Abstract: Described is a gravity-induced automatic animal watering/feeding device that promotes increased sanitation and minimizes the amount of water/food spilled from the device in the event the device is overturned. More specifically, the animal watering/feeding device presents consumables, including water and animal food, to the animal using a receptacle that is removable from the remainder of the device. Because the receptacle is removable, it is easily replaced and/or removed for cleaning such that sanitation of the animal watering/feeding device is easily maintained. Additionally, selected components of the animal water/feeding device are releasably locked to one another such that the device minimizes the amount of water/food that is spilled from the device in the event it is overturned.

Abstract: A cover for a plant-growing medium comprises a main cover portion, a peripheral base spaced from the main cover portion and defining an outer perimeter of the cover, and a peripheral wall extending from a first side of the main cover portion between the main cover portion and the peripheral base. One or more plant growth channels are defined by one or more tubes extending from the first side of the main cover portion. Each tube has a proximal end adjacent the main cover portion and a distal end relative to the proximal end, with a first aperture defined in the main cover portion at the proximal end of the tube and a second aperture defined at the distal end of the tube. The first aperture and the second aperture communicate through the tube to define each plant growth channel.

Abstract: A security leash includes a main leash and a secondary leash. Should the main leash be dropped by an animal's handler, or if the clip at the end of the main leash should fail, or if the collar on the animal should fail, the secondary leash may continue to secure the animal.

Abstract: An animal entertainment device comprises a guide unit and a wheel that travels on the guide unit.

Abstract: A tree tie and method of use is disclosed. The tree tie comprises a member. The tie member including a first end portion; a first tab coupled to the first end portion; a middle portion and one end of a middle portion coupled to the first tab. The tie member also includes an opposite end of the middle portion coupled to a second tab, a second end portion coupled to the second tab and a head portion coupled to the second end portion. The tree tie including a flexible hose surrounding the middle portion of the first member and being substantially held in place by the first and second tabs. Only flexible hose contacts the tree when the first member surrounds the tree.

Abstract: A molded body for improving the cultivating conditions of plants includes at least one tapering projection. The molded body is disposed such that the projection extends into a plant substrate from the bottom. The projection is a highly porous material for providing an exchange of water by capillary forces and/or air, between the interior and the area surrounding the projection. The molded body comprises a depression provided opposite the projection and serving as a water reservoir that is spaced apart from the plant substrate.

Abstract: Improvements in an animal leash are disclosed. The leash is present invention relates to a leash for an animal such as a dog that leaves the owners hands free. The leash is wrapped around the wrist of a user and includes a pocket for keys, money, ID and or credit card. The leash is made from a fixed rope or belting material or can be made from a stretchable or coiled material or a combination thereof. The leash is secured on the user with a removable fastening system that allows the user to adjust the diameter of the strap around their wrist to allow the user to jog or walk without holding the leash. The securing system can also be adjustable to different degrees of break-away force to prevent damage to a user or animal if the user or the tethered animal becomes stopped or restrained.

Abstract: A horticultural applicator having a raft, at least one cable attached to the raft, a boom associated with the raft, and a conduit in communication with the raft. The raft includes a lower surface, first and second side surfaces extending upwardly and outwardly from the lower surface at opposite ends thereof, and first and second end surfaces extending generally perpendicular from opposite ends of the lower surface between the first and second side surfaces. The cable is used to drag the raft over a surface containing vegetation. The boom is adapted to apply a substance onto the vegetation traveling below the lower surface of the raft.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and methods for providing liquid to a plant or a seed that can germinate into a plant. The system includes: a liquid delivery device; an actuator; a vessel; and a vessel support; wherein the actuator is operable to cause the liquid delivery device to deliver the liquid to the plant or seed only when the vessel is brought into proximity with the vessel support.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method of planting seeds of plants selected for enhanced colony growth attributes in a hill plot seeding method to produce an enhanced commercial yield of cereal grain as well as a method of producing seeds selected for enhanced colony growth attributes.

Abstract: A milking implement comprising a frame with, disposed thereon, at least one teat cup holder with a teat cup movable relative thereto, and a replacing element connected with the teat cup, wherein the frame further includes an intermediate arm connected with the frame and with the teat cup holder and having a first joint and a second joint about which the teat cup holder and the intermediate arm, respectively, are tiltable with the aid of the replacing element, and a spring coupled with the teat cup holder and the frame and, if desired, with the intermediate arm.

