Abstract: A curtain machine has a sealed control enclosure. The control enclosure, disposed in a machine interior of a machine housing, forms an enclosure interior and is configured to form a moisture impermeable seal separating the environment of the control enclosure from the environment of the machine interior and the external environment of the curtain machine. A motorized threaded member is configured to move a load block within the machine interior, for example to actuate a cable-based curtain mechanism, with both the load block and threaded member disposed outside the enclosure interior. The enclosure interior of the control enclosure includes a control circuit configured to operate the motor, and a mechanical limit switch configured to be mechanically actuated by the load block to stop the motor responsive to the load block moving along the threaded member beyond a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An odor filter apparatus for a litter box, the odor filter apparatus comprising: a vent base, with a top side and a bottom side; an inlet opening in the vent base; a plurality of channels in the bottom side of the vent base, configured to direct air flow to the inlet opening; a filter housing attached to the top side of the vent base; an active odor removing element located in the filter housing; a fan assembly housing removeably attached to the filter housing; a blower fan located in the fan assembly housing; a mounting opening in the fan assembly opening; a fan exhaust sealing device attached to the mounting opening; four soft button feet attached to the bottom side of the vent base; wherein the blower fan is configured to pull air through the inlet opening, through the active odor removing element, and out through the fan exhaust sealing device.

Abstract: A machine or apparatus to capture dog urine and solid waste for generally indoor use by a dog owner that automatically or manually advances fresh pads on a predetermined programming of the machine by the control module.

Abstract: Provided is a litter for animals that has a reduced bulk density while retaining an advantage of a granular material containing bentonite as a main component, i.e., an ability to form a granular mass having a high strength and low height after urine absorption. The litter for animals according to the present invention comprises a plurality of granular materials including a high-bulk density granular material and a low-bulk density granular material at a ratio by mass of 60:40-40:60, wherein: the high-bulk density granular material contains bentonite as a main component; and the low-bulk density granular material is configured of a core layer and a skin layer, said skin layer coating the surface of the core layer and containing a binder by which grains of the plurality of granular materials are bound to each other.

Abstract: A horse mattress has a hollow body formed by a top bedding layer and a ground contacting base layer connected together to define an internal chamber, the top bedding layer being water resistant and sized to accommodate a horse; loose fill material within the internal chamber; a fill opening defined by the hollow body for adding and removing loose fill material to and from the internal chamber; and a reversible closure part for opening and closing the fill opening. A method includes supplying loose fill material into an internal chamber of a hollow body through a fill opening defined by the hollow body, the hollow body being water resistant; reversibly closing the fill opening; and placing the hollow body on a ground surface in a horse stall to provide a bed for a horse.

Abstract: A pet ramp system has a central pier and at least one ramp with an axle that is received in at least one axle receiver disposed near the top of the pier. The pier's axle receiver(s) permit installation of the ramp axle when the ramp is oriented at less than a predetermined angle from vertical, but the axle receiver(s) will not permit separation of the ramp from the pier when the ramp is lowered to any of a plurality of use positions that each are at more than the predetermined angle.

Abstract: An injury mitigating stock guard is described. The stock guard includes mutually parallel linear members defining linear pockets therebetween of sufficient size to allow the passage of the hoof of an adult domesticated animal. The linear members include one or more laterally extending flanges that prevent the further passage of the hoof through the bottoms of the pockets to prevent injury.

Abstract: A method for recording and predicting position data for a self-propelled wheeled vehicle (1) carrying a load (14) is provided whereby the vehicle (1) is caused to move along a ground surface (5) along a predominantly straight line trajectory (17) by rotating at least one load carrying wheel (3) in frictional engagement with the surface (5), angular rotation data of at least one wheel (3) is obtained, absolute position data are obtained at different predetermined fixed positions Pn of the vehicle (1) with respect to the surface (5) along the straight line trajectory (17), whereby the distance travels is measured independently and used to calibrate motion sensors on board the vehicle. The invention also comprises a delivery or pick up system, a program for an on-board computing device and an on-board computing device.

