Abstract: An at least semi-autonomous litter conditioning vehicle has a chassis. A drive system is coupled to the chassis and can move the vehicle along a floor of an animal enclosure. A collection system is coupled to a front portion of the chassis and includes a flailer that can reduce a particle size of the litter as the collection system collects litter from the floor. A conditioning system is coupled along a length of the chassis and includes a drum that can receive the collected litter and can be rotated to tumble the litter. A heating element of the conditioning system can transfer thermal energy to the litter as it is tumbled in the drum. A dispersement system is coupled to a back portion of the chassis. The dispersement system can receive conditioned litter from the conditioning system and can disperse the conditioned litter on the floor behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for determining the gender and/or fertility status of avian eggs including a sampling apparatus and an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and detector. In certain embodiments, the transmitter operates in the terahertz range. The sampling apparatus can be coupled to an avian egg. The sampling apparatus includes a vacuum source, a gas collection device, and a membrane that can be positioned in the passageway coupling the vacuum source to the gas collection device. The membrane is capable of capturing volatile organic compounds. The sampling apparatus applies a vacuum from the vacuum source to the gas proximate to the avian egg and directs the gas captured from the vicinity of the egg toward the membrane. Subsequently, the membrane is positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter, generating a spectrum which can be analyzed to determine whether the egg is fertile or infertile, and if fertile, whether the egg is male or female.

Abstract: A system for determining the gender and/or fertility status of avian eggs including a sampling apparatus and an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and detector. In certain embodiments, the transmitter operates in the terahertz range. The sampling apparatus can be coupled to an avian egg. The sampling apparatus includes a vacuum source, a gas collection device, and a membrane that can be positioned in the passageway coupling the vacuum source to the gas collection device. The membrane is capable of capturing volatile organic compounds. The sampling apparatus applies a vacuum from the vacuum source to the gas proximate to the avian egg and directs the gas captured from the vicinity of the egg toward the membrane. Subsequently, the membrane is positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter, generating a spectrum which can be analyzed to determine whether the egg is fertile or infertile, and if fertile, whether the egg is male or female.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for a lighting controller for sea lice detection. In some implementations, a pulse of red light and a pulse of blue light can be timed with the exposure of a camera to capture multiple images of a fish or group of fishes in both red and blue light. By using the captured images with different color light, computers can detect features on the body of a fish including sea lice, skin lesions, shortened operculum or other physical deformities and skin features. Detection results can aid in mitigation techniques or be stored for analytics. For example, sea lice detection results can inform targeted treatments comprised of lasers, fluids, or mechanical devices such as a brush or suction.

Abstract: A tray system suitable for use with fish laying eggs in skeins provides a set of cassettes having opposed water-permeable faces that may clamp about the edges of the skeins to prevent them from coiling about themselves while exposing both sides of the skeins to flowing water. A regular form factor of the cassettes allows them to be closely stacked with small water flow gaps between them for high hatching density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for storing insect larvae by means of a storage means. The insect larvae are stored in a cooling medium, e.g. water, in the storage means. The amount of water in the larvae-water mixture in the storage means is controlled to be between 30% and 80%. The content of the storage means is maintained at a temperature below 15° C. The content of the storage means is agitated using agitating means included in the storage means.

Abstract: An artificial bait fish is fabricated from a soft plastic body formed in the shape of a fish and having an embedded blade made from aluminum or other suitable material. The bait fish is fabricated using a overmolding process in which the embedded blade includes a colored portion on at least one surface to provide visibility. The artificial bait fish includes features that permit use with various fishing rigs.

Abstract: A dual-bearing reel includes a reel body, a spool shaft, a rolling bearing, and an elastic element. The spool shaft is rotatable with respect to the reel body. The rolling bearing has an outer diameter of 8 mm or less and supports the spool shaft. The rolling bearing includes an outer ring having a holding groove in an outer peripheral surface thereof, an inner ring connected to the spool shaft so as to be integrally rotatable, and a rolling element disposed between the outer ring and the inner ring. The elastic element has an annular shape and is held in the holding groove. The holding groove is located in a position that does not overlap with the rolling element in a radial direction of the spool shaft. The outer ring has a minimum thickness that is 10% or more of the outer diameter of the rolling bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device rod holding apparatus, comprising, a number of hollow pipes for holding the fishing rods, connection assemblies for griping the pipes together, a handle for carrying the apparatus with single hand and a container for holding various objects.

