Abstract: An implement for automatically milking a dairy animal, such as a cow, comprises a milking parlour, a sensor for observing a teat, and a milking robot for automatically attaching a teat cup to the teat. The milking robot comprises a robot control that is connected to the sensor. The sensor comprises a radiation source for emitting light, a receiver for receiving electromagnetic radiation reflected from the dairy animal, a lens, and sensor control unit. The sensor comprises a matrix with a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of receivers. The sensor control unit is designed to determine for each of the receivers a phase difference between the emitted and the reflected electromagnetic radiation in order to calculate the distance from the sensor to a plurality of points on the part to be observed of the dairy animal.

Abstract: A manure-removal vehicle and an assembly thereof having a manure-discharging location. The vehicle comprises a pump and a tank having an air discharge. The vehicle collects manure by means of a scraper and this is subsequently suctioned up via a manure extraction opening in the tank. The pump works at low power and in particular at low pressure, due to the fact that a constant stream of manure is collected in front of the opening, in particular if a sealing plate is provided.

Abstract: A crate assembly includes a plurality of members defining an interior of the crate assembly, where the plurality of members includes a front, a back, a top, a bottom, a first side and a second side. A frame is formed in one of the plurality of members, the frame having a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical wires that define a door opening. A door is pivotally coupled to the frame about a pivot wire of the frame to move between an open position and a closed position. A latch assembly is pivotally coupled to a horizontal wire of the frame. The latch assembly includes a wire having a first end, a second end and a transverse portion, the wire forming a first portion defined between the first end and the transverse portion and a second portion defined between the second end and the transverse portion.

Abstract: A foldable and expandable pet carrier bag. The foldable and expandable pet carrier bag includes a pet carrier bag body, the pet carrier bag body is provided with a first pet door, the pet carrier bag body has a back part, the back part is provided with a foldable expanding part. The expanding part includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a left side wall, a right side wall and a front side wall. The left side wall and the right side wall are folded toward the inner portion of the expanding part, respectively. The bottom wall and the front side wall that overlapped on the surface of the bottom wall are swung and overlapped on the top wall. The pet carrier bag is easy to fold, after being folded, the bottom wall of the expanding part fixed on the pet carrier bag body forms a back cushion.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present livestock structures comprise a floor, wherein the floor is configured to support livestock housing; a roof, wherein a majority of the roof is substantially parallel to the floor; and one or more supporting structures configured to support the roof; in some embodiments, the floor comprises a non-zero slope. Some embodiments of the present livestock structures comprise a passageway extending a majority of a distance between a first side and an opposing second side of the structure, wherein the passageway is positioned at an elevation that is below an elevation of the floor.

Abstract: An animal feeding system includes a receptacle comprising a microcontroller, one or more applications running on at least one processor of a mobile device, and an access point, wherein the microcontroller, the one or more applications, and the access point are communicatively coupled through a wireless communications network. The receptacle holds pet food consumables. A chute receives dispensed consumables as they pass through an opening in the receptacle. A sensor monitors a level of the consumables in the receptacle, wherein the sensor is communicatively coupled with the microcontroller and transmits information of the monitored level to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller uses the information to determine whether the level of the consumables is below a threshold level. The microcontroller initiates communication with a remote vendor through the wireless communications network when the level falls below the threshold level.

Abstract: A wild game feeder for safely feeding game that uses an inverted cone-shaped device to disperse the feed once the feed is expelled through the dispenser hole, that can be suspended from any structure.

Abstract: A method for distributing feed over multiple separate feeding locations includes determining which feeding locations have a feed requirement; selecting a first feeding location among the feeding locations having a feed requirement; determining a feed composition to be delivered to the first feeding location; determining which further feeding locations have a feed requirement and require the same feed composition; selecting at least one further feeding location; filling the feed delivery device with an amount of the determined feed composition; and distributing the feed, wherein the amount of feed distributed to a selected feeding location depends on the ratio between amount to be delivered to said selected feeding location and the sum of the amounts of feed to be delivered to all selected feeding locations.

