Abstract: A milking system for milking a dairy animal includes a milking cup for obtaining milk, a measuring chamber which is in flow communication with the milking cup for at least temporarily containing the obtained milk, and having a sensor device for measuring at least one property of the milk. The sensor device comprises at least three mutually separate electrodes for measuring values of a first milk property using an electrical and/or electromagnetic variable, and a sensor control unit for actuating the sensor device and for processing the measured values. The sensor control unit is configured to repeatedly select a pair of the electrodes in a targeted manner, the pair comprising a first electrode and a second electrode which differs from the first electrode. The sensor device is configured to measure the value of the variable between the electrodes, and to determine the value of the at least one milk property.

Abstract: A pet shelter providing a naturalized habitat for exploiting the instinctual behavior of animals such as dogs, cats and rabbits is disclosed. The pet shelter includes a structure having exterior and interior features of a gastropod shell. The features include an opening defining an entryway configured to receive an animal, a spiral-shaped corridor traversing an interior space of the structure, and a den within the interior space of the structure providing a resting area for an animal. The pet shelter also provides a user the ability to control interior airflow and lighting, and manage pet house training and whelping.

Abstract: A splash-guard system; the splash-guard system includes a guard-member, a base-member, and a mat. The splash-guard system is useful for confining splashes or spills from a pet bowl to the splash-guard system such that a pet owner does not need to regularly clean the surrounding area of the pet bowl when a pet makes a mess when feeding. The splash-guard system serves to prevent constant cleaning and damage to the surrounding floor and walls.

Abstract: A dog toy assembly includes an elongated stick with a toy attachment on an end. A toy is attached to the toy attachment. By holding and manipulating the stick during play, a user obtains leverage to accurately and quickly control the toy. The toy attachment may be removably attached to the stick, may be rotatable, and may include loops, hooks, concave sections, and rings. A locking sleeve may be included to keep the toy attached. The stick may include a handle and may be flexible. A leg strap including an eyelet through which the stick passes may be worn by the user to provide a pivot point and allow one-handed play while seated. Door mounts, floor mounts, seat mounts, and support racks include stick holders to give the user a break while the dog continues to play. The toy attachment and toy itself may be fully chewable and removable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of producing pet treats, and pet treats produced therefrom. In one embodiment, the pet treat is produced from fresh, porcine lungs. In one embodiment, the pet treat is produced from a single ingredient. In still another embodiment, the pet treat is produced from a method that employs multiple heating steps.

Abstract: A canine diaper with re-useable and removable absorption pad may include a resilient body band which may include a resilient fabric material. The body band may have a first side configured for contacting the body of a desired animal, preferably a dog, and a second side which may be positioned opposite from the first side and away from the body of the animal. A liner may be coupled to the first side at a central region on the body band. A pocket panel may be coupled to the liner and/or first side to form a pocket cavity between the liner and pocket panel. An absorption pad may be removably received in the pocket cavity which may be positioned in contact with the urine emitting organ of the animal. A retainer may be removably coupled to the second side via a fastener, and the retainer may be configured to govern access to the pocket cavity.

Abstract: An invalid dog lift and support device employs a lever mounted on spread wheels supported by retractable legs with a tanslatable harness mount received on the lever. A telescoping handle is received in an end of the lever distal from the legs. The harness mount is rotatable to position a dog, supported in harnesses suspended form the harness mount, parallel to or transvers to the lever. The harness mount is translatable on the lever from a position proximate the legs to a position distal from the legs.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the welfare of livestock in a shed, the system including a plurality of sensors for measuring ambient conditions in the shed; a robot, adapted to move through the shed; a processing engine and a memory operatively associated with the processing engine. The robot includes at least two cameras, one of which is a thermal camera. The processing engine is operatively associated with the robot and the plurality of sensors for receiving data recorded by the robot and the plurality of sensors, the recorded data including measurements of ambient conditions in the shed; and images from the at two cameras.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a composition comprising 20-60% w/w of fat combined with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Method aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for inducing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in an experimental laboratory animal, the method comprising administering a composition of the disclosure or a composition comprising 10-60% w/w of fat and a composition comprising a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor to the laboratory animal.

Abstract: A lamp for use under water, comprising: an electrical lighting device, electrical connections for the power supply of the electrical lighting device, and a housing, wherein the housing is translucent at least in sections and defines a watertightly closable hollow space, wherein the electrical lighting device and the electrical connections are arranged within the hollow space, wherein the housing forms a mechanical shell surrounding the hollow space, the mechanical shell having a double curvature at each point of the shell; and a use of the lamp as a light bait when fishing.