Abstract: A robust multiple compartment animal feeder. The device has multiple hoppers or containers, each of which is filled with feed. The device periodically releases a door, allowing food to fall from one of the hoppers. The use of a pin inserted into a latch allows substantial weight to be placed in the hopper. Pins are withdrawn from the latches by a line. The line periodically pulls one of the pins from a latch to release feed from the container with which the pin and latch are associated.

Abstract: A pet water feeder with a water level alarm function, comprising a water storage tank and a water drinking basin, which are configured to be in fluid communication with each other, wherein a water level sensor is installed inside the water drinking basin close to a bottom of the water drinking basin, and a buzzer is installed on the bottom outside the water drinking basin.

Abstract: An infrastructure and methodologies to support automated lost and found pet alerts based on geo-proximity and other criteria. In various embodiments, a pet/dog owner initiates a lost pet alert by entering location and lost pet report information via a downloadable application. This information is processed and stored in a database maintained by a cloud/remote server. The server identifies potential recipients for a lost pet alert and transmits alerts for display on user devices meeting select criteria such as proximity thresholds. Upon receiving a found pet report, the server sends an automated found pet notice to the owner of the animal and other users meeting predetermined criteria. Curated listings of lost and found pet notifications may also be maintained for selective presentation on user devices.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a strap assembly that permits various decorative items to be worn comfortably on the head of a pet without easily falling or being pulled off. The strap assembly can be made of a thin, clear or translucent elastic plastic material making it nearly invisible. Alternatively, the strap can be made of a colored or opaque plastic material, or even a woven fabric.

Abstract: This invention is a system that will properly activate common corrective collars. Additionally this invention prevents harm to the animal from the misuse of said corrective collars and/or from the uncontrolled animal wearing said collar.

Abstract: A retractable pet leash assembly includes a housing, a spool, a leash and a braking assembly. The spool is disposed inside the housing and biased by a spring and includes braking notches. The leash is wound about the spool. The braking assembly includes a pawl, a pawl spring and an operating member. The pawl selectively engages the braking notches, the pawl spring biases the pawl towards engagement with the spool. The operating member moves the pawl between first and second positions to move the pawl into and out of the path of the braking notches. The operating member has a pawl non-engaged position in which the pawl is in the first position, a first pawl engaged position in which the pawl is in the second position, and a second pawl engaged position in which the operating member is retained while the pawl is in the second position.

Abstract: A reconfigurable leash is provided. The reconfigurable leash allows a user to configure the leash in multiple configurations, including hand-free, single animal, double animal, and tether configurations. The leash includes a body having two ends and couplings located at each end. The leash also includes three rings located at three different positions along the length of the body. The leash also includes a moveable pad that wraps around a portion of the body of the leash.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining information about a farm animal, wherein a device (a) is attached to the head region of an animal, said device containing at least one acceleration sensor by means of which recurring acceleration data is measured, wherein the acceleration data is evaluated using automatic data processing means, and, as an outcome of the evaluation, is indicative of the activities and/or conditions of the animal. The acquired acceleration data is evaluated in order to detect the swallowing processes carried out by the animal.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions related to non-human animals that express exogenous Terminal Deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT).

Abstract: A method for controlling fishing hardware and displaying fishing information which includes running an application on a computing device having a display for displaying the application, wherein the application is configured to display and control a fishing lure configuration of a fishing lure. The method further including establishing a connection between the computing device and the fishing lure which includes equipment capable of emitting sounds resembling the prey of a fish, thereby enabling alteration of the fishing lure configuration and which sounds may be emitted. The method further including updating the fishing lure configuration with the application.

Abstract: A fishing lure frame comprising a V-shaped frame having an aperture or loop formed at a vertex of the V-shaped member, the V-shaped member having a first leg and an upper second leg joined at the vertex, the first leg including a lure body extending from a distal end thereof with a hook extending from a distal end of the body and a skirt attaching at a collar formed by a reduced diameter medial portion of the body, the second leg being about three-fourths as long as the first leg and extending at a selected angle of from between 60-120 degrees from the first leg, the second leg extending in spaced apart alignment with the first leg and the second leg including a rotatable bladed attaching to a distal end thereof, the lure body including a plurality of transverse longitudinal members extending from the tip thereof including distal ends having rotatable blades connecting thereto.

