Abstract: A portable enclosure for capturing and retaining an animal features a pen carried alongside an ATV, a front opening in the pen, and at least one door movable between open and closed positions at the front opening. A lock member is carried above the front opening, and is displaceable into and out of a locking position engaging the door. A rotatable actuation member resides overhead of the lock member and is operable by a foot pedal to draw the at least one lock member upwardly out of the locking position to unlock the door. The same lock member acts in both the open and closed positions of the door by way of cooperation with strike plates on the door panel and an extension member projecting therefrom. The strike plates are shaped to return the lock member to a ready state for automatic locking during opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: An animal harness for use together with a stand by veterinarians and groomers and the like in which elongated members form an adjustable size loop that encircles the animal's head and extends to cam buckles supported by the stand.

Abstract: Pet grooming devices range from complex powered washing devices through combination cutting and combing devices to rotary axis brushes. A common them in all such devices is a device composed of a linear array of tines or teeth that help to remove clumps or mats in the fur of the pet. The cat comb described herein is composed solely of a flat handle from which a linear array of tines emanates; however, said tines alternate in length leading to the grooming benefit of gathering shed cat hair back up between the tines and allowing the tines to perform their other function of grooming pet hair through separation and removal of matting. Periodic removal of the shed hair mat from the comb is necessary.

Abstract: Reconfigurable pet toy products and releasable twist-locking interfaces which may be used in connection with the reconfigurable pet toy products are disclosed. Some example reconfigurable pet toy products may comprise at least one middle piece, a first end piece, and a second end piece. The different pieces may couple with one another in multiple different configurations. The middle piece may include an internal cavity and a chew access window. The end pieces, when coupled with the middle piece according to one configuration, may provide closures for the internal cavity. In another configuration, the first and second end pieces may be coupled directly together, without the middle piece. In still further configurations, multiple middle pieces may be coupled together, and a variety of different middle pieces and/or end pieces may be mixed and matched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal chew toy comprising a first material including a body portion and one or more exposed regions comprising a second material, the material of the exposed regions at least partially occupying one or more blind holes in the body portion wherein the one or more blind holes may include an undercut or die locked condition to aid in retaining the second material. The chew may be formed via a number of molding methods including those utilizing injection molding or extrusion techniques. The first and second materials may comprise edible compositions.

Abstract: Embodiments of a dog restraining apparatus comprise a dog collar and a collar positioning assembly. The collar is configured to attach to a leash at a location behind the dog's head when the collar is secured around the dog's neck. The collar positioning assembly includes an alignment strap having ends attachable to the collar at respective collar attachment locations such that the alignment strap is extendable across the dog's nose bridge when the dog collar is secured around the dog's neck The collar attachment locations may be adjustable along the collar. The alignment strap may have a continuous or non-continuous bead of elastomer disposed on its interior surface to frictionally engage the dog's nose. The collar positioning assembly may be readily detachable from, and re-attachable to, the collar. Attachment of the strap ends may be facilitated by intervening structures such as strap end loops, O-rings and releasable collar attachment loops.

Abstract: A multi-function leash system incorporating anti-theft features is provided. The leash system includes a leash portion and a harness connectable to the leash portion. The leash portion includes an elongate leash, the elongate leash including at one end an attachment component, and at the other end a handle, wherein the handle is formed to be achieve a locked position in which the handle forms a closed loop, and an open position in which the handle is open at one end, and is operable to be wrapped around a fixed article, and then locked around the fixed article. The harness is formed to put on a pet, wherein the harness is adjustable to achieve a snug fit relative to the pet's body using one or more adjustable elements, wherein the harness is formed so that once the harness has been locked on the pet, and attached to the leash portion, the harness is difficult to remove from the pet's body.

Abstract: A method to determine a body condition score of an animal including: providing a three-dimensional camera system configured and arranged to record at least one three-dimensional image of the animal, and an image processing device to process the image; recording at least one three-dimensional image of the animal; processing the image. The processing the image includes: forming a three-dimensional surface representation of a part of the animal from the three-dimensional image recorded by the three-dimensional camera system; determining, in the image, reference points of the animal, at least including hook bone points and pin bone points of the animal; selecting a surface part of the animal representative for a body condition of the animal using the reference points; analyzing a first parameter representative for a body condition of the animal of the selected surface part; and determining the body condition score based on the first parameter.