Abstract: A bait grasping device for fishing includes first and second grasping members pivotally engaged together with a spring. The spring is tensioned by the pivotal rotation of the first and second inwardly directed prongs of the lower portion of the first and second grasping members away from each other. The spring exerts compression force to position the first and second inwardly directed prongs together to grasp bait. A hook assembly having a hook, an elongate member and an eyelet, is engaged to the first and second grasping members by passing the elongate member through the first and second grasping members and the spring. The hook is disposed proximate to a head of the bait and the first and said second inwardly directed prongs grasp opposite sides of the bait.

Abstract: A lamp for use under water having an electrical multicolor light source, electrical connections for the power supply of the electrical multicolor light source, a controller configured to control the light color emitted by the electrical multicolor light source, and a housing, wherein the housing is translucent at least in sections and defines a water tight closable hollow space, wherein the electrical multicolor light source and the electrical connections are arranged within the hollow space, wherein the housing forms a mechanical shell surrounding the hollow space, the mechanical shell having a double curvature at each point of the shell; and a use of the lamp as a light bait when fishing.

Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments of an environmentally friendly fishing line that includes renewable natural fibers, and in some embodiments the disclosed fishing line optionally includes an environmentally friendly renewable natural coating. Some of the embodiments of the disclosed fishing line include, for example, a single strand line, or a braided or plaited line made from multiple threads, strands or yarns. Other embodiments of the disclosed fishing line are degradable over a predetermined timeline. These embodiments are preferred because of the low environmental impact of the disclosed fishing lines when compared to, for example, well known synthetic polymer fishing lines.

Abstract: A collapsible fishing chair has a frame structure including multiple beams and multiple panels, the multiple beams being configured to form a chair frame and the multiple panels being configured to form supporting surfaces that extend between beams, the supporting surfaces including a seating surface and a backrest surface. A measuring device for measuring length is provided on at least one armrest for use in measuring the length of a fish; and at least one fishing rod receptacle is joined to at least beam of the chair frame for receiving and retaining a handle-end of fishing rod.

Abstract: A combination lighting apparatus and insect extermination device is disclosed having a housing with an upper section and a lower section separated by a first aperture. A light source is disposed in the upper section. An electrical grid and negative pressure source are disposed in the lower section. A power source is coupled to the light source, the electric grid, and the pressure source. A second aperture is located in the lower section after the electric grid, wherein air is propagated inward through the first aperture, through the electrical grid and out the second aperture.

Abstract: An insect trap useful for trapping flying insects, the insect trap comprising an upper housing including at least one horizontal row of light emitting diodes extending across an outer surface of a curved front wall such that light from each of the light emitting diodes is projected outwardly from the upper housing at a different angle than adjacent light emitting diodes in the horizontal row of light emitting diodes, a base housing including an opening through which insects can enter an interior of the base housing, and an insect trapping element facing the opening in the base housing.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a combination cutting blade/raking device where the blade portion slices weeds off under the soil, thereby effectively killing the plant, and a raking portion collects the uprooted weeds. The blade and rake also flatten the surface of the soil. The raking section of the invention can be lifted independently of the cutting blade. The cutting blade is reversible so a user of the invention can cut twice as much area before having to remove the blade for sharpening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent pane comprising a first optically active pattern (21) in a first plane (23), and a second optically active pattern (22) in a second plane (24), said second plane being positioned at a distance from the first plane in the direction of thickness of the pane.

Abstract: An avian collision avoidance system utilizing a lighting system and a power source. The lighting system is able to focus on a power line, or power lines, or other structure such as a wind turbine or cell tower, to provide illumination visible to avian populations. The power source may generate power by any means necessary, may store power and may supply power to the lighting system. The lighting system will provide a light source in a desired wavelength to accommodate both humans and birds as necessary.

Abstract: A method for the cryopreservation of biological material comprising a single step of exposing the biological material to a vitrifying solution enriched with at least one cryoprotectant, for a period of less than 90 sec before cooling to a temperature for cryopreservation of the biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to improve the yield of strawberry crops, the process comprising the step of applying a polyene antifungal agent, especially natamycin, to the roots of a strawberry plant prior to planting said plant and/or to the medium to which the plant is to be planted. The claimed process results in an increased number of crop, an increase in the weight of individual crop, and an increase in the total weight of the crop, and may allow for an earlier harvest.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to non-aqueous solutions of plant growth regulator(s) and polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent(s), methods for making said non-aqueous solution, and methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants using said non-aqueous solution.

