Abstract: A cat litter box is designed to be folded into a compact form for storage and shipment to a customer and unfolded by the customer for use. When it is time to replace the litter box, the cat litter box can be refolded back into a compact form for disposal. A lid 40 protects the box during storage and shipment.

Abstract: A pet furniture including a box and a plurality of sheets is provided. The box includes an accommodating recess concavely formed on a side thereof, and the plurality of sheets are detachably and erectly disposed in the accommodating recess. When the plurality of sheets are disposed in the accommodating recess, the narrow side of each of the plurality of sheets is exposed at the opening of the accommodating recess.

Abstract: A pet bed covering system is disclosed. The system may include a pet bed and a pet bed cover. A pet bed cover may have an outer sleeve that wraps about the pet bed with attachment features whereby the pet bed cover may be retained in position about the pet bed. The outer sleeve may have a pet opening edge whereby a pet may enter and exit from the pet bed. In this manner, the pet may be kept warm while resting on the pet bed.

Abstract: Water delivery apparatuses and associated methods that minimize the amount of time and preparation and/or maintenance work required for a user to supply water to one or more animals are disclosed. In an aspect, water delivery apparatuses and associated methods of use are disclosed that are configured to maintain a substantially consistent water quantity within at least one water reservoir that provides drinkable water to one or more animals. The substantially consistent water quantity may be maintained by configuring at least one float mechanism that comprises at least one sealing element to at least partially block at least one orifice associated with at least one water supply inlet connected to a continuous water supply once the water within the reservoir reaches a certain level, thereby slowing and/or stopping the incoming water flow.

Abstract: A mobile telephone adapts to use as a gundog training tool by interfacing with a dog collar using a wireless communication device, such as a WWAN text or IP interface, a WLAN interface or a radio transceiver that couples to the mobile telephone and is accessible to a training application running on the mobile telephone. The dog collar includes a GPS receiver to provide position information to the mobile telephone and a shock device to provide training stimulus to the dog. A wireless headset interfaces with the mobile telephone to provide audible indications of position to an end user, such as a dog point and tone indicators of directions to the dog. A wireless handset interfaces with the mobile telephone to accept inputs for application to the collar, such as training stimulus.

Abstract: A retractable leash device (e.g., for pets, children, or the like) having a length control system for limiting the extendable length of a main line is provided. The device includes a cover plate mounted on a wind-up spool and having at least one ridged channel that interacts with a length control switch during line extension to control the extendable length of the main line while simultaneously maintaining the retractability of the main line.

Abstract: In embodiments, the environmentally aware pet leash may restrain the movements of a pet and monitor environmental conditions during a walk. An infrared thermometer within the pet leash may be pointed towards a walking surface in front of the pet. The pet leash may display the pavement temperature of the walking surface, on an operator display and may alert the use to pavement temperatures that lie outside of predetermined range of temperatures. A laser point that is aligned to display a visible spot at the center of the area may show the user where the pavement temperature is being determined. The pet leash may also display and alert based upon data from a plurality of environmental sensors and a distance/route tracker and may report environmental conditions, alerts, distances, or routes to a remote computer using a transceiver.

Abstract: A collar-mounted location sensor and stimulation unit includes a body. A generally planar stimulation unit and impedance-based fur detector in combination protect the animal from harmful stimulation. At least one sensory stimulator is configured to provide at least one of auditory, kinesthetic, and visual stimulation responsive to an output of a location sensor. One or more of a voltage, current, oscillation frequency, extent of modulation, or other output characteristic of the stimulation unit output is varied responsive to the detected fur impedance to protect and benefit both the body and mind of the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining information about a farm animal, wherein a device (a) is attached to the head region of an animal, said device containing at least one acceleration sensor by means of which recurring acceleration data is measured, wherein the acceleration data is evaluated using automatic data processing means, and, as an outcome of the evaluation, is indicative of the activities and/or conditions of the animal. The acquired acceleration data is evaluated in order to detect the swallowing processes carried out by the animal.

Abstract: An animal drinker includes a base tray that is defined by an exterior drinking trough connected to an interior fluid reservoir by a passageway. The trough and the interior fluid reservoir are maintained at a consistent fluid level. An upper reservoir stores fluid above the interior reservoir and is in fluid communication therewith by an outlet positioned at the bottom. A buoyant float pan is positioned in the interior fluid reservoir of the base tray. A float stop is positioned between the float pan and the outlet of the upper reservoir to stop the flow of fluid from the upper reservoir to the interior fluid reservoir at a predetermined level.

