Abstract: A habitat container system P1 includes at least one habitat container 5 and a holder 1 having plural container installation spaces 13 arranged vertically. The holder 1 includes a pair of front and rear frames 11 arranged via the container installation spaces 13, a lateral opening 15 opening the container installation space 13 laterally, a vertical opening 14 communicating container installation spaces 13 arranged vertically adjacent, and a pair of front and rear support portions 2 provided on opposing sides of the pair of front and rear frames 11. The habitat container 5 includes a pair of outward protrusions 65. In a state in which the habitat container 5 is accommodated in the container installation space 13, the habitat container 5 is supported by the holder 1 with the outward protrusions 65 arranged on the support portions 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food bowl for a domestic animal, in particular for a dog, characterized by an electronic balance which has a data output and is designed to measure the weight in the bowl and to transmit said weight to the data output as an electronic weight signal.

Abstract: A power lift platform includes a scissors frame arrangement having a first pair of parallel frame members and a second pair of parallel frame members pivotally connected to the first pair of parallel frame members defining an upper part and lower part for each of the frame members about the pivotal connection. A platform is attached to upper parts of the first and second pairs of parallel frame members. An axle is operably connected to a lower part of each of the first pair of parallel frame members. A pair of wheels operably connect to the axle. A first cross bar connects to a lower part of each of the second pair of parallel frame members. A rechargeable battery is operably disposed on a second cross bar. A electric linear actuator pivotally interconnects the second cross member and a third cross members by way of bracket and pivot pin connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving stability of a recreational animal may comprise a stability enhancement component. The stability enhancement component may comprise a top component, a bottom component, and four side components and may be rectangularly shaped. The stability enhancement component may comprise a diffuse surface that is configured to absorb the pressure the recreational animal exerts and spread the exerted pressure firmly throughout the rest of the stability enhancement component. The stability enhancement component may further comprise a direct surface that is configured to exert pressure in a direction opposite of a direction in which pressure is exerted by the recreational animal.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses an adjustable telescopic cat scratching post, comprising a cylinder and a regulating base. Scratch patterns are disposed on the outer side surface of the cylinder, and a threaded regulating port is upwardly disposed inside the cylinder. A thread section matching the regulating port is arranged at the upper end of the regulating base. The thread section is screwed into the regulating port and regulates the overall height of the cat scratching post by regulating the height of the part of the thread section screwed into the regulating port. The cat scratching post in the present application is adjustable and telescopic and intended to be fixed between a table and the floor, or between two other objects. This design not only plays a role in fixing the toy but also may prevent loss, save space and make for assembly and regulation.

Abstract: A toy device to disperse a pet treat comprises a body having an upper section and a lower section fixedly attached to each other via an interconnecting assembly. The upper section is a lid assembly configured to have an adjustable section to releasably cover the lower section. The lower section comprises a mesh member defining a hollow section to store and disperse a plurality of treats. The hollow section of the mesh member is chewed on by the pets to dissolve the treats stored in the mesh member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pet tethering device including: a platform, a harness, and a tether. The harness includes: a girth strap to position about the pet's waist, the girth strap including a first loop; a collar strap to position about the pet's neck, the collar strap including a second loop; and a back strap to position along the pet's back, the back strap including a top and a bottom, wherein the top is attached to the collar and the bottom is attached to the girth strap. The tether includes: a first end attached to the platform; and a second end including an attachment device, wherein the second end is threaded through the first loop and the attachment device is attached to the second loop when the harness is positioned on the pet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for controlling the environment of a broiler poultry structure interior utilizing a transpired solar collector and controllable vents, fans and sensors. In an embodiment, the incident angle of the transpired collector is adjusted to provide additional heat or shade as needed. In an embodiment of the system the Environmental Optimization System (“EOS”) provides a system for the intelligent control and monitoring the broiler poultry livestock structure environment through the utilization of a variety of environmental and livestock behavior sensors, apparatus for controlling the thermal collection and existing interior heating/air conditioning/ventilation (“HVAC”) systems, and Internet or cloud based intelligent control and monitoring capabilities of the system. In various embodiments central sensor data aggregation is utilized to provide improved optimization control for individual structures based on data from multiple structures.