Abstract: A pest detection system comprising at least one of a temperature component, an odor component, or a respiration imitation component. The temperature component can be configured to radiate heat such that a select temperature is reached. The odor component can be configured to emit a select odor. The respiration imitation component can be configured to imitate a portion of a human breathing pattern. The pest detection system further comprises housing that retains a portion of the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component. The pest detection system additionally comprises a control system for controlling the at least one of the temperature component, the odor component, or the respiration imitation component. The pest detection system yet further comprises a trapping component. The trapping component can be configured to capture a pest.

Abstract: An insect trap includes an interior chamber portion, comprising side walls and a floor, each side wall having an interior bottom region adjacent to the floor and an interior top region adjacent to the interior bottom region and apart from the floor. The interior bottom region of each wall has a surface finish substantially smoother than a surface finish of the interior top region of the wall. Accordingly, while a target type of insect can traverse the interior top region of each wall when the wall is in a vertical orientation, due to the relatively rough surface finish of this interior top region, an insect attempting to traverse the interior bottom region of the wall will slip and fall onto the floor and be unable to climb back up the wall, due to the smoother surface finish.

Abstract: A sanitizing and insect-trapping device includes a casing, at least one LED light bar, a board, and titanium dioxide photocatalyst. The casing includes a plurality of openings. The at least one LED light bar is disposed of inside the casing and has LEDs disposed inside a metal hood and arranged to emit ultraviolet light. The board includes a light diffusion agent and is arranged inside the casing to be exposed to the ultraviolet light emitting from the LEDs. The titanium dioxide photocatalyst is arranged inside the casing to be exposed to ultraviolet light. The device provides functions of sterilization, insect trapping, air purification and also shows advantages of extended usage time life and low harm to human health.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for processing insect larvae in an ethical manner and without imposing unnecessary stress on them. The method involves anaesthetising the insects by cooling and then cutting them, thereby destroying the nervous system of the insects. Thus, an energy-saving method of processing insects with minimal stress is provided.

Abstract: The invention is a portable sprayer for liquids and particulate-containing liquids, including a fluid storage module having at least one fluid tank, a fluid transport module in fluid connection with the fluid storage module, a distribution block, and a dispersion module in fluid connection with the fluid transport module, having a turbine, an adjustable nozzle connected to the turbine in fluid connection with the fluid transport module and air flow connection with the turbine. Fluid exits the dispersion module under a pressure of approximately 100 psi and the sprayer emits droplets containing particulates about 130 microns in diameter to a height of 100 feet vertically.

Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus includes at least one inlet and first and second outlets. A first actuator may communicate a first inlet with one of the outlets. A second actuator also may communicate a second inlet with a different one of the outlets. A passage network of the fluid spray apparatus communicates the first and second actuators with the first and second outlets. A diverter structure is disposed in the passage network. The diverter structure includes a first diverter structure arrangement. In the first diverter structure arrangement, the first actuator communicates the first inlet with the first outlet and the second actuator communicates the second inlet with the second outlet. The diverter structure also includes a second diverter structure arrangement. In the second diverter structure arrangement, the first actuator communicates the first inlet with the second outlet and the second actuator communicates the second inlet with the first outlet.

Abstract: A device for attracting wildlife is provided. The device generally comprises a shell having a plurality of compartments and at least one wildlife attractant. The shell may be rigid, soft, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments of the device, a bung may be used to allow a user to fill the compartments with a wildlife attractant of their choice. The combination of wildlife attractants used in the device may entice and/or ward wildlife to a particular area of an environment.

Abstract: Non-limiting embodiments of an improved Müllerian Inhibiting Substance storage buffer composition(s) and method(s) of stabilizing a Müllerian Inhibiting Substance in the improved storage buffer composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vitrification stick for use in the cryopreservation of biological materials, and may include a body having a first portion and a second portion, and a specimen end extending from the second portion of the body, and having a basket end tip formed thereon. The basket end tip may include a peripheral wall enclosing an interior region of the basket end tip, and the interior region may be further enclosed on a first side by a shell connected to the peripheral wall, and the interior region may be open on a second side in a direction towards the specimen end. The shell may include at least one slot formed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a formulation having at least two auxinic hormonal herbicides, normally used separately in applications to control a wide variety of broadleaf weeds, present in fields without cultivation, during chemical fallows, and in crops such as winter cereals, corn and sorghum, that together have a synergistic effect on weed control. This effect is even greater in the microemulsion formulation that includes at least the two active ingredients, if compared to the conventional tank mix, this greater efficiency being attributed to the chemical compatibility that exists in the “ready mix” achieved by the correct choice of emulsifiers to maintain active emulsion, physical compatibility that translates into greater biological efficacy. Preferably, the herbicidal composition has at least: (i) from 7.5% to 40% of 2,4-D in its acidic form; and (ii) from 1.2% to 35% of Dicamba in its acid formic as active ingredients, formulated together in a microemulsion type formulation.

