Abstract: A hydrogel fishing bait has a fish attractive scent infused into a water swollen hydrogel. The hydrogel can be a copolymer of at least one water miscible monomer and a cross-linking monomer. The hydrogel can be a terpolymer of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), acrylamide, and a crosslinking monomer. The hydrogel terpolymer can be prepared in the shape of a fish or other fish attracting shape. The scent can be an amino acid, protein, fatty acid, sugar, or any combination thereof, and can be from a natural or artificial source. The hydrogel can be filled with a fiber, mesh, or matrix material. The hydrogel can be an interpenetrating polymer network. The hydrogel can be biodegradable. The hydrogel baits when fully hydrated on their surface do not stick to each other.

Abstract: Fly traps that do not require toxic chemicals and that can un-intrusively be present in public areas. An example trap includes a housing to contain a solution and including opening(s) for ingress of flies, a conduit or nozzle, a pump to cause solution to flow via the conduit/nozzle and along the inner surface of the housing to capture flies, and a timer to activate the pump. Another example trap includes a gathering vessel, conduit coupled to the vessel and to be submerged in a fluid trap, a vacuum to remove air from the fluid trap, and a timing device to activate the vacuum. Another example trap includes an outer wall to contain a solution, an inner wall extending into the solution, an air pump and conduit(s) to form bubbles in the solution that rise in a space between the outer and inner walls and cascade down the inner wall.

Abstract: An example mouse and rodent trap includes a base with an opening formed therein. A plank is formed in the base and extending at least partially across the opening formed in the base. A shaft is supported below the plank. A catch basin is provided below the base. The plank bends under weight of a mouse or rodent on the plank reaching down toward bait on the shaft causing the mouse or rodent to fall from the plank into a catch basin below the plank.

Abstract: A collapsible animal decoy preferably includes a support frame and a flexible animal cover. The support frame preferably includes a pair of support rings, a pair of scissors extensions, a neck extension, and a pair of detachable legs. Each support ring includes a pair of T-connectors, a pair perimeter strips and a support tube. Each scissors extension preferably includes at least two scissors members. One end of the scissors extension is secured to the first support ring and the other end is secured to the second support ring. One end of the neck extension is pivotally retained on the support tube of the first support ring. Each detachable leg preferably includes a first leg section, a second leg section and an elastic string. The flexible animal cover includes a graphic of some animal, such as a deer formed on an exterior thereof.

Abstract: Coating compositions for cotton plant seed, wherein the coating composition comprises an organic carrier material and one or more biological agents that are active against one or more pathogens cotton plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wood preservative formulation comprising a biocidal agent which is a copper or zinc ion complexed with an amino compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, a water soluble amine or alkanolamine and an aminocarboxylic acid and a stabilizer, as well as to aqueous treatment solutions comprising such a formulation and methods of treating wood or other cellulosic material utilising said formulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning liquid, in particular a cleaning liquid for cleaning surfaces and/or for sanitizing water.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all geometric and stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, wherein Q1, Q2, X, R1, R1a and R2 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling plant disease caused by a fungal pathogen comprising applying an effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.

Abstract: The combination of ethaboxam and transgenic plants provides enhanced plant protection in controlling plant disease. According to the present invention, an application of an effective amount of ethaboxam to transgenic plants applied to plant foliage parts; soil-applied in drench or soil incorporation; or applied to seed using seed slurry application, seed film coating and seed pelleting technologies for seed, gives a good controlling effect on plant diseases. Application of ethaboxam to transgenic plants encompasses all monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crop types.

Abstract: Provided herein are aqueous suspension concentrate compositions comprising biologically active 3,5-disubstituted-1,2,4-oxadiazoles or salts thereof that are useful, for example, in the control of nematodes. Nematodes are active, flexible, elongate organisms that live on moist surfaces or in liquid environments, including films of water within soil and moist tissues within other organisms. Many species of nematodes have evolved to be very successful parasites of plants and animals and, as a result, are responsible for significant economic losses in agriculture and livestock.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a formulation comprising a nanoparticle including a polymer-associated herbicide, such as fenoxaprop or pyroxsulam with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte and a dispersant or a wetting agent. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a formulation including a nanoparticle including a polymer-associated mectin and/or milbemycin compounds with an average diameter of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm; wherein the polymer is a polyelectrolyte, and a dispersant or a wetting agent. The disclosure describes various formulations and formulating agents that can be included in the formulations. Additionally, the disclosure describes application to various plants and pests as well as advantages of the disclosed formulations.

