Abstract: An automatic animal processing device for automatically processing a domestic animal from its stall the animal while restraining the animal and without impeding passage in the aisle. The animal processing device, while operating, allows a person to walk-by the system with minimal constraints. The animal processing device may be a milking machine may be a milking machine having a milking head assembly and a cleaning system. The animal processing device may be mounted on a movable platform, such that the processing device may be automatically moved from one stall to the next. For installations in which the processing device is installed on tracks in the middle of two rows of animals, the processing device may be rotatable on its movable platform, such that it may process the animals of both sides of the aisle.

Abstract: A modular animal pen system comprises front and rear panels and opposed side panels extending between the front and rear panels to form a primary enclosure. The front panel has adjacent doorway apertures formed therein to receive respective selectively closable gates, and a mullion is disposed between the doorway apertures. The mullion has a first slot, and a second slot in the rear panel is in registration with the first slot. The animal pen system further comprises a removable divider panel whose longitudinal ends are sized to fit removably within the respective slots so that the divider panel can divide the primary enclosure into two secondary enclosures. The side and divider panels may be formed by interchangeable profile panels, and the front and rear panels may be formed by interchangeable face panels connectable end-to-end to form a junction slot therebetween sized to receive the longitudinal ends of the profile panels.

Abstract: A method of assembling pet furniture includes placing a first end of a pillar beam into a stable locking system (SLS) mount affixed to a base platform; placing a second end of the pillar beam into an SLS mount affixed to a top platform; attaching the top platform to the bottom platform by twisting the pillar beam to lock the first end of the pillar beam to the SLS mount affixed to the base platform and to lock the second end of the pillar beam to the SLS mount affixed to the top platform.

Abstract: A pet bed with lights to allow a pet to easily see the bed. A circuit for turning the lighting on and off can include a pressure switch, a remote control or a timer.

Abstract: An electric fence alert assembly includes a control box that is mountable to a fence post of an electric fence. The control box is place in electrical communication with a power supply of the electric fence, a respective one of a ground rod of the electric fence and a fence wire of the electric fence. A signal analyzer is positioned within the control box and the signal analyzer is in electrical communication with the electric fence. A transceiver is positioned within the control box and the transceiver is in wireless communication with a personal electronic device. Moreover, the transceiver broadcasts an alert signal to the personal electronic device when the signal analyzer determines that a fault has occurred in the electric fence to alert a user that the fault has occurred.

Abstract: A vacuum housing attachment used with a animal grooming tool for vacuuming loose fur and hair as an animal is groomed The housing attachment includes an inverted “U” shaped tool housing. The tool housing includes an open bottom portion, a closed first end portion and an open second end portion. The open second end portion is adapted for receiving the grooming tool therethrough. The tool housing is adapted for holding the grooming tool in a snug fit. Attached to a rear portion of the tool housing is a hollow handle. One end of the hollow handle includes a vacuum intake port for receiving the fur or hair from an animal, as the animal is being groomed. An opposite end of the hollow handle includes a vacuum exit port adapted for attachment to a vacuum tube.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically delivering a substance to an animal or fish including a positioning system that positions each animal singularly and a sensor that detects the location of a predetermined targeted area on the animal. The system further includes a delivery device for delivering a substance to the targeted area. The position of the delivery device may be adjustable. The delivery device is in communication with the sensor. The delivery device adjusts its position in response to the data received from the sensor and delivers a substance to the targeted area.

Abstract: A toy for pets includes a supporting frame, an annular frame, and a running ball. The rods extending respectively from the two opposite ends of the central axis of the running ball are inserted respectively into a pair of opposite holes in the inner periphery of the annular frame to pivotally connect the running ball to the annular frame. The rods extending inward from the two lateral sides of the supporting frame are inserted respectively into a pair of opposite holes in the outer periphery of the annular frame to pivotally connect the annular frame to the supporting frame, wherein the two pairs of holes are angularly offset from each other. A pet running in the running ball can generate a driving force that changes the direction of the running ball and of the annular frame and thereby changes the running direction of the pet itself.

Abstract: An assembly providing a leash component, a harness component and an attachment mechanism adapted to attach the leash to the harness is provided. The leash includes two or more handles positioned along its length that may be connected together to effectively reduce the leash's length. The attachment mechanism includes guiding magnets that may facilitate the proper alignment and orientation of the mechanism during engagement between the leash and the harness. In this way, the attachment mechanism is configured to be activated using one hand.

