Abstract: A pet companion cage is disclosed herein, has three or more rectangular metal fence panels, the rectangular metal fence panels are configured to be connected to each other on sides to form an enclosed area, wherein each rectangular metal fence panel is connected to a neighboring rectangular metal fence panel on both sides through hinges or latches. A supporting beam is provided on the top of each rectangular metal fence panel. All the supporting beams meet above a center of the pet companion cage, being fixed with a plastic member. A tarpaulin is placed over the supporting beams to cover pet cages. At least one of the rectangular metal fence panels has a feeding opening. The feeding opening has a door panel. The feeding opening is positioned on the top half of the rectangular metal fence panel.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor arrangement comprising an annular platform rotatably arranged around a rotary axis, a plurality of milking stalls arranged on the platform, a stationary floor surface surrounded by an inner edge portion of the annular platform. The floor surface is provided at a lower elevation than the platform surrounding it, such that a vertical opening is formed to a space under the platform between the edge portion of the platform and the floor surface. Modular units, located in the space under the platform, comprise a front wall element closing a part of said vertical opening, the modular units configured to be attached to a lower surface of the platform and to house at least one milking component in the space under the platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide automated data collection of feed behavior and intake for animals in confinement where the animal ingests feed from a feed station that includes a first and second feed container each of which holds a feed that is freely accessible to the animal, and a respective first and second weight sensor each of which senses a change in weight of the respective feed in the container. A processor is configured to transmit instructions to cause it to receive from the weight sensors, a plurality signals indicative of a change in weight in the first and second feed containers. The processor records a reduction in weight sensed by the first or the second sensor as consumption of the respective feed, and records a change in weight sensed by the first or the second sensor as feeding activity at the respective feed container.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid supply apparatus eliminating the need for a power supply, having relatively light weight and small footprint, and ensuring a stable liquid supply. The liquid supply apparatus includes a first support member, a second support member, a balloon having one end supported by the first support member and the other end supported by the second support member, and a casing having a constant longitudinal length. The balloon is disposed in the casing and is configured so as to be able to hold a liquid therein and discharge the liquid therefrom. When the balloon holds the liquid, the one end and the other end of the balloon are positioned in the case.

Abstract: An identification tag is described in which a first tag member is formed of a polymer and includes a front surface. A second tag member, also formed of a polymer but that visually contrasts with the first tag member, includes slots formed as visual indicia that extend through the second tag member. The second tag member is welded to a front surface of the first tag member to expose the front surface of the first tag member through the slots. An RFID inlay, providing a radio frequency identification function, is affixed to the first tag member on a rear surface thereof. A third tag member, also formed of a polymer, is welded to the rear surface of the first tag member to cover and protect the RFID inlay.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a livestock grooming article and method of forming same are disclosed. The livestock grooming article includes a handle extending along a handle axis, and a head extending along a head axis and connected to the handle. The head includes a body including a first major surface and a second major surface, and a back slidably connected to the first major surface of the body. The back includes a first major surface and a second major surface, where the first major surface of the back faces the first major surface of the body when the back is connected to the head. The head also includes a bristle extending through the body and beyond the second major surface of the body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus comprising of a base plate a plurality of bristles on the first side and a disposable layer with an interlaced network of holes having a plurality of particle collecting protrusions that align with at least the majority of the bristles of the base plate causing the disposable layer to be in close proximity of the base plate.

Abstract: A new elongated grooming tool with an elongated outer surface having protrusions located at one end and several blades attached to the second end is provided. The invention includes a version having retractable blades and a sliding actuator for activating and deactivating the blades.

Abstract: A claw shearing device including a first member and a second member, each having a connecting portion, a handle portion, and a plurality of grooves formed at an end opposite the handle portion. A fastener is provided to pivotably attach the first member to the second member. The device includes first and second detachable shearing elements, configured to be releasably engageable with the plurality of grooves of the first and second members, respectively. The first and the second detachable shearing elements are configured to form an orifice for the insertion of a claw of a pet or an animal, where the maximum diameter of the orifice is no greater than the maximum diameter of an animal's claw as measured from a tip of the claw to the beginning of a quick that is closest to the tip. The device is configured to bring together the shearing elements to cut the claw of the pet or animal at a predetermined length.

