Abstract: A cat scratch toy has a housing with a truncated ellipsoid shape. The housing has a flat surface. There is a continuous track in a face of the flat surface. A ball is in the continuous track. In one case, the housing is made of cardboard. The cardboard is laminated sheets cut into different shapes. In one case, there is a bowl section and a cylindrical section affixed to an interior of the bowl section. The track is formed between the edge of the cylindrical section and a wall of the bowl section. The wobbly shape of the cat scratch toy along with the ball in the track keeps the cat endlessly entertained, while satisfying the cat's need to scratch.

Abstract: Improvements in a retractable Snap-On Leash is disclosed. The Snap-on Leash is always on the collar and can be used on nearly any collar that is available in the market place. This further allows the retractable snap-on leash to be removed and placed on a different collar when as the animal grows and when the collar wears out or is damaged. The owner simply needs to locate the handle to extend the leash. A lanyard retainer, stop or lock can be incorporated to limit the extension length less than the length of the leash spooled in the housing. The retracting mechanism allows the leash to be retracted automatically at the end of a walk or as the dog changes distance from the owner. The handle conforms to the shape of the housing to minimize a surface that can catch on anything that the dog might encounter.

Abstract: A multifunction livestock measurement system provides automatic hip location for animal height (hip height) assessment using a side-looking optical system. An automatic implementation identifies the hip through an analysis of the underside of the hindquarters of the animal. A manual version identifies the hip manually in a similar image. Automatic ear tag reading, weight measurement and animal temperature measurement can be integrated into the station.

Abstract: A system for recognising the stage of fertile eggs from an ovoscopy step and sorting same, and a method for operating the submodules of the system and modules for applying substances and hatching represents an inventive solution in the field of poultry farming, in particular in the sector of poultry breeding, and more specifically in the step of application of vaccines or nutrients or a vaccine-nutrient complex into fertile eggs by intra-ovum injection, and also in the hatching step, on the basis of a module for sorting eggs in the matrix (4), in particular blind matrix (Mz1) of fertile eggs, and of an egg stage sensing module (M41), wherein the data obtained are processed by an egg sorting module (m42), using an application software (d21) which first generates a virtual matrix (Mz2) of the incubation tray, then a matrix (Mz3) that mirrors approved eggs, these data being then processed to feed the substance preparation submodule (m43) and the device set-up module (m44), in order to optimise the operation of t

Abstract: A system and method for determining and managing the volume and concentration of sanitiser optimised for use in a method for disinfecting an intra-ovum substance application module, with information on the average size of the vaccinated and/or fed fertile eggs being used as the paradigm, represent a solution in the field of poultry farming, in particular in the poultry breeding sector, particularly useful to aid the disinfection of the components of operational modules of the breeding system, in particular the substance application module [E12], adding value in that it ensures that a volume of prepared concentrated sanitiser (Sa31) with assured quality is obtained, especially in that it exhibits titration with a concentration suitable for the batch of vaccinated/fed fertile eggs, ensuring the suitability and effectiveness in respect to the true mean age of the matrix batch, determined as a function of average egg size (Tm1), wherein for that purpose the system of the invention was designed with an architectur

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically feeding fish at predetermined intervals are disclosed herein. An automatic fish feeder can include a housing, at least one cover, a feeding track, and a valve. The housing can include a peripheral outer cover and at least one access hole. The food storage reservoir can be connected to the housing and configured to be accessible by an access hole. At least one cover can be removably attached to the peripheral outer cover and substantially seal the food storage reservoir. The feeding track can be coupleable to the food storage reservoir and configured to receive and distribute food from the food storage reservoir at individual rates. The valve can be coupleable to the feeding track and configured to control the flow of food from the feeding track. The valve can include a rod and a counter configured to move the rod relative to the feeding track.