Abstract: Techniques regarding chemical compounds with antimicrobial functionality are provided. For example, one or more embodiments describe herein can comprise a monomer that can comprise a molecular backbone. The molecular backbone can comprise a bis(urea)guanidinium structure covalently bonded to a functional group, which can comprise a radical. Also, the monomer can have supramolecular assembly functionality.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions for reducing off-site movement or drift of herbicides are described. The herbicidal compositions can include a drift retardant agent (DRA) along with at least one auxin herbicide and an emulsifying agent, such as an alkylpolysaccharide, a phosphate ester, an alkoxylated castor oil, or a combination thereof. Methods of making such composition are also described.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions for reducing off-site movement or drift of herbicides are described. The herbicidal compositions can include an auxin herbicide, an oil or an ester of the oil, and a polymeric emulsifying agent, such as glycerol ethoxylate-polyricinoleate, glycerol ethoxylate-poly-(12-hydroxystearate), polyethylene glycol (PEG)-polyricinoleate, PEG-poly-(12-hydroxystearate), and a combination thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a systems and methods for single cell microencapsulation by eco-friendly oil-in-water (o/w) Pickering emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to anti-microbial cleanser compositions comprising linalool, hinokitiol and dipropylene glycol. The present invention further provides methods for using these compositions to maintain eyelid hygiene, to treat an ocular disorder or to clean a skin surface. The cleanser compositions of the present invention can be in the form of a foam, gel or liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stable agrochemical composition including a dispersed phase comprising an anilide herbicide; a continuous aqueous phase; and at least one anionic surfactant. The present invention also provides a process of preparing stable agrochemical compositions and methods of application thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fruit thinning method with 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) to reduce crop load of stone fruit trees or pome fruit trees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid formulation comprising a) a triazole an/or pyrazole fungicide; and b) at least one cyclodextrin compound. The present invention also provides a method for inhibiting degradation of a triazole fungicide in a liquid formulation, comprising (a) packaging the formulation in a suitable container; (b) reducing oxygen exposure of the triazole fungicide in the formulation as compared to oxygen exposure of the triazole fungicide when the formulation is in contact with air; and (c) closing or sealing the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods of using those compositions to treat plants so that those plants can utilize light wavelengths outside the PAR wavelength range for photosynthesis. The composition broadly includes a phosphor in a solvent and can also include nutrients, biostimulants, etc., added to it, depending on the desired end use. The compositions are preferably applied as foliar sprays, and they can increase yield as compared to untreated plants grown under the same conditions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring nematicidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. In particular, methods for killing or controlling a nematode pest population, particularly a Pratylenchus spp., e.g., Pratylenchus brachyurus, root knot nematode, reniform nematode, or Lance nematode population, are provided. The methods include contacting the nematode pest with a pesticidally-effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a nematicidal toxin, particularly a nematicidal toxin active against a Pratylenchus spp. nematode, e.g. Pratylenchus brachyurus. Further included are methods for increasing yield in plants by expressing the toxin of the invention.

Abstract: A rolled food dough having a good shape is stably produced. The rolled food dough is arranged on a conveyor in an orderly manner. A roll-forming device and method having high production capacity are provided. The downstream end portion PL of the food dough piece P is deflected by a middle-speed conveyor 1 and a high-speed conveyor 3 facing each other in an up-down direction, folded and adhesively pressed between a following low-speed conveyor 2 and the high-speed conveyor 3 to form a rolling core PA, and rolled due to a speed difference between the facing conveyors.

Abstract: A system and method for rolling planar food products that rest upon interleaving paper is provided. The system includes first and second conveyors, a rotating mechanism and a movement system. The rotating mechanism is normally disposed at a first position proximate to the end of the first conveyor such that a leading edge of planar dough that extends over the first conveyor falls with respect to the rotating mechanism. The controller urges rotation of the rotation mechanism as the leading edge extends with respect to the rotating mechanism and rotates until the planar food product is fully rolled about the rotation mechanism. The movement mechanism then translates the rotation mechanism to a position where it is aligned with the second conveyor.

