Abstract: A biodegradable bait station is disclosed that can be used with liquid baits targeting pest ants in urban, agricultural, and natural setting, which can overcome several limitations that most of other liquid bait stations currently experience. For example, instead of keeping a large quantity of liquid bait in a reservoir, a small amount, for example, 10-20 ml of sugary liquid bait with an insecticide, for example, boric acid, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, will be contained in a biodegradable cylindrical container with one open end. The open end will be plugged with a piece of water absorbent polymer or gel, for example, polyacrylamide gel, sodium alginate. The water absorbent polymer or gel absorbs the liquid bait and expands inside of the cylindrical container so that it will function as a polymer “wick” to deliver a small amount of the liquid bait to foraging ants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are robotic devices which traverse a pre-defined coverage area in order to capture and eradicate ticks in the area. A vacuum mechanism provides a suction force for pulling ticks into the device through a frontal opening, after which the ticks are captured in a receptacle and crushed by at least one rotating arm. In certain embodiments, the devices include heat strips near the frontal opening of the device that mimic the human body temperature. Additionally, the device can include carbon dioxide emitters that pass carbon dioxide to the receptacle or through the frontal opening to increase attraction of ticks.

Abstract: A spraying system for spraying a fluid includes a nozzle, a valve configured to control fluid flow through the nozzle, a sensor configured to transmit a detection signal upon detection of a target, a user interface configured to receive application rate information and target population information from an operator, and a control system communicatively coupled to the user interface, the sensor, and the valve. The control system is configured to determine a specific volume of fluid per target to be dispensed by the valve based on the application rate information and the target population information input to the user interface, and to transmit a control signal to the valve at least in part in response to receiving the detection signal. The control signal actuates the valve such that the determined specific volume of fluid per target is sprayed by the nozzle on or adjacent to the target.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effecting an optical barrier and includes a light source emitting a beam. The apparatus also includes a moveable mirror and an actuator to move the mirror to reflect the beam into a plurality of directions or locations. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a processor and a memory chip including a sequence of instructions. The memory chip and the sequence of instructions causes the processor to receive data from a sensor system that indicates a location of a pest and operate the actuator to move the mirror to direct the beam to sweep through a range of directions that include the location of the pest. A light fixture is also provided, that includes the apparatus.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy deployment system includes a hub subsystem including a casing, a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the casing, and a plurality of waterfowl decoys. At least one waterfowl decoy of the plurality of waterfowl decoys is coupled to each arm of the plurality of arms. The waterfowl decoy deployment system also includes a thrust bar system coupled to the casing and positioned below the plurality of arms and the plurality of waterfowl decoys. The thrust bar system includes a thrust bar coupled to the casing and a plurality of thrust devices coupled to the thrust bar. The plurality of thrust devices are configured to rotate the thrust bar about an axis to induce a substantially circular motion to the casing, the plurality of arms, and the plurality of waterfowl decoys.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to sample thawing. Features described herein may limit power requirements of the thawing device and may thereby increase the portability of the thawing device. The device may include a housing; a heater block housed within the housing and forming a vial receptacle; a thermally-conductive compliant material may line an inner surface of the receptacle; and a heating element may be coupled with the heater block. The thermally-conductive compliant material may be molded to a shape of a bottom portion of the vial so as to fittingly mate with the bottom portion of the vial. In some embodiments, the heater block does not have moveable components and may be a single non-segmented piece. An ejection pin may be provided configured to break contact between the vial and the thermally-conductive compliant material. Additionally, the receptacle may be localized to the vial region adjacent to the frozen sample.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a composition and/or method may include a rodenticide binding system formulated for safe and effective mixture into various feed rations which are fed to monogastric and ruminant animals such as poultry, swine, cows, cattle, and fish, among others. The rodenticide binding system includes novel combinations of one or more of an organoclay, an activated hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate clay, and a synthetic hectorite clay. In some embodiments, the binding composition may include organoclay, bentonite, hectorite, Leonardite, and/or any combination thereof. The toxin binding complex may effectively bind some pesticides (e.g., rodenticides) in the animal's digestive system, preventing their absorption and the consequent damages to the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a medical device consisting of a blocker made of a mixture of natural products such as African palm oil and the triglycerides thereof and natural waxes as active and emulsifying components, polymer and silver nanoparticles, acting as a blocker for latex protein and other skin irritants.