Abstract: According to this invention, a bird lays an egg that does not contain an artificially introduced foreign gene in genome thereof and has an ovomucoid content lower than that in a wild type thereof. A method for producing a bird includes a modification step of cleaving the ovomucoid gene locus in a pluripotent stem cell of a bird with programmable endonuclease so as to modify the ovomucoid gene locus and a transplantation step of transplanting the pluripotent stem cell in which the ovomucoid gene locus is modified into an embryo of a bird. A bird egg does not contain an artificially introduced foreign gene in genome thereof and has an ovomucoid content lower than that in a wild type thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insect spawning container in which at least one spawn structure is provided in which the mother insects will spawn their eggs. The spawn structure has a scalable face such that the mother beetles can crawl from the bottom onto and up along the scalable face of the spawn structure, the spawn structure comprising a multitude of crevices accessible from the scalable face, the crevices having dimensions tuned to the egg-laying tube of the mother beetles.

Abstract: A modular spear that has three interchangeable sections, namely, a spear tip, a spear shaft, and a tail end, allowing the spear to be adapted for many situations. The spear shaft has an elongated body into which a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity are terminally are bored; the first receiving cavity being positioned opposite the second receiving cavity along the elongated body. Furthermore, the spear shaft has a first fastener assembly and a second fastener assembly for securing the spear tip and the tail end to the spear shaft. The first fastener assembly is positioned about the first receiving cavity, while the second fastener assembly is positioned about the second receiving cavity. The spear tip is positioned through the first fastener assembly and into the first receiving cavity. Meanwhile, the tail end is positioned through the second fastener assembly and into the second receiving cavity.

Abstract: The current invention is a light up fishing bobber. It is specially designed to be used in windy and dark weather conditions. The fishing bobber glows red when in use. It changes color when hit to signify to the user that the bobber has a hit. It will work with any standard fishing reel and line. It is perfect for children, and individuals with poor vision.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a container for dispensing bait in variable amounts and at variable rates. In some embodiments, a method includes changing configurations of two attachable sleeves, where the different configurations result in different overlapping of openings in the attachable sleeves. The different overlapping of openings allows fishermen the flexibility to better control the dispensing of bait and/or chum by varying the size of the openings.

Abstract: Provided is a tick trap having a glue constructed to trap ticks touching the glue by sticking to the ticks, and a plant based scent formed from a part of a plant that attracts ticks to the glue. The tick trap can be used to trap ticks within a dwelling or in the environment.

Abstract: Provided is a method of trapping ticks using a tick trap having a glue constructed to trap ticks touching the glue by sticking to the ticks, and a plant based scent formed from a part of a plant that attracts ticks to the glue, the method includes placing the trap on a location surface and using the tick attractant to attract ticks to the glue.

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

Abstract: A method for fumigating psyllium husk. The method comprises filling a fumigation chamber with psyllium husk chamber is at least 35% filled with bags of psyllium husk, fumigating the psyllium husk with at least 40 g/m3 of methyl bromide for at least 24 hours, and degassing the chamber for at least 6 hours to form fumigated psyllium husk. The fumigated psyllium husk comprises less than 50 ppm inorganic bromide residue and the fumigated psyllium husk does not comprise an insect infestation or a khapra beetle infestation.

Abstract: This invention discloses a preserving agent for organs or tissue comprising (A) quercetin, and (B) at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of fructose and sucrose; a preserving solution for organs or tissue comprising the preserving agent; and a preservation method for organs or tissue comprising the step of immersing an organ or tissue in a liquid mixture comprising (A) quercetin, and (B) at least one sugar selected from the group consisting of fructose and sucrose.

Abstract: Vial assemblies comprising a tubular body and a flexible bottom or flexible liner are described herein, wherein the flexible bottom or liner is configured to compress at least partially upon the application of force. Methods for storing and removing frozen samples from such vial assemblies are also described herein.

Abstract: Vial assemblies comprise a tubular body and a cap, the cap including a first portion configured to abut a lip of an open end of the tubular body, a threaded portion configured to couple to threading on an internal surface of the tubular body, and a second portion protruding from the threaded portion and extending into a cavity of the tubular body. Methods for storing and removing frozen samples from such vial assemblies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agrochemical compositions comprising certain benzamide compounds and to the use of those benzamide compounds as adjuvants, especially in formulations, in particular in agrochemical formulations and in environmentally friendly formulations. The invention further extends to certain novel benzamide compounds and a process to prepare such novel compounds.

