Abstract: A cat litter box includes a shell assembly, a rotary drum, and a driving assembly. The shell assembly includes a top shell, a middle shell, and a bottom shell arranged in sequence in a vertical direction. An excrement collection compartment is arranged inside the bottom shell. The excrement collection compartment is arranged opposite to the middle shell. The top shell is detachably connected to the middle shell. The middle shell is detachably connected to the bottom shell. A mounting cavity is formed between the top shell and the middle shell. The rotary drum is rotatably arranged in the mounting cavity. The driving assembly is detachably connected to the middle shell, and includes a driving unit. The driving unit is drivingly connected to the rotary drum.

Abstract: A pet kennel and method of construction is disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the pet kennel includes a body and a door assembly. The body has an interior space configured for a pet and includes at least one aperture sized and shaped for the pet. The door assembly is attached to the body at the aperture. The door assembly includes a latching part pivotally attached to a hinge part. The latching part includes a latching mechanism configured to lock and unlock the door assembly. The hinge part is fixedly attached to the body so as to substantially surround a perimeter of the aperture.

Abstract: An animal transport crate apparatus has an outer crate including rigid panels forming an outer boundary of an animal enclosure and an inner lining defining a flexible envelope arranged to receive the animal therein within the outer crate. Vehicle connecting tethers are arranged to extend through the outer crate for connection between the inner lining and frame anchors of the vehicle. The tethered inner lining allows the animal to be captured by the flexible envelope to minimize injury to the animal, and other occupants of the vehicle, regardless of the condition of the outer crate following a crash of the vehicle. The surrounding outer crate of rigid panels maintains ease of portability of the crate.

Abstract: A bed for at least one animal is provided. The bed includes a strip of belting having a front end, a back end, and opposing sides, an animal bed having a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. A first fluid supply tube is in fluid connection with the first chamber, and a second fluid supply tube is in fluid connection with the second chamber, wherein the first and second chambers are fluidly isolated from one another. A method of preparing for use a bed for at least one animal is also provided. In addition, a system for using a bed for at least one animal is also provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag insertion cartridge configured for use in implanting a flexible RFID tag into a small animal using a needle-retraction implant tool. In embodiments, the cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a bevel cap. In embodiments, the cartridge housing is configured to receive a carriage portion inserted into a first end of the cartridge housing with a retractable needle extended out of a second end of the carriage portion to present the retractable needle in an extended position with the RFID tag carried within the retractable needle. In embodiments, the bevel cap has a proximal portion with a mating feature configured to mate with the cartridge housing and one or more needle capture elements configured to selectively couple to the needle in the extended position in a side-mountable manner without a direct axial force being exerted on the needle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for implementing a Lubricated Pet Nail Grinder (LPNG). One embodiment takes the form of a LPNG that includes a housing handle, a support portion affixed on a top portion of the housing handle and a through hole extending vertically through the top portion of the housing handle and the bottom portion of the housing handle, a hose extending through the through hole of the housing handle, wherein the hose comprises a connector affixed to a first end of the hose extending through the bottom portion of the housing handle and an actuator affixed to a second end of the hose extending through the top portion of the housing handle, a lubricant, a lubricant source, a cylindrical roller axially mounted on the support portion of the housing handle, a motor mounted within the interior of the housing handle, a nail-pad separator affixed to a rear side of the support portion of the housing handle, and a shield affixed to a font side of the support portion of the housing handle.

Abstract: The sleeve comprises a hollow tubular lower portion. The hollow tubular lower portion has a taper running from a lower extent of the hollow tubular lower portion to a chest wrap portion of the pet leg protector sleeve. The chest wrap portion having a top having a pass through, with the pass through comprising a pair of loops, being a forward loop and rearward loop. There is a median component. There is a forward strap and a rearward strap which each has a co-acting removable attachment means located on a distal end outer surface of each strap.

Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include, in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.