Abstract: A transmitter sends a radio signal defining the boundary of an area, and at least one receiver worn on the animal includes stimulation applying means to apply stimulation to the animal. The receiver senses the radio signal sent from the transmitter and applies stimulation to the animal when the animal is determined to access the boundary of the particular area based on whether the radio signal is sensed or not. The transmitter and the receiver are configured to set a value of at least one of a stimulation intensity, a stimulation type, a stimulation applying mode to apply and an animal size, according to an animal wearing the receiver, via a direct interface between the transmitter and the receiver, not via the radio signal.

Abstract: Leash control device for attachment to multiple leashes permitting a dog walker to walk dogs of different sizes and temperaments and inhibits leash tangling An elongated tubular body has a bottom and a cover, both the bottom and the cover having aligned tracks. The bottom track has indentations in the nature of stops spaced at intervals. Leash attachment members are positioned into the bottom tracks, and telescope with respect to the tracks. Leashes are attached to the leash attachment members. The leash attachment members have upright handle locks that interact with the indentations on the bottom tracks thereby being locked in place. The cover may be closed, with the upright locking handles protruding through the tracks on the cover. By telescoping the leash attachment members in and out of the elongated tubular body, the length of each individual leash is selected.

Abstract: A leash including a housing, a reel assembly rotatably coupled to the housing, and a tether coupled to the reel assembly. The reel assembly includes a tether wheel coupled to the tether, and rotatable relative to the housing in a first rotational direction to effectuate extension of the tether, and rotatable in a second rotational direction to effectuate retraction of the tether. A hard stop gear is coupled to the tether wheel, and a soft stop gear is rotatably coupled to the hard stop gear. A dampening spring is coupled to the soft stop gear and the hard stop gear to impart a biasing force on the soft stop gear as it rotates relative to the hard stop gear. A soft stop lever is operatively coupled to the soft stop gear and is configured to selectively restrict rotation of the soft stop gear relative to the housing.

Abstract: A pet monitoring system comprising a first sensor configured to detect a first condition in the space and a second sensor configured to detect a second condition in the space is disclosed. The system may further comprise a memory for storing one or more rules each configured to identify an alert condition for a pet in the space based on the first and/or second conditions in the space, a communications module configured to communicate with a remote device over a network, and a controller. The controller is configured to apply the one or more rules to the first and second detected conditions in the space to identify one or more alert conditions and determine what, if any, action is required by an owner or caretaker of the pet, and if action is required, provide an alert to the remote device via the communications module.

Abstract: A system for displaying aquatic animals in a retail environment includes a base having a plurality of shelves, and a plurality of removable containment elements disposed on the shelves, each of the containment elements including a bottom, a top, and side walls extending between the top and the bottom to enclose a volume of water. At least one of the side walls defines a flat side viewing panel for viewing an aquatic animal inside of the containment element. Each of the containment elements is a rectangular-shaped that is sized to contain a salable number of aquatic animals.

Abstract: This invention includes several variations of a machine for catching small creatures unharmed, particularly small fish and other aquatic creatures. Most embodiments include a hollow container, attached to a specially designed fishing rod via an insulated fishing line containing electrical wires. The user can lower the insulated fishing line into water and wait for a creature to swim into the hollow container, then the user can use electronic controls to remotely snap the hollow container shut, hopefully trapping the creature alive and unharmed within. The invention also makes a fun and interesting tool for children. Embodiments of the invention include the ability to monitor the temperature and other conditions inside the container, and also the ability to communicate remotely with the container, and monitor the conditions therein, through a program downloaded on the user's computer or phone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method and use of reef coral fluorescent proteins in making transgenic red, green and yellow fluorescent zebrafish. Preferably, such fluorescent zebrafish are fertile and used to establish a population of transgenic zebrafish and to provide to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing. Thus, new varieties of ornamental fish of different fluorescence colors from a novel source are developed.

