Abstract: Modular autonomous mobile fence, delimiter of grazing areas. It consists of two structures (10, 20) arranged opposite and distant from each other. Each structure (10, 20) is composed of at least two movable towers, arranged at the ends of the very same row and structurally linked to each other to form a movable row. An electric wire conductor (14, 15) is arranged between these two rows (10, 20) and forms a closed quadrilateral that delimits a closed grazing area (16). Said rows with towers and the area delimited by the electric fence can be selectively moved from one lot to the next, together with the animals kept therein. Said electric fence must have means of separation (31, 32) of the electric conductor from the ground (14, 15) and at least one of the mentioned towers must have means of tensioning (34) the electric conductor.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an animal feeder, which can comprise a storage bin, a plurality of support legs, a trough, a plurality of spikes, a center post, a feed chute, a valve, a sensor, and/or a trough base. The storage bin is constructed to hold animal feed. The plurality of spikes is coupled to animal feeder such that the plurality of spikes protrudes from the animal feeder in proximity to the trough.

Abstract: The present application relates to an automatic feeding device for animals, comprising a food storage container, a food supply container, a feeding container, a quantitative supply mechanism, a driving mechanism, and a controller. The food storage container has a material inlet and a material outlet; the food supply container has a food supply inlet and a food supply outlet, and the food supply inlet is in butt joint with the material outlet; the quantitative supply mechanism is provided between the food supply inlet and the food supply outlet; the driving mechanism is provided below the quantitative supply mechanism; the feeding container is provided outside the food supply container below the food supply outlet; the controller sends a control signal which controls the driving mechanism to drive the quantitative supply mechanism to quantitatively export food which then falls into the feeding container. The automatic feeding device for animals achieves quantitative feeding.

Abstract: A feeder including: a) a base portion having a serving area; b) a chamber portion supported by the base portion and configured to retain a granular material within a chamber interior; c) a dispenser configured to segregate a portion of the granular material from the chamber interior and transfer the portion of the granular material from the chamber portion to the serving area, wherein the dispenser includes: i) a rocker body; and ii) one or more fins projecting from the rocker body; and wherein the feeder includes one or more of: i) the fin(s) are flexible; ii) sensing device(s) part of a sensing tower configured to sense the presence, distance, and/or amount of the granular material within the chamber portion; and/or iii) sensing device(s) configured to sense the presence, distance, and/or amount of the granular material within the serving area.

Abstract: Generating consensus biomass estimates include providing a first biomass parameter data set associated with a first biomass attribute parameter to a first biomass estimation model and providing a second biomass parameter data set associated with a second biomass attribute parameter to a second biomass estimation model different from the first biomass estimation model. The first biomass estimation model is adaptively weighted with a first weighting factor relative to a second weighting factor for the second biomass estimation model. An aggregated biomass estimate is determined based on a combination of the first biomass estimation model using the first weight factor and the second biomass estimation model using the second weight factor.

Abstract: Approaches for determining a location of an animal based on RSSI. An embodiment includes a method, comprising: receiving a first reading of an electronic animal identification tag attached to an animal from a first electronic tag reader; calculating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the first reading; and determining a location of the animal based on the RSSI. Another embodiment includes a method, comprising: receiving a first reading of a first electronic animal identification tag attached to a first animal; calculating a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) for the first reading; receiving a second reading of a second 10 electronic animal identification tag attached to a second animal; calculating an RSSI for the second reading; and determining the location of the first animal based on the RSSI of the first reading and the RSSI of the second reading.

Abstract: A pet toy featuring an outer shell defining a shape of the toy and a deformable bladder and at least one sleeve in fluid communication with each other retained within said outer shell. The sleeve extends within a segment of the toy and has a region configured to bend from a first orientation wherein said bladder is in a first state to a second orientation wherein said bladder is in a second state. The sleeve transitions as a result of pressure being applied to the bladder because fluid transfers from the bladder to the sleeve. The sleeve transitions back upon the removal of pressure from the bladder. The bending region of the sleeve is molded to assume the first orientation, such as by heat treatment.

