Abstract: An apparatus comprises a cup holder bracket and a cup holder. The cup holder bracket comprises a hinge that allows the cup holder bracket to pivot between a substantially horizontal position when closed to a substantially vertical position when opened. The cup holder is coupled to the cup holder bracket and comprises a rimmed structure configured to hold an attachment end of a cup when the cup holder bracket is closed.

Abstract: A device suitable for attachment to a milking platform at a “milking position” has a strippings viewing area and a light source, which is operable to illuminate in a suitable manner the strippings viewing area to enhance the visibility to an operator of any mastitis symptoms in use and/or to illuminate the udder to facilitate inspection or treatment. The light source may also be operable to give continuous or intermittent colour signals to the operator and the device might also include an alpha-numeric area. The device might form part of a leg separator and/or sprayer and/or milk hose support. A milking platform with such a device is also claimed.

Abstract: Plant for washing and sanitising the udders of dairy animals of the type consisting of a control panel (1), for the management and the control of the entire plant, a tank (2) for water collection and delivery, a motor body (3) for plant management and a brush body (4) for animal treatment, characterised in that ozone generator (5), structure for ozone enrichment of the water delivered by said tank (2) and structure for drying the udders with ozone once the washing has been completed and furthermore provided.

Abstract: An absorbent sheet includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-absorbent structure interposed between the top- and backsheets. In the sheet, the topsheet faces itself and is bonded to itself by a joining means extending in a transverse direction so as to define a fold edge extending in a transverse direction. The absorbent structure includes a first absorbent section extending between a front end edge and the fold edge, a second absorbent section extending between the fold edge and the joining means and a third absorbent section extending between the joining means and a rear end edge. Outboard of the third absorbent section of the sheet in the longitudinal direction, a non-absorbent region in which the absorbent structure is not present is formed. A portion of the backsheet of the sheet within the non-absorbent region is attached to a wall by attachments.

Abstract: An animal feeding apparatus includes a duct through which feed falls under gravity. A drive wheel is mounted in the duct and includes a plurality of paddle blades such that falling feed in the duct acts to drive the blades to rotate the wheel about the axis. A syringe is laid in a support channel where a plunger of the syringe is compressed longitudinally for feeding a liquid to an injection nozzle into the duct by a screw driven by the wheel. The wheel and the support channel are mounted on a common housing forming the duct and containing the wheel, to an injection opening on the bottom of the housing for addition to the feed passing through the duct portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a comb having a lamellar body and including, along a toothed edge, teeth able to penetrate the coat of hair. The comb eliminates injuries caused to the animal by sharp teeth, eliminating fur damage while also improving the treatment of the hair coat and to improve brushing performance by adapting to the hair coat of each animal, in each season. To this end, the teeth of the two sets of teeth A and B, which are positioned one on each side of the mid plane P of the body and the teeth of which sets are intercalated with one another, have anti-injury roundings at the tips and over part of the length of the edge corners leading from these tips and are delimited between a flat external face and a curved extreme internal face, the tooth set B being finer and provided with shorter teeth.

Abstract: A toy for a pet generally includes a housing defining an opening, and an insert configured to fit at least partly within the opening of the housing. The insert is expandable from a first configuration in which the insert is capable of freely moving into and/or out of the opening of the housing to a second configuration in which the insert is inhibited from moving out of the opening of the housing. In some aspects, the insert is configured to substantially fill the opening of the housing when in the second configuration. In some aspect, the housing may have multiple openings, each capable of receiving an insert. And, in some aspects, the insert is expandable from the first configuration to the second configuration by heating the insert or exposing the insert to microwave energy.

Abstract: An animated squeaky pet toy provides an animated, chewable pet toy that emits a squeaky sound when compressed from multiple directions and pressures due to an alternating pattern of accordion and bulbous sections. An elongated compressible inner chamber provides a generally elongated body portion having an alternating pattern of at least one accordion section and at least one bulbous section. The accordion section includes multiple folds that produce air flow when pulled or compressed laterally. The bulbous section increases the diameter of the body portion, and can be compressed axially and diagonally to produce air flow. The compressible inner chamber includes a pair of ends having an aperture. A reed passes through each aperture. The reed vibrates to produce a squeaky sound when air flow passes through either aperture. An animated outer chamber encapsulates the compressible inner chamber to transfer compressive forces to the body portion of compressible inner chamber.

