Abstract: Animal litter comprising composite particles including powdered sodium bentonite and powdered activated carbon, agglomerated together into the composite particles, wherein the animal litter has a particle size distribution of 16/50 mesh (i.e., 300 ?m to 1180 ?m in size). The litter may include non-composite, granular clay particles (e.g., granular sodium bentonite) having the same particle size distribution (16/50 mesh). Such particle size characteristics significantly reduce dusting, without the need for a de-dusting agent, reduce clump depth and/or reduce clump width at the bottom of the clump (both acting to reduce risk of clumps sticking to the bottom of the litter box) and result in more efficient use of the litter in clumping (reduced clump weight) by increasing absorbency.

Abstract: A pet absorbent sheet having a thickness direction, a first direction orthogonal to the thickness direction, and a second direction orthogonal to the thickness direction and the first direction includes: a top-surface sheet disposed on a top-surface side; a back-surface sheet disposed on a back-surface side; an absorbent body disposed between the top-surface sheet and the back-surface sheet; and colored portions disposed on a back-surface side of the top-surface sheet and that are visible from a top-surface side of the top-surface sheet. A region that overlaps the absorbent body includes: colored regions where the colored portions are disposed; and a non-colored region where the colored portions are not disposed between the colored regions in the first direction. The non-colored region is disposed throughout an entire region of the absorbent body in the second direction.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor swivel comprising a stationary central core defining a milk line and a media inlet port; a rotating sleeve disposed at least partially around the stationary central core, and the rotating sleeve includes a first segment defining a milk inlet port in communication with the milk line and a second segment defining a media outlet port in communication with the media inlet port.

Abstract: A bulk feed tank has a boot unloader through which feed is directed into a supply system having at least one conveyor housing an auger. The boot unloader includes an unloader body formed of front, rear and opposing side panels forming a rectangular receiving portion. An auger mounting plate is mounted to the front panel and mates with the conveyor. A bearing assembly is secured to the rear panel and rotatably mounts the auger such that the auger passes through the receiving portion. A clear access door is attached to at least one of the opposing side panels. A wear plate assembly is attached to an. The wear plate assembly is fastened to the front, rear and side panels under the boot unloader body and can be removed without unfastening the side panels from the front panel and the rear panel or removing the auger from the receiving portion.

Abstract: An encapsulated food processing machine receives packages of frozen or freeze-dried food encapsulated in edible film. The machine heats water, pumps it to the portion of the machine with the encapsulated food, and mixes the encapsulated food while heating it with the warm water. The result is a ready-to-eat meal. In use, a user determines a number of packages of encapsulated food based on a pet's size and weight, and places the packages into a specially designed bowl. The user selects the number and type of packages on the machine, which prepares the food via the aforementioned process. The bowl with the ready-to-eat meal is then removed from the machine, and the pet eats the meal directly from the bowl.

Abstract: A canine multi-meal kit is provided herein. The kit comprises at least two containers, each container storing one dehydrated canine meal, in aspects. Each dehydrated canine meal is sealed within a container in an airtight manner by a containment structure. Each containment structure partitions a container into a volume occupied by a canine meal and another volume that is not occupied by the canine meal, as the volume of the canine meal is less than the total volume of the corresponding container. In one aspect, items are stored at least partially within the unoccupied volume of the containers when the kit is in an enclosed configuration.

Abstract: A pet food and water bowl apparatus includes a first bowl which is configured to contain water for a pet to drink, and the completely surround a support structure on which a second bowl for food in mounted. Surrounding the support structure with water prevent crawling insects from getting to the food in the second bowl. The second bowl is also configured to prevent food from falling into the water in the first bowl through changes in orientation of the second bowl.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are livestock watering apparatuses comprising: a receptacle to be positioned in a water source, the receptacle having an open bottom region to be positioned within the water source and an opening in a side thereof positioned above and out of the water source, and the receptacle being at least partially insulated; and a lid for selectively accessing the water source, the lid being hingedly connected the receptacle and accessible through the opening in the side of the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid moving devices (gas, liquid, or combination thereof). For example, particular devices of the present invention include drying devices, pumps, engines, motors, fans, and diffusers. Devices of the present invention also include display of mechanical movements for ornamental and practical purposes such as clock, model, or toy.