Abstract: An animal harness that includes a cargo receptacle having an interior volume to receive cargo (e.g., bagged solid dog waste). The harness is particularly suited for a small animal, such as a dog, and is adjustable at multiple points to comfortable fit essentially any size dog. The cargo receptacle is centered on the harness, so that when worn by an animal such as a dog, the cargo receptacle is on or above the withers or shoulder area of the animal. The cargo receptacle is attached to a base structure on the harness and can be released and removed from the harness.

Abstract: A pet leash tension shock apparatus for training pets not to pull on a leash includes a collar and a buckle coupled to the collar. A pair of electrodes is coupled a collar inside. An electric connector is coupled to the pair of electrodes. A leash is coupled to a leash connector coupled to the collar. A tensiometer is coupled within the leash to measure tensile force within the leash. A feeder wire is coupled within the leash and is in operational communication with the tensiometer. A controller is coupled to the leash. The controller is in operational communication with the feeder wire and has a battery to deliver an electric shock to a pet through the pair of electrodes when the tensiometer senses tensile force within the leash above a preset threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for tracking wildlife such as game animals. The tracking system includes a drone that has a camera and a dart dispenser that dispenses a dart with a location transmitter. The drone sends images from the camera to a remote controller, where a user pilots the drone and observes animals for disease or other behaviors, and sends instructions to dispense the dart. The real-time location of the dart is then provided to a mobile application for use in tracking or hunting the animal.

Abstract: A poultry feeder/waterer with internal shields provides space efficient poultry feeding and watering by using both sides of a tubular feeder, while preventing poultry viewing each other across the feeder using shields. The poultry feeder/waterer includes a tubular main body for holding poultry feed or water and having holes formed on either side. The centers of the holes are at the same height and are spaced apart by a distance greater than their diameter in order to provide distance between birds accessing the poultry feed or water. The poultry feeder-waterer also includes a stand for raising and leveling the tubular main body above the ground, and a pair of internal shields within the tubular main body and extending along its length prevents the birds accessing the poultry feed or water through holes on opposite sides of the tubular main body from viewing each other.

Abstract: An energy-saving paddlewheel aerator is provided. A power supply system of the paddlewheel aerator includes a switching power supply converting main power to direct current, the switching power supply being connected with two terminals of a power mechanism of the paddlewheel aerator and supplying power to the paddlewheel aerator; and a solar power supply module, two ends of the solar power supply module being connected in parallel with a large-capacity capacitor, and two ends of the large-capacity capacitor being connected with the two terminals of the power mechanism of the paddlewheel aerator respectively to supply power to the paddlewheel aerator. A rated output voltage of a solar panel with sufficient power is higher than an output voltage of the switching power supply, and the rated output voltage of the solar panel with insufficient power is lower than the output voltage of the switching power supply.

Abstract: In a water tank set with a filter, which includes the filter within a water tank main body, the water tank main body is formed in a vessel-shape having an upper surface thereof opened, storage water being to be stored in the water tank main body, the filter being provided in an interior of the water tank main body. The water tank main body and a filter case of the filter are formed opaque and in a same color as each other. Accordingly, it is difficult for an appreciator who appreciates aquarium fish to see a filter, which is provided within a water tank, from outside of the water tank, thereby enhancing appreciation effects of the aquarium fish.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for using porcine sex-sorted sperm cells for the efficient dissemination of desirable traits in multi-level swine production systems. The methods include using sex-sorted sperm cells for skewing offspring gender at the commercial farm level, producing porcine herds having improved growth performance traits, producing pathogen-resistant porcine herds, and disseminating desirable traits from a genetic nucleus to commercial farms using low dose artificial insemination techniques. The methods also provide a means for reducing costs at the production level by increasing the ratio of female offspring and improving animal welfare at all levels of production by reducing or eliminating male castration. In addition, the methods of the present technology may be employed to develop production flows for specialized pork products.

