Abstract: A multi-function carrier carries a pet and holds litter. The multi-function carrier includes a primary enclosure and a waste collection assembly. The primary enclosure carries the pet. The waste collection assembly is operatively connected to the primary enclosure and holds the litter.

Abstract: Provided is an animal litter that is capable of sufficiently exerting an effect of perfume-containing microcapsules over a long period of time, and a method for manufacturing the same. The animal litter includes a plurality of grains, wherein each of these grains includes a granular base material and a plurality of microcapsules adhering to the outer surface of the base material, the base material includes a low-absorbent material having an initial absorption rate of 10% or less, and the individual microcapsules are impact-breakable microcapsules including a perfume.

Abstract: A pet stroller with an adjustable structure of strut and canopy includes a pet stroller body, an adjustable supporting frame and an adjustable canopy. The adjustable supporting frame includes two rotation shaft boxes respectively arranged on the inner sides of the folding brace of the two sides of the pet stroller body. Each rotation shaft box includes a canopy strut extended diagonally upwards from the front end thereof and a front window strut extended forward parallelly from the front end thereof. The adjustable canopy covers on the external side of the pet stroller body and corresponds to the adjustable supporting frame, so as to allow the adjustable canopy to be transformed among a covering mode, a front opening mode, and a full-opening mode through adjusting the positions of the canopy strut and the front window strut.

Abstract: A kennel includes a plurality of vertical wire members, and a decorative panel extending between first and second vertical wires of the plurality of vertical wire members, the decorative panel having first and second edges, the decorative panel being attached to first and second wires at the first and second edges.

Abstract: A method of feeding an animal includes placing a food container containing animal food and closed with a cover in an animal feeding system, employing the animal feeding system to open the food container and to present the food to an animal for eating and employing the animal feeding system to re-close the food container.

Abstract: An animal feeder for the feeding of animals in a remote location. The trough of the feeder has a retractable cover controlled by an actuator that is programmable to open the trough to allow feeding and close the trough to prevent feeding over desired intervals.

Abstract: A gravity flow feeder is disclosed having a vertically arranged canister, funnel, chute, and trough arrangement wherein feed contained within each canister is allowed to flow down, aided by gravity, to settle within a feed trough. Use of a timing mechanism and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder allows for the articulation of a closeable access to open or close the trough in order to protect the feed contained from the elements and scavenging animals and condition the timing of animal arrival at the feeder. Any number of feed containing canisters may be implemented in order to provide for mixing of various types of feed within the trough for maintenance of a balanced diet for desired animals.

Abstract: A garment for a four legged animal comprises a first expanse configured to substantially cover the trunk of an animal. A first set of wings are coupled to a proximal end of the first expanse and configured to secure together about the neck of the animal. A second set of wings are coupled to the first expanse distally to the first set and configured to secure together about the trunk of the animal. A collar extending forwardly from the proximal end of the first expanse is configured to be folded back to create a gap with the first expanse. The second expanse is configured to attach to and substantially cover the first expanse in a first, unfurled position and to roll up adjacent the proximal end of the first expanse in a second, stowed position within the gap formed between the collar and the first expanse.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an equine protective covering by applying a stamp comprises a profiled shape with a predetermined temperature and pressure to the interior side of the cushion assembly. The first synthetic fabric layer and the second neoprene layer are permanently bonded. The second neoprene layer is plastically deformed such that the profiled shape of the stamp is permanently transferred to the second neoprene layer. The plastic deformation of the second neoprene layer is such that the perforations remain open.

Abstract: A housing has a top, a bottom, and a side wall. A spacer is coupled to and depends downwardly from the bottom of the housing creating a chamber beneath the bottom of the housing within the spacer. A rod is has an upper end within the housing and a lower end there beneath. Drive mechanisms located within the housing and coupled to the rod reciprocate the rod between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position is with the lower end within the chamber. The extended position being with the lower end extending beneath the chamber.

Abstract: An animal muzzle having at least one releasable application handle for placing the muzzle on an aggressive or dangerous animal while keeping the user's hands a safe distance from the animal's mouth. An application handle may be made of any semi-rigid or rigid material and can employ any one of several fastening means to fasten to the muzzle body, including a mounting post and post-receiving slot mechanism. With the application handle fastened to the muzzle, a user may position the muzzle around the animal's snout and secure the muzzle around the animal's head without fear of being bitten or injured. Then, once the muzzle is secured, the user can detach the releasable application handle, leaving the muzzle in place.