Abstract: A toy is formed in a hollow configuration with an exterior diameter, an interior diameter, a wall thickness, and a length. The toy is fabricated of a rigid material. The toy has an exterior surface to be held by a dog. The toy is slidably receivable on a leash adjacent to a collar when the dog is being walked. The method includes the step of positioning the toy on the leash closer to the lower end than to the upper end of the leash while the dog is being walked. The toy is removable from the leash to be used as a chew and throw toy separate from the leash.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure enable a user to remove animal feces in a sanitary manner. An animal feces removal device includes a claw housing defining a distal opening, a claw assembly including a plurality of fingers movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, a shaft assembly including a projection member movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and a bag assembly including a frame member and one or more bags removably coupled to the frame member. The projection member is coupled to the claw assembly such that the fingers move as the projection member is moved. A first bag is positionable adjacent to the distal opening such that, when the fingers move from the retracted position toward the extended position, the first bag is uncoupled from the frame member for use in picking up animal feces.

Abstract: A smart leash system is disclosed, which includes a handheld system configured to be held by a user, a collar system configured to be worn by an animal, a leash coupled to and extended between the handheld system and the collar system, and a load measuring sensor coupled to the handheld system and configured to measure force applied to the leash, wherein one of the handheld system, the collar system, and both the handheld system and the collar system is configured to receive a force signal representing the force applied to the leash and signal the collar system to provide a feedback to the animal when the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of tending to livestock within a livestock confinement facility includes a vehicle having a support frame, a drive unit, and an elevated platform. The support frame extends vertically upward from a base and has a lower portion and an upper portion with the drive unit being operatively attached to the base. The elevated platform is affixed to the upper portion of the support frame and configured to support an operator thereon while moving along the livestock confinement facility. The method includes supporting the operator on the elevated platform within the livestock confinement facility. The method further includes moving the vehicle along a floor of the livestock confinement facility in order to move the operator along the livestock confinement facility from atop the elevated platform such that the operator tends to livestock from atop the elevated platform.

Abstract: An egg processing apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame and a lift assembly operably engaged with the frame. The lift assembly has a pulley system. An egg processing head is operably engaged with the pulley system. A plurality of egg processing devices is operably engaged with the egg processing head. The pulley system is configured to move the egg processing head such that the egg processing devices are capable of interacting with eggs provided proximate thereto. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A modular habitat apparatus for attaching and anchoring aquatic life hiding units thereto comprises a weighted apparatus comprising a mat or platform for submersion in waterways wherein aquatic life hiding units may be attached thereto. The present invention further comprises a modular system of one or more habitat apparatuses having aquatic life hiding units attached thereto. Moreover, a plurality of habitat apparatuses may be fastened together and installed horizontally to cover a relatively large area, and/or connected together both horizontally and vertically to create three-dimensional habitats for aquatic life. Systems and methods of making and using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A frame assembly for an aquarium is disclosed. The frame assembly supports a pair of doors, each enclosed by a door frame, which can slide back and forth on the frame assembly. The frame assembly can be secured to both a front wall and to a pair of sidewalls of an enclosure having an open top. A cover can close the open top to form an aquarium for amphibians.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically harvesting fish from an aquaculture cage is provided. Underwater robotic rovers draw out a large net from a protective enclosure. The net is manipulated to corral or concentrate the fish into a smaller volume. Transponders installed at strategic locations throughout the cage facilitate navigation of the rovers.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods relating to Diamondback Rattler tackle, a new type of lure that includes an audible generator (such as a rattle) attached to a bent blade. The audible generator has some freedom of movement relative to the blade, allowing various noise profiles to be produced depending upon the type of audible generator chosen and the degree of bend in the blade. The blade may also have various holes to secure it to a wire and to change its hydrodynamic profile.

Abstract: One object is to provide a fishing spinning reel in which the seal member is safe from the outside air and the external load and the interior of the reel unit remains satisfactorily waterproof and dustproof for a long period. Provided is a fishing spinning reel including: a body constituting a reel unit and a cover member closing a rear opening portion formed in a rear portion of the body. The body has a fitting portion formed on a peripheral edge portion of the rear opening portion, the fitting portion having a tubular wall shape extending toward an inner portion of the cover member and fitted in the inner portion of the cover member. A seal member having an annular shape is interposed between the inner portion of the cover member and the fitting portion.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a regulating member, a fixation member and an operating lever. The regulating member includes a flange part. The operating lever includes a through hole penetrated by the regulating member. The operating lever is attached to the regulating member and interposed between the flange part and the fixation member. Additionally, the through hole has a minor axis and a major axis. One of the regulating member and the operating lever includes at least one engaging recess that is aligned in a circumferential direction and is opened in a radial direction. The other of the regulating member and the operating lever includes an engaging protrusion to be engaged with the at least one engaging recess. The engaging protrusion and the at least one engaging recess are set in an engaged state or a disengaged state by moving the operating lever in a direction of the major axis.