Abstract: Described are alcohol-induced liver cancer model mice, methods of generating the alcohol-induced liver cancer model mice, and methods of using the alcohol-induced liver cancer model mice. Methods of treating alcoholic liver disease, including hepatocellular carcinoma, are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides top water fishing lure apparatus comprising: a generally heart-shaped blade; and a wire comprising: a top segment comprising a wire cap, a middle segment disposed between the top segment and a bottom segment, and a bottom segment comprising: a flexible curved portion disposed at a first distal end of the bottom segment and shaped such that a bell, in an “off” position, is secured within the flexible curved portion, a hook assembly disposed at a second distal end of the bottom segment, and a bell disposed, while in an “on” position, between the flexible curved portion and the hook assembly, the bell comprising a bell aperture allowing translational movement of the bell along the length of the bottom segment, wherein in the “on” position, the blade is configured to contact the bell during a rotation of the blade.

Abstract: A system for exterminating insects includes a housing, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing that includes one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned to receive heat from the one or more burners, a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly connectable to a residential hose bib, the fluid inlet line fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The agricultural treatment system uses a treatment unit for spraying fluid at agricultural objects. The treatment unit is configured with a treatment head assembly that includes a moveable treatment head with one or more spraying tips. A first and second motor assembly are operated by the treatment unit to control the movement of the treatment head. The first motor assembly includes a first motor rotatable in a first rotational axis. A first linkage assembly is connected to the first motor and the treatment head assembly. The first linkage assembly is rotatable by the first motor. The second linkage assembly is rotatable by the second motor.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer unit 700 and a spray deflecting mechanism 70 thereof for the sprayer unit 700 is provided. The agricultural sprayer unit 700 includes a control valve 702, a controller unit 703, a plurality of sprayer nozzles 704, a sprayer tank 706, a sprayer pump 708 and a spray deflecting mechanism 70. The spray deflecting mechanism 70 includes a spray defecting arrangement 72A and a collecting means 70T. The spray deflecting arrangement 70A is adapted to be moved between a deflecting position in which the spray deflecting arrangement 72A is adapted to deflect and re-direct unutilized dispensed fluid from at least one sprayer nozzle 704 to the collecting means 70T thereby restricting wastage of chemical agent/biological agent where the spraying is not required and also to restrict spraying of chemical agent/biological agent to healthy plants.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The agricultural treatment system may determine a first real-world geo-spatial location of the treatment system. The system can receive captured images depicting real-world agricultural objects of a geographic scene. The system can associate captured images with the determined geo-spatial location of the treatment system. The treatment system can identify, from a group of mapped and indexed images, images having a second real-word geo-spatial location that is proximate with the first real-world geo-spatial location. The treatment system can compare at least a portion of the identified images with at least a portion of the captured images. The treatment system can determine a target object and emit a fluid projectile at the target object using a treatment device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for administering agrochemicals with an agricultural sprayer are provided. In a method a ground speed of the sprayer is measured. A current volumetric air flow produced by a fan of the sprayer is determined and compared with a required volumetric airflow. Settings of the fan (such as rotational speed and blade pitch settings) are adjusted if the current and required volumetric air flows differ The required volumetric air flow of the fan is determined using the measured ground speed, a configured plant height and width and sprayer air volume delivery curves at different fan settings.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The agricultural treatment system may determine a first real-world geo-spatial location of the treatment system. The system can receive captured images depicting real-world agricultural objects of a geographic scene. The system can associate captured images with the determined geo-spatial location of the treatment system. The treatment system can identify, from a group of mapped and indexed images, images having a second real-word geo-spatial location that is proximate with the first real-world geo-spatial location. The treatment system can compare at least a portion of the identified images with at least a portion of the captured images. The treatment system can determine a target object and emit a fluid projectile at the target object using a treatment device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The system uses a pump in combination with a fluid regulator to obtain and disperse fluid from the fluid tanks. The fluid regulator includes a fluid input port, a fluid output port and a fluid control valve. A first tube fluidly coupled from the fluid pump to the fluid input port. The system includes a moveable treatment head having one or more spraying tips, including a first spraying tip. A second tube is fluidly coupled from the fluid output port to the moveable treatment head. A system includes a controller configured to provide to the fluid regulator to open and close the fluid control valve to release an amount of the first fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The agricultural treatment system determines a vehicle pose of a vehicle as the vehicle moves along a path. The system identifies a first target agricultural object for treatment. Based on the determined vehicle pose, the system positions a treatment head of a first treatment unit such that a first projectile fluid may be emitted by the first treatment unit at the identified first target agricultural object. The system then causes an emitter to emit a fluid from the treatment head at the first target agricultural object.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, methods, systems and computer program products described herein are directed to an agricultural observation and treatment system and method of operation. The agricultural treatment system may determine a first real-world geo-spatial location of the treatment system. The system can receive captured images depicting real-world agricultural objects of a geographic scene. The system can associate captured images with the determined geo-spatial location of the treatment system. The treatment system can identify, from a group of mapped and indexed images, images having a second real-word geo-spatial location that is proximate with the first real-world geo-spatial location. The treatment system can compare at least a portion of the identified images with at least a portion of the captured images. The treatment system can determine a target object and emit a fluid projectile at the target object using a treatment device.