Abstract: Photothermal antibacterial material RMG is provided in the present invention, where R represents aldehyde, di-aldehyde or multi-aldehyde, M is magnetic material, and G is reduced graphene oxide. A method of synthesizing the abovementioned antibacterial material comprises of three steps. At first graphene oxide was synthesized, followed by simultaneous reduction and functionalization with MNPs and eventually an aldehyde is modified on magnetic material to yield magnetic G functionalized glutaraldehyde (RMG). We utilize the photothermal feature of graphene for antibacterial activity, in addition graphene was functionalized with aldehyde for capturing bacteria and with magnetic material to enhance a focusing of light irradiation. Moreover, the magnetic properties of material could help for reusability of antibacterial material.

Abstract: Provided are biocidal compositions comprising: a hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound and 2-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one. The compositions are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water-containing systems.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods related to isolated Trichoderma harzianum and strains thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods for decontaminating food contact surfaces using a fine spray/mist that comprise an antimicrobial composition comprising an organic acid and an organic citrus extract. The spray application reduces the microbiological populations on the surface of food contact surfaces, including potential pathogens, thereby reducing cross-contamination and improving food safety. The composition described herein can be use to target a number of microbiological pathogens, including L. monocytogenes, which is a known cross-contaminant in retail environments such as deli counters and slicers due to its ability to grow at refrigerated temperatures and moist environments making it a known cause of post-processing contamination of ready-to-eat food products.

Abstract: Rack oven for baking good on a rack inside an oven chamber, wherein the oven chamber wall has one or more curved portions which are curved around a substantially vertical axis and the total angle subtended by the one or more curved portions is more than 80° and less than 300° of the perimeter of the chamber.

Abstract: A blade member has a shaft portion connected to a rotating shaft, and a blade plate portion projecting from the shaft portion toward an outer peripheral wall of a container. The blade plate portion has a plane-like configuration without being formed with a through-out portion, and extends in an up-and-down direction along the shaft portion. The blade plate portion has a projection portion, at a tip end side apart from the shaft portion, projecting upwardly. A top portion of the projection portion is non-edge surface without being formed with an angled portion.

Abstract: A particulate duster system includes a duster used to apply particulate matter to a food product moving along a conveyor positioned beneath the duster. The duster is used to uniformly dispense particulate matter onto a moving product conveyor for carrying a food product to be dusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl6, and the corresponding BGL6 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL6, recombinant BGL6 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Heat-processed health food is provided, as well as a process for making it, the food being particularly probiotic pastry which comprises a probiotic component capable of resisting baking heat, and so it beneficially affects the consumer's intestinal microbial balance.

Abstract: The invention provides an extrudable batter for use in providing a shelf-stable, ready-to-eat high-fiber food product. The batter comprises a select amount of a powdered fiber, at least one fat component chosen from an oil and a shortening, the shortening having a solid fat content of about 2% to about 30% at ambient temperature, a humectant, a sweetener, a leavening agent and water. The resultant uncooked batter is flourless and gluten-free and is extrudable in a continuous form. The ready-to-eat high-fiber food product produced by such batter contains about 5 grams or more of fiber per serving and substantially maintains, before and after being baked, a desired shape, structure and moisture content.

Abstract: A filtration system is arranged to safely vent a storage room into which a fog mixture is introduced. Venting the storage room reduces and/or prevents a substantial increase in the internal pressure of the storage room. To control the pressure differential between the storage room and the ambient air pressure, a venting manifold with an in-line duct fan is used, for example, to exhaust storage room air into the atmosphere. The exhausted storage room air is filtered to reduce the exfiltration of chemicals and/or other contaminants from the environmentally sealed storage room.

