Abstract: An aquatic race assembly system and method of conducting canine races, which includes two lanes, separated by a partition and a platform with a start line, a predetermined distance from one end of the platform. The platform is positioned proximate to a body of water or a pool. A sensor is placed in each lane, to automatically monitor the dog's position at the start and sending a signal to the control system, which determines whether there was a false start. When a dog bites and pools the lure places at a set distance on the other end of the pool, the lure is disconnected from the control system, causing a signal with the timing information to be sent and processed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus to track and control an animal is described, including a tracking unit to track the animal, and a stimulus unit to provide a stimulus to the animal, wherein the tracking unit and stimulus unit are configured to be coupled together. The stimulus unit is entirely a slave device to the tracking unit and has no independent smart circuitry, no independent power supply and no antennae. Accordingly, the stimulation unit is dependent upon the tracking unit for operation, power and for communication to and from a remote hand held control device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-layer inflatable toy and a manufacturing method thereof. The toy comprises a liner, an intermediate layer and a surface covering; the liner is filled with air, and the intermediate layer is arranged between the liner and the surface covering; the liner is made of rubber material, and the intermediate layer and the surface covering are made of flexible material or elastic material; and the intermediate layer may be of a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In the present invention, a pet toy of a multi-layer structure is manufactured by using a liner inflating process, so that the product is light and can float on water, thus the problem that the toy cannot be retrieved or used continuously after falling into water is avoided, and the harm to people and objects by throwing is avoided.

Abstract: A harnessing assembly for animals includes a strap. Each of a pair of connectors is coupled to the strap. The strap is couplable to each connector to form a pair of first loops. Each of a pair of first fasteners is slidably coupled to a respective first loop. A coupler is coupled proximate to a midpoint of the strap. The coupler is configured to couple to a leash. Each of a pair of strips is coupled to and extends from a front edge of the first strip, bracketing the coupler. A pair of second fasteners, which is complementary to the first fasteners, is coupled singly to the strips distal from the front edge. Each second fastener is positioned to couple to a respective first fastener to form a second loop. Each second loop comprises a respective first loop, such that the second loop is adjustably sizable.

Abstract: A method to determine a body condition score of an animal including: providing a three-dimensional camera system configured and arranged to record at least one three-dimensional image of the animal, and an image processing device to process the image; recording at least one three-dimensional image of the animal; processing the image. The processing the image includes: forming a three-dimensional surface representation of a part of the animal from the three-dimensional image recorded by the three-dimensional camera system; determining, in the image, reference points of the animal, at least including hook bone points and pin bone points of the animal; selecting a surface part of the animal representative for a body condition of the animal using the reference points; analyzing a first parameter representative for a body condition of the animal of the selected surface part; and determining the body condition score based on the first parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for remote animal surveillance and distress monitoring includes detecting biometric and behavioral parameters of the animal, identifying novel events based on comparison of detected parameters to predefined parameter values and qualifications; determining whether parameter values or a composite parameter value exceeds a predefined value threshold indicative of possible distress in the animal; and notifying remote caretakers of possible distress in the animal based on the composite value exceeding the predefined value threshold.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system and an optical device (1) to facilitate the counting of objects, e.g. fish and other organisms living in freshwater or sea, especially when using large-scale equipment in fish-fanning. The system makes it possible to diminish the distance between the recording camera and the objects to be counted.

Abstract: A method of experimenting on aquatic life in an indoor facility and lighting assembly for accomplishing the same. The lighting assembly includes a lighting device that emits light at a predetermined wavelength that provides a minimum water penetration depth and is positioned in a manner to provide uniform lighting at the air and water interface within a containment unit housing the aquatic life. The on and off function are also controlled by the lighting assembly to provide a gradual turn on and off to prevent interference of effects of lighting with experimental results.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express chimeric human/non-human MHC I and MHC II polypeptides and/or human or humanized ?2 microglobulin polypeptide, 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. Methods of using the genetically modified animals to study various aspects of human immune system are provided.

Abstract: A fishing rod holding assembly for PURPOSE includes a tube that insertably receives a fishing rod. A pair of holding units is provided. Each of the holding units is coupled to the tube. Each of the holding unit selectively engages a diagonal support of a chair. Thus, the tube is positioned at an upward angle with respect to the ground. A stand is coupled to the tube. The stand is selectively positioned in a deployed position. Thus, the stand supports the tube above ground. The stand is selectively positioned in a solo position. Thus, the stand supports the tube on the ground when the tube is not coupled to the chair.