Abstract: An autonomous ground vehicle for agricultural plant and soil management operations. According to some embodiments, autonomous ground vehicle includes: a camera unit configured to generate images of agricultural ground soil and plant organisms, a first mechanical arm having an end effector comprising a hoe portion and an electrode portion, a second mechanical arm having an end effector comprising an electrode portion, a high voltage booster electrically connected to the electrode portions, an electronic memory storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions; one or more processors in electronic communication with the electronic memory storage medium, configured to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in an electronic memory storage medium for implementing a plant species control management operation comprising electrical control and mechanical control options.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a plant in a geographic area are disclosed. In one aspect, an agricultural treatment system can include a vehicle having a body and one or more legs operably connected to the body. The vehicle can also include an engine control unit configured to control motion of the vehicle. The system can include one or more image capture devices including a camera configured to capture images of a ground scene or terrain. The system can include an on-board computing system configured to identify features of the images of the ground scene including a target plant. The system can include a treatment unit configured to target and emit a laser beam on at least a portion of a plant located on the terrain.

Abstract: A snare trap is provided, including a trigger base and a snare assembly. The snare assembly includes a cable having a noose, an abutting mechanism sleeved on the cable, a restricting mechanism disposed on the cable and an elastic member disposed between the abutting mechanism and the restricting mechanism. The noose is releasably disposed around the trigger base, and the elastic member is compressible and restricted by the restricting mechanism. The elastic member includes a plurality of segments connected with one another, and at least one of the plurality of segments includes a plurality of coils each having an outer diametric dimension different from an outer diametric dimension of another one of the plurality of coils. When the noose is disposed around the trigger base and the elastic member is compressed, at least two of the plurality of coils are radially overlapped with each other.

Abstract: A method for preserving and reducing the immunogenicity of a tissue, the method including obtaining a first tissue, the first tissue being a wild type tissue or genetically modified tissue; forming a second tissue by immersing the first tissue in a first solution having a cryoprotectant concentration of at least about 75% by weight for at least one hour to kill and lyse the cells of the first tissue; forming a third tissue by removing residual cell materials of the second tissue, the residual cell materials of the second tissue being removed by subjecting the second tissue to decellularization in a bioreactor; and subjecting the third tissue to ice-free cryopreservation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell cryopreservation solution that is excellent in cell preservation effect and forms less bubbles. The present invention is a cell cryopreservation solution, comprising: a cell membrane permeable polyhydric alcohol (a) in a concentration of 1.0 to 25.0 v/v %, a saccharide (b) in a concentration of 100 to 1000 mM, and at least one (c) selected from the group consisting of Ficoll and polyethylene glycol in a total concentration of 0.5 to 10.0 w/v %.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include disposable articles made of cellulosic fiber and comprising silver ions. The disposable articles include napkins, guest towels, placemats, and tray mats, and these articles can be used in schools, hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, dental offices, long term and assisted living facilities, and restaurant and foodservice facilities.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method to impart a substrate fabric with antiviral or antibacterial properties consisting in implanting copper and/or silver nanoparticles into natural and synthetic fabrics. A plurality of products manufactured utilizing the fabrics processed according to the disclosed methods for use where antiviral and antibacterial properties are required, such as hospital and other aseptic places.