Abstract: A feeding device for poultry animals having an upper feed provision element with an elongated expansion disposed so that poultry animals can reach the feed in the upper feed provision element from the access platform. The feeding device having at least one lower feed provision element disposed underneath the upper feed provision element during operation, wherein the lower feed provision element is arranged and designed so that during operation poultry animals can reach the feed in the lower feed provision element from a floor, and wherein the lower feed provision element is arranged and designed so that the lower feed provision element is supplied with feed provided in the upper feed provision element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding bees is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fluid tray member, a sheet, and a regulating valve. The fluid tray member is configured to hold a fluid for feeding the bees. The sheet is detachably attached on the fluid tray member via a magnetic strip. The regulating valve attached to the sheet is configured to maintain the level of the fluid. The regulating valve is attached to the sheet via a fastener. The sheet further comprises an inlet tube, a plurality of cavities, and a handle enable a user to position the apparatus to a desired location. The fluid is received via the inlet tube into the fluid tray member. The sheet provides a flat surface around the cavities to support each of the bees while feeding the fluid.

Abstract: A separator device for separating parasites from a population of insects, and a method of separation using such a device, the device comprising a container, a basket configured to be held in the container and provided with a plurality of openings at least through its bottom wall and its side wall, and a lid that is configured to close the container in sealed manner.

Abstract: Monitoring systems and methods for tracking movement of one or more animals in an enclosure, such as a fish tank, include introducing various stimuli, such as food, light, and auditory stimuli, and tracking the movement of the animals in response to these stimuli. Movement patterns of the animals can be determined and analyzed from data obtain from cameras that record images/videos of the relevant portions of the enclosure.

Abstract: Provided herein are rapid, reliable methods for generating mice (or other species) that develop tumors of known genotype with respect to two or more mutated, tumor-associated genes using blastocyst complementation.

Abstract: Genomically modified livestock animals having a modification in one or more genes implicated in heart failure are provided. The animals provide models for various pathologies in heart failure including dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and can be used for investigation of new treatment methods including interventional devices, biologics and pharmaceuticals. The models can also be induced to develop metabolic syndrome (MetS) and are therefore amenable to further investigation of the confounding effects of MetS on the progress of heart failure.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human T cell co-receptor polypeptides (e.g., CD4, CD8?, CD8?), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the same. Also provided are constructs for making said genetically modified animals and methods of making the same.

Abstract: A line stopper for a fishing reel according to the discloser includes a line stopper member that includes a fishing line catching portion and a support shaft portion, and a supporting member that supports the line stopper member and fits in a through hole formed in a main body of the fishing reel. On one of the fishing line catching portion or the supporting member, a protrusion is provided at a left or right side or both the left and right sides of the support shaft portion in a width direction of the supporting member in a plan view where the fishing line catching portion and the supporting member overlap each other.

Abstract: Hybrid fish thumper-scale devices. A hybrid fish thumper-scale device includes a barrel configured to stun a fish by striking the fish with the barrel, a handle rigidly coupled to the barrel and configured to be gripped by a user, and a weighing scale configured to provide an indication of the weight of the fish. The weighing scale includes a fixed portion rigidly coupled to the handle and a mobile portion elastically coupled to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the storage and display of objects, mainly fishing lures. The invention disclosed herein relates to the organization, management and display of objects to assist in the storage and use of lures, and other objects, through the disposition of an aperture associated with such an object over an apparatus. In the application of storage and display of fishing lures, the present disclosure allows for identification and selection of lures while maintaining the lures separately and in a hanging orientation maintaining the form or the lure consistent with how such a lure is pulled through the water when used.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be provided to monitor insects (e.g., mosquitoes) in the field and gather data to ground truth one or more sensors or machine learning classification algorithms for classifying insects. A trap with various sensor capabilities can capture various insects and data pertaining to the captured insects. Some embodiments may enable offline identification of information by an entomologist or other individuals and use the identification information to ground-truth the one or more sensors. Using the trap with the various sensor capabilities increases the availability and diversity of training data for machine learning classification algorithms on the primary sensor.