Abstract: Adaptable fishing lure kits, systems, and devices are provided. An adaptable fishing lure system may include a fishing lure body having a generally cylindrical shape, a fin member replaceably attachable to the fishing lure body, via a slot formed within an outer periphery surface of the lure body, and a channel chamber longitudinally extending through and within at least a portion of a length of the fishing lure body. The slot providing access to the channel, at least one cartridge providing an attractant into the chamber formed within the fishing lure body. Alternative use of an adhesive and means for securing a fin member and attractant are provided.

Abstract: A portable bait container with adjustable luminosity has an openable casing to access a receptacle for storing baits. Casing is provided with a handle to conveniently carry and handle container from one place to another. Container further includes a first illuminating device that illuminates surrounding and hence enable user to easily view the ground and search for fishing baits such as worms or night-crawlers. Actuating switch is provided on handle for its easy access which actuates and de-actuates first illuminating device. Intensity of first illuminating device is controlled by using dimmer adjuster that enables user to manipulate intensity and hence provides maximum opportunity for collecting fishing baits. Container is portable, easy to handle by a single user to perform various bait collection operations and has adjustable luminosity for viewing surrounding at desired light intensity and thus reduces opportunity loss during collection of fishing baits.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a method for the incorporation of colored photoluminescent materials to be sprayed on to plants and soils. The incorporation of colored photoluminescent materials assists the spray operator through the use of black lights allowing for more precise low light or nighttime spray and seeding operations. More specifically, this invention relates to a colored photoluminescent adjuvant to be applied to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist in the low light or nighttime application of bioactive agents, such as chemicals and pesticides. The colored photoluminescent adjuvant can be applied as a solution or a foam.

Abstract: The invention Animal Alarm AA-100 was designed to meet a required need that is not currently on the market. The unit designates animals approaching through picture motion detection the danger of a roadway when a vehicle is present. It is designed to have a “silent” alarm to be sounded at a high pitch that the animal can hear it to deter the animal from crossing. The unit also through radar detection, noise and motion detection with a micro phone through computer identifies a vehicle approaching the unit. The alarm does not sound in times that no danger is present. The invention does not create a intolerance for those that are near it, but is designed to alleviate carnage from the death of animals hit by a vehicle. This invention the Animal Alarm AA-100 was designed with the idea of multi-tasking for research with data information, for accuracy of unit function, and to alleviate death by animal vehicle collision.

Abstract: A single motion sensing assembly device will activate and transmit a signal when a rodent trap is triggered. The single sensor assembly provide a sensing rod attached to one side of a leaf of an open hinge and a magnet affixed to the same leaf on the opposite side. The magnet is positioned adjacent to a reed switch and transmitter which is attached to the opposite leaf of the open hinge. The sensing rod is moved up and down causing the reed switch to activate the transmitter.

Abstract: A game animal processing apparatus includes a hoist having a horizontal arm and a cable. In a first operating mode, a first hook is raised vertically by pulling the cable. A second hook is located on the horizontal arm of the hoist. A game hanger includes a first hook connection that connects to the first hook such that pulling the cable vertically raises the game hanger towards the horizontal arm. A second hook connection connects to the second hook in order to hang the game hanger from the horizontal arm of the hoist. Lastly, the game hanger includes a pair of prongs that are each configured to support a portion of the game animal. The weight of the game animal may be entirely supported by the prongs when the game hanger is hung from the hoist via the second hook and second hook connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for storing, shipping and using skin equivalents made by organotypic culture. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for producing, transporting, storing and using skin equivalents produced by organotypic culture at reduced temperatures, preferably from 2-8 degrees Celsius. The methods include sterile packaging of the grafts so that the sterility and integrity of the package is maintained until the time of use for grafting purposes.

Abstract: An insecticide for exterminating a flight-capable insect, comprising an effective concentration of menthol to be lethal to the insect, a solvent for the menthol, at least one viscosity-increasing agent in sufficient concentration to increase viscosity of insecticide to greater than 5 centipoise, at least one surfactant in sufficient concentration to cause adhesion of insecticide to insect, and a volumizer.

