/022849.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production and application of a biological inoculant for use in plant material sown in nurseries. The invention also relates to a method for the immobilization of bacterial strains on a support and application to plant materials. The invention further relates to the use of native teak tree rhizosphere bacteria as a means for promoting plant growth. The invention consists in developing a biological product based on applying rhizosphere bacteria to a carbonized teak sawdust support, which can be used to obtain plants with improved characteristics in less time.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of phytoparasitic pest population control are provided, the compositions comprise a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is of defined composition, suitable for soil, foliar, and seed coating. In one embodiment, the phytoparasitic pest is nematodes.

Abstract: A cooking installation includes a cooking chamber, at least one conveyor belt positioned in the cooking chamber and following a spiral path of vertical axis, to receive food products and drive them from an inlet opening to an outlet opening of the chamber, a heat exchange circuit having a bundle of pipes disposed as a spiral inserted within the conveyor belt and divided into several portions involving different vertically superposed zones of the cooking chamber and connected together in parallel, and to a heat control unit for generating a heating fluid, a unit independently regulating the flow rate of the heating fluid within the portions of the heat exchange circuit, and a management and control unit for the thermal circuit and for the system driving the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A baking device is provided. The baking device includes a housing enclosing a baking compartment and an air handling compartment, the air handling compartment and the baking compartment being separated by a pressure panel that defines a rear wall of the baking compartment, the pressure panel including an aperture allowing fluid communication between the baking and air handling compartments. A blower wheel is mounted in conjunction with the aperture, such that rotation of the blower wheel urges air movement from the baking compartment and into the air handling compartment. A secondary blower is arranged in fluid communication with the air handling compartment, wherein operation of the secondary blower urges ambient air into the air handling compartment.

Abstract: New sandwich product, particularly a fast food sandwich product that contains appreciable amounts of salad ingredients, and to a salad insert suitable for use in such sandwich product to improve the diet of the consumer. The sandwich product can include a layer of a meat or protein portion with the layer of a wrapped salad portion that are placed on or enclosed between a bread portion. The wrapped salad portion uses an edible wrapper to enclose the salad ingredients. The edible wrapper can be an edible processed wrapper such as rice paper or soy paper, or an edible natural wrapper such as a lettuce leaf or cabbage leaf, or a combination thereof. An edible humectant can be used in the source of water used for moistening a dried sheet of a rice paper for improving the resistance to drying of a moistened rice paper. Salad dressing can be injected through the outer layer of the wrapped salad portion using a needle.

Abstract: A sausage suspending apparatus includes: a plurality of suspending members for suspending a sausage therefrom; a conveyor having the suspending members; and stick supporting members for supporting a stick. A stick discharging unit has a pair of stick latching arm bodies adapted to move upwardly in a forward direction, and, after the stick latching arm body has taken up the stick from the stick supporting member, the stick latching arm body discharges the stick from the stick latching arm body. The pair of stick latching arm bodies are located in correspondence with both end portions of the stick in a longitudinal direction of the stick, and a moving body and a driving body are provided outside a range between the both end portions of the stick.

Abstract: A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.

Abstract: The invention concerns fermented dairy products, such as yogurts, suitable for fruit taste enhancement, preferably in fruit containing fermented dairy products. The products comprise specific bacterial strains.

Abstract: A beverage producing system is provided comprising a capsule (1) containing beverage ingredients and a beverage preparation machine. The capsule (1) comprises a cup-shaped body (40) and a lid (41); the cup-shaped body (40) having a base (42) and a side wall (43) and the lid (41) being sealed to the cup-shaped body (40). At least a portion of the cup-shaped body is formed from a laminate material comprising at least an aluminium layer (71) and a polymer layer (72). A capsule and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: Blended fluid concentrates are provided that can be reconstituted into an instant coffee plus dairy beverage using either hot or cold liquids. The blended fluid concentrates include a blend of at least a dairy component, a coffee component, and a stabilizing component to form a shelf-stable pourable liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates a process for the preparation of a chocolate composition, the process comprising the steps of preparing a blend of dry ingredients, each ingredient having an individual fat content of less than 30%; conching the blend of dry ingredients; adding one or more ingredients having an individual fat content of 30% fat or greater to the blend and mixing; and compressing the mixture of step iii) to form the chocolate composition.

Abstract: Provided is a non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating that has the drying time, gloss, difficulty in peeling from a coated item, and sweating resistance required for chocolate coating use. Moreover, the non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating enables a novel composite food having a soft texture that has not been obtainable by a conventional fat composition for chocolate coating to be obtained. The non-lauric non-trans fat composition for chocolate coating contains a fat having a specific fatty acid composition and having a rising melting point of 35° C. or higher, and has a specific triglyceride composition.