Abstract: A reconfigurable leash is provided. The reconfigurable leash allows a user to configure the leash in multiple configurations, including hand-free, single animal, double animal, and tether configurations. The leash includes a body having two ends and couplings located at each end. The leash also includes three rings located at three different positions along the length of the body. The leash also includes a moveable pad that wraps around a portion of the body of the leash.

Abstract: A device (5) attached to the neck (6) of an animal (2) comprises an accelerometer (17) which produces first and second signals indicative of the raised and lowered state of the head (7) of the animal (2) and movement of the animal (2). A microprocessor (20) in the device (5) processes the first and second signals to determine if the animal is ruminating, resting, feeding or in a highly active state during respective second predefined time periods of approximately 15 minutes duration. Data indicative of the ruminating, resting, feeding and the highly active state of the animal is stored by the microprocessor (20) in the device (5) and is periodically wirelessly communicated to a base station computer which further processes the data to determine various health states of the animal.

Abstract: A device (5) attached to the neck (6) of an animal (2) comprises an accelerometer (28) which produces first and second signals indicative of movement of the animal (2) and the raised and lowered states of the head of the animal. A microprocessor (30) in the device (5) processes the first and second signals to detect ruminating, resting, feeding and three activity states of the animal during respective second predefined time periods of approximately 15 minutes duration. Data indicative of the states of the animal is stored by the microprocessor (30) in the device (5) and periodically transmitted to a cloud computer server which further processes the data to determine various health states and other issues of the animal.

Abstract: A feeding trough for poultry farming includes automatic dispensing of feed from a vertically displaceable horizontal dispensing tube, formed by just three pieces. One of the pieces is a plate formed in one piece with a ring which in a lowered position of the bell-like housing opens a crown of apertures and in a raised position of the bell-like housing closes the crown of apertures so as to reduce the amount of feed transferred to the plate. The feed trough is also configured to facilitate periodic rinsing thereof.

Abstract: A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a submersible net pen system for receiving a net. The system includes a plurality of support members, a plurality of span members connecting the support members together to define a pen volume, one or more chambers defined by one or more of the span members and the support members, and one or more compressors in fluid communication with the chambers to selectively inflate the chambers.

Abstract: An aquarium filter cartridge includes a frame and a media pack attached to the frame. The frame includes recessed sections along the sides. The filter cartridge can be part of dual filter cartridge, also including a biological host media filter element. The filter cartridge or the dual filter cartridge can be mounted in a filter housing by sliding within receiving grooves in the filter housing. Methods of servicing are included.

Abstract: A device for keeping jellyfish and other plankton in an aquarium having a drain and a pump, the device having a panel; a first sprayer connectable to the pump and coupled to the panel at a first position, the first sprayer having a plurality of channels or holes for generating a plurality of water streams; and a second sprayer connectable to the pump and coupled to the panel at a second position, the second sprayer having a plurality of channels or holes for generating a plurality of water streams; wherein the insert is configured so that the first sprayer and the second sprayer create a rotating current within the aquarium.

Abstract: A functional ornamentation manufactured from a stamped metal plate which is twisted by a specified number of degrees to result in a shape that allows for unique reactions to flowing fluids such as air and water. Due to the shape and twist of the device, the device will spin along with the flowing fluid or when pulled through that fluid, such that it retains a straight trajectory. In a preferred embodiment, such as part of a fishing lure, the ornamentation is connected to a ball bearing swivel which allows for near frictionless rotation. The lure when drawn through the water travels in a straight path, rather than an arced path of the prior art. This results in a more natural travel path producing greater flash and rotation for attacking fish.

Abstract: Universal arbors mountable on tapered fishing rod blanks as non-degradable self-centering collars to which a reel seat may be mounted. The inventive cylinder-shaped arbor comprises a flexible thermoplastic resin formed as an outer cylinder, closed at one end with an integral end wall or separate disc/washer, which included a cylindrical hole to receive a rod blank. The annulus between the cylinder inner wall and the hole margin includes curved or straight centering fins secured to the cylinder inner wall that are free to flex. Flexing of the centering fins permits accommodating a wide range of blank tapers at the proper place of location of a reel seat making the arbor universal and positionally forgiving. Once the arbor is located on the blank and oriented properly, the cylinder is filled with a fluid epoxy resin, which when cured permanently secures the arbor to the blank and to the reel seat tube.