Abstract: Techniques regarding ionene compositions with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can comprise a monomer, which can comprise a single ionene unit. The single ionene unit can comprise a cation distributed along a molecular backbone. Also, a hydrophobic functional group can be covalently bonded to the molecular backbone, and the single ionene unit can have antimicrobial functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that induce an active plant response, but not a hypersensitive response, when applied to plant tissue. These peptides also preferably exhibit improved solubility, stability, resistance to chemical degradation, or a combination of these properties. Use of these peptides or fusion polypeptides, or DNA constructs encoding the same, for modulating plant biochemical signaling, imparting disease resistance to plants, enhancing plant growth, imparting tolerance to biotic stress, imparting tolerance and resistance to abiotic stress, imparting desiccation resistance to cuttings removed from ornamental plants, imparting post-harvest disease or post-harvest desiccation resistance to a fruit or vegetable, or enhancing the longevity of fruit or vegetable ripeness are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a process for preparing an alcoholic solution of a polyvinylpyridine polymer having biocidal and biocompatibility properties. The alcoholic solution is ready-to-graft in order to confer biocidal properties to various surfaces and to prevent biofilm formation on such surfaces. Also provided are methods of using the alcoholic solution, such as for controlling the growth of bacteria, fungi and/or viruses, and/or for preventing digestion of wood cellulose by wood-boring insects.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), to the agrochemically compatible salts thereof, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof in the field of plant protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a biocide against at least one strain of bacteria and/or at least one strain of yeast and/or at least one strain of mould in an aqueous preparation. The invention further relates to the use of a water soluble source of lithium ions for reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of a biocide against at least one strain of bacteria and/or at least one strain of yeast and/or at least one strain of mould in an aqueous preparation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure belongs to the new material field and can be used to produce atomic-state fluid iodine by iodine atom rearrangement occurring in the pseudo-critical reaction system. In one aspect, the atomic-state fluid iodine has a specific gravity of about 3.8-4.0 g/mL and maintains stable physical state under 10-100 C and light environment without sublimation or decomposition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of disinfectants, in particular to a botanical disinfection composition. The botanical disinfection composition comprises the following raw materials in parts by weight: 0.5-1.0 part of tea tree essential oil, 0.5-1.0 part of niaouli essential oil, 0.5-1.0 part of palmarosa essential oil, 0.5-1.0 part of lemon mint essential oil, and 0.3-0.8 part of lemon myrtle essential oil and/or litsea cubeba essential oil. The invention further provides a method for preparing the botanical disinfection composition, comprising uniformly mixing tea tree essential oil, niaouli essential oil, palmarosa essential oil, lemon mint essential oil, and lemon myrtle essential oil and/or litsea cubeba essential oil according to predetermined parts by weight. The botanical disinfection composition provided by the invention is low in usage amount of ethanol, small in toxic and side effects, good in sterilization effect and short in action time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inactivating Cronobacter sakazakii, which belongs to the field of food safety technologies. The present invention provides a method to use tea polyphenols as an active ingredient to inactivate Cronobacter sakazakii. The invention can be used to control and eliminate the contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii in food or food processing, especially the contamination of Cronobacter sakazakii during PIF production. The present invention provides an effective method to clean and sterilize the environment and the equipment, especially to clean the inner wall of the equipment which is hard to clean due to biofilms formed inside.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for controlling pests by application of sabadilla oil to pests' environment or to pests. This present invention is also directed to methods for producing sabadilla oil by removing the oil from plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing a dry, flowable sabadilla extract and to methods of its use as a pesticide.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for preparing a concentrated sabadilla extract and to methods of its use as a pesticide.

Abstract: Food products, apparatus, systems and methods in which a pocketed bun is produced by supplying compressed air into a portion of bread dough to produce an air pocket, cooking the portion to produce an at least partially cooked bun, and cutting the bun into at least two pieces, with each piece having a cavity. Air can be delivered directly inside the portion of bread dough through a tube or to an expandable object (e.g., a balloon). Preferably, the portion of bread dough is placed into an expandable mold controlled by at least an arm operated by a processor. Batches of pocketed buns can be produced by utilizing a device having multiple molds inside a chamber, and multiple stacked chambers or a shelf with multiple floors.