Abstract: A liquid herbicidal composition free of alkyl polyglucoside includes glufosinate and/or a salt thereof, an alkyl ether sulfate or a salt thereof, a hydrotrope; a polycarboxylate having a weight average molecular weight ranging from greater than or equal to 1,000 g/mol to less than 70,000 g/mol, and water. The alkyl ether sulfate is according to the average formula (I): R—(OCH2CH2)n—OSO4 (I), wherein R is linear or branched alkyl group having from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and wherein the subscript n ranges from 1 to 10.

Abstract: There is disclosed method of killing nematodes comprising the step of applying an effective amount of a nematicidal composition comprising a terpene component and compositions suitable for use in the method. The terpene component is preferably in association with water, either as a solution or a suspension. An excipient may also be included, which is suitably hollow glucan particles which encapsulate the terpene component.

Abstract: Methods of generating performic acid by contacting aqueous oxidizing agent and aqueous formic acid source in liquid phase are disclosed. A system and apparatus for the in situ production of the performic acid chemistries is further disclosed. In particular, a continuous flow reactor is provided to generate performic acid at variable rates. Methods of employing the oxidizing biocide for various disinfection applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling xylophages (e.g., termites, Asian Beetle, Emerald Ash borer, Weevils, Deathwatch Caterpillars, cockroaches) by inhibiting methane production of methanogenic Archaea in the digestive tract thereof. The inhibiting of the critical biochemical pathways specific to the methanogenic Archaea is achieved by contacting the xylophage with one or more antimethanogenic reagent (AMR) compounds. The AMRs may include, for example, naturally-occurring statins (which may be found in red yeast rice) or derivatives thereof, linoleic acid or related compounds, essential oils, certain synthetic compounds or combinations thereof. As a result, the effectiveness of the methanogenic Archaea to produce methane is compromised. This subsequently results into the malfunctioning of the xylophages' digestive system and provides a safe, natural, green and sustainable means of controlling the xylophages.

Abstract: A cornfield herbicidal composition comprising pyrazolone compounds and an application thereof is provided. The cornfield herbicidal composition comprises an herbicidally effective amount of an active ingredient A, an active ingredient B, and a safener compound C, wherein the active ingredient A is a compound of the formula (I); the active ingredient B is selected from one or more of the following compounds: triazines, nitriles, sulfonylureas, pyridine carboxylic acids, benzyl carboxylic acids, bentazone, amides, pyridines and amicarbazone; and the safener compound C is selected from one or more of the following compounds: C1 isoxadifen-ethyl, C2 cyprosulfamide, C3 mefenpyr-diethyl, C4 cloquintocet-mexyl, C5 gibberellic acid, C6 furilazole and C7 N-(2-methoxybenzoyl)-4-[(methylaminocarbonyl)amino]benzenesulfonamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising crystal of flumioxazin which shows a powder X-Ray diffraction pattern having diffraction peaks with 2? values (°) shown in Table 1 of the specification, the pattern being obtained by CuK? rays diffraction analysis, and one or more herbicidal compounds selected from the group B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-5, B-6, B-7, B-8, B-9, B-10, B-11 and B-12 described in the specification. According to the present invention, a wide range of weeds can be controlled in a crop field, land under perennial crops, or non-crop land.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of controlling a pest comprising applying an effective amount of one or more terpendoles to the pest or an area in need of pest control. The present invention is further directed to a method of controlling a pest comprising applying an effective amount of one or more compounds having the following chemical structure to the pest or an area in need of pest control.

Abstract: A herbicidal composition is provided, the composition comprising: (A) the crystalline modification I of 2-(4-mesyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (mesotrione); and (B) the crystalline modification I of methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (metsulfuron-methyl). A method of controlling plant growth at a locus comprises applying to the locus herbicidally effective amounts of both (A) the crystalline modification I of 2-(4-mesyl-2-nitrobenzoyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione (mesotrione); and (B) the crystalline modification I of methyl 2-[[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino]carbonyl]amino]sulfonyl]benzoate (metsulfuron-methyl).