Abstract: A dog harness assembly comprising: a harness body adapted to be positioned on a chest portion of a dog, a pair of restraint loops coupled with the harness body and adapted to pass respectively under the left and right foreleg pits of the dog, each loop comprising a clasp adapted to be releasably fastened to a fastening arrangement provided in the harness body; a connector located in the harness body for engaging with a locking portion of a leash for allowing a user to exert a force for controlling movements of the dog wearing said harness when the harness is connected to the leash through said connector; a key or combination actuated locking arrangement coupled with said connector to provide a lockable connection between the leash and the harness wherein in a locked configuration the leash connector is prevented from being uncoupled from the connector; wherein the locking arrangement is coupled with said fastening arrangement such that in the locked configuration the clasps of the restraint loops engage with

Abstract: A bovine estrus detection device includes a generally rectangular base having sides and ends, the base having a predetermined length and a predetermined width, and the width being less than the length, the base having a first side and. a second side. The first side of the base has a central region having a first color and end regions having a second color. The second color is different from the first color. An adhesive is disposed on the second side of the base for coupling the base to a female cow or heifer. A removable coating is disposed over the first side of the base. The removable coating is exposed for contact by male or female cows mounting the female cow or heifer to which the device is attached. The coating is adapted to being removed by mounting male or female cows, whereby the first and second colors become visible. Exposure of the first color in the central region is an. accurate predictor of activation and estrus.

Abstract: A feeding device for preventing displacement of feed during livestock feeding inside a livestock trailer is described. The device includes a wall bracket configured for connection of the device to an interior surface of the trailer and a net frame having a net connected thereto. The net frame is connected to the wall bracket and pivotable from an elevated open position permitting the feed to be placed on a substantially flat manger surface of the trailer to a substantially horizontal closed position where the net covers the feed on the manger surface and permits the livestock feeding to occur through the net while the net prevents the displacement of the feed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can include: providing a base; coupling a container supporting structure to the base; and coupling a container to the container supporting structure, the container having a rim and an inner surface, the container coupled to the container supporting structure with a pivot mechanism and a rotational brake, and wherein: the container supporting structure provides the container with a vertical offset from the base, the pivot mechanism provides the container with a rotational range of motion, and the rotational brake provides a resistance to movement within the rotational range of motion for angling the rim and the inner surface of the container to correct for an underbite or an overbite of an animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device for monitoring a beehive, the beehive comprising a plurality of frames on which bees build their comb, the electronic device comprising a plurality of temperature sensors and a communication module, wherein: the electronic device is adapted to be placed on top of the frames, between said frames and an inner cover or a lid of the beehive, and, each temperature sensor is coupled to a thermal diffuser, each thermal diffuser being adapted to cover one of the gaps between two adjacent frames when the electronic device is placed on top of the frames, and, the communication module is adapted to send a message comprising at least one measure from the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A multi-directional spreader bar assembly includes a specially formed rudder bird assembly attached to the center of a spreader bar member for trolling a plurality of lures from a fishing boat in a spread pattern. The rudder bird assembly includes a bird-like longitudinal body having an airfoil shape with fins on either side and a pair of diagonal crossing grooves centrally formed on the bottom of the body with a hole made therethrough that is off-centered from the longitudinal axis of the body and spaced apart from the crossing grooves. A rudder plate welded to a threaded stem is adapted to engage a selected one of the bottom grooves while the threaded stem extends through the off-centered hole and held in place under coaxial spring compression so that the rudder plate and stem may be released and reset into the alternate groove to switch the trolling direction of the assembly.

Abstract: A fishing pole caddy includes two or more risers arranged in parallel and multiple semicylindrical trays mounted perpendicular to the risers. The risers each have a first and a second attachment side and a base plate at one end from which a male coupling member extends to vertically attach the risers to a gunnel of a boat. The trays bear a fishing pole in a horizontal position. A customizable caddy includes a framework to which about four to sixteen adjustable length tubular housings are removably mounted. The framework includes a first and a second base plate with vertically extending risers. Each housing is perpendicular to the risers and has a longitudinal gap for a horizontally oriented fishing pole. Each housing extends from beneath the pole and rises to a longitudinal lip aligned with an upper portion of the pole. The caddy allows tangle-free storage and transport of fishing poles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multipoint, flexible fishing rod holder that may be quickly and efficiently engaged and disengaged is disclosed. Both the rod handle and rod blank may be supported by separate flexible devices that accommodate all sizes and styles of fishing rod such that the rod may be maintained in a generally horizontal orientation. In one embodiment, the supporting apparatus can be retrofitted to existing fishing apparel. In another, the supporting apparatus is integral to the apparel at the time of manufacture. In certain aspects, the rod holder can be quickly engaged and disengaged to allow an angler use of both hands to facilitate various activities such as changing lures, adding bait, positioning bobbers, or wading with a staff.