Abstract: An artificially-created honey-yielding environment is established, including a hive and an associated flora cell, within which first and second plant populations cohabit. Within the cell, honey-producing insects from the hive are permitted to forage. One of the populations has been artificially introduced. The other may be indigenous to the cell. The first plant population serves as a primary source of nectar which yields bioactive honey and the second serves as a source of a nutrient, such as protein, which is not abundantly available from the first species at a nutritionally adequate level for sustaining the metabolism and energy of the foraging honey-producing insects for returning to the hive. The first flora population may be a Leptospermum species. An example of the second is Corymbia maculata.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for generating F0 fertile XY female animals. The methods and compositions involve making XY pluripotent or totipotent animal cells, in vitro cell cultures, or embryos that are capable of producing a fertile female XY animal in an F0 generation. Such cells, embryos, and animals can be made by silencing a region of the Y chromosome. Optionally, the cells can also be cultured in feminizing medium such as a low-osmolality medium and/or can be modified to decrease the level and/or activity of an Sry protein. Methods and compositions are also provided for silencing a region of the Y chromosome in an XY pluripotent or totipotent animal cell, or in vitro cell cultures, embryos, or animals derived therefrom, by maintaining an XY pluripotent or totipotent animal cell in a feminizing medium.

Abstract: Methods, uses, and compositions for manipulating genomic DNA. Some of the embodiments of the invention provide for making a founder animal that is completely free of all unplanned genetic modifications. Some embodiments are directed to removing genetic faults in established breeds without making other alterations to the genome. Other embodiments are directed to particular tools or processes such as TALENs or CRISPR with a preferred truncation. One embodiment involves introducing a targeted targeting endonuclease system and a HDR template into a cell (optionally with a mismatch in the binding of the targeting endonuclease and the targeted site). Another embodiment includes processes of making a genetically modified livestock animal comprising a genome that comprises inactivation of a neuroendocrine gene selective for sexual maturation, with the inactivation of the gene preventing the animal from becoming sexually mature.

Abstract: A mosquito agitator system and method to disrupt the development of mosquito larvae in bodies of water are disclosed. The mosquito agitator, in one embodiment, includes a motor coupled to a rotating shaft that is coupled to a non-symmetric mass; a hull coupled to the motor; one or more solar panels coupled to the hull for capturing solar energy into electricity; a plurality of sensors; and a controller coupled to at least the motor, wherein the controller is configured to receive sensor data from the plurality of sensors; select a first mosquito agitator algorithm for execution; and execute the first mosquito agitator algorithm to control activate the motor in accordance with the first mosquito agitator algorithm, wherein the activation causes the hull to create a plurality of water ripples in the body of water to disrupt the development of mosquito larvae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cultivation of crop plants using plant protection agents. Objects of the present invention are methods, a system and a computer program product for determining the partial-area-specific requirement of a crop plant for plant protection agents.

Abstract: An animal trap having an enclosure body, a restraint, and a latching and triggering mechanism is provided. A method of using this animal trap is also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide a rodent extermination system for efficient rodent population control. An example rodent extermination system includes a vacuum unit configured to generate suction and an extermination chamber. The extermination chamber defines a first end attached to and in fluid communication with the vacuum unit and a second end in fluid communication with an external environment. The system also includes at least one presence sensor and at least two electrocution plates. The at least two electrocution plates are electrified such that the rodent is electrocuted via contact with the electrocution plates, and the vacuum unit generates suction such that the rodent is moved through the extermination chamber. The vacuum unit may comprise a kill plate into which the rodent is ejected at high velocity in order to induce cervical dislocation or blunt force trauma to the rodent.

Abstract: A turkey decoy system wherein the tail of the decoy can be moved from a lowered position to a raised and fanned position by a pair of control lines, wherein a fanned tail of the decoy can be oscillated by the control lines, wherein the decoy can be moved forward and backward by the pair of control lines, and wherein the decoy can be oscillated by the control lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to quaternary ammonium disinfecting cleaner compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, an antimicrobial amine, and an anionic scale inhibitor. Beneficially, the compositions provide sanitizing efficacy without diminished performance and without scale formation when diluted with hard water. The compositions are suitable for inactivating and/or reducing infectious agents, particularly Norovirus, Adenovirus, and Polyomavirus.