Abstract: A filtration system is arranged to safely vent a storage room into which a fog mixture is introduced. Venting the storage room reduces and/or prevents a substantial increase in the internal pressure of the storage room. To control the pressure differential between the storage room and the ambient air pressure, a venting manifold with an in-line duct fan is used, for example, to exhaust storage room air into the atmosphere. The exhausted storage room air is filtered to reduce the exfiltration of chemicals and/or other contaminants from the environmentally sealed storage room.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to prepare a fruit ferment containing propionic acid and/or a salt thereof comprising i) obtaining a liquid fruit preparation, ii) optionally supplementing the liquid fruit preparation with water and/or with additional components to support fermentation, iii) fermenting the optionally supplemented liquid fruit preparation with a propionic acid-producing bacterial strain, iv) optionally further processing the fermentation product, to obtain the fruit ferment. Next to a propionic acid-producing bacterial strain, a lactic acid-producing bacterial strain may be used in the fermentation. The invention also relates to a fruit ferment obtainable by said method and the use in a food, beverage, as a probiotic and to improve the sensory properties and/or the storage stability is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treatment of grain for toxins and/or odor utilize a storage container having a grain storage space and an aeration floor that allows air to flow through the aeration floor into the grain storage space. Ozone (mixed with air) is supplied to the grain through the aeration floor under positive pressure, whereby ozone is forced through the aeration floor into a lower portion of the grain storage space. After an initial treatment time, the initial treatment time allowing for the ozone to reduce toxins and/or odor in a lowermost portion of the initial quantity of grain an effective or desired amount, a lowermost portion or a lower treated portion of the grain in the grain storage space is removed, and new grain is added on top of the grain in the grain storage space, all while continuing to supply ozone through the aeration floor under positive pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for preparing oil compositions having a high concentration of poly-unsaturated fatty acids and oil compositions having a low concentration of ?-linolenic acid. In addition, the present invention is directed to processes for preparing oil compositions having advantageous stability characteristics.

Abstract: A cold brewing coffee device that produces coffee without any suspended solids in the product. The devices uses a false bottom in the initial tank to hold the coffee beans and water is pumped between the initial tank and a second tank. Using an inverted P trap in the piping allow for reduced suspended solids in the final product. The end product is a high quality cold brewed beverage that is defined by the beverages clarity and lack of visible suspended solids, wherein the resulting product has a distinct look compared to other brewed beverages (i.e. producing a product that is cleaner than competing products without the need for a filter).

Abstract: The present method is directed in one embodiment to a non-soluble, substantially white granular salt substitute for dough-based products. In certain embodiments, the dough-based product comprises a filling sealed within a pocket while in other embodiments, the dough-based product is not filled. In certain embodiments, the dough-based product is heated by baking, deep-frying or microwaving. In certain embodiments, the salt substitute of the present invention may be used in place of other large-particulate salts such as kosher salt for use on dough-based products. Certain non-dough-based products such as salted caramel ice cream, confections, as well as products utilizing a reduced-salt blend are also improved using the present invention. In certain embodiments, the salt substitute comprises white tapioca.

Abstract: A machine for making variegated ice cream or ice cream shake, including: a basic structure; one or more basic product mixing and freezing units, where each mixing and freezing unit in turn includes a processing cylinder containing the basic product and cooled by a respective refrigerating system and a stirring member mounted inside the processing cylinder and rotating to mix the basic product to prevent it from hardening and sticking to the cooled inside wall of the processing cylinder and to transform the basic product into a basic flavor; a closing element for closing the cylinder and provided with at least one outlet duct leading to the processing cylinder at one end and to an outlet mouth at the other end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing cattle ears into pet treats by high-pressure processing are provided. The cattle ears are covered with a liquid, such as water, and exposed to high hydrostatic pressures for about one minute. The high hydrostatic pressures remove hair and implants from the cattle ears while preserving the texture and consistency of the ears, which are appealing to dogs and other pets.

Abstract: Edible residues of ethanol production, e.g., distillers grains and solubles, are produced that are low in, or substantially free from, antibiotic residues. Antibiotics or bacteria present in edible residues resulting from ethanol production are inactivated by irradiating the edible residues.

Abstract: Improved animal feeds and/or waters are provided, which include amendments comprising one or more copolymer salts serving to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from the excrement of animals. The copolymers are preferably water soluble and have substantially equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives for use in designated feed rations. A micro-ingredient system of the invention includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to control system components based on programmed commands corresponding to micro-ingredient batches to be prepared. Slide gate mechanisms are used to prevent loss of micro-ingredients delivered to a receiving receptacle of the system. During delivery of the micro-ingredients to the receptacle and during processing, the micro-ingredients can become airborne and subsequently lost. The slide gate mechanisms also provide controlled access to the receiving receptacle to prevent system errors such as contamination of ingredients in the receptacle, or improper batching of a prescribed micro-ingredient mixture to be delivered to a designated feed ration.