Abstract: An animal relocation system and method comprising a perimeter net system a trapping net system, and a flushing device, wherein the flushing device channels the animal through the perimeter net system and into the trapping net.

Abstract: A method of modulating some or all copies of a gene in a cell is provided including introducing into a cell one or more ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequences that comprise a portion that is complementary to all or a portion of each of the one or more target nucleic acid sequences, and a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a Cas protein and maintaining the cells under conditions in which the Cas protein is expressed and the Cas protein binds and modulates the one or more target nucleic acid sequences in the cell.

Abstract: Non-human animals suitable for use as animal models for Retinoschisis are provided. In some embodiments, provided non-human animals are characterized by a disruption in a Retinoschisin-1 locus. In some embodiments, provided non-human animals are characterized by a mutant Retinoschisin-1 gene. The non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a phenotype that includes the development of one or more symptoms or phenotypes associated with Retinoschisis. Methods of identifying therapeutic candidates that may be used to prevent, delay or treat Retinoschisis or eye-related diseases, disorders or conditions are also provided.

Abstract: It is well known that light attracts fish at night, and that any artificial fishing light attractor is preferably submersible to avoid significant amounts of light being reflected off the surface of the water. Single-use glow sticks are known to be used as submersible fishing light attractors; however, these cannot be turned off, can be used only once, and are often of relatively low intensity. The present invention provides a powered light source with an intensity higher than conventional glow sticks that may be attached to fishing lines. To achieve this, the light source is configured such that, when the light source is placed at depth, external water pressure acts to increase sealing against ingress of water.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole covering assembly includes a unitary fishing hole covering with a panel that is rigid and has a top side, a bottom side and a perimeter edge. The top side is planar and the panel is translucent with a circular shape and a central axis. A reel is rotatably coupled to the bottom side of the panel and has fishing line spooled thereon. The panel has a plurality of apertures therein extending to the top side and outwardly through the bottom side to define finger grips. A strike indicator is attached to the bottom side of the panel and includes a light emitter that is turned on when the fishing line is pulled downwardly from the bottom side. An entirety of the unitary structure is positioned no higher than 0.30 inches above a plane of the top side before and after actuation of the strike indicator.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system, including: a first end that screws into a light bulb socket; an internal light source; an electric insect control mechanism disposed around and proximate to the internal light source; and a visible light source disposed at an opposite end with respect to the first end. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling pests, which is effective against a variety of pests, highly safe, simple, and environmentally friendly. Provided is a pest control method for exterminating a targeted pest by the exposing the eggs, larvae or pupae of the targeted pest to visible light having a specific wavelength within a wavelength region of 400 to 500 nm at a light intensity of 7×1017 photons·m?2·s?1 or greater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sprayer of the type comprising a turbine that generates an air current, a nozzle that channels the air current and an outlet of this current to the outside, carrying with it the product dosed by a series of nozzles arranged in the area of influence of the air current, the sprayer being special in that both the air outlet opening and the turbine can be configured and act in a coordinated manner to obtain the desired air flow for each type of crop and spray application, where the optimum air flow for each spray application and the configuration of the turbine and opening are determined by the actual sprayer by means of a processor and auxiliary means.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods related to the suppression of invasive plant species by laying down a fabric over beds of such invasive plants. A watercraft with a fabric laying mechanism is provided with the mechanism automatically guiding the fabric from a fabric stockpile to a frame that spreads the fabric prior to the fabric being laid over the underwater plant bed. The watercraft may be provided with a device for dispensing material over the fabric that has been laid down to weigh down or hold down the fabric. Preferably, the fabric is biodegradable and the material is natural to the area. In one implementation, the fabric (e.g jute burlap) is coarsely woven from natural plant fibers.

Abstract: A bait box including a housing; a feeding location arranged in the housing and configured for a poison bait, wherein the feeding location is arranged in an air cushion in the housing so that the feeding location is accessible for a rodent from an outside of the bait box through an entry arranged at a lower end of the housing; and a separation element which defines a liquid space with a liquid within the housing when the liquid rises outside of the housing above a threshold level above which accessibility of the feeding location is not provided to the rodent any more, wherein the liquid space extends from the threshold level to the separation element and separates the feeding location from the liquid space, wherein the housing is closed air tight besides the entry so that the air cushion is captured in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing licking branches to a support structure includes a body suitable for attachment to a support structure, at least one branch holder extending outwardly from the annular body, and securing means for securing a branch in place within the branch holder. The securing means may include a clamp. The body may be an annular body for fitting over the support structure. The body ma include a surface for fitting against the support structure with at least one loop operatively connected to the support structure. The angle of each of the at least one branch holder is adjustable.