Abstract: A single-bearing reel includes a reel unit, a spool shaft, a support unit, a spool, a first restriction member, a second restriction member, a pair of first seal members, a second seal member, and a third seal member. The pair of first seal members is disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the support unit. One of the pair of first seal members seals between the support unit and the first restriction member. The other of the pair of first seal members seals between the support unit and the second restriction member. The second seal member seals an inner peripheral part of the support unit from an inner peripheral part of the first restriction member. A third seal member seals the inner peripheral part of the support unit from an inner peripheral part of the second restriction member.

Abstract: A fishing gaff incorporates a mechanism which selectively releases the hook from a tubular shaft. A button at an end of the shaft opposite the hook is depressed to release the hook. In one embodiment, an actuator of a release engages a plurality of locking jaws to spread same and release the hook.

Abstract: A hoof care apparatus is comprised of a generally cup-shaped body comprising a cylindrical side wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being sized and shaped for the receipt of and mating engagement with the bottom rim of a cylindrical dispenser containing a liquid hoof care product; and a tongue projecting radially from the outer surface of the side wall of the cylindrical body which serves as a hoof pick. The dispenser can be supported by the apparatus on a surface in an upright position when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for catching bugs is provided which includes a catch box having an interior region and an elongated handle attached to the catch box. The elongated handle includes a flexible tube member and a flexible rod member disposed within the flexible tube member. The apparatus includes a trap adapted to move back and forth within the interior region of the catch box. The flexible tube member is attached to the catch box and the flexible rod member is attached to the trap. The flexible rod member is adapted to provide back and forth movement of the trap within the interior region of the catch box to thereby define a closed chamber in the interior of the box for trapping bugs.

Abstract: A device for evaporation of volatile substances, comprising a housing; a container removably mounted in the housing containing liquid volatile substances; a wick of a porous material, provided with a first end and a second end, wherein at least the first end is contained inside the container; a resistor element arranged to contact the second end of the wick; and connecting means for connecting the device to the mains supply to allow the heating of the resistor element; wherein the resistor element is a coiled wire that forms a compressing spring, and wherein the resistor element is compressed and in contact with the second end of the wick when the container is mounted in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring birds and other animals from an area is provided, including a sheet of a material, such as a metallic material, having a first end comprising a hole through the sheet, a second end separated from the first end by a length of the sheet and a width. The apparatus further includes a cable comprising a first loop at one end inserted through the hole in the first end of the sheet configured to attach the cable to the sheet and a second loop at another end and separated from the first loop. The second loop forms an opening having a diameter greater than the width of the sheet. The sheet can be inserted and passed through the second loop, which defines a third loop to secure the cable to a structure from which the sheet is suspended, by tightening the third loop around the structure.

Abstract: A scent dispersing device for hunting and alternatively mosquito control. It is an animal scent lure and scent holder used by hunters to secure a scent element to a specific area to attract wild animals such as deer. It is made of a top cap with apertures; a bottom cap with apertures; a main body of various sizes with apertures; a way for removably connecting main body to the top and bottom caps; a scent stick with incense and with a holder and base; a way for protecting the scent stick; a manner for hanging this in trees; and a way for removably connecting the manner for hanging to the top cap activating the scent stick. The device is first attached to the trees and then the apertures of the caps and body are adjusted to create a chimney effect for releasing the scent or mosquito control.

