Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm and a controller. The controller accesses a first image and a second image generated by a first camera. The controller determines a reference point based at least in part on the first image. The controller determines a position of a teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the second image. The controller instructs the robotic arm to grip a milking cup and move it towards the determined position of the teat between the hind legs of the dairy livestock from the rear. The controller then instructs the robotic arm to release the milking cup, to move in an upward direction towards an udder of the dairy livestock, and to move away from the teat.

Abstract: A crowding tub apparatus, system and method is described. A crowding tub includes three gates pivotably coupled to a rounded frame, wherein each of the three gates pivot in linked sequence towards an animal exit. A crowding tub includes a first gate coupled to a center post of the frame and rotatable between a first radial side and a second radial side of the frame, the second radial side having an animal exit, wherein the animal exit extends between a door post and a gate post, a second gate rotatably coupled to the second radial side between the gate post and the center post, and a third gate rotatably coupled to the gate post, wherein the three gates are coupled in linked sequence such that rotating the first gate towards the second radial side rotates the second and third gates to obstruct the animal exit.

Abstract: A static electricity discharging pet bed has a foam-like cushion pad, an inner cover fabricated of waterproof, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-urine material. An outer cover encompasses the inner cover. The outer cover is fabricated of an electrical conductive material designed to conduct static electricity from the pet bed through an electrical conductive conductor, to an electrical conductive ground wire, and then to a ground only plug connected to a grounded electrical outlet. The result is that when a dog or like furry pet is positioned on the pet bed, static electricity affecting the animal is drained to electrical ground. In this same manner, an “Earthing” effect provides a number of healthful benefits to the pet as well.

Abstract: A restraint device is for an animal. The restraint device may include a base attached to a ground, a shaft supported in the base, and a rotatable attachment point on the shaft for a leash for the animal. The shaft is flexible so that it is able to absorb force from the leash. The restraint device may include a platform configured to wrap around the base to provide stability for the base.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for an article and method of use are disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a base and a surrounding sidewall about a longitudinal axis, the sidewall extending from the base forming an interior, the sidewall terminating in an open aperture having a scarfed outlet margin forming a plane, wherein the plane forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis. Operationally the scarfed margin facilitates the interior being filled to a selected capacity with a liquid while the longitudinal axis also forms an acute angle with a surface. Further a cleaning surface is movably engaged to the base that has a structure to impart movement to the cleaning surface to clean the article that is immersed in a liquid within the interior while the longitudinal axis is at the acute angle with the surface to operationally facilitate ease of immersion and removal of the article from the interior.

Abstract: A cat scratcher and activity center is in the form of a rectangular box having a top, bottom and four sidewalls creating an interior space, the top being detachable and completely removable from the rectangular box. A rectangular block of corrugated cardboard is sized to fit within and occupy the interior space, the cardboard block having an open fluted surface which is exposed upon removal of the top. A planar cardboard toy kit is sized to reside within the interior space atop the open fluted surface of the rectangular block of corrugated cardboard, the planar cardboard toy kit being convertible to a three-dimensional configuration appendable to one of the four sidewalls.

Abstract: A feces collection device for sanitary collection and disposal of fecal matter includes a housing that defines an internal space. An orifice is positioned in a front of the housing. A first grate is positioned in the housing proximate to a back of the housing. A power module and a motor are coupled to the housing and positioned in the internal space. The motor is selectively operationally couplable to the power module. A fan is coupled to the motor and is positioned in the internal space. The motor is positioned to rotate the fan. The fan is configured to pull air and the fecal matter through the orifice into the internal space. The fecal matter is retained in the internal space as the air exits the internal space through the first grate.

Abstract: A clip composed of two similar hooks, pivoting around a common axis, and facing each other. Hooks are biased toward each other around the common pivot by a torsion spring. The two hooks form a loop that retains a dog collar D ring. The tips of the hooks overlap each other, allowing each hook to carry half the load. Finger pads are positioned opposite the hooks, such that when pressure is applied to the finger pads, the hooks are separated, and an ejector tab forces the dog collar D ring into the opening between the hooks, releasing the dog collar D ring. This clip is cold temperature tolerant.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the growth of an animal is provided. The method includes causing the animal to ingest or absorb an effective amount of one or more Fe III complex compounds, including but not limited to Fe III complexes comprising ligands bound to the iron center selected from amino acids or ?-hydroxy acids, o-hydroxy benzoic acids or pyridine-2-carboxylic acids, such as ferric quinate, ferric tyrosine, ferric DOPA and ferric phenylalanine. Compounds which are structural and/or functional variants, derivatives and/or analogs of the foregoing compounds, as further described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: The system for managing bird populations includes a drone; a disruptor comprising an extension arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being operatively coupled with the drone, and the distal end comprising a tool portion, where the tool portion comprises a piercing element constructed for engagement with one or more eggs in a nest; and a remote control system. The remote control system may comprise one or more remote control units and a monitor.