Abstract: A sample heating/cooling device comprises a plurality of members operable in use to heat and/or cool one or more samples. Each member has a sample contact surface and is biased towards a resting position under the operation of a biasing means. The members are movable independently of one another against said bias under the application of a force on the sample contact surface and so are able to conform to the shape of a sample placed on the members to provide a uniform heating/cooling profile. The members may be mounted in a heating/cooling element and adapted to conduct thermal energy between the sample and the element. The device is particularly suitable for thawing frozen sample bags having an irregular shape. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an agricultural formulation comprising, ethaboxam, metalaxyl and a compound selected from the group consisting of 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[(3R)-1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydroinden-4-yl]pyrazole-4-carboxamide and mandestrobin, a process for preparing the agricultural formulation and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are agricultural methods for controlling pests on and/or increasing the plant health of a cultivated plant, with at least one modification, using a pesticidal carboxamide compound or a mixtures thereof. In particular, methods of controlling harmful insects, which are resistant to an insecticidal trait of the plant, are provided. In addition, the use of a pesticidal carboxamide compound or mixtures thereof for protecting a plant, plant propagation material, seeds or the locus of growth, against the attack or infestation by pests, wherein the plant has been modified by mutagenesis or genetic engineering, and for controlling pests that are resistant to an insecticidal trait of the plant are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds I wherein the variables are defined as given in the description and claims. The invention further relates to uses, processes and intermediates for compounds I.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound having excellent control efficacy against pests, especially Lepidoptera pests. A compound represented by formula (1) has excellent control efficacy against pests, especially Lepidoptera pests.

Abstract: In crop production in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and the like, the damage caused by insect pests etc. is still immense, and insect pests resistant to existing insecticides have emerged. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to develop and provide a novel agricultural and horticultural insecticide. The present invention provides a condensed heterocyclic compound represented by the general formula (1): {wherein Q represents a ring group represented by any of Q-1, Q-2, and Q-3, R5 and R8 each represent a hydrogen atom, R6 and R7 each represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a (C1-C6) haloalkyl group, and m represents 2}, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving corn growth comprising applying an effective amount of gibberellic acid and abscisic acid to the corn plant, wherein the weight ratio of GA3:ABA is from about 10:1 to about 14:1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) wherein the variables are defined according to the description, for controlling unwanted vegetation Further the invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I), compositions comprising them a method for controlling unwanted vegetation which comprises allowing a herbicidal effective amount of at least one azine of the formula I to act on plants, their seed and/or their habitat.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a plant by associating the plant with a complex endophyte comprising a host fungus further comprising a component bacterium, including benefits to a plant derived from a seed or other plant element treated with a complex endophyte. For example, this invention provides purified complex endophytes, purified complex endophyte components such as bacteria or fungi, synthetic combinations comprising said complex endophytes and/or components, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel isolated bacterial strains, which are members of the genus Paenibacillus, originally isolated from soil and showing antagonistic activity against a broad range of pathogens and being capable of producing antimicrobial metabolites. It was found that the strains Lu16774 and Lu17007 belong to a novel subspecies named Paenibacillus polymyxa ssp. plantarum while the strain Lu17015 belongs to a novel species which is proposed to be Paenibacillus epiphyticus. The present invention also relates to microbial pesticide compositions comprising at least one of such novel bacterial strains, whole culture broth or a cell-free extract or a fraction thereof or at least one metabolite thereof, and/or a mutant of at least one of said novel bacterial strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective bacterial strain or whole culture broth, cell-free extract, fraction and/or metabolite of the mutant thereof showing antagonistic activity against plant pathogens.