Abstract: A cooler having a support bracket. The apparatus includes a cooler having a bottom, sidewalls and a lid, and a fastenerless support bracket. The fastenerless support bracket includes a cantilevered plate; a primary stop adjacent to the inside of one of the sidewalls, the primary stop adapted to prevent the cantilevered plate from sliding in a first direction; and a secondary stop adjacent to the upper portion of one of the sidewalls adapted to prevent the cantilevered plate from sliding in a second direction. The primary stop and the secondary stop are at a proximate portion of the cantilevered plate and adapted to be clamped between the lid and one of the sidewalls of the cooler. The cantilevered plate may be adapted to receive a fishing rod holder assembly attached to the distal end of the fastenerless support bracket.

Abstract: An improvement to a roadside sprayer fixates spray nozzles on a registration plate. The registration plate may include integral tabs depending on the application. Inclination of the tabs is adjustable to place streams and droplets in a desired swath coverage. With the nozzles rigidly mounted onto the plate, the entire plate is nutated. The use of the registration plate in a spray unit creates a uniform nutation among the nozzles, thereby reducing variability in droplet placement, and providing a more predictable spray from the nozzles. In other embodiments, the spray unit is utilized in a spray system adaptable to service vehicles, and may be utilized in conjunction with a vegetation engagement device, such as a cutter to engage multiple zones of a roadway right-of-way. Additionally, an improved spray unit includes an electromagnetic field and an attractor to generate plate motion.

Abstract: A system for limiting the growth of creeper plants on an upright surface, including a voltage generator comprising a ground terminal and a voltage terminal, a conductive stopping element positioned on the upright surface and adapted to be connected to the voltage terminal thereby obtaining a growth limiting boundary for the creeper plants, and a grounding element positioned on the upright surface and adapted to be connected to the ground terminal, thereby providing a grounding of the upright surface. The grounding element is positioned such that the grounding element grounds the creeper plants by contact with the creeper plants within a distance of a hundred centimeters from the conductive stopping element.

Abstract: A bird capture net which allows the use of quickly adjusting the height for capture and release is described, which includes height adjustable poles attached to bird netting.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods of processing aspirated adipose tissue for the isolation of stromal vascular fraction derived stem cells.

Abstract: A test tube, suitable to be immersed in a cryogenic fluid, comprises a containing body having a perimeter wall that defines a containing compartment, a bottom wall, disposed inside the latter to close it at the lower part, and a housing seating, inside the perimeter wall and outside the containing compartment. A support element for an identification code is suitable to be inserted into the housing seating, with at least a free surface facing toward the outside of the housing seating on the opposite side with respect to the bottom wall. In correspondence to said housing seating, mechanical constraint means are provided in cooperation with said perimeter wall of the containing body and with a peripheral portion of the free surface of the support element, in order to constrain the latter in a defined axial position with respect to the containing body.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising a nematicide intermixed with lecithin and a co-surfactant that form stable dispersions in water. Also disclosed are methods of controlling nematodes in soil by application of such compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of controlling a broadleaf volunteer crop, comprising applying to the broadleaf volunteer crop, an area adjacent the broadleaf volunteer crop, or to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of the broadleaf volunteer crop, a herbicidally effective amount of a 6-arylpicoline carboxylic acid, a 2-arylpyrimidine carboxylic acid, or a salt or ester thereof, wherein the broadleaf volunteer crop is genetically modified soybean.

Abstract: The invention relates to quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds, processes for preparing quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds, antimicrobial coating compositions comprising quaternary ammonium multi-dentate mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis-phosphonate compounds and method of treating a surface with said compositions to provide a durable, antimicrobial-treated surface.

Abstract: Methods of forming antimicrobial resin compositions comprising silver nanoparticles are disclosed. Such methods generally comprise: combining a silver-containing material with a resin in situ in the presence of a silver-binding compound; and curing the resin. Antimicrobial polymeric resin compositions formed by said methods have a lighter color than control compositions and also display a slower release of silver ions over time.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of Bacillus strains and methods for using such compositions to inhibit the activity and/or growth of fungal pathogens of plants. In one embodiment, this invention provides a composition comprising Bacillus bacteria selected from the group consisting of Brevibacillus laterosporus strain CM-3, Brevibacillus laterosporus strain CM-33, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BCM-CM5, Bacillus licheniformis ATCC-11946, Bacillus mojavensis BCM-01, Bacillus pumilus NRRL-1875, Bacillus subtilis 10 DSM-10, Bacillus subtilis NRRL-1650, Bacillus megaterium BCM-07, Paenibacillus polymyxa DSM-36, Paenibacillus chitinolyticus DSM-11030, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, this invention provides a method for preparing a bacterial composition comprising one or more Bacillus strains by growing Bacillus strain bacteria until the bacteria form spores, collecting said spores, and formulating said composition.