Abstract: A pet litter device which includes a tray to contain pet litter, a pivoting lifting handle connected to the tray to assist in emptying used pet litter, a ramp connectable to the tray to allow ingress and egress to the tray, a skirt adapted to be attached to the perimeter of the tray and having an opening corresponding to the position of the ramp plus an optional sifting scoop for removing pet litter detachably mounted on the underside of the ramp. The upper surface of the ramp is covered in a fabric that cleans the paws of the pet. The pivoting handle, spans the width of the tray and is foldable to encompass one end of the tray, and a single fixed handle is provided at the other end of the tray and the ramp clamps onto the fixed handle. The skirt ramp and scoop are injection molded together and are detachably connected together prior to assembly with the tray. The injection molded skirt ramp and scoop nest with the tray prior to assembly for ease of storage and display in retail outlets.

Abstract: A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.

Abstract: Planter systems include planters releasably integrated with a support structure primarily by releasable and penetrable engagement that is sufficient to support the planter without requiring conventional attachment devices. Engaging portions of the planters are releasably and penetrably received and concealed by the support structure to provide an integrated appearance. The planter systems optionally include adjustable irrigation systems configured to controllably supply water to the planter and/or surrounding terrain.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a self-filling and self-draining watering device. The invention discloses an apparatus comprising a first compartment containing a bowl accepting fluid from an inlet opening, the fluid being continuously drained from the bowl, a second compartment, proximate the bowl, housing a reservoir proximate the bowl which temporarily retains continuously drained fluid, a pump actuated by a float switch to discharge fluid from reservoir, and a sensor detecting a movement, triggering a flow of fluid into the bowl. Additionally, the invention discloses a method comprising providing an apparatus having a first compartment and a reservoir, connecting the inlet supply line to an inlet line which transports fluid into the bowl, continuously draining the fluid into the reservoir, discharging fluid from the reservoir with a pump, providing a sensor to activate a solenoid valve to allow fluid into the bowl, and enclosing the bowl and reservoir in an outer shell.

Abstract: A container for plants includes an integral structure having a bottom wall, a side wall extending upward to an edge forming an open top, and an elongated member extending downward from an opening in the bottom wall for attachment of the container to the soil of a garden. In one version, the elongated member is removably attached to the container, and a plug is provided for the opening, so that the container can be placed on a flat surface for displaying a plant that is later placed in a garden area in the container with the elongated member extending into the soil.

Abstract: To provide an illuminator for plant growth that can illuminate a plant intermittently (pulse illumination) or continuously to cause an effect similar to sunbeam spot phenomenon, thereby accelerating photosynthetic reaction. Specifically, the illuminator for plant growth includes a light source composed of a semiconductor optical device, a control unit for outputting a turn-on timing signal for the light source, a rhythm signal detecting unit for A/D converting an input rhythm signal, a timing signal modulating unit for modulating the turn-on timing signal with the output signal from the rhythm signal detecting unit, and a pulse drive unit for pulse-modulating a power signal with the modulated turn-on timing signal outputted from the timing signal modulating unit and supplying the pulse-modulated power signal to the light source.

Abstract: A modular planter assembly for growing plants includes a container with a bottom wall and an outer wall attached to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall. An elongated primary stake is mounted to the outer wall and is engageable with a ground surface. The primary stake is hollow and vertically oriented. An elongated secondary stake is mounted to the outer wall and is engageable with the ground surface. The secondary stake is vertically oriented, and has a size configured to be received by the primary stake.

Abstract: A two-way feeder for use in an aquarium. The feeder has a base that can be buried in sand or crushed coral in an aquarium. One or more fittings on the underside of the base provides a user of the feeder with the option of applying one or more suction cups to the feeder. The suction cups are used to attach the feeder in different surfaces of the aquarium, including the bottom surface and the side walls. The feeder can be used as to attach food in at least two ways. First, buoyant foods such as cucumber can be secured to the top of the device by screwing the cucumber over the head of the threaded receiver. Second, leafy foods such as lettuce or seaweed can be secured by a spring clip associated with an adapter that is compatible with and screwed onto the threaded receiver.

Abstract: A multi-chamber selective-exposure aquarium apparatus including: a first portion forming a first aquarium chamber having a first transparent primary wall; a second portion forming a second aquarium chamber having a second transparent primary wall; and a visual barrier device for selective exposure/non-exposure of the first and second transparent primary walls, whereby fish in each of the first and second aquarium chambers are selectively visually exposed/non-exposed to each other's presence. Fish in separate aquarium chambers are preferably male betta fish.