Abstract: An analytical sample collector for collecting animal urine includes a container for containing urine and a collection device for collecting urine. The collection device includes a receiver for receiving urine and a channelling element for channelling urine to the container. An attractant composition emits an odor that attracts animals to urinate on the receiver. Kits and methods obtain an analytical sample of animal urine, and collect and analyze an analytical sample of urine from an animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tangle-free pet collar apparatus to be worn around the neck of an animal. The collar apparatus includes an outer wheel and an inner wheel, that when the inner wheel is set within the outer wheel a bearing is formed. The inner wheel and said outer wheel are free to rotate about each other upon forming a bearing. The collar apparatus further includes an elongated length of material having a first end and a second end, at least one inner wheel connection mechanism for attaching a leash, and at least one outer wheel connection mechanism. The first and second end of the elongated length of material, when fastened to the outer wheel, forms a collar for wearing about an animal's neck. This collar apparatus keeps the leash from tangling or knotting in addition to solving additional unmet needs.

Abstract: A safety leash comprises a wrist mount body, a cord supported by the wrist mount body, a biased engaged brake for braking the cord, and a brake release.

Abstract: A multifunction animal collar. The collar including a plurality of electronic components for collecting and transmitting audio and visual information to and from a remote user in real time. The plurality of electronic components including a satellite communication chip, a GPS chip, a camera, a thermographic camera, infrared camera, a microphone, a speaker, and a light. The satellite communication chip capable of transmitting and receiving viewed images and sounds to a remote user for viewing on an external electronic device and back to the animal in real time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a poultry management system comprising at least one animal holding area with a holding area floor and a conveyor comprising a conveyor belt with an upper belt and a lower belt, wherein the lower belt is arranged and designed to receive eggs from the animal holding area.

Abstract: Implementations of a squirrel deterrent kit are provided. The squirrel deterrent kit may be used to prevent animals from climbing a pole to gain access to the bird feeder mounted thereon. In some implementations, the squirrel deterrent kit may comprise a sleeve member, a self-retracting reel, and a pole mounted fastener (e.g., a hook). In some implementations, the self-retracting reel may be positioned and/or secured within a cavity of the sleeve member. In some implementations, the pole mounted fastener may be configured to attach to an adapter (e.g., a ring) secured on the distal end of the line of the self-retracting reel. In this way, the self-retracting reel may be used to slidably connect the sleeve member to the pole. In some implementations, the sleeve member may comprise an elongated cylindrical stem having a dome shaped head. In some implementations, the sleeve member may include a longitudinally extending vertical slit therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lure (1), especially for fishing. An elongated body (5) includes attachment means (2) provided at a first end (51) of the body (5) for attaching the lure (1) to a fishing line or the like. a second end (52) of the body (5) is provided with a holder portion (5a) for keeping at least one hook (6a) stationary relative to the body (5). The lure (1) includes an elastic shell (4), which is provided with an installation chamber (4a) capable of accommodating the body (5) as well as the at least one hook (6a). The holder portion (5a) consists of a slot type hook saddle (5a). The shell (4) is provided with an aperture (4c) across which a tip portion of the hook (6a) is adapted to proceed from the installation chamber (4a) to a position external of the shell while the hook (6a) is stationary in the hook saddle (5a) at the same time as the shell (4) has its surface subjected to a pressure force compressing the shell (4).

Abstract: A berley dispenser (8) has a berley storage volume (10) and a dispenser (42) that communicates the berley storage volume (10) with the outside environment via at least one flow path (44) wherein the dispenser (8) is selectively operable to cause at least one of opening of the at least one flow path (44), closing of the at least one flow path (44), and flow of berley along the at least one flow path (44) from the berley storage volume (10) to the outside environment.