Abstract: Provided is a blowing device that can provide improved convenience. In a blowing device 1 provided with a casing 2 that has openings as an air inflow port 20 and an air blow-off port 5 formed therethrough and includes a blower 10 therein, a cover member 3 that is demountably mounted to the casing 2 so as to cover the inflow port 20 and has a plurality of openings each formed therethrough as an air suction port 4, and an insect catching portion 50 that is arranged on an inner surface of the cover member 3 and catches insects, the insect catching portion 50 is formed by stacking, via a release agent, a plurality of insect catching sheets 51 each formed of a base material sheet 52 with an adhesive 53 applied on one surface thereof.

Abstract: A cockroach trap includes a case including an opening and first and second compartments; a guide assembly disposed above the first compartment and including a channel communicating with the opening, and a bossed hole communicating with the channel; an open reservoir releasably disposed in the first compartment; a bait passageway in an upper portion of the reservoir and communicating with both the channel and the reservoir; an entrance sensor disposed proximate the channel; a pivotal trigger disposed above the second compartment and including a projection; and an air canister releasably disposed in the second compartment and including a plunger engaged with the projection, a nozzle, and a line having two ends connected to the nozzle and the bossed hole respectively. After the entrance sensor is activated, the projection presses the plunger to open the nozzle, thereby communicating the nozzle with the air canister.

Abstract: A row crop sprayer for use in spraying a liquid herbicide onto the ground between crop rows. The sprayer includes structure for deflecting the canopies of the crop rows to expose the ground adjacent the crop rows.

Abstract: System for the disinfection of agricultural soil includes an electric energy source, at least one radiofrequency or microwave generator connected to the electric energy source and arranged to convert the electric energy into electromagnetic power and a plow-like electromagnetic applicator connected to the radiofrequency or microwave generator via wave-guiding lines, the plow-like electromagnetic applicator being arranged to be inserted into the soil so as to transmit the electromagnetic power to the soil, thus obtaining a disinfection of the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) comprises a water storage tank (14), a heater (16), a pump (38) and an outlet duct (70) to convey heated water to a plurality of lances (24) through hoses (22). The heater (16) is arranged to heat the water in at least two successive stages (66, 67), to an intermediate and then to a final temperature, at least the second stage (67) of the heater being activated in pulses, the frequency and/or duration of the pulses being adjustable to control the resultant temperature. Foaming agent is introduced (18, 40) into the water. Upstream of each hose (22) is a diversion valve (85) connecting to a water return circuit (54) leading back to the water storage tank (14); and the water return circuit (54) includes a heat exchanger (55, 56). The heater (16) may be liquid fuelled. The apparatus can be mobile, for example on a motor-vehicle (12), and it enables a number of people to control weeds separately, using separate lances (24), from the same apparatus (10).

Abstract: Embodiments of the Portable Wild Hog Trap are comprised of a wheel winch assembly, a trip plate, two side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, and a floor. The two side walls, the front wall, the rear wall, and the floor are comprised of heavy gauge wire mats and a steel support frame. The rear wall is comprised of a fixed rear wall and a trap gate. The trip plate is comprised of either of heavy gauge wire mats or a steel plate and a steel support frame. The wild hog is lured into the Portable Wild Hog Trap with an appropriate lure positioned such that the wild hog steps on the trip plate actuating a trip spring. The trip spring then slams the trap gate closed trapping the hog or hogs in the Portable Wild Hog Trap.

Abstract: A modular pest deterrent kit is configured to mate with one or more types of pole tops. The modular pest deterrent kit comprises a spike having a first coupling member and a base having a second coupling member configured to mate with the first coupling member. The base is contemplated to have a first bottom surface. An alternative base is contemplated to have a third coupling member configured to mate with the first coupling member. The alternative base has a second bottom surface, which is differently shaped from the first bottom surface.

Abstract: A mobile hunting blind mounted on a trailer comprises a trailer frame having a pair of wheels on which is mounted a shack and a winch for deploying the shack to an operating position. A frame portion stands upwardly adjacent the forward end of the trailer frame and a base of the shack is supported at the top for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis transverse to the trailer fame such that, in the first storage position, one side wall of the shack is generally horizontal and lies on the trailer frame with the base standing generally upwardly from the trailer frame and such that in the second operating position the base extends generally horizontally from the top of the upstanding support frame position with the side walls extending upwardly from the base. A ladder supports the edge of the base remote from the axis from the trailer frame.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of freezing mammalian cells for storage or improving thaw recovery of cell banks comprising freezing mammalian cells in a freezing medium having a pH of 6.7 to 8.5.