Abstract: A quaternary fungicide mixture for controlling diseases of turfgrass and/or ornamentals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for controlling surface-inhabiting pests in an aquatic system, in particular cyanobacteria and harmful algal blooms (HABs), comprising spreading on the surface of the aquatic system a buoyant composition comprising a water disinfectant, preferably an oxidizing compound, and a floating agent. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition is disclosed that contains an acid-solubilized copper ammonium or copper-zinc ammonium complex that is effective against microorganisms such as nosocomial or environmental bacteria, fungi, viruses, and the like. The antimicrobial composition can be used in the preparation of a medicament for treating microbes or a microbial infection, and may contain a carrier to create a cream, soap, wash, spray, dressing, cleanser, cosmetic product, topical drug product, or other antimicrobial product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microorganism from the species Lysobacter enzymogenes, having nematicidal activity and the ability to promote plant growth. The invention also provides methods for obtaining a biomass of said microorganism, as well as methods for biologically controlling nematodes, for treating and preventing plant infection caused by nematodes, and for promoting plant growth based on the use of said microorganism or of phytosanitary products obtained therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling the growth of an invasive species by application of a composition comprised of a natural pesticide derived from a species to the invasive species, especially endocides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of producing de-oiled sabadilla extract by removing the oil from sabadilla seeds or a sabadilla extract. The invention also relates to methods for controlling pests by application of de-oiled sabadilla extract to pests' or to their environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of producing liquid sabadilla extract. The invention also relates to methods for controlling pests by application of liquid sabadilla seed extract to pests' environment or to pests.

Abstract: A multi-compartment oven providing steam assisted cooking employs active venting to provide improved humidity control and reduced humidity leakage between closely adjacent compartments.

Abstract: A sandwiching device for creating pocket sandwich-type food, the sandwiching device having a stand, a lever mechanism attached to the stand, a punch attached to the lever mechanism, a die attached to the stand and positioned below the punch, and a sealer seated within the die. The lever mechanism is used to lower the punch and press the punch against the die and the sealer. When foodstuff is placed on the die, pressing the punch against the die and the sealer simultaneously cuts the crust off the foodstuff while sealing the edges of the foodstuff to create a pocket sandwich. To facilitate the sealing, the perimeter edge of the sealer may have a scalloped edge.

Abstract: A bun press is disclosed. The invention relates generally to a device for shaping the interior of an already baked, sliced bun and thereby creating a sloppiless bun. The device comprises a die or set of dies that is pressed into the top and bottom halves of a single or a plurality of baked, sliced bun(s) to provide an interior cavity that can contain messy, liquid-like or liquid fillings, e.g. “sloppy joe” fillings, melted cheese, meatballs and tomato sauce and the like.

Abstract: Processing apparatus for poultry that may include one or more transfer units placed intermediate and conveying poultry from a first line to a subsequent second line. The transfer means may include at least one magnet for inducing eddy currents in a circulating support that counteracts relative motion between the transfer means and the circulating support. The at least one magnet may be embodied with a series of alternating north-poles (+) and south-poles (?) facing the circulating support.

Abstract: A smoker for imparting flavor to food comprising at least one smoking chamber, a lower chamber disposed below and in open communication with the bottom of smoking chamber, more than one flat, externally rotatable fire shield disposed below the cooking rack within the lower chamber, at least one firebox removably disposed within the lower chamber below the fire shields, the firebox having an outer door covering the firebox opening when the firebox is deployed inside the lower chamber, a handle, sidewalls and at least one bottom grate defining a support for a combustible material, slider means for supporting the firebox, an air intake below the firebox within the lower chamber, and an ember plate disposed outside of the lower chamber, whereby a combustible material is ignited in the firebox while disposed outside of the lower chamber, then pushed into the lower chamber to smoke the food.

Abstract: A colostrum heating tub and a container for storing said colostrum therein, the colostrum heating tub adapted for holding a stationary pool of heating liquid and surrounding the container such that it is at least partly immersed in the heating liquid when positioned in the colostrum heating tub. The colostrum heating tub further contains a rack module for holding the container within the stationary pool of heating liquid, the rack module adapted for rotating around an axis such that at least the container can be rotated 360 degrees around the axis so the container is, at all times during 360 degree rotation around the axis, maintained in a fixed position with respect to the rack module and at least partly immersed in the stationary pool of heating liquid for even distribution of heat throughout the container to uniformly heat the colostrum.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a new type of high protein, fruit flavoured beverage comprising fruit flavouring agents and high protein denatured whey protein compositions, and to a method of producing the beverage. The invention particularly pertains to fruit flavoured beverages having a protein content of at least 4% (w/w). The invention furthermore relates to high protein fruit and/or vegetable preparations which e.g. are advantageous for the production of high protein, fruit- and/or vegetable-flavoured yoghurt. The invention also relates to food products containing the high protein fruit and/or vegetable preparations and to method for producing these.