Abstract: Methods related to depositing oil on surfaces and methods related to contacting surfaces at least partially covered by oil with droplets are generally provided.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition that includes: an antimicrobial component having at least one quaternary ammonium compound; a synthetic polymer that includes: at least one cationic monomer Ab, optionally, at least one anionic monomer Ba, and optionally, at least one non-ionic monomer Ca; an organic acid; and a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants and combinations thereof, wherein the composition is free of non-ionic surfactants. This composition when applied to a surface provides robust long lasting disinfection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit of attractants for attracting the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, comprising a mixture of ethanol/methanol and (?) limonene and/or 2-ethylhexanol, as well as to the uses thereof and methods employing said kit.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition that includes: an antimicrobial component having at least one quaternary ammonium compound; a cationic polysaccharide; an organic acid; and a surfactant selected from cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants and combinations thereof. This composition when applied to a surface provides robust long lasting disinfection.

Abstract: Compositions having pesticidal activity and methods for their use are provided. Compositions include isolated and recombinant polypeptides having pesticidal activity, recombinant and synthetic nucleic acid molecules encoding the polypeptides, DNA constructs and vectors comprising the nucleic acid molecules, host cells comprising the vectors, and antibodies to the polypeptides. Nucleotide sequences encoding the polypeptides can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms of interest. The compositions and methods provided are useful for producing organisms with enhanced pest resistance or tolerance. Transgenic plants and seeds comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a pesticidal protein of the invention are also provided. Such plants are resistant to insects and other pests. Methods are provided for producing the various polypeptides disclosed herein, and for using those polypeptides for controlling or killing a pest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) in which Q, V, T, W, X, Y, n and A have the meanings given in the description—and to a process for their preparation and to their use for controlling animal pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticidal mixtures comprising tetramic acids as compound I and a compound II selected from the group consisting of mefentrifluconazole, picarbutrazox, 2-[2-fluoro-6-[(8-fluoro-2-methyl-3-quinolyl)oxy]phenyl]propan-2-ol, 2-[2-[(7,8-difluoro-2-methyl-3-quinolyl)oxy]-6-fluoro-phenyl]propan-2-ol and 9-fluoro-2,2-dimethyl-5-(3-quinolyl)-3H 1,4-benzoxazepine.

Abstract: The composition of a set of formulations based on synthetic active ingredients and natural boosting additives, which provide repellent action against flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies and black-winged stilts, as well as crawling insects such as cockroaches and ants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition including a polymer nanoparticle and at least one agricultural active compound incorporated with the nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle are less than 100 nm in diameter, and the polymer includes a polyelectrolyte.

Abstract: The present specification discloses pest control compositions, articles of manufacture, containers or kits comprising such compositions, and methods and uses to control a population of invertebrate pests from a mammal, location, plant, structure treated of such pest control compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microbial consortia and compositions including microbes for use in agricultural or biodegradation applications. In some embodiments, soil, plants, and/or plant parts (such as seeds, seedlings, shoots, roots, leaves, fruit, stems, or branches) are contacted with a disclosed microbial consortia or composition including microbes. The microbial consortia or microbe-containing compositions may be applied to soil, plant, and/or plant parts alone or in combination with additional components (such as chitin, chitosan, glucosamine, amino acids, and/or liquid fertilizer). In additional embodiments, the disclosed microbial consortia or compositions including microbes are used in methods of degrading biological materials, such as chitin-containing biological materials.

Abstract: A baking device (1) for producing baked products has a baking device frame (2) with a baking device housing (3) and a baking chamber (4), a baking tong chain (5) with baking tong carriages (6) which have baking tongs (21) that can be opened and closed. Rollers (7) are connected to the carriages (6) and/or to the chain (5) in such a way as to be able to rotate about a roller rotation axis (8), and roll on at least one vertical guide rail (9) in order to support and vertically guide the baking tong carriages (6). At least one lateral guide roller (10) is connected to a carriage (6) and/or to the chain (5) so as to be able to rotate about a lateral guide roller rotation axis (11). The lateral guide roller (10) rolls on at least one lateral guide strip (12) of the baking device (1) to laterally guide the carriage (6), and wherein the direction of the lateral guide roller rotation axis (11) is at an angle to the direction of the roller rotation axis (8).