Abstract: This invention provides a feed for fish farming which is excellent in terms of stability of feed supply and feed shelf life and which has excellent feed intake and feed efficiency. The feed for fish farming has an outer layer and an inner layer, characterized in that a composition constituting the outer layer has a breaking stress of 5×104 to 1×106 N/m2, a cohesiveness (30%) of 0.4 to 1.0, and a breaking strain of 30 to 80%. The feed for fish farming is characterized by having an outer layer constructed from a heat-induced gel which comprises a protein and/or a starch, and an inner layer comprising a composition which contains nutrient ingredients having fish meal and an oil as essential ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing EC precursor, citrulline, in soy sauce by inoculating T. halophilus BBE R23 during soy sauce fermentation. Compared to the control, citrulline and EC in soy sauce prepared with T. halophilus BBE R23 is decreased by 86% and 50%, respectively. Addition of 106 CFU/mL T. halophilus BBE R23 also increases volatile flavoring compounds and free fatty acids concentration in the soy sauce product. The present invention provides a method of making soy sauce that not only reduces accumulation of EC precursor citrulline but also improves soy sauce flavor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of processing systems and components for sterilization or pasteurization and associated methods of operation are described herein. For example, a method of sterilization or pasteurization includes immersing an item in an immersion fluid, and the immersed item is subject to a hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid. The method also includes applying microwave energy to the item while the item is immersed in the immersion fluid and subject to the hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid. The hydrostatic pressure of the immersion fluid prevents the water content of the item from causing steam explosion in the item while the microwave energy is applied. The method further includes heating the item immersed in the immersion fluid to a target temperature with the applied microwave energy, the target temperature being sufficient to achieve sterilization or pasteurization of the item.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for sterilizing microorganisms on a liquid or solid substrate. The device includes a light source for producing a light and an optical device positioned proximate the light source. The optical device is configured to focus the light generated by the light source to provide a high intensity light output. The optical device also includes a dichroic reflector. The dichroic reflector is configured to pass thermal energy generated by the light source and reflect the light produced by the light source. The device also includes a power supply, where the power supply is coupled to the light source and the optical device. The device thereby killing microbial organisms presented within the range of the high intensity light output.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a refrigerator including a defrost chamber for defrosting food. The defrost chamber is fluidly coupled to the ambient air surrounding the refrigerator so that the chamber can be selectively returned to ambient temperature during a defrost cycle in order to defrost food. A control module can be included to activate a defrost cycle after a predetermined amount of time, or in advance of a desired meal time. The control module can automatically determine an anticipated defrost duration, given an input weight and type of stored food. Therefrom, the control module can activate the defrost cycle sufficiently in advance of the desired meal time to ensure that food has adequately defrosted for use. Further, after the defrost cycle has elapsed, cooling can be automatically reactivated in order to avoid food spoilage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the steaming heating of food. The apparatus is designed for placement within and onto an outer vessel. The apparatus including a steaming pedestal, bowl, bowl lid, steaming platform, lid, bowl plate, and under plate. The steaming platform including a plurality of venting/draining apertures and flange.

Abstract: Provided are: a koji fermented composition that, when using black koji fungus, has a reduced amount of generated citric acid without a loss in xylanase activity or acid protease activity of the black koji fungus; and a method for producing the koji fermented composition. The koji fermented composition is obtained by contacting tea leaves to black koji fungus, and culturing the result.

Abstract: A topical seasoning for snack foods, the seasoning comprising a plurality of seasoning particles, the seasoning particles comprising a shell surrounding an encapsulated central core, the shell comprising a matrix including at least one solid lipid and the core comprising sodium chloride.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of a composition comprising per serving between 50-300 kcal; between 10 g and 35 g proteinaceous matter; and at least 2.5 microgram vitamin D, for the manufacture of a nutritional product for (a) the treatment or prevention of muscle mass decrease, (b) stimulation of muscle mass increase; or (d) stimulating muscle mass preservation, in obese or overweight adults of at least 40 years of age participating in a weight loss program. The inventors surprisingly found that nutritional supplementation with a low-caloric composition rich in protein, particularly whey protein and leucine, compared to an iso-caloric control supplement without protein, synergistically leads to preservation of muscle mass during a weight loss program involving a hypocaloric diet and a resistance exercise program in overweight/obese older adult.

