Abstract: A collapsible kennel having a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, a front panel having an opening, and a rear panel. The top panel, bottom panel, two side panels, front panel, and rear panel are connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular enclosure having a door in the opening for ingress and egress. The front and rear panels each include a peripheral edging containing a looped frame. The side panels each include a peripheral edging containing opposed side frames, the side frames each having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being attached to respective looped frames. A method of collapsing the kennel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure having a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, a front panel having an opening, and a rear panel. The top panel, bottom panel, two side panels, front panel, and rear panel are connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular enclosure having a door in the opening for ingress and egress. The side panels include a peripheral edging containing a looped frame. A method of collapsing the kennel is also disclosed.

Abstract: An encoder arrangement (2) adapted to be used with a rotary milking platform includes an encoder axle rotatable about an encoder axis (12), an encoder wheel (6) connected to the encoder axle, and a suspension arrangement (8) supporting the encoder and the encoder wheel (6). The encoder and the encoder wheel (6) are arranged on a movable portion (14) of the suspension arrangement (8). The movable portion (14) is biased towards the rotary milking platform. The movable portion (14) is pivotable about a pivot axis (16), and the pivot axis (16) extends perpendicularly to the encoder axis (12).

Abstract: A squirrel bungee apparatus is shown. A first plate member is suspended from an overhead structure. A second plate member is pivotally secured to the first plate member whereby the first and second plate members may be moved between first and second positions. A torsion spring interconnects the first and second plate members and yieldably maintains the first and second plate members in their first position. An elongated flexible chain has its upper end secured to the second plate member and has a food item or the like at the lower end thereof. When a squirrel jumps onto the food item, the weight of the squirrel causes the first and second plate members to move from their first position to their second position thereby causing the food item and the squirrel to move downwardly and thence upwardly in a bungee fashion due to the action of the torsion spring.

Abstract: A one piece elegant vest design with side closures for pets has a white breast band simulating a shirt, a bow tie and a double sided hook and loop fastening system for closing the vest about a pet. The fastening system includes large hook and loop fastening system strips on a lower portion of the vest that match with a series of short hook and loop fastening system strips on an upper portion of the vest facilitate putting the vest on and off of a pet very rapidly and securely.

Abstract: A multidirectional play and exercise apparatus for animals is provided having a flexible pole, a sleeve encasing the pole, an attachment member coupled with or formed as part of the sleeve, and a base. The sleeve may be secured around the pole and be contiguous with the attachment member. The attachment member may be configured to receive a toy, or other item that encourages an animal to engage in play and/or exercise. The base allows the apparatus to freely rotate therein, thereby facilitating multidirectional play. The pole is flexible and bends when pulled on by the animal, thereby pulling back on the animal.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus are provided for a cutting horse trainer that operates to train a cutting horse without additional input from an operator or trainer. More specifically, in one aspect of the disclosure described herein, positioning systems, such as transmitters, receivers, camera tracking, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and/or GPS tracking allow a cutting horse trainer system to detect the position of the horse with respect to a field of view (azimuth) of a decoy, and automatically adjust the position of the decoy accordingly.

Abstract: A disposable diaper for pets, in which part of a crotch area stands up as a result of the contraction of an expanding/contracting elastic member, and a standing-up section is formed, said disposable diaper for pets having: a rear-side waist area; a stomach-side waist area; the crotch area; both end sections in the diaper longitudinal direction; both end sections in the diaper longitude-intersecting direction; a tail insertion opening; an absorbent core; an attachment section provided in the stomach-side waist area; an attachment area that receives the attachment section; and the expanding/contracting elastic member arranged the diaper longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A disposable diaper for pets includes: a back-side waist area; a stomach-side waist area; a crotch area; a tail insertion opening; an absorbent core; an area not having the absorbent core arranged therein; an attachment section in the stomach-side waist area; an attachment area that receives the attachment section; an expandable/contractible elastic member for legs, arranged, in an extended state, in a prescribed area in the diaper longitudinal direction, between the absorbent core and an end section in the diaper longitude-intersecting direction; an expandable/contractible elastic member for the waist, arranged, in an extended state, in the area not having the absorbent core arranged therein, in the diaper longitude-intersecting direction; and a contraction force intersecting area in which the contracting force of the expandable/contractible elastic member for legs and the expansion/contraction force of the expandable/contractible elastic member for the waist intersect.