Abstract: A method of making a pressurized packaged liquid beverage. The method includes filling a container including a one-way valve with a liquid beverage, sealing the container, introducing a volume of gas through the one-way valve after sealing the container, and agitating the liquid beverage inside the sealed container, When the container is opened, the liquid beverage increases in volume and separates into liquid phase and a drinkable foam phase. The method may be carried out in a sealed container including a one-way valve adapted to allow a gas to enter the first container but not exit or a circulatory agitation system according to other embodiments. Thee liquid beverage may include milk, coffee, fruit juice, or mixtures thereof, particularly mixtures of milk and coffee, and may further include a gum. The gas may be nitrous oxide.

Abstract: Described are cheese compositions and methods of making cheese compositions, including methods of formulating cheese compositions, wherein the cheese compositions may include combinations of casein protein, fiber, non-casein protein, non-pregelatinized, modified starch, and a fat component.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for brewing coffee of higher quality and better taste than any apparatus and method currently available, while also enabling users to utilize less coffee grounds per brewing cycle, thereby achieving significant cost savings for users. A basket that houses a packet of coffee grounds is housed within a carafe that stores water. The basket is fabricated so that water may enter therein and exit therefrom, and the packet of coffee grounds enables water and natural coffee oils to penetrate the packet, but does not allow coffee grounds to escape the packet. The carafe is filled with water that is gradually heated from at or around tap temperature to approximately boiling. While the water in the chamber is heated, the basket is agitated. This causes the gradually heating water to enter the basket and agitate the packet, thereby extracting natural coffee oil from the grounds stored within the packet, which creates brewed coffee.

Abstract: A process for mass production of round portions of frozen confection. The portions are characterized by an artisanal hand-scooped appearance and distinctiveness, and surface melting characteristics comparable to the manually scooped product. These units are manufactured by hardening in molds that introduce particular features of shape and texture. Furthermore the mold composition allows preservation of subtle differences that result from variations in each portion's internal pressure when the confection expands during freezing.

Abstract: Ice particles are known to sinter over time. However the inventors have observed that ice particles coated with hydrophobic particles are storage stable. Thus a method of manufacturing a frozen confection comprising as ingredients: (a) 40 to 85, preferably 55 to 75 w/w water in liquid and frozen forms; (b) 0 to 30, preferably 0.2 to 20, more preferably 0.3 to 16% w/w first fat; (c) 5 to 45, preferably 10 to 40, more preferably 12 to 35% w/w freezing point depressant; (d) 0 to 7, preferably 0.3 to 6, more preferably 0.5 to 5% w/w aerating agent; and (e) 0.

Abstract: Exosome purification methods involve use of a whey composition as an exosome source. Exosomes are isolated by subjecting the whey composition to a first ultrafiltration, which yields a first permeate and a first retentate. The first retentate may then be subjected to a second ultrafiltration, yielding a second permeate and a second retentate. During the second ultrafiltration, the first retentate may be treated with carbon dioxide. The second retentate may then be subjected to a third ultrafiltration, yielding a third permeate and a third retentate. The third permeate may then be optionally dried to yield an exosome powder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for regulating weight and size in animals.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-medical food additive that is an animal growth promoter containing 99% pure zeolite partially or totally exchanged with a Cm+ cation (in other words a synthetic zeolite) with the general formula I below: 1 m ? yC m + ? ( 1 - y ) ? 1 n ? M n + ? AlO 2 ? x ? SiO 2 in which x is greater than 1 and advantageously between 1 and 15; Mn+ represents an alkaline or alkaline earth exchangeable ion, advantageously Na+, K+, Ca2+ or Li+; n is between 1 and 2; y is the exchange rate and is between 0.001 and 1; Cm+ is a metallic cation chosen from among copper Cu2+, silver Ag+ or zinc Zn2+; m is between 1 and 2. It also relates to an additive premix and a supplemented food containing it and a method of improving the growth of animals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of feeding an animal as a part of its feed ration a composition having vitamin E and a polyphenol source. The animals can include an avian or porcine animal.