Abstract: Non-meat food products are provided that have the appearance and the texture of cooked meat. Methods for making such non-meat food products are also provided. In an embodiment, a method includes mixing dry ingredients comprising vegetable proteins with wet ingredients including water and/or oil to form a non-meat dough; heating the non-meat dough under pressure; maintaining the pressure while transferring the heated non-meat dough to a cooling device; and gradually cooling the heated non-meat dough while gradually decreasing pressure on the heated non-meat dough, to form a non-meat food product. The mixing can be performed by a batch or continuous mixer; the heating can be performed by a device selected from the group consisting of a high shear emulsifier, a heat exchanger, and a dielectric heater; and the gradual cooling can be performed by a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Baklava, a well-known and popular confection, typically requires preservatives to have a long shelf life. The present technology preserves the baklava naturally by homogenizing the baklava, partially or fully, until it is malleable with the hand. The malleable version thereof made into a regular shape such as a sphere and then covered with an edible sealant such as melting chocolate such that the moisture is substantially maintained in the baklava over a period of, at least, weeks.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a foodstuff material is provided, specifically for producing sausage products from sausage meat. The apparatus includes a stationary housing which has a wall and which can be connected in fluid-conducting relationship to a conveyor pump, and has a discharge opening for delivery of the foodstuff material. Arranged within the housing is an element for partially swirling the foodstuff material within the housing, which is rotatable relative to the wall and along which in operation at least a partial amount of the foodstuff material to be conveyed flows. The rotatable element ends within the housing before the discharge opening for delivery of the foodstuff material. The apparatus can produce a string with a substantially cylindrical outer contour from a foodstuff material like sausage meat.

Abstract: An indoor smoker includes a smoking chamber that is defined at least in part by a chamber wall and a smoke generating assembly for providing a flow of smoke into the smoking chamber through a chamber inlet defined in the chamber wall. A rack assembly is positioned within the smoking chamber and includes a ladder rack mounted to the chamber wall for supporting a plurality of racks. The ladder rack includes L-shaped mounting flanges that are secured to the chamber wall and a support plate that is secured to the distal ends of the mounting flanges to define a flow plenum for distributing the flow of smoke throughout the smoking chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating unwashed fruit with fruit bloom that provide a first ultraviolet (UV) energy with one or more flashes using a first set of one or more flash lamps to a first surface of each of a plurality of blueberries and provide a second UV energy with one or more flashes using a second set of one or more flash lamps to a second surface of each of the plurality of blueberries. The system determines a fruit bloom level associated with the plurality of blueberries after provision of the first and second UV energies and determines an adjustment to a parameter of at least one of the first and second UV energies based on the fruit bloom level. The system provides UV energy with the adjusted parameter to a subsequent set of blueberries to remove microorganisms from the blueberries while retaining fruit bloom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving the fresh juice of citrus fruits or pomegranates following the conventional treatment of the fruit and corresponding extrusion or expression of same to obtain the juice. The method consists of: applying, prior to introducing the juice into a container, CO2 in the form of dry ice, which removes the oxygen content in the container; then introducing the juice continuously; subsequently adding, according to the characteristics of the juice, a dose of liquid nitrogen that allows the atmosphere of the headspace thereof to be corrected; and hermetically sealing the container, such that the absence of oxygen therein is ensured, preventing the product from oxidising and increasing the durability thereof, as long as said product is preserved at a final temperature between 1 and 4° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reefer container (1) having a controlled atmosphere system (3) comprising:—a first selective unit (4) comprising an absorber or a membrane (9) being selective for carbon dioxide over oxygen and nitrogen;—a second selective unit (11) comprising an absorber or a membrane (14) being selective for oxygen over nitrogen; and—a vacuum pump (6) for extracting and removing separated gasses from a permeate side (8, 13) of the first and second selective units (4, 11) to outside the container(1), where the system (3) is further comprising a pump (15) for providing an overpressure in the container(1). The pump (15) can be connected to the container (1) through a feed side (12) of the second selective unit (11). The invention further relates to a method of controlling reefer container (1) having a controlled atmosphere system (3).