Abstract: A method for incubating avian eggs, comprising: a. introducing avian eggs into an incubation chamber having an oxygen-containing atmosphere; b. subsequent to ‘a’, incubating said eggs in said incubation chamber for a period of time that is not less than 25% of the natural incubation period of said eggs; c. during said period of time of the incubating, changing an orientation of said eggs at a frequency of not less than once every two days; and d. during said period of time of said incubating, varying a temperature of said atmosphere in said incubation chamber at a frequency of not less than five times a day, the varying comprising: increasing the temperature of the atmosphere from a first temperature to a second temperature, the difference between the first temperature and the second temperature being not less than 1.0° C.; and reducing the temperature from the second temperature to a third temperature, the difference between the second temperature and the third temperature being not less than 1.0° C.

Abstract: An egg processing system is provided. Such a system includes a reference platform defining a plurality of reference openings therethrough. Each reference opening is adapted to receive an avian egg therein from an underside of the reference platform. A plurality of egg holders are provided for supporting eggs, each egg holder being configured to lift an egg toward a respective reference opening. A plurality of egg orienting accommodations extends from the underside of the reference platform. Each egg orienting accommodation is associated with a respective reference opening such that as an egg moves toward the reference platform it interacts with the egg orienting accommodation to orient the egg. An associated system, device and method are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) overexpressing DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) and a method of producing the same. According to the method, a specific mechanism and related factors for DNA methylation mediated by Dnmt3a may be found, and a critical gene for regulating the life span of C. elegans may be identified, and therefore C. elegans may be used as an animal model for screening a drug for a DNA methylation-related disease.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a head and an angled body is provided. The head includes an upper surface and a lower surface. An indent or scoop is formed on the upper surface of the head. The body is attached to the head at a bend forming an angle relative to the head. The angle is between about 5° and about 30°. The indent varies in different depths, lengths and angles, which effect the unique movement of each lure. Further, the angled head and body causes the head to move back and forth through the water as the lure is being reeled, which in turn causes the tail to wag.

Abstract: A fishing low profile flexible fishing line guide system with direct attachment to a fishing rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing insects and allowing for their eventual release or cleaning of the apparatus is disclosed. The capture system allows for the safe and efficient capture of a variety of flying insects through the use of a natural attractant and a capture apparatus. The multi-part capture apparatus allows for easy cleaning, replenishment of the natural attractant, and release of the insects after capture. The multi-part capture apparatus also significantly reduces the ability of insect escape through the possible exit point.

Abstract: The application is generally directed towards an airfoil for a fluid delivery tube. The airfoil includes a securing member operably connecting the airfoil to the tube, a fin extending downward and outward from the securing member and terminating in a tip, a shield extending inward and downward from the tip of the fin, and an air guide extending from a first end of the shield.

Abstract: A boom vibration control device includes a fluid pressure cylinder provided between a boom and a boom support body, the fluid pressure cylinder biasing the boom in one rotating direction and a metal spring provided between the boom and the boom support body, the metal spring biasing the boom in the other rotating direction.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for improving plant growth and reduce the effects of diseases, with environmental friendly techniques. This is a method for controlling or ending diseases and also, to perform a non-stop electromagnetic combine with invaded electrons treatment with its effective methods for soil, plants, trees and their roots region. Furthermore, high voltage electricity can control the borer insect/s, nematodes in plant, tree and in the soil under treatment. Some of the pathogens, nematodes and insect/s in the region influenced by the magnetic field, invaded by squall of electrons, can be decontaminated after the treatment. The exited and invasive electrons pass through the magnetic field region via negative terminal and will be discharged at positive discharge points which located on discharge bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bird protection device arid to a bird protection device. According to the invention, a method for producing a bird protection device is proposed, wherein the bird protection device is made of an at least partially transparent material and contains an optical structure visible to a bird's eye. Here, the method comprises a radiation input, wherein the radiation input is implemented on and/or in the partially transparent material for forming the optical structure. The radiation input is preferably laser radiation. Suitable lasers for the radiation input are, for example, CO2 lasers with a wavelength of 1064 nm, picosecond lasers with a wavelength of 532 nm or nanosecond lasers with a wavelength of 532 nm. In one embodiment of the invention, the bird protection device furthermore comprises an element for increasing the contrast, wherein, for forming the optical structure, the radiation input is implemented on and/or in the element for increasing the contrast.