Abstract: A system for mounting and displaying a flag on an animal includes: a flag, a mast and a coupler. The flag includes any desired design and often includes the colors and design associated with a specific football team. The mast is attached to the flag and is operable to hold the flag in a position away from an animal's body when the system is coupled with an animal. The coupler is attached to the mast and is operable to couple the mast to an animal and position the mast such that the mast extends away from the animal. With the coupler and mast, one can releasably couple the system to an accessory worn by an animal such as a collar, a shirt, a sweater, a rain slick, or stockings, or to the animal itself such as the animal's tail or back. In this manner, one can couple the system to a variety of different animal's each of which have different body shapes and/or sizes.

Abstract: A paw sock horn device with a tapered bottom, two tapered sidewalls, and a handle, made of a flexible material such as plastic or steel, wherein the two tapered sidewalls can be folded inward allowing for easy ingress into the elastic cuff of a paw sock that when released force open and hold open, the cuff allowing for easy ingress of the dog's paw into the paw sock. Then simply pull gently on the handle to remove the paw sock horn leaving the sock in place on the dog's paw.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for integrated article dispensers for leashes which provide greater handling and responsiveness. One embodiment is an apparatus is in the form of an article dispenser that includes a first end for coupling with a first tensile member, a second end for coupling with the second tensile member, and a rigid housing between the first end and the second end. The rigid housing defines an internal volume for storing articles, and that further defines an opening. In response to the article dispenser bearing a threshold amount of tension, a centroid of the article dispenser aligns within a threshold distance of being collinear with a force that generates the tension. While the centroid of the article dispenser is within the threshold distance of being collinear, rotation of the system about an axis of the forcer applies less than a threshold torque to the tensile members.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a pet by a robot based on a grid map and a chip. A mutual position relationship between the pet and the robot is determined through wireless communication between a wireless signal device on the pet and the robot, and then whether there is an obstacle cell or not between grid cells where the robot and the pet are located in the grid map is judged. If NO, it is indicated that the pet may be effectively shot at a present position and shooting direction of the robot, and the present position and shooting direction of the robot are not required to be changed. If YES, it is indicated that no pet but an obstacle may be shot at the present position of the robot.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cradle for the incubation process of eggs in hatcheries, for the incubation of eggs in a cradleroora and optionally the hatching of the chicks, the cradle including an outer edge and an inner structure with a. number of positions to receive eggs, whereby the cradle includes a tiltable inner structure and a stackable outer edge. Also disclosed is a stacking of the, cradles, a cradleroom, incubation process, and method for the incubation of eggs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an egg carrier for holding an egg in an egg handling system, wherein the egg carrier comprises; an egg accommodation, an egg clamping system to secure an egg in the egg accommodation space, wherein the egg clamping system is moveable between an egg securing position and an egg release position, an operating system coupled with the egg clamping system to move the clamping system between the egg securing position and the egg release position, wherein the operating system comprises an operating member that is operable externally from the egg carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automatically sinking cage net system, comprising: the cage net body includes a floating frame and a net body; a working platform including an accelerometer, a first processing module and a first wireless communication module; a floating barrel, at least having a first opening, a gas flow controller, a water level sensor, a programmable control module, a second processing module, a second wireless communication module and a second opening; and a marine environment monitoring system, including a human-machine interface, a marine environment monitoring module, a data storage module, a third processing module, and a third wireless communication module; wherein the first wireless communication module, the second wireless communication module and the third wireless communication module are in signal connection with each other. The present disclosure provides an automatically sinking cage net system to improve the conventional shortcomings caused by manual operation.

Abstract: A method to reduce ammonia levels in an aqueous solution. Hydrogen and chlorine gases are injected into a closed-loop aqueous tank containing the toxic ammonia compound to incite various chemical reactions. Bi-products resulting from the various chemical reactions are removed with filtration and/or adsorption to effectively remove the toxins and contaminants from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing a chimeric non-human animal expressing a human NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 gene or a combination thereof gene comprising: a) generating a NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 or combination thereof null non-human animal cell, wherein both copies of the non-human NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 gene or combination thereof carry a mutation that prevents production of functional NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 protein or combination thereof in said non-human animal; b) creating a NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 or combination thereof null non-human blastocyst by somatic cell nuclear transfer comprising fusing a nucleus from said NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 or combination thereof null non-human animal cell of a) into an enucleated non-human oocyte and activating said oocyte to divide so as to form an NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 or combination thereof null non-human blastocyst; c) introducing human stem cells into the NKX2-5, HANDII, TBX5 or combination null non-human blastocyst of b); and d) implanting said blastocyst from c) into a pseudo

Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, strategies for minimizing antibody diversification in a transgenic animal that uses gene conversion for antibody diversification. In some embodiments, the animal may comprise a genome comprising an endogenous immunoglobulin light chain locus comprising: (a) a functional immunoglobulin light chain gene comprising a nucleic acid encoding a light chain variable region; and (b) a plurality of pseudogenes that are operably linked to the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene and that donate, by gene conversion, nucleotide sequence to the nucleic acid encoding a light chain variable region, wherein the pseudogenes are upstream or downstream of the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene and encode the same amino acid sequence as the light chain variable region of the functional immunoglobulin light chain gene of (a). In other embodiments, the locus may have a tandem array of coding sequences for the light chain.