Abstract: An indexing system for an in ovo injection apparatus is provided. Such an indexing system provides a positioning scheme for an egg carrier carrying a plurality of avian eggs to an injection assembly for injection thereof. The indexing system includes an initial stop provided to abut the trailing end of the egg carrier to form a first egg carrier position such that a first subset of the plurality of avian eggs is injected. An intermediate stop is provided to abut the trailing end of the egg carrier to form a second egg carrier position such that a second subset of the plurality of avian eggs is injected. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A snag free lure assembly includes a lure that may be cast into a body of water. Thus, the lure may lure a fish. A retracting unit is positioned within the lure. The retraction unit includes a plurality of hooks. The retracting unit retracts each of the hooks into the lure to inhibit the lure from being snagged when the lure is cast. The retracting unit selectively deploys each of the hooks outwardly from the lure when a fish bites the lure. Thus, the lure hooks the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure for use in water includes a lure body, a mover assembly and a first line eyelet. The lure body includes a first side and an opposed second side. The first side includes a first side surface and the second side includes a second side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface meet at a surface centerline, with the first side surface and the second side surface being substantially symmetrical relative to the surface centerline. The mover assembly includes a mover that is configured to move the lure body through the water. The first line eyelet is secured to the lure body. The first line eyelet is positioned away from the surface centerline. The fishing lure can further include a plurality of line eyelets, i.e., a second, a third, etc., positioned on the first side surface, the second side surface, and/or the surface centerline.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a fish-shaped body in a shape of fish and a tail-fin member provided to a rear end of the fish-shaped body. An eye member to which a fishing line is tied is provided to a front end of the fish-shaped body. A lip member is provided at a front part of the fish-shaped body. The tail-fin member is horizontally provided to the fish-shaped body. It is preferable that the tail-fin member be attached to a rear end of the fish-shaped body so as to be freely swingable within a predetermined angle range about an axis extending in a front-rear direction.

Abstract: A component comprises a hollow component having a plurality of prepreg layers, where each prepreg layer includes a graphene-resin mixture comprising a resin and a graphene preparation evenly disposed throughout the resin. The component further includes a fiber cloth impregnated with the graphene-resin mixture. The plurality of prepreg layers are applied and pressed together in alternate layers of graphene-resin mixture and fiber cloth to form the hollow component.

Abstract: Fishing line dispensing apparatuses for loading fishing line onto a reel, can include a base operable to hold a spool of fishing line, a cap detachably associated with at least a portion of the base, and one or more securing elements coupled to the base. The securing elements can be operable to releasably secure the base to a shaft of a fishing rod. The base of a fishing line dispensing apparatus can additionally include a spool retention surface disposed at a bottom end of the base and a sidewall connected to and extending in a substantially orthogonal direction away from the spool retention surface.

Abstract: A reciprocating mechanism for a fishing reel includes a first rotating body that rotates around a first axis extending in a direction perpendicular to a spool shaft, a second rotating body that rotates around a second axis disposed at a distance from the first rotating body in the spool shaft direction, and parallel to the first axis, a rotation transmission body bridged between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and configured to circulate when a handle is rotated, and a movable body having a part engaging the rotation transmission body, the movable body reciprocating in the spool shaft direction together with the spool shaft, when the rotation transmission body is circulated, and when viewed from a direction along the first axis, a virtual straight line that connects the first axis and the second axis is inclined with respect to an axis of the spool shaft.

Abstract: A level wind mechanism for a dual-bearing reel including a first reel body and a second reel body includes a worm shaft, a guide member, and a first seal member. The worm shaft including a first end, a second end, a shaft body and a helical groove. The first end is on the same side as the first reel body. The second end is on the same side as the second reel body. The shaft body extends between the first end and the second end. The helical groove is on the shaft body. The guide member includes a tubular shape, is outside the worm shaft in a radial direction from a rotational axis of the worm shaft, and extends between the first reel body and the second reel body. The first seal member seals between the first end of the worm shaft and the guide member.