Abstract: A bird feeder assembly has a substantially horizontal plate that can be mounted to the uppermost inverted U-shaped curved portion of a typical shepherd's hook. The plate comprises a plurality of apertures in it. Several of the apertures are used to fasten the plate to the hook. Several more apertures can be used to support feeding cups within them. The cups are preferably made of a material that is easy to clean. Several more apertures are provided to allow a perch point along the plate such that feeding birds can wrap their feet around a portion of the plate. An alternative embodiment provides a support member such that the assembly can be attached to the vertical portion of the shepherd's hook.

Abstract: A transgenic animal is provided. In certain embodiments, the transgenic animal comprises a genome comprising: an immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising: a) a functional immunoglobulin light chain gene comprising a transcribed variable region encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of 2 to 5 different amino acids; and ii. a light chain framework; and, operably linked to the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene: b) a plurality of pseudogene light chain variable regions each encoding: i. light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 regions that are composed of the same 2 to 5 different amino acids as the CDRs of the functional gene; and ii. a light chain framework that is identical in amino acid sequence to the light chain framework of the transcribed variable region.

Abstract: A method for producing a model animal which has a desired lifetime, and in which a predetermined biological reaction can be induced, and a model animal are provided. The present invention produces a first individual in which a gene of interest is heterozygously deficient using a first ES cell from a non-human mammalian animal. Meanwhile, a fragment containing a homologous gene that has homology to the gene of interest is made, a second ES cell constituted so that a predetermined region on X chromosome of the animal can be substituted is used, and the fragment is introduced into the second ES cell to generate a substituted ES cell in which the predetermined region has been substituted with the fragment. A second individual is produced using the substituted ES cell. The first individual and the second individual are mated with each other to produce a model animal.

Abstract: In an aspect, a system for breeding and harvesting insects is provided and includes an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate and oviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough, at least one larvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, a harvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae, and an inclined surface positioned to receive larvae from the at least one larvae-growth chamber, and to provide a pass

Abstract: A spinning reel includes a rotation transmission mechanism that transmits a rotation of a handle to a rotor. The rotation transmission mechanism includes a drive shaft and a drive gear. The drive shaft is mounted to the reel unit so as to be rotatable about an axis arranged skew to the spool shaft. The drive gear is mounted to the drive shaft so as to be unitarily rotatable therewith. The spinning reel includes a rotation control mechanism mounted between the handle and the drive shaft. The rotation control mechanism transmits the rotation of the handle to the drive shaft only when the handle is rotated in a direction corresponding to the fishing-line winding direction. The rotation control mechanism includes a handle brake that applies a braking force to the rotation of the handle when the handle is rotated in a reverse direction relative to the direction.

Abstract: A knot tying tool can include an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can have first and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. A first chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens into the chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into a second chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of preparing imitation fish eggs is provided wherein granules of cross-linked polyacrylamide are hydrated to form globules that can be placed in netting that is twisted and tied to form imitation egg sacs. The egg sacs can then be attached to a fishing hook and used for bait. The globules can be made any desired color by including food coloring or other suitable dye.

Abstract: A method of treating a hoof of an ungulate animal. The method comprises coating one or both of (i) at least a portion of a bottom surface of the hoof or (ii) at least a portion of a block surface with a curable polymer and allowing the polymer to cure for a period of time. The polymer is cured within 60 seconds or less of the coating and the cured polymer has a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 50. The curable polymer is provided as a two component system. The first component is a reaction product of (a) comprises 4-4?-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate, castor oil, isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and wherein (b) comprises dicyclohexylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate, polyether polyol, 4,4?-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (MDI), and triethoxy(3-isocyanatopropyle)silane. The second component comprises polyoxypropylene oxide ether polyol, diol (2000 MW), polyxoypropylene oxide ether polyol, triol (450 MW), tetrahydroxypropylethylendiamine, metaxylenediamine, and organobismuth catalyst.

Abstract: The present document relates to an insect trap using an ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV LED) lamp, and more particularly, to an insect trap using, in place of a conventional UV light source lamp, a UV LED lamp that significantly increases the insect trapping efficiency. One example implementation of the insect trap includes: a UV LED lamp disposed in an air inlet portion of the duct, and including a printed circuit board (PCB) that has a UV LED chip mounted thereon; an installing portion for installing the UV LED lamp on; and a trapping portion provided near the installing portion.