Abstract: Aquatic traps disclosed herein can be used for trapping crustaceans such as crab, prawns and shrimp, as well as fish and including flat fish. The traps can include a trap frame surrounded by mesh. The trap frame can include a tapered side which allows nested stacking of traps. The mesh can include floor mesh, side mesh, entrance mesh, and ceiling mesh. The entrance mesh can extend inwardly from a portion of the tapered side, and attach to an entrance frame. A tensioning element may hold the entrance frame upright inside the trap, or otherwise, the entrance frame can be self-erecting. The ceiling mesh can be releasable to collapse the ceiling and the entrances, thereby facilitating nested stacking of the traps.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading the mouth of a bottom trawl comprising an array of flexible foil shaped kites that is capable of being mounted proximate to a wing of the bottom trawl, and wherein each of the kites in the array of flexible foil shaped kites has the same chord length and comprises: a middle kite foil section having an outer profile shape (preferably substantially a NACA 5319 shape) that is capable of assisting in spreading the mouth of the bottom trawl when in use, and having pockets extending longitudinally therethrough that house rope or wire of varying diameter, and a first and second endplate attached at each of a first and second distal end of the middle kite foil section respectively for maintaining a desired rigidity of the kite foil section, said first and second endplates having openings there through in communication with the pockets of the middle kite foil section, such that the rope or wire of varying diameter securely extends through said openings in the first and second endplate.

Abstract: A net assembly used for purse seine fishery, which is mounted on a first vessel, dropped into seawater from the first vessel, and towed by a second vessel to surround and pull fish to capture fish. The net assembly includes a plurality of floats floating on a surface of seawater to provide buoyancy to the net assembly, and coupled to one another in a spaced manner in a lengthwise direction of the net assembly; a net combination of a plurality of nets disposed under the floats in an inter-coupled state, and sunken and deployed from the surface of seawater to surround and capture fish; a weight body extending along a lower end of the net combination to provide a sinking force by means of gravity to sink the net combination; and a purse wire extending along the net combination while being spaced apart from the weight body in a downward direction, and tightened by the first vessel to allow the net assembly to form a closed space below the surface of seawater.

Abstract: A fishing tool with a collapsible distal end.

Abstract: A glue board trap for insects and spiders is provided that includes a reusable housing, a replaceable glue board, and a reusable lure compartment that is mounted to the housing. The lure compartment contains a water-based lure solution for attracting crawling pests that can be replaced as needed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to arthropod pest control sprays and methods of using such sprays to control arthropod pests.

Abstract: A rodent gasser including a smoke cartridge and having a self ignition system is provided. According to a first embodiment, the self ignition system has a top plastic cap covering a strike pad and a lower plastic shroud that protects the rodent gasser ignition system prior to use. An ignition button is provided under the shroud that works with the strike pad to ignite the smoke cartridge. According to a second embodiment, the self ignition system has a top plastic cap covering activation components of a pull pin ignition system that include a gripping element and a connecting element that couples the gripping element to an internal ignition assembly. The gasser is ignited by pulling the gripping element. A method of using the rodent gasser is also provided.

Abstract: Vegetation such as a weed (45) may be controlled by generating a foam comprising air and an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant; dispensing the foam so as to coat at least a base part of the weed that is to be controlled; and then injecting hot water into the foam (46) so as to contact the weed (45) below or within the coating of foam (46) The hot water causes the weed (45) to wilt and die, while the foam (46) suppresses heat loss from the hot water. The method may be carried out using a portable tool (10) which includes an air blower (14), a container (20) of a concentrate for the aqueous solution, a foam-generating tube (24) ending in an open-topped chute (26). The hot water may be provided through a flexible hose (22) from an external boiler (23), and after being used to produce the foam (46), the hot water be sprayed onto the top end of the chute (26).

Abstract: A system for controlling vegetation within a field may include an implement frame and a ground-engaging tool supported on the implement frame. The ground-engaging tool may, in turn, be configured to perform an agricultural operation on the field as the implement frame is moved across the field. Furthermore, the system may include an electrode supported on the implement frame. As such, when a plant within the field contacts the electrode as the implement frame is moved across the field, an electric current is discharged from the electrode into the plant.