Abstract: An organ perfusion apparatus may include at least two tubes connected to an organ or tissue. A method of perfusing an organ or tissue may include connecting a first end of each of the at least two tubes to an organ or tissue, applying a fluid motive force to a perfusion fluid in the two tubes to force the fluid through the two tubes into the organ or tissue, and perfusing the organ or tissue through the at least two tubes such that the fluid motive force, provided by, e.g., a pump, and backpressure generated by the organ or tissue, establishes a flow balance between the at least two tubes. The flow balance may be altered without altering the fluid motive force that is applied.

Abstract: An organ-chimerization maintenance device. The organ-chimerization device includes at least one large cannula connector that connects to at least one of an organ's vessels. The large cannula is configured to supply a chimerization solution to the organ. The organ-chimerization device also includes a an oxygenation cannula connector that facilitates oxygenation of the organ during chimerization.

Abstract: A method is provided for cultivating soybean or corn. Also provided is a method for controlling insect pests in a field of soybean or corn. By these methods, insect pests in the fields of soybean or corn can be controlled. Therefore, a good yield of corn or soybean can been obtained.

Abstract: Provided are method of induce plant drought and/or salinity tolerance using microbes such as Bacillus, and particularly Bacillus megaterium cultures responsible for controlling plant drought and/or salinity tolerance.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms-including novel strains of the microorganisms-microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

Abstract: A food preparation apparatus for a slice includes a flat bottom and raised side members. The flat bottom is shaped like the slice with two angled sides and an open end. The open end connects the two angled sides. The open end is also straight. Raised side members are on the two angled sides. Wherein, the food preparation apparatus is configured to hold the slice on the bottom where the raised side members are configured to retain the slice and toppings on the food preparation apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closed continuous process to sterilise flour to reduce the enzymatic activity within the flour as well as to reduce microbial contamination of the flour and thereby minimise pasting of the starch and maintaining the flour in its native form. The invention also relates to the flour obtained by the method as well as the use of the flour.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a guide assembly and a system for separating poultry viscera sets suspended from a viscera holder. In the method a guide member is moved so that said viscera set is arranged in an elongated opening of the guide member with the intestines and the gallbladder suspended below said guide member and the liver and gizzard positioned above it. The intestines and the gallbladder are then separated from the remaining viscera set while said liver rests on a first part of a separation support surface and said gizzard on a second part on the opposite side of an elongated opening. Before the separtion, the viscera set is brought into contact with an engagement member so that the gizzard is kept on the one side of the elongated opening at least until coming into contact with the separation support surface.

Abstract: An active/passive freezer system includes the capability to both actively cool a payload bay and passively maintain close to that temperature for extended periods of time; a freezer unit with a payload bay that can rapidly reduce its internal temperature; a thermal battery; a heat exchanger where liquid Nitrogen flows through; insulation that significantly reduces heat gain from external sources; and the capability to have separate units for cooling the payload bay and maintaining the temperature within the payload bay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foodstuff preservation composition comprising potassium acetate and alkali metal diacetate. The present invention further relates to a use of the foodstuff preservation composition for preventing growth of Listeria strain and mesophilic aerobic bacteria under storage conditions. Additionally it relates to a method for preserving foodstuff, and to a cooked meat product comprising said composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pickling machine comprising a detection device for detecting if a needle is blocked, damaged and/or broken.

Abstract: A countertop produce-preservation device is provided herein. The countertop produce-preservation device may include a housing, a refrigeration system, and one or more selectively-removable support shelves. The housing may extend along a vertical direction from a top portion to a bottom portion. The housing may define a preservation chamber. The refrigeration system may be in thermal communication with the housing to draw heat therefrom. The selectively-removable support shelves may be movably positioned within the preservation chamber and define one or more discrete sub-chambers within the preservation chamber.

Abstract: An infant formula for preventing gastro-esophageal reflux is disclosed comprising whey protein and/or casein, a galactomannan thickener, and a fermented milk-derived product.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of fermentation, and pertains to a method for preparing yogurt by fermentation, comprising the steps of providing a fermentation starter culture comprising a selected microorganism in a suitable culture medium, adding a potato protein protease inhibitor to the culture medium, culturing the microorganism, and harvesting the yogurt. This method has the advantage that the lag time of fermentation can be reduced by the addition of relatively low amounts of potato protein protease inhibitor. It has the additional advantage that the potato protein protease inhibitor allows for application of the present method over a wide pH range and wide temperature range including pasteurization, is filter sterilizable and that potato protease inhibitor protein is non-allergenic.