Abstract: A blind for use by a hunter may be hand carried or statically mounted on the ground. A planar sheet of fabric is held taut by a metal hoop; the blind folds upon itself for storage. At least one view port is at the upper end of the blind. A handle on the rear of the blind comprises crossing straps; it is positioned between two side straps, so the blind may carried by one hand or by forearm. For static upright use, a pole slips into one of a widthwise or a lengthwise pocket on the rear of the blind. A segmented pole collapses to fit the dimension of a folded-upon-itself blind. Bows for shooting arrows are attached to the rear of the blind by a combination of clamps and straps. A lengthwise elongate opening that can be partly or fully closed by a flap enables shooting of an arrow through the blind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to quaternary ammonium disinfecting cleaner compositions comprising a quaternary ammonium compound, an antimicrobial amine, and an anionic scale inhibitor. Beneficially, the compositions provide sanitizing efficacy without diminished performance and without scale formation when diluted with hard water. The compositions are suitable for inactivating and/or reducing infectious agents, particularly Norovirus, Adenovirus, and Polyomavirus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two component disinfectant composition comprising: (A) a peracetic acid-generating component comprising acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and an organic phosphonic acid; and (B) a stabilizer component comprising an alkaline agent and a chelating agent, wherein the chelating agent is selected from the group consisting of N,N-bis(carboxymethyl)-L-glutamic acid, methylglycine diacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, and alkali metal salts thereof, and a mixture of two or more thereof and to the aqueous disinfectant solution obtainable by mixing and diluting components (A) and (B) in water. The invention further relates to a method of disinfecting surface and instruments, particularly flexible endoscopes, using said aqueous disinfectant solution.

Abstract: A method for rapid surface sanitization is provided, where the method includes contacting the surface with an effective amount of an antimicrobial composition comprising at least about 50 wt. % of a C1-6 alcohol, based upon the total weight of the antimicrobial composition; and an efficacy-enhancing amount of a C1-10 alkane diol.

Abstract: There is provided novel agricultural chemicals, in particular herbicides. A ketone or oxime compound or a salt thereof of Formula (1): wherein B is a ring of any one of B-1, B-2, or B-3, Q is an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, NOR7, etc., R6 is a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, etc., R7 is a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, etc., R8a, R8b, R9a, R9b, R10, R11, R12, R13, and R14 are each independently a hydrogen atom, C1-6 alkyl, etc., m is an integer of 1 or 2, n is an integer of 0, 1 or 2; and a herbicide including the compound or salt thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soil-borne disease control method capable of simply suppressing a soil-borne pathogen. The method for controlling a soil-borne disease includes applying at least one polyhydroxyalkanoic acid having a structure represented by the following formula (1) to soil: [—CHR—CH2—CO—O—]??(1) (wherein R is an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of 1 or more but 15 or less).

Abstract: Provided herein are herbicidal compositions containing of (a) fluroxypyr or an agriculturally acceptable ester or salt thereof and (b) an ALS-inhibiting herbicide, wherein the ALS-inhibiting herbicide is diclosulam, cloransulam, chlorimuron, or thifensulfuron, or an agriculturally acceptable ester or salt thereof. The compositions provide synergistic weed control of undesirable vegetation in areas including, but not limited to, soybean, cotton, corn, sorghum, sunflower, sugarcane, sugar beets, alfalfa, cereals (including but not limited to wheat, barley, rice and oats), non-crop, fallow-bed, perennial crop, fruiting crop, or plantation crop areas.

Abstract: A compound of formula (I) wherein A, p, R1, R3, R4, R5, R6, m, R7, n and R8 are as defined in claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to intermediates used to prepare compounds of formula (I), to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, nematode and mollusc pests and to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal and molluscicidal compositions comprising them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active compound combinations, in particular within a fungicide composition, which comprises (A) a N-cyclopropyl-N-[substituted-benzyl]-3-(difluoromethyl)-5-fluoro-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide or thiocarboxamide derivative and two further fungicidally active compounds (B) and (C). Moreover, the invention relates to a method for curatively or preventively or eradicatively controlling the phytopathogenic fungi of plants or crops, to the use of a combination according to the invention for the treatment of seed, to a method for protecting a seed and not at least to the treated seed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing or enhancing the efficacy of antibiotics, such as by increasing antimicrobial activity, against a variety of microbes by co-administration with synthetic amphiphiles, including lariat ethers and hydraphiles. Methods and compositions for overcoming antibiotic resistance are also provided.

Abstract: A bactericidal or bacteriostatic composition comprising an isomer mixture of monosaccharide alkyl monoethers or monoacetals, its use in the treatment or prevention of Gram-positive bacterial infections, its use as a hygiene or dermatological product for external use and a method for disinfecting surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidally active thiazolopyridinones, in particular benzyloxy-substituted-phenyl-thiazolopyridinone derivatives, of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, G, X, Y, Z and n are as defined herein. The invention further provided processes for their preparation, and compositions comprising such derivatives. The invention also extends to the use of such compounds and compositions as herbicides, i.e. for the control of undesirable plant growth. In particular such compounds and compositions may be used in controlling weeds, such as broad-leaved dicotyledonous weeds, in crops of useful plants.