Abstract: The mousetrap that is the object of this invention is a mousetrap that stands out because it is completely ethical in both the way it captures the mouse and how it fulfils its function with a safe and effective operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for repelling insects by means of a two-channel pulse pattern transmitter (1), which, by means of the integrated antennas (34a, 34b), emits two electromagnetic waves (35a, 36a) phase-shifted against each other by 180 degrees and modulated and pulsed with the pulse patterns (24, 23) and produces two electromagnetic fields (35b, 36b), which act on insects (45) located in the radiation range (76) in such a way that the neurons (50, 53) located in the supraesophageal and subesophageal ganglia (48, 51) and the sensory neurons (65), the motor neurons (66), and the interneurons that exist in the central and peripheral nervous system (63, 64) of bloodsucking insects (45) are influenced in such a way that the signals and reflexes produced by the neurons trigger abnormal behaviors that put the insects into an inactive state such that bloodsucking insects cannot penetrate the skin of humans and thus cannot suck blood.

Abstract: A scent-free game call configured to emulate a sound of a predetermined species of animal, the call comprising a mouthpiece section, with a digitally reproduced image displayed thereon, in a manner such that the digitally reproduced image specifically relates to said predetermined species.

Abstract: A granular composition that comprises one or more microorganisms, two or more plant powders and a biodegradable water-absorbent agent. Also provided is a method of producing a granular composition by admixing a composition comprising two or more plant powders and a biodegradable water-absorbent agent, and (i) one or more lubricants to form a dough, and processing the dough to form granules, or (ii) coating a substrate with the dough to form the granular composition. The microorganism can be located in the admixture, the dough or both the admixture and the dough. The granular composition is applied to soil to, for example, kill or control pests, maintain or increase plant or crop growth, maintain or increase pasture production, maintain or increase plant, crop or pasture yield, deliver probiotics to grazing animals or livestock, and/or bioremediate the soil.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a wiping composition. The composition contains a quaternary ammonium compound in a concentration sufficient to have antimicrobial efficacy. In order to reduce streaking and/or film formation during use of the wiping composition, the composition further contains a residue reducing surfactant. In one embodiment, the residue-reducing surfactant comprises a betaine surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising (A) a compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is methyl, methoxy or chloro, R2 is methyl or chloro and A is a substituted heteroaryl group, or an N-oxide or salt form thereof, and (B) one or more further herbicides; as well as the use of such compositions in controlling plants or inhibiting plant growth.

Abstract: There are few control agents against leaf blotch, among cereal diseases, and no sufficient control effect can be obtained thereon. Under these circumstances, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel control agent for diseases including leaf blotch and a method for using the same for the stable production of cereals. Provided are: a cereal disease control agent characterized by comprising, as active ingredients, fluoroimide or a salt thereof acceptable in agrochemical formulations combined with at least one compound selected from among (1) an SBI agent, (2) a QoI agent, (3) an SDHI agent and (4) an anilinopyrimidine-based fungicide or a salt thereof acceptable in agrochemical formulations; and a method for using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel 5-substituted imidazolylmethyl derivatives, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials and as plant growth regulators.

Abstract: The present invention is an admixture combining a (preferably natural) animal urine or urea source with an adsorbing base, solid or particulate carrier, which carrier includes at least one mineral, at least one botanical, or both. By combining the urea from the urine with at least one botanical and/or at least one mineral, followed by a critical step of drying the material to adsorb the urea to the carrier, the present composition remains potent to deploy a surprisingly improved urea scent upon moistening and deployment of the composition in the environment. When a botanical is present, moreover, the adsorbed urea has the chemical activity or potentiating compounds within the botanical, such as sulfur compounds in garlic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling and/or preventing infestation of stinkbugs, comprising applying to a crop of plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound of formula I wherein R1, R6a, R6bQ, W, A1, A2, A3, A4, Z1, Z2 and Z3 are as defined in the description.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for controlling arthropods, including insects and arachnids in an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a near-ideal gas Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially non-hydrated (e.g., in the form of water in solution or water in solution or water molecules bonded by covalence, van der Waals forces, or London forces) and substantially free of, e.g., ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to control arachnids in the environment. In certain aspects, the arachnids may be totally or partially killed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling or reducing fungal spores in a plant or crop. The disclosure further provides for compositions and methods of improving turfgrass and/or ornamental grass quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, uses, systems, arrays, engineered nucleotide sequences and vectors for inhibiting bacterial population growth or for altering the relative ratio of sub-populations of first and second bacteria in a mixed population of bacteria. The invention is particularly useful, for example, for treatment of microbes such as for environmental, medical, food and beverage use. The invention relates inter alia to methods of controlling microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) or biofouling of a substrate or fluid in an industrial or domestic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, uses, systems, arrays, engineered nucleotide sequences and vectors for inhibiting bacterial population growth or for altering the relative ratio of sub-populations of first and second bacteria in a mixed population of bacteria. The invention is particularly useful, for example, for treatment of microbes such as for environmental, medical, food and beverage use. The invention relates inter alia to methods of controlling microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) or biofouling of a substrate or fluid in an industrial or domestic system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing, enhancing, or accelerating root nodulation in a plant, accelerating growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria in nodules of a plant, increasing protein content in a plant, increasing yield of a plant, improving water retention of a plant, or reducing water use of a plant, the method comprising identifying a plant in need of root nodulation, and applying to the plant a composition comprising a protein component comprising yeast stress proteins resulting from subjecting a mixture obtained from the yeast fermentation to stress.