Abstract: Hydraulic systems and tools having an actuator that actuates a pump and a control valve are described. The pump transports fluid into a chamber to advance a piston in the chamber. The control valve is biased open and regulates flow of hydraulic fluid from the chamber to a reservoir. The actuator is operable in a first state in which the control valve is open, allowing flow of fluid from the chamber to the reservoir, and the pump is not pumping. The actuator can be operated in a second state in which the control valve is closed, restricting flow of fluid from the chamber to the reservoir, and the pump is not pumping. The actuator can be operated in a third state in which the control valve is closed and the pump is pumping fluid from the reservoir into the chamber in order to advance the piston.

Abstract: An electrically powered infrared based thermal weed control system. A housing has a downwardly facing chamber. At least one electrically powered infrared heating element is mounted within the chamber. A source of electrical power is electrically coupled to the electrically powered infrared heating element. A control assembly varies the electrical power to the electrically powered infrared heating elements and the heat generated for controlling undesired vegetation there adjacent using targeted infrared radiation emitted by the electrically powered infrared heating element.

Abstract: A securement mechanism for a ladder tree stand includes jaws pivotably attachable to a platform. When open, a tree can pass between the jaws. A strap assembly attaches to the jaws. A tension can be applied to the strap assembly from the ground before climbing the tree to pivot the jaws to close around the tree. The strap assembly can be anchored to the tree so that the jaws are pulled closed against the tree. A respective end portion of the strap assembly can attach to each of the jaws between its pivot axis and free end. The strap assembly can include a pivot strap secured to the jaws and a tensioning strap connected to the tree and secured to the pivot strap to slide along its length.

Abstract: A bird motion simulator decoy system uses a pulley system supported by a plurality of stanchions and driven by a motor to create a continuous, circuitous loop of moving decoys attached to a pulley belt. The stanchions each have a pulley support arm connected extending from a central shaft, to which at least one pulley is connected. The pulley belt is engaged with each of the pulleys. The stanchions are either affixed into the ground by a ground anchor or to a tree by ratchet straps. A plurality of decoy attachments is affixed to the pulley belt, and as the motor drives the pulley, the decoy attachments move in a continual loop, simulating bird motion.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a device for vitrification cryopreservation enabling easy and reliable vitrification cryopreservation of a cell or tissue. The device for vitrification cryopreservation of a cell or tissue of the present invention includes a support and a vitrification solution absorber including at least an adhesive layer and a vitrification solution absorbing layer in the given order on the support. The device includes a portion with no adhesive layer disposed between the support and a portion of the vitrification solution absorbing layer configured to hold a cell or tissue.

Abstract: A liquid concentrate which includes: a) from 20 to 70% by weight of 3-phenylpropan-1-ol, b) from 10 to 50% by weight of 1,2-octanediol, c) from 15 to 60% by weight of 1,3-propanediol, and d) where necessary up to 2000 ppm of one or more antioxidants; and a composition for topical application, including such liquid concentrate.

Abstract: A non-staining composition which is bactericidal, fungicidal and viricidal when applied, comprising in combination; an iodine free bactericide and/or fungicide having a residual efficacy lasting longer than 3 hours on surfaces against bacteria and fungi and a peroxide. A carrier may also be present. The bactericide and/or fungicide may be for example triclosan or a quaternary ammonium compound, or preferably a PVP-phenolic biocide complex (eg PVP-triclosan) or PVAlc/quaternary ammonium compound complex (eg PVP/benzalkonium chloride). The peroxide may be hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A waterless and essentially alcohol-free sanitizer composition or aerosolized hand sanitizing composition containing a quaternary ammonium salt such as benzalkonium chloride to kill germs and bacteria, a volatile carrier such as cyclomethicone, additional moisturizers, and optionally fragrance or other additives.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to structures having a polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, materials, methods of attaching materials, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems for temperature-controlled, on-site generation of peracids, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are disclosed. In particular, methods for using an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system overcome the limitations of temperature on the kinetics of the peracid generation and/or peracid decomposition inside an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system. The methods include the controlling of the temperature of at least one raw starting material, namely water, to improve upon methods of on-site generation of peracids. The methods allow for the generation of user-selected chemistry without regard to the ambient temperatures of the raw starting materials and/or the biocide formulator or generator system.

Abstract: A plant or algae control composition is disclosed. The composition contains a herbicide and/or algaecide combined with an amplifying agent. The amplifying agent may comprise a polypeptide, such as a protein. The amplifying agent is added in an amount sufficient for the efficacy of the herbicide and/or algaecide to be improved. For instance, the presence of the amplifying agent allows for the herbicide and/or algaecide to be used at lower concentrations but have the same potency.