Abstract: An animal trap sensor includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, a switch having a first metallic element and a second metallic element, and a signal unit, in which, when the first metallic element contacting the second metallic element, thereby forming a closed circuit, such that the signal unit transmits a signal to an off-site receiver. Or, an animal trap sensor includes a first portion and a second portion electrically connected with a signal unit including a power supply, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a first distance between each other, thereby generating an output property, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a second distance between each other, which is different from the first distance, thereby changing the output property and causing the signal unit to transmit a signal to an off-site receiver.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided, the barrier system comprising a first barrier component comprising: a support member formed from an electrically insulating material and having a first major surface, a second major surface and one or more edges extending between the first and second major surfaces; a first electrical conductor assembly comprising a first conductor member disposed on the first major surface of the support member; a second electrical conductor assembly comprising a second conductor member disposed on the first major surface of the support member, the second conductor member spaced apart and electrically insulated from the first conductor member; each of the first and second electrical conductor assemblies comprising an electrical contact member disposed an edge of the support member; wherein each electrical contact member and the respective edge of the support member are configured to connect with a corresponding electrical contact member and the respective edge of a corresponding second barrier c

Abstract: A tree stand platform assembly includes a platform that has a perimeter edge with a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The platform has a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer surface positioned between the top and bottom surfaces. The front edge is configured to engage a tree. A plurality of gripping protuberances is attached to and extends outwardly from the outer surface of the rear edge. The gripping protuberances are engageable by a user for stability when the user rotates relative to the platform.

Abstract: A modular hunting blind with individual components configured to be stored in the base with the top and roof serving as a container top to store and ship the modular hunting blind. The components may be readily assembled on site for placement on the ground or on a stand or platform with minimal tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution for cryopreservation of animal cells or animal tissues which substantially includes a cryoprotectant that contains 0.5 w/v % to 6.0 w/v % of dextran or derivatives thereof or salts thereof and contains dimethyl sulfoxide, and includes a physiological aqueous solution; a cryopreserved product of animal cells or animal tissues which includes animal cells or animal tissues, and includes the above-described solution for cryopreservation of animal cells or animal tissues; and a cryopreservation method of animal cells or animal tissues, which is a method using the above-described solution for cryopreservation of animal cells or animal tissues.

Abstract: A system and method for cryopreservation of cells or spheroids of cells including obtaining a suspension of the isolated mammalian cells in a medium; applying the suspension to a fibrous substrate comprising a network of interconnected cellulosic fibers defining a plurality of pores therein and allowing the suspension to absorb into the fibrous substrate such that the isolated mammalian cells penetrate and settle to an interior of the fibrous substrate; and cooling the fibrous substrate to or below a temperature of ?80° C.

Abstract: A medical product including an antibacterial hard material coating, which is applied to a main body and which includes biocide. The hard material coating includes at least one inner layer and one outer layer, wherein the biocide concentration in the outer layer is substantially constant and greater than the biocide concentration in the inner layer and the biocide concentration in the inner layer is greater than or equal to 0.2 at %.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dispersant obtained from the reaction of a styrene maleic anhydride and a monofunctional polyalkylene glycol. The dispersant may be combined with a pesticide and water to form an aqueous agricultural composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to the formation of a reaction product on a surface are generally provided. The systems and methods described herein may allow for collection of the retention of a fluid by a surface in a relatively high amount. Such systems and methods may be useful in various applications including, for example, agriculture. In some embodiments, the systems and methods enhance water retention on hydrophobic surfaces of plants. Advantageously, the methods described herein may, in some cases, result in the formation of reaction products on a surface that serve to prevent fluids from being removed from the surface. Advantageously, the systems and methods described herein may suppress the adverse effects of natural conditions such as high surface energies and wind.