Abstract: A pocketed bun is made by placing a removable insert inside a portion of bread dough, cooking the bread dough to produce a bread bun, cutting the bread bun, and removing the insert from the bread bun. Preferably, the insert is made of a non-edible and non-stick material. The insert is at least partially or completely surrounded by the bread dough before and after cooking. The insert can also be magnetic, so that the insert and the bread dough can be magnetically suspended during cooking in an oven that has one or more suspension magnets.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head extending over a bowl receiving location, the head including a downwardly extending rotatable output shaft for receiving a mixer tool, the head including a planetary system therewithin for effecting rotation of the rotatable output shaft about its axis and orbiting of the shaft axis about another axis. A motor includes an output operatively connected to drive the planetary system. A control system includes a plurality of sensors, each sensor located for detecting a respective condition of mixing machine, and a diagnostic control operable to (i) track outputs from the plurality of sensors over time, (ii) analyze the tracked outputs and (iii) produce an alert indication based upon the diagnostic control identifying a performance characteristic indicative of a need for service or repair of the mixing machine.

Abstract: A method for preparing a dough or a baked product prepared from the dough which method comprises incorporating into the dough a lipolytic enzyme and/or a xylanase and an X143 polypeptide, wherein the X143 polypeptide is a monooxygenase.

Abstract: One variation of a system for forming a meat patty includes: a cylinder operable in a upright position and an inverted position; a piston running within the cylinder and defining a set of gas ports; a grinder configured to grind meat and to dispense a quantity of ground meat into the cylinder, in the upright position, during a grind cycle; an actuator system configured to transition the cylinder from the upright position to the inverted position during a dispense cycle to dispense the quantity of ground meat from the cylinder; and a gas supply configured to supply gas to the cylinder behind the piston at a first pressure during the grind cycle to limit ingress of ground meat into the gas ports and at a second pressure greater than the first pressure during the dispense cycle to dislodge the quantity of ground meat from the piston.

Abstract: Conveying assembly with overhead conveyor having shackles for suspending poultry carcasses by the legs with each shackle suspended from a hanger. A guide element may be disposed generally below and parallel to the overhead conveyor to prevent rotation of the shackles about a vertical axis. The guide element may be movable in the conveying direction and the stops can be mounted on the guide element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a mitt for attachment to a hand of a user to facilitate the shucking of an oyster. The mitt is made of strong flexible material and includes a flat palm pad portion having a plurality of finger loops attached thereto so that the fingers of the hand of a user can be placed through the loops so that the palm pad portion can be held securely to the hand of the user. The palm pad includes a rear portion disposed near a wrist of a user having an adjustable strap attached thereto which encircles the wrist of the user for securing the mitt to the hand of the user and includes hook and loop material. A reinforcing planar member is attached to an underside of the palm pad portion for reinforcing the palm pad portion and for contacting and gripping the shell of an oyster.

Abstract: A method for drying a food product includes the step of: a) inserting the food product in an enclosure, the enclosure being defined by the vessel of a mixer; and b) drying the food product in the enclosure by applying a vacuum to the enclosure. The supplying of heat to the product located inside the enclosure is carried out when the vacuum is applied to the enclosure during step b) such as to maintain and/or increase the temperature of the product during all or part of the process of drying by applying a vacuum to the enclosure. The supplying of heat is carried out by heat transfer between at least one heat-transfer fluid and the product and/or by irradiating the product with electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dairy and milk treatment industries for obtaining lactose-free milk and assessment of byproduct in particular, particularly to milk treatment industry through different separation means such as micro and nanofiltration equipment. One of the purposes of this invention is to provide a delactosed or lactose-free milk with sensory profile equivalent to a normal pasteurized milk using essential separation steps to reduce product costs. Another purpose of this invention is to determine the effect of milk natural components concentration on organoleptic properties to achieve the first purpose of this invention. Another purpose is to determine percentage between retentate and permeate to get a sensory profile equivalent to a normal pasteurized milk.