Abstract: A method used for concentration of fluid milk by renewable energy (RE). RE used in the present invention is sole solar energy (SE) at room temperature (25° C.-27° C.). A device of two glass Petri dishes of same size is arranged as upper and lower plates. A volume of 60 ml of pasteurized bovine or camel milk is put in the upper plate and 60 ml of tap water in the lower plate. The device is placed on the bench beside window to be exposed to sunlight, but not to direct sunrays, at room temperature. After about 30 mins water droplets started to appear on the lower face of the upper plate and increased in size with time. With continuous collection of water droplets for 24 hours, 50% of water is removed i.e. giving 50% concentration of milk; after 48 hours the concentration is 16.67%.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for preparing a dairy product based on the principle of forward osmosis, the concentrated dairy product prepared by the above method, and a continuous forward osmosis membrane system. Multiple concentration of the target solution is achieved by controlling the osmotic pressure difference between the solutions on both sides of the forward osmosis membrane, no heat source or strong external pressure is introduced, and the main nutrient content and nutrient ratio of the target solution are maintained. Compared with a reverse osmosis membrane concentration and a freeze concentration, the forward osmosis membrane concentration can greatly increase the concentration multiple of the dairy product, reduce the unit energy consumption, save the running cost.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the purification of a sialyllactose from other carbohydrates, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of subjecting an aqueous solution containing the sialyllactose to two membrane filtration steps using different membranes, a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of between about 300 Dalton to about 500 Dalton and a membrane having a molecular weight cut-off of between about 600 Dalton to about 800 Dalton.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of aerated fat-based confectionery material. One aspect of the invention provides an aerated fat-based confectionery material having a continuous lipid phase and a porosity of between 1 and 80%, wherein, at a temperature at which the lipid phase has a solid lipid content between 0.1 and 80, the fat-based confectionery material comprises gas bubbles having at least 50% of their surface occupied by crystals, the crystals comprising a glyceride selected from the group consisting of monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, esters of monoglycerides, esters of diglycerides and combinations of these. Further aspects of the invention are a confectionery product comprising an aerated fat-based confectionery material and a process for forming an aerated fat-based confectionery material.

Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Abstract: Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Abstract: A machine for the production of liquid, semi-liquid or pasty solid food products is described. The machine includes a working container provided with an internal stirrer and externally with heat exchange means, an inlet opening in fluid communication with means for feeding a base food mixture into the container, a first outlet opening for a finished food product and a second outlet opening or a washing liquid. The machine further includes an automatic device for washing the feeding means and the container, and the automatic device has a circuit and a pump for recirculating the washing liquid and means for heating the recirculated washing liquid. A method for cleaning a machine of the aforementioned type is also described.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a pet treat comprising animal pizzle, the pet treat having a pet treat length, a width, and a thickness and the pet treat is generally planar along at least about 90% of the pet treat length. The disclosure also relates to methods for making such pet treats.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a microcapsule including: a core material, an inner membrane, and an outer membrane. The core material includes choline chloride and a carrier. The inner membrane includes at least one vegetable fat having a melting point higher than or equal to 60° C. The outer membrane includes rice bran wax, zinc oxide powders, and a film forming material. The film forming material is glucose phthalate, polyethylene glycol, or sodium alginate. The rice bran wax accounts for 5-10 wt. % of the microcapsule. The mass ratio of the rice bran wax to the zinc oxide powders to the film forming material is 1-5:0.1-1:0.1-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of human milk oligosaccharides for feeding production animals such as calves. The present invention further relates to milk replacer compositions containing human milk oligosaccharides. Further subject matter of the present invention is a method for preventing and treating gastro-intestinal diseases, particularly gastro-intestinal infections, of young production animals, in particular calves, by administering an effective amount of one or more human milk oligosaccharides. Particularly useful in the context of the present invention as one or the human milk oligosaccharide is 2?-fucosyllactose (2-FL).

Abstract: The present invention relates animal feed or animal feed additives comprising one or more polypeptides having lysozyme activity. The invention also relates to polypeptides having lysozyme activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a maceration composition made from at least one component selected from the group comprising fruits, vegetables, plants and spices, said method comprising the following steps: Macerating the component by dipping it into water in order to have the equivalent of 15 to 80 g of component for 1 L of maceration composition, at a temperature of 15° C. to 25° C., for a period of 30 to 120 minutes, thus obtaining a solid material in a maceration; Separating the maceration from the solid material; Acidifying the maceration and/or the water to obtain a maceration composition having a pH between 3.1 and 3.5. The invention also relates to a maceration composition obtainable according to this method, wherein said maceration comprises between 20 and 40 g/L of sugar. The invention eventually relates to a bottled beverage comprising at least one maceration composition according to the invention.