Abstract: EZ Fishhook is a faster and easier way to insert and hold the fishing line within the eyelet hole. The eyelet channel opening from the shaft into the eyelet hole compresses the fishing line while passing through eyelet channel. Once the fishing line is inside the eyelet hole, the fishing line diameter decompresses to the same size of the eyelet hole diameter; thus, the fishing line is held tight within the eyelet. The fishing line, with the fishing line knot, is pulled I through the eyelet hole until the fishing knot is tight against the eyelet. The fishing line knot is held outside the eyelet due to the fishing knot being larger than the eyelet hole. The tight fit between the fishing line diameter and the eyelet hole diameter holds the fishing line knot tight against the eyelet while fishing.

Abstract: A suspension module includes a spindle pivotably connected to an axle with a pivot element defining a vertical axis. The spindle has an attachment member and an attachment cap, with outer ends are rigidly interconnected by a pair of lift cylinders. The spindle includes a plate extending between the lift cylinders intermediate the attachment member and cap with the pivot element received between the attachment member and plate. Each lift cylinder has a ram movable within a housing of the lift cylinder. A wheelbox mounts to the wheel and couples with the spindle. First and second strut rods connect the wheelbox with the ram of one of the lift cylinders, and third and fourth strut rods connect the wheelbox with the ram of a second lift cylinder. The strut rods allow the spindle to move relative to the wheelbox while also transferring pivot torque between the wheelbox and the spindle.

Abstract: An irrigation system broadly comprising a number of irrigation spans and a control system configured to operate single speed drive motors of the irrigation spans in a start-up mode, full speed mode, and wind-down mode. In the start-up mode, the motor controller gradually increases the drive motor speed from 0 rpms to a full speed by ramping a voltage applied to the drive motor from a starting voltage to a full speed voltage according to a start-up voltage profile over a start-up time interval. In the full speed mode, the motor controller operates the drive motor at a full speed voltage. In the wind-down mode, the motor controller gradually decreases the drive motor speed from full speed to 0 rpms by ramping the voltage applied to the drive motor from the full speed voltage to an ending voltage according to a wind-down voltage profile over a wind-down time interval.

Abstract: An extensible pesticide applicator is provided enabling application of both liquid and powdered insecticides to distal, out-of-reach areas. An extensible pole has a distal and a proximal end for manual wielding whereby a pair of nozzles is deployable proximal an out-of-reach habitat. Pressurization of ambient atmosphere into the extensible pole is enabled by a pump member and timed release of the pressurized ambient atmosphere to forcibly eject powdered and alternately liquid pesticide from the distal end is enabled by manual action effected to depress a trigger member. Direct application of pesticide is thereby enabled to distal and out-of-reach habitat without a user coming into proximity with the habitat or the pesticide released.

Abstract: A benthic barrier in which a polygonal shaped mat having straight sides is mounted on a similarly polygonal frame, but in which the frame sides bow out slightly between corners, causing the mat to stretch slightly and become taut. The frame comprises a plurality of straight leg members and a number of corner members as required by said polygonal shape. The corner members encompass interior angles which are from about 1 to about 5 degrees greater than the interior angle of the polygon defined by the straight sides of the mat. The frame member legs are rigid, but slightly flexible such that when assembled into the mat as an assembled frame, the straight legs are forced to bow out slightly between the corners, pulling the mat taut.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insect-proofing film and an insect-proofing cover capable of preventing flying insects from being attracted to or flying toward light-emitting elements, indoor space, and crops, and more specifically, provides an insect-proofing film and an insect-proofing cover wherein the insect-proofing film/insect-proofing cover includes at least one type of triazine-based compound represented by formula (1). (In formula (1), R1 to R3 each represent a C1-12 linear or branched alkyl group, etc.; and R4 to R6 each represent a C1-8 alkyl group, a C2-8 alkenyl group, etc.

Abstract: A motion attachment device designed to be attached to the keel of a decoy includes a housing that is configured to releasably receive the keel. An actuator in the housing is connected to and moves one or more appendages also attached to the housing. The device can be attached to different decoys at different times.

Abstract: An intermittent flashing decoy having a housing unit, a power source, a motor, a cycler, a switch, and a flasher, wherein the motor, power source, and cycler are substantially housed within the housing unit, and wherein the power source is capable, when the apparatus is turned on via the switch, of powering the motor off and on at random as controlled by the cycler, which is an intermittent timer chip, to manipulate the flasher as to create intermittent “flashes” as flasher rotates and reflects light such as sunlight. A system of two or more intermittent flashing decoys wherein each decoy is controlled by an intermittent timer chip, the cycler, so that no pattern of flashing occurs between any two decoys.