Abstract: A synergistic microbicidal composition having two components. The first component is a nonionic surfactant with structure: R1O(CH2CH(CH3)O)5(CH2CH2O)9H, where R1 is a C8 alkyl group. The second component is 4,4-dimethyloxazolidine. The weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to 4,4-dimethyloxazolidine is from 1:0.0286 to 1:0.1143 or 1:0.32 to 1:0.9143.

Abstract: A synergistic microbicidal composition having two components. The first component is a nonionic surfactant with structure: R2O(CH2CH(CH3)O)3(CH2CH2O)7H, where R2 is a mixture of C8-C14 linear alkyl groups. The second component is tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane. The weight ratio of the nonionic surfactant to tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane is from 1:0.16 to 1:1.8286.

Abstract: Provided is a compound capable of effectively control worst weeds of higher leaf stages that present practical problems. A specific pyrazolylpyrazole derivative of formula (I) is disclosed that is able to solve the above-mentioned problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation characterised by the simultaneous presence in cyclodextrin based supramolecular complexes, of two components, one of which is a neonicotinoid selected from the group consisting of Thiacloprid and Thiamethoxam and the other possesses an activity synergistic with the first, enhancing its effectiveness. The synergistic component that is able to synergistically enhance the activity of the active principle is piperonyl butoxide, and. Processes for preparing said formulation and its use for the activities herein indicated are further aspects of the present invention.

Abstract: Tetraniliprole containing formulations and methods for using them for controlling rootworm infestation are discussed. The formulations of the present invention provide improved delivery active ingredients by the ability to provide substantially higher degree of control as compared to other diamide counterparts.

Abstract: Methods and systems for inhibiting biodegradation of biodegradable organic material are provided. In particular, methods for the treatment and storage of organic material (e.g. waste, vegetation) in hypersaline environment, including mixing with oceanwater, concentration to hypersalinity and maintenance of carbonaceous organic waste in the hypersaline environment, rather than combustion or decay thereofare provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial composition suitable for use on skin and wounds comprising a source of an antimicrobial metal ion and a quaternary cationic surfactant.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention concerns means of storage, transport and/or biocide treatment of a liquid, paste or gel, characterized in that said means comprises a copper base powder composition, said composition: containing at least 60% by weight of copper, does not contain more than 70% by weight of powder particles whose diameter is less than 45 ?m maximum, and is at least partially in contact with said liquid, paste or gel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-aqueous, non-oil liquid compositions comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and a liquid carrier. The present invention is further directed methods of controlling nematodes comprising applying an effective amount of a non-aqueous, non-oil liquid composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and a liquid carrier to an area in need of nematode control.

Abstract: Fusion proteins, recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that express fusion proteins, and exosporium fragments derived from spores of the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members are provided. Compositions comprising the spores or exosporium fragments are also provided. Methods involving the use of spores of recombinant Bacillus cereus family members and exosporium fragments derived from spores of a recombinant Bacillus cereus family member in the fields of animal health and aquaculture are provided. In particular, methods are for provided for using such spores or exosporium fragments for protecting an animal or an aquatic organism from a pathogen. Methods are also provided for using exosporium fragments for producing an immunogenic response in an aquatic animal. Products for use in protecting animals from pathogens are also provided, including adhesive patches, wound dressings, insert trays for livestock footbaths, hoof bandages, feed, feed additives, and insect foggers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-aqueous, non-oil liquid compositions comprising live microbial organisms and a liquid carrier. The present invention is further directed methods of controlling pests comprising applying an effective amount of a non-aqueous, non-oil liquid composition comprising live microbial organisms and a liquid carrier to an area in need of pest control.

Abstract: A composition for controlling pests comprising a mixture of plant material obtainable from a mustard plant of the species Sinapis alba and plant material obtainable from a mustard plant of the species Brassica juncea is described.