Abstract: A fishing rod shield for use on a fishing vessel. The fishing rod shield protects fishing rods while also providing improved safety to the fishing vessel. The fishing rod shield includes a rod protector and a cover positioned over the rod protector. The rod protector includes a plurality of openings through which a fishing rod may be at least partially inserted and easily removed. The shield includes an anti-slip or other safety surface to provide improved safety on the fishing vessel.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer assembly includes a wheeled carriage, a chassis, and a spray delivery system. The wheeled carriage has a number of adjustable support legs (e.g., four), each formed of hydraulically coupled and actuated upper and lower leg sections or members. The chassis is supported on the wheeled carriage, at an adjustable clearance height defined by the operational height of the support legs. The spray delivery system includes a spray boom coupled to a boom support, and an actuator coupled to the boom support and the chassis. The actuator is configured to adjust the height of the spray boom with respect to the clearance height of the chassis.

Abstract: A bait station for trapping pets may include: a housing, a plurality of open channels located in the housing, such that the plurality of open channels may be configured to allow the entrance and the exit of pests to and from an open space within the housing and a bait holder located in the open space.

Abstract: A predator simulation apparatus for repelling animals may include a housing. A speaker may be disposed on the housing. The speaker may also be configured to emit an animal repellant sound. A scent dispenser may be disposed on the housing. The scent dispenser may be configured to release an animal repellant odor. A motion sensor may be electrically coupled to the speaker. A control switch may also be electrically coupled to the speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, a body coupled to the base and having slopped sidewalls, and imprinted glass marbles carried by the body. Each imprinted glass marble is configured to transmit terahertz frequencies from 300 GHz to 3 THz. The slopped sidewalls direct the transmitted terahertz frequencies above the body.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting a section of a ladder tree stand or a stack of ladder tree stand sections and for transporting a harvested big game animal. The apparatus consists of a frame, a single wheel, an axle and a clamp. The axle is attached to the frame and the wheel is mounted on the axle. The clamp is used for clamping the frame to a ladder tree stand section or sections so that a hunter can transport the ladder tree stand section or sections by pushing or pulling the ladder tree stand section or sections on the wheel of the frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a buck lure comprising an absorbable pad infused with deer urine and freeze-dried rendering the urine inert. When the pad is hydrated, the scent of the pad emits a scent which lures deer to the site from which the scent is emanating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preserving cells in a cell preservative solution. The cell preservative solution comprises a lower alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and a divalent metal ion in an aqueous solvent, wherein the concentration of the divalent metal ion is from about 6 mmol/L to about 82 mmol/L.

Abstract: A biological sample collection and storage assembly, including: at least one filtering component; and an absorbent storage component; wherein the at least one filtering component is configured to filter a received biological sample in fluid form containing free cells and other biological components to separate the free cells from the other biological components such that the other biological components flow to the absorbent storage component for subsequent testing or analysis.

Abstract: An organ perfusion device includes an inlet for connection to the organ, and an outlet for connection to the organ. The device also includes a perfusion circuit including: a reservoir configured to hold a perfusion fluid; a waste receptacle, and a plurality of fluid conduits. The fluid conduits define: a delivery fluid path connecting the reservoir with the inlet; a return fluid path, independent of the delivery fluid path, connecting the reservoir with the outlet; and a waste fluid path connecting the reservoir with the waste receptacle. The device also includes a first flow control device configured to selectively prevent or allow fluid flow from the reservoir to the organ via the delivery fluid path; and a second flow control device configured to selectively prevent or allow fluid flow from the reservoir to the waste receptacle via the waste fluid path.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an aqueous-in-oil emulsion composition comprising an oil phase comprising an oil medium, wherein the oil phase is between 25-70% by weight of the composition; and an aqueous phase comprising i) a cyclopropene molecular encapsulating agent complex and ii) water. In addition, an aqueous-in-oil-in-aqueous double emulsion composition is provided comprising an aqueous-in-oil emulsion composition and a second aqueous phase, wherein the by weight % does not consider the second aqueous phase. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an agrochemical composition comprising the steps of preparing a premix by contacting a solid water-insoluble pesticide and a hydrophobin and preparing a raw suspension by milling the premix; an agrochemical composition which is obtainable by said method; a use and method of application of hydrophobin for reducing the toxicity of a solid water-insoluble pesticide; 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; and seed containing said suspension.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods related to controlling arthropods. Embodiments of the invention include compositions for controlling an arthropod, which can include one or more plant essential oils and methods for using these compositions. The plant essential oils, when combined, can have a synergistic effect. Embodiments of the invention relate to compositions and methods related to controlling lice.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving plant growth by applying an effective amount of (S)-abscisic acid and glycine betaine to the plant. The present invention is further directed to methods of improving stress tolerance in a plant by applying an effective amount of (S)-abscisic acid and glycine betaine to the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) recombinant exosporium-producing Bacillus cells that express a fusion protein comprising: (i) at least one plant growth stimulating protein or peptide and (ii) a targeting sequence that localizes the fusion protein to the exosporium of the Bacillus cells; and b) at least one further biological control agent selected from particular microorganisms disclosed herein and/or a mutant of a specific strain of a microorganism disclosed herein having all identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against insects, mites, nematodes and/or phytopathogens in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for enhancing plant growth, promoting plant health, and/or reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.