Abstract: A handle is rotatably attached to a first reel body. A second reel body has a cylindrical shape, and is an interval apart from the first reel body in an axial direction. A spool is disposed between the first reel body and the second reel body. A mount includes a mount surface facing in a first direction to contact the fishing rod when the dual-bearing reel is mounted to the fishing rod. The second reel body includes an outer peripheral surface and an outer lateral surface. The outer lateral surface faces outward in the axial direction, and the outer peripheral surface of the second reel body has a width narrower towards a first directional end of the second reel body than towards a second directional end of the second reel body. The second directional end is opposite to the first direction end.

Abstract: A remotely operable latch for a pulley-type endless halyard has a traveller, a tubular hollow dock for receiving and latching onto the traveller, a fishing-line release clip conjoined to the traveller, proximal pulley tackle mounted to a boat, distal pulley tackle conjoined with the dock and mounted to an outrigger spar, and an elongated halyard. The halyard has a distal end connected to the traveller, and a proximal end threaded through the dock, around the distal pulley, and then again around the proximal pulley, and connected to the fishing-line release clip. The traveller has a sidewall formed with a heart-shaped groove and the dock has an inside sidewall provided with an tone arm elongated between a pivotal base and a stylus for tracing the groove in the traveller, wherein the traveller latches in the dock when the stylus is caught in the cleavage of the heart-shaped groove.

Abstract: Insect capture is improved by providing a glue board having an adhesive coating on its front surface and forming a pattern of insect attractant UV light on that front surface. That pattern includes areas of bright UV light generated by light-emitting diodes that generate light at different wavelengths behind and visible through the glue board by flying insects, dimmer areas of light generated by said light emitting diodes that bounces off other portions of the device onto the glue board, and areas of shadow on the glue board where no or little light from said light-emitting diodes is present.

Abstract: A potted plant guard for protecting a pot from rodents that includes: a frame, wherein the frame creates an outer perimeter of the potted plant guard; a grid within the frame, where the grid includes a plurality grid member; a group of removable grid members within the plurality of grid members; a group of permanent grid members within the plurality of grid members; and a plurality of openings along the frame, wherein the openings are adapted to receive the removable grid members. The frame is preferably circular in shape.

Abstract: A housing has a first end and a second end and a chamber there between. At least one animal attractant assembly is within the housing. The animal attractant assembly is chosen from a class consisting of a visual attractant, an audial attractant, and an olfactory attractant. A hand held remote device initiates operation of at least one of the attractant assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic game caller. The magnetic game caller includes a mouthpiece and a resonance insert. The resonance insert is coupled the mouthpiece by a magnetic contact between a ring in the magnetic ring in the mouthpiece and a magnetic ring in the resonance insert. The present invention also provides a magnetic game caller modular system. The magnetic game caller modular system includes: a mouthpiece and two or more resonance inserts.

Abstract: A animal scent emitting device for rapid and economical dispensing of an animal scent without it being contaminated with human scent. The animal scent emitting device includes a shell capable of holding animal fluids inside thereof; a weight member fastened to the shell; and a cap removably engaged to the shell.

Abstract: A harness assembly for a hunting decoy. The harness is made of wire and can fit over all standard hunting decoys. The harness is formed with a central back arch, two side angles which bend generally perpendicular from the arch on either side, which then are bent again several times and terminate into hooks for hooking around the legs of the decoy or about the base of the decoy. The top corners of the harness include receiver slots for receiving a wire wing attachment which is flexible and moves gently when wind or air passes over a cloth clover of the wing attachment. A hook ring attached to the bottom of the wing allows a string to connect the wing to the ground or underneath of the body of the decoy to the other wing to provide a gentle bend to the wings and to prevent them from flying upwards.