Abstract: A machine for moulding dough for oven-baked products, of the rotary-moulding type, which is characterized by the configuration with which the conveyor belt (8) runs over the moulding roll (2) and preferably also in that it envisages two feed rolls (4A, 4B) opposed to one another positioned above the moulding roll (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for providing a dough sheet, comprising a mixer for mixing ingredients to a dough, a portioning device for portioning the dough in batches into carriers, a first fermenting stage, formed by a cabinet, the cabinet comprising a conveyor, configured for conveying the carriers along a trajectory through the cabinet, a first handler for placing the carriers in a fermenting cabinet, a second fermenting stage, formed by a conveyor, a second handler, for picking the carriers from the cabinet and placing the dough batches from the carriers onto the fermenting conveyor, wherein the second handler is configured for placing the dough batches in a touching or overlapping manner and a dough sheeting stage, for receiving the dough from the second fermenting stage and forming a sheet from the dough.

Abstract: A method of making a soft pretzel bite includes cutting a series of transverse slots on one lateral side of a dough strip, curling the transverse slotted dough strip into a respective rolled dough strip, exposing each transverse slot, and transversely cutting each rolled dough strip into dough bites. The method includes washing each dough bite in a caustic solution with the length of each transverse slot being sufficient for excess caustic solution to drain way from the dough bite. The dough bite is baked into a pretzel bite. Each transverse slot allows a volume of the pretzel bite to increase without being constrained by a pretzel skin formed around each transverse slot to aerate an interior of each pretzel bite.

Abstract: Fish slaughter device includes fish positioning device with fish head abutment, against which the fish head abuts temporary stop position by controllable fish slaughter tool. Fish head abutment element is a trigger releasable by a trigger sensor of a controllable trigger, controllable to move the fish head abutment into different trigger positions. device includes a first control actuator with a first actuator, a coupling device, connecting the fish head abutment to the first actuator for adjusting movement into the trigger positions, and an additional second control actuator with a second actuator controllably placeable in at least two fixed trigger adjustment positions. The two actuators are coupled so an adjusting movement of the first actuator is stopped by a coupling impact against the second actuator in a fixed trigger adjustment positions, which brings about an associated trigger position of the fish head abutment.

Abstract: An improved tubular openwork fabric or net for food products, the openwork fabric including a plurality of filament assemblies. Each filament assembly is formed from one or more filaments and the filament assemblies are knitted as alternating cojoined and intermediate members. Each intermediate member includes a single filament assembly and each cojoined member includes a pair of filament assemblies that are worked together. The openwork fabric further includes an extension limiting member to limit a longitudinal extension of the openwork fabric.

Abstract: A system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes a surrogate that reacts to a presence of smoke in air ambient to the surrogate and the food products; and the surrogate is configured to change a state to a preselected degree after an exposure to the smoke for a time sufficient to effect a predetermined amount of smoke absorption by a selected food product. A method of making the system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes placing the surrogate in air ambient to the surrogate in a smokehouse where the food products are to be smoked, configuring the surrogate to change a state after an exposure to the smoke for a time sufficient to effect a predetermined amount of smoke absorption by the food products; and measuring the change of state of the surrogate.