Abstract: A composition and method for improving plant growth, wherein the composition includes at least one live strain of bacteria of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus species.

Abstract: Scapula harvester for operating on a poultry carcass including instruments for breaking tissue connections and for harvesting scapula bones that connect to the poultry carcass. The instruments may include back knives and release hooks arranged to operate concertedly such that the back knives cut along and eventually assume a stationary position adjacent to the poultry spine for fixing the poultry carcass in position with the scapula bones directed upwards. The release hooks may execute a down and up movement while the back knives are stationary, wherein during the up movement the release hooks detach the scapula bones from the poultry carcass so as to harvest the scapula.

Abstract: The invention provides protein-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles comprising magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to which a lactose-binding protein or enzyme has been immobilized. The protein-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are particularly suitable for separating lactose from a lactose-containing solution, such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, flavored milk or the like. The protein-functionalized MNPs can be added to the lactose-containing solution and be allowed to bind to the lactose in the solution. The MNPs, to which the lactose is bound, can then be magnetically removed from the solution, e.g. by applying an external magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is based on knowledge that basically, solid milk provided with both of adequate strength and solubility can be obtained by using only powdered milk as ingredient to be provided with compression molding under state where the porosity and the free fat is controlled within predetermined ranges, and then humidified and dried. Namely, solid milk having porosity of 30%-60%, and method of making solid milk including: a compression step for compressing powdered milk to obtain a solid form of compressed powdered milk; a humidifying step for humidifying the compressed powdered milk obtained by the compression step; and a drying step for drying the compressed powdered milk humidified by the humidifying step achieves the object of providing solid milk having preferred solubility and strength, and method of making the same.

Abstract: The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.

Abstract: The food dispenser is a configured for use with a viscous foodstuff. The food dispenser is an extrusion device. The food dispenser extrudes the viscous foodstuff. The food dispenser is a temperature controlled device. The food dispenser maintains the viscous foodstuff at a set temperature during the extrusion of the viscous foodstuff. The food dispenser comprises a piping gun, a heating element, and a thermal control. The piping gun contains and extrudes the viscous foodstuff. The heating element heats the viscous foodstuff contained within the piping gun. The thermal control turns the heating element on and off to control the temperature of the viscous foodstuff during extrusion.

Abstract: A pouring batching device (1), in particular for chocolate, in dies is described, comprising a case (2) inside which at least one cylindrical recess is obtained, in which a longitudinal shaft (7) is housed, to which at least one rotary piston (3) is fastened, means adapted to control the flow of said chocolate, wherein the case (2) is placed below a tank containing chocolate to be poured and is open towards its top, locating a hopper (8) adapted to put in contact an internal volume of the tank with the recess of the case (2), so that a mass of chocolate can easily descend by gravity inside the case (2) even without a sucking effect by the rotary piston (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing digestible keratinaceous material comprising the steps of hydrolysing keratinaceous material in the presence of water in a hydrolyser at elevated temperature and at a pressure between about 2 bar and about 15 bar, and drying the resultant hydrolysed keratinaceous material comprising at least partly insoluble material in a dryer at a temperature/time/pressure combination which limits the drop in pepsin and/or ileal digestibility by less than 10%, and/or such that the pepsin and/or ileal digestibility remains higher than 85%, or such that the pepsin and ileal digestibility remains higher than respectively 75% and 85%. Preferably, the drying of the resultant hydrolysed partly soluble keratinaceous material is performed in a dryer at a temperature such that the keratinaceous material remains at a temperature below 90° C., preferably below 80° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for contacting a protein containing material with one or more wet-mill streams. The protein content of the protein containing material is increased.