Abstract: A portable, unpowered, inexpensive, personal nut milk extraction device that maximizes the amount of milk that can be extracted from a nut such as an almond. It utilizes a collection vessel with a hanging filter bag that is twistably compressed by a series of polymer straps operatively engaged by a twistable cap on the vessel. An over-torque device prevents the filter bag and polymer straps from damage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for transferring an aroma from a aroma providing substance to a an aroma-adsorbing substance by a gas flow and without the aroma-providing substance and the aroma-adsorbing substance getting in direct contact.

Abstract: A method for preparing no-mess fudge is provided. The process for preparing no-mess fudge may include a firming container and a stand-up container. The stand-up container retains a plurality of pre-measured fudge ingredients. The stand-up container may be sleeve providing a seal on one end and a flat base on the other. In preparation of making fudge, a user may cut vents and/or tear notches through the seal. The user may then heat the stand-up container for a sufficient time to properly prepare the plurality of ingredients. The user may then knead the stand-up container for a sufficient time to properly mix the plurality of ingredients. The user may then urge the plurality of ingredients out of the stand-up container and into the firming container so that the plurality of ingredients may set to fudge of a desired hardness.

Abstract: A process for modifying starches comprises atomising an aqueous slurry of a non-pregelatmised, granular, high amylose starch into an internal chamber in a bi-fluid nozzle of a dryer and treating the atomized slurry, in the internal chamber, with medium pressure steam to produce a slurry of partially treated starch granules followed by discharging the slurry into a reactor where it is contacted with superheated steam to produce dry, particulate, cold water-swelling, intact, high amylose starch granules. The cold water-swelling, intact, high amylose starch granules have greater than 15% solubles. At a starch concentration of 1%, in UDMSO (9 volumes DMSO and 1 volume 6M urea) at 25° C., the ratio of apparent viscosity of said cold water-swelling, intact, high amylose starch granules to the apparent viscosity of the parent non-pregelatinised, granular, high amylose starch is lower than 1.00.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and method of making a frozen confectionary product such as ice cream or sorbet in which a confectionary mix is churned in a vessel whilst a liquid gas such as liquid nitrogen is added. Existing churning apparatus moves a stirrer through the ice cream mix in an epicyclical motion. This tends to splash liquid nitrogen so that it evaporates without contributing to the freezing of the ice cream. In the improved mixing method, the stirrer is repeatedly drawn against the inside wall(s) of the vessel. This reduces splashing of the liquid nitrogen. The drawing action also removes build up of frozen confectionary product on both the stirrer and the vessel walls and allows unfrozen confectionary mix to move to the edges of the vessel and be preferentially frozen.

Abstract: An ice-cream vending machine with an insulated and refrigerated bottom half housing containing stacks of pre-portioned ice-cream supported by a plurality of circular platforms and a top half housing containing radially deposed topping storage bins, a topping retrieval mechanism, a centrally located stacked cup storage tube and a centrally located cup holding platform. The topping retrieval mechanism with a topping receiving cup is attached to a horizontally disposed telescoping arm The telescoping arm engages a radially disposed drive mechanism that allows the topping receiving cup to access a selected bin and deliver the topping to a portion of ice-cream. The ice-cream portions are retrieved one at a time from the refrigerated bottom half housing and delivered via an ice-cream delivery mechanism to a centrally located ice-cream cup.

Abstract: A frozen beverage dispenser includes a housing, a hopper configured to store a beverage product, a freezing chamber, a front cover removably coupled to the housing, a refrigeration system, an auger positioned within the freezing chamber, a drive configured to rotate the auger, an air inlet formed near the bottom of the housing, a single air outlet formed near the rear and the top of the housing, a fan for drawing air through the air inlet into the interior of the housing and exhausting air from the interior of the housing through the single air outlet, a spigot fluidly coupled to the freezing chamber, the spigot including a valve and an outlet wherein with the valve in a closed position, frozen beverage does not pass through the valve and with the valve in an open position, frozen beverage passes through the valve and exits through the outlet of the spigot.