Abstract: A counter-rotating dough making mechanism, including a drive shaft (9) that is provided with an upper dough hook assembly (1) and a lower dough hook assembly (2) is disclosed. The lower dough hook assembly (2) is preferably provided with a stir plate (3) which enhances the thorough mixing of flour during dough kneading. The upper dough hook assembly (1) and the lower dough hook assembly (2) are connected by gears (42a, 42b, 42c) so that they rotate synchronously but in the opposite direction. By the counter-rotating action of the upper dough hook assembly (1) and the lower dough hook assembly (2), the dough making process is more effective as compared to the usual single piece dough hook as used in many stand mixers. The design and construction of the disclosed counter-rotating dough making mechanism is simple, robust, and reliable, and can deliver superior performance in dough making.

Abstract: A chamber drum for a dough kneading device comprises a hollow drum body, a plurality of radially penetrating breakthroughs in the outer peripheral wall thereof to form a chamber for in each case one dough piece to be treated, and a surface structuring of the side walls of the breakthroughs.

Abstract: A shortbread type cookie produced by a process comprising the steps of: mixing the ingredients of a cookie dough, forming the cookie dough to form semi-finished products, baking the semi-finished products formed from the dough, thus obtaining the cookies, cooling the cookies obtained and packaging of the cookies; wherein the step of baking the semi-finished products comprises a step of exposure thereof to a hot gas consisting of hot air and superheated steam, blown directly on the semi-finished products by means of an impingement system. The cookie comprises, in weight per total weight, a dietary fibre content comprised between 1 and 25% (for example 10-25%), a lipids content comprised between 4 and 23% (for example 10-20%) and a simple sugars content comprised between 8 and 26% (for example 10-22%).

Abstract: A food forming system includes a rotatable drum, an inner platen, and a first insert plate. The rotatable drum comprises an aperture. The inner platen is disposed in a fixed position within the rotatable drum. The rotatable drum is configured to rotate relative to the inner platen. When the rotatable drum is in a first rotated position the inner platen blocks the aperture, and when the rotatable drum is in a second rotated position the inner platen does not block the aperture. The first insert plate is attached to the rotatable drum directly over the aperture. The first insert plate includes a first food forming pattern having at least one opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an edible tubular collagen film which has a closure at either of their ends. The closure is formed by an edible solid ring-like element which tightens the end portion of casing and seals the outlet of the same, in order to stop the filling mass upon beginning of a sausage stuffing process, whereby in such a process one can rescue the initial filled sausage for its further processing, whereafter the ring disappears. This edible closing element is characterized by being of an edible, and thermoplastic composition, which is preferably based on collagen or gelatine. The solid composition has a low melting temperature and becomes adhesive at fluid state onto the surface of a collagen film which contains a certain level of moisture. The strong cohesiveness of the material of said composition in the fluid state as well as the so narrow difference between its melting temperature and the temperature of solidification, makes that a welding of said material to be set very quickly.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a food product that is conveyed by a conveyor means. The cutting device includes a first cutting blade and a moving mechanism attached to the first cutting blade for moving the first cutting blade sideways in either direction across the conveyor means, and a control unit. The first cutting blade is adapted to cut at least one incision in the product from one side of the product. The control unit is adapted to control the first cutting blade and the moving mechanism based on image data of the food product, and includes utilizing the image data in instructing the moving mechanism to adjust the position of the first cutting blade across the conveyor means.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of either self-contained, separate or combinations thereof of modular units for the processing of comestible products. The modular unit is configured with sections to create hygienic zoning of food to be processed. The modular unit is can contain components to process food from a raw state, such as an animal carcass or freshly harvested produce, through primary and (optionally) secondary processing. The modular unit can be utilized to process various types of food, and, therefore, the modular unit is provided in various embodiments depending on the food to be processed therein, and the types of processing that are desired. The modular unit is constructed and the sections therein are configured such that as the food undergoes processing, it flows through the sections of the modular unit in an orderly manner, which helps to minimize or prevent food safety problems, such as cross contamination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a meat product comprising (a) uncooked meat; wherein the uncooked meat has been contacted with (b) acerola [Malpighia emarginata] berry, acerola [Malpighia emarginata] berry extract or mixtures thereof (c) green tea [Camellia sinensis], green tea [Camellia sinensis] extract or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Suggested is a foamable dairy composition, containing or consisting of: (a) at least one dairy product, and (b) an additive which is obtained by subjecting a dairy product to filtration, separating the permeate which is optionally subjected to a thermal post-treatment.