Abstract: A lubricant and binding agent for the production of feedstuff and the like and a system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the method, an organic-based ingredient and a lubricant and binding agent are combined and subjected to a pellet-mill production process. The lubricant and binding agent includes about 15% to about 40% by weight of glycerin, about 0.005% to about 0.017% by weight of guar gum, about 0.009% to about 0.028% by weight of gum arabic, about 0.005% to about 0.017% by weight of aloe vera, and a balance by weight of water. The lubricant and binding agent increases production efficiency and pellet durability.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a compound, method of making the compound, method of using such compound preferably in the form of a dietary supplement that, when administered, is capable of use by any individuals, including patients having thyroid disease or various thyroid-related disorders. The unique combination of the composition is preferably administered orally, and preferably in the form of a drink. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least organic chlorella, organic dulse, organic acai, organic carrot, organic pineapple, apple pectin, organic inulin, PR-4 probiotic strain—preferably “Bacillus Coagulans,” organic wheat grass, organic beet root, organic ulva, organic evaporated cane juice, natural flavorsweet flavor, sodium chloride, citric acid, organic guar gum, creamy vanilla flavor, natural raspberry flavor, and natural mixed berry flavor.

Abstract: Rapidly dissolving flavoring composition concentrates are provided. The flavoring composition concentrates have a flavor, a solvent system, a flavor carrier system, and a densifier. The densifier is an acid modifier present in an amount such that it optimizes the rate of dispersion of the concentrate in water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for producing irregular pieces of meat from meat products. Further, a method of mass-producing a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance includes combining whole muscle meat with a mixture having a low-phosphate solution and/or a low-salt solution and cooking the combination to produce whole muscle meat logs. Once the whole muscle meat has been cooked, the meat may be pulled, shredded, or sliced on a variety of pulling, shredding, and slicing equipment to create a home-style meat product with an irregular appearance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hair regrowth promoter comprising an egg-yolk protein hydrolysate as an active ingredient. The egg-yolk protein hydrolysate is a safe ingredient produced from a natural source, and therefore can be widely used in daily consumable products, such as food and drink products, medicaments, animal feeds, and dietary supplements, or as a food additive, etc. The promoter etc. of the present invention can be orally administered and is thus very advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a freeze-dried, aerated fruit and/or vegetable composition comprising a fruit and/or vegetable ingredient and an emulsifier and methods of making thereof.

Abstract: This invention concerns a tube filling apparatus (10). The apparatus includes a base (40) and a filling assembly (20) mountable on the base (40). The filling assembly (20) has a number of tube receiving recesses wherein tubes may, in use, be received. The apparatus (10) further includes a vibration plate (32) which is locatable between the base (40) and the filling assembly (20). In use, the tubes rest on the vibration plate (32) when they are located in the recesses. The apparatus (10) may also include transducer such as a speaker which is connected to the vibration plate (32) for, in use, vibrating the vibration plate (32), which is capable of moving independently from the filling assembly (20). This invention also concerns a method of filling tubes.

Abstract: A cigarette paper is disclosed that contains at least one burn additive the concentration c(x) of which varies along a direction x of the cigarette paper. For the position-dependent concentration c(x) over an interval of length L, for x over the interval [0,L], ƒ(x)??c?c(x)?ƒ(x)+?c. In this regard, 3 cm?L?11 cm, ƒ(x) is monotonic over the interval [0,L], but not a constant function over the entire interval, and ?c?1% by weight, preferably ?0.7% by weight and particularly preferably ?0.5% by weight, and especially preferably ?0.3% by weight and particularly preferably ?0.15% by weight and ?c>0% by weight, each with respect to the mass of the cigarette paper.