Abstract: A convertible juicer is disclosed. The convertible juicer includes a shell formed from a plurality of removable shell segments and an extraction assembly. The extraction assembly is disposed in the shell. The extraction assembly including a drum, a compression chamber disposed in the drum, and an auger disposed in the drum and received by the compression chamber. The extraction assembly and the shell are convertible between a storage configuration and a juicing configuration.

Abstract: A method for threshing and pneumatic separation of tobacco leaves, including: 1) transporting a mixture of the tobacco slices and stems from a primary threshing set into primary pneumatic separation unit for sorting out tobacco slices, and transporting a remaining mixture into a secondary threshing set; 2) transporting the mixture from the secondary threshing set into a secondary pneumatic separation unit for sorting out the tobacco slices and qualified stems, and transferring a remaining mixture to a tertiary threshing set; 3) transporting the mixture from the tertiary threshing set into a tertiary pneumatic separation unit for sorting out the tobacco slices and the qualified stems, and transferring a remaining mixture into a quaternary threshing set; 4) transporting the mixture from the quaternary threshing set into a quaternary pneumatic separation unit for sorting out the tobacco slices and the qualified stems, and returning a remaining mixture to the quaternary threshing set.

Abstract: Provided are materials for making a hand rolled smoking article having a novel sheet. The sheet can include a rectangular portion and an irregular shaped portion. The sheet can be manufactured from tobacco leaf or foil, homogenized tobacco paper, or conventionally available rolling paper. The sheet can be filled with a filler material and rolled to form a cigar or cigarette.

Abstract: Filter for a smoking product, the filter including a first filter segment and a second filter segment, wherein the first filter segment includes a component that is given off into a smoke stream passing through a filter outlet opening, and the second filter segment includes a sorption means that absorbs a component from a smoke stream passing through the filter inlet opening.

Abstract: The invention is related to an electronic cigarette and an assembly method therefor. The electronic cigarette comprises an electronic cigarette body and a mouthpiece device connected at one end of the electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette body is provided with at least one first smoke channel. The mouthpiece device is provided with a second smoke channel. The mouthpiece device is in a sliding butting connection with the electronic cigarette body. The junction between the mouthpiece device and the electronic cigarette body is provided with an elastic assembly. The elastic assembly is used to enable the first smoke channel and the second smoke channel to be in communication with one another or to be staggered from one another and not in communication. The beneficial effects of the electronic cigarette are that a child may be prevented from smoking the electronic cigarette by accident, and assembly is easy.

Abstract: A wrapper (310) for a smoking article comprises a sheet material extending in a first direction (24) in which the wrapper (310) is wrapped around a smoking article and a second direction (20) perpendicular to the first direction (24). The wrapper (310) further comprises a window (312) in the sheet material, the window (312) having a perimeter. Any linear segment of the perimeter forming an angle of less than 10° with respect to the second direction (20) has a length of less than 0.5 millimeters, and any curved portion of the perimeter having a continuum of tangents each forming an angle of less than 10° with respect to the second direction (20) has a length of less than 0.5 millimeters. Such linear segments and curved portions of the perimeter are spaced apart by a distance of at least 0.5 millimeters along the length of the perimeter. The perimeter includes at least one linear segment forming an angle of less than 10 degrees with respect to the second direction (20) and having a length of less than 0.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette has a vaporizer to produce vapor to be delivered to its mouth end. The vaporizer includes a tube having inlet and outlet ends. A porous matrix containing a vaporizable liquid, extends around the tube. Wicking fibers extend through side openings in the tube and are configured to wick the vaporizable liquid from the porous matrix into the tube, and electrical heater coil is powered by a battery to vaporize liquid on the wicking fibers in the tube, so that vapor is supplied along the tube end when the user draws on mouth end. The wicking diverge from the openings into fan shaped spread regions around outer surface of the tube so as to contact and receive the vaporizable liquid by capillary action from the matrix.