Abstract: Highly acidic, stabilized peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are disclosed as having both improved antimicrobial efficacy in comparison to conventional peroxyoctanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid compositions for sanitizing applications, and improved transport and shipping stability. In particular, low odor and low/no VOC compositions having dual functionality as both acid wash and sanitizing compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder formulation comprising at least one insect repellent and magnesium hydroxide carbonate, and to a process for the preparation of the formulation and to the use of the formulation for repelling insects.

Abstract: A compound represented by formula (1) is described: The compound has an excellent efficacy for controlling weeds, and is thus useful as an active ingredient for an agent for controlling weeds.

Abstract: An insect control composition and related methods of preparation and use are disclosed. The composition includes a mixture of non-cannabis flour and an amount of cannabis seed flour effective to mitigate a population of insecta treated with the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food forming drum comprising a multitude of rows product cavities, each row comprising a multitude of product cavities, wherein the product cavities are provided as one or more at least partially porous members made from a porous material with interconnecting pores. The present invention further relates to a food forming apparatus comprising a food forming drum and a porous member. Additionally, the present invention relates to a movable unit to transport a drum and a method to change a drum or clean the food forming apparatus.

Abstract: A production system for moisture and texture detection and control in tortilla and tortilla chip production includes a production line, including a cooker/grinder, a sheeter/cutter, an oven, an equalizer, a fryer, and a cooler/packaging machine; and a production control unit, including a processor, non-transitory memory, an input/output component, a moisture controller, a temperature controller, a belt speed controller, a masa moisture sensor, a chip moisture sensor, laser sensors for measuring surface texture of baked and fried chips, a laser controller, a texture classifier, a feedback controller. Also disclosed is a method for production control, including controlling moisture content, measuring masa moisture, controlling oven, measuring baked surfaces, measuring fried surfaces, classifying baked surfaces, classifying fried surfaces, optimizing oven temperature, optimizing oven belt speed, storing and characterizing historical records.

Abstract: A method for processing carcasses of livestock, comprises the processing steps of: positioning a hanging livestock carcass; making an incision along the spine of the positioned hanging livestock carcass; loosening the meat from opposite sides of the feather bones of the spine; and splitting the spine of the carcass. A device for processing carcasses of livestock is arranged for enabling the process steps.

Abstract: A method for treating a food which is in an insulating encapsulation or casing or which will be introduced into same, by ohmic heating. The heating serves to treat sausage products in an intestine, such as Brühwurst (scalded sausage), hot dogs or similar food products. The food is brought into contact with spaced electrically conductive electrodes, wherein the electrodes are connected to a controllable power source. The electrodes are each in the form of at least one first and one second electrode group, wherein the electrode groups are at a distance AEG to one another. Each electrode group has a number of individual electrodes, similar to a comb-like set of needles, wherein the neighbouring individual electrodes of the comb-type set of needles are each at a distance AEE to one another. The respective comb-like set of needles penetrates the insulating encapsulation or the casing of the food.

Abstract: Process for continuous inoculation of a food product, in particular a dairy product, with ferments, comprising the following steps: —solid concentrated ferments are transformed into liquid concentrated ferments, —the transformed concentrated ferments are continuously injected into a flow of liquid to be inoculated, characterized in that the liquid concentrated ferments are transformed—by thawing frozen concentrated ferments in a temperature controlled chamber or—by rehydrating freeze-dried concentrated ferments.

Abstract: A method of making a pressurized packaged liquid beverage including filling a container including a one-way valve with a liquid mixture including a base liquid and a gum; sealing the container; introducing a volume of gas through the one-way valve after sealing the container; and agitating the container. When the container is opened, the liquid mixture increases in volume and separates into a liquid phase and a drinkable foam phase, which may persist for an extended period of time. The base liquid includes milk, coffee, fruit juice, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Described is a dietary supplement and a corresponding method to maintain the nutritional health of mammals, including humans. The composition includes a dried dairy product, typically cream, whole milk, reduced fat milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, or combinations thereof in combination with an oil comprising linolenic acid.

Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a chlorogenic acid-containing composition, including a step of subjecting coffee beans to column extraction using an aqueous solvent, in which the coffee beans include at least one selected from the group consisting of green coffee beans, decaffeinated green coffee beans, roasted coffee beans having an L value of 40 or more, and decaffeinated roasted coffee beans having an L value of 25 or more, and include at least one selected from the group consisting of unground coffee beans and ground coffee beans having an average particle size of 2.0 mm or more.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for producing a shaved ice or snow cone products and providing toppings thereto. The system may comprise an ice shaving or snow cone machine, a mobile edifice, and a topping dispenser attached to the mobile edifice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed composition for an animal comprising tea tree oil, wherein the tea tree oil is present in an amount sufficient to reduce bacterial infection in the animal upon ingestion of the feed composition, and to methods for preparing such a composition.

Abstract: High thermal transfer, hollow core extrusion screws (50, 52, 124, 126, 190) include elongated hollow core shafts (54, 128, 130, 192) equipped with helical fighting (56, 132, 134, 194) along the lengths thereof. The fighting (132, 134, 194) may also be of hollow construction which communicates with the hollow core shafts (54, 128, 130, 192). Structure (88, 90) is provided for delivery of heat exchange media (e.g., steam) into the hollow core shafts (54, 128, 130, 192) and the hollow fighting (132, 134, 194). The fighting (56, 132, 134, 194) also includes a forward, reverse pitch section (64, 162, 216). The extrusion screws (50, 52, 124, 126, 190) are designed to be used as complemental pairs as a part of twin screw processing devices (20), and are designed to impart high levels of thermal energy into materials being processed in the devices (20), without adding additional moisture.

Abstract: The present application discloses a solid beverage for conditioning blood stasis constitution. The solid beverage comprises the following components in parts by weight: 21-55 parts of hawthorn, 9-33 parts of peach seed, 9-33 parts of gingko, 5-21 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus, 9-33 parts of dried tangerine peel, 0.5-4 parts of cinnamon, 9-33 parts of the root of kudzu vine, 2-21 parts of Dahurian angelica, 10-29 parts of dextrin, 7-25 parts of maltodextrin, 8-26 parts of soluble starch and 0.05-0.2 parts of aspartame. The solid beverage of the present application is simple and convenient to prepare, the raw materials used are all medicinal materials with dual-purpose of drug and food, and the auxiliary materials used also meet the national standard GB2760-2011 (the National Food Safety Standard for Food Additive Use).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to sports drinks with improved ability to rehydrate individuals especially after intense physical activities. Compositions for preparing the drinks are also provided. The sports drinks can also reduce muscle soreness or fatigue, improve muscle performance, and minimize muscle cramping.

Abstract: A cooler including a compartment, a conduit including a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, food product at a first product temperature entering the first end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with and for supplying fluid through the fluid discharge, the fluid being at a first fluid temperature less than the first product temperature, the pressurized fluid source being operable to propel the fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion and to cool the food product to a temperature below the first product temperature.

Abstract: An improved method of detoxifying gluten proteins from cereal grains produces detoxified cereal grains with a reduction of antigenicity of toxic epitopes of gluten proteins by up to a range between 0 and 20 ppm. The detoxified cereal grains can be advantageously used for preparation of food products (e.g. bakery products, pasta or dairy products) having a manifest preventive and/or therapeutic effect for gut dysbiosis caused by bacterial or viral infective agents or by pathologies with a strong inflammatory or autoimmune component such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable intestine syndrome.

Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, provided is an apple peel sweetener that can be used as an ingredient or condiment for food and beverages. The combination of dried apple peel powder and dried apple flesh or other sweetener can serve as a substitute for sugar or artificial sweeteners, as examples. The apple sweetener can provide improved health benefits, including a lower glycemic index when compared to other sweeteners.

Abstract: An edible composition to increase the metabolism of alcohol thus prevent or lessen the symptoms caused by ingesting excessive amounts of alcohol is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bacterial strain, L. plantarum GOS 42 (DSM 32131), isolated preparations and compositions thereof; and their use in medicine, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of inflammation.