Abstract: Provided herein are microcapsules comprising a capsule core and a capsule shell. The capsule shell includes a core surrounding a layer of a polyvinyl alcohol and an adjacent layer of a polyoxazoline, and the capsule core includes a water-insoluble pesticide. Further provided herein is a process for producing the microcapsule, including: a) preparation of an oil-in-water emulsion with a disperse phase which includes the pesticide and an aqueous continuous phase and the polyvinyl alcohol, and b) subsequent addition of one or more of the polyoxazoline. The process relates to a method of controlling phytopathogenic fungi, undesired plant growth, and/or undesired insect or mite attack, and/or for regulating the growth of plants, wherein the microcapsules act on the respective pests, their environment, the crop plants to be protected from the respective pest, on the soil, on undesired plants, on the crop plants, and/or on the environment of each plant.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for increasing the survivability of one or more beneficial microorganisms.

Abstract: Exemplary methods of and system for generating an antimicrobial wipe to clean and disinfect a surface contaminated with bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes applying non-thermal plasma to a moistened wipe to activate a liquid in the wipe. In some embodiments, the method includes applying non-thermal plasma to a liquid and then applying the activated liquid to a wipe. In one embodiment of a system for generating an antimicrobial wipe the system includes a housing having an opening; a supply of wipes disposed within the housing; a non-thermal plasma generator disposed within the housing; a power supply electrically coupled to the non-thermal plasma generator; and a feed system disposed within the housing, wherein the feed system moves one or more wipes from the supply of wipes past the plasma generator and out of the opening. As the feed system moves the wipes past the plasma generator, the plasma generator applies non-thermal plasma to the wipes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to peroxyformic acid forming compositions, methods for forming peroxyformic acid, preferably in situ, using the peroxyformic acid forming compositions. The present invention also relates to the peroxyformic acid formed by the above compositions and methods. The present invention further relates to the uses of the peroxyformic acid, preferably in situ, for treating a surface or a target. The present invention further relates to methods for treating a biofilm using peroxyformic acid, including peroxyformic acid generated in situ.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for improving stress tolerance of plants including at least one hydroxycinnamic derivative oligomer, and optionally a water-solubilizing agent. Also disclosed is a method for improving stress tolerance of a plant including applying such composition on the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a herbicidal composition comprising as component A) 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butanoic acid or salts or esters thereof and as component B) 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid or salts or esters thereof for controlling unwanted vegetation in crop plants. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling unwanted vegetation in crop plants, which comprises allowing a composition comprising said components A) and B) to act on plants, their seeds and/or their habitat.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions and methods using a combination of (a) a compound of formula (I) or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, (b) a triazolopyrimidine sulfonamide herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (c) a cell membrane disruptor herbicide or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof provide control of undesirable vegetation in soybean, cotton, sunflower, winter/spring oilseed rape, winter/spring canola, vegetables, ornamentals, rice, wheat, teff, triticale, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, winter/spring oilseed rape, winter/spring canola, corn/maize, sunflower, row crops, pastures, grasslands, rangelands, fallowland, fallow beds, sugarcane, turf, tree and vine orchards, aquatics, forestry, industrial vegetation management (IVM) and rights-of-way; for the burndown and control of weeds in fallow fields and fallow beds between the planting of crops, such as soybean, corn, cotton sunflower, cereals, rice, winter/spring oilseed rape, winter/spring canola, corn

Abstract: This disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: A fungicidal composition containing a fungicidally effective amount of a compound of Formula I-V and at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of epoxiconazole, prothioconazole, azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, penthiopyrad, isopyrazam, bixafen, boscalid, prochloraz, and chlorothalonil provides synergistic control of selected fungi.

Abstract: An avermectin-based topical formulation is disclosed which is useful for prevention and treatment of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). This topical formulation may be formulated as a shampoo-condition which comprises an effective amount of avermectin, solubilizers, suspending agents, preservatives, nonionic surfactants, humectants, a silicone compound, and water. Also disclosed are methods of using the topical formulations disclosed within this specification to treat either a susceptible or treatment-resistant strain of lice, as well as uses in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing a lice infestation from a susceptible or treatment-resistant strain in a human patient.