Abstract: The invention relates to paintball-pellet-type projectiles containing insect pheromones encapsulated in an aqueous oil-in-water-type formulation. Said formulations can release said pheromones in a sustained manner. Said projectiles are characterised in that they contain the aqueous formulation of encapsulated pheromone compatible with the envelope of the projectile composed of oxo-degradable polymer. The aim of the invention is to use said projectiles to treat trees against insect pests by spraying and bursting said projectiles on the trunks of said trees.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for biofilm remediation are disclosed. Biofilm is reduced and removed from soiled surfaces by providing to a surface in need an effective amount of a composition comprising a biocidal surfactant and at least one organic solvent. According to the invention, the biofilm remediation compositions reduce and remove biofilm formation by administering a one-step cleaner and disinfectant. The biofilm remediation compositions are stable and effective in concentrated and diluted ready-to-use formulations comprising an anionic sulfated or sulfonated surfactant that is not an organocarboxylic acid, a sparingly soluble organic solvent and optionally a soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) wherein Q is Q1 or Q2 P is P0, heterocyclyl or heterocyclyl substituted by one to five Z; Y1, Y2, Y3 and Y4 are independently of each other C—H, C—R5, or nitrogen; G1 is oxygen or sulfur; R1 is hydrogen, C1-C8alkyl, C1-C8alkoxy-, C1-C8alkylcarbonyl-, or C1-C8alkoxycarbonyl-; X4 is C1-C8haloalkyl; R4 is aryl or aryl substituted by one to five R9, or heteroaryl or heteroaryl substituted by one to five R9; n is 0, 1 or 2; and Z, R2, R5 and R9 are as defined in the claims. The invention also provides methods of controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs comprising applying to a pest, to a locus of a pest, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a pest an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I).

Abstract: There are provided a soybean disease control composition containing, as active ingredients, (a) fluazinam or a salt thereof and (b) at least one fungicide selected from the group consisting of carboxamide-based compounds and azole-based compounds; and a method for controlling a soybean disease, which includes applying the soybean disease control composition to a soybean plant or soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides: an insect pest control material obtained by causing 5-chloro-4-ethyl-6-[2-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)ethylamino]pyrimidine to be held on the surface of a base material comprising polyester multifilaments; and a pest control method provided with a step in which the insect pest control material is placed in a pest habitat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plant disease control composition that has excellent plant disease controlling effects and that contains a tetrazolinone compound represented by formula (1) [wherein X1 represents a halogen atom or the like and X2 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group or the like] and an azole compound represented by formula (2) [wherein R1 represents a C1-6 alkyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or the like, A represents a nitrogen atom or the like, Y1 represents a halogen atom, and n is 0 or 1]. The present invention also provides a plant disease control method that includes a step for treating a plant or the soil in which a plant is being cultivated with an effective dose of the tetrazolinone compound represented by formula (1) and of the azole compound represented by formula (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling bacterial wilt on turfgrass, in particular low to moderate disease pressure, using an effective non-phytotoxic amount of (A) chlorothalonil and (B) acibenzolar-s-methyl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable 1-amino-1-cyclopropanecarboxylic acid formulations and methods of their use.

Abstract: A biocidal additive formulation comprises a silver containing glass particle, and a combination of at least two metal based compounds. A metal in each of the metal based compounds is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, zinc, mercury, tin, lead, bismuth, barium, cadmium, chromium, titanium, and a combination thereof. Another biocidal additive formulation comprises a silver containing glass particle, ZnO, and Bi2O3. A glass substrate possessing a durable biocidal property and an article possessing a durable biocidal property are also provided.

Abstract: Presented herein are compositions comprising an antioxidant (i), a radiation manager (ii), and one or more of, a plant strengthener (iii), or a plant growth regulator (iv). Also presented herein are compositions comprising a plant strengthener (iii), and one or more of, an antioxidant (i), or a radiation manager comprising a polyoxyalkylene UV absorber (ii). Furthermore, methods of using the disclosed compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure addresses biologically active formulations for agricultural and other applications that comprise a solid growth substrate that defines an open cell matrix and an active population of one or more microorganisms adhered thereto. The formulation is configured to be applied directly to a plant growth environment and does not require additional isolation and/or processing steps that would separate the microorganisms from the solid growth substrate prior to deployment. The disclosure also addresses related methods.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a liquid Chlorella based composition comprising pasteurization and stabilization of a low concentration of mixotrophic or non-mixotrophic Chlorella whole cells are disclosed. The liquid composition can be used to enhance the emergence and growth of plants in low concentration and low frequency soil, foliar, seed soak, capillary action, and hydroponic applications.