Abstract: A low-bacteria milk powder with a WPNI of at least 2 is suggested, obtainable by (a) providing a milk component; (b) optionally, separating the cream from the milk component; (c) subjecting the milk component from which the cream had been optionally separated to microfiltration, obtaining a low-bacteria permeate P1 and a bacteria-contaminated retentate R1; (d) mixing the permeate with a liquid lipid phase and a solid active agent phase; (e) optionally, subjecting the mixture obtained in step (d) to a temperature treatment; and (f) processing the mixture of step (d) or (e) that had optionally been temperature-treated, obtaining a dry powder.

Abstract: A low-bacteria milk powder with a high WPNI is suggested, which is obtainable by (a) providing a raw milk; (b) heating the raw milk in at least one tubular heat exchanger to a temperature of at least 20° C.; (c) separating the cream, obtaining a skimmed milk; (d) pasteurising the skimmed milk in a tubular heat exchanger for a period from 10 to 60 seconds at a temperature from 72 to 75° C.; (e) evaporating the pasteurised skimmed milk to a dry matter content from 35 to 55% by weight; and (f) drying the pasteurised skimmed milk concentrate in a spray tower.

Abstract: A fat and/or oil composition for heat cooking and a method of preparing the same are provided. The fat and/or oil composition includes: a fat and/or oil; a fatty acid monoglyceride; and an alkali metal, wherein a content of the fatty acid monoglyceride is from 0.01 to 1.0 mass %, and a content of the alkali metal is from 0.1 to 5.0 mass ppm. Also provided is a method of preventing deterioration of a fat and/or oil for heat cooking that is caused by heating, the method including: adding, to the fat and/or oil for heat cooking, a fatty acid monoglyceride and an ingredient containing an alkali metal to yield a content of the fatty acid monoglyceride of from 0.01 to 1.0 mass % and a content of the alkali metal of from 0.1 to 5.0 mass ppm in the fat and/or oil.

Abstract: A machine (20) for the preparation of a cooled or heated product comprising: —a receiving seat (1) for accommodating a container (8) comprising at least part of the ingredients for the preparation of a product; —a heat exchange element (1a) arranged to be in contact with an outer wall of the container (8), when the container (8) is placed in the receiving seat (1), and —temperature sensing means (100) arranged to measure the temperature at an outer wall of the container (8) when the container (8) is placed in the receiving seat (1), the temperature sensing means (100) comprising at least two temperature sensors, a primary temperature sensor (101) arranged to measure the temperature (TS1) in proximity to an outer wall of the container (8) and a secondary primary sensor (102) arranged to measure the temperature (TS2) in a position located in the heat path through which heat travels between the inside the container (8) and the external environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aerated frozen confectionery product, preferably ice cream. A further aspect of the present invention further relates to an aerated frozen confectionery product obtainable by said method and to the use of an ingredient mix for preparing an aerated frozen confectionery product.

Abstract: A feed composition including fibrillated parenchymal cellulose, and a method for its production. The feed composition is particularly suitable for preparing wet or semi dry feeds.

Abstract: A composition for promoting gastrointestinal and immune health in animals, such as canines and felines, contains a blend of dietary fiber, dietary sugar, dietary protein, and an effective amount of a probiotic microorganism including one or more unique strains of beneficial gastrointestinal microbial flora. At least 95% by weight of the composition can include certified organic ingredients.