Abstract: A pest monitoring system generally includes a circuit, wherein the circuit is initially in a first impedance state that is configured to change to a second impedance state due to pest activity, wherein the second impedance state is lower than the first impedance state.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to selectively inducing ingress and/or egress of live food creatures (FCs) relative to a reservoir using a controllable light source based on innate behavior(s) of the FCs. In an illustrative example, a feeder for dispensing live food to a carnivore may have a (partially) opaque chamber configured to receive FCs. A controlled light source may, for example, be selectively operable to illuminate at least part of the chamber. A carnivore interface may, for example, be in communication with the chamber via at least one dispensing aperture and be configured to present a dispensed FC to the carnivore. Operation of the controlled light source in a dispensing mode may induces motion of the FCs in the chamber towards the carnivore interface to be presented as food to the carnivore. Various embodiments may advantageously induce self-dispensing and/or self-retention of insects as food.

Abstract: A weed control apparatus for a vehicle includes a processing unit that receives at least one image of an environment. The processing unit analyses the at least one image to activate at least one chemical spray unit. A liquid weed control chemical is atomized and charged by the at least one chemical spray unit. The at least one chemical spray unit has at least one part configured to be held at high voltage with respect to zero volts potential. The at least one high voltage power supply and the at least one chemical spray unit are configured to hold the at least one part of the at least one chemical spray unit at one or a number of high voltages with respect to zero volts potential, such that the atomized liquid weed control chemical is electrically charged.

Abstract: An agricultural applicator, that applies material to an agricultural field, includes an on-board, real-time image sensor that senses targets for the material to be applied. A controller controls applicators, such as nozzles or other applicators, to apply the material to the sensed targets.

Abstract: Method for pest treatment of a plantation field, controlling device for controlling a pest treatment of a plantation field and a treatment device having said controlling device, wherein the treatment considers a pest insect population and a beneficial insect population.

Abstract: Reducing fines from an agricultural spray dispensed from a nozzle is provided in the disclosed methods. The agricultural spray comprises water, an agricultural composition such as a pesticide, at least one oil emulsion drift reduction adjuvant, and at least one spontaneous emulsion drift reduction adjuvant. The agricultural spray exhibits fewer fine droplets having a diameter less than about 105 ?m, about 150 ?m, and/or about 210 ?m compared to an agricultural spray neither or only one of the oil emulsion drift reduction adjuvant and the spontaneous emulsion drift reduction adjuvant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are combinations of Yersinia entomophaga and/or Yersinia nurmii and/or toxins therefrom, with one or more of a variety of substances, including animal repellents, acaricides, antimicrobials, avicides, bactericides, biostimulants, disinfectants and/or sanitizers, fungicides, gastropodicides, herbicides, insecticides, insect growth regulators, insect repellents, miticides, molluscicides, nematicides, plant signal molecules, plant nutrients, plant fertilizers, predacides, piscicides, rodenticides, termiticides, viricides, and the like. The combinations may have additive effects or unexpected effects on pests, insects being one example, and/or on plant growth and/or plant yield. Also disclosed are methods for using the disclosed combinations.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for non-cryogenic vitrification of biological materials that include the steps of providing one or more capillary channels of which a first opening is operably in contact with a moisture containing vitrification mixture made of a biological material and a vitrification agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agricultural methods and the use of an insecticidal active carboxamide derivative in seed treatment and soil application methods. The insecticidal carboxamide derivative is highly suitable alone or in combination with other active agricultural ingredients for controlling animal pests such as insects and/or spider mites and/or nematodes by treating the soil/growth substrate by drenching or drip application or dipping or soil injection.

Abstract: Sustained-release composite particles having improved dispersion stability and improved sustained-release properties, and exhibiting longer-term effects, a method for producing the sustained-release composite particles, a dry powder comprising the sustained-release composite particles, and wallpaper comprising the sustained-release composite particles. The sustained-release composite particles comprise core particles containing at least one type of polymer and at least one type of functional component, and micronized cellulose coating at least a part of the surface of the core particles, the core particles and the micronized cellulose being inseparable from each other.