Abstract: Polycyclic Compounds of formula (I) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to substituted pyrrolone derivatives of the formula (I) wherein X, A, 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 or inhibit plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a tank mix, which comprises the step of contacting a pesticide formulation, water, and a tank mix adjuvant which comprises a carbonate of the formula (I); to a pesticide formulation comprising the tank mix adjuvant; to a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi and/or undesired vegetation and/or undesired insect or mite attack and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the tank mix or the pesticide formulation is allowed to act on the respective pests, their environment or the plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil and/or on undesired plants and/or the crop plants and/or their environment; and to a use of the tank mix adjuvant for increasing the efficacyl of a pesticide.

Abstract: A method of stimulating or promoting plant growth includes applying to a crop plant a composition of ipfencarbazone in an amount sufficient to stimulate or promote plant growth. In some aspects, embodiments herein provide methods of stimulating or promoting plant growth comprising applying to a crop plant a composition comprising ipfencarbazone in an amount sufficient to stimulate or promote plant growth.

Abstract: An antimicrobial agent for the biocidal finish of polymers based on biocides is described, whose molecules have at least one nitrogen atom with a free electron pair. In order to achieve an extensive insolubility without loss of the biocidal effect, it is proposed that the biocide is coordinatively bound to a metal complex via the free electron pair of the nitrogen atom.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabrotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. In specific embodiments, the decrease in expression of the target sequence controls the pest and thereby the methods and compositions are capable of limiting damage to a plant. The present invention provides various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-236 or active variants and fragments thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Further provided are silencing elements which when ingested by the pest decrease the level of the target polypeptide and thereby control the pest. In specific embodiment, the pest is D. virgifera, D. barberi, D. speciosa, or D. undecimpunctata howardi.

Abstract: This invention provides low-dose, low-concentration formulations of phytotoxic trace inorganic compounds for use in methods and systems for selectively and effectively controlling invasive plants.

Abstract: Fungicidal mixtures, comprising 1) a fungicidal strain (I) it selected from a) the Bacillus substilis strain with NRRL Accession No. B-21661, and b) the Bacillus pumilus strain with NRRL Accession No. B-30087, or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, or a metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against plant pathogenic fungi, and 2) at least one chemical compound (II), selected from the active compound groups A) to F): A) azoles; B) strobilurins; C) carboxamides; D) heterocyclic compounds; E) carbamates; F) other fungicides; in a synergistically effective amount, methods for controlling harmful fungi using compositions of components 1) and 2), the use of a component 1) with acomponent 2) for preparing such compositions, and also fungicidal agents and seed comprising such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions to reduce growth of microbial colonies, including infections, and includes therapeutic compositions, methods for treatment of infections, and methods for identifying additional such compositions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses Hemipteran insect inhibitory proteins, methods of using such proteins, nucleotide sequences encoding such proteins, methods of detecting and isolating such proteins, and their use in agricultural systems.

Abstract: In one aspect, a spiral cooking device includes a first cooking zone with air configured to move horizontally therethrough in a first direction, a second cooking zone with air configured to move horizontally therethrough in a second direction different than the first direction, and a spiral conveyor belt at least partially positioned in the first and second cooking zones and configured to transport food product thereon through the first and second cooking zones. In one aspect, a spiral cooking device includes a spiral conveyor belt providing a central opening inside the belt and a conveyor belt drive member positioned externally of the central opening. In one aspect, a conveyor belt cleaning device is provided. In one aspect, a cooking device includes a frame including a plurality of coupled pipes for providing structural support to the device and at least one of the pipes is configured to have liquid pass therethrough.