Abstract: Codling moth, Cydia pomonella, (L.), is a cosmopolitan pest of the apple, potentially causing damage to circa 80% of the fruit. Disclosed here are use of extract of Ginkgo biloba, or its synthetic metabolites for preventing or treating apple feeding and infestation by neonate larvae of codling moth.

Abstract: Formulations having, as active agents, at least one quaternized polymeric microgel and at least one nonionic surfactant, methods of making, and methods of using are described.

Abstract: There is a need for a selective, low-risk herbicide that can be used to control weeds in cereal cultures and turf. The present invention discloses that a bacterial secondary metabolite, thaxtomin and optionally another herbicide is an effective herbicide on broadleaved, sedge and grass weeds. Thaxtomin A and structurally similar compounds can be used as natural herbicides to control the germination and growth of weeds in cereal, turf grass, Timothy grass and pasture grass cultures with no phytotoxicity to these crops. As a natural, non-toxic compound, thaxtomin can be used as a safe alternative for weed control in both conventional and organic farming and gardening systems.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the manufacture of water stable, partially polymerized antimicrobial silanol quaternary ammonium compounds (SQACs) and their trisilanol, polysiloxanol and water soluble polysiloxane derivatives thereof. Partial polymerization is accomplished by allowing the aqueous SQAC product solution to polymerize at conditions that will substantially convert all the chlorosilanol monomer to a copolymer of the SQAC, thus reducing the toxicity of the solution greatly. A stabilizing agent is added either before or after the partial polymerization. The stabilizing agent is selected from a list of antimicrobial, naturally occurring, renewable phytochemical essential oils and extracts that easily form crystal clear microemulsions when water is added to the concentrated SQAC/essential oil mixture. These non-foaming oil in water microemulsions have excellent long term storage stability, are freeze/thaw stable, remain very low in viscosity and do not phase separate or precipitate for many months.

Abstract: An anti-microbial preservative for use in ophthalmic and dermatologic products. The preservative includes from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Additionally, the preservative does not generate chlorine dioxide within the pH range of 5.0-8.8. Also included are an antimicrobial ophthalmic and dermatologic compositions for direct application onto an eye or skin of a living being including from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.20 wt. % chlorite compound and from about 0.005 wt. % to about 0.05 wt. % peroxy compound. Also included are methods for treating dryness of the eyes and skin disorders (e.g., wounds, burns, infections, ulcerations, psoriasis, etc.) and for disinfecting and cleansing contact lenses while in place upon an eye by applying the composition to the eye or to the contact lens.

Abstract: A pesticide for the extermination of an insect of the order Blattodea, and particularly of Blattella germanica, the pesticide comprising a uniform mixture of: a Blattella germanica attractant comprising about 75% cooked mashed potatoes and about 14% cooked eggs yolk; and an active ingredient comprising boric acid in a concentration of about 10%, thereby providing a non-toxic to humans or pets pesticide which attracts the insect, and upon consuming it by the insect, the active ingredient exterminates the insect.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the use of synergistic amounts of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai and Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki for the control of diamondback moth, beet armyworm, sugarcane borer, soybean looper, corn earworm, cabbage looper and southwestern corn borer, wherein the ratio of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki to Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai is from about 1:0.001 to about 1:3.5.

Abstract: A composition for controlling insect pests comprising an extract from Clitoria ternatea comprising SPCs which have insecticidal activity and/or which repel the insect pest and/or deter the insect pest from laying eggs and/or influence the position of egg laying and/or deter the insect pest from feeding on a plant, wherein the composition optionally comprises a carrier.

Abstract: In a hollow cylindrical housing which stores a coolant, a feeding device having a rotating shaft and spiral screw vanes fixedly installed on the periphery of the rotating shaft is provided. At least one first diffusion nozzle is provided in each pitch of the screw vanes on the inner wall of the housing. A pair of second diffusion nozzles are provided for every pitch of the screw vanes on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft respectively at different positions in the axial direction of the rotating shaft and at mutually opposite positions in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft. The first diffusion nozzles are supplied with wash water through a high-temperature water piping provided on the upper outside of the housing, while the second diffusion nozzles are supplied with wash water through a channel formed in the interior of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A crab butchering machine removes the carapace, mandibles and tail from a crab by timing actuation of tools depending upon the measured dimensions of the carapace. A measuring tool determines the location of the front and rear of the carapace relative to the saddle, securing and advancing the crab through the machine. The positions of the ends of the tools that operate on the crab are known. After measuring, the crab is advanced into a calculated position relative to a first tool, whereby an arm moves upwards, separating the carapace from the crab. The crab is next advanced past a 10 second tool that lifts the carapace away from the crab carcass, allowing a third tool to move upwards, separating the carapace and tail from the carcass when the saddle is in a second calculated position. The remaining leg clusters are separated and released from the saddle for further processing.