Abstract: An oxygenated cardioplegic composition for immediate reperfusion of a donor heart after its procurement. The composition comprises an adenosine-lidocaine mixture for causing immediate cessation of the heart's systolic function upon contact; a normokalemic concentration of potassium ions; a concentration of Ca2+ ions selected to maintain the intracellular level of Ca2+ ions in the harvested heart muscle cells at about 10?4 mmol/L; and a pH of 6.9. The oxygenated cardioplegic composition is pre-warmed to about 35° C. and then used for immediate reperfusion of a donor heart for at least three minutes after its procurement.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and methods for maintaining and monitoring an excized donor heart. The apparatus comprises a first component for receiving and submerging therein an excized heart in a constantly circulating perfusate solution and a second component comprising equipment for adjusting the temperature and oxygen content of the perfusate solution. The first component comprises an integral pair of defibrillating pads. A first conduit infrastructure interconnects the first module, the second module and an aorta of the excized donor heart pushing a perfusion solution from the first module through the second module into the aorta. The second conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the right atrium and the left atrium for pushing the perfusion solution from the first module into the atria. The third conduit infrastructure connects the first module with the pulmonary artery and provides an after pressure to the flow of the perfusion solution from the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: Electrode systems have been developed for use in perfusion systems to measure the electrical activity of an explanted heart and to provide defibrillation energy as necessary. The perfusion systems maintain the heart in a heating state at, or near, normal physiological conditions; circulating oxygenated, nutrient enriched perfusion fluid to the heart at or near physiological temperature, pressure and flow rate. These systems include a pair of electrodes that are placed epicardially on the right atrium and left ventricle of the explanted heart, as well as an electrode placed in the aortic blood path.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a body having an open end, a second end, and a stick disposed in the body, the stick including a semi-solid material. The device also includes a mechanism adapted to cause a portion of the stick to extend from the open end of the body in response to an action by a user. The semi-solid material may include a deodorizing material, antiperspirant material, sanitizing material, perfume, sterilizing material, air freshening material, or insect repellent material. The stick may be uniformly composed of the semi-solid material, or may include a plurality of detachable blocks, each block including a layer of aluminum foil, a layer of adhesive material, and a layer of semi-solid material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an antiviral material includes at least one microparticles selected from tungsten oxide microparticles and tungsten oxide composite microparticles. The microparticles have an inactivation effect R of 1 or more expressed by [R=log C?log A], when there is evaluated a virus titer by inoculating on a specimen to which the microparticles are adhered, at least one virus selected from a low pathogenic avian influenza virus (H9N2), a high pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) and a swine influenza virus, and irradiating the specimen with visible light having a wavelength of 380 nm or more and illuminance of 6000 lx. for 24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to naphthyl- or isoquinolinyl-substituted isothiazoline compounds of formula I wherein the variables are as defined in the claims and description. The compounds are useful for combating or controlling invertebrate pests, in particular arthropod pests and nematodes. The invention also relates to a method for controlling invertebrate pests by using these compounds and to plant propagation material and to an agricultural and a veterinary composition comprising said compounds.

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: The present work relates to a novel microbe belonging to Bacillus family exhibiting antimicrobial and/or antifungal and plant growth promoting activity. The present work relates to the method of its isolation and identifying extract of the novel microbe exhibiting antimicrobial and/or antifungal, plant growth promoting proteolytic amylolytie activities. In particular, there is provided a novel bacterium Bacillus subtilis ssp. shriramensis having accession number MTCC-5674. The novel bacterium is cultured in the medium to mass produce the antimicrobial and/or antifungal and plant growth promoting agent by the novel microbe and Sin the culture medium. There is provided a composition comprising the novel bacterium or an extract of the novel bacterium, which is agriculturally and pharmaceutically effective. The novel bacterium of the present work is used in the treatment against various pathogenic fungi and/or bacteria and promoting growth plants.

Abstract: A variant polypeptide having alpha-amylase activity, wherein the variant has an amino acid sequence which, when aligned with the alpha-amylase comprising the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2, comprises at least one substitution of an amino acid residue. Such a variant polypeptide may be used in the preparation of a baked product.

Abstract: A method of creating batches for food items conveyed by a conveyor means, comprises measuring an image profile for a food item, processing the measured image profile for the food item, cutting the food item into a plurality of portions based on the processed measured image profile, and distinguishing the portions within the partial batch from the remaining portions. The number of portions from one or more of subsequent food items needed to complete the partial batch is such that it fulfills the pre-defined batch-criteria taken from the same or similar area of the food items from where the partial batch originates.