Abstract: A rodenticide composition is described along with a method for using the same to exterminate rodents. The composition features a mixture of a dehydrant, a composition for producing endogenous gas, a dietary emulsifier, a hypercalcemia promoter, and a source of cellulose. After consumption of the composition by a rodent, the dehydrant and source of cellulose cause the rodent to experience dehydration, while the endogenous gas produced by the composition causes bloating and increased digestive stress. The dietary emulsifier and hypercalcemia promoter cause digestive stress, which reduces the rodent's desire to feed and quickens dehydration and death. Once the rodenticide composition is prepared, it may be placed in areas frequented by or infested with rodents so as to kill the rodents once they consume the composition. One or more flavorings, coloring agents, and weather resistant materials may also be added to the composition.

Abstract: A method for making a food pan including forming a pan including a bottom, and a side wall extending along a perimeter of the bottom, wherein the side wall comprises an upper perimeter. The method includes forming a rim around the upper perimeter of the side wall, wherein the rim comprises a top portion and an outer edge, providing a reinforcement band proximate the upper perimeter of the side wall and the rim, and bending the rim around the reinforcement band, wherein the outer edge of the rim contacts the side wall when fully shaped. The method further includes reforming a shape of the reinforcement band and the rim.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a food conditioning apparatus is provided and comprises a heating chamber configured to receive food, a steam generator configured to generate steam for the chamber, at least one heating element configured to provide dry heat to the chamber and the food therein through at least one of radiation and convection, and a control system configured to automatically operate a sequence of at least two stages. At least one stage comprises the generating for the chamber during a first duration, and at least one other stage comprises providing dry heat to the chamber for a second duration.

Abstract: A tool, and a method using the tool, for skinning game animals. Specifically, the tool relates to a curved blade knife, sharpened on the curved, top edge, and possessing a spherical structure at the tip. The tool is used by forming a cut through the soft skin of a game animal, inserting the spherical structure through the cut, and pushing or pulling the blade such that the sharpened curved, top edge cuts through the skin and connective tissue. This tool and method takes advantage of the fact that because the spherical structure at the tip of the blade is retained inside the skin and connective tissue of the game animal, the blade is automatically properly positioned to cut the skin of the game animal.

Abstract: A radiofrequency heating system and methods for processing agricultural products are provided herein. The method may include positioning an agricultural product between two electrode assemblies of a radiofrequency (RF) circuit, closing the RF circuit, and heating the agricultural product to a threshold temperature in greater than a threshold amount of time.

Abstract: A method for processing vegetables to reduce unpleasant odor and/or taste, and/or to minimize discoloration, deterioration, degradation, or rot over a period of storage time is described. The method includes: i) subjecting the vegetable to mechanical size reduction; ii) heating or freezing the vegetable for a pre-determined period; and iii) bringing the softened vegetable product into contact with one or more reactive oxygen species selected from: peroxides; superoxides; and ozone.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to plant extract compositions and methods to isolate cutin-derived monomers, oligomers, and mixtures thereof for application in agricultural coating formulations, and in particular, to methods of preparing plant extract compositions that include functionalized and non-functionalized fatty acids and fatty esters (as well as their oligomers and mixtures thereof), which are substantially free from accompanying plant-derived compounds (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides, phenols, lignans, aromatic acids, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, alcohols, alkanes, and aldehydes) and can be used in agricultural coating formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for promoting natural tastes and flavors in milk-based products, to a method for manufacturing such milk products and to the products thus made or obtainable by the method.

Abstract: Food products and systems and methods for their production involve microfiltration (“MF”) of fluid skim to form a MF retentate, combining the MF retentate with cream and subjecting the combination to ultrafiltration (“UF”) to form a UF retentate. Prior to UF, the composition is formed of non-acidified components. Following UF, the UF retentate is acidified and forms a food product including a high solids content. The solids content may be further increased using evaporation. The resulting cheese or cheese base contains a lower whey protein ratio in a fat:casein:whey protein ratio compared to systems and methods that do not employ MF.