Abstract: Method of reducing the mTOR pathway stimulating activity of amino acid containing nutritional materials. This method comprises treating an enzymatically hydrolysed protein material such as casein, whey, or soy protein with at least one enzyme capable of converting mTOR pathway stimulating amino acids and amino acid residues, such as leucine or methionine, into alternate chemical entities that do not stimulate or stimulate to a significantly lesser degree the mTOR pathway, while preserving the non-mTOR stimulating amino acids. These one or more alternate chemical entities should ideally be suitable for consumption, or alternatively be capable of being removed from the treated material through low cost extraction or conversion techniques. The material may then be sold as is, or alternatively packaged with low glycemic carbohydrates, healthy lipids, vitamins, and flavors and sold as a variety of different food products intended for an artificial diet intended to mimic the effects of caloric restriction.

Abstract: A fryer includes a potential generator; and an oil tub installed with a discharging electrode of the potential generator. The potential generator includes a transformer that is composed of a primary coil and a secondary coil; a feedback control circuit that feeds back one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil to adjust a voltage of the secondary coil; an output control portion that is provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil to impart a predetermined low frequency vibration to an output of the secondary coil which causes the discharging electrode physically vibrates; and the discharging electrode that is formed of a conductive material and provided on the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control portion. A vibration frequency of the low frequency vibration applied is 40 Hz to 60 Hz which is determined by the output control portion.

Abstract: A method of creating a meat piece includes cooking a meat product until it is fully cooked including cooking the meat product until it has an internal temperature of approximately at least 165° F. After cooking the meat product, the meat product is sliced into meat pieces. The method then includes coating the meat pieces with a coating agent with at least cane sugar, salt, liquid smoke, and starch. Then the coated meat pieces are packaged.

Abstract: Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immuno-enhancing composition including a corn-derived polysaccharide. The immuno-enhancing composition may be a food composition, a feed composition, or a pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Improvements to a juice extraction machine, particularly a commercial-scale fruit juice extraction machine that is extremely light and compact for very easy handling and transportation, which is noteworthy for its unusual construction configuration that includes, among other items, a swing lidded waste-bin on its front whose walls are close to the peeler cups when closed, allowing easy removal of wastes such as pith, pulp and peel when open.

Abstract: A plant (1) for cold extraction of puree, or juice, from a fresh food product of vegetable, or animal origin, includes a treating machine, for example a softening machine (20) downstream of which an extraction machine (30) is provided for extracting juice, or puree, from the food product of vegetable, or animal origin. Upstream of the treating machine (20) a cutting machine is provided (40,40?) in which a cutting means is arranged to cut the starting food product of vegetable origin into parts of predetermined size. More in detail, the cutting means (40) is arranged to cut the vegetable product (100) into parts (105) of size set between 50 mm and 130 mm, which are then fed to the treating machine (20).

Abstract: An automated apparatus for removing the tops (calyx) of strawberries as they move along a conveyor belt having a plurality of concave-shaped slotted rollers which operate to orient the calyx of each strawberry for being cut. Images are captured and processed for locating the calyx of each strawberry and determining an optimal cutting plane. In response to the image processing a control system actuates a blade in a cutting apparatus to pass through the produce item and into one of the slots in a roller, or rollers, to separate the calyx from the body of the strawberry.

Abstract: A food composition and method of making is provided, the food composition comprising a first structural food unit comprising an edible matrix encapsulating an edible substance that optionally comprises one or more thickening agents; a second structural food unit, between about 10 times and about 106 times the size of the first structural food unit, comprising an edible hydrocolloid matrix encapsulating a first visco-elastic substance, the first visco-elastic substance comprising a soft food, xanthan gum, and galactomannan and a plurality of first structural food units, and wherein an outer surface of the first visco-elastic substance substantially adheres to an inner surface of the edible hydrocolloid matrix encapsulating the first visco-elastic substance.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-segment component for an aerosol generating article, the multi-segment component including a combustible heat source; an aerosol-forming substrate downstream of the combustible heat source; a wrapper circumscribing the combustible heat source along at least part of a length of the combustible heat source; and an intumescent layer between the combustible heat source and the wrapper and circumscribing the combustible heat source, the intumescent layer being formed from an intumescent inorganic glue.

Abstract: A cigarette is provided with the tobacco column portion adjacent the filter assembly encased by a heat shrink material whereby as the burn approaches the butt the heat shrink material begins to contract radially and compress the encased tobacco column restricting the air flow therethrough. This reduces the diameter of burning column adjacent the filter assembly and thus extinguishes or at least confines the remaining tobacco in the cigarette.