Abstract: An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having an internal cavity. A conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the cavity, which prevents water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace.

Abstract: A tree stand system is provided. The tree stand system may include a tree stand. The tree stand may include a frame post, a platform portion engaged with the frame post, and a seat portion engaged with the frame post. Further, the tree stand may include an upper engagement device and a lower engagement device each configured to engage a structure. One of the upper engagement device and the lower engagement device may define a convex edge configured to extend toward the structure to allow the tree stand to roll against the structure to select a horizontal angle that the tree stand faces. The tree stand system may further include one or more of a ladder, a hoisting apparatus, and an accessory. The accessory may include a bow holder accessory or a hunting device accessory.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus (1) for mixing slaughter offal with a preservative agent, the apparatus comprising an offal collection tank (3) with a bottom (4) provided with a discharge opening (5) connectable to a closable discharge, an agitator (8) extending into the offal collection tank, and a pump unit (9) operatively connectable to the discharge, wherein the apparatus further comprises a preservative reservoir (7) mounted on top of the collection tank (3). A collection and preservation system is provided, wherein the addition of preservation agent can be strictly controlled, can easily and quickly be installed and connected when it is to be used. After use, the system is easily removed and cleaned.

Abstract: An oxygenated cardioplegic composition for immediate reperfusion of a donor heart after its procurement. The composition comprises an adenosine-lidocaine mixture for causing immediate cessation of the heart's systolic function upon contact; a normokalemic concentration of potassium ions; a concentration of Ca2+ ions selected to maintain the intracellular level of Ca2+ ions in the harvested heart muscle cells at about 10?4 mmol/L; and a pH of 6.9. The oxygenated cardioplegic composition is pre-warmed to about 35° C. and then used for immediate reperfusion of a donor heart for at least three minutes after its procurement.

Abstract: Methods and processes for cryopreservation and direct cell thawing and seeding or suspension after cryopreservation, including methods that eliminate the necessity of post-thaw wash, spin, and frequent practice of performing a cell count. Cell compositions and no-spin cell products produced using the methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agrochemical composition comprising a pesticide and an alkoxylate of the formula (I) as defined below. The invention further relates to said alkoxylate. The invention further relates to a method of preparing said composition by bringing the alkoxylate and the pesticide into contact. Finally, the invention relates to a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired plant growth and/or undesired insect or mite attack and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein said composition is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or the crop plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or on the crop plants and/or on their environment; and to seed containing said composition.

Abstract: Composition and method for production of peroxycarboxylic acid solutions for various disinfection and cleaning compositions that utilizes non-equilibrium peroxycarboxylic acid. More specifically compositions comprise peracetic acid (PAA) and methods for making non-equilibrium PAA are provided. Frozen compositions useful as antimicrobial ice are provided.

Abstract: Optically isotropic, thermodynamically and chemically stable microemulsions of antimicrobials comprising of mixtures of N-undecylenoyl glycine, N-capryloyl glycine and 2-phenoxy ethanol for preservation of personal care products are described herein. They offer a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity by inhibiting the growth of bacteria as well as fungi that can otherwise flourish in personal care products rendering them unsuitable for the use. The personal care products that can be preserved by these microemulsions of antimicrobials are, gels, serums, solutions, lotions, creams, emulsions, wet wipes and the like, containing water in varying amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a fructooligosaccharide (FOS) comprising from 2 to 10 monosaccharide units, as an elicitor of the mechanisms of absorption of mineral elements from the soil, and of the defense mechanisms against pathogens. It also relates to a fertilizing and biostimulating composition containing these fructooligosaccharides, and to the use thereof in a method for treating crop plants.