Abstract: A system for consistently emitting a volatile material, the system including a dispenser having at least one aperture, a substrate adapted to fit within the dispenser, and a volatile material. The substrate includes a first woven layer having a first pore size, a second woven layer having a second pore size, and a third, non-woven layer that extends between the first woven layer and the second woven layer. Further, the system has a steady state weight loss of the volatile material over a time greater than 30 days.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation on surfaces by contacting the surface with an aqueous solution of at least one compound among a terpene, terpene alcohol, and acid obtained from a plant containing such a compound. Exemplary surfaces include tubing used in beer delivery lines in a brewery/restaurant setting, and medical tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antimicrobial mixture containing 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)butan-2-one and ethyl N-lauroyl arginate hydrochloride, and also to a cosmetic composition containing such a mixture. Use in caring for, making up and cleansing keratin materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seed of a plant, a seedling or a plant derived from the seed containing an increased internal concentration of glycine-betaine compared to untreated controls. The present disclosure further relates to a method to produce a ONO seed of a plant, a seedling or a plant derived from said seed containing an increased internal concentration of glycine-betaine which will confer to the seed, seedling or plant derived from said seed an enhanced germination potential and/or increased tolerance against various environmental stresses compared to untreated controls. The present disclosure further relates to uses of glycine-betaine for enhancing the germination potential of a seed and/or for increasing the tolerance of a seed against environmental stress. The present disclosure also relates to seedlings and plants, or parts thereof, derived from a seed of the present invention having an increased international concentration of glycine-betaine.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a growth inhibitor for microorganisms, a method of preventing contamination by microorganisms, and, a beverage, each of which utilizes as an active ingredient a thermally stable substance having antibacterial action against various microorganisms. The present invention relates to a growth inhibitor for microorganisms containing isoxanthohumol as an active ingredient, a method of preventing contamination by microorganisms using the same, and a beverage containing the same.

Abstract: Methods of fruit thinning fruit bearing plants using photosynthesis inhibiting fruit thinning agents are disclosed. Methods of determining the amount and/or timing of a first dose of photosynthesis inhibiting fruit thinning agents to be applied to a fruit bearing plant to thin fruit on the plant are disclosed. Methods of determining whether a second application of photosynthesis inhibiting fruit thinning agent is required to be applied to thin fruit on the plant, and if so the amount and/or timing thereof, are also disclosed. Methods of determining whether a dose of a photosynthesis inhibiting fruit thinning agent is required to be applied to a fruit bearing plant to thin fruit on the plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I) in which A1, A2, A3, R1, R2, R3, R5 and n have the meanings mentioned above, to the use thereof as acaricides and/or insecticides for controlling animal pests and to methods and intermediates for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: Aqueous antimicrobial coating compositions are disclosed comprising at least one organosilane homopolymer, present as a distribution of polymer chain lengths, and optionally at least one amine. A method of preparing an antimicrobial coating comprises coating a surface with the aqueous antimicrobial coating composition and allowing the composition to dry into a film that exhibits residual antimicrobial efficacy against microorganisms even after mechanical abrasion of the coating. The organosilane homopolymer may comprise only 3-aminopropylsilanetriol homopolymer, mixtures of 3-aminopropylsilanetriol homopolymer, 3-chloropropylsilanetriol homopolymer and 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl dimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride homopolymer, or any one of various unique organosilane homopolymers having multiple amine functionality.

Abstract: A substrate having an antibacterial surface includes a chitosan matrix and water-stable metal-organic frameworks dispersed throughout the chitosan matrix.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension includes a composition which includes nanoparticles, wherein said nanoparticles include a nucleic acid at least partially encapsulated in a matrix comprising calcium phosphate. The nanoparticle compositions and suspensions have high nucleic acid loading and high stability, and may be used for protecting crops against insects and for down-regulating expression of a target gene in an insect pest species in order to prevent and/or control pest infestation.

Abstract: An herbicidal composition comprising (a) glyphosate or a derivative thereof, (b) an amidoalkylamine surfactants having the general structure: wherein R1 is a hydrocarbyl having from about 1 carbon atoms to about 22 carbon atoms, and R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrocarbyl having from about 1 carbon atom to about 6 carbon atoms; and (c) at least one co-surfactant.

Abstract: A method of making an antimicrobial composite article, including the steps: providing a matrix comprising a polymeric material; providing a plurality of second phase particles comprising an antimicrobial agent; melting the matrix to form a matrix melt; distributing the plurality of second phase particles in the matrix melt at a second phase volume fraction to form a composite melt; forming a composite article from the composite melt; and treating the composite article to form an antimicrobial composite article having an exterior surface comprising an exposed portion of the matrix and the plurality of second phase particles. The distributing step can employ an extrusion process. The forming a composite article step can employ an injection molding process. The treating step can employ abrading and plasma-treating the article to define the exterior surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling growth of unwanted microorganisms by limiting their access to manganese. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting or delaying growth of yeast and mold by reducing the manganese concentration in a product which is preferably a food product. The invention also provides manganese scavengers and uses thereof to inhibit or delay fungal growth. The manganese scavenger may be a bacterial cell, specifically a lactic acid bacterial cell, more specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus alone or in combination with Lactobacillus paracasei.