Abstract: A method of preparing an antimicrobial coating comprises coating a surface with an aqueous mixture of 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride, 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, and triethanolamine and then coating the surface with an aqueous titanyl sol-gel solution comprising an aqueous mixture of peroxotitanium acid and peroxo-modified anatase sol overtop of the silane to form the antimicrobial coating. The antimicrobial coating exhibits residual antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli and S. epidermidis after water rinsing or after abrasion. The use of 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane was found to improve storage stability of the quaternary silane composition and the durability of the antimicrobial coating.

Abstract: Fungal diseases and resulting mycotoxins are reduced or eliminated from plant tissues during crop growth or post-harvest during storage by treatment with an aqueous spray solution prepared from a fungicide composition of a bicarbonate salt containing a surfactant system to reduce the surface tension and contact angle of the spray solution on the plant surface thereby controlling the crystal size of the bicarbonate and re-distribution and adherence of the crystals to the crop vegetation and/or grains.

Abstract: A polymeric tubular conduit including a polymeric tubular conduit wall having an outer tubular layer coaxially overlaying an inner tubular layer which defines a continuous tubular passage along a polymeric tubular conduit length of the polymeric tubular conduit; whereby the outer tubular layer, the inner tubular layer, or combinations thereof, include an amount of antimicrobial agent. The amount of antimicrobial agent can be sufficient to kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms in contact with a corresponding polymeric tubular conduit wall external surface, polymeric tubular conduit wall internal surface, or combinations thereof, of the polymeric tubular conduit wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal mixtures comprising penflufen-containing polymer particles, copper compounds and specific alkanolamines and to the use thereof for protecting wood and wood products, and also to wood preservatives comprising biocidal mixtures and optionally further active ingredients.

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

Abstract: A method for preparing a stem cell-based, human derived composition containing conditioned cell culture medium is disclosed. The method comprises culturing cells of two or more eukaryotic cell lines to form conditioned culture media, separating the cultured cells from the conditioned culture media, and combining conditioned culture media to form a bioactive composition. This composition is used to treat citrus plants that have been infected by one or more insect-vectored bacterial and/or pathogenic infections such as Citrus Greening. This method consists of applying the conditioned media one or more times to the plant. Use of this treatment may have application to a variety of other agricultural conditions.

Abstract: Insect repellent and pesticide compositions including a santalene component are disclosed.

Abstract: A heat treatment system, comprises a tray holder with at least one tray for placing goods to be heated, a first heat treatment machine having a first heat treatment chamber adapted to accommodate the tray holder, the first heat treatment chamber having a first opening in a base part thereof, and an elevation apparatus configured to transport the tray holder between a first position within the first heat treatment chamber and a second position below the first heat treatment chamber through the first opening.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning half-shell shaped baking mold cavities of a baking mold constructed for producing hollow wafers or cakes includes a dry ice blasting device for providing a heterogeneous mixture of dry ice such as, in particular, frozen, solid CO2 granules, and a carrier fluid such as, in particular, compressed air. The dry ice blasting device is connected to a nozzle for dispensing the mixture and a nozzle outlet of the nozzle is directed toward a cleaning area. A holding device is provided for holding a baking mold. A movement device is provided for relative movement of the nozzle with respect to the holding device or the baking mold held by the holding device. A method for cleaning a baking mold is also provided.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head extending over a bowl receiving location, a rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, and a gear system for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis. An electric motor includes an output operatively connected to drive the gear system. A variable frequency drive is connected to deliver 3-phase power to the electric motor to achieve variable speed and torque. The variable frequency drive includes a plurality of embedded sensors, including embedded current sensors and embedded voltage sensors. A diagnostic control is configured and operable to analyze outputs from the embedded sensors and produce an alert indication upon identification of a characteristic indicative of at least one of input power brownout, input power surge, machine short circuit, motor phase insulation arch, motor phase to ground arch or motor loss of phase.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head extending over a bowl receiving location, the head including a downwardly extending rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, the head including a planetary system therewithin for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis. A motor includes an output operatively connected to drive the planetary system. A control system includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor located for detecting a respective condition of mixing machine, and a diagnostic control operable to (i) track outputs from the plurality of sensors over time, (ii) analyze the tracked outputs and (iii) produce an alert indication based upon the diagnostic control identifying a performance characteristic indicative of a need for service or repair of the mixing machine.