Abstract: Natural products were screened for their insect repellent activity, and carrot seed essential oil gave very high activity in biting repellent/deterrent bioassays. Analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 47 compounds, mainly mono- and sesqui-terpenes. The sesquiterpene, carotol, constituted more than 75% w/w of the oil. In the initial screening, the essential oil gave high biting deterrent activity and high repellent activity comparable to DEET against both Aedes aegypti and Anophies quadrimaculatus species of mosquitoes. The active fraction mainly comprises pure carotol. The essential oil and the pure compound have a potential to be developed and used as effective repellent against mosquitoes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for aligning dough pieces, comprising a first conveyor, for conveying dough pieces in a direction of conveyance; a second conveyor, for conveying dough pieces in the same direction of conveyance; wherein the second conveyor is arranged as an extension of the first conveyor, and there is a gap in between the first and the second conveyor; wherein a number of transfer units is arranged in parallel in the gap, each transfer unit for transferring dough pieces from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, wherein the transfer units are adapted for independently moving the dough pieces with a directional component perpendicular to the direction of conveyance during transfer from a front side adjacent to the first conveyor to a back side adjacent to the second conveyor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ventral/dorsal alignment of fish. The apparatus includes a first fish conveying device, a guide roller configured for transversely positioning the fish in a feed-in channel, the guide roller extending across the width of the feed-in channel and having at least one section with reduced cross-sectional diameter, a channel floor in the center of the channel comprising a transfer recess, widening in the conveying direction, which is designed to transfer the fish by the effect of gravity to a guiding channel arranged below the first conveying plane by aligning in a predetermined ventral/dorsal position. The guiding channel includes lateral guide surfaces each arranged inclined with respect to the first conveying plane. A second conveying device, forming a second conveying plane and configured to convey the fish on their side, is provided. The second conveying device is arranged downstream of the guiding channel for taking over the fish at the end of said guiding channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and cooking seafood or crustacea has a container with an interior volume defined by a tapered wall, a basket removably received in the interior volume of the container, a pipe positioned adjacent to the wall of the container and having a plurality of apertures adapted to direct the flow of water through holes of the basket, and a connector fluidically connected to the pipe and having a portion extending outwardly of the tapered wall of the container. The basket is tapered so as to be nestable within the tapered wall of the container. The basket has an indentation with holes extending over the pipe. A pot is spaced from the container and nestably removably receives the basket therein.

Abstract: A system and method for processing shrimp and other shellfish species are disclosed. Embodiments of the disclosed system and method provide a shellfish product having a longer refrigerated shelf-life than experienced with conventional processing methods and the shellfish product produced retains more of its original sensory qualities, such as texture, flavor and odor, than is retained by current processing methods.

Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for maintaining an ultra low oxygen concentration in a shipping container for the purpose of preventing spoilage of perishable food products. The system and apparatus may contain a composition of a mixture of gases including one or more of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and another inert gas, wherein the mixture of gases positively pressurizes the shipping container with an ultra low oxygen concentration. The system and apparatus may use one or more sensors to monitor the composition of the mixture of gases, and may use one or more controllers to release the compressed gases into the interior of the container. The controller may release the compressed gases at a variable rate of release sufficient to maintain the ultra low oxygen concentration and to ensure consistent concentrations of the mixture of gases with the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating components from milk, and the apparatus used therefor. The invention also relates to compositions prepared from the separated components. The present invention relates to nutritional milk compositions and products which are designed to include per serving size a specified percentage range of one or more components separated from milk. The compositions of the present invention can optionally include non-essential but nutritionally functional components. The complete nutritional milk compositions of the present invention can be provided as unflavored milks, flavored milks, ice creams and yogurts.

Abstract: A closure can include a base having an opening. The base can be connected to a container such that a liquid in the container, for example a creamer, is pourable through the opening of the closure into a beverage cup. The closure can include an overcap having a plug, and the plug can seal the opening when the overcap is in a closed position relative to the base. A hinge can connect the overcap to the base and be biased to establish and maintain an angle of the overcap when the overcap moves out of the closed position. Liquid retained on the overcap during opening of the overcap can then fall directly into the beverage cup during pouring due to the angle of the overcap in the open position. Any retained liquid ingredient that falls from the overcap onto the base can be confined within a ring on the base.

Abstract: Systems for dispensing chocolate, in one aspect including a generally fluid-tight exterior housing with first volume; a vertical support member; a base support member; a dispenser guiding member within the first volume; an extruder connection member extending through the housing and having a first end within the housing and a second end outside of the housing, defining a pivot axis; an extruder member connected to the first end; a lever connected to the second end; at least one extruder guide member within the first volume and connected to the extruder member; and at least one extruder guide rail connected to the housing within the first volume and capable of receiving the at least one extruder guide member; and where manual actuation of the lever pivots the extruder member in cooperation with the at least one extruder guide member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ready-to-drink cocoa milk beverage products. In particular, the invention is concerned with a protein system induced by controlled aggregation of milk proteins which imparts outstanding sensory attributes and improved physical stability of the beverage products, in particular when containing low fat and/or low sugar. A method of 5 producing such beverage and the products obtainable from the method are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A horizontal molding system and method can include: an ice pop stick, the ice pop stick including: an ice pop stick key, the ice pop stick key including a key top side, a key bottom side and key edges, an inner portion having a top side, the inner portion vertically below the ice pop stick key, and an external portion coupled to the ice pop stick key, the external portion having a curve extended vertically down and horizontally away from the ice pop stick key and extended below a horizontal plane defined by the top side of the inner portion; and a mold including a notch and a mold upper lip, the notch configured to seal around the key edges and the key bottom side, and the key top side being co-planar with the mold upper lip.