Abstract: A breadmaking tray includes a breadmaking tray body B in which: (i) a fluorine resin film 2 having a thickness of 75 to 500 ?m is laminated on a metal substrate 1 through heat bonding; (ii) a plurality of holes h are punched; and (iii) an appearance thereof has a plate shape bent in a corrugated form, and the breadmaking tray can further include a frame A for supporting the body B. A method for manufacturing the breadmaking tray is provided. The breadmaking tray has excellent release properties since flour dough comes into contact with only the inner walls of holes h punched in the fluorine resin film having excellent release properties during a breadmaking process, without coming into contact with the inner walls of holes h punched in the metal substrate.

Abstract: A system for the personalized production of foods including an automated selection station of the type of food requested by the customer, including the relative topping, and of the method of preparation thereof, a preparation station of the dough portions (P) that constitute the base of the requested foods (X,X?), a first topping station of the dough portions (P) with ingredients to be cooked, a cooking station of the dough portions (P) with ingredients to be cooked, a delivery station to the customer of the finished foods (X?), means (IS) for transporting the dough portions (P) and/or the foods (X,X?) through the stations. The first topping station includes a counter with worker and a selection counter of the ingredients to be cooked freely accessible to the customers; the transportation means include a sorting device of the dough portions (P) towards the counter with worker or towards the selection counter.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing dry sausage. The process includes preparing a dry sausage meat mixture, stuffing the mixture into a casing or mould, fermenting the mixture, heat treating the mixture, cooling the mixture to a temperature sufficiently low to permit slicing, slicing the sausage, placing the sausage onto a conveyor, and passing the conveyor and sausage through a chamber. The process also includes introducing a supply of conditioned air into the chamber, the air having a relative humidity below about 60% and a temperature in the range of at least about 40° F. to 130° F., and introducing a supply of microwaves into the chamber. The air supply and microwaves are selected to reduce the moisture content of the meat to a predetermined moisture to protein ratio.

Abstract: The device consists of a supply area (2) through which a conveyor belt (3) is fed above which a moistening station (4) is arranged by means of which the skin of the sausage is softened in order for the sausage to then be perforated and injected in order for said internal air flow to cause the skin to detach from the meat in the corresponding gripping and blowing station (6). It is then subjected to transversal cutting with a guillotine mechanism (16) and then to longitudinal cutting (18) while the skins are removed underneath by means of a pair of toothed wheels (23), the clean product coming out by way of an outlet conveyor belt (24).

Abstract: A casing brake assembly and a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products which includes such a casing brake assembly is presented. The casing brake assembly comprises a safety means comprising at least one tubular element and at least one switch element. The at least one tubular element is arranged coaxially with the tubular support means upstream with respect to a filling direction. The tubular element is axially spaced apart and moveably arranged with respect to the tubular support means. The switch element is stationary with respect to the tubular element and arranged for interacting with at least one safety means of the production apparatus. The casing brake assembly and a clipping machine using the casing brake assembly allow a high level of security for the operator.

Abstract: A portioning-twisting machine for producing cured sausages includes a product portioning element (3) and a twisting element (4) wherein portions are stuffed into a continuous casing and they are twisted. The portioning element (3) and the twisting element (4) are arranged so that the product moves between them linearly, i.e., without changing direction from when it is introduced into the machine to be portioned to its output forming stuffed units, after being twisted in the casing. The twisting element (4) is actuated in its rotation by a second motor (19), which operates independently from the first motor (10), which actuates the rotation of the portioning element (3). The transmission means (20) that link the second motor (19) to the twisting element (4) are accommodated and protected in a frame (21) provided externally on the side of the housing (2) and includes at least one belt (22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for producing sausage-shaped products, like sausages, containing a flowable filling material in a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing and a suspension element, like a suspension loop. The system includes a clipping machine for producing the sausage-shaped products, a discharge device for discharging the sausage-shaped products out of the clipping machine and a feeding device for feeding a rod-like element into a loading position in which the sausage-shaped products are stored on the rod-like element by the discharge device.