Abstract: A system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes a surrogate that reacts to a presence of smoke in air ambient to the surrogate and the food products; and the surrogate is configured to change a state after an exposure to the smoke for a time sufficient to effect a predetermined amount of smoke absorption by a selected food product. A method of making the system for measuring smoke absorption into food products includes placing the surrogate in air ambient to the surrogate in a smokehouse where the food products are to be smoked, configuring the surrogate to change a state after an exposure to the smoke for a time sufficient to effect a predetermined amount of smoke absorption by the food products; and measuring the change of state of the surrogate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lactic acid bacterial fermentation-promoting agent suitable for use in food production. The present invention relates to a fermentation promoting agent for Streptococcus thermophilus, comprising a solution prepared by exposing an alkaline solution comprising a reducing sugar to a temperature in the range of 5° C. or more and 135° C. or less to induce a color reaction of sugar, and a production method thereof; and a method for promoting fermentation for Streptococcus thermophilus using the fermentation promoting agent and a method for producing a fermented food such as fermented milk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lactic acid bacterial fermentation-promoting agent and a fermentation method suitable for use in food production. The present invention relates to a fermentation promoting agent for a lactic acid bacterium, having a compound having a purine skeleton with a hydrogen atom attached to the carbon atom at position 2, and a method for promoting fermentation for a lactic acid bacterium using the same and a method for producing a fermented food such as fermented milk.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the use of a composition containing a hydroxypropyl phosphate crosslinked starch and a white dextrin for producing fresh milk products with a reduced fat content, characterised in that: —the hydroxypropyl phosphate crosslinked starch has a degree of substitution of between 0.09 and 0.2, preferably between 0.09 and 0.14, and more preferably between 0.10 and 0.11, and —the white dextrin has ?a DE of less than 5, preferably less than 3, more preferably less than 2, ?a viscosity at 40% dry matter of between 3600 and 6000 mPa·s, and ?a solubles content of less than 30%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to beverage products, in particular a liquid natural coconut based creamer composition comprising: coconut; coconut oil; high acyl gellan gum present in an amount ranging from 0.08 to 0.15 wt/wt %; guar gum present in an amount ranging from 0 to 0.5 wt/wt %; pea protein present in an amount ranging from 0.2 to 2 wt/wt %; and buffer.

Abstract: Provided is an oil composition comprising, by weight based on the weight of the composition, (a) 2-12% of one or more ethylcellulose polymers; (b) 2-12% of an additive selected from the group consisting of one or more fatty acids, one or more monoglycerides of fatty acids, one or more diglycerides of fatty acids, and mixtures thereof; (c) 2-12% of one or more starch; and (d) 64-94% of one or more oils. Also provided is a margarine-type composition and a puff pastry composition, both comprising ethylcellulose polymer, an additive (b), and starch.

Abstract: Provided is a composition that is solid at 23° C. comprising, by weight based on the weight of the composition, (a) 0.4% to 12% one or more ethylcellulose polymers; (b) 0.5% to 8% stearic acid; (c) 15% to 90% one or more unsaturated oils; and (d) 6% to 70% one or more saturated fats. Also provided is a method of making a baked pastry composition comprising vertically compressing a structure (i) comprising a horizontal top layer, a horizontal intermediate layer, and a horizontal bottom layer, to reduce the thickness of the structure and produce a compressed structure (ii), wherein the top layer comprises dough, the intermediate layer comprises the above composition, and the bottom layer comprises dough. Also provided is a pastry composition comprising, by weight based on the weight of the pastry composition, ethylcellulose polymer, stearic acid, unsaturated oil, flour, and water.

Abstract: A method for producing an aroma composition from roasted coffee beans, including grinding roasted coffee beans to give a crude ground powder of roasted coffee beans that contains a fine powder and thin flakes, removing the fine powder and thin flakes from a gas that contains aroma compounds emitted from the roasted coffee beans in grinding the roasted coffee beans and the fine powder and thin flakes, introducing the gas from which the fine powder and thin flakes have been removed into an adsorbent to thereby make the aroma compounds adsorbed by the adsorbent, and collecting the aroma compounds from the adsorbent to prepare an aroma composition containing the aroma compounds. The adsorbent is held in an adsorbent holder in an aroma compound adsorbing device, and the adsorbent holder has a mesh lid at both ends thereof in the gas flowing direction therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an ice-containing tea or coffee beverage, the method comprising: (i) providing a beverage liquor containing soluble tea or coffee solids, and a freezing-point suppressant; (ii) aerating the beverage liquor by the addition of a gas; (iii) flowing the aerated beverage liquor through a refrigeration system to cool the aerated beverage liquor and to thereby form a plurality of ice crystals within the aerated beverage liquor; and (iv) dispensing the cooled aerated beverage liquor as an ice-containing tea or coffee beverage.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cryogenically frozen supplementary beads, including a freezing chamber configured to contain a cryogenic liquid, at least one feed tray overlying the freezing chamber arranged and adapted to receive a liquid composition from a delivery source, the at least one feed tray having a plurality of orifices for the discharge of uniformly sized droplets of the liquid composition from the at least one feed tray, whereby the droplets are delivered by gravity into the freezing chamber there-below to form frozen beads, at least one clean-in-place structure, and a conveyor belt assembly comprising a conveyor belt, wherein at least a portion of the conveyor belt is positioned proximate a bottom of the freezing chamber such that the conveyor belt is positioned to receive frozen beads onto the conveyor belt.