Abstract: Provided herein are herbicidal compositions comprising (a) 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-fluoropyridine-2-carboxylic acid or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof and (b) chlormequat chloride and methods of use. The compositions provide control of undesirable vegetation in crops such as cereal crops, like wheat and barley.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a biocide against at least one strain of bacteria and/or at least one strain of yeast and/or at least one strain of mould in an aqueous preparation. The invention further relates to the use of a water soluble source of lithium ions for reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a biocide against at least one strain of bacteria and/or at least one strain of yeast and/or at least one strain of mould in an aqueous preparation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising dilute stabilized sodium hypochlorite solution and an indicator to show that the dilute stabilized sodium hypochlorite solution is fresh and active.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfectant composition comprising hydrogen peroxide in association with at least one quaternary ammonium salt, suitable for disinfecting a room and the objects that may be therein contained. The composition is further characterized by the absence of ions of heavy metals and is particularly suitable for use in a method for the disinfection of a room, which comprises the diffusion of the present disinfectant composition in the form of a dry mist, maintaining contact with the room and with the objects therein contained, so as to obtain the desired degree of disinfection.

Abstract: A probiotic composition and methods for the mitigation, inhibition, and/or exclusion of microorganisms.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant or a Gycine plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal or soy seeds and/or cereal or soy seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for treating human dermatological conditions by employing a microbiome-centered treatment approach. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide pharmaceutical and cosmetic compositions, and the methods of using the same, comprising a strain of Lactobacillus fermentum bacterium, or bioactive extracts thereof, derived from human microbiota and capable of growing in biofilm phenotype.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for control of pathogenic fungal or oomycetous infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide having a fungicidal activity, isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum YML007, and provides a fungicidal peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In addition, the present invention provides a fungicidal composition or a composition for food preservation, containing the peptide as an active ingredient. The peptide of the present invention has a wide range of fungicidal activities, and thus can be applied, by using the same, to various fields such as a microbial preparation related to fungicidal activity, an agent for controlling pathogenic fungi, a preservative for food including feed, and the future development of medical supplies related to fungi.

Abstract: A rodent repellent system for repelling rodents from an area is provided. The rodent repellent system comprises a dispersing mechanism and an amount of natural peppermint oil in fluid communication with the dispersing mechanism. The natural peppermint oil has a peppermint aroma with the dispersing mechanism releasing the peppermint aroma into the area.

Abstract: An improved method for heat treating flour. The resulting flour has increased moisture absorption and increased strength. Dough made from the heat-treated flour has improved performance, and baked goods made from the heat-treated flour have improved properties relative to dough and baked goods made from untreated flour.

Abstract: An automatic skinning assembly having a loading station, a first device, and a conveyor assembly extending between the first skinning device and the second skinning device.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a conveying device for slaughter animals and a removing device (15). The conveying device comprises a guide (2) extending along a transport path, product carriers (3) for the slaughter animals, which are movable in a direction of movement along the guide, each product carrier comprising at least one groove inclined according to a direction of inclination for holding at least one held part of a slaughter animal therein. The at least one groove has an open upper end and a lower end. The removing device comprises a pusher element, which is movable to and fro between a passive position and an active position for pushing the at least one held part out of the at least one groove. The removing device comprises a further pusher element which is movable to and fro between a further passive position and a further active position.

Abstract: Methods for processing poultry food products are provided, more particularly methods for processing poultry thighs to produce wing-like poultry parts. The poultry parts comprise a skin-on bone-in thigh portion and/or a skin-on boneless thigh portion. The food products approximate the texture and eating experience of traditional poultry wings with the enhanced flavor and juiciness of dark meat. Also provided are food product packages comprising the skin-on thigh portions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for processing sea cucumbers having stages for orienting/aligning, cutting, splitting, flattening, eviscerating and cleaning the sea cucumber, and for collecting the eviscerated innards. A method for the automated splitting and evisceration of sea cucumbers using the apparatus of the present disclosure. A flattening plate and trough during the orienting/aligning step relax the sea cucumber and discourage its defence mechanisms. A wedge shaped flattening plate splits and flattens the sea cucumber immediately after the incision. Pronged discs maintain positioning of the sea cucumber during an aggressive wash and brush cleaning cycle, which may be repeated. Optionally, a vacuum may suction off a portion of the innards prior to cleaning.

