Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of airflow applicators used for delivering directional, heated air to, for example, the scalp and hair of humans and/or animals to eliminate ectoparasites, such as lice and lice eggs. In preferred embodiments, the applicators are configured to deliver heated airflow (from a separate device, or from another portion of a single device, that generates heated airflow) efficiently right to where ectoparasites and their eggs most frequently reside. Also disclosed are treatment methods, including preferred treatment patterns, for delivering heated airflows for use in eliminating ectoparasites and their eggs on an animal.

Abstract: A handheld storage and mixing device is disclosed. The device can include first and second separate containers each defining a distinct internal cavity. The first container can be movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the second container between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cavities can be substantially sealed from one another. In the second position, a first gas forming ingredient in one of the cavities can mix with a second gas forming ingredient in the other cavity to form a gas, such as chlorine dioxide gas. The device can have one or more filtered openings to allow gas generated by mixing the first and second gas forming ingredients to escape into the ambient environment.

Abstract: Formulations have been developed for pulmonary delivery to treat or reduce the infectivity of diseases such as vital infections, especially tuberculosis, SARS, influenza and respiratory synticial virus in humans and hoof and mouth disease in animals. Formulations for pulmonary administration include a material that significantly alters physical properties such as surface tension and surface elasticity of lung mucus lining fluid, which may be a surfactant and, optionally, a carrier. The formulation may be administered as a powder where the particles consist basically of the material altering surface tension. The carrier may be a solution, such as an alcohol, although an aqueous solution may be utilized, or a material mixed with the material altering surface tension to form particles.

Abstract: A four-legged animal washing apparatus includes a housing defining a washing chamber that is shaped to contour the animal and having a quartet of generally hollow abutments disposed in a predetermined pattern on and extending outwardly from a bottom wall of the washing chamber. A first opening is formed in a top portion of the housing and a cover is provided for selectively opening and closing the first opening. A second opening is formed in the front portion of the housing to receive a neck of such animal. Spraying nozzles are directed into the washing chamber and are connected to a liquid pump operable by a controller. At least one drain is provided for draining liquid from the washing chamber. An optional air heating assembly supplies heated air into the washing chamber through air ports. Sensor is employed for detecting presence of the liquid in the washing chamber.

Abstract: A method of washing an object using a pressurized water source includes combining a cleaning fluid and the pressurized water and diffusing pressurized air into the combined cleaning fluid and pressurized water. The combined cleaning fluid and pressurized water diffused with the pressurized air is applied to the object. The cleaning fluid may also be carbonated and combined with the pressurized water prior to diffusing pressurized air into this combined mixture. The object being washed may, for example, be an animal such as a dog.

Abstract: A pet vacuum attachment for a source of vacuum. A generally tubular unit has a filter and a vacuum adjustment valve with a vacuum gauge, the unit being attached at one end to a vacuum source and at the other end to a vacuum hose leading to a vacuum head unit. A vacuum head is in the general shape of a mitt. A suction grooming portion of the head has a wavy rim defining a mitt-shaped suction plenum covered by a grid formed of arrowhead configured grid elements. The grid elements attach at valleys between peaks between outward-extending peaks. The suction grooming portion forms a hose attachment at the mitt wrist. The suction grooming portion has a hand receiving mitt attached along its upper wall. Another suction head is provided in the shape of a flattened trumpet bell having a grid for contact with the coat of a pet.

Abstract: A blower system for livestock may include a housing. An air inlet may be located on the housing. One or more motors may be located in the housing. One or more fans may be coupled to at least one of the motors. The fans may be located in the housing. The fans may draw air in through the air inlet and expel air out through an air outlet located on the housing. An insulated region may retain heat in the housing. The blower system may be portable. The blower system may allow a user to apply the air from the air outlet to livestock.

Abstract: A combination system for ozonating the air and water provided to an animal confinement house, such as a poultry house, to provide breathing air and drinking water with less viruses, bacteria and contaminants to the growing animals, such as poultry, using an air ozonation system to provide ozonated air to the animal confinement house and a water ozonation system to provide ozonated water to the animal confinement house, preferably utilizing a single ozone reactor to provide ozone to both the air ozonation system and the water ozonation system.

Abstract: Up until now, the task of rubbing animals, in particular horses, ponies or the like, dry once they have been washed (showered) has involved strenuous manual work. The effort involved in this rubbing-dry action means that the horses are often dried insufficiently and this results, in particular, in them catching chills. The invention proposes an apparatus for drying animals which has a housing (11) with air-outlet openings on the underside (16). The housing (11) is assigned fans (39), for generating an air flow, and air-distributing plates (45), as a result of which a uniform air stream is generated. This uniform air stream is heated by flowing along plate convectors (33) and then passes out of the housing (11) at the bottom as hot air through both air-outlet holes (21) and air-outlet slits (28). A hot-air flow generated in this way makes it possible for animals, in particular horses, to be dried carefully and effectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling microorganisms on a surface in a hatchery. The present invention is also directed to a system and method for controlling microorganisms on the surface of eggs. The present invention is further directed to a method for reducing the level of pathogen infection in a poultry flock.

Abstract: A basin for washing, rinsing and drying pets comprises a basin body and a basin support. The basin body includes a flat basin bottom, side walls, a front wall and a rear wall. A portion of the front wall is removable from the basin body, and a connecting area between said front, rear and side walls and said flat basin bottom is formed with a narrow rounded cross sectional shape. The basin support includes a device for sucking water from the animal's fur, a device for drying the animal's fur, a well for discharging liquids, a separator means located either inside the well or downstream of the well for separating toxic liquid from non-toxic liquids.