Abstract: The present application relates to semiochemical-based lures for mammals, particularly mammalian pest species that are useful for monitoring, capturing and/or controlling mammals and to methods of using semiochemical-based lures for monitoring, capturing and/or controlling mammals, particularly mammalian pest species. The present application also relates to the use of semiochemical-based lures for monitoring, capturing and/or controlling mammals, particularly mammalian pest species. In some embodiments, semiochemical-based lures are useful for reducing the number of mammalian pest species in one or more designated target environments.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition for treating animal feed, comprising: 1 to 90 wt. %, based on the total weight, of a C1 to C24 organic acid, 1 to 90 wt. %, based on the total weight, of trans-2-hexenal provided it constitutes at least 5 wt. % of the organic acid and aldehyde mixture, 0 to 50 wt. % based on the total weight of terpenes, 0 to 20 wt. % based on the total weight of a surfactant, and water.

Abstract: An inhibitor for resisting muskmelon powdery mildew as well as preparation method and application thereof are provided, belonging to the technical field of muskmelon culturing. In order to solve the technical problems that muskmelon powdery mildew has caused serious influence on growth and yield of muskmelon, the disclosure uses an inhibitor containing allantoin for resisting muskmelon powdery mildew to spray leaves of the muskmelon in a seedling stage or a spreading stage of the muskmelon, which effectively increases the resistance of the muskmelon to powdery mildew. The disclosure has great significance for improving the yield and quality of the muskmelon.

Abstract: A combination comprising a multi-site contact fungicide, a first systemic fungicide and optionally a second systemic fungicide and a method using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrification inhibitors of formula (I), which are alkoxypyrazole compounds. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I) as nitrification inhibitors, i.e. for reducing nitrification, as well as agro-chemical mixtures and compositions comprising the nitrification inhibitors of formula (I).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for controlling pests. A ready-to-use barrier and knockdown pesticide composition comprises a killing agent; a knockdown agent; a surface-active agent; and a carrier, and the composition is a water-in-oil emulsion. A method for controlling pests comprises applying the RTU barrier and knockdown pesticide composition directly to a target pest using a sprayer. The present compositions and methods provide average users an immediate indication of the knockdown efficiency against target pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidal mixture comprising L-glufosinate or its salt and at least one VLCFA inhibitor. The invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling undesirable vegetation in burndown programs, in industrial vegetation management and forestry, in vegetable and perennial crops and in turf and lawn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparation of copper fungicide compounds. More particularly, the present invention relates to a continuous process for production of tribasic copper sulphate (TBCS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of mixtures containing secondary calcium and secondary magnesium phosphonate for combatting harmful fungi, to the use thereof as fertilizer or plant nutrient, to a mixture, containing secondary calcium and secondary magnesium phosphonate in a specific molar ratio, characterized in that the solid form of the mixture has a water solubility of at most 5 g/l, and to a method for preparing a mixture containing secondary calcium phosphonate and secondary magnesium phosphonate.

Abstract: A species of Burkholderia sp with no known pathogenicity to vertebrates but with pesticidal activity (e.g., plants, insects, fungi, weeds and nematodes) is provided. Also provided are natural products derived from a culture of said species and methods of controlling pests using said natural products.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for improving plant health. The present invention includes methods for making an enriched library of treatments capable of improving plant health, methods for an making an enriched library of plants capable of being improved by a treatment, and methods of marketing a plant treatment, as well as synthetic compositions comprising treatments produced by the methods of the present invention, synthetic compositions comprising endophytes capable of improving plant health, and nucleic acid probes and nucleic acid detection kits that may be used in the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A use of an application mode of Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum) in growth and induced resistance of Nicotiana tabacum (N. tabacum) includes the following specific operation steps: S1. experimental materials: preparation of test media and bacterial solutions; S2. experimental treatments: S2.1 control treatment; S2.2 seed soaking treatment; S2.3 root irrigation treatment; and S2.4 foliar inoculation treatment; S3. test determination indexes and methods: S3.1 determination of biological traits; S3.2 determination of physiological and biochemical indexes; and S3.3 determination of disease resistance and induced resistance indexes; and S4. data processing: subjecting data to a difference significance test. Different application modes of T. harzianum all can promote the growth of N. tabacum plants and reduce the occurrence of tobacco black shank (TBS), among which a root irrigation treatment at a transplanting stage leads to an optimal effect.