Abstract: A system for processing agricultural items includes a first member having a first surface, a first axis, and a partially cylindrical space, the first surface being an inner surface of the partially cylindrical space. The system also includes a substantially arcuate second member having a second surface and a second axis, the second member being disposed at least partially in the partially cylindrical space, and the contoured second surface being an outer surface of the second member. The first surface and the second surface are substantially opposed to each other. One of the first and second surfaces substantially tapers toward another of the first and second surfaces along the first or second axes. The first and second axes are respective first and second circumferential axes.

Abstract: A manual cigarette making machine including a casing with top and side walls, a compacting chamber access opening in the top wall located above a compacting chamber for receiving loose tobacco, a handle mounted for rotation generally perpendicular to the top wall attached to a driveshaft extending through the sidewall into the machine casing, a cam-driven tamper mechanism operated by the driveshaft for compressing loose tobacco in the compacting chamber, a cam-driven tobacco injection assembly operated by the drive shaft with an injection drive plate mounted for rotation generally parallel to the top wall, and a tobacco spoon associated with the tobacco injection assembly for transporting compressed tobacco from the compacting chamber to a hollow cigarette tube.

Abstract: A smoking article tube includes an elongated tube having a mouthpiece segment at a first end and an empty smokable material cavity defined by a second end of the elongated tube opposing the first end. A hydrophobic tube region includes hydrophobic groups covalently bonded to the elongated tube.

Abstract: A wrapper of a smoking article includes a base web and at least one transverse banded region. The banded region includes a first zone, a second zone and a third zone of add-on material. The second zone has about 25% to about 75% less add-on material than the first zone and the third zone. The banded region is about 5 mm to about 9 mm wide and the second zone is centrally located between the first zone and the third zone. The second zone includes a plurality of dots of the add-on material spaced from adjacent dots in the second zone by a distance greater than a distance between adjacent dots in the first zone and the third zone.

Abstract: A breakable capsule such as a seamless breakable capsule useful in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco product includes an outer shell formed of a cross-linked agar matrix including at least one filler, and an inner core surrounded by the outer shell which comprises a liquid or gel based composition of a flavorant and/or non-flavorant. The cross-linked agar matrix is reinforced with carboxymethyl cellulose that is dispersed throughout the agar matrix so as to fill empty spaces in the agar matrix and inhibit the composition from passing through the empty spaces of the agar matrix.

Abstract: A cellulose acetate particle aggregate, a preparation method therefor and an application thereof, which relate to the field of harm reduction additives in cigarettes. The cellulose acetate particle aggregate includes 49-99.5 wt % of cellulose acetate particles, 0-50 wt % of a second kind of particles, and 0.5-20 wt % of a binder. The preparation method involves selecting cellulose acetate particles and a second kind of particles in a certain ratio, or cellulose acetate particles alone, preparing particle aggregates by using an air fluidized granulation method while adding a binder thereto, and sieving the particle aggregates to obtain a cellulose acetate particle aggregate having a required particle size. The cellulose acetate particle aggregate has a porous structure, an irregular shape, and a rough and uneven surface, which help to improve the efficiency of filtering out particulate matters or one or more harmful ingredients in cigarette smoke.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an e-liquid bottle engageable with an electronic cigarette. The e-liquid bottle includes a main body (11), a cover (12), and a control switch (14); the cover (12) forms at least one liquid outlet (121); and the control switch (14) is arranged in the cover (12). The electronic cigarette includes a cartridge (21) and a liquid injection device (23); the cartridge (21) forms a liquid reservoir (A), and one end of the cartridge (21) comprises an end wall (223) and a second operation portion (222) extending axially outwards from the end wall (223); the end wall (223) forms one liquid injection opening (2231), the second operation portion (222) corresponds to the control switch (14); the liquid injection device (23) is arranged on the end of the cartridge (21) and forms a liquid injection channel and a first liquid inlet (2321) is formed in the liquid injection channel.

Abstract: A vaporizer is disclosed. The vaporizer includes a body, an air pump, a heating block, a filling chamber, an air channel, and a control panel. The control panel is in electrical communication with the battery, the air pump, and the heating block and is configured to control a speed of the air pump and a temperature of the heating block.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly and an atomizer assembly within a housing with the battery assembly electrically connected to the atomizer assembly. The housing has one or more air inlets. A liquid storage component is in contact with a porous component of the atomizer assembly, with the porous component having a run-through hole. A heating wire is in an air flow path through the run-through hole.