Abstract: Portable reusable fermenter for easy preparation of homemade kefir with use of kefir grains restrained in the plastic chamber submerged in the milk. Chamber has large number of halls for easy access of milk to kefir grains. The size of halls is significantly smaller that the size of kefir grains in order to keep grains inside chamber but big enough for free access to milk. Portable fermenter with the same set of grains is reusable. Drinking of kefir can be done through plastic straw without of separation of grains and ready kefir.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an efficient and large-scale process to produce a medium-chain triglyceride composition with >95% content for C8 (caprylic acid), C10 (capric acid) and C12 (lauric acid), with the content of lauric acid at about 5% or more. The process involves fractionation of fatty acid methyl esters, which are mainly derived from coconut or palm kernel, their esterification to glycerol to synthesize medium-chain triglycerides, and refining them to significantly increase purity and make them fit for human consumption. Such composition can have important uses in food and its preparation, health supplements, cosmetics, and medicine, among others.

Abstract: Dark, red and dark, brown natural cocoa products are disclosed. The cocoa products may be cocoa liquor or cocoa powder. Processes for producing the dark, red and dark, brown natural cocoa products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to low density ready-to-spread frosting compositions and related methods. “Icing” and ‘frosting’ are terms conventionally used to identify spreadable, semi-solid confectionery products that are applied as toppings to sweeten and decorate baked goods such as cakes, breads, cookies, and the like. Generally, icings and frostings can be categorized into several basic types depending in part on whether a particular product contains fat (generally shortening) or not, and whether or not the product is aerated.

Abstract: An improved beverage dispensing system includes a main system structure and an improved dispensing structure. The main system structure includes a freezing chamber for freezing a food item to be dispensed by the system and elements for conveying the unfrozen food item into the freezing chamber, for freezing the food item within the chamber and maintaining the overall proper operation of the system. The food item to be dispensed by the main system structure may be a frozen carbonated beverage. The improved dispensing structure that operates such that the venturi effect will create a pressure differential across a venturi insert tending to pull (or push) dispensed product through a venturi insert and out of the dispensing portion of a faceplate.

Abstract: pH-adjusted soy protein products, particularly isolates, that have a natural pH of about 6 and have a non-beany flavor are provided by the processing of soy protein product which is completely soluble in aqueous media at a pH of less than about 4.4 and heat stable in this pH range or a concentrated soy protein solution produced in the preparation of such soy protein product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing meat substitute products, wherein a mixture of water and a vegetable fat/oil comprising a protein, sodium alginate and methylcellulose is processed by shearing/stirring to produce a stable emulsion, and a colloidal solution of divalent metal cations and micellar casein is added to the emulsion for initiating a fiber formation, wherein the quantity of divalent metal cations is selected such that it leads to the initiation of the fiber formation in combination with the micellar casein.

Abstract: A memorial item is provided which comprises a mixture of animal feed and cremated human remains in the form of ashes. The mixture is edible to animals, and is intended to allow a deceased to return to nature in a natural manner. The memorial feed item may be formed as a block for feed items such as a bird feeder or mineral lick, or may be pelletized for other animal feed.

Abstract: Compositions are provided comprising a balance between lysine and essential amino acids and metabolizable energy. The compositions are useful in methods to prevent or treat obesity in an animal without concomitant loss of lean muscle mass. The compositions may also be used in methods to preserve or to cause a gain in lean muscle mass in an animal in need thereof.

Abstract: Liquid beverage concentrates are provided that can be cold filled during packaging while maintaining shelf stability for at least one year at ambient conditions. The concentrates are provided containing very low levels of added acid without buffers and with polyols to increase shelf life to at least one year.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a food and water thickener and a method for preparing the food and water thickener. The food thickener may comprise pretreated mineral water, xanthan, food preservative, and a chelating agent. The invention can be suitable for providing nutrition to patients with dysphagia.

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: A method of inhibiting the outgrowth of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food and beverage products having a moisture content of about 38-80% by weight, a salt content of less than about 5.0% by weight, and a pH range of about 4.6 to about 8.5. The application of an organic acid or its salt with a fermentation derived antimicrobial peptide offers a robust solution to curtail growth of spores and vegetative cells without the need for chemicals, such as sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate or sorbate.

Abstract: This document relates to food products containing highly conjugated heterocyclic rings complexed to an iron ion and one or more flavor precursors, and using such food products to modulate the flavor and/or aroma profile of other foods. The food products described herein can be prepared in various ways and can be formulated to be free of animal products.