Abstract: A fruit snack with probiotics that is stable at room temperature is manufactured by combining various ingredients including fruit juices/purees to produce a slurry and cooking the slurry to produce a center that contains a high moisture content. The fruit snack center is covered with a barrier layer which in turn is covered by an outer layer that contains heat sensitive ingredients, such as probiotic cultures. The barrier layer substantially prevents migration of moisture from the center to the outer layer, and the fruit snack is cooled prior to applying the outer layer to minimize damage/harm to the heat sensitive ingredients. In addition to including probiotic cultures and being stable at room temperature, the fruit snack has other desirable characteristics including a chewy soft texture and fruit-flavorings, and may be manufactured using traditional processes.

Abstract: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products comprises: a first container adapted to contain a first liquid or semi-liquid basic product; a first stirrer, mounted inside the first container; a second container connected to the first container to receive therefrom the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product; a pipe connecting the first container to the second container; a second stirrer, mounted inside the second container; a pump, having a first inlet duct, connected to the first container in order to draw the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product, a second, air inlet duct, and an outlet connected to the connecting pipe, the pump being also configured to mix the first liquid or semi-liquid basic product with air by compression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of extracting native proteins from vegetable source materials such as oilseeds, legumes and grains. Native proteins mentioned in this invention are present in the source material in their non-denatured state, i.e. with their functional properties relevant to application in food industry like solubility preserved and not compromised by processing conditions. Source materials mentioned in the present invention are of vegetable origin and typically contain significant (>5% by weight) amounts of native oils and lipids. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out this process and to the native protein obtainable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to a technical field of nutrition additives for animal, and specifically discloses a nutrition supplement for animal, comprising eggs of an edible insect. Further, the eggs of the edible insect are one or more of eggs of Hermetia illucens L., eggs of Tenebrio molitor and eggs of fly. The present invention finds that the eggs of edible insect provide better effects such as enhancing nutrition, promoting growth and health care for animals, especially for newborn animals, weaning animals, weak animals or sick animals. The nutrition supplement provided by the present invention can be prepared easily and used conveniently. The present invention using the eggs of edible insect as a main component of the nutrition supplement can not only improve a health level of animals including livestock, aquatic animals and the like, but also enhance a feed intake, a feed conversion level and a comprehensive benefit of cultivation with a good application prospect.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure relates to sweetener compositions, methods of making same, and products comprising same. In various aspects, the disclosed sweetener compositions comprise a sweetening agent and a taste modulator component. The taste modulator component improves key properties associated with many sweetening agents, including maximal sweetness response; mitigates flavor profile issues such as bitter and/or licorice-like off-tastes; improves sweetness onset rate and lingering sweet aftertaste properties; improves desensitization/adaptation profile issues; and improves body/mouthfeel characteristics. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (300) includes a thermal processing station (312) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (316). A first scanning station (318) is located upstream from the thermal processing station (312) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (316). An actuator (420) automatically connects temperature measuring devices (402) with selected food products (14). A diverter conveyor (324) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (316) to a transverse conveyor (326) for either further processing or alternative processing, depending on how system (300) is configured. The temperature measuring devices (402) are automatically removed from the food products at station (329).

Abstract: A slender and funnel-shaped jet nozzle structure includes a plurality of slender tapered diversion channels, a plurality of slender jet nozzles and a conveyer belt. The wall thickness of the slender tapered diversion channel is 1-5 mm. The wall thickness of the slender jet nozzle is 1-5 mm. A thickness of the conveyer belt is 1-5 mm. The slender tapered diversion channel is a hollow slender truncated cone and includes an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening of the slender tapered diversion channel is substantively elliptic, and the lower opening of the slender tapered diversion channel is connected to an inlet of the slender jet nozzle. The slender jet nozzle is a hollow slender elliptic cylinder.

Abstract: A composition for improving meat product quality, comprising at least 4-30 of an edible salt, 1-15 of a carbonate, 0.1-15 of an organic acid salt, 0.1-6 of a sugar alcohol, 0.1-8 of an isomaltulose and/or trehalose, and 0.01-8 of a chito-oligosaccharide composition, in weight parts. The composition has good water retention and good meat tenderizing effect, in addition to be still a good meat tenderizer after repeated freezing and cooking with the meat product being highly elastic, tender and juicy and having little loss during freezing and cooking.