Abstract: An individual frozen drink dispenser includes a housing having a base configured to support a blender cup, a dispensing chamber disposed above the blender cup and configured to support a frozen beverage container containing frozen ingredients suitable for preparing a frozen drink, at least one dispensing mechanism configured to move from a pre-dispense position to a dispense position in which the dispensing mechanism drives the frozen ingredients from the frozen beverage container into the blender cup, and a drive mechanism coupled to the housing and configured to drive the movement of the dispensing mechanism from the pre-dispense position to the dispense position. A method of preparing a frozen drink is further disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for coating a frozen confection, the composition comprising 10 to 50 wt. % dry glucose syrup with a DE (Dextrose Equivalent) below 40, and a total amount of mono and di-saccharides below 10 wt. %, and a water activity below 1.0 and 35 to 70 wt. % fat. The invention also relates to a process for making the composition.

Abstract: Animal feed formed with a base of palm fronds and combined with palm fruit, such as dates, is a sustainable and affordable feed product that can be developed in hot climates. Palm fronds with a desired moisture content are shredded, chopped, and/or ground, and mixed with palm fruit. Additives such as urea can increase the nutritional content. Feeds with palm fronds, palm fruit, and/or additives can serve as a base feed for other components. Palm fronds can also serve as a base feed for other components. Animal feeds with a variety of bases can have palm fruit added. Animal feeds with a variety of bases, including palm fronds, can include a variety of other components added.

Abstract: A method and device to treat liquid to reduce the amount of microorganisms in the liquid to a preselected level and/or to mitigate the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. Utilizing the method or device, liquid product is sprayed into a cavity of a reactor using a nozzle that produces a flat spray to provide means for efficient heating and treatment of the liquid.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a production method of marbled beef, and belongs to the field of food processing. The processing steps of the method are: freezing, thawing of beef, preparation of a gel emulsion, injection, wrap shaping, quick freezing, cutting and packaging, and hot dipping. The preparation method of the process of the disclosure can realize high-efficiency and standardized industrial production. By injecting beef with the formulated gel emulsion, the fat content and high-quality protein content of the beef can be increased, thereby improving the sensory properties and flavor of the beef, and producing high-quality beef. The gel emulsion for preparing marbled beef of the disclosure is liquid and is low in viscosity when the temperature is higher than 40° C., and therefore the gel emulsion is convenient for injection into beef, and can be uniformly dispersed in beef to form a delicate marble pattern. When the temperature is lower than 20° C., the gel emulsion forms a solid in beef tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices heat or cool viscous materials, such as meat emulsions useful for producing food and other products. The devices have a heat exchanger including a first plate, a second plate attached to the first plate, and a first spacer and a second spacer arranged between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate, the second plate, the first spacer, and the second spacer define at least one temperature controlled passage for a product to pass through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A drying step of drying Gynura procumbens at 0° C. or more and 40° C. or less; and a cutting/pulverizing step of cutting or pulverizing the Gynura procumbens dried in the drying step while keeping at 0° C. or more and 40° C. or less are included.

Abstract: A method to predict the risk of eczema is provided based on differences in the development of microbiota and its metabolites in healthy infants and infants that develop eczema, and nutritional remedies based on this finding, in the form of lactate utilizing bacteria and fibres stimulating lactate utilizing bacteria.

Abstract: The invention is a nutritional composition in unit dosage form for oral administration to an animal or human, which includes at least one ingredient from each of six biological Kingdoms selected from the group consisting of animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, protist and archaea. Each ingredient is co-admixed with every other said ingredient without further addition of synthetic excipients or fillers, and is typically formulated in dried powder form as a drink mix, food or beverage additive or as the fill for hard or soft capsules or other dosage forms including tablets (the compositions of the invention can generally be tableted without addition of ingredients beyond the nutrients themselves).