Abstract: A thin-walled polypropylene product display tube. The thin-walled polypropylene product display tube includes a tubular member having a closed end, an open end, an inner diameter and, between the closed end and the open end, a first outer diameter, the open end terminating in a flared portion having a second outer diameter, the tubular member having a wall thickness sufficient to yield a level of haze equal to or less than 8%. A process for forming a thin-walled polypropylene product display tube is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel element adapted for use in a smoking article is provided, the fuel element including a combustible carbonaceous material in an amount of at least 25% by dry weight, based on the weight of the fuel element, and a particulate ignition aid dispersed throughout the fuel element and selected from ceramic particles, cellulose particles, fullerenes, impregnated activated carbon particles, inorganic salts, and combinations thereof, wherein the average particle size of the ignition aid is less than about 1,000 microns. Also provided are elongate smoking articles having a lighting end and an opposed mouth end, and including the above-noted fuel element configured for ignition of the lighting end.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided, including a combustible heat source having a front portion and a rear portion; an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the rear portion of the combustible heat source; and a wrapper circumscribing the front portion and the rear portion of the combustible heat source. The wrapper is in contact with the rear portion of the combustible heat source. All or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source is of reduced diameter compared to the rear portion of the combustible heat source so that the wrapper is radially spaced from all or part of the front portion of the combustible heat source by an air gap of at least about 0.5 mm.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include an adapter component for connecting a battery portion of the e-Cig with the cartridge. The adapter may be configured to utilize a bonding device, such as a ring, cylinder, or sleeve component, for connecting wires without requiring soldering. The bonding device may press a wire at a contact point against a conductive material for transmission of electrical power.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine and a method for producing a cartridge for an electronic cigarette having a base, a supporting base at least partly inserted inside the base, of a heating member fitted to the supporting base, having a hygroscopic pad surrounding the heating member are disclosed: a conveyor, which comprises a gripper designed to house the supporting base fitted with the heating member; a feed device for positioning the hygroscopic pad, initially flat and rectangular in shape, facing the gripper; and an insertion device for inserting the supporting base fitted with the heating member inside the gripper so as to intercept the hygroscopic pad which, as it is inserted inside the gripper, folds into a ‘U’ around the heating member.

Abstract: A method and system for producing oxygen-rich vapor derived from herb-based plants and extracts from said herb-based plants for consumption by individuals. The method includes transferring a first portion of a base quantity of oxygen-enriched vapor form a volumetric container into a vaporization device. The vaporization device retains an herb-based plant material. The herb-based plant material is used in conjunction with the first portion to produce herb-infused vapor through an atomization process. The herb-infused vapor is then permeated into a mixing chamber with a second portion of the base quantity of oxygen-enriched vapor from the volumetric container. The second portion is then mixed with the herb-infused vapor in order to formulate an oxygen-infused herb vapor. The oxygen-infused herb vapor is then dispensed from the mixing chamber for individual consumption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor garment including a harness. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor garment includes a textile portion, a device-retention element coupled to the textile portion, and a stretchable harness coupled to the textile portion. The harness includes a conductive element disposed between layers of film. The conductive element includes a first termination point at the device retention element, configured to connect to a monitor device. The conductive element includes a second termination point configured to connect to a sensor or transceiver.

Abstract: For people with reduced physical ability such as elderly people, risks of bodily injuries are high. Once an injury occurs, a victim suffers, sometimes a victim even may not survive. To help such people, a personal wearable device without adding much inconvenience in normal life is disclosed. This personal wearable device is able to detect dangerous conditions and automatically deploy airbags when needed to prevent or mitigate potential bodily injuries.

Abstract: A wader garment is provided, wherein the wader garment includes buoyant elements that may be employed so that a wearer may float in water, should the need arise, and further includes means for providing a substantially water-tight seal between the waders and a wearer at an upper portion of the waders.

Abstract: Provided is a neck supporter which is easy to use and which can reliably support the head of the wearer. The neck supporter includes an elongated main body providing said air-bag; an air injection valve that is provided in said main body to enable the air to be injected into said air-bag or discharged therefrom; connection sections (e.g., loops and hooks) that are provided on opposite surfaces in a vicinity of opposite ends of said main body to connect said opposite surfaces to each other; and a plurality of retaining portions (e.g., thermal compression bonding portions and through-holes) that are provided dispersedly as dots in series in a longitudinal direction of said main body to provide bonded portions between a front surface and a back surface of said main body.

Abstract: A slip system includes a skirt or a slip with an adjustable length. The skirt may be a standalone skirt or part of a dress. The slip may be a full slip or a half slip. In addition to the skirt or slip, the slip system includes one or more removable, replaceable sections. Each removable, replaceable section may add to the length of a main body of the skirt or slip. Each removable, replaceable section may impart the skirt or slip with a desired appearance by providing variety in a design and/or style of the skirt or slip.

Abstract: A chemical resistant composite glove that includes a first polymeric layer in the shape of a glove; and a second polymeric layer disposed on the first polymeric layer, and wherein the first polymeric layer is specified for one class of chemical resistance and the second polymeric layer is specified for a second class of chemical resistance, and optionally a third polymeric layer, which may be a thin coating, disposed on at least one of first polymeric layer or the second polymeric layer and is optionally specified for a third class of chemical resistance.