Abstract: A topical mosquito control product includes active and inert ingredients. The active ingredients include geraniol. The inert ingredients include natural materials and may include edible oil such as sunflower oil, Oleic Acid, monolaurin, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, lauric acid, lecithin and water wherein the topical mosquito repellent composition has no essential oil scent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an antifungal composition having excellent antibacterial activity even at low temperatures. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an antifungal composition comprising propylene glycol, caprylic acid, and carvacrol as active ingredients, and a composition for inhibiting or removing biofilm formation. Further, the present disclosure relates to an antibacterial method of fungi comprising the step of treating fungi with the composition of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other contaminants and impurities from industrial processing hard surfaces are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions may be dosed on site and/or generated in situ for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces. Methods of employing the peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other impurities such as aldehydes and alcohols from industrial CO2 effluent are also disclosed which beneficially provide ambient biofilm control and break down more rapidly than other peracids, allowing for extended runs between CIP cleaning, including a reduction and/or elimination of cleaning of the scrubbers and other industrial surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for controlling or preventing infestation of soybean by phytopathogenic microorganisms of the family Corynesporascaceae, in particular Corynespora cassiicola, comprising applying to a crop of plants, the locus thereof, or propagation material thereof, a compound according to formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, Y, A, B are as defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I), (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and G are as defined herein. The invention further relates to herbicidal compositions which comprise a compound of Formula (I), to their use for controlling weeds, in particular in crops of useful plants.

Abstract: A fungicidal composition containing a fungicidally effective amount of the compound of Formula I: 5-fluoro-4-imino-3-methyl-1-tosyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one, and at least one fungicide to provide synergistic control of selected fungi, wherein the at least one fungicide is a succinate dehydrogenase-inhibitor.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that have at least two of three active ingredients. The active ingredients maybe a salt having a cation N?C8-C16 alkanoyl-L di-basic amino acid —C1-C4 alkyl ester, a glycerol monoester of a fatty acid and a sugar ester of a fatty acid. The compositions are useful in methods of killing or inhibiting planktonic bacteria or fungi and bacteria or fungi embedded in a biofilm and prevention of biofilm formation on surfaces. The composition may further comprise a hydrogel and a benefit agent such as an antibiotic that can be solubilized by the hydrogel and supplied to the biofilm matrix by the active ingredients of the composition. Devices such as chronic wound coverings coated with the composition are also provided. Methods of preserving products with the composition are also provided.

Abstract: A composition including (a) at least one (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (T), where the (thio)phosphoric acid triamide (T) is one of N-n-butylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NBPT) and N-n-propylthiophosphoric acid triamide (NPPT), and (b) at least one specific herbicide.

Abstract: Described herein is an antimicrobial composition used in produce, poultry, and meat processing. The composition includes an alkylpolyglycoside having a formula: R—O-(G)n-H, where n is 1 to 2, G is a saccharide residue having 5 to 6 carbon atoms, and R is an alkyl group such that the alkylpolyglycoside has an average alkyl chain length of from 8-14. The alkylpolyglycoside is present in an active amount of from 0.01 to 8 weight percent based on a total weight of the composition. The composition also includes an antimicrobial agent chosen from organic acids, mineral acids, cetylpyridinium chloride, elemental silver and/or silver salts, and combinations thereof. The antimicrobial agent is present in an amount of from 0.002 to 2.5 weight percent based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Processes for treating a fiber substrate are disclosed. A fiber substrate comprising borosilicate with acidic functional groups. A metal salt solution is introduced to the fiber substrate. The metal salt solution includes cations having an ionic charge of +2 or greater. The pH of the metal salt solution may be adjusted, and the cations are deposited on the glass fibers. The treated fiber substrate may be utilized to form a filter media.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel strain Serratia plymuthica GYUN-8 and use thereof and, specifically, a Serratia plymuthica GYUN-8 strain, a control agent for controlling a plant disease and a plant growth promoter each containing the strain or a culture thereof as an active ingredient, and a method for controlling a plant disease and a method for promoting plant growth each including soaking or drenching a plant or a plant seed in the strain or a culture thereof, wherein the control agent for controlling a plant disease and the plant growth promoter each containing the novel strain Serratia plymuthica GYUN-8 have an excellent antagonistic action on plant pathogens and a superior activity to promote seed germination and plant growth, and furthermore, the control agent for controlling a plant disease and the plant growth promoter of the present disclosure, which are microbial preparations using microbes, can solve environmental pollution problems due to the use of conventional chemical pesticides and human toxicity probl