Abstract: Methods, packaging, and packets for wet aging meat are described herein. For example, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure a package for wet aging meat includes a cut of meat having a fat layer portion and an edible meat portion, an adsorptive material to adsorb gases emitted from the cut of meat wherein the adsorptive material is positioned on the fat layer portion, a salt material positioned on the adsorptive material or on the fat layer portion with the adsorptive material, and wherein the cut of meat with the adsorptive material and salt material is sealed in a packaging material to form the package.

Abstract: Poultry carcasses are chilled rapidly when exposed to a flow of gaseous air at a temperature in the range from about ?50° C. to about ?120° C. for a period of time in the range from about 1 s to about 60 s. The flow is directed over and into the body cavity of the carcasses. The carcasses are orientated in the flow such that the sternum of each carcass faces downstream. One advantage of the process is that the number of viable microorganisms present on the carcasses is reduced significantly while avoiding freeze-damage to the carcasses.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to control banana and plantain quality by providing packaging in laser microperforated plastic bags having registered microperforation arrays to allow for transmission of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene gases into and out. The method improves even ripening of the bananas and plantains, extends green life and yellow life of the bananas and plantains, controls dehydration and reduces crown mold and pedicle withering of packed bananas and plantains during transport and storage.

Abstract: A method for controlling microbiological contamination in a heat exchanger while using the heat exchanger to process a food product. The method includes: while processing the food product in the heat exchanger, adding a microbiological control agent to the food product at a first location; and neutralizing at least partially the microbiological control agent by adding a neutralizing agent to the food product at a second location, the second location being downstream from the first location, at least part of the heat exchanger being between the first and second locations, the neutralizing agent being operative for reducing a chemical reactivity of the microbiological control agent in the food product. The microbiological control agent controls the microbiological contamination in the heat exchanger while the food product is processed. In some embodiments, the food product is a milk product.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a freeze-dried, dairy or dairy-substitute composition comprising a dairy or dairy-substitute ingredient and an emulsifier and methods of using same to promote and/or improve child development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for using the by-products of coffee in the production of proteins, polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, through methods of concentrating and conserving the mucilage and the pulp (husk), which is/are suitable for use in products for human or animal consumption, drugs, cosmetics or as raw materials for the production of alcohol for fuel (ethanol), wherein said process makes it possible to reduce the pollution of the environment by avoiding the waste of coffee by-products and to exploit the properties and advantages of the same for producing the aforementioned products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee honey obtained through a method of concentrating and conserving the mucilage of coffee beans, in order to make use of coffee processing industry by-products. Said coffee honey is suitable for use in products for human or animal consumption, drugs, or cosmetics, and reduces the pollution of the environment by avoiding the waste of coffee by-products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having beta-1,3-galactanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: Packaged food product and process utilizes a first and a second half-shell of edible material. Each of the first and second half-shells of edible material is coated with a respective covering adhering to its inner and outer surface, each covering including a first and a second half-shell of sheet material, shaped so as to adhere to the inner and respectively the outer surface of the respective half-shell of edible material, the half-shells of sheet material being connected together along their respective peripheral edges so as to form a closed covering which encloses the half-shell of edible material. The half-shells of to edible material, coated with the respective covering, are retained in close relationship.

Abstract: An ice cream sandwich apparatus for making and wrapping ice cream sandwiches. The ice cream sandwich apparatus includes a plurality of stations driven by servo motors.

Abstract: A protein fraction and an oxidation stable fat fraction are recovered from meat trimmings. The trimmings are comminuted, mixed with a food grade acid at pH 3.6 to 4.4 to form a liquid protein fraction and a solid fat fraction. The liquid fraction is mixed with a food grade alkali to precipitate the protein. A myoglobin rich fraction is recovered from the protein fraction and mixed with the precipitated protein.