Abstract: Products made from poultry proteins are disclosed. These products may contain high levels of chicken proteins and may be in the form of a baked or extruded solid, or in a liquid form. Methods of making these products are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing intensified whole-cereal flour by means of pulsed electric fields in collaboration with ultrafine pulverization, which includes: (1) preparing bran, middling and flour by cleaning, modulating and milling cereal grains; (2) performing superfine pulverization on the bran and the middling and performing sieving; (3) preparing a suspension by using water and the sieved bran and middling, and stirring constantly; (4) adding polysaccharide colloids into the suspension, and adjusting the pH to 4.0; (5) performing high-voltage pulse treatment on the suspension to ensure stable flow of the suspension; (6) centrifuging the suspension to separate the supernatant, and drying the obtained precipitate and performing sieving to obtain the treated bran and middling; and (7) mixing the treated bran and middling with flour uniformly to obtain whole-cereal flour.

Abstract: Novel yeast-raised and other bakery products and methods of making those products are provided. The products are formed from dough comprising a thermally-stable amyloglucosidase, and a raw starch degrading amyloglucosidase and/or an anti-staling amylase. The level of added sugar included in the dough can be substantially reduced, and even eliminated, while still achieving a sweet product. Additionally, the resulting bakery product is free of, or at least substantially free of, fructose. The final baked product will also have improved texture properties, including superior firmness, resilience, and adhesiveness and can be made with a reduced amount of yeast.

Abstract: A yeast-free dough contains at least 40% natural cheese. The natural cheese is mixed with wheat flour, pregelatinized starch, and water to make a non-laminated dough, which is then sheeted, cut and dehydrated. The finished product has a peak force hardness of between about 15,000 to about 30,000 grams and an expanded internal air cell structure throughout and a bulk density of from about 100 to about 400 g/L.

Abstract: A yeast-free dough contains at least 30% natural cheese. The natural cheese is mixed with wheat flour, pregelatinized starch, and water to make a non-laminated dough, which is then sheeted, cut and dehydrated. The finished product has a peak force hardness of between about 15,000 to about 30,000 grams and an expanded internal air cell structure throughout and a bulk density of from about 100 to about 400 g/L.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic stunner for stunning or euthanizing an animal has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, a housing with a front portion being moveable toward and away from its rear portion, a stunning rod driven by the piston forward towards the front end of the housing, a catch system for alternately holding and releasing the stunning rod, and a regulator for regulating the pressure received from a fluid container for operating the stunner. The stunning rod is driven along a longitudinal axis upon exposure of a pressurized fluid to the piston, and the stunning rod is retracted back into the stunner after firing by exerting a manual inward force on the stunning rod and housing. The catch system comprises a plurality of arcuate sections substantially forming a cylinder. The regulator determines the allowable pressure levels of the fluid the stunner is subjected to.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deshelling shellfish, particularly lobsters, using a laser cutting system.

Abstract: A method and system for wrapping meat in containers is provided. The method and system provide a modified atmosphere, other than that which exists as standard air, to a container such that a final sealed product contains an internal volume or atmosphere of modified gas. In-line processing features dispense the desired modified gas such that minimal interruption is provided in an automated or partially automated packing operation.

Abstract: A coating for freshly pre-prepared potatoes, a method for the application thereof, and an end product of portions of coated and packed potatoes, where the coating includes a matrix of modified potato starch, preferably hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate, and anti-browning agents: sodium ascorbate, calcium ascorbate and citric acid, where it is an alternative to sulfite derivatives or metabisulfite, which prevents browning of the packaged potato.

Abstract: Provided is a superheated steam sterilization apparatus capable of continuously sterilizing a large amount of grain and of capable of eliminating uneven application of superheated steam even when a large amount of grain is loaded thereinto.