Abstract: Provided is a bacterial strain which produces a family of mosquitocidal toxins, Xenorhabdus MT, on deposit with the American Type Culture Collection, PTA-6826, insecticidal compositions comprising the mosquitocidal toxin(s) produced by Xenorhabdus MT, a mosquitocidal toxin preparation prepared from spent culture medium, whole culture or cells or a mixture thereof, of Xenorhabdus MT and method of insect control, especially mosquito control. Also provided are microbial compounds (same as mosquitocidal toxins) compositions comprising them and use in formulating therapeutic and other antimicrobial compositions, and methods of use for inhibiting microbial growth and for treating infection.

Abstract: Antimicrobial preservative compositions that can be incorporated in products to be preserved are disclosed herein. The disclosed compositions include immobilized biocidal enzymes, such as cross-linking enzymes or active enzymes falling into the zymogen-class, for the purpose of modifying amino acid residues on a protein or binding a molecule of interest to a protein. The compositions include enzymes that are immobilized on a polymeric solid support, which improve the shelf life of the enzyme and protect the enzyme from auto-cross-linking or other deterioration over extended storage periods. Also disclosed are methods of increasing the self-like of products, such as personal care, household and industrial products, by incorporating an effective amount of the disclosed compositions into the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic biochar-quaternary phosphonium salt bactericidal material, a preparation method therefor and usage thereof, and belongs to the field of water treatment. The preparation method comprises: 1) using corn straw biochar as a precursor to prepare magnetic biochar by a co-precipitation method; and 2) adding the magnetic biochar into deionized water, then adding a quaternary phosphonium salt, performing the magnetic stir at room temperature, raising the temperature after sufficient impregnation, carrying out a hydrothermal reaction, and then cooling to the room temperature to obtain the bactericidal material. The temperature is raised to 60° C.˜70° C.

Abstract: An oven appliance may include a cabinet, a plurality of chamber walls, a cooking surface, a top heating element, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The cooking surface may be defined in a cooking chamber. The top heating element may be mounted above the cooking surface to heat the cooking chamber. The temperature sensor may be disposed within the cabinet. The controller may be configured to initiate a cooking operation that includes initiating preheat activation of the top heating element, receiving temperature signals from the temperature sensor during the preheat activation, determining a preheat threshold is met based on the received temperature signals, and initiating cooking activation of the top heating element based on a cooking cycle having a predetermined time interval subsequent to determining the preheat threshold is met. Initiating cooking activation may include directing the top heating element based on the cooking cycle for the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A tunnel shaper including an elongated forming tunnel for shaping amorphous food materials into a desired shape. The forming tunnel includes a bore defined by an inner wall. A channel extends along the length of the forming tunnel and is in open communication with the bore. A top tunnel extends along the tunnel in alignment with the channel. The top tunnel is adjustable with respect to the forming tunnel in order to control the shape of a amorphous material piece processed by the shaper. An adjustment bar and one or more adjustment shafts extend between the adjustment bar and the forming tunnel. A conveyor belt conveys amorphous material pieces through the bore of the forming tunnel and the distance of the top tunnel with respect to the forming tunnel is adjusted in order to control the shape of a amorphous material piece processed by the shaper.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for a comestible loader with flatteners that pivot and translate. One of the methods includes receiving, by a comestible loader, a comestible through an opening defined in a loader frame of the comestible loader and onto a surface; and pivoting and translating a first flattener and a second flattener to a pre-press position to permit the first flattener and the second flattener to position the comestible approximately at a target position on the surface.

Abstract: A taco shell is produced using a rotary cutter including a shaft, an outer blade extending radially outward from the shaft and a first inner blade extending radially outward from the shaft. The outer blade defines an interior area, enclosed by the outer blade, and an exterior area. The first inner blade is located in the interior area and includes a plurality of teeth. A dough piece is cut from a dough sheet with the outer blade, and a first arcuate line of depressions is created in the dough piece with the plurality of teeth. The dough piece is folded to form a shaped dough piece, and the shaped dough piece is baked to produce a hard taco shell.