Abstract: The present document describes an aqueous nano-emulsion formulation comprising an oil, a solvent a sorbate, a saponin, in an amount sufficient to form a nano-emulsion of said oil in water and sufficient water to make 100 weight percent. The document also describes the use of the nano-emulsion formulation as disinfectant, pesticides and/or plant growth regulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and production line for in-line processing of food products. The method comprises the step of co-extruding a food dough into a flow of co-extruded food products having a casing that comprises a protein, or a hybrid casing of a protein and a polymer, wherein the method subsequently comprises the successive steps of: a) subjecting the flow of co-extruded food products to a surface treating step, b) subjecting the flow of food products to a thermal treating step, and c) optionally, subjecting the thermally treated flow of food products to a post-thermal treating step, wherein in step b) the flow of food products is at least subsequently subjected to a first thermal treating step, and a second thermal treating step.

Abstract: A system for sizing a natural intestine comprising a carrier, a product transport and sealing system, a measuring system, and a control system. The carrier comprises a fluid channel and a measuring portion. A carrier surface at the measuring portion comprises perforations fluidly connected to the channel. The product transport and sealing system is configured for moving the intestine over the carrier. The intestine surrounds the carrier surface, and for temporarily sealing the intestine along the measuring portion. The measuring system comprises a radiation sensor system for measuring a cross-sectional dimension of the intestine at the measuring portion, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure of the fluid in the channel, and a sensor for sensing a flow of the fluid in the channel. The control system determines a cross-sectional size of the intestine at the measuring portion based on signals of the radiation sensor system, the pressure sensor, and the flow sensor.

Abstract: A paper interleaver that is separate from the food patty molding machine for inserting a sheet of paper underneath a meat patty.

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-in-oil emulsion which emulsion comprises oil and a hardstock fraction next to an aqueous phase. The process involves blending the melted hardstock fraction with a water-continuous dispersion comprising part or all of the oil and part or all of the aqueous phase and with a fat-continuous dispersion comprising the remainder of the oil and the remainder of the aqueous phase. The combined stream is mixed by a high shear mixer with short residence time.

Abstract: Food and beverage products including natural stabilizers, and particularly to replace EDTA, are provided. In particular, the food products comprise oil-in-water emulsions and the natural stabilizers include high molecular weight polymers which are effective to extend the shelf-life of the products.

Abstract: A fat composition comprises: from 55 to 75% StOSt; from 10 to 25% POSt; and less than 10% POP; said percentages being by weight based on total triglycerides present in the composition, and has the following N-values: N35 of less than 45; and N10 of greater than 80.

Abstract: A pastry filling formulation and pastry food products including the pastry filling formulation are described having a freeze thaw stable thermoreversible gel with other ingredients including, but are not limited to, water, a sweetening agent, and one or more fruit additives (e.g., fruit flavor, fruit coloring, fruit puree, etc.). The freeze thaw stable thermoreversible gel permits the pastry filling to retain water during the thawing process from a frozen state.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides low-water oral care compositions comprising a whitening agent and a flavor system encapsulating one or more flavor ingredients, wherein the flavor system provides improved taste to the consumer, masking the negative taste attributes of the whitening or oxidizing agents, and is also believed to be able to improve the flavor stability over the life of the product, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods describe improvements in the automated production of meat analogues. Ingredients are provided, including oil, water, binding agent(s), and one or more forms of protein to be separately and continuously conveyed through a facility. Concurrently to the ingredients being conveyed through the facility, a number of actions occur. The system emulsifies the oil, water, and binding agent(s) within an emulsifying machine to form a final emulsion. A hydration process is separately applied to at least one of the forms of protein. The system mixes and conveys the protein(s) with the final emulsion in a final mixer to form a final dough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible pet chew where the pet chew comprises a thermo-processed shell and a cold-formed filling; the cold-formed filling is prepared at approximately room temperature and is not cooked; the thermo-processed shell contains cellulosic fibers, a humectant and a gelling agent; the cold-formed filling can contain thermally labile nutrients and/or actives; and the pet chew is made by co-extruding the filling into the extruded tube-shaped thermo-processed shell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a die-pressing production device and method for flavored dried bean curd. The die-pressing production device includes a die-pressing apparatus and an intermittent fabric operation apparatus located on a side of the die-pressing apparatus; the die-pressing apparatus includes a frame body on which two parallel wrapping mechanisms for wrapping a to-be-pressed material are disposed, and a cover plate for downwards pressing the wrapping mechanisms and a jacking plate for upwards jacking the wrapping mechanisms are respectively disposed on the top and bottom of the frame body; and the intermittent fabric operation apparatus includes a rack and a roller set disposed on the rack, and the roller set is wound with a rotary fabric belt passing through a space between the two wrapping mechanisms.