Abstract: A vertical electric cooker and smoker having lower air intake vents and upper exhaust vents which together create a more balanced flow and distribution of smoke and reduce the operating pressure of the system to allow a much larger load of wood chips to be used without refilling. A smoke box is also provided for holding and properly combusting the larger quantity of wood chips in an oxygen deficient environment. The smoke box has a false bottom and discharges the smoke through a circuitous exhaust flow path. Also, the electric heating elements of the cooking and smoking apparatus are contained in an assembly which provides an air gap beneath the smoker box and also shields the smoker box to prevent the wood chips in the smoker box from becoming overheated.

Abstract: A system for dehydrating raw produce without introducing excess heat to the produce, including a first chamber for holding warm, moist air, a second chamber connected in fluidic communication with the first chamber for cooling and drying warm, moist air received from the first chamber, and a filter operationally connected between the first and second chambers for removing suspended particulates from warm, moist air flowing therethrough with a drain operationally connected to the second chamber for removing water therefrom. A third chamber is connected in fluidic communication with the second chamber for receiving cool, dry air therefrom and for receiving raw produce for drying, and a wind current generator operationally connected to the second chamber to urge cool, dry air therefrom and into the third chamber.

Abstract: A low protein yogurt composition is provided comprising water, at least one dairy ingredient and a crosslinked waxy starch, wherein the crosslinked waxy starch is crosslinked with phosphate groups and has a peak Brabender viscosity of from about 600 to about 1500 Brabender units, and the cross-linked waxy starch is present in an amount sufficient to add viscosity to the yogurt. The crosslinked waxy starch can also be stabilized by acetylation to obtain longer shelf life.

Abstract: A process for producing dairy products with a defined lactose content is suggested, comprising the following steps: (a) Ultrafiltration of a starting milk for producing a first permeate P1 and a first retentate R1; (b) Nanofiltration of the first permeate P1 for producing a second perorate P2 and a second retentate R2; (c) Hydrolysis of the second retentate R2 while adding lactase; (d) Mixing the first retentate R1 with such an amount of the second permeate P2 and the hydrolysis product of step (c) each that a standardized dairy product is obtained, the content of proteins and minerals of which corresponds to the one of the starting milk.

Abstract: A process for producing lactose-free dairy products is suggested, comprising the following steps: (a) Hydrolysis of a starting milk while adding lactase; (b) Nanofiltration of the hydrolysis product for producing a first permeate P1 and a first retentate R1; (c) Reverse osmosis or nanofiltration of the first permeate P1 for producing a second permeate P2 and a second retentate R2; (d) Mixing the first retentate R1 with such an amount of the second permeate P2 and the retentate R2 that a standardized dairy product is obtained, the content of proteins and minerals of which correspond to the one of the starting milk.

Abstract: A process for producing dairy products with a defined lactose content is suggested, comprising the following steps: (a) Ultrafiltration of a starting milk for producing a first permeate P1 and a first retentate R1; (b) Reverse osmosis of the first permeate P1 for producing a second permeate P2 and a second retentate R2; (c) Decalcification of the second retentate R2; (d) Ultrafiltration of the decalcified product of step (c) for producing a third permeate P3 (lactose concentrate) and a third retentate R3 (mineral concentrate); (e) Mixing the first retentate R1 with such an amount of the third permeate P3 and the third retentate R3 each so that a standardized dairy product with a defined concentration of lactose and salts is obtained.

Abstract: Natural Creamers for providing whitening and indulgent texture/mouthfeel of beverage and food products are provided. The creamers have long-term stability, high whitening capacity and a pleasant mouthfeel when added to beverage and food, while being free from artificial additives. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a creamer comprising added sugar, milk fat, milk proteins and optionally natural flavors and free of any artificial additives. Wherein the ratio of milk fat:milk protein is less than 5.3:1; and wherein the Lumisizer instability index of liquid creamer is less than 10.

Abstract: A method to produce cheese chips, consisting in provides that cut cheese slices are frozen and then raised by means of rapid water evaporation due to the application of microwave and vacuum drying. The freezing step is preceded by drying and cooling, and the raised cheese chips containing cheese and flavourings are characterised in that their density does not exceed 0.46 g/cm3, the porosity